So, it's Wednesday.

So, I have completed all the loose ends and tied all the pretty bows and it's time to do this.  I will make this blog post the first tweet on my twitter page and get things started.  To launch this new business I am so excited about. 

What a perfect time to begin this new venture.  I love clothes and all things fashion.  What I love even more is knowing each of us has within our own style that makes us unique.  Living in the Midwest and in my, dare I say it, middle-age I still want to be fashionable.  I don't want to spend a fortune and I don't ever want the word frumpy to be associated with my appearance.  I love being able to go to my own closet and reinvent a piece of clothing I already own- wear it in way I haven't worn it before.  However, there are also times when I need to take everything out of the closet - sort it all- toss some of it - donate some of it- consign some of it ...oh my gosh!! it feels so much better when I am done.  I want to carry this same passion and help other people do the same thing.  Whether it be refresh the closet for the new season or reinvent it from scratch,  I want to help with that.  I believe we should each celebrate our own style...sometimes we just need help finding it. 

Seasons change, rules change??

So here in West Michigan the seasons are changing.  One day it's 80 degrees, then 50 degrees the next.  I know...there are many bigger world issues out there, but in the meantime...what should you be wearing?  I will admit it - I am a bit of a "rule girl".   This is true whether we are talking about traffic laws or fashion laws.  I believe there are some tried and true fashion rules that we should all follow.   You can still express your own sense of style without any style offenses. 

 I have just a few rules that if I were Chief of the Fashion Police I would issue tickets to offenders for.  My top three are so fitting for this time of year so I thought I would share.

3.  Dress in fabrics that match the season.  What? you may be saying.  What I mean is - for example - now that we are here at the very end of September put the linen away.  The same with cotton sundresses worn without a jacket or cardigan.  It would probably be a good idea to store the flip flops now as well.  Pull your cardigans, fall jackets, and some sweaters out now.  The best sweaters for now are cotton or some cotton blend.  I personally would hold off on wool for a little while longer.  For dresses - tights are great now.  Layer a short-sleeve dress with a cardigan or a jean jacket now.  "I am not ready to put away my denim capris" you say.  Okay, wear your capris but wear them with some cute boots I offer.   Layering in general is key now.  The mornings and evenings are especially cool and the days may still warm up a bit.  Layers are great for helping you adjust to the temperature changes that can happen during the day.  Your may start out with khakis, a short-sleeve tshirt, scarf and a jean jacket.  If it starts to warm up you can adjust your layers as necessary.  By doing this you remain "in the season" but comfortable too.

2.  Please - I know there will be a reaction to this - but I am "old school" on white.  I believe no white after Labor Day. I speak only of white bottoms here.  My close friends will also tell you I don't believe in white pants anyway, but especially after Labor Day - please refrain.  If you must wear white bottoms, switch to a cream or ivory or perhaps winter white.  (if you must).  White tshirts, long-sleeve tshirts, blouses, all that, sure go ahead but please, no on the bottoms. 

1.  Okay - I didn't  think I would EVER have to say this but now I see I have to - LEGGINGS are not - nor will they ever be - PANTS.  LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS. Nowhere. Ever. NEVER.  For any girl or woman.  Let's all come together in this and help a sister out if you see this.  Leggings are for working out or for layering under a dress, a tunic, a LONG sweater.  There is no good look that involves leggings and a shirt, period.  That is all to be said about leggings.

So let's enjoy the fall. (my favorite season by the way).  You can still express your own style in the midst of the season change while still looking great.  

The Lucky 7

As we near the change of seasons here in Michigan it's a great time to take a look at the "basics"  that every woman should have in her wardrobe.  I know there are a million lists out there from top 10's to even your top 100 but I've narrowed it down to the Lucky 7. 

Here they are in no particular order:  (except for number 1 and number 1 is MUST)

1)  A great fitting bra -  Every woman needs a properly fitted bra and the right size and proper fit in all undergarments.  PLEASE, if you have never done a bra fitting with a professional, or it's been awhile, you owe it yourself to do this.  You may have a great local women's lingerie store that provides bra fitting for you.  If not, I think the Soma stores do a great job with this. 

2)  A long-sleeve white blouse - similar to a great pair of jeans, a white blouse is something you should be willing to spend a little more money on in order to get quality.  For ease of wear and your time, the blouse should also be wrinkle-resistant.  Eddie Bauer, JCrew, Banana Republic, Gap - these are all great places to find just the right style and cut. 

3)  A pair of jeans you love and feel great wearing - if you don't wear jeans - then this could be whatever you favorite basic bottom piece is.  (but really, are you sure you don't want to try?)  Again, this is something you may need to spend more cash on than you normally do for other things in your wardrobe.  (see my mom jeans post for more details ) 

4)  A simple black skirt - whether a pencil skirt or maybe an A-line, a black skirt is a necessary in the 7.  Black skirts can be paired with a tshirt for a more casual look or a white blouse and the right accessories to dress it up.  It's another staple you will wear forever.

5)  LBD - (LIttle Black Dress - but then you probably knew that) - this is a seasonless, timeless wardrobe must have.  Similar to jeans, find the style and cut that is best for you - it will be a "go to" piece in your forever closet.

6)  A good quality cardigan - A cardigan sweater is another timeless piece of the lucky 7.  It can easily be worn in place of a jacket and if a neutral color such as black or camel is chosen, can be worn with almost anything. 

7)  Great fitting - Good quality layering pieces - this includes camis, tanks, long-sleeve tshirts, and  short-sleeve tshirts.  For the best fit and wear, choose a t-shirt with a blend of cotton and just a little stretch (spandex).  Think wear with anything neutral colors such as black, white, cream, and navy.  I always have black and white of both in my closet.  

So, if you have the Lucky 7 in your closet already it's to check them to be sure they are ready for another season.  Check whites to be sure they are sparkling white, even under the arms (yes, I went there). Check the blacks - are they still true black or have they turned a lovely off-black shade?  Are your knits all free from those annoying pills?  You know what I am asking.  If you need to update on your basics or fill your Lucky 7 it's time to go shopping!  Some of my favs for basics:  Gap, Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, and Nordstrom.  Since these are basics you can probably shop just as easy online as well as in the store.  Either way, have fun! 

Jeans, NOT mom jeans

It’s almost fall.  Fall always seems to make me want to shop for a new pair of jeans.  Stylish, great fitting jeans – not MOM jeans !

Okay, let me start with this.  We all need THAT one great pair of jeans.  By great I mean the fit is great, they look great, and most important they make you feel great.  You know what I mean – great in the sense you could conquer anything when you wear them.  Great in the sense you want to run in to someone from high school so they can see how great you look – yeah – great like that.  I believe there is a pair of these great jeans for everyone, regardless of your budget or your age.  Whether 26 or 56 you CAN find that pair of jeans.  Now, having said all that, let me say this.  Please, under no circumstances, regardless of your age should you ever, ever, ever own Mom jeans.  No matter the day, your mood, your budget should you every have these in your wardrobe.  IF you suspect you may already have them in your wardrobe, please get them to a donation site immediately.  I don't think I need to define mom jeans because we all know what they look like.  Some trend setters say these jeans are back in style as is evident in this new offering ...

                                                                        Current style of Mom Jeans

 Everyone has their own style and you should remember yours when you are choosing your favorite pair of jeans.  Regardless of where you shop here are some great tips to get you started:

1.  Size doesn’t matter.  Really, it doesn’t.  All brands fit different.  Know that going in the store, and don’t get hung up on the number.

2. Take 3 sizes when you go to the fitting room.  The size you think you wear, and then one size up and one size down.  Trust me.  You will thank me later.

3. Don’t be afraid of alterations.  For example, if you are curvy and you have a smaller waist and fuller hips- fit your hips first which will require you to alter the waist.  That’s OKAY!  Altering a hem may also be required.  Don’t forget, wash your jeans before you take them to be altered. 

4. Wear the shoes you will be wearing most with the jeans so you get the true fit before you leave the store.

5. You must go on this "expedition" to the stores rather than online shopping for this one.  Once you discover a brand and style and size that work for you, it would be possible to try online shopping for them in the future. 

I have a couple of favorites that work well for me.  My favorite brand, the one I can now buy online or in a store without trying on, is Kut from the Kloth.  Most of their styles typically have just the right amount of stretch and most offer a great variety in color and fit.  I can easily find these at Nordstrom.com if I am online shopping, or Nordstrom rack.  Another of my favorites is Gap jeans.  They offer so many varieties in color, fit, style, length, etc.  you cannot miss here.  Both of the brands I have mentioned will not blow your budget either since all that I have found are available for under $100.  I have put together a set of my faves you can view by clicking through here pgeers.polyvore.com in the set jeans not mom jeans. 

It's almost fall and almost time for a new pair of great jeans.  Good luck finding just the right style of great jeans for you.