Andrea Pflaumer's Blog

I’ve noticed that sometimes when women want to appear more sophisticated they either add too much to an outfit or not enough. So I wanted to share some ideas about what a harmonious outfit looks like and how to create it. These aren’t difficult tips and practicing them will help you to recognize how they can be translated for your body and style.

Create one point of focus

This is one of those “too much” missteps. Coco Chanel advised that before you step out the door, remove one accessory. Now, this isn’t necessarily a “less is more” rule. After all, Coco, herself, wore gobs of jewelry. But she was always very strategic about how she wore it and always drew attention to her face. When in doubt, keep the attention on your face.

If your accessories or garments have too many distracting details, if the viewer’s eye is bouncing around from your neckline to your belt, to your colorful handbag, and then to your shoes, it all becomes fatiguing. What you want to be a biography becomes a neon sign.

So, unless you’re wearing something in a very bold or colorful print (and even then you can emphasize a part of the body) or there is a lot of interesting detail in the neckline of a garment,  your accessories can create the focal point.

Just consider what you want to emphasize. If the neckline is simple, you can wear a more prominent or colorful necklace. If there is a nice 2:3 proportion between the top half of your body and the lower half, you can make your belt a focal point. (That proportion is a reference to the proportions chapter in my book in case you haven’t read it yet.)

If you wear large earrings, don’t also wear a necklace. Now, if your outfit is in a neutral color and has unfussy lines and details you can also jazz it up with a cool pair of colorful slingbacks or sandals. Those can also be in a print like snake, leopard or zebra, as long as it is in harmony with the color of the dress or outfit. And don’t worry about drawing attention to your feet instead of your face. These can just be a pop of color or design that peeks out from your slacks.

Steve Madden zebra sandals $109.95

Dolce Vita “Bianca” slingbacks $119

Vivaia red sandals $139

Project Cloud leather slides on Amazon $50

Banana Republic Factory double strap sandals $62.50 (on sale now for $46.88)

The idea is to appear as though you didn’t think too hard about pulling together the pieces; that they just sort of came together in a really cool way.  The Italians have a word for that: sprezzatura. It means “grace without effort”.

Change the Shapes

Sometimes when an outfit looks off it’s because the shapes of the individual pieces don’t complement each other. A great looking combination has rhythm and flow. It isn’t boxy or static and it doesn’t create equal sized large sections or construction detail emphasis.

In order to accomplish this, combine items that have more volume with those with a slimmer fit. (This is also illustrated in that chapter in my book.) That means, for example, keep the items on the upper half of your body slim and fitted, and those on the lower half fuller – and vice versa.

So if you’re wearing a simple T-shirt – one that isn’t oversized – you can wear a skirt or jeans/pants that have more volume. And if you wear a blouse or sweater that has more fullness pair it with something fitted or more straight-line on the bottom. (If you have a lot of Dramatic style or are tall, you might be able to pull off flare hemmed pants with a more voluminous top.)

Another thing that can make an outfit boring is if all the pieces have the same weight or what is called the textile “hand”. Creating variety can also mean varying the textures in an outfit. An example might be to combine a dense or bulkier knit pullover with a smoother fabric, such as twill, gabardine, or denim. Just make sure the textiles make sense with each other. You’re not going to wear a silky LBD with an oversized canvas barn jacket.

Note: Matched summer linen sets are the exception here, and focal point accessories – like a cool straw handbag, sandals or sunglasses – will make it interesting.

J. Crew linen vest $59 Pants $98

GAP white linen set – pants $62, top $49.95

Use color strategically

Any color worn with a mostly neutral outfit will automatically “pop”. And that can be your focal point as well. For those with Lively Bright (spring) coloring – and especially if they have a lot of High Spirited style – this requires more finesse in order for the outfit to not look too busy. The reason someone is categorized as a Lively Bright in the first place is because their innate coloring is, well, lively! They can wear more than three colors at once without looking like a mishmash.

But in general if you want to look cool and sophisticated, just as with accessories, less is more. If you start out with neutral colored pieces you can make your colorful scarf tell your color story. Or you can make the color of your handbag define that. Or you can wear a spectacular necklace or earrings in a vibrant color.

Madewell Silk Bandana scarf $68

Acy’s Gianni Bernini floral scarf $34

Macy’s INC Deima blooms wrap scarf $34

Amazon Aufeel silk neck scarf $15

Straw bags always feel fresh and fun for the warmer months.

Amazon Hocsis synthetic straw tote $19

J. Crew Malta straw handbag $89.50

LOFT Geo straw tote $51.97

Amazon Maijilyn Raffia Tote $18.99

Or you can make your outerwear be the stand-out colorful piece.. This image demonstrates that principle – and actually, the next one too.)

Match Accessory Items

This isn’t your mother’s (or if you’re my age, your own) “matchy-matchy” trope. It’s about wearing the exact same color of two accessory items so that they refer to or echo each other. We register inconsistency in shades of a color because, on a gut level, we look for color harmony. If you’re wearing one color in a belt and a different shade of that color in your shoes there is no conversation: they’re both vying for attention.

The typical items to match would be shoes and a belt. It’s been described lately as a “sandwich” look. You can also match your belt or shoes to a handbag. Matching two neutral colors in your accessories brings a feeling of completion to the entire outfit. Matching three is, well, kind of “matchy-matchy”.

Bruno Magli slides $149

Madewell Triple Keeper belt $78

Quince cognac leather flats $59.90

Quince Italian leather shoulder bag $99.90

Journey suede flat Macy’s $42.99

Banana Republic embossed crossbody bag $140

So, for example, if you were wearing a pair of white, tan, or ivory pants or a skirt, you could add a navy or black belt and navy or black shoes. With lighter colored garments, you could wear almost any color from tan to khaki to navy and black accessories. And although there used to be a “rule” about not wearing black and navy, in fact, black and navy can be beautiful together. Pairing navy pants with navy shoes and then a black belt and bag can make the whole outfit look rich.

And then there are always sunglasses. Depending on where you live they might be a year-round accessory. And they are just cool.

So those are a four simple ways to bring polish to your combinations. I hope they give you the inspiration to take your outfits from boring, utilitarian, or “too much”, to more visually harmonious. And you don’t have to go “minimalist” or strictly Classic to achieve them.

If you haven’t read my book, there are lots of other recommendations that will help you recognize your style and coloring. NOTE: for my overseas readers who just don’t “do” Amazon, Shopping for the Real You will soon be available as a PDF download from my Teachable site.

Stay tuned for a special announcement about that.

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Four Ways to Make Any Outfit Better appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

I get asked this constantly. And it’s going to be the basis of a course I’m working on that will go deep into the fundamentals of style essences.

But I have noticed something important. More and more it becomes obvious that style is determined by more than just our facial features and our bodies. There is an energetic quality we express that sometimes just isn’t obvious from external indicators.

It’s revealed in how we move, how we express ourselves with our faces. It’s evident in our speech patterns and the timbre of our voice. (That’s why I created “Discovering Your Inner Style.”  It’s my course that delves into how your environment, your habits and lifestyle reveal your style.)

The Factors That Determine Style

Take, for example, a woman I spoke with recently. Physically, she is very much a Natural type. She has the sturdy body structure and angular facial features that clearly place her in this category. Also, she has a lot of High Spirited playful and creativity in how she expresses herself through what she wears.

But in her speech and behavior there is a delicate level of refinement that is clearly Angelic. Her coloring is also more delicate than what is often found in those who have a lot of the Natural style type. Even that little amount of Angelic essence gives her some wardrobe options. It adds a yin quality to her outfits (the yin essences being Romantic, Youthful and Angelic).

And frankly, when she completely ignores this quality and emphasizes only some of the yang ones (Dramatic, Natural, and High Spirited) her personality tends to disappear.

When to Break the Rules

In an earlier post I cited John Kitchener’s suggestions on how to combine our varying style elements. The idea is simply that the more of a specific style you embody, the more individual pieces of clothing you can wear in that style in one outfit.

Sometimes this can feel restrictive. It can also be confusing for those who have several style essences of similar percentages. So, here is my exception to these rules.

If there is a special occasion for which you intentionally choose to emphasize one of your lesser essences, just own it! I’ve seen women who have minor amounts of Romantic in their style combination wearing dresses with a lot of Romantic details (body con fits, lower cut necklines, off-shoulder, shirring construction detail) for weddings or gala-type events and they simply look spectacular. Creating a dolled up glamorous look can definitely be a fun mood elevator.

The way to do this without feeling awkward or ridiculous is to look for that incredible dress, or blouse in a color that is exactly in your color palette. You can sometimes push the boundaries of style essences a bit by just wearing the right colors.

So, is the opposite true? Can you wear something that is different than your innate coloring if the style is perfect? Frankly, that’s a much harder thing to do. Color is the first thing someone notices when they meet you. And the way color highlights your face is crucial to staying true to yourself.

What We Intuitively Know About Style

I think that by the time we are in our 30s or 40s we already have some idea about our style essences, even if we don’t put the “proper” name to them. Our bodies, regardless of weight fluctuations, have certain proportions and our faces have certain shapes. And we know how we feel when we wear something that echoes our style essences.

If something isn’t true and authentic to who we are, on the inside as well as the outside, we are role playing in someone else’s story. It just makes us work too hard. One of the criteria I use when shopping for myself is to ask: “Is this item making me a little crazy because I have nothing to wear with it?” When something just works, there is a feeling of completion, of emotional relaxation, and authenticity.

Give yourself permission to play, to experiment, to be creative. If you hit on a garment or a combination that makes you say, “yes!” go for it. Then consider what it is about the pieces or the combination that expresses who you are, fully, on the inside and outside. Is it the color? The textile? Is it the cut and fit of the garment. Is it the proportional balance. Is it the way that it emphasizes your best features?

That’s always a great way to get to know your style, and yourself, better. In my next post I’ll be writing about three simple things you can do to always dress well. Take good care.

BTW – Here is a link to my course on Highbrow, Lazy Person’s Guide to a Better Wardrobe (it’s FREE with a one month trial subscription that you cancel at any time) and it’s written for both men and women. Great gift for a grad you know who is entering the workforce.

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post How Personal Style is Determined appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Amazon Blazer from ebossy $42.88

My mailman, UPS, and Amazon delivery people must think I’m crazy. Several times a week they deliver large packages, and several times a week I return them. (It’s part of my job, I explain.) But there are several items I have not returned and I wear them constantly.

You’d think that as someone with a large amount of the Natural style essence I’d just be happy hanging out in sweats and sneakers. But actually, every morning I pick out my entire outfit very intentionally and carefully before I head over to my office.

The reason I take the time to do this is that what I wear sets me up for how I’m feeling for the entire day.  If I just throw on something because it’s there, comfortable, and warm, I feel sloppy and my thinking becomes lazy. I have to be very clear focused (with so many project going on right now) and can’t allow my mind to be fuzzy. I act as though every one of my readers can see me sitting at my desk, or out doing errands. So, I have to love what I am wearing as much as I love my work because they are related.

All this brings up an important point. Unless you truly need something for comfort, warmth, or work that isn’t in your style or suitable for your coloring, my advice is, “if you don’t love it, don’t keep it”.

So let’s take a look at what I kept and why.

Everlane Barrel Pants

Everlane barrel jeans $118

Since I barely reach 5’0” I was dubious about whether I’d look like a clown in these pants. But similar to just about everything I’ve purchased form Everlane they really pay attention to the details. These have polish and even sophistication for such a trendy and let’s face it – odd looking style. And they are beyond comfortable.

The image from their site (on the right) shows that they should be worn cropped, so I have to take them to my tailor to get them altered. But for now, I’ll still make them work by wearing them with flats or Mary Janes so the hem doesn’t wrinkle up like they do with my lace up booties on the right.

A recent blog post here describes which shoes to wear with which hemlines for proportional balance.

Mango Boucle Jacket

Mango is Zara’s biggest competitor these days and I find their quality and prices to be fairly similar. They have sales frequently as they turnover inventory frequently. I recently ordered several things including this jacket. The other items in this order were a leopard print tee and a ivory shoulder bag. I thought I would end up keeping the tee and the bag and return the jacket. My hub told me to keep the jacket and return the other two . He was right (he’s my best student, frankly, and he knows me).

The T-shirt had short sleeves. We both realized that the print and color created cool weather vibes, but the short sleeves would make me feel chilly. The bag was just a little too “cute” for me. I need something that is either a little more sophisticated to suit my 25% Classic or maybe more relaxed to suit my 25% Natural.

But the jacket is something I have worn repeatedly this fall and winter. First of all it’s quite warm. I wore it to evening meetings in a chilly room. I’ve worn it with straight leg jeans for a nice “hard/soft” combination (I’m going to do a blog post about that next). I wore it with black pants and my black Madewell Mary Janes (see below). Like a lot of things these days it’s got a fair amount of polyester, but I’m not currently looking to pay several thousand dollars for a similar one from a design house. Besides, too many of the higher end brands are now making much of their clothing out of – or blended with – synthetics.

Madewell Mary Janes

Madewell Greta ballet flat $98

I showed these Madewell “Greta” Mary Janes in that previous post about hemlines and shoes, but wanted to mention them here again because I’ve gotten so much use out of them. They just go with everything: skirts, straight leg jeans, my barrel leg jeans, khakis, and you can dress them up and down. Also, they are extremely comfortable. Is the strap too Youthful for my 5% Youthful? Well, I take them to be my “shoelaces” version of something in 5% that John Kitchener mentioned in this post. I bought them in black and this chocolate brown.

Quince Cotton Cashmere Cardigan

Quince cotton cashmere cardigan $39.90

You can hardly go wrong with Quince, simply because their products are high quality, their prices are amazing and their return policy is terrific – fast, easy, and there is no return fee. I’ve needed that because although I love this company, a few things I tried just didn’t work out for me this year. (I bought a very trendy bag that was nearly impossible to open. It looked really cool, but was highly impractical.)

However, their sweaters and tops of all kinds are pretty terrific. I’ve been wearing my fisherman sweaters all Fall and Winter and will, even into the Spring. But their cotton cashmere is a terrific fabric. I wanted an extra layer to wear under my Amazon blazer and this fit the bill. The amount of cashmere is minimal, but still makes it very soft.

Oh – one other Quince purchase. When we went on vacation last year I got to the hotel and I noticed that one of my forever, always worn, tiny gold hoops was missing from my ear! I ordered another one immediately and it was scheduled to arrive shortly after we got home.

After we returned home something shiny caught my eye on the bathroom floor. Yep, the missing gold hoop. I decided to keep the one they were sending, though, in case I ever do lose one. If you’re looking for fine jewelry, they have some great prices on the real deal.

Amazon Blazer and Sweaters

As for that Amazon blazer, I tried on multiple similar ones from mid-priced to very high-priced sites, but settled on this el-cheapo polyester one. I had to have the sleeves taken up and am about to have the hem shortened a bit. Still, I love the colors and the fit is pretty great.

Chanyarn Merino wool V-neck sweater $47 on Amazon

And although I love Quince’s sweaters, I have been looking for a beige V-neck that was a little more feminine than what I found there. I found this merino wool one from Chanyarn on Amazon for $47. I’ve worn it constantly, washed it by hand, did a simple iron out, and am extremely pleased with it. I also bought an ivory round neck one from the same company, and although it’s not as attractive as the V-neck, I have worn it a lot this winter as a layer. Chanyarn also has merino wool turtlenecks, cardigans, hoodies, half zips, short sleeved, and a polo cardigan in several neutrals plus pinks, blues, lilacs, and navy/white stripes.

H&M Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Now, I can’t yet say if this is one of my favorite purchases of 2024 because of all the things I’ve been returning this year, brown bomber jackets likely rank highest on the list. I have tried on faux leather, real leather, and real suede bomber jackets all year, hoping beyond hope to find something that will replace my beloved bomber jacket that found in a boutique on Kauai 12 years ago and that I wore constantly until the faux coating began to peel off.

This one was on sale from H&M and I paid about $45 for it. In the sunlight it is actually a blackish green, and interestingly enough, is exactly in my “black” range on my John Kitchener palette. (I always wondered where in the world I would ever find anything in that color.) That alone made it worth trying. But it has some pretty serious shoulder pads. Yes, that’s a trend, but on me it just makes me look like David Byrne in “Stop Making Sense”. I don’t see it on their site any longer, but there are some similar ones here and here.

I just took it to my tailor to have the shoulder pads removed and will report back with a photo once I pick it up. (BTW, a good tailor is a godsend and a necessity if you are petite. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area he’s in Berkeley, his name is Zoltan, and his company is Advanced European Tailoring, which he runs with his tailor wife Puje.)

GAP Tank Tops and camisoles

Lastly, I think the majority of my wardrobe is from GAP. Not kidding. Jeans, cotton T-shirts, cotton and/or organic cotton sweaters, hoodies, blouses, pajamas, you name it. But the camis and tank tops from their factory outlet are something I wear daily.

When I finish working and am about to meditate, I swap out whatever I’m wearing as a bra (as the adage goes “home is where the bra isn’t”) because I just want to be completely comfortable. I love the neutral colors and they often have them on a ridiculous sale. I think I paid about $7.99 each for them. As I’ve mentioned before, if you order anything from GAP, Banana Republic or Old Navy or one of their outlets (they are all owned by the same company) you will be bombarded with almost daily “deals”. If you are a shopping addict I would advise not giving them your phone number.

Having said that, when I have a wardrobe need in a basic like T-shirts, camisoles, etc., I often find that they have something that works for me. I also love the fact that they have petite, regular and tall fits and a wide range from XXS to XXL sizes. And if you are wary about fast fashion houses, I wrote an update about that last year here.

Mango Impulse Buy

Mango satin bowling bag $65.99

Oh, one additional one. I haven’t used this yet but am keeping it forever. I bought it on sale as a Christmas present for myself. It’s actually a lovely yellow-green satin. (The photo on the right is from their website and the color is much more accurate.)

It’s supposed to be a mini but is pretty roomy. And as I’m 5′ tall, it appears small on me but not mini-sized. I will use it but just don’t know when. Maybe for my birthday. Maybe just as a lark when I go out for lunch with a friend. It’s just…so pretty!! There are some really well-made and beautiful bags on Mango’s site that mimic a lot of much more expensive brands.

So that’s my wrap up for the year. I’ve been honing my wardrobe and am really happy with everything that remains. I make it a point to use all of them frequently. That “if you don’t love it, don’t keep it” rule is my new motto.

BTW If you haven’t checked out my new book yet (it hit #1 in several Amazon categories!), here is the link. It’s finally available in both Kindle and print and I’m hoping to do the audio version sometime this year. And you can join my Self Care Community here. I’ll be hosting a zoom gathering soon for all our members.

[Some of the links in this post are for my affiliates, which means I may earn a small commission at absolutely no additional cost to you if your purchase anything from those links. I am also an Amazon affiliate because I think they have some great items from mainstream retailers.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post My 7 Favorite 2024 Purchases appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

This year I think we all need an uplift, an escape from all the drama, right? In the fall and winter we typically see mostly dark neutrals: black, gray, navy, and this year, lots of brown and burgundy. But wearing colors that bring us joy is a gift we can give to ourselves and to everyone who sees us. It feeds our soul, it elevates theirs. So why not go bright with your colors this autumn and winter?Why Color MattersI’m going to give you my very general ideas about which color harmony (archetypal season) the items sown below below fall into. But having heard from so many readers who have been confused about their palette colors, I want to encourage you to get a proper color analysis if you haven’t already done so. That’s because your best colors may range across several seasons.My life-changing experience with color came from my analysis with John Kitchener (online and in-person in Georgia, US.) John is likely booked up for several months but it’s well worth getting in his queue. His primary apprentice, Hella Tsaconas, is located in Berkeley California. Hella is currently the only person he has authorized to represent his system accurately in the US.So I hope the following items will encourage you to consider brightening up your cool weather looks. But beware, the first three colors are not for the faint of heart…or those with mostly warmer color tones. I’ll show some for those with warmer color undertones further down the post.In the Pink

Pink has had a resurgence because of this year’s Barbie trend. I think that was an indication that a lot of women were just hungering for that idealized vision from their youth of what they expected or hoped life would be like. (I saw the movie on a fight last month and found it hard to watch, but loved the ending.)

Pink is a color of delight and joy. I can’t imagine anyone not feeling a little happier when they see something pink. Maybe not a top-to-bottom pink outfit, but wearing something in your own shade of pink can instantly make you feel a little bit blissful. (One of my dear friends has an enviable upholstered pink chair that elevates her entire living room.)But this year we’re seeing some truly in-your-face bright pinks, shocking pinks. These are for women who have a lot of Winter (Striking Contrast) coloring. The pinks for warmer color types typically lean toward the salmon and coral range. I’ll show some of those toward the bottom of this post.Any of these could be great with black pants or a satin slip skirt.

Banana Republic lightweight cashmere off-shoulder sweater $200

J. Crew Brushed Cashmere cable knit sweater $218

White House Black Market sleeveless shell $59.25

Loft Satin Pocket Shirt $39.88

Going Green?

Just about everyone from every color season can find something in their best shade of green this season. Typically we see a lot of olive green in the fall, and around Christmas there’s an abundance of cooler undertone greens. But the knockout pieces this year are the chartreuse ones. Again, they work best for those with Winter coloring (Striking types) and for women with Winter coloring. Some Earthy Rich types with Striking Contrast cross-over can possibly wear some of them.

Walmart Ireland’s Eye Wool and cashmere Aran Diamond Crew Neck sweater $170.95

Banana Republic Chartreuse lightweight cashmere V-Neck $119

Macy’s On 34th chunky crew neck sweater Pear $33.32

Madewell Brushed V-neck Cardigan on Amazon $99

Floria Button Down crew neck sweater Amazon $30.99

Gathering LilacsSeveral Fall catalogs had fun surprises, not the least of which was an emphasis on one of the colors we’ve been seeing a lot of this past Spring: lilac. Lilac is nowhere in my Earthy Rich (Autumn) palette. But my husband’s aunt, who was an artist, said, “I was taught that everyone can wear some shade of it.” So I’m hunting for one that might work for me, possibly leaning toward light magenta.In general, lilac works as a soft pastel or almost neutral for someone with Striking Contrast (Winter) coloring, the brighter shades for Lively Brights (Spring), and the more muted shades for Subtle Blended types (Summer).

Nordstrom’s Rack V-neck Cashmere sweater $59.97

J. Crew Lilac polo sweater $74.99

Amazon lilac striped cotton blouse $26.98

And Other Stories lilac mock neck sweater $129

Alternate Versions of the Brights

So let’s show a few options to those that might suit a wider range of color palettes. Some of these might work nicely for Autumn or Spring color types. This first one is from Kettlewell. It’s a fun site as all their clothing is typed by season. They get it pretty close to accurate for each season most of the time, in my opinion.

Kettlewell Minna Crew Neck Sweater $126

GAP Cashsoft crewneck sweater $47

Caslon Cashmere Crewneck $96.75

And for those with some Spring, Summer or Autumn coloring, you might consider a shade of blue-greens.

Other Stories cashmere seam sleeve crewneck sweater $89.25

Talbot’s Raglan button sweater $69.99

Audrey Cashmere Sweater at Talbot’s $179

As for the pinks, these all have some warmth, actually leaning toward coral, as pinks in the less cool saturated shades work better for warmer color undertones or those with some warmth in their coloring.

Charter Club Cashmere Sweater Macy’s $54.99

Nordstrom’s Rack V-Neck cashmere sweater $59.97

Nordstrom Rack Crew cashmere neck pullover $111.75

Ramy Brook satin blouse on Amazon $170

And for our Summer types:

Graham and Spencer viscose blouse on Amazon $81

Macy’s Style and Company cable knit sweater $22.27

As for the purples that aren’t lilac, this one might work for a Spring color types:

Talbot’s Merino polo $99.50

And here’s one that might work for Autumn types who have a touch of Spring:

Talbot’s Patch Pocket pullover sweater $79.99

What to Wear With Brighter Colors

There are rarely groundbreaking styles for the holidays. We always see some zing, glitter, or romance: satin slip skirts and dresses, knife pleated chiffon skirts, velvet separates, large ruffles, and sequins – lots of sequins. Frankly, if you have any of these in your wardrobe you can likely just break them out for the holidays year after year without breaking the bank.

A lot of the brighter colors we just saw would pair nicely with satin or velvet pants or longer skirts. But if you just want to add a little bit of color or excitement to a more neutral holiday outfit, you could add some vivid or bright color on as a surprise in your shoes!

C. Paravano ballet flats on Amazon $108

Chinese Laundry ballet Flat $47

C. Paravano velvet flats on Amazon $128

Chicmyth ballet flats $87

Madewell Greta Mary jane suede flats $98

Sam Edelman Zuri Satin Ballet Flat $59

So, I think you get the idea. I just want to encourage you to embrace color for the holidays. You need it. We all need it. Take good care. I have an exciting announcement in my next post…

[Some of the links in this post are for my affiliates, which means I may earn a small commission at absolutely no additional cost to you if your purchase anything from those links. I am also an Amazon affiliate because I think they have some great items from mainstream retailers.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Surprise Colors for the Holidays appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Photo by Alex Shalamov/iStock

This is one of the biggest challenges we all face. So today I’m going to address the question of which shoes work for different hem lengths of pants, jeans, dresses and skirts. Keep in mind that fashions trends and hem lengths are constantly changing. Also, the “rules” for which shoes to wear with different clothing are in flux. But there are some general guidelines for balance and proportion that are pretty consistent.

Bottom to top?

Let me start with a very practical approach. It’s one that some smart women consider, especially when packing for travel. That is, start from the bottom up. Figure out which shoes you want or need to wear that day or for a particular event and then build your outfit around them. This makes a lot of sense when the weather mandates what you need wear on your feet.

Fundamentally, it’s still a matter of creating proportional balance – for your own proportions. And, of course, individual style is a factor. So, I’ll also add a few notes about how different shoe details and fabrics reflect the different style archetypes.

We’ll look at eight different shoe styles and the hem lengths that work for each of them.

Sneakers and Trainers

In the beginning of my book, She’s Got Good Jeans, I wrote that jeans have become a universal garment. Similarly, sneakers have become pretty much a universal form of footwear. For Natural style types, this was always the case. But a few years ago we began seeing fashionable women in European capitals, women of all style essences and ages, ditch their heels for the comfort of sneakers. And they wore them with everything: dresses and skirts, pants and jeans, trench coats – you name it.

First were the plain white canvas or leather sneakers. Then came the “cool” versions: Adidas striped leather sneakers, and colorful trainers. Simple mono-colored sneakers, whether leather (which adds more Classic) or canvas (more Youthful or Natural) will not detract from the whole look as much as more flashy or decorated styles will. Here are some examples for each of the fundamental style essences. Then we’ll explore the best hem lengths to wear them with.

I have these “Caren” sneakers (below) in white, yellow (I think that color is only available in the summer) and gray. They are extremely comfortable and they elevate a casual outfit.

Josef Seibel “Caren” sneakers $140

Adidas Court sneakers are the “it” ones right now.

Adidas “Court” Sneakers Amazon $73.77

For Dramatic types metallic textiles are a great option. Yes, everyone is wearing silver shoes now, and they are a cool addition to any outfit. But in terms of textiles, metallics are a bit Dramatic. They can also read as Angelic, although some Angelics have to tread lightly (pun intended) in the sneaker direction.

Donna Karen “Donna” gold sneakers Macy’s $84

But speaking of an Angelic type, here ya go!!

Im.Mi “Goldie” Rhinestone Sneakers Amazon $98.99

You can get away with wearing them with anything if you have a lot of High Spirited or Natural style. Romantics, might want to look for a pair in one of their range of reds.

Brooks “Adrenaline” GTS sneaker/running shoe Amazon $84.95

As for pant hem lengths, if you are wearing wider legged pants or jeans you will want the hem to fall gently over (at least) the first two crisscrosses of the laces on your sneakers. If you are wearing fitted sweats, leggings, or any pant that has elastic gathers at the ankles the pant hemline should be ankle length or slightly cropped. But keep in mind that look will truncate the look of your legs. Also, calling attention to the demarcation line of the pant and the start of a shoe or sock will draw attention to that area. For legs that are slim or longer that can work. Shorter or chunkier legs will do better with a longer hemmed pant. If you don’t care what other people think, go for it.

Slim or skinny leg jeans and pants should end at the ankle bone or slightly above the tongue of the sneaker. For rolled-up jeans and pants, let your ankle and part of your lower leg show.

Ballet Flats

This is a fundamentally Classic style shoe. But depending on the textile, toe shape, and embellishments, it can also appear Youthful, especially if it has a rounder toe and/or a bow of any kind at the top. If it’s slightly squared at the toe it becomes more Natural. If it’s almond shape it becomes Classic.

When wearing flats with longer, wide legged or draped pants, the hem should fall or drape across the top of your arch or just very slightly past that point. With straight leg pants and jeans, the hem should be just slightly above your ankle bone. Cropped pants and jeans should end pretty much anywhere beneath the widest part of your lower leg.

Ballet flats are a natural combination with skirts and dresses. A fitted midi length slim skirt, by its nature, is a bit Romantic and Dramatic. A flat will dampen that down somewhat.

Cody Ballet flats $70.49 with code: SHOP at Macy’s

Sam Edelman Marilyn Flat $130

Naturalizer Connie Slingback $89.97 Macy’s

If the flat is in a shiny metallic leather or sequined it could be either Dramatic or High Spirited, as those are more costume-y looks. This one is mostly Dramatic because of the point and the textile.

Nine West Lalin silver flat Amazon $66.75

Crystals and sequins can read as slightly Angelic. If the shoe is sheer, such as the popular mesh flats this past summer, they also become Angelic.

Arqa Crystal Embellished Flats Amazon $66.75

Riekhanny sheer flats Amazon $54.99

I wanted to show you a great pair of no-show socks that I wear with flats. These are from Sheec. They are comfortable and fit perfectly. The also come in other sizes to fit sneakers and other shoes.

Animal prints flats are usually Natural or Dramatic, or in some cases High Spirited. But leopard is having a big resurgence this fall and it petty much works for anyone. Just look for a background color that is either warmer or cooler depending on your undertone. Flats in one of those prints could work well for a lower hem skirt or dress. A midi denim skirt would be terrific with these, and a denim blouse combination is very fashion-forward this year.  The hemline for a fitted midi looks best if it falls a bit below the widest part of the calf. The leopard flats I’m wearing in the above phot are very from Zara but are no longer available. Here are similar ones.

Vionic Alameda Mary Jane leopard flats at DSW $129.96

C. Paravano leopard slingback $138 on Amazon (limited time price)

Wearing flats with fuller skirts works best when the hem is either a bit below the knee or mid calf. Because of their visual “weight” maxi skirts and dresses require a heavier shoe.

Old Navy Cozy Ribbed Maxi Skirt $23.99

Slingback flats tend to be a tad more formal.

Anthropologie Guilhermina flats $89.95

Naturalizer Hawaii Sling back $93.51

Mary Janes

Another type of ballet flat is the Mary Jane shoe (like mine from Zara shown previously.) Since their advent in the 1920s and 1930s they periodically have a surge in popularity. Now is one of those times. The strap across the instep adds a Youthful quality. I have only 5% Youthful, but the color and textile of these work for me, especially because my pant length will cover the strap. (I bought them in this rich brown and black.)

Madewell “Greta” Mary Jane flat $98

Note that any strap over the arch of your foot or for that matter, around your ankle, will truncate the look of your lower leg and of your foot. If you have long feet (like I do) this will make them look more petite.

Boots

The shaft of the boot is the guiding principle on how to pair them with your wardrobe. The narrower the shaft, the more formal the look. The bulkier or wider the shaft, the more casual.

Over-the-knee slim shaft boots will work for almost any length skirt because they simply become de facto leggings and skinny jeans and leggings are coming back. (It was inevitable after all the wide leg pants and jeans.) They will also work with miniskirts as long as they end below the hemline of the skirt or dress, allowing a few inches of leg to be shown. Keep in mind that this is a Dramatic look. If you have zero Drama, it might be one to avoid.

Wider, slouchy or chunky boots are also best worn with slimmer pants and jeans.

Clark’s Slouchy suede boots $73.98 Walmart

Amazon Essentials Tall Block Heel boots $42.50

New York and Company Rana over-the-knee Boot Macy’s $43.98

Ralph Lauren Artisan Mid Shaft Suede Boots at Macy’s $225

As with all footwear, the pointer the toe the more Drama the boot expresses.

Booties

Jodie Filogomo: J Touch of Style

For those with a lot of High Spirited or Natural style, booties are a no-brainer. You just don’t want the boot top to keep rubbing against the hem of the pant when you walk. We’re seeing a return to rolled up hems on jeans (hello again, 1980’s!) And as long as there is even a tad of space between the hem and the top of the boot you’re good to go. (This is from Jodie Filogomo’s site. She was one of the guests on my Expert Edition series and she has a very high percentage of High Spirited style.)

For straighter jeans and pants, the hemline can be at or above above the ankle bone. For slightly flared jeans or pants, the hemline should fall lower – at or slightly below the arch of the foot.

Lee’s Jeans on Amazon $22.90

Lee’s Shaping Bootcut Jeans on Amazon $22.94

Democracy Ankle Simmer jeans on Amazon: $64.65

Banana Republic Suede Ankle Boots $105 (plus 20% off at checkout)

GAP Ankle Booties $54.97 or $24.97 (Gray)

A new-ish combination is the kitten heel on a boot or bootie like the GAP ones above. Frankly, when they first came out last year I thought they looked really silly as that heel reads as delicate and yin. Boots and booties are typically more yang. I still think the taller shaft kitten heeled boots aren’t going to have a long shelf life. But I saw these black faux suede booties on a huge sale on GAP and bought them. I wore them in the winter with jeans and they looked kind of cool (and were surprisingly – almost shockingly – comfortable.) Will they be something I’ll pull out every year forever? Somehow I don’t think so.

Regardless of heel shape, booties and higher shaft boots pair well with midi skirts and dresses.

Michael Kors pleated snake print skirt at MAcy’s $175

Booties can be paired with shorter skirts including minis. They add balance and ground the overall look. This look from Anthropologie (above) demonstrates the look. It is especially effective because the booties are in a lighter shade. Darker colors would be a little heavy for this look.

Volatile Brand Bronco Booties $78.29 on Zappos

Pumps and Heels

Heels at any height are always going to be dressier than flats unless the flat is highly embellished (with things like rhinestones or a large bow or is in a textile like satin or patent leather and meant to be worn with a tuxedo-type outfit.)

Again, the pointier the toe, the more Dramatic the look. The higher the heel, the more Dramatic the look. My opinion is that stilettos look best when worn with knee length or sightly below the knee skirt lengths.

As for dresses and skirts, minis with higher heels are a luxury reserved for the young. It’s a cute date-night/club look, especially for High Spirited types who have a little Drama. (I know I’ll get a lot of flack for that from older women with great legs…if that’s you, carry on!) With longer skirts or dresses higher heels read as both Romantic and Classic.

For wide leg pants both the width of the pant and the height of the heels also take the look toward drama. The hem can be anywhere from just above the top of your arch to considerably below. That slouchy, dragging-on-the-ground look is more Dramatic than the slouchiness we might associate with a more Natural look. Long slouchy hemmed pants with flats, sneakers or slip-ons is a more Natural version.

Kenneth Cole Riley Pumps at Nordstrom $99.99

Calvin Klein Gayle Pumps at Macy’s $109

Naturalizer Karina Pumps at Macy’s $109.95

 

For rolled cuff pants, a low heel adds a bit of yin to an outfit. The hem should come a bit above the ankle bone. Slouchier denim and rolled cuff pants significantly takes down the amount of Drama in the overall look. It becomes more Natural. Wearing a lower sling back heel adds some Classic, and possibly Romantic.

Tayla Cole Haan Slingback kitten heel at Nordstrom $168

BTW – If you’re not wearing tights or stockings with your pumps I love the no-shows from Sheec. They also have half foot covers for wearing with slingbacks.

Loafers and Slip-Ons

Whether you wear loafers, deck shoes or slip-ons the hemline for the pant jeans shouldn’t be any lower than the top of your ankle bone. In fact, showing a bit of ankle is a nice way to wear these types of shoes. (Sheec has these (on the right) for sneakers and loafers.)

When wearing penny loafers or tasseled loafers, the slot for the penny or the tassel should show above the pant hemline if you’re wearing a longer and wider-leg pant. You just don’t want the hem to fight against the tassel or other feature. Loafers will ground any look and take it either Classic or Natural. They work with minis in more Natural textiles, like denim. Loafers with box pleated skirts are a preppy look. You can even wear them with satin midi skirts (as shown in the Quince skirt above.) But if you’re wearing them with such a more obviously feminine skirt, they work best when they color of the shoe is similar to the skirt.

Quince washable silk slip skirt $59.90

Quince suede penny loafers 79.90

Vionic loafers on Amazon $70-$135 (based on color)

Earth Javas on DSW $108.99

 

 

I hope this gives you enough visual information to make decisions when faced with this ongoing dilemma about hemlines and shoes. Write me to let me know if this was helpful: andrea@shoppingfortherealyou.com

Drawing by Sue Tait Porcaro

[Many of these links are from my affiliates. including Amazon. If you purchase anything from them I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. I try to search for and select items that I would wear myself, or that I have purchased myself.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post The Right Shoe for the Right Hemline appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

This time of year nearly every retailer is offering some terrific bargains on summer items. There are a lot of simple, classic pieces that will freshen up your wardrobe and that won’t be out of style any time soon. At these prices the sizes become limited pretty quickly, so if you see something you like check it out soon.

I’ll be showing you a lot of simple, mostly Classic pieces that are interchangeable. Adding just a few of these elements to your wardrobe will take you into a modern look without being dated.

Tailored Summer Suit

Let’s start with this first entire look on the right. This is from Talbot’s.   They are offering 50% off on their  entire site right now at checkout – no coupon needed. Dark brown is having a revival this summer, which will make you Earthy Rich types very happy as it’s often hard to find autumn colors in summer textiles. For Striking winter types, it’s a fresh alternative to black. This first look is great for several occasions: work, luncheon, evening out.

What I like about this combination that each piece can be worn with other items. The pants with a simple white or striped blouse would be great. The jacket could be worn with white linen pants or even longer shorts. Vests are very popular again (the Talbot’s reviewers weren’t wild about the fit of this on, so if you like wearing them,  keep your eye out for other options.)

Talbot’s brown linen pants are here. Blazer and vest here. Rope sandals are here. Leather trim bag here.

Whenever you’re wearing warmer colors – ivory, creamy white, beige, browns, red, yellow, orange – stick with gold-toned accessories. The chunky shape and larger sizes of these earrings are trending as they balance wide leg pants nicely and add some interest to these simpler outfits. This is one area where I wouldn’t suggest spending a lot of money. Because these earrings are bold, they could be dated within a couple of years. Just make sure that when you buy inexpensive pieces they have non-toxic, non-reactive metal posts and materials. Amazon has a ton of them.

Casual Style for Art Fair, Beach, Resort, Shopping

For a more casual look that will work for years and years to come, start with plain or striped linen pants and add a simple tee. Slides are a good option for this look, but if you don’t like them (some people say they don’t stay on the feet well), just keep the silhouette of the shoe simple. There are a lot of sandals on sale now. Add a straw bag, (I liked this one because it has a zipper on top), sunglasses, a light cotton sweater (here) to throw on in air conditioned rooms and you’re good to go.

Nordstrom Caslon linen striped pants are here.  GAP Factory Cotton/Viscose tee is here:  Macy’s Nine West slides are here: Mango sunglasses are here:  Amazon straw bag is here.

Barbecue, First Date, Luncheon

We’re seeing a lot of long (midi) gathered skirts now in stiffer cottons or more flowy crinkle cottons. They are perfect for very hot days. If you have toned arms, wear them with a fitted tank. The criss-cross version is a nice switch-up on a scoop neck tank right now. The slides shown above work well with this look, as would a kitten heel. Sunglasses, bold jewelry, and a straw bag complete the look.

Walmart criss-cross tank is here: Nordstrom Rack poplin skirt is here: Michael Kors white kitten heels are here: Rattan bag is here; earrings are here; sunglasses are here.

Date Night or Lunch with Friends

The reason I like this look is because it demonstrates how to do proportions well: wider on the bottom, closer to the body on the top. What makes the whole look a little dressier than the prior one is the more structured pant and top. This look pairs well with strappy sandals but flatter espadrilles or kitten heel sandals would work well too. And as the top is dark navy keep the accessories silver. (BTW – pairing dark navy with black accessories is a nice look, imho.)

Nordstrom’s trousers are here: Walmart short sleeve top is here: Mango sunglasses are here: CalvinKlein sandals are here: Macy’s Style and Company slingback espadrilles are here: Amazon silver earrings are here: Quince white pouch bag is here: Tiffany and Fred woven leather pouch is here.

Beach Resort or Trip to the Riviera

Lastly, a swing-y, loose, or slightly fitted midi dress is a perfect pack-and-go piece for travel wear. Dress it up or down, accommodate air conditioning with a cardigan, and you’ll wear it multiple times to multiple places. It’s a comfortable solution to a lot of travel problems. This one you could go with either silver or gold jewelry depending on the other accessories you choose. I styled it here with gold. Any of the slides here or kitten heels would work nicely. Yes, you can wear it with sneakers, but they might be hot, and would read as more casual. In that case, you can take the whole outfit in a more casual direction by adding a baseball cap.

GAP midi dress is here: Amazon Essentials Red cardigan is here: earrings are here: sunglasses are here: kitten heels are here: slides are here: tote is here: hat is here.

So, those are some templates for what will likely be staples in your wardrobe this summer and many summers to come. Let me know which outfits you like best and if you put something together based on any of these.

BTW – My book: “Self-Care: 30 Compelling Life Lessons From Happy, Healthy, and Successful Women…and some Men!” should be coming out sometime after the 15th. Stay tuned! I’ll be offering it to all of my readers for just $.99 for three days!

[Many of these links are from my affiliates. including Amazon. If you purchase anything from them I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. I try to search for and select items that I would wear myself, or that I have purchased myself.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Five Great Summer Outfits – on Sale Now appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Last week I had to get a new profile photo for my website and the launch of my upcoming book “Self-Care: 30 Compelling Life Lessons From Happy, Healthy, and Successful Women…and some Men!” My hair had gotten really long and unruly. Actually, in general, my hair is more like strings than strands. I needed someone who could work their magic and make me look more presentable. My regular stylist, Mark, was booked, so I had to see a “ringer,” a young woman named Brooklyn. Fortunately, she turned out to be just as great.

Is it just me or does every woman who sits in a stylists chair simply look like a drowned rat after the wash? (I was wearing heavy makeup too! You’d never have known it by this photo.)

But, Brooklyn did work her magic. And, I learned a trick about taming what is essentially curly hair. You simply have to torture it into submission. Saturate every strand with some form of “product” and then pull the brush-full of hair straight and tight, and then practically burn it with a  blow dryer. I probably lost another 1/4 of all my hair in the process. But I was pleased with the result. So my first suggestion is to get a good cut or blow-out before having your photo taken.

Off to the Studio

Onward to the studio…

I headed out for the photo shoot. The photographer, Albert Benichou of DaNoise Studio (I think it’s a reference to “Bring in da funk, bring in da noise” as he also does a lot of audio recording) has been in the business for more than 30 years; five years in France, and 25 in Berkeley. His studio had two backdrops: one was black for a more dramatic and “professional” looking profile, and one with a white background for a more playful look. He allowed me to have three changes of clothing. Of course, my most ideal clothes were are the cleaners. So I grabbed what I thought would work, and hoped for the best. My second suggestion: plan a couple of weeks ahead about what you will wear. Try on the entire outfit, shoes and all. And make sure they are all clean.

Dark background for the shoot

Albert is a no-nonsense kind of guy. He succinctly explained that for each shot he would be taking three versions: far, mid-range, and close-up. And then, when he said, “change” that meant I had to come up with a different position. Then he said, “Move,” “Dance,” “Twirl.” (I’m not joking, he actually said “twirl!”) It was exhausting, physically and mentally. I have a new appreciation for fashion models. We then switched from the white background to the black one. This went on for what seemed like an eternity. And then he said we’d be taking a few outdoors shots.

The “Twirl” proof copy…that I didn’t use.

In his portfolio I had seen a profile photo of a woman standing in a lovely, bucolic park with a very soothing-looking leafy background. But Albert said, “we’ll go across the street.” The “across the street” was a gritty urban stretch of graffiti-sprayed walls, chain link fences, and weeds. I guess he saw that I have about 35% “Natural” style essence and that background spoke more clearly to who I am. Fortunately, I have always had a soft spot for semi-industrial areas. I used to work in a place that reminded me a lot of this environment, and I figured, “OK – let’s do this!”

Outdoor Shoot

His instructions, again, were all in shorthand: “Change,” “Turn,” “Let’s walk.” When he got to “Sit” I was so tired I almost answered “woof!” But we got some great shots and the whole process was done in exactly one hour. I gathered up my things (only leaving a few behind that I had to pick up the next day) and headed home, eagerly awaiting the proofs.

The likely contender for the book profile

He took 200 photos in all. I selected 15 for editing  and another 10 just for general use here on my blog, my social media pages, and on other sites that I write for.

Here’s my last and main suggestion. If you’re getting professional photos taken, get a good night’s sleep the night before. I didn’t. I had about 4 hours of sleep. Thank God for Albert’s skill at photoshop “dermabrasion” and digital “face lift.”

I’d love to know what you think of these.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you would like to get my “Self Care” book for free, I need about 25 reviewers (actually “previewers”) who are willing to write an Amazon review of the book. If that’s you, PLEASE sign up HERE to be a reviewer. I’ll send you all the details of how to do this and a link to the book. I’d LOVE to have you on board.

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post How to Get a Great Profile Photo appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Photo: AJ Garcia/Unsplash

Do people still wear watches? Well, yes, but a lot of people I know are only wearing smart watches. Personally, I wouldn’t want to be that “on call” 24/7. And who knows what data is being collected through those watches about your every move! But to each his/her own. Watches are fundamentally a form of jewelry. They are basically a bracelet. And you can wear them with other bracelets, especially if they complement each other in terms of metal and size.

If you want to stay on the more Classic side, limit the number of bangles or chain bracelets you pair with a watch. As Coco Chanel said: “Before you walk out the door, remove one accessory.”

As with designer handbags, high-end watches are very distinctive in their features. But frankly, with the exception of those quirky and trendy ironic watches (like “Hello Kitty,” Mickey Mouse or those with transparent jelly bands – which really should only be worn by teenagers or those with a huge percentage of High Spirited style) most watches these days pretty much mimic the pricier styles in design. So we’ll examine three of the iconic brands. Those represent a good cross-section of the higher-end styles. And, then we’ll look at several lookalikes that are similar, a lot less expensive, but also quite tasteful and stylish.

Cartier-Like Watch

Cartier Tank Watch

The first one here is the Cartier Tank watch, made popular by Jacquie Kennedy Onassis. In terms of style facets we would have described her as being primarily Classic and Natural. So, the Tank watch matched Jackie’s style perfectly: her angular features and Classic/Sporty vibe. A basic version of the Tank watch can set you back about $4,000. (Etsy has a vintage one here on the left for $2000 right now.) But a well-made simple rectangular watch on a leather strap can be had for a lot less. There are a whole lot of them.

Seiko Women’s Essentials watch Macy’s (on sale) $161.25

Coach Reese Green leather band watch

Fossil Raquel leather band 3-hand watch Macy’s $180

Seiko Essentials $149

Peugeot Amazon $54.94

Rolex Oyster Watch

Rolex Oyster Vintage 6410

Rolex has a pretty audacious marketing department. Their latest ad in a magazine proclaimed that what sets them apart is not the year it takes to produce each watch, not the quality of the metals, etc. It’s that every watch they create is “superlative.” Well, yes, they are pretty great. They perform well, last forever, and many of them look like an elegant bracelet.  An original can cost you around $12,700.

But you can find them on resale sites.  (This one on the left is currently on Etsy for $1600.)  The lookalikes are numerous and have a similar elegant and feminine look. The Omega Constellation watch, another one of the “bracelet” watch styles, looks similar to the Oyster and can be acquired for less, even through Amazon! (According to the reviews it’s a legit version.)

Omega Women’s Constellation watch $2910 on Amazon

Timex Waterbury Legacy Boyfriend Watch Madewell $139

Citizen two-tone stainless bracelet watch Bloomingdale’s $375

Anne Klein Bracelet watch Amazon $41

Amitron Day/Date Watch Amazon $40

Patek Philippe Calatrava Watch

Patek Philippe Calatrava $30,450

Patek Philippe  used to cater primarily to men. But the round faced Calatrava style has become wildly popular among a lot of fashionable women lately. Personally, I think it’s a really cool look, but the large round face doesn’t suit my tiny bone structure, alas. The original version is the priciest of the lot, at $31,000. The inexpensive ones get great reviews and would pair nicely with a similar-colored metal bracelet to create a more feminine look.

Coach Elliot Women’s

Nordgren Silver Watch (interchangeable straps) $189

Michael Kors Pyper Watch Amazon $72 (Same one at Bloomingdale’s for $180!)

Michael Kors Pyper in pink Amazon $72

So that’s a brief primer on what’s available in designer and designer lookalike watches. I’m starting a movement to encourage women to wear them as a counter balance to plastic, constantly dinging, spying “smart” watches!!!

BTW – I’m tallying the votes on your selections for the book cover and will report back on that next week. There have been some very interesting and surprising results so far!

[None of the items listed here are sponsored. But I might earn a small commission if you purchase anything. And as an Amazon Associate I may also earn a small commission on any item you purchase through my links. Thanks for helping me keep this site going. I sincerely appreciate it.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Designer Watches: Inexpensive Dupes appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Iris Apfel Amazon Print

You may have heard that Iris Apfel, the self-described “geriatric starlet,” died earlier this year at the age of 102. Many of us learned about her only fairly recently through her most recent incarnation as a fashionista because she broke so many barriers about what constitutes fashion and who is “allowed” to represent it.

But despite all the media hoopla about a 90+ year-old being an overnight sensation, her style roots, and the range of her influence over several decades, ran very deep.

Iris Apfel started sewing and designing her own clothes in her childhood. Her first job was as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily. But she switched careers when she wed her husband, Carl, to whom she was married for nearly 70 years.

Together they traveled the world, learning about and importing textiles. Their first business, Old World Weavers, created reproductions of medieval and modern fabrics that they discovered in their travels. Because of her distinctive taste and experience with textile reproductions, she became a highly sought-after interior designer. She advised every president from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton on White House interior design.

But in her 90s she was suddenly “discovered” as a fashion sensation, appearing on many magazine covers and becoming the subject of several books about her life. And yet, what she contributed, particularly in her last two decades, was something more lasting: advice about what is important in life, aphorisms from someone who lived it well and for a very long time. I share some of that with you here.

Iris Apfel Poster on Amazon

“Life is gray and dull; you might as well have a little fun when you dress.”

Well, maybe she was talking about her home in New York which can, in fact, be sooty and gray. But I think we know what she meant, metaphorically. Regardless of our station in life, our accolades, net worth, or “stuff,” we can’t escape the vicissitudes of life. They come to all of us, sooner or later.

But we can offer some joy every day to ourselves and to all who have the pleasure to see us by dressing up a little every day, whether we leave the house or not. Intentional dressing can simply change your mind set about your self-worth. It’s a wonderful exercise.

“Color can raise the dead.”

Her posthumous book, coming in August

Amen, sister.  And oh, did Iris LOVE color! Staying vibrant and visible requires some effort. In some social circles wearing inconspicuous all black 24/7 is considered extremely sophisticated. Iris considered it a lazy cop out.

When we look around us at the natural world, what do we see? Color!!! Glorious, gorgeous, vibrant, ever-changing, color. That doesn’t mean we have to ditch our neutral colors. I love mine – as a base. But we certainly can bring some color, texture, or items of interest into our wardrobes.

“To me, the worst fashion faux pas is to look in the mirror, and not see yourself.”

That right there is the Cliff notes version of why authenticity matters. If you are dressing for some version of the person you think you should be, or what the latest fashion is, or what other people expect of you, you will never feel comfortable in your clothing or in your own skin. And people will know it. The more you embrace your uniqueness – and that includes your personality as well as your features and coloring – the more believable you will be. And the more you will attract people who are genuine and honest.

As another great philosopher/author advised: “To thine own self be true.”

“People with a lot of money don’t dress as well as people who have to make do, who have to be inventive…I’m the walking advertisement for discounted shopping.”

I’ve been thinking about this one a lot lately. I’ve realized that when I was younger I dressed more creatively. Maybe it was because I had less money… and more energy! But I was certainly more experimental. Iris’ words have re-ignited my desire to be a little playful and more inventive about how I put my outfits together. I’d be interested to learn what you do to put your own “brand” on your outfits.

“I love to dig and search and find. And if I’m shopping… if it’s a piece of fabric, I listen to the threads. It’s not intellectual at all. It’s the emotional content: I have to feel it in my gut.”

From Iris’ collaboration with Ruggable

Boy, did this one resonate with me. I have had visceral reactions to color and textiles since my earliest memories. They are like food for me. If a garment doesn’t engage me emotionally, I’m just not going to buy it. Getting dressed only to cover up or stay warm can make you dull to what you’re feeling. That’s because everything we wear impacts our senses. Try dressing to please your senses and see how much better you feel.

“It’s better to be happy than to be well-dressed.”

This is my favorite quote from Iris. Yes, a great outfit can change your mood…for a while. But if you’re fundamentally unhappy you might as well be wearing a hair shirt.

When I was feeling particularly crummy one day, my husband said, “Think of our dog…how she enjoyed every minute, in spite of her ailments and challenges.” That was so true and it really hit home. Unlike we humans, who live with constant hopes, aspirations, longings, or regrets, our pets simply live each day experiencing whatever comes along, innocently. They enjoy every little pleasure: dozing in a ray of sunshine, going for a walk, getting a treat, or just being near us.

Happiness can be a choice and I’ve made it a conscious one now. (My friend and colleague Marci Shimoff wrote a wonderful book about this.) If we all just embodied that one idea the world would be a better place.

Stay colorful, stay happy.

BTW – I’m creating the print version of my series, Self-Care, and if you recall from the blog posts, the subject of happiness looms large in that material. Email me if you’d like to be a reviewer: andrea@shoppingfortherealyou.com

[Shopping links on this page my earn my site a small commission should you purchase anything. I only share items and images that I feel good about sharing.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Iris Apfel: What Made Her So Famous? appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.

Milan on Trend on YouTube

If you watch any of the street-style YouTube videos of women in Milan and Rome (I’ve been binge-watching them) you’ll notice that they all seem to splurge on high-end, high-quality accessories. It’s almost a religious dictum: “Thou shalt only carry genuine designer handbags.”

It seems to be true for the women of all ages there, at least in the larger cities. So, they didn’t show any of the nonnas, donned head-to-toe in black, sitting outside on chairs, chatting with their friends. (Frankly I love those images, not for the clothing, but because they demonstrate the beauty of a simpler life.)

But alas, we live in the material world. If advertisers didn’t make us feel insecure about how we dress and how we look, they’d never sell us anything. And frankly, there is a lot of artistry involved in the fashion choices of those lovely Italian women.

The Lure of High End Accessories

What is the allure of an expensive designer bag? Well, they just make any outfit – including shredded jeans – look expensive.  It’s part of that “high-low” look I’ve written about: “My bag is from Hermes but my jeans are from Costco.” (I actually just heard a guy interviewed on the streets of New York about what he was wearing. His outfit included a very elegant tailored Italian blazer, Italian waistcoat, and Italian shirt and he added exactly that: “My jeans are from Costco.”)

Now, how do you add a touch of high-end allure? Well, you can do it by simply examining the details of the iconic designer accessories that have stood the test of time, many of them for decades now. That will help you to recognize what defines quality. But designer items come with a hefty price tag.

But I thought it would be fun to hunt around for some similar items at more affordable prices. Unless you are surrounded by snobs, these lookalike bags also make perfectly elegant statements. Keep in mind that many of these are Classic in style and classic fashions never go out of style. If you pony up for an original it will very likely be re-saleable at a good price sometime down the road.

Are They Considered Real of Fake?

A very fashionable friend who lived in New York used to shop for knock-off handbags from street vendors as she felt that designer bags were ridiculously overpriced. There’s some truth to that as you’re often paying a premium for the label.

As it turns out,  design elements in fashion cannot be copywritten. A manufacturer can can make a nearly exact copy of a couture piece as long as it isn’t purporting to be the original. Knock-offs – items that have similar style and features – are legal, unlike counterfeits that bear exact logos and claim to be the original.

So, I found some less expensive bags that looked similar to the real deal in their style elements. Will they last as long? Well, the leather ones very likely will. The faux ones will never develop that “old money” patina that leather bags do. But as long as they still look fashionable and aren’t produced in un-monitored sweatshops by child laborers, who cares what the label is? I just avoided including the ridiculously cheap direct knockoffs here. Those likely meet the criteria of “unmonitored sweatshops…”

I’m going to start with an old classic.

“Chanel” Quilted Bag

First up, Chanel. The symmetrical quilting on the original “Double C” Chanel bag is  very much a Classic style element. The puffiness of the quilting makes it a bit more “yin.” That implies a bit of Youthful style, and because of the softness of the lambskin, just a touch of Romantic. Those three style elements permeate the entire Chanel line. You won’t see high Drama or anything very Natural or slouchy-looking in the structure of a Chanel bag or any of their clothing for that matter.

An original Chanel Double C insignia flap bag in the smallest size costs about $4000. But you can find them pre-owned on several websites. Some good deals are available on Premium Outlets, etsy or eBay starting at around $1200. Just be sure to always check for the guarantee that they are authentic.

The lookalikes for this type of bag abound. Depending on your budget there is something for everyone.

Rebecca Minkoff Edie leather top handle bag Bloomingdale’s $278

This one is from Karl Lagerfeld Paris. Lagerfeld, Chanel’s late designer – who was handed the reins of the Chanel label – established a down-market eponymous brand. This one below is his version of the Double C bag.

Karl Lagerfeld Paris leather shoulder bag Macy’s $248

Tory Burch Kira chevron handbag Zappos $348

Kate Spade Cary small quilted shoulder bag Amazon on sale $180

Quince has an amazing range of Italian leather bags at terrific prices. Here’s their quilted bag. It also comes in black, tan, light taupe and dark taupe.

Quince Italian leather quilted convertible crossbody bag $119.90

Premium Outlets has an entire page on their website devoted to lookalikes. Here’s their version of this bag from Tiffany and Fred.

Tiffany and Fred Quilted Sheepskin quilted bag $279

Lastly, Mango, one of the “high street” brands, has a lot of hip-looking bags, but they are mostly faux leather. Still, it’s worth checking out their  collection. There are some great bargains to be had there.

Mango quilted faux leather shoulder bag Nordstrom $59.99

The Row – Totes

Oh those tiny little Olsen twins, Ashley and Mary-Kate. They sure create some amazingly elegant clothing…for tall women! Their site is called The Row. Everything they offer is refined and simple, and their handbags are enviable. They are considered the “new” Classics: sleek, beautifully made, gorgeous leathers and textiles. No huge logos, no doo-dads.

Totes are wildly popular right now. The Row’s version here, the Park Tote bag, is $1600 but it’s current out of stock. It’s pretty straight-forward. This is their extra large size.

Keep in mind your proportions when buying a tote bag. There are varying rules of thumb about this. Some say the width should be no bigger than your front-to back width. I never quite understood if they meant width or depth. Personally, I think you just need to eyeball it. The key is always: “is the item wearing you or are you wearing it?” Also, the size depends on what you’re using it for. You’re either carrying a lot of stuff or not. That make sit pretty easy to figure out what size tote bag you actually need.

Many of the Row’s popular styles are similar to the one above: rectangular in shape and with a light level of structure. That makes it pretty easy to find something similar. Here are a few other options, all in genuine leather.

Quince has a lot of Italian leather totes in a variety of styles. This is the one that comes closest to the Row bag. They offer it in black, olive, navy, and these two: dusk blue and cognac.

Quince Classic Italian Leather Tote $99.90

Quince Classic Italian leather tote $99.90

Patricia Nash leather tote Macy’s (on sale) $179.40

Bostanten leather tote Amazon $85.99

Radley London Furze Lane Extra Large Zip Tote Macy’s (on sale) $178.80

The Sak bags will always be a little less structured, but their leathers are lovely and hold up well over time.

The Sak Los Feliz Tall Tote in Mahogany $229

Puffy Drawstring Bags

Loewe Flamenco bag $2850

Another new “classic” is the puffy drawstring bag. Stylistically, it’s a pretty far cry from traditional designer handbags.  It definitely reads as Youthful, Romantic and a little High Spirited. Loewe’s Flamenco bag here on the left is the most coveted version and it comes in many colors. I just liked the joyfulness of this one in the bright chartreuse.  They are versatile because you can wear them crossbody, or tuck them under your arm as a clutch for a dressier occasion.

This (below) is how The Row interprets theirs.

The Row Angy drawstring bag Nordstrom $1990

Teddy Blake is a NY based company that manufactures their bags in Italy. They are all high quality, but annoyingly they list their items as “on sale” when what they are actually showing is their price vs. the high end similar styles. Still, really nicely made. This is their “Stella Vitelo. It comes in nine colors.

Teddy Blake Stella Vitelo $485

Quince has a version in dark tan, black, taupe, and the cream color shown here.

Quince drawstring pouch bag $129.90

Braided leathers are another signature of some of the designer bags. This one from Tiffany and Fred offers one in braided leather on the Premium Outlets site alongside a lot of “pre-loved” designer bags.

Tiffany and Fred leather braided drawstring bag $179 Premium Outlets

And Other Stories is a site that overall caters to a more Youthful style. But the green one here can also appeal to Natural types because of the rope drawstring.

And Other Stories small leather drawstring tote $139

Madewell’s drawstring bag is very versatile as it also has both a cross body strap and a handle.

Madewell mini crossbody bag Zappos $92.04

The “Old Money” Handbags

Gucci original Horsebit 1955 Shoulder bag: $2950

Gnocci tee on Etsy $11.90

Then there are the old staples of fashion that you will see carried by a lot of those Italian women in the videos. Yes, they can be a little staid looking, but they still have a lot of cache.

The original 1955 Gucci “Horsebit” feature (a play on the GG emblem) along with the GG textile is an iconic bag, albeit a walking advertisement. It has a kind of “preppy” quality to it now. You can find a lot of them on the resale market. But because of the signature textile you won’t find similar items unless they are counterfeits. (I loved this ironic t-shirt on the right from Etsy…I may have to buy it)

Coach has its own cache. It still qualifies “designer” brand because of the high quality of all the products in their label. But it’s a more as a “down market” label. This is their Morgan flap bag.

Coach Morgan Shoulder Bag Premium Outlets $199

Fossil bags are usually well made but the leathers can be a little bit heavy, although that makes them very sturdy.

Fossil Harwell Crosssbody Wallet bag Amazon $150

I included this one from Rebecca Minkoff because of the size and similar locking feature.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Julian Leather Crossbody bag Nordstrom Rack $119.97

Hermes Birkin Bag

Lastly, I wanted to include the Hermes Birkin bag, named after the woman who inspired it, Jane Birkin. Ironically, she stopped using it because it was just too heavy. Still, to this day, many women love it and it is coveted worldwide.

It holds the distinction as being the most expensive designer bag around. Some of them (similar to this one in alligator) can run into the high six figures. But you can find a used Birkin bag on the resale market starting around $9200.

So naturally, there have to be a bunch of lookalikes. And here they are.

About five years ago I succumbed and bought this one (below) in taupe  from Teddy Blake. I love it. I love looking at it in the closet. And I have used it exactly twice. That qualifies under the category of “fantasy life” as in “shop for your aspirational life, not your fantasy life” (wise words spoken by blogger Alyssa Beltempo.) Still, it’s beautifully crafted and it will outlive me. So I think I’ll start using it more. It comes in 20 colors and three sizes.

Teddy Blake “Kim” in Stampato leather $450 (on sale) $410

You can always count on finding something similar on Amazon. These next ones are listed as “leather” but when you look through the specs you discover that they are “vegan leather.” Still, they serve the purpose and look well made. I can see a lot of women enjoying either of these and they both seem to get good reviews.

Evve Women’s Top Handle Satchel $48.52 Available in eight colors.

This one has a pebbled finish, also “vegan” leather.

Pebbled top handle crossbody satchel Amazon $60.99 (Comes in four finishes.)

Brahmin is a brand that rivals some high end brands and echoes of the “look” of the Birkin bag: top handle, “alligator” leathers, similar shape. This is one of the ones featured on their Amazon page and comes in nine interesting and unique colors and finishes.

Brahmin Melbourne Caroline Satchel $345 on sale for $310.50

These next two riff on the theme in that they are top handle and crossbody flap bags. Both are from Macy’s, created specifically for Macy’s. They are also faux but look pretty well-made.

Tandii Top Handle bag $89.50 (on sale for $53.70) (Comes in five colors)

INC Emilee Medium Satchel faux lether created for Macy’s $99.50 ($34.83 with code “Friend”)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little exploration into designer bags. Let me know if you’d like to learn about lookalikes for designer watches and belts. I have a lot of information on those as well.

(BTW – I’ve turned off “comments” on this site because of the spam, but I read all your emails: andrea@shoppingfortherealyou.com

Happy Spring!

[Note: Some of the links provided here are through my affiliates and if you purchase anything I might receive a small commission. I am an Amazon affiliate.]

Andrea’s books and new video series:

The post Statement Accessory Look Alikes appeared first on Shopping for the Real You.