Posts with tag 'Fall Style'

October 4, 2011
- Sophisticated Style

Whether one is just entering the workforce or simply looking to update their current look, adding a touch of sophistication is a must for every wardrobe! Sophisticated styles are classic and timeless.

Color and Pattern

Patterned clothing appears less sophisticated than solid colors, specifically richer, darker hues. Dark colors will exude sophistication. Black should be a go to color in creating a sophisticated, refined and polished look.

Fabric

Silks and wools are more sophisticated fabric choices than cotton or jersey. When shopping be sure to touch the fabric. Higher quality fabrics will not only feel softer to the touch and last longer than lower quality fabrics but also appear more sophisticated. I recommend a silk blouse or a fitted dress in a rich color. Look for details such as interesting necklines or polished closures to keep your look unique and fashion forward.

Fit

How a garment fits is the most important factor for any look. Sophisticated pieces should fit impeccably. Garments should have clean, crisp lines and should be tailored for the individuals’ body. Make sure clothing is not too loose to avoid appearing sloppy and lengthen hemlines to the just above or below the knees. A tailored jacket or a pencil skirt will instantly add refinement and sophistication. Alterations can play a huge role in creating a sophisticated look so I recommend finding a great tailor to ensure each piece fits perfectly.

Phoebe

Phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

September 28, 2011
- Patterns with Panache

It's time to step away from the typical blue, gray and black solid pieces you're used to wearing. Enhance your style with traditional patterns that have a bold twist.

Plaid. Edgy color combinations offer a modern spin to this classic pattern. Whether you choose a funky bowtie or collared shirt, add a pop of plaid to make your outfit appear unique and stylish.

Harris Tweed. This is both pattern and fabric, with its fabric being a tweed and its pattern a mixture of herringbone and twill. It has made a major comeback in the past couple of years and it's the perfect look for fall and winter due to the heavier nature of the fabric. Wear it as a suit or as a sportscoat with designer denim.

Pinstripe. Another traditional print, pinstripe offers a sophisticated, timeless feel to any outfit. The best benefit of wearing pinstripes is the visual trick of making the wearer look taller. Don't be afraid to mix a pinstripe shirt with something bolder such as plaid or gingham.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 27, 2011
- Playful Patterns

Pattern instantly adds pizzazz and style to any outfit. Enhance your current wardrobe by adding the season's most sought after prints in either small or large doses. In this instance, you almost can't have too much pattern! Mix and match a small scale print with a large scale print to express your creativity.

Floral. The most feminine print, floral comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. From sheer blouses in muted colors to bold dresses, the sky is the limit when it comes to florals. Try pairing these prints with an edgy leather jacket to create an unexpected look.

Animal. Animal prints never go out of style, but sometimes they are more "in" than others. This fall, they were spotted all over the runways. Leopard and snakeskin prints were the most prevalent, but zebra is another great option. Perhaps an animal print clutch will do the trick by adding a pop of interest while staying neutral enough to go with any outfit.

Abstract. Colorblocking is one of the most popular abstract styles. You can obtain an elegant appearance by pairing neutral colors together such as gray, black and brown. Spin the other direction and mix plum and deep teal, two of the hottest fall colors.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 13, 2011
- Color Trends For Fall

Each season runways and stores are full of the season’s hottest colors. This fall we are seeing a variety of color trends from the rich shades of plum, burgundy and midnight blue to bright hues of magenta, orange and jade. Neutrals are a fashion staple but this fall they are definitely on trend.

Rich plum, burgundy and midnight blue.

Rich colors add sophistication. Plum's and burgundy's pair great with black for your everyday work wear or for a night out on the town. Midnight blue is a great alternative to black. These rich shades are sure to make eyes pop!

Brights.

Wear bright magenta, orange and jade alone or wear bright colors by color blocking. Color block by combining two or more blocks of color in one ensemble.

Neutrals.

This fall try combining similar tone neutrals from head to toe for a polished look. If you are tired of neutral shades of black, beige and tan try wearing deep charcoal, camel and olive as fall neutrals.

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

September 7, 2011
- Use Belts to Enhance Your Shape

Belts can be used to flatter your figure, add texture to an outfit and even disguise problem areas. Most women tend to avoid belts in fear of drawing attention to extra tummy weight. The truth is, when worn the right way, belts can make you appear thinner and more styled.

Metallic. Opt for a thin metallic belt to enhance your fall sweaters. A long cardigan tends to look boxy on its own, but adding a belt at the narrowest point between your shoulders and hips will offer a more flattering shape. Remember that metallics are neutral so you can wear them with any other color.

Woven. Add some texture to a printed dress or skirt by wearing a woven belt. A wider woven belt can help break up an all over print while enhancing your waistline. This is a great way to achieve balance between dressy and casual.

Thin vs. Wide. There are no set rules on how wide your belt can or cannot be. However, as a general guideline, girls with a larger bust will look best with thinner belts. If you have a straight tom-boy figure, go ahead and try a wider belt to give the illusion of curves.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 7, 2011
- Use Belts to Enhance Your Look

Because men have few accessory options, belts become an important factor in creating your unique style. We know guys are all about function, but a belt should not literally be holding your pants up. In fact, join us at the Blues Jean Bar for Denim Wednesdays if you face the problem of ill-fitting, saggy bottom pants.

Why. Think of your belt as an accessory, a way to make your look one-of-a-kind and memorable. Play with color, texture and width to give yourself a variety of options for different occasions.

How. Insert the belt through the left-side loops first, so that when buckled, the spare end is on your left as well. Ideally your belt should be buckled in the middle hole if possible. You'll want to wear a heftier belt with jeans in a casual texture such as suede, leather or nubuck. For the office, go for a sleek, dark belt with a buckle in the same color family as your watch (i.e. stainless steel, platinum, gunmetal).

When. If your belt loops are showing, wear a belt. If your belt loops are not showing, however, skip the belt as it will add bulk where you don't want it.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

September 2, 2011
- Fashion Rules You Can Break

Unless you majored in fashion in college, memorizing all the fashion "do's" and "don'ta" can be overwhelming. There are definitely many long held traditional rules that no longer apply. So we are here to help you brush up on your fashion IQ.

Pair Black with Brown or Navy. While pairing blacks with blacks is easier and safe, a navy shirt can really pop under a black jacket. Try mixing different fabrics like a camel brown wool jacket with black leather driving gloves.

Wear White After Labor Day. You've been afraid to wear anything but your white button up after Labor Day, until now. Wear white jackets as long as it's warm out, or white sweaters in a winter white paired with darker toned pants and shoes.

Double Down on Denim. It was once called a Canadien Tuxedo, but wearing two denims together works if you do it right. Mix denim tones together such as a dark denim button up with a slightly lighter jean. Make sure you denims are also in similar wash and weight.

August 17, 2011
- Function Meets Fashion with the Trench Coat

A modern take on the classic trench coat will leave you looking both debonair and confident this fall. This investment piece will keep you dry and warm during the inclement weather without looking like you're ready to hit the slopes.

Two important factors to consider when purchasing a trench coat are color and length. We recommend keeping the color neutral and dark to transition easily from the office to a night on the town. Choosing a length that is slightly above the knee is more modern than styles hitting below the knee. Make sure the shoulder seams rest slightly on the outside of your shoulder and that the coat skims your body without excessive bagginess.

This look is meant to be sharp and sophisticated with relaxed tailoring. Look for details that reflect your style such as a leather buckle or an exaggerated collar. Stick to these guidelines and you will wonder what you did without a classic trench coat.

Call us with your style questions!

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

August 17, 2011
- The Timeless Trench

If you're aiming for an always pulled together, effortlessly stylish look then consider splurging on a trench coat this fall. It will likely be one of the wisest investments you'll ever make to your wardrobe because of its wearability and classic style. Throw it on over pants and a blouse for the office, a pair of leggings for travel or a dress for a nice dinner. The possibilities are endless.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a trench coat including color, shape, length and details. Opt for a neutral color such as navy so you feel comfortable wearing this piece for most occasions.

The shape should be fitted to emphasize the woman underneath the garment, rather than oversized. You should be wearing the trench coat, not the other way around. Look for a trench coat that falls just above the knees so you can wear it with skirts, dresses and pants.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, pay attention to the details. The buttons should be relatively large and the material should be versatile for more than one season and occasion.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

October 28, 2010
- Your Perfect Boot

With so many options in stores, finding the perfect pair of boots can seem daunting. But with a few shopping tips, you will be able to find a pair that is fashionable and functional for your lifestyle.

Price. An easy way to determine how much to pay for a pair of boots is to figure the cost per wear. The more you plan on wearing them, the more you should invest. Remember, a quality pair can last you a few years compared to buying a lower quality pair every year. Likewise, spend more on a pair of classic boots and limit your spending on a trendier pair.

aquatalia

Style. There is such a wide variety of styles this season. They go from ankle to over-the-knee and from flat to 5” platform. Before you start looking, consider your lifestyle and what you will be doing in your boots. Will you be walking a lot? Will you be in the snow? Will you be wearing them with mostly skinny jeans or with trousers?
I suggest looking for a pair that hits somewhere between the mid-calf to right below the knee. The length will elongate your legs and because they cut off at the narrowest part of the leg, your legs will appear slimmer. If you will be walking a lot, choose a riding boot or wedge heel for comfort and support. If you want height and support look for a boot with a thicker heal or platform. If you will be walking in the snow, Aquatalia (shown) makes a great weatherproof boot that is still stylish.

Color. People often ask me, what color boots to get? Black or brown? You should choose a color that works best with your wardrobe. Another thing you can do before you buy them is try them on with your winter coat and/or favorite jean and then determine which color complements yours pieces. Also, if you want something a little different gray is a unique choice and works well with black or brown.