Katherine McDonald, the owner and designer of local fashion label LulaKate, decided to premiere her fall collection in a recession-conscious style. She will be hosting a trunk show and donating 25% of the revenue to Dress For Success of Charleston. DFS is an organization that provides disadvantaged women with the wardrobe and skills needed to acquire a job. The event is happening Wednesday, October 29, from 5:00-8:00pm in LulaKate’s flagship boutique at 324 King Street.
McDonald hopes the evening will live up to the label’s “Fabulous, Fun and Flirty” motto. In addition to the exclusive first look at LulaKate’s latest collection, the event will feature style tips from Lee Heyward of Charleston Style Concierge, champagne, and dessert. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet some of the inspiring women who have changed their lives with the help of DFS. The glamorous evening is designed to encourage longtime customers and newcomers alike to grab a friend and head to LulaKate for a new wardrobe and a great cause.
This past weekend, I flew to Kentucky for a dear friend’s wedding. I enjoy traveling and especially like the time it affords me to sit and people watch. Airports offer some of the best and most diverse people watching. I saw some interesting style choices and spent some time wondering how some of my fellow passengers would fair running for their gate in their ridiculously high heels. In my experience I have found that traveling guarantees a few things. You need some sort of shoe that you can walk in, sometimes run in, and can be removed easily at security, layered clothing that combats the often frigid air temperatures of the plane, and a great outfit that provides comfort and style throughout your journey. There are three essential wardrobe pieces that can comfortably get you to your destination in style.
Trench Coat A great structured jacket, like a trench coat will always give you a put together look. It looks great over anything, covers wrinkles or stains you may have acquired along the way, and can act as a pillow, a blanket, or a layer of warmth. No matter the climate you live in or plan to visit, there is a trench coat that can be a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Pashmina/Wrap Pashminas come in a million colors and fabrics. They are handy for travel because they can serve as a blanket or a pillow during travel and function as a stylish wrap on a chilly night during your vacation. You can also use them to wrap breakable souvenirs on your return trip.
Stylish & Comfortable Shoes Give your feet a break and choose shoes that provide comfort and style for your travel. Your shoes should be able to be removed and put back on easily at security and shouldn’t hinder an emergency sprint to your gate.
For more travel tips or help with packing the right wardrobe on your next journey contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
Fall is here so its time to edit your closet and properly care for summer garments leaving your wardrobe rotation. You can protect your clothing investment just by taking the time to properly care for them as you switch to a new season. Fabrics are delicate and can change or deteriorate depending on how they are stored. You have worked hard to create a versatile and fabulous wardrobe, so take the time to read these steps on how to prolong the life of your clothing.
Launder or dry clean items being put away until next season. You will avoid stains that set into your clothes. Many stains like perspiration, clear beverages, and perfume are almost invisible but can be a detriment to your clothing because they attract bugs like moths and carpet beetles.
Store your clothing in cloth garment bags. Cloth garment bags allow clothing to breathe, contrary to their plastic counter parts. Remove plastic bags placed on clothing from the dry cleaners. Gases from decomposing plastic can be absorbed by your clothing causing it to yellow.
Opt for cedar instead of mothballs. Mothballs are toxic and smell terrible. The smell is very difficult to get out of clothing. Opt for cedar which repels moths with its scent. Replace cedar every year because it loses its scent.
Keep clothing out of humid environments. Clothes should be stored in a cool and dry environment. Humidity leads to mildew on fabric which is difficult to fully remove.
Empty your pockets. Check your pockets before putting clothing away for a season. You will remove any potential hazardous items and may even find that key you’ve been looking for.
For more tips on how to edit your closet or to learn more about prolonging the life of your clothes contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
1. Dark Denim Jean
Why? Dark Denim can be dressed up for an evening out or dressed down for a casual Saturday.
2. Black Trouser
Why? A great black pant can take you from the office to cocktails.
3. White Button Down Shirt
Why? This classic staple suits your professional and casual style with a very chic look.
4. Structured Skirt in Neutral Color
Example: Black Pencil Skirt
Why? Use this skirt for a power meeting, a hot date, or a casual brunch.
5. Structured Jacket in Neutral Color
Why? Structured Jackets make any outfit look more put together.
6. Camisoles for Layering
Why? White, black, and a few colored camisoles can make a revealing shirt office appropriate or add a pop of color for a more interesting outfit.
7. Tops with Color & Pattern
Why? Add fun and interest to your wardrobe with color and pattern that suits your personal style.
8. Wrap Dress
Why? This universally flattering dress can be dressed up with heels or dressed down with flats.
9. Neutral Leather Handbag
Why? Pull together your outfit with a great handbag large enough to carry your daily essentials but chic enough to take your from work to cocktails.
10. An Unexpected Accessory
Why? Have a little fun with a pop of color from a red shoe, a patent leather belt, or whatever accessory speaks to your personal style.
It is difficult to get inspired by Fall’s great fashion with temperatures still hitting 90 degrees in the middle of September. For those of us in warmer climates, fall fashion means thinking outside the box. There are some easy ways to participate in the excitement of fall fashion while accepting the reality of the climate you live in.
The easiest way to welcome fall into a scorching climate is to play with color. Participate in a fall color trend. This season you will find beautiful fall color palettes with many colors to suit your personal style. Choose from subtle autumn hues and vibrant jewel tones. Pair these colors with muted neutrals like chocolate brown or shitake gray.
Change the look of your dresses. Trade in your sundress for a sophisticated wrap dress in a rich color or pattern. While the weather is still warm wear it with flats, as it gets cooler, add boots and a structured jacket for a new look. Change the look of your classic summer dress with a sweater or tights. Wear the dress with tights and heels, or layer with a sweater to turn the dress into a skirt.
Make a statement with bold accessories in rich fall colors. Give your boring black and brown handbags a rest. A rich jewel tone bag makes a statement while acting as a go to neutral. Upgrade your flip flops for sassy flats and comfy heels. This season the low-heeled shoe is both comfortable and chic.
For more ways to find great fall style contact Charleston Style Concierge. Let us help you with all of your style needs.
Jewel Tone Color Palette:
Ever feel guilty about buying another pair of shoes? Not anymore! Owning a lot of shoes in differing styles and heel heights is good for your health and style. Marlene Reid, a podiatrist in Westmont, Illinois, and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, justifies your shoe fetish in an article from Real Simple magazine.
The Podiatrist Says:
· Size yourself up. Have your feet measured every few years — especially after a pregnancy or if your weight has changed. “Don’t just routinely buy the size you’ve always worn,” says Reid, because wearing shoes that are too small can exacerbate foot problems, like bunions, corns, and hammertoes.
· Change your shoes. You shouldn’t wear the same heel height every day. “Even half an inch of difference changes the pressure on the foot and stretches out the Achilles,” says Reid. Take that as a good excuse to buy those cute flats or kitten heels.
· Banish bare feet. When you go barefoot or wear shoes that have no arch support or motion control (like flip-flops), the plantar fasciae, the connective tissue that runs under the feet to the heels, can get overworked. The result is often heel pain.
Get more great tips from medical specialists from Real Simple. For more information on great shoes for your personal style contact Charleston Style Concierge.
No, a closet edit is the foundation to great style and serves as an educational tool. The fact that your closet is neat and tidy when you finish is an extra bonus. Editing your closet regularly is the key component to making your clothing function for you and your lifestyle. You should edit your closet on a seasonal basis. By working seasonally, you will find items you forgot you had, think of new ways to wear what you already own, and keep your closet neat and organized.
A closet edit can be done on your own, or with a professional. A professional stylist will help you learn the best way to dress your body and is instrumental in making you feel put together and confident every time you walk out the door. No matter if you are doing an edit on your own or with a stylist here are a few tips to get the greatest benefit out of your closet.
FACT: We wear 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time.
That fact makes it clear why so many of us stand in their closet staring at a sea of clothes wondering why they have nothing to wear. You do not have to be part of that fact. Set a goal to develop a wardrobe that meets your style goals and functions for you.
Ask yourself a few questions about your lifestyle. On a typical day, where are you going? What are you doing? What percentage of time is spent doing those things? Which of those activities cause you the most stress while getting dressed? Your answers will uncover your wardrobe needs and challenges. For instance, if the largest percentage of your time is spent in a jean-free workplace, do you really need 50 pairs of jeans?
Begin by focusing on one category within your wardrobe. I typically recommend pants or bottoms to my clients because most people have fewer bottoms than tops. Bottoms are important basics that will be used over and over to make different outfits. Start wherever you like and examine each piece of clothing. Does it fit? Don’t know? Try it on. Have you worn it recently? Does it fit with the categories you determined for your lifestyle? Does it meet your style goals? I realize this is a lot of questions to ask about one little piece of clothing, but it is necessary to create a fashionable wardrobe that functions for you.
As you work through your wardrobe create three piles; give-away, throw-away, and to be repaired. Make notes as you edit your closet to help you determine where you may have wardrobe holes, and what pieces you may be missing to complete your style goals. Continue working through your entire closet until you have given each piece proper attention and put it back into the closet in an orderly fashion.
Now sit back and reap the rewards of a job well done. Getting dressed is now easier because you know what you have, where it is, and how it fits. Take your closet edit notes with you on your next shopping trip. Use those notes to make smart shopping choices that can be incorporated into your existing wardrobe and lifestyle.
Find a time to edit your closet. Be honest, be creative with new outfits, and have fun! For more information about editing your closet, or to learn more about hiring a professional to assist you, contact the Charleston Style Concierge.
Fall is right around the corner and all of the fashion mags are full of great fall styles and trends. This weekend as I flipped through one of my favorite fashion mags I was struck by an article called “Fall Trends to Try.” I turned the pages with excitement and anticipation of all the great new things in store for fall. My excitement dwindled as I turned to a page that said “Try Pleated Pants.” For the record I will say that pleated pants have their place in the fashion world, but for most of us everyday fashionistas pleated pants are a trend we don’t need to try.
At least once a week during a closet edit I explain to clients why the pleated pant does not work for their body shape. Most pleated pants are accompanied by a tapered leg, which is even worse, but I digress. Pleats add fullness and volume to the front of a pant, therefore adding fullness and volume to you! Don’t be fooled by the pleated pant as a cover up for a mid-section you want to hide. Remember that pleats will just draw attention to the spot you want to camouflage.
This season stand strong against the allure of the pleated pant trend. Pick trends that compliment your personal style and can be incorporated into the wardrobe you already own.
For more information on how to incorporate seasonal trends into your wardrobe contact the Charleston Style Concierge or sign up for our free monthly ezine for more style tips and tricks.
It is possible to feel stylish and comfortable. Use these tips to create a style you are comfortable in.
1. Ask yourself why you are unhappy with the way you look? How does your look make you feel? There is a way to counteract those negative feelings with clothing, while being comfortable and staying true to who you are.
2. If you feel unattractive, you are focusing on the wrong things. Find the parts of your body that you like (If you can’t find them, ask a friend) and learn how to accentuate them.
3. Make an effort to learn about your body type. We are all different shapes and sizes, which means we will not all fit into the same pair of pants. Learn about fits and designers that work best for you.
4. If comfort is key, be realistic about your lifestyle when making clothing choices. If you are on your feet all day wear a fashionable flat or kitten heel. Save your amazing new platform pumps for a dinner that includes valet.
5. Clothing effects the way you feel about yourself and changes the way you are perceived by others. With that in mind, only buy clothing you love.
Want to learn more about merging style and comfort? Contact Charleston Style to learn more about our services. www.charlestonstyleconcierge.com
5 Tips & Tricks About Bras
1. Give your bra a rest. Wearing your bra more than two days in a row wears out the support elastic. A day of rest will give it a chance to recover its memory.
2. When you purchase your bra it should fit snuggly on the loosest hook. As the bra ages you can tighten it using the remaining hooks to maintain the original fit.
3. Get fitted at least once a year. Breast size fluctuates due to many factors like age, weight gain/loss, and pregnancy.
4. Try your bras on before you purchase them. Bras are like clothing, every brand will fit a little differently.
5. Quality vs. quantity pays off.
New Bra, Now What?
Now that you have a new bra, use your clothing to accentuate your chest in the most flattering way.
1. If you have a large chest use a v-neck to visually separate “the girls,” making you appear slimmer.
2. Halter tops are a small chest’s best friend. The angle of the halter flatters a small chest and gives you an opportunity to show off sexy shoulders.
3. Just say no to thick stripes and ribbing across your chest. A large chest makes the stripes and ribbing look more like ocean waves.
4. Choose clothing that conceals your bra straps.
5. Use fitted jackets to create and show off a waistline giving you a defined hourglass shape.
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