What do you want to add to your seasonal spring wardrobe?  That’s a question we each want to ask ourselves before we head out to see what’s out there.  Otherwise, it can bring on a very severe case of fashion overload, and you run the risk of buying something you’ll never wear or walking out empty handed. I’d like to help you have fun shopping and find styles that make your heart sing (and avoid those that could be costly mistakes). So, without further ado…here is this season’s “Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered” fashion update!

Bewitched

Color: I always like to begin with color since it’s one of the most critical aspects of your wardrobe.  As with the past few springs, the color trend goes in two diametrically opposed directions, i.e., from super bright (even citrus neon!) colors–lots of them and even worn together to white and shades of skin tone.  They are threatening us with a lot of yellow and orange but hopefully they will balance that out with plenty of coral rose (a.k.a., honeysuckle) and teal blue – both very wearable colors.  And, yes, if you are drawn to it, you can wear a skin tone shade as long as it is your skin tone and not your next door neighbor’s or your best friend’s.  Clashing neutrals is not a flattering look. Dresses: Yay for dresses!  They continue to be hot and the selection just keeps growing.  This is all good!  Trench dresses (we knew them as coat dresses in the 1980′s) are in and can be a perfect business look.  Lace dresses are also hot and are generally vintage-inspired with a very romantic feel.  This one is lovely and is shown in one of the soft neutrals (http://bit.ly/h9gfbd). Dress Lengths: This is a category all its own this season.  The ladylike knee length dress is still in (thankfully) and the young women will still wear the mini’s but we’ve had two additions to our choices of dress or skirt lengths.  The midi-skirt which is basically right below the widest part of the calf and floor-sweeping skirts.  Both are tricky.  If you have short legs, wide ankles or are not willing to wear a high heel, skip the midi-skirt or you’ll undoubtedly look frumpy.  The floor sweeping skirt is all about the drama.  The taller you are the better (especially if you plan to wear it with flat sandals) to pull this look off and part of it is attitude.  I don’t think we’ll see everyone standing in line to add these to their wardrobes but on the right woman they can be lovely. Horizontal Stripes: Every spring, or so it seems, the nautical theme is touted as a new trend.  This year, it actually does have a new twist.  We are not just talking about your traditional navy blue and white horizontal stripes.  We are talking about stripes in bold color combinations or paired with black to add new drama.  And, a mix of different stripes worn in the same outfit (don’t try this at home…unless you are sure you can pull it off).  This look will appeal to some and others…not so much! And, if you want to test the waters but don’t want to wear head-to-toe stripes, you can wear your stripes on your feet in the form of strappy, multi-colored sandals. Prints: There was a dearth of patterns this past winter and they are obviously making up for it this season.  Florals of all kinds are here as are stripes and animal prints (although mostly in subtle shades).  Another form of print or design is color-blocking dresses.  (http://bit.ly/g3pXVX) 70′s High-Waisted Bell-Bottom Jeans: Yes, you heard that right.  They are back!  And, to be honest with you, they can be pretty flattering.  I know we’ve gotten into this lower rise thing but, although some women find it very comfortable, it isn’t always the most flattering look.  That said, the high-waisted jeans are not quite as high as they used to be.  Instead, they come to just below the belly button.  They are great for balancing larger hips.  One word of caution: they must be worn very long…almost touching the ground.  Any shorter and it throws off the proportions. The Best Jewelry: Jewelry right now is fun…fun…fun! Long chain necklaces are still in as well as color stretchy bangles, cuffs and tribal influences (http://etsy.me/hAyJdU) Kitten Heel Shoes: For a while women have been complaining that they have to choose either super high platform heels, wedges or flats.  That is all changing (and I have even seen it in the stores with my own eyes), kitten heels are back.  So, you can get that feminine look and feel without the pain of sky high heels. Fun Touches For Everyone:Want to add a touch of fun and flair?  You choose…tassels, fringe, cat eye sunglasses, and studs.  This spring will be anything but boring!

Bothered

Sheer Maxi-Dress: The maxi dress idea is fun and feminine.  The shear part…well, whose dopey idea was that? Belly Bags (a.k.a., Belt Purse): Basically, they are reintroducing the fanny pack but now they are sticking in on our bellies.  A cross body bag works as well and does not look like some weird growth on your body! The Pajama Game:So, we’ve gone from the dreadful pajama bottoms masquerading as daytime wear to the equivalent of nightgowns worn in public.  Yuck!  What’s with that trend?

Bewildered

Tail-Hem Dresses: This style has never been my favorite (I think it is often unflattering and can even look messy) but you’ll see it this season – although I doubt it will a huge hit (except among the young (maybe in a prom dress?) who can probably make it look adorable?).  I have seen it on some of the trendy super young celebrities and the front of the skirt is worn very short and the bad really looks like a wide tail.  Cute on them…everyone else, stay clear! Flatform Shoes: No, that is not a typo.  The platform is everywhere and this season it has even taken over the flat shoe scene.  (The good news is that even though they are telling us these shoes are trendy, we are not seeing many anywhere in the stores or on-line…yet!) The one thing you can say about fashion is it is never boring and this spring is a perfect example of that.  As always, I caution you against buying too much and especially too much of something that could be a fleeting trend. Have fun, buy what delights your heart and wear it so much that by September it is worn out!  I encourage you even more than usual towards that trend this season since who knows how long color blocking, flatform shoes and bell-bottoms will hang around.  Have fun while they are here.  Choose the styles that you adore and have a bright, cheerful and warm (yay!) spring!

How often do you shop for clothes or accessories online?

When you do, do you LOVE what you get?  Hmmm…that’s what I thought…sometimes you do and sometimes you don’t.

When you shop on-line you have the entire world of fashion at your fingertips…or so it seems.  Of course, this can be a blessing or a curse.  It can leave you delighted by all the options or totally paralyzed with indecision.

Chances are good, however, that if you are reading this, you spend most of your online shopping dollars at resources that you have found to be tried and true.  And, chances are good you are feeling somewhat uninspired by your purchases.  Right?

You might know (from a previous blog post) that I have mixed feelings about on-line shopping.  Yes, it can make life so easy (at least up front), but it can also complicate things unmercifully when what you get doesn’t live up to your expectations.  Returns, exchanges, frustration and despair can ensue.  Not to mention that it can get costly and your closet can end up looking like a strange confusion of styles that doesn’t make any sense together or it can feel like a collection of blah “basics” – neither is quite what most women are looking to create.

So, yes, I still advocate finding designers you love and frequenting their on-line stores.  These stores and designers are smart.  They make it easy for you to come back time and time again.  You generally know what size you wear and what to expect from their clothes or accessories.  That’s all good.

If, however, you find yourself longing for something different, for a little extra pizzazz in your wardrobe, maybe a view of what else is available in the world of fashion, or perhaps a shot at finding your favorite designer for less, then I’d like to suggest a few places to explore.

Let me give you an example. I’m a huge fan of Not Your Daughter’s Jeans – I own them in 4 colors!  Recently, on one of these on-line shops they featured NYDJ’s at more than half off the full price.  Wow!  A variety of styles and colors – something for nearly every NYDJ’s fan.

Just a little note: the sites that offer great savings also often sell out pretty fast.  It’s definitely worth taking a quick peek when the announcement comes in so you can see if there is something that interests you and get to it before it’s gone.

Some of these sites offer sought after brands at private sale prices and others offer a vast selection of designer brands (not always at discounted prices) you can’t find other places, so they serve two different purposes.

On-line Shopping Resources

Example of pretty dress at Ideeli

www.ideeli.com/invite/GingerBurr - This is a free “member-site” so you do have to sign up (by invitation from a friend) and then you are notified of daily sales on designer brands at up to 80% off.  Amazing deals!
www.tinyurl.com/BeyondTheRack-Ginger - Beyond the Rack is a private shopping club for women and men who want designer brand apparel and accessories at prices up to 70% off retail.  Membership is free, but like Ideeli you must be invited by a friend such as the link above.

www.ruelala.com/invite/gburr446 - Each day at 11 am they introduce new selections of sales (again, big sales of usually around 50%) that will last for 2 days (or until they sell out).  Their notifications are clear, and so it’s easy to see if there’s something you want to take a closer look at.

A beautiful clutch that also empowers women (at Purecitizen)

www.tinyurl.com/purecitizen-ginger - This is a very special site that works similarly to the others above but with a twist – they feature ethical fashion, organic beauty, fair trade home, independent artists and designers, and more…Each sale lasts 72 hours and products are marked down 30-90%!  And, each sale benefits a non-profit.

www.shopittome.com - Eco-friendly and vegan options are easy to follow on Shop It To Me.  You get to choose the brands you follow and you will be notified as often as you’d like when they go on sale!  Wow!

beta.swirl.com/invite/GingerBurr – Swirl is an online sample sale site created in partnership with DailyCandy. What this means for you: clothing and accessories from the world’s best designers, from up-and-coming buzzmakers to our favorite established brands, at up to 80% off.

Stunning Stella McCartney shoes at Bluefly

www.bluefly.com – A longtime online retailer (with a great search option)) — they offer the fashions at 20-75% off and if you sign up for their email alerts you will receive a $10 discount on your first order.

www.yoox.com – Similar to Bluefly, they have been around for a long time (since 2000) and boast a collection of fashions that are hard to find other places.  Plus, these are not on a time limit like some of the other sites (nor do they offer the significant savings the other sites do).  They do, however, have a great search option so you can refine what you are looking for and are not restricted to just what is on sale that day.

http://www.shopbop.com/welcome?invitation_code=4242224QBCYShopbop tends to be a bit trendy but has tons of fashions to choose from, and they offer free shipping and free returns (that’s big!).

And, as an added bonus, with some of these sites you will receive a credit (usually $10-$25) when you refer a friend to one of these sites (as I am doing), and she makes her first purchase.

Here’s the bottom line: Looking doesn’t cost you anything and, as a result, you just might find a fresh, fabulous resource and take your wardrobe and personal style on a new adventure!  Each site offers new fashions and possibilities that you might not even know exist otherwise.  Sure, most of what you’ll see you’ll pass by, but if you discover that one great “find” that delights your senses and makes you happy to wear it, it’s worth it!

Do you have a favorite, unusual on-line shopping resource?  Please let us know!

What happens when you open your makeup bag every morning?  Do you think to yourself, “Yay, this is fun!” or do you think, “Why can’t I get it to look like the pictures in the magazine?”

One other thing…have you ever noticed that 99% of the makeup directions out there are given on women under 25 years old.  What’s that about?

Makeup does not look the same on mature skin and so many of those tips are useless.

While there is not a one-size-fits-all makeup application, there are a few techniques that can make a big difference when it comes to creating a finished look you like.

And, please, be kind to yourself.  If you are 40, 50 or 60, and especially if you have not had any cosmetic surgery, do not compare yourself to someone 20. It’s a whole different ballgame but that’s not to say you can’t look equally as amazing!

Here are three steps that make a difference:

1. Concealer is Your Friend. As we age the center of the face (inner part of the eyes (near the bridge of your nose), under your eyes, along the nostrils and the lines down to the mouth) can begin to get a tad dark and shadowy.  If you lighten up that part of your face, you feel instantly lighter, brighter and more youthful.  Use a good concealer in that area before applying your foundation.
   
   Hint: Apply a tiny bit of translucent powder over the concealer to set it.
2. Maintain Your Eyebrows.Our eyebrows are one part of our face that we tend to neglect or just plain ignore.  As we get older they often become a bit more sparse or short.  Using a powder or pencil (I’m a fan of powder because it tends to look very natural and is easy to apply) in a tone that complements your hair and skintone will make a huge difference.Unless you are super handy with the tweezers, have your brows professionally shaped.  The difference will surprise and delight you!
   
   Hint: If, up until now, you have done very little to your brows, allow a little time for adjustment.  Changing them can be a bit disconcerting but commit to stick with the change for at least a week.  By then, it will most likely feel just right.
   
   
3. Line & Define. Want to draw focus to your eyes?  You can skip the eyeshadow but always apply eyeliner.  And, here’s the clincher…I know it’s harder to do, but you must apply it to the top lid.  Lining the bottom lashline is optional (and it often depends on factors like under eye circles, the size of your eye, how comfortable you are with a little extra makeup, etc.).  Never, I repeat, never, line only the bottom lash line.  With rare exceptions, this will just make your eyes look bottom heavy rather than give a lift to your face and draw focus to the beauty of your eye color (which is the ultimate goal of eyeliner, of course).
   
   Hint: Powder liner is generally the most natural looking (and easiest to learn to apply) but if you are handy with an eyeliner pencil (natural colors only, please) then go for it.  And, liquid liner often looks hard and overpowering, so I recommend avoiding it!

Do You Want a Fashion Fairy Godmother BUT You’re Confused?

Okay, I’ve been hearing that some of you are confused about the Fashion Fairy Godmother program and how it works. You think you might be interested but you’re not sure because you don’t understand it. I’ve heard:

1. I think it’s too time consuming.
2. I need you to SEE outfits that are frustrating me – how can we do that virtually?
3. Will I learn everything I need to know to do everything on my own to create a great wardrobe by the end?
4. Is this the best way for me to spend the money to get the results I want?*

So, if the Fashion Fairy Godmother program intrigues you at all but you’re not sure if it’s right for you, keep reading. I’ll address all of these questions so you’ll know whether to skip it or realize it’s perfect for what you are looking for. Continue reading…

What are your clothes saying?  Is cruelty-free one of them?  If not, it’s easier than you think.  Learn more here: http://www.totalimageconsultants.com/resources/vegan

This past year, countless clients have told me that they are back on the dating scene. Some admit this with trepidation and a big sigh and others are excited by the possibilities but also wonder how to make it fun and fulfilling. (We’ve all heard dating horror stories, and no one wants to be on the receiving end of one of those dates!)

That’s why I have teamed up with three remarkable women to present a half day workshop on “How to Succeed in Dating – a workshop to uncover your best self” on January 9 in North Andover, MA.

Topics include:

• § -How to write the perfect profile
• § -How to have successful relationships with men*
• § -How to charm your way to love and relationship
• § -How to dress for a date without ransacking your closet

This experiential workshop, offered by four leading experts in the fields of relationship and dating, will send you home with the power tools you need to manifest the relationship of your dreams. What a great way to begin the new year!

Please join us for an event that will be fun and eye-opening. For more information and to register, go here: http://www.theheartmatters.com/succeed-in-dating.htm

*I was invited to join this group of presenters and just want to clarify one thing. Although one woman’s area of expertise is “men,” all the other presentations are relevant to everyone – whether you date men, women or both – everyone is welcome.

Make sure they enhance (not overwhelm) you.  (If you’re not sure, close your eyes and then open them again.  What do you see first?  You or the scarf?  Hint: if it isn’t you, give the scarf away!)

Choose clothing (or tailor it) to fit you properly.  Nothing too clingy or baggy – both visually add pounds!