2006 July

Your biggest asset is your smile! No matter what you’re wearing. Without it, all of my fashion tips are moot.

No time for make-up? No problem. If you have 2.5 minutes, you can look polished. By working on the eyebrows and lips, you will look balanced. Perfume is your rounding factor.

a. Comb and fill in eyebrows with a color as close to your own as possible. I use a powder (medium brown) and a Mac slanted stiff brush.

b. Line your lips with a tan lip liner or a neutral tone that blends well with your skin. Fill in with a brownish lipstick or a burgundy wine lipstick.

c. Spray perfume on your neck and ankles, as those are your pulse points. With every heartbeat, you’re radiating sexiness!

Well-moisturized skin is imperative to your “polished look.�

a. A little almond oil on the legs, arms and cuticles makes for a seriously sexy look and your skin (and geek) will love you for it.

b. Another tip someone taught me was to keep lotion in the shower, as it will absorb much easier when your skin is still moist. I’ve found Lubriderm to be perfect for this purpose.

Shoes count as much as your makeup and hair.

a. Make sure your footwear isn’t scuffed or stretched out of shape from normal wear-and-tear.

b. If you love the shoes and they are looking haggard, go buy another pair of the same brand and style.

c. Match your belt to your shoes whenever possible. Easily overlooked, easily rectified.

When you want to look long and lean, dress monochromatically (one color, no breaks, head to foot).

a. Think J-Lo in “Maid in Manhattan.” Cream, fitted T with cream-colored slacks, cream shoes, and a cream overcoat - accented with tortoise-shell glasses and tortoise-shell buttons on the jacket.

b. In a more classic sense, think of Katherine Hepburn’s style. Tailored solids paired together with the same colors equals perfect monochromatic style. Doesn’t hurt when they see you in black and white, either!

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Jewelry is the easiest way to change a look.

a. Put out a pair of silver earrings and a chunky necklace (I like turquoise or tiger’s eye).

b. Now, pull out a few solid separates. You suddenly have two or three totally different looks.

c. Try a white t-shirt, jeans skirt with a silver belt, silver sandals and matching jewelry. I might wear my hair in a hat that matches my T with a pair of khakis and leather slip-ons on random days.

When you decide to “break� a fashion rule, only break one rule at a time. Make the rest of your look timeless. This is the easiest way to start breaking into new territory. You will have confidence from wearing what you know is right and feel stylish because you have added a bit of spontaneity!

a. When trying out any of the examples in point #3, try each of them with a plain black t-shirt and plain flat front black pants.

b. BONUS: If your boyfriend insists on wearing flannels that are older than the abacus, just get him a comfortable robe to wear instead. For my geek, I opted for the Nautica, navy blue, long, terry robe.

Find your own style through experimentation.

a. Try pairing a funky pin on a plain shirt for some kitschy pizzazz.

b. Put a bright flower in your hair and wear shoes to match.

c. Tie a ribbon around your waist for a belt.

Wear clothes that are the right size.

a. Check to make sure your shirts are fitted correctly by looking at the top of the shoulder. Your sleeve should attach right at the edge of your shoulder. The seam shouldn’t hang over…

b. If your pants bunch up where your butt meets your thigh then your pants are too big. If your pants when sitting allow a bulge over the top at the waist then they are too tight.

c. Try pants with a bit of spandex or lycra. They are usually more forgiving. My favorites are from Banana Republic or NY&Co.

Know your body style and what looks good on you. Ask a friend if you need help with this. Or, email me a picture of yourself and I’ll be glad to help you.

a. Apple Shaped - Try wearing a fitted tank-top with a slightly flowing tunic-styled shirt overtop. Leave the overshirt unbuttoned and wear pants the same color as the tank. This look slims the mid-section and also allows you to take advantage of the layered look that’s really in style right now.

b. Pear Shaped - Go for darker pants and wear heels. No capris or cropped pants because they make our legs look shorter; we want to elongate the leg and focus either on the top or the shoe. Wear a chunky necklace to pull eyes to your neckline.

c. Slim - Wear a flirty skirt that hits above the knee - one with bit more fabric (for twirling). This creates the illusion of a more rounded hip. Pair it with a fitted capped sleeve top flats or sandals and you will look like Audrey Hepburn!