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 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 22, 2011
- Bootie-licious

We couldn't imagine having just one shoe...but if we did, this fall it would be a bootie! They are the must-have boot of the season. While most trends to fade out, this trend keeps getting hotter. If you already have a bootie from last year, remember: you can never have too many shoes!

This season's booties are funked out with details. Almost all the booties we've spotted have a platform, but that's wear the similarities stop. Embellishments like buckles, laces and grommets add personality. Materials range from suede to leather to fur. And you'll be able to choose the heal that gives you the right attitude from a sexy spike to a comfy wedge.

Wear your booties with leggings, skinny jeans or dresses and tights. They work with your classic boot cuts too, although you'll lose some of the edgy detail.

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

August 30, 2011
- Summer Must-haves Transition to Fall!

Colored Jeans

The transition from summer to fall can be difficult. However this year many of summer's top trends will smoothly transition into fall. Here's our favorites and how to make them work for you!

Colored Jeans. These bright hues are perfect in any style of pant or denim. Pair your hot summer pants with an equally bright top for a color blocked effect.

Maxi Dresses. Keep your Maxi dresses and skirts in fall inspired florals and neutrals within reach. Layer them with light jackets, sweaters and scarves to protect you from fall breezes.

70's Inspiration. From bellbottoms to peasant blouses, you'll see these are just as on trend now as they were six months ago. Adjust to the season by leaving your hair down and adding darker toned accessories like a scarf or a poncho.

Milena

milena@milenaconsulting.com

August 23, 2011
- Classics vs. Trends

Fashion changes quickly and it is easy to built a great wardrobe only to realize the next season that your favorite pieces are no longer in style! Instead of having to replace an entire closet, mix trendy items with classic pieces to create a wardrobe that is always up to date!

90% of your wardrobe should be classic! Classic pieces stay in style through the years. Every women needs classics such as a little black dress, a tailored jacket or a great pair of jeans as go to staples. One Dress, Different Looks

Classics should be high quality items that flatter your body and will survive over time. Higher quality clothing will be more expensive however are worth the investment because they will not need to be replaced as often as those that are a lower quality.

10% should be trendy! Trendy pieces are important because they keep your look up to date. Mix in trendy items, such as accessories, with classics to create fashion forward look. This will keep your wardrobe exciting by creating multiple outfits. Trends change quickly so spend the least amount of money on them. With less money spent you can easily update your look as trends come and go.

Phoebe

phoebe@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

August 2, 2011
- Spice up your Business Wardrobe: Add a Pop of Color

Looking professional plays a large part in becoming successful in business. Most professions and business’ require its employees to look and dress a certain way, this however does not mean one has to sacrifice their individual style. There are many fashionable options for professional women on the market today, but lets face it, wearing the same monotone suit day in and day out gets boring fast!

The easiest and most effective way to add a special touch to your current wardrobe is to add splashes of color! Don’t be afraid to pair a colorful blouse, sweater or trench coat with your work basics.

Accessories can be a great way to add both interest and fun to any outfit! One of my favorite fashion tricks is pairing a black or neutral outfit with an unexpected pair of heels or a colorful handbag! This instantly changes any look from boring to bold while also showing off your personal style.

Another easy way to add color and excitement to professional dress is with a bold statement necklace, a colorful yet classy scarf or a unique belt.

The possibilities are endless and the key to remember is that small touches can make a huge impact! Adding interesting pieces with items that are already in your closet is a great way to expand a wardrobe and make getting dressed for work fun again!

Phoebe

phoebe@milenaconsulting.com

July 21, 2011
- Clothing and Accessories with a Conscience

Clothing and accessories aren't just about fashion anymore. Brands are realizing that people want more than to just look good, they want to do good too. Tom's, Threads for Thought and Omerica are three companies helping their customers do just that. We love their products, their style and most importantly what they do for their communities.

Omerica Organic. A Denver based company, Omerica Organic makes unique, organic wood belt buckles, ear plugs, dog tags and pendants. Their woods are beautiful and they are committed to donating to the Nature Conservancy Tree Planting Programas a way of offsetting their wood consumption. They've planted over 8,891 trees and can create thousands of products from just one tree.

We suggest the "Butting Heads" dog tag shown above. www.omericaorganic.com

Threads for Thought. Created by college students, Threads for Thought uses sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton and polyester recycled from plastic water bottles to create clothing that is beautiful, socially concious clothing. Part of all proceeds are donated to charity. The Natural Resources Defense Counsil and the International Rescue Committee are two charities they support.

Try any one of their basic t-shirts for the perfect combination of comfort, style and community.

www.threadsforthought.com

Toms. One for one is their motto. With each pair of shoes you purchase, Toms will give a pair to a child in need. Founder Blake Mycoskie started Toms after he discovered that many children in developing countries do not have a pair of shoes and are thus are at a high risk for injuries, disease and are often even denied from school. His company has now donated over one million pairs of shoes to children around the world.

We love their wedges for casual summer dresses. Try one in a fun pattern like the Kenya Strip above.

www.toms.com