Tips and ideas
Your life changes. Your perspective changes. Your body changes. Your clothes should change, too.
1. “Step away from the black shoes, ma’am.”
Shoe choices for special occasions should move beyond the old standby. Read more
Recently, a coworker sought me out for some fashion advice. Her brother’s wedding was coming up and she’d purchased a new, brilliant ocean blue dress for the occasion. She was perplexed, however, by the task of selecting a shoe to complete the outfit, asking, “Should I just go with black?”
It is easy to fall back to black as the default (after all, each of us probably has more black shoes in our closets than any other color), but I say to you all: Resist the urge! First, a black shoe paired with a lovely, colorful dress screams out, “hey everybody, look at my feet!” when you really want everyone to focus on how beautifully the dress color complements your hair, skin or eyes. Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly for all you petite women (of which my coworker is one), the choice of a black shoe in this case would make her legs appear even shorter than they already are, breaking the line of the leg. Plus black is predictable. Style is all about doing something a bit unexpected!
My recommendation: Your legs don’t need punctuation. Stop buying black shoes (at least for awhile) and stock up on muted silver and gold metallic, nude and cream sandals and pumps. They elongate the leg, making the foot disappear, and provide a neutral palette for the dress to shine. My coworker found a gorgeous pair of dark silver metallic ankle-strap heels–a perfect complement to her blue dress.
2. One-piece dressing…not just for babies anymore.
Simple and chic, dresses can rescue your craziest mornings. Read more
After the birth of my daughter, I fell in love with the ease of one-piece dressing for babies. Onesies, sleepers, rompers–you name it, I put her in it. Perhaps because of the craziness of my new life with a little one, I correspondingly rediscovered the ease of one-piece dressing myself.
Dresses are perhaps the simplest, most convenient fallback in my closet. I always feel chic and feminine in a dress. And the best part is…it’s brainless! Minimal thought required: shoes (pumps, flats, knee-high boots) and a great piece of jewelry (long necklace or bold bangle). Voila!
My recommendation: Keep your eyes open for great dresses on the sale rack in your shopping excursions. Another option: re-purpose that dress you wore to last summer’s wedding. Pair it with a cardigan sweater and wear it to work. You’ll thank yourself on those mornings when you hit the snooze button too many times.
3. Know when to move on.
Your clothes should work for your body and your life now…it might even change your outlook. Read more
After my daughter was born, I gained personal perspective on how difficult it is for women to continue to look chic and feel good about themselves as their lifestyles, priorities and bodies change over the years. Two weeks post-pregnancy I thought I’d never wear anything but sweatpants again (wrong!). Two months post-pregnancy I thought I’d never wear heels again (wrong again, thank goodness!).
Two years post-pregnancy I finally admitted that I wasn’t going to get into my skinniest jeans again. I sold them on ebay, and made a few dollars. I made room for a new pair of jeans that works with my body now. Most important, it felt good to let go of the expectation that I had to get into the skinny jeans. I was relieved of a burden I didn’t know I was even carrying.
My recommendation: You live now. Your clothes should work for your body and your life this year. Not five years ago. Or two years from now when you’ve lost that extra 10 lbs. Maybe an overhaul is just the confidence boost you need to make other changes. And who are we kidding? When you lose the weight, the first thing you’ll want to do is celebrate with some new threads!
4. Goldilocks and the three closets.
Too little or too much…both can produce wardrobe distress. Read more
Goldilocks is searching for the perfect outfit. The first closet she looks in is bare, with few items to choose from. The scant selection is slim on style as well–most pieces look dated, worn or don’t fit quite right. “Hmmm,” she thinks, “this closet is not inspiring. There are no good options–even basics–to work with.”
The second closet she finds is crammed full of clothes. Some might be great pieces (it’s hard to know), some were whims, some still have tags hanging on them–there’s no theme that ties them all together. “Well,” Goldilocks observes, “this closet is overwhelming. I don’t know where to begin.” She continues her search.
The third closet she comes across is neat and well populated with clothing that fits perfectly, is in good repair and reflects a modern sensibility. A coherent color palette with touches of coordinated accent pieces and accessories lend an air of versatility and sophistication. Goldilocks, overcome with relief, easily chooses a stylish and balanced combination of pieces, including a chic accessory or two to complete the look. “Ahh,” Goldilocks exclaims, “this closet is just right!”
My recommendation: Achieving wardrobe nirvana doesn’t have to be an elusive dream, but you need great basics and a few special pieces to create the right mix. Call me to help with creating the right balance in your closet.
Check out some of my favorite websites
www.katherinebass.blogspot.com
Check out my blog, “Style and Substance,” to learn more about my fashion philosophies.
www.thisnext.com/by/katherinebass
A site that showcases my recommendations for great beauty products, jewelry and wardrobe basics.
msp.blogs.com/styleparlor
A good source for places to snag deals and dreamy pieces in the Twin Cities.
www.alishops.com and www.alishopsblog.com
By the Pioneer Press’ shopping columnist, this site offers unbiased, insightful and entertaining snapshots of locally owned boutiques. Check the blog for tips on sales and hot merchandise.
www.bluefly.com
Great designer threads at discount prices. Need a skirt? You can search by length, color, designer, size–shopping has never been so simple.
www.ebay.com
It might seem obvious, but you can score some serious deals on great threads and accessories in the world’s marketplace…and find a taker for your cast-offs, while you’re at it.
“Katherine is like a doula, but for clothes! When you know what you're doing, you enjoy shopping more and the fear factor disappears. I feel empowered.”
— Suneeta, planning analyst