Friday Find: Strut around in these

Happy Friday! For this Friday Find, I’m sharing a pair of strutting-around-town booties with ya. Jeffery Campbell Truly Boot (via nastygal.com) Why these are perfect: They are 30% off right now (marked down to $120 US) with lots of sizes still available. Go get them! The sturdy, stacked heel make these booties perfect for walking around town without hurting your tootsies. You can wear these with anything – a dress and oversized caridgan or sleek skinny jeans and blazer. You’ll stretch your hard earned dollars with these pretties. The heel is tan and the bootie is black. I know this causes heartburn for some of you but, actually, this bootie will pair well with many outfits in your wardrobe. Just try it. Ok, go get them.

Friday Find: Belt it

I recently worked with a fabulous client, Amy. She has a great eye for style and fashion but wanted some help in understanding the shapes and cuts that are best for her. I found this amazing dress in Amy’s closet but noticed that she paired it with a belt that just didn’t do justice to her lovely shape. Take a look: Now I know some of you look at this and are thinking “but that looks ok”. Yes, it looks ok but it’s not awesome.  Here’s why: The belt is too thick for her short torso.  It cuts her body in the wrong place. Amy has a bigger bustline.  Because the size of the belt takes up so much of her torso, all you are really looking at is her chest. As Amy and I discussed, it looks like she’s “all boobs”. That’s not what she’s going for. The belt is made with that heavy, unflattering, unforgiving elastic. It’s way too tight on her (and would be tight on most people… I’m not sure who this belt is realy made for).  These belts give you indigestion; they are that tight. Based on Amy’s proportions, I suggested she opt for a skinny belt with this dress instead. Take a look: Now that’s much better. Here’s why: The size and width of the belt is more proportional to her frame. When you look at Amy, your eye is now drawn to the smallest part of her waist rather than her bustline. By the way, Amy had this belt in her closet. She just never wore it because she didn’t know what to wear it with. Now she does. Here’s a better side by side look. Now, back to you.  My style tips for adding skinny belts to your fabulous outfit are: Use a skinny belt to highlight the smallest part of your waist – that’s somewhere between your belly button and chest. You certainly don’t have to spend a fortune on this piece.  A skinny belt is a good accessory to up on fashion trends.  It’s easy – and cheap – to swap them out from season to season. Here are my Friday Finds for you: Vince Camuto- Leo Belt Luv AJ- Ramone Belt Kate Spade- Skinny Bow Belt Happy Friday!

The essential item in your closet: A blazer

I know many of you struggle with how to easily and effortlessly complete an outfit.  When you have no time, no clue, or just don’t care, the easiest thing you can do to finish any look – whether we’re talking work or play – is add a blazer. Here are a few quick things to remember… this applies to both guys and gals. Make sure you choose a blazer that can be worn with many different outfits in your closet.  Think about colour, cut and texture of the blazer so that it can complement outfits in your current wardrobe.  My quick advice is to stay away from black (yawn… boring) unless we’re talking something more formal.  I know you think this is a great option but, honestly, there are so many different blazers out there that are stylish and versatile – especially when thinking about your casual wardrobe.  The goal is to make sure you get the most out of a blazer that you choose. Play up your presonality.  Unless we’re talking a classic work jacket/blazer, I’d suggest looking for interesting details that speak to your tastes.  Perhaps that’s a certain colour, zipper detail, stitching or button style that you like.  There are so many options to make this additional layer something that speaks to your tastes and makes you feel confident and fabulous. Make sure the shoulders of the blazer fits you at your actual shoulder.  If it’s too small or too loose, it’s going to look ridiculous.  If you’re not sure, take the blazer to a tailor to see if minor (or major) alterations are required. When the buttons are closed, make sure there is no pulling (meaning it’s too tight) or that there isn’t too much room (meaning it’s way too big).  You should be able to comfortably put two fingers inside the top button.  Now, you may not wear a blazer closed, especially if you’re choosing to wear it in a casual way, but you should always have the option to do so.  Also, always fit the widest part of you (e.g. shouders, chest, tummy).  This might mean that other parts of this garment will need to be tailored.  Just do it.  It’s totally worth it. Ladies, additional tailoring or slimming through the torso of the blazer is going to give you a more feminine, hourglass shape.  For most female body types, this is going to be extremely flattering.  Remember to look at the length of the torso and make sure this matches up with your actual torso (e.g. if you’ve got a short torso, wearing a blazer that is long through the body is going to overwhelm you and make you look short and stubby). The hem of a blazer is important.  You don’t want something that is either too short or too long.  Fit a blazer to your height and frame.  This is likely going to give you greater success than just thinking solely about what style you like.  For example, if you’re short,