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

PARIS POTINS (Paris Gossip)

Who says that ‘back to school’ is synonymous with ‘metro, boulot, dodo’ (subway, work, sleep)? Not me! I’m rejoicing because summer’s end means new trends that’ll invade my closets and rock my fall season.

Tartans, furs, capes and the colors violet and orange rule and are the must-adds to your closet this fall!

Tendance Ultra-Violet

Ultra-Violet is evident everywhere in Paris: on shoes, belts, dresses and handbags. Violet will refresh and perk up the grays and blacks in your winter wardrobe. And there are enough shades of this wonderful color for you to find the perfect one to complement your complexion and wardrobe. If you find the Ultra-Violet too bold a statement, then subdue it with muted mauves or deeper tones like prune or eggplant. You can choose to make any of these colors your total look or simply add splashes of them to your accessories.

Tendance Tartan

Whatever you prefer to call it, tartan or plaid, it is this fall’s big comeback trend and can be found imprinted on coats, scarves, skirts and handbags. Be aware though that tartan should be used in moderation. My recommendation: accessorize with it.

Tendance Fourrure (fur)

After a shy comeback last winter, fur has returned with panache. Real or synthetic, you will find fur items to keep your back and feet warm, and as trimming on handbags. But like plaid, be careful how you wear it. A few simple touches here and there will suffice. But I dare you to wear a fur vest! IF you can carry it off!

Tendance Orange

Orange in a variety of hues—from reddish-orange to apricot­­­­­—is the other winter color of choice for designers like Ralph Lauren and Nina Ricci. Again, you’re sure to find the perfect shade for you. A note on orange: Do NOT wear it with black! Who wants the Halloween look? Think orange and khaki, orange and brown and orange and gray. Fabulous! BUT remember, orange does not always complement your complexion. Adjust your blush and lipstick accordingly.

Tendance Cape

For two winters now, the cape has been strong on runways. And again, this year it is still here, original and elegant as ever. Mini version or maxi, with or without buttons, black or colored. Perfect on a straight or pencil skirt for a chic look. The most versatile colors are black or gray and a cape in either color will add a sophisticated swish to whatever you’re wearing.

Tendance Handbags

CHANEL is launching its new handbag collection any day now.

And speaking of CHANEL, the latest potin (gossip)—via cyber space’s blogs—is that KARL IS LEAVING CHANEL…can this really be true? Rumor has it that the new chic Parisian, Albert Elbaz, Lanvin’s Artistic Director, will replace him. But, don’t panic yet; Karl will design next year’s Chanel collection. After that qui vivra verra… who lives will see.

BETH DITTO FOR EVANS

Beth Ditto, star singer of Gossip is everywhere. In partnership with Evans, an English brand that focuses on stylish plus-size women’s fashions, Beth has designed and launched a mini collection. Think leather jackets and sequined tops that mirror her image: Rock’n Roll fun!

JIMMY CHOO FOR H&M

Every year, H&M calls on a designer for a capsule collection that will be sold in its stores within a few minutes of opening. This time it knocked on the door of renowned shoe and handbag designer, Jimmy Choo.

So fashionistas mark your calendars and get in line early November 14, at H&M, and be among the first to purchase something très chic from the first ever Jimmy Choo collection of men and women’s wear.

The classic trench coat, the fitted dress and black tuxedos are all excellent investments for the coming season.

For those wondering how to wear a women’s tuxedo, slip into one for a formal or semi-formal event. Or add pizzazz to staple pieces by splitting the tux and wearing the jacket or the pants.

Et voilà!

Michèle

DRESS ON YOUR OWN TERMS

DRESSING ON YOUR OWN TERMS

By

Michele Benza

Not too long ago, I pulled a hot orange jacket, black pants and a black boat-neck top from a vast assortment of clothing racks before us. “ I like these for you” I said to my fifty-something client. She looked startled. “You have to be joking,” was written all over her face. I remained unperturbed and continued to rifle through more racks. My client’s eyes opened even wider; her jaw dropped. She finally said, “I’m not at all sure.”

Sometimes I have to gently remind my clients that they’ve hired me as their image consultant for good reason. I really do know how to do this. My client wanted to step out of her boring business attire and let her appearance shine, just as her work does. (Incidentally, this is a good tactic to improve other’s perceptions of you and help your progress up the proverbial corporate ladder.)

“This is just the beginning,” I warned her.

Makeovers transform us in subtle ways but when the transformation radiates from the inside out that’s when people look up and take notice. There is no doubt that if you feel great about yourself within and without, you cannot help but project confidence and a positive attitude to life.

Rest assured, a makeover does not necessarily require dramatic changes. A simple adjustment such as updating your eye make-up or wearing a hemline that is more flattering to your figure can make a quiet but noticeable difference.

We’ve all heard of the saying, “success on your own terms.” My take on this is “Dressing on your own terms.” I, for one—and there are many other women out there who feel the same way—want to wear outfits that represent moi. I want to be feminine. I refuse to wear female versions of men’s shirts and suits!

It seems to me that many of my clients believe that dressing for work means dressing like everyone else in the office and being invisible. This is fine if your goal is simply to do what needs to be done, collect your paycheck and go home. However, if your sights are set on leaping up the ladder, then along with excelling in your daily work, you need to excel in the appearance department.

This is true even more so now and if you are over 50 presenting a good image is absolutely essential. I don’t need to tell you that an interviewer more often than not forms an opinion within the first 30 seconds of setting eyes on you, even before you’ve uttered a single word. And, these days, your interviewer is very likely to be thirty-something! So you really need to take your appearance by the collar and retool it!

Take heart though, you women who are over 50 have something going for you that many younger women do not have and that is style!

Know who you are and what looks good on you. Then create a wardrobe that takes your image to a higher, stylish level. Spend time sifting through your clothes and trying different combinations whether it is with a belt, scarf, blouse or a piece of jewelry. Explore and play.

I hope you will now be prepared to dress on your own terms. Remember, as you climb the professional ladder, the more polished you and your clothes should look. Dress for the job you’re aiming for, not for the job you’re in now.

Whatever industry you work for, be yourself and be an inspiration to your younger colleagues. Be admired for your work AND for your perfect style and grooming.

A final note, when my client put on the hot orange jacket, the black pants and black boat-neck top, her face lit up when she saw herself in the mirror. The right colors, the right shapes and an updated fashion helped her to look herself—not like “Ms Humdrum Worker” or her mother in a business suit.

So go forth into your closet and slay your clothes dragons!

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



Send me your Style question at Michele@mbenza.com. I'd love to hear from you!

Personal Image Consulting: The Dreaded Days of Bathing Suit Shopping

Personal Image Consulting: The Dreaded Days of Bathing Suit Shopping

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!