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.

A MIXED BAG: Pre-Fall to Winter 2012/2013

I am in a quandary. Next season’s trends are not exactly making my heart sing. I’m seeing far too many unwearable outfits for everyday and very few for professional women! What are we supposed to wear?

Interestingly, I have noticed a new phenomena occurring in the fashion industry, which may contribute to the lack of attention to professional women and the perplexing mixed bag we have for this season.  Challenged by brands like Zara that produces new merchandise on a weekly basis, designers and luxury brands have added to their calendar “Transitional” collections.

So, instead of two collections, we now have four: fall/winter; cruise/resort; spring /summer and pre-fall. Chanel shows six collections a year!

Financially speaking these additions have been a real commercial success. Proof that novelty has the power of attraction.

One thing for sure, this season’s trends are influenced by both the distant and immediate past but they are all over the place. However, two trends stand out as this season’s markers: the return of the peplum and the 3-piece ensemble.

Here is a snap review of what to expect in the stores. I’ll let you untangle the puzzle and decide for yourself what works for you!

Baroque: All things ornate with lavish latticing on suits and coats. (Not my cup of tea.)

Borrowing from the boys. Very IN. From over-sized jackets to Oxfords.

Colors: Bright!!! Oranges, purples, hot pinks, greens.

Details: The feminine silhouette of the peplum is back again.

Dresses: Simple, elegant, close-fitting, ¾ sleeves, below the knee hemline. Safe bet for professional women and YES, perfect choice to wear from work to dinner.

Fabrics: Solid colors for elegance and chicness to embellished Gothic.

Faux-fur Collars (or any other fabrics): Ideal for quickly updating a dress or coat before dashing out the door. (Saw these all over Paris a couple of months ago.)

Gothic: who says 'noir' was boring? Rethink this!

Handbags:  Structured to hobo.

Hemline: Asymmetric, mini to maxi.

Leather: Mixed in with other textures, like tweed. (I did like Vince’s suede leggings!)

Makeup: Cherry lips, strong eyebrows.

Military style: Luxurious fabrics and more fitted silhouettes give it a fresh appeal.

Pant Suits: The three-piece look is big! With a twist. Narrow pants just below the ankle with matching short dress and jacket.

Ripped: Everything! Hem skirts and sleeves are unfinished. (Seems like designers are creating trends that lower the cost of manufacturing!)

 Silhouette: Fitted to boxy.

Shoes: Super high platforms to knee-high boots, the hottest item on the runways. 

Trousers; A la Marlene Dietrich, front pleated and flowy.  

That’s a wrap! Have fun shopping!

A bientôt

Michele

An excellent professional women's dress. 

Colors to watch this fall.