The Closet Exchange » Tips & Tricks

The truth about looking great!

Brenda — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:50:58 +0000

From Oprah magazine: “Every time I meet a woman who’s stuck in a fashion rut, I hear the same thing: I know, this isn’t a great outfit, but I just want to be comfortable.” You can be comfortable without looking like you don’t care. You can look pulled together even if you are crazy busy and on a budget.

You just need to find what works for you. Experiment with clothes, jewelry and shoes to see what makes you feel amazing–what people compliment you on. Make that your “uniform”. Wear some version of it every day.

When you find your “look”, you’ll be comfortable and look beautiful. The purpose of fashion is to enhance who you already are.

How to tie a scarf-#1

Brenda — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:33:09 +0000

Start with an oblong lightweight scarf (or a square scarf folded to be narrow). Center scarf at the front of your neck. Wrap it around the back and pull ends forward. Loop the ends to make a knot. It can be tied high up against your neck or tied loosely to fall lower.

This works best with a silk scarf, or any other more delicate fabric. A beautiful scarf can add a pop of color to a simple outfit–and make the look more finished.

Layering-how to #2

Brenda — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:05:18 +0000

Try short sleeve over long sleeve! We’ve seen it with t-shirts for a long time–but consider pairing long sleeves under your short sleeved dresses, blouses and sweaters. Try a short sleeved sweater over your long sleeved knit dress–a whole new look! Your long sleeved top should be light weight and slim fitting–so you’re not adding bulk– just interest! Play in your closet–mix it up! You’ll be surprised at how many new looks you can find.

Layering-how to #1

Brenda — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:43:15 +0000

Try a soft dress over a pair of pants! Best is a loose a-line dress, knee-length or above. The a-line shape floats over any fullness created by the pants. Try a mini skirt over leggings! It’s comfy and fun!

How good are the deals at the outlets?

Brenda — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:44:29 +0000

Instyle magazine had an interesting tidbit on outlets. Many brands now produce lines specifically for outlets, lines that feature lower quality materials and construction.

Since most of these items were never sold in a regular store, manufacturers can put a fake “original price” on them to make the outlet price seem like a bargain. And there’s a reason why these discount malls are in the middle of nowhere–shoppers feel like they have to buy something to make the trip worthwhile.

Evaluate quality, pretend that you didn’t drive an hour to get there, and ask yourself if you really want to buy it.

Do we wear hose?

Brenda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:21:53 +0000

This is a hard question. For some time, everyone seemed to favor a bare leg-summer or winter. I personally think this tend started in California–definitely not in Boston during the winter.

Go with bare legs: if it’s summer, if you have young and unblemished or veinless legs, if you have a great tan (faux or real), or if you are comfortable with the look.

Kate Middleton is wearing hose. Many fashionable women have adopted black tights. Both looks are really great! I like the edgy clean look of black tights–plus they hide a lot of flaws. I think we have reached a place where you do what works best for you.

Our biggest mistake…

Brenda — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 22:17:08 +0000

The biggest mistake women make is wearing pants that aren’t the right length for their shoes. Pants should be hemmed to work with flats or heels, there is no way that they can work with both.

Generally, hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be 1/2 to 3/4 inch off the floor at the heel. Invest in a full length mirror and always use it. pants that are too short and too long can ruin an outfit.

How to look slim-revisited…

Brenda — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:03:44 +0000

It’s that time of year again–holidays and events that tempt us with wonderful tasty treats! It’s impossible not to feel a little puffy. Love it and hate it.

Enjoy the season-use moderation- and don’t beat yourself up. Make your clothes work for you. Dress in all one color from top to toes–and accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Fabulous earrings and bracelets can make you look and feel like a star! A sparkly shawl flung artfully around your shoulders spells casual glamor! That all one color trick can make you look pounds lighter and six inches taller–really!

Enjoy every treat, think sleek, go and be the beauty you are!

What about clothes with sparkle?

Brenda — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:25:08 +0000

They are wonderful!! Lots of fun–just use restraint. If it’s a party–go all out. Yes- a glittery dress is fun–but don’t add sparkly shoes and purse–you could look like a disco ball! We’re seeing a lot of shirts embellished with sequins–they are geat–a happy surprise under a blazer with jeans! Don’t be afraid to try a big pair of blingy earrings or a huge diamond (ha!) bangle with your favorite little black dress! Experiment in your closet!

Should your wear double breasted jackets?

Brenda — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:16:15 +0000

Not if you are well endowed. The double rows of buttons widen your body! Try it–look in the mirror from a small distance. If you just love double breasted things, go ahead and wear them–but if your goal is to flatter your body, try on a single breasted coat or jacket and look again. You will see a difference. Try to find a coat that is straight or has a little flair at the hem. It will be a classic and you’ll look great!