BE UNIQUE: BE YOURSELF!

Be Unique: Be Yourself!

I notice that when I meet new people and when they find out my line of work...they panic. They become intimidated, I can see concern on their face. They check out their clothing and often apologize for what they're wearing. Why are people so insecure?  I do not work 24/7, I work when people hire me.Oscar Wilde said: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken." I would say: “Love yourself, everyone else is taken”.In order to be yourself, you have to take risks and accept that you are not perfect. First of all, to have an unique style and personality is important and attractive. Diversity is a lot more exhilarating than conformism, which is awfully boring.What if you were just yourself?

Create your own image:

• Find a level of consistency that suits YOU. Be consistent in you daily routine for better results i.e. skin care, makeup, grooming.

• Do not follow a trend simply because it’s in style.

• Learn what fits you. Know you body proportions, your best features and how to enhance them.

• Others are not interested in ‘déjà vu’, be creative.

• Do things differently, we all have a different personality and a different lifestyle, your clothes should reflect just that.

• Your image is your first form of communication.

Fashion designers who have created a unique look for themselves: Karl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren do not follow the fashion trends. Can we consider them as models of elegance? Yes indeed.To follow the crowd may be ok for most people, but if you want to be respected and listened to, follow your ideals, be yourself.

“Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else” – Judy Garland.

My current business look

My current business look by michele-i featuring a pencil skirt

Silk blouse
$580 - veryeickhoff.com

Valentino pencil skirt
$650 - farfetch.com

Prada narrow shoes
yoox.com

Giorgio Armani shoulder handbag
luisaviaroma.com

Lisa Freede bracelet
intermixonline.com

Pippa Small earrings
$5,180 - net-a-porter.com

Stila eyeshadow
stilacosmetics.com

Chloé fragrance
$69 - pret-a-beaute.com

Buy Charbonnel et Walker Champagne truffles (135g) and other Chocolate...
$15 - chocolatetradingco.com

The Best Top of the Season -- The Blouse

Surprise! The very ladylike blouse has floated back onto the runways and designers have finally made it super feminine.

This time round, it runs the whole gamut: it is filmy, puffy, floral, colorful, and transparent. It comes in classic plain white cotton and soft or sheer voile. I like it in all these versions and it is once again an essential. And, what’s more, a classic blouse is as versatile as an LBD (Little Black Dress). It can be casual or dressy, flirtatious or sensual.

This season it appears in endless forms, from the classic tailored form that just about hugs the body, to one that billows out. Some blouses are boldly transparent while others have cascades of ruffles.

Never underestimate the importance of tops, be it tees, blouses or sweaters. Since these pieces of clothing are worn close to the face, we should not overlook their impact. Believe it or not, a top can make our complexion glow or make it look dull.

For a chic lightweight style, dare to wear a transparent blouse belted at the waist and accented with a high-waisted skirt to lengthen the legs. To add even more height, wear open toe stilettos.

La femme will wear the blouse tucked in a wide leg pair of jeans­ – to refine her silhouette – with long necklaces gracing her neck.

Topping off with a blouse does not mean you have to be completely covered, especially if you choose a flowing, diaphanous fabric that will play hide and seek with your body. Very flirty and seductive.

To be honest, I want a blouse right now. A lovely green one to wear with a tuxedo suit. Perfect for business!

Be Bold This Spring 2012

Are you ready for spring?
I’ve put together my recommendations for the coming season.

BRIGHT IDEAS, BRIGHT COLORS
Spring colors are so joyful; they immediately make me feel optimistic and happy! This spring is all about mixing a marvelous palette of uplifting colors: pink, yellow, orange, blue, lilac, turquoise, and my favorite color of all, red! But finding shoes to complement this cheerful array of colors will be a challenge. My suggestion: metallic sandals. For me, silver ones are at the top of my “must buy” list.

With such a wide range of colors ­­to choose from­­—yellow, orange and green to the more muted shades of lavender, blue and beige—everyone can find their perfect color. As they say in French, a chacun sa coleur!

ROCK WITH BLOCK COLORS
Dazzle with solid colors used in blocks. Wear vivid orange with bright pink. Or, a blue top with coral pants separated by a brilliant yellow, very narrow belt to accentuate the waist. A statement with a fab finishing touch!

If bright colors are not for you, look for candy couleur, aka soft but add a bold necklace that lifts the look and makes a statement.

PRINTS
Go for geometric prints on pants or tops. My recommendation: contrast a print with a solid pop-up color for either the top or the bottom.

FLEURS (Flowers)
Don’t be shy! If you can get away with them, wear prints from head-to-toe!

STRIPES or SEASIDE CHIC
Dazzle with horizontal stripes for tops, dresses, and jackets.

SHINE
Shimmer in unexpected textures like sequins and metallic fabrics.

RED
Stand out from the crowd! Forget the classic little black dress. This season’s little black dress is red.

BAGS
The envelope please! There are a variety of ‘envelope’ style bags to choose from this season. Great from day to night.

SHOES
For the lucky few, high heels are aplenty. And colorful too. BUT Learn how to walk in them! Practice in front of a mirror!

THIS and THAT
A few details to watch for this spring:

• Hemline just below the knee.
• Skirt-shorts, but choose carefully so you don’t look dowdy!
• On the beach or around the pool, Chanel suggests wearing the classic Chanel jacket over a bathing suit. And why not?
• Ribbon-edged cardigans, cropped jackets, lots of horizontal stripes everywhere, all good for updating your wardrobe!
• Every store has at least one crisped glacier-white suit.
• Jewelry is bold, really bold. Think BIG earrings.

To minimize your trendy investment, pick a colorful accessory and pair it with crisped whites.

Be bold, put a SPRING in your step -- and in your wardrobe.


A bientot,
Michèle

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Looking Back and Looking Forward

By
Michele Benza

Wishing You All You Wish For Yourself

And Those You Love

in

2010!

2009 was a great year! Thanks to so many of you. I am so grateful that I had the privilege to meet with some of you online and even face-to-face.

If 2009 had some bumps in the road I saw those as positive experiences as they made me wiser and stronger and brought me back to reality. As my younger son, Greg, said to me one day: “Mom, when I have obstacles I think of a river full of boulders. The river flows around the rocks and just keeps going.”

During 2009, I addressed quite a few subjects in my columns – from “Style on a budget” to high heels and hats! And very importantly, “Beauty From The Inside Out”. I had a lot of fun writing these newsletters for you. The most fun was “Hats are Back, Hats are Hot!” The day I wrote that was very busy and I was late with my column. Between two clients, I ran to “Hats on Post” in San Francisco and told Peg Purcell, the owner, about the column. In fifteen minutes, with my cell phone as our only camera, we documented the article. It was fast and it was fun!

“Style on a Budget,” the newsletter published early 2009, especially received many positive comments. I was still in shock about the financial collapse and was wondering what would happen next. Naturally, I wondered if my small enterprise could survive. I’m happy to report, not only did it survive; it thrived! I’m especially happy to have helped so many men and women who came to see me because they did not know what to wear for a job interview, or because they were feeling lost or in a rut. With a little tweaking of their image, a reevaluation of their wardrobe, they felt refreshed, inspired and managed to regain their self-confidence. And thanks to technology I’ve been able to help many people in small towns across the USA and across the oceans east and west.

So what’s up for 2010? I’ll keep contributing to 50fabulous.com and Bay Area Women’s Journal. I’ll work hard to bring you relevant and interesting topics.

As I’ve said many times before, fashion happens on the sidewalks–no longer on the runways–for everyday people like you and me. As for the magazines, they’re fun to read but remember all those beautiful men and women perfectly coiffed and dressed, are there to seduce you into spending money. Those beautiful people on paper do not exist in our everyday workplaces and communities. Don’t let them bring down your self-esteem! These days’ photographs are altered so rapidly and so dramatically that the models always appear to be ‘perfect.’

Since January is a time when we often make New Year’s resolutions, I have a good suggestion for you: start your own style notebook. Be your own model and your own fashion reporter.

My wish for 2010 is that natural beauty prevails and becomes the new standard.

Bonne Année à tous,
Michèle

P.S. If there are any topics you’d like me to write about, please let me know.



*Work with Michele*
You can work with Michele on-line or face-to-face.
Call or email for a private appointment with Michele
You’ll be thrilled with the results.
415.956.3025 michele@mbenza.com

Hats are Hot! Hats are Back!

I had such a fun time!

Hats are Back and Hats are Hot!

By
Michele Benza

Hats are transformative

Winter beware! I am prepared. I have warm overcoats, water resistant raincoats and a toasty puffer to fend off cold, rain and icy winds. Well almost prepared. All I lack now are a couple of great hats to keep my head warm and dry and add glamour to my look.

I love hats but must admit that I don’t wear them often enough. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see that this accessory no longer belongs to the exclusive domain of haute couture. Hats are Hot! Hats are back! And fashion magazines are splashing the message across their pages.

Hats are the perfect way to add a touch of class and style to your outfit day or night. Hats can be utilitarian too. In the summer, they protect our skin from damaging sunrays. And when you’re having a bad hair day, the best thing to do is hide your hair under a hat! The French call a hat for this occasion, a ‘Cache-misère’- loosely translated, a cover-up or camouflage.

Since hats are all over the place this season, I thought it would be helpful to introduce you to professional milliner, Peg Purcell, owner of Hats on Post in San Francisco, www.hatsonpost.com.
Peg has had a lifelong passion for hats and has been wearing them since age three when her father bought her a Wee Scottish Hat! She is trained in millinery design and has expertise to share. If you want to make a hat smaller or larger or you wish to revamp an oldie into an elegant goodie, Peg has the answer.
How you care for your hat depends on the fabric used, whether to clean, reshape or store it. If in doubt, bring your hat to Peg and she will tell you specifically what you need to do.
When it comes to buying a hat, keep in mind what Peg said to me. “Your face is ‘the picture’ so consider the hat as the ‘frame.’ Don’t you love that concept? Peg added that a hat should not only frame your face but also reflect your personality and complement your physical proportions. The general rule is to choose a hat that counterbalances the shape of your face. But you know me, I tend to bend the rules and even break them on occasion. And I am not inclined to put anyone in a box.
Here are some guidelines to be considered when buying a hat:
• The shape and size of your face and head.
• The height of your forehead.
• How your eyes are set.
• How your eyebrows are set in relation to your nose.
• Is your nose short or a bit long?
• Demeanor and even height are important factors as well.
Come to think of it, choosing a hat is similar to picking out the right pair of eyeglasses.
Equally important is the reason for the purchase: What function does your hat serve? Is it for sun protection, for everyday use or for a special event? Is it for a gala, a wedding, a wine tasting or are you buying it to uplift your spirits and help you feel playful and lighthearted?
If you feel shy about experimenting with hats in large stores, find a really good hat store in your area like Peg’s, where you can receive one-to-one guidance in finding the perfect hat in comfort and privacy.

Before hitting the streets with your brand new chapeau, I recommend you try it on at home to get used to it. You may even want to personalize it by adding a brooch, a feather, a veil…and transform your basic hat into today’s hottest trend, the “Fascinator.”


Now, let me take off my hat and thank you all for the wonderful support you have given me since I opened my image-consulting studio in 2004. My grateful thanks for making my progress possible.

BEST WISHES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Michele

Feel free to forward to anyone who could benefit from this newsletter

HOLIDAY GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
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Call or email for a private appointment with Michele
You’ll be thrilled with the results.
415.956.3025 michele@mbenza.com

High High High Heels!

What are the fashion designers doing to us?

Shoes appear to have replaced bags as the driving force in the fashion accessories department and extreme stiletto heels are the fashion statement of the season.

I have a love-hate relationship with stilettos. I love them because they make women look sexy and powerful. I hate them because I can’t wear them as often as I wish and that makes me feel nostalgic.

They certainly enhance our legs and help make us look slender and taller. And as we all know, they seem to impact men’s libido and elicit many more compliments from the male of the species.

However, these perilously high heels make it hard to walk with ease and without breaking an ankle. Even the professional models find these stilt-like heels difficult as evidenced at the recent fashion shows.



But as treacherous as the current crop of stilettos may be, retailers claim they remain a much sought after fashion staple.

Fortunately, as always happens in the rarified world of high fashion, the extreme styles on the catwalk will be somewhat watered down by the time they reach the retail floors. Like the mini-dresses seen on the runways, these same dresses will have longer hems to make them more appealing to the public at large and thereby increase retail sales. Money rules!

With all of this said, don’t write off the sky-high heels entirely. To be sure, it requires effort to wear them. And those extreme heels with ankle cuffs can make us look strong and authoritative. However, if you choose to wear them, be sure to wear them with a simple dress.

Here are some more pointers to guide you if you decide to splurge on this extravagant trend. (Remember though, heels do not need to be long and thin to be considered fashionable.)

• Buy the proper size. I so often see women wearing high- heeled shoes that are too big. There should be no space between the heel of the foot and the shoe.

• Be aware that when wearing hosiery, the foot will easily slide out of the shoe and very likely lead to a fall or twisted ankle.

• No matter how high the shoe, take extra caution to keep your balance. A graceful or sexy shoe is pointless if it causes pain or makes you walk in an ungainly manner, or worse, makes you fall.

• Practice at home before venturing out in your heightened state!

• Wearing high heels is all about femininity. When you walk in these heels think about a giraffe, not an elephant. Stand tall and upright. Elongate the waist, relax and rotate the shoulders towards the back and drop them down. This will open up your chest and help lengthen your neck. Make sure the chin is parallel to the floor.

• Take small steps. Place your heel down first then your sole. Pay attention to your foot alignment. Toes should be pointing straight forward. As you walk be sure your legs are parallel and close together. Try to walk a straight line. And for a more sensual walk, move your hip slightly forward as you take a step. WALK SLOWLY AND GRACEFULLY.

I must confess I have been known to buy a pair or two of super high heels just to own and admire them. Once in a rare while I’ll cautiously wear them in my studio or at parties when I know there is valet parking. And I mean cautiously because a few years ago, I twisted my ankle in a pair of high heels and broke a bone in my right foot! Bummer! Since then I've been wearing mostly flats, which do not match my usual feminine style.

However, I am happy to report that those of us wary of extreme heels will at last be able to find moderately high heels that are attractive and très chic. The latest trend among shoe designers is to make the same shoe available in two, sometimes three, different heights. Prada seems to be the originator of this long-overdue sales trend. Our feet will thank these designers for many years to come.

Ah, I can hear you already saying to me: “Michele, what about cost per wear?” To which I reply: “Aren’t rules made to be broken?”

Viva la femme!
A là prochaine.

Michele

*Work with Michele*
You can work with Michele on-line or face-to-face.
Call or email for an appointment.
You’ll be thrilled with the results.
415.956.3025
michele@mbenza.com

The Dreaded Days of Bathing Suit Shopping

The Dreaded Days of Bathing Suit Shopping

Summer is on our doorstep and for many of us in our fabulous fifties and then some, this is the only time our zeal for shopping wanes. One glance at the tantalizing bathing suits dangling from hangers makes us wince.

We may not share our bathing suit fears with others, but let’s be honest; exposing what we consider our physical flaws to the public is enough to fill us with trepidation as we set off to the beach or the pool.

Take heart! Here are some guidelines to help you select the almost perfect bathing suit for a less than perfect body. But remember, the best way to feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit is to feel comfortable in your own skin even if the years have given up the fight with gravity. Accept your body as it is. Confidence is your best accessory!

And if you need a reminder, look around. We’re all in the same boat so you’re in very good company!

You body type is an ‘8’ or an ‘Hourglass’

Shoulders and hips and a narrow waist make your silhouette perfect. Your shoulders and hips are approximately the same width.

For you everything works and you can indulge your whims. Bikinis and one-piece suits look equally flattering.

This season’s vibrant color trends with maxi motifs and geometric patterns will suit you well.

Your body type is an ‘Inverted Pyramid’

Narrow hips and wide shoulders characterize your silhouette. Since this shape tends to have more masculine lines, you need to feminize it more.

Choose a swimsuit with narrow straps that emphasize your décolleté. The goal here is to draw the eye downward toward the lower part of your body, so your hips appear balanced with your shoulders.

Your body type is ‘Rectangular’

Shoulders and hips are the same width but your waist is not well defined. Your goal is to define your waist and accentuate the curves.

Best for you is a one-piece bathing suit with graphic motifs. If a two-piece bathing suit is your preference, choose one with a triangular lower half so as to break up your rectangular lines. Avoid ‘boy cut’ bottoms.

Your body type is ‘Pyramid’

Shoulders are narrower than the hips so your goal is to place the focus on your shoulders.

Pick a bathing suit with a large wide v-neck or asymmetrical neckline. This will create the illusion that you have broad shoulders and make you look more in proportion.

Absolutely no horizontal lines in the lower area. A ‘pareo’ is your best cover-up and will mask the roundness of your hips.

***

If you have large breasts, select a bathing suit with a built-in bra. A crisscross design is very flattering and will create a minimizing effect. For a large stomach, a bathing suit with a panel across the midriff will help slenderize this area. And if you are uncomfortable showing too much of your thighs your best bet is a swim-dress which provides more coverage.

Beach Bag Check List

Before you leave home, make sure your beach bag contains the following:

• Sun Hat
• Sunscreen
• Beach towel
• Roll up beach mat
• Bath towel
• Hairbrush
• Tissues
• Water
• MP3 player/iPod
• Reading material

Lastly, when in doubt, it’s best to cover more inches than less. A lovely, long flowing beach cover-up will create a graceful entrance to either the pool or on the beach.

Now go out, catch some sun and have fun!
Michele


Work with Michele! You can now work with Michele on-line or face to face. Call or email for an appointment. You’ll be thrilled with the results. Michele Benza, Image Consulting & Posture www.michelebenza.com email: Michele@mbenza.com phone: 415-956-3025 Michele Benza Send your Style questions to me at Michele@mbenza.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Never Underestimate the Inpact Value of a Great Haircut

My longtime friend, Valerie, recently wrote to me and shared her frustration about having just received a disastrous haircut.
She’d decided to scale back on haircuts and went to a hair stylist who was more than half the price of her usual stylist, a co-owner of a prestigious New York salon. The added cost of not only tipping her wonderful stylist, but also the people who washed and blow-dried her hair, made going to the salon too prohibitive. Unfortunately her good economic intentions backfired horribly.
As Valerie said, she learned an expensive lesson! It really does not pay to skimp on such an important expenditure as a haircut. Admittedly, they can be pricey. In San Francisco they range anywhere from $25 to $250 and in New York City, according to a recent article in the New York Times, March 5, Style Section, prices are can go as high as $550.
I decided to check in with Barbara Blum, the salon manager of diPietro Todd (downtown San Francisco) to find out how the economy is affecting the salon business. Barbara acknowledged that even though the beauty business has been affected by the economy, many people view getting their hair done in a salon and maintaining it at home to be a high priority and consider hair care to be a necessity rather than a luxury. “They want to look good in order to feel good in these stressful times,” she added.
With regard to tipping Barbara said, “People are extremely varied in their tipping habits--from very little to very generous, and this holds true even now. The standard is still about 15-20% regardless of the price of the service. Most people tip assistants between $5-10 depending on how much work they did.” She added that color and blow dry assistants are usually tipped on the higher side because their tasks require more skill in comparison to that of the person who shampoos hair.
Personally, I believe tipping should be given according to your level of gratitude rather than according to a specific percentage.

To be sure, for most of us having a bad haircut is very frustrating for many reasons, not the least of which is that hair takes such a long time to grow out. We should keep Valerie’s experience in mind and not skimp on such an essential expense. I know how difficult this is to justify in these hard economic times, but remember our face is our best asset as it is what others see first.
Here are some tips to help stretch your dollars when it comes to hair care.
1. If you have a brilliant hairstylist who works magic on your hair, lengthen the time between visits. A great cut should last longer. Go every seven weeks to ten weeks instead of every six weeks. Calculate the difference that makes to your budget. I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

2. If you wear bangs, have them trimmed between visits. A bang trim can refresh an entire haircut and is usually free if you’re a regular.

3. Consider becoming a hair model. Upscale salons often look for models. If you decide to go this route, make sure the apprentice is about to graduate. Haircuts by soon-to-be graduated hair stylists are about $30. A substantial saving in comparison to the usual $100 (excluding tips) for a good cut.

4. When glancing through magazines, cut out pictures of great haircuts, show them to your hair stylist and explain what you like about the haircuts. This will help your hair stylist understand better what you want. She/he can then explain the pros and cons based on your hair type and facial features.

5. Consider growing out your short haircut a bit. Short hair needs to be trimmed more often whereas longer hair needs less maintenance.

6. If you color your hair, use a shampoo created for color-treated hair. The mild formula will enhance your color, making it last a lot longer. Don't wash your hair for at least 30 hours after your hair has been colored, as the color needs time to set.

7. Wash your hair with a good shampoo. Expensive shampoos generally are thicker and contain less water therefore you need to use less than a regular brand.

8. Invest in one of the new ionic hair dryers like the HAI Tourmaline Ionic Dryer that finish drying hair in record time. Not only do they save you time in the morning, but they also cut down on heat exposure to your hair, and thus are less damaging.
9. Ask your hairstylist to teach you how to style your hair more effectively on a day-to-day basis. Some hair salons provide classes on how to blow-dry and style your hair.

So be good to your hair! After all, it is a vital part of your look and can create a great impression. Again, a good haircut combined with the use of high quality hair products can make those visits to your favorite stylist less frequent.

Finally, remember that good health and an optimistic attitude add immeasurably to your beauty.

Bon courage!
Michele

Work with Michele!
You can now work with Michele on-line or face to face. Call or email for
an appointment. You’ll be thrilled with the results.

FASHION FLASHES FOR THE 2009 SPRING/SUMMER SEASON

We know that many of you are struggling with economic challenges right now but in the words of one of our favorite movie characters, Auntie Mame, “Knowledge is power!” So, here is the scoop on the new Spring fashions. As always, my advice is to buy the best you can afford. If you have to buy less do so, just buy better.

Hot off the Press:
• Michelle Obama’s inaugural suit designed by Isabel Toledo will be available at Barneys in March. $1500.
• Sofia Coppola’s sober and chic shoes and handbags for Louis Vuitton will be available in stores March 9, 2009.
• Calvin Klein’s latest jean campaign was declared “scandalous” by the American television industry and has been censored. (But that has not stopped it being seen on YouTube by millions of people worldwide.) The campaign will run as is in Europe while a softer version is being reworked for the US market.
• Alexander McQueen is the latest designer to team up with Target. He will design a collection that includes leggings, printed T’s and a leather vest.

The spotlight this spring/summer is on Fluidity and Femininity
You know I’m all for that. However, while sifting through all the Spring/Summer collections, I had difficulty finding wearable outfits for us working women. Serene and beautiful as the collections are, I found very few items appropriate for every day office wear.
“Shouldering on shoulders,” is the new term for this season’s focus on the shoulders. This look emphasizes the shoulders à la the eighties but less dramatically and with more refinement. I noticed embroidery and embellishments around necklines to emphasize the shoulders. The same effect can be attained with chunky bold necklaces. I must admit that at first I didn’t like the structured shoulders but I’ve changed my mind and now find them empowering.

Max Mara hemlines are being accentuated too. Skirts are longer and reminiscent of Christian Dior’s look launched in 1947. My preference is a length that just covers the knee. This skirt length works well with straight skirts in a dark jersey, preferably with an opening in the back to facilitate walking. The little back slit creates a subtle but sexy affect! If your figure permits, choose a fitted pencil skirt that hugs the body. Wearers beware! Footwear with this length is of utmost importance. Ditch the booties! Show your ankles! Wear high heels! And forget about nude pantyhose too; it kills the look! Opt for bare legs. Heels add a sexy element to your wardrobe but only if you can walk in them with ease and grace. Practice your walk before you venture out!

Elegance and sophistication are the key words to remember to maximize the charm and appeal of this new length.

Armani’s love for China and things Chinese can be seen in his spring/summer ‘Privé’ collection. ‘Pagode’ shoulders, high waists and longer skirt lengths were everywhere.

As for colors, blue, rose, orange and sand predominated.

Stella McCartney’s collection is elegant and simple. She used embroidered silk fabrics for tunics that can be worn over narrow pants. As can be seen below, she too emphasizes the shoulders not only in the cut but also with eye-catching detailing.

Chez Chanel, the classic black and white tweed suits are still as chic and feminine as ever. Karl Lagerfeld has designed matching handbags too and even created a leather version of the CC shopping bag! Check out Chanel's hosiery. Karl brought us very sexy hosiery last fall and continues to do so for spring and summer, by using two toned hose.

Jean Paul Gauthier showed a timeless collection. His favorite color for the coming season is sand, an easy color to adopt as long as you pick a light fluid fabric. Colored shoes look especially great with neutral colored clothing.

Isabel Marant is bringing back the denim blouson that can be worn over everything except jeans. Chez Cacharel is all about suppleness and fluidity. Celine is all about blues. She presented all her pieces with VERRRRRY high heels and showed many straight skirts that emphasized the waist. Like Celine, Aquascutum’s world is blue too.

John Galliano loves rose. Flash and dash are the operative words for Agnes B’s collection where lots of rose, green, yellow and turquoise were mixed up in the same element, making for a vibrant and cheerful look.

Accessories are a major category this season. The ‘must have’ shoes are impressive looking with straps. As for jewelry, it’s all about wearing bold pieces.

In the beauty department the best sellers are red lipsticks (my personal favorites) like this one from Dior’s ‘Rouge Dior Satin Collection’.

On Death Row: Harem pants, baby doll look, heavy clunky hardware on handbags and yes, very pointy shoes. Ouch! I still own one pair that I really like.

Shopping in your closet may be the smart way to go at the moment but be sure to keep your look updated. So don’t let the economic climate get you down. Be bold; be beautiful as you can be!

Michele

Michele Benza – Completely Confidential Image Consulting Featuring European Style and Elegance. (415-302-9366 | fax 415-388-6753 | + 210 Post Street, Suite 611 | San Francisco, CA 94108 | : michele@mbenza.com | http://www.michelebenza.com |

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You can now work with Michele on-line or face to face. Call or email for an appointment. You’ll be thrilled with the results.



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