The long, cold, colorless winter is upon us here in the northeast, and once the holidays are over we’ll settle in for several months of dreariness (can you tell I just love the winter!). Being cold is not one of my favorite things and yet finding warm, cozy clothes and accessories that are also fun and stylish can be a wee bit of a challenge, to say the least…especially once January comes around and the stores start to think about spring!

So, I scour the stores and internet looking for things to bring light and joy to any woman’s wardrobe, and I am, of course, more than happy to share my special finds.

Here are 5 items that I feel are pretty, refreshing or just downright adorable for you or as a holiday gift…

Warmth & Style All In One! I don’t wear many turtlenecks these days (a softening jawline and all that…) so I’ve taken to adding beautiful scarves to my wardrobe. There are lots of them out there but this one just caught my eye because the color is stunning and will look good on many women. (Coral scarf featured at right. Click here for shopping info) and this one looks cozy and again the burgundy color will look good on many women (Burgundy scarf featured at right. Click here for shopping info).

Give Your ‘Functional’ Accessories a Lift! Add some cheer to your outfit with a handbag in a gorgeous color. In addition to being pretty to look at (coming in red, green, black and silver), practical and timeless, it is also vegan and cruelty-free (Click here for shopping info).

And, as an extra bonus you can use the coupon code ‘Ginger’ through the end of the year and receive $200 discount on any handbag in their collection. I have a Jill Milan bag, and it’s totally elegant.

Big, Bold & Beautiful! Cocktail rings are all the rage right now, and they are fabulous! I have to admit it is one accessory I don’t wear (most look way too oversized on me), but if I did, this is one that I think is elegant, and unusual (Click here for shopping info).

Those of you who have been shopping with me at Jewelry by Karel know how much pizzazz a cocktail ring can add to an outfit, and she has a great selection at great prices. Whether you spend a little (you can find very fun, inexpensive ones on www.etsy.com) or a lot is up to you. It’s a fun way to add a little razzle-dazzle to your holidays.

Pretty PJ’s! I am constantly on the prowl for pretty, feminine, cozy sleepwear. So much of it out there is either dowdy, purely functional or skimpy (for me that means too short) and I’d freeze! I found a fun selection at Soma (Click here for shopping info).

Soothing Comfort All Winter! Historically, winter is a time to hibernate a bit, reflect and relax (yeah, right, you say!). Well, any little bit helps, for sure. That’s why I created this delicious essential oil blend of lavender, geranium and ylang ylang.

Use it as a massage oil or countless other ways (I include a list of suggestions for how to use it with each purchase). (Click here for shopping info).

Yes, the winter is long, but please don’t become just another body dressed in gray or black trudging through the winter months…biding your time until spring. Bring light, joy and delight to your wardrobe now! These are just a few ways to do that.

Feel free to share any juicy, sparkly, fun items you’ve found during your holiday shopping sprees. Let’s help each other celebrate beauty throughout the next few months.

On a recent trip to Rockport, Massachusetts – a gorgeous seaside town – I spent a lot of time milling around and enjoying the gorgeous view and relaxing ambiance. Since it was a beautiful day the main street (or neck, as they call it) was packed with people on vacation. At one point, I had a very distinct realization – everyone looked the same. While all the teenagers were dressed in short shorts, everyone else’s style was kind of an LLBean meets REI look. It made me feel sad. When did women start settling for a largely colorless, shapeless look?

I know. I know. Comfort is key, and I’m with you on that, especially on vacation. Gone are the days when I’ll settle for something that is binding, scratchy or just plain uncomfortable. But, there is a happy medium between uninspired and trendy fashionista.

Summer is all about color and even though it is winding down you can be inspired to carry your colors into the autumn and winter. Flowers of every imaginable color are still everywhere. The ocean is brilliantly blue or green, and the sky is a rainbow of colors from sun up to sundown. There is very little gray or black except what we have added. Nature knows that color is food for the eyes and the soul. So, why not embrace that when you choose your casualwear. Sure, you don’t want to look like a walking fruit bowl but if you choose your best foundation color (for instance, black, beige, white, navy, brown) and pair it with beautiful colors (or even one color if this all feels so foreign), I suspect you’ll be surprised by how delightful it feels!

Here’s a great example of a look that is pretty and comfortable:

Yes, she’s wearing white pants or capris and yes, everyone can look good in them (it’s just a matter of finding the right ones that fit you well and (this is critical) pairing the right top and shoes with them. As one of my clients recently said, “You’ve made me a white convert!” Oh, and if your response is…well, it will get dirty. Yes, you’re right. It might. But I promise they can be washed! And, if that’s too big a jump right now, this top would also look great with jeans or navy shorts or capris. You don’t have to dismiss the entire outfit, just tweak it so it’s you.

Or, how about a maxi dress. One of my clients recently told me that she didn’t think she was a maxi dress kind of gal until she tried the right one on. Then she was sold! Could this be you? It’s so easy to dismiss something we’ve never tried before. This one is pretty, easy to wear, lovely colors and bra-friendly!

Whether you are going to work, out with friends or on vacation, how you dress is all about you. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect the inner part of you that makes you special. I saw so many women on “the neck” in Rockport wearing gray, beige, black or white t-shirts and neutral colored shorts with Teva sandals or the equivalent. There is no way that all of these women are personality-less. It’s just not possible. Where was the playfulness, sparkle or warmth?

I know that in many cases what has happened is that they have given up (that’s why there’s a chapter in my coaching program “Who Taught You Who To Dress?” that talks about unconscious dressing). Does this sound familiar? Do you feel like you no longer know how to dress your body? As women get older and their body shifts or they gain weight there’s this sense of, “Yikes, now what do I do?” So, they resort to what is easy and safe and call it a day.

I also know that the discomfort intensifies (even if you squish it down) and the sadness escalates. I’ve seen it happen a thousand times. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case.

Take it one step at a time, and see what happens. Maybe pick up a fun beach tote that will add that spark you’re missing (click here for more information). Or, as we head into the Fall, you can add a pretty scarf to keep you warm on those chilly mornings (click here for more information).

Just keep at it. The next time you pack to go on vacation, smile and add something fun. Don’t let yourself fade into the crowd or let your style go on vacation when you do. You can look great sightseeing, relaxing at the pool or heading out to a leisurely dinner! Most of all, have fun with it. This is vacation after all!

It’s that time of year again…the holidays!  Whether you love them or wish you could sleep through the next 6 weeks doesn’t change the fact that they are fast approaching.

Forget the parties, forget the dress up, fancy stuff – there’s already a lot of talk out there about that.  I’d like to talk about how to dress for a cozy gathering of family or friends that is holiday-driven but still casual and fun.  How do you find your holiday glam when your spirit says bah-humbug?

Finding that sweet spot where you look like yourself, feel comfortable and also make it feel special is part of what celebrating is all about.  So many times I hear from women that they get their children all gussied up or they put their heart and soul into the delicious food they’ll prepare but when the time comes to peek in their closets and get dressed, they sigh a long deep sigh of resignation…there’s nothing there that makes them feel as special as they want to.  Then, in a last ditch effort to feel the holiday spirit they grab the same old red sweater with jeans (or the equivalent) and run out the door.

Does that sound even a teensy weensy bit familiar?

I’ve been speaking with a lot of women this past week about their wardrobes and the common theme is “ease.”  Ahhhh, doesn’t the idea of a personal style that allows for ease and grace just make you feel so good? Okay…okay, I know, reality then sets in as you slam your closet door on a wardrobe that seems to contain very little that resembles ease.

I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds good to me – a little more ease and flow is good for everyone.  And, bringing that concept into your wardrobe is just one way to make the holidays a bit more joyful and fun, don’t you think?

What would that look like…for you?

Sure, creating a full wardrobe that makes your heart sing is a fabulous concept and one that is definitely worth focusing on.  But right here and now when the holidays are right around the corner and you just want to feel good now, let’s look at some possibilities.

Here are 3 different options for a lovely, relaxed holiday gathering.  Of course, it’s important to put your own signature on whatever you wear but maybe this will inspire you.

1. Want cozy and feminine? How about a beautiful sweater dress.  And (here’s a great idea), how about if it is in a color other than black!  Try this Cowl Neck Dress (#1 pictured at the right): Click here for more informatiom. Although I absolutely do not recommend those shoes with the dress – even on her long, thin legs they look heavy and clunky!  If you really want to feel cozy, how about black tights and sleek knee high boots?  Add a touch of glam with some fun, sparkly earrings like these Amethyst Purple earrings (#2 pictured at the right): Click here for more information.

2. How about comfy and chic? Yes, it took me a while to embrace (again!) the whole concept of leggings but I have and I love it.  I wear ones that resemble very skinny, stretchy pants so they have a little more body to them than regular leggings and don’t feel so thin and exposed.  And, I always wear something long enough.  Try your favorite pair of leggings with fabulous boots and this sweater over a long sleeve top (that comes down at least crotch length).  Belt the underneath top with one of these fabulous belts (there are some really fun options for belts out there so choose one that speaks to your personality) and let the vest hang loosely (#3 pictured at the right). Click here for more information.

Belts:

The first belt is SO different and totally fun (obviously not for everyone but it’s sparkly and festive) (#4 pictured at the right): Click here for more information.

Stretchy belts are super comfortable and this one, although it has sparkle, is actually somewhat understated.  This adds some glam without being over the top (#5 pictured at the right):  Click here for more information.

This belt is much more casual and is different from the typical belt style we see out there (#6 pictured at the right): Click here for more information.

Don’t like belts?  Try letting the top flow loosely under the vest and wear a long necklace like this one (#7 pictured at the right): Click here for more information.

3.  Cozy, Casual Comfort. If jeans are your thing, step it up by wearing a dark wash jean that fits you beautifully (stretch is the key component) accompanied by your favorite sweater and add a fun faux fur scarf in a delicious color like black currant (#7 pictured at the right): Click here for more information or this fabulous red scrunchy scarf (#8 pictured at the right): Click here for more information. Talk about cozy and festive!

Need help tying a scarf?  Watch my scarf tying video to learn to tie it in a fun new way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYxVGkwB3TM

Whatever your look, be sure you choose it with intention and are not scrambling at the last minute to find something “acceptable” to wear.  This is a great opportunity to be you in a comfortable setting with people you love – so with a little advanced planning you can relax, enjoy, have fun and look great!

Dear Designers:

Could I talk frankly with you for just a minute?  Like some of you, I have been in the fashion industry for a long time (going on 25 years!) and I love it.  There is, however, one critical area where our attention diverges.  While most of the fashion world is focused on very young, tall and thin women, my clients tend mostly to represent the over 40 woman.  As a result (and because I fall into this category as well), I know what she likes to wear.

Perhaps I could provide some insights to help you create your collection for next season?   I know that your heart is in the right place and you want women to look and feel beautiful but, oh dear, have you tried your designs on women over 40 who might have a few extra pounds floating around here or there and are probably more often closer to 5’4” than 5’9”?

Your goal, I’m certain, is to sell all your designs and not have them end up on the end-of-season sales rack or a consignment store with the tags still on them.  The problem is that there is a slight (and sometimes not so slight) disconnect between what we see in the stores and what is actually wearable by anyone with a little maturity.

I know you didn’t ask me but I also know from watching ‘Project Runway’ that you encourage constructive criticism, so I hope you will take this all in the kind and supportive manner in which it is given.

First of all, what I love about you:

• Thank you for making your designs for plus size and petite women. While some stores have misguidedly eliminated these departments, for those who still support them, it is wonderful to see beautiful garments for women who don’t wear the traditional sizes 2-14.
• Thank you for giving us a variety of skirt lengths, shoes with heels of varying heights and widths, and every imaginable boot style! There is something for everyone and that allows women to express their personality with comfort.
• The new version of the cowl neckline is great – very flattering and stays in place better so we don’t have to fuss with it like we did back in the 1980’s.  Definitely new and improved!
• Thank you for bringing scarves back. It’s amazing how one piece of fabric can add so much beauty, warmth and personality!

I would also like to share a few thoughts of things that women need that seem to be missing from the choices of late:

• Fabrics With Substance. This is probably the most important request of all.  That paper thin, stretchy fabric that so many shell/tank tops and t-shirts are made out of has got to go away…soon!  It is unflattering on 90% of the women who wear it (even young women), because it shows every little lump and bump even on women size 2!  It is so frustrating to find something in the perfect style and color to complete an outfit only to find out that the fabric is dreadful (and that is not an overstatement).
• Bring Brown Back. You promised!  I heard that brown was going to be a staple again this Fall but it’s not really in the stores yet.  Yes, there is some but it’s a warm chocolaty brown that only looks good on some women (like redheads, for instance).  We need more of the basic dark, dark brown that works on so many people.  (Oh, and in case you are wondering…no, black does not look good on everyone…and this becomes even more obvious once we get past of the age of 40.)
• More Jackets…Please. It makes getting dressed a little frustrating when you hyper-focus on one particular style to the exclusion of all else.  Case in point…this season’s long cardigans.  They are a great addition but do we really need 40 million of them (only a slight exaggeration, I think!).  What happens is that there’s no room left for interesting jackets for women who enjoy wearing them or need to dress professionally for work.  (And, please…we don’t need any more black or gray jackets unless, perhaps, they have super interesting details but even then there are thousands of other colors to consider!  Let’s take a risk and add some beautiful colors.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised).
• Taking Dresses to the Next Level.Yay for dresses with sleeves.  You have no idea how exciting this is after all these years to be able to buy a dress with sleeves.  Believe me, when it’s literally freezing outside, a sleeveless dress just doesn’t cut it.  So, two quick things about dresses.
  • When you do make sleeveless ones (there are still plenty of them out there), could you please make some short cardigan sweaters in pretty colors (enough with the black already!) to go over them.  Sure, the 20-something crowd can look trendy and cool in a long cardigan over a dress but for the rest of us, we just look and feel frumpy!
  • And, lastly, not every woman wants to (or can) wear a dress that is body hugging.  Many who have curvy hips and thighs look better with a slight A-line (no gathers at the waist, please).  They were here in abundance a season or two ago, and we loved them.  Pretty please, could we have more of these again?

These are just a few of our major requests for now.  I want to thank you in advance for considering these ideas.  If you think I am overstating this, please know that 90% of the women who get in touch with me say they can’t find anything they like out there to wear.  Sure, sometimes it’s because they need some expert guidance but sometimes it’s because the choices are limited.  I just know that together that we can remedy this, and women over 40 everywhere will thank you!

Thank you again.  Feel free to get in touch with me anytime!

With beauty, style & grace,
Ginger

The Fall shopping season is my favorite.  The colors are beautiful and everything looks so cozy.  For the most part, I have to say that this season is shaping up nicely (of course, it is still early but I’m hopeful it will stay that way and get even better as the months pass).

Brown is back (a huge yay!) – although it is still only dribbling into the stores but that should change as the weeks pass.  Stacked heels are giving women the lift without the wobbly feeling.  And, there’s more!

That’s what this special seasonal update is all about.  I’ll share with you what I love and what I don’t in my Fall 2011 “Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered” Fashion report.  Enjoy!

Bewitched

Color: Bright, bold and rich colors are in.  It’s a delicious time of year!  Orange (we’ll come back to this), cobalt blue, red (yes, it’s a tribute to vampires and blood), magenta, Forest colors (sage, hunter, jade, teal).  Brown is back…thankfully!  And, camel takes on more of a rust tone.

Let’s talk about red for a minute.  They are touting it everywhere as THE color of the season, but I just spent an entire day in Lord & Taylor in New York City with a client who really wanted to wear red and could we find any at all?  Nope!  Not one piece.  So, perhaps it is planning to be fashionably late but don’t get too excited about it yet.

All of this is good except the focus on orange (it’s not a great color for a lot of people although those of us who can wear it are happy!) and the camel moving closer to rust is not fabulous.  Again, those with super duper warm tones in their skin will be ecstatic.  Everyone else will have to admire it from afar!

Dresses & Skirts: There is a lot going on here – every imaginable length is in.  Work dresses (with sleeves…hallelujah!) are hot.  Midi’s (that hit mid-calf) are the newest (albeit tricky) addition.  If it hits you at the widest part of your calf it will make your legs look heavy, so be careful.  Maxi dresses are all the rage but they can overwhelm you in a heartbeat and can look a little goth.  Go ahead and try them but don’t feel badly about leaving them on the rack.

Stacked Heels (including loafers): This trend will make many women’s hearts sing.  What’s most lovely about this is that every heel width is still available so for those for whom stacked heels are too clunky, you can still find slimmer heels, wedges and flats.   For those who have been longing to wear heels but don’t like teetering on stilts, these will be a blessing.  The loafer look (some are even platforms!) could be a bit over the top but some will embrace it and carry it off just great.  It can be a fun look with pants.

Shimmer for Day: One of my favorites!  When the weather gets cold and dreary, wearing something with a little shimmer or sparkle can be a great pick-me-up.  Here’s a great example to wear under a casual sweater or a jacket: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/lauren-by-ralph-lauren-sleeveless-metallic-jersey-top/3191392?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=5934

Plaid: Once again, plaid is big for Fall.  Like most prints, a little goes a long way so if you like it wear it sparingly and be sure the basic colors in it look good on you.  If you just want to experiment, a scarf is a great way to add a touch of it without going overboard: http://www.zappos.com/echo-design-embroidered-plaid-olive

Capes: Capes are pretty but often fairly impractical – at least here in the northeast where there are usually about 10 days when the weather is just right for you to wear them.  But, if you like that Jane Eyre kind of feeling, have fun with it.  Here’s a beautiful short cape (that is also cruelty-free!): http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/via-spiga-asymmetrical-cape/3176405?origin=related-3176405-60133843-0-1-1

Bothered

Bright Pants: Oh, dear, I had a little 1980’s déjà vu.  Bright red jeans are everywhere.  With rare exceptions (most of which are on the very young) they are tricky.  You really have to know what you are doing and have the personality to pull it off.  Eager to try them?  Get one pair and see what you think (and if you wear them or they sit in your closet looking tempting but never actually make it on your body!).  If you aren’t sure, I’d say skip it.

Feathers in your hair: This is a hugely cruel new fashion trend.  Those long feather extensions sported by celebrities like Mylie Cyrus and Hillary Duff come from live roosters.  They are not fake.  It is bad enough that the roosters are raised so their feathers can be used as fishing lures in fly-fishing but to be a fashion trend has caused the demand to escalate and more roosters are suffering.  Please say no to such a cruel and unnecessary trend. Click here to read more.

Choker Necklaces: These remind me of a prom outfit gone wrong.  Occasionally they can look sweet but mostly not.  And, if you have any softness in the neck area, they will only draw attention to it.  Not to mention that the proportions are totally unbalanced.   There are plenty of other beautiful necklace trends and lengths to experiment with (including long pendants).  I suggest leaving this one alone.

Silky pants: With rare exceptions these will look like you are wearing your pajamas.  They are great for lounging around the house or for celebrities who are super trendy, but otherwise save your money for a style more lasting and flattering.

Sky High Platforms: So what’s up (so to speak) with this crazy trend.  Women are falling (yes, they are!) and teetering unattractively on platforms so high that we fear for their lives.  It is hard to walk gracefully in a shoe like this!  Yes, I think platforms are great fun but when women’s lives (and ankles) are at risk or they walk funny, then what’s the point?

Bewildered

Beehive Hairdo: I have often wondered if this style would ever make a comeback.  Well, it has and not only that but it has incorporated a twist that makes it even a little more eeeuw! – Imagine a “grunge beehive” and the image that brings up.  I’m sure a beehive hairdo can be done tastefully especially if it’s just for an evening out (although I still can’t imagine it’s good for your hair!) but when you add the grunge factor I think all hope is lost.

Mustard Hues: I thought yellow was challenging when that was all the rage for a few seasons but now they are taking it one step further from wearability – mustard!  Sure, there are a few people who look good in it but whereas at least bright yellow looks lively and fun, mustard just looks blah and a tad sickly on someone whose skin tone can’t handle it.  Unless you’re sure, skip it!

The Denim Shirt: Denim never seems to go out of style and that’s fine.  Now that we have a little stretch in denim I have my fair share.  But, when it comes to jean shirts and dresses, beware.  Most of them are made from a soft, lighter colored denim.  Unless you are sure this is a great color for you, I would walk on by.  Also, in most cases, it has a super casual, slightly rustic feel to it, so if that doesn’t fit with who you are or how you want to express your style, again, leave it on the racks.

The shopping season is in full swing and there is a lot to celebrate out there, and, as always, the styles will shift and evolve as the season moves along. Right now, for instance, there are not many jackets for women to wear to work (although there are plenty of suits), while there are lots of long cardigan sweaters.  They can be great for business casual but it’s nice to have the option of a fabulous jacket or two…I suspect we’ll see more of those in the next month.

Have fun exploring.  You’ll see lace, peplums and polka dots throughout the season as well – all fun trends for the right person.  If shopping sometimes feels overwhelming, take this guide with you for a little moral support!

Plan to shop now and again in October, and you’ll round out your wardrobe for the approaching winter.  Mostly, have fun and listen to your inner voice as it guides you to styles that look and feel fabulous!

I have purchased very few new clothes for my own wardrobe this season, but I have added countless scarves and am having a blast with them.  In fact, I’m wearing a cozy one now as I write this.

What I have noticed, however, is that most women own scarves and yet they often sit in their drawer unworn because they don’t know if they look good, are always fussing with them, or are unsure how to wear them.  Sound familiar?

Here are 5 guidelines for choosing a fabulous scarf.  Be sure:

1. The predominant color in the scarf is one of your best.  (Hint: sometimes you have to fold it up and tie it before you can really tell which colors are most noticeable.)
2. The pattern reflects your personality (e.g., if you are a gentle, quietly engaging person wearing a bright bold print will overwhelm you).
3. The contrast of colors relates to your natural contrast.  In other words, if you have blonde hair, soft blue eyes, and fair skin then black and white (the highest contrast possible) print is going to be too much because your natural coloring is all light and low contrast.  Whereas if you have dark hair, dark eyes and light skin, the high contrast will be lovely with your natural coloring (or if your hair, skin and eyes are all dark but the whites of your eyes are very white, you also will look good in high contrast coloring.)
4. The size and shape of the scarf is very versatile and useful.  My favorite shape is a long narrow scarf.  It is usually less bulky (unless the fabric itself is bulky), and there are many more ways you can tie it.
5. You love it!  Because accessories are meant to enhance with their beauty they draw a lot of attention to them.  If you are going to wear something that people notice, be sure you are delighted to wear it!

Accessories of all kinds are the easiest, quickest, and most fun way to do a quick image makeover.  Use these guidelines to sort through your current scarf wardrobe – keep only the ones that meet all of those criteria and donate or give away the ones that do not.  So, are scarves a key part of your wardrobe this season?  What do you love about them?