The Daily Balance

Question of the week:

I’m a little bit fashion-challenged and usually feel pretty uncomfortable out of my jeans-sweater-sandals uniform. I know have some good pieces (thanks to being a thrift store/outlet/clearance rack junkie) but could use some tips for how to combine them in a way that is a better reflection of my personal style.

Well it’s good to know that you have some quality pieces. As a reminder, the following items and splurge-worthy (or hopefully found out VERY discounted prices). You do not want to skimp on these items, as they will serves as the building blocks for incredible outfits.

1) Impeccably-cut pants. Whether they’re purchased at Saks Fifth Ave, Saks outlet, Banana Republic or Express, well-cut pants will never let you down. Always stylish and sophisticated, well-cut pants should never be left on a rack. if the fit you as they should, buy them. You’ll find you could wear them to work or pair with an elegant or detailed top for an evening look.

Examples of cuts:

Wide-legged editor’ pants: For the most part, these look nice on everyone. However if you are under 5 foot 3 inches, you may want to keep the width a bit more conservative– you don’t want to look swallowed up by the pants!

If you can pull off the long, lean skinny-jean, GO FOR IT!If IF you yearn for a pair but fear that your legs cannot quite pull them off pair them with heels to elongate the leg. Still struggling? Boot-cut pans in a nice fabric are a pretty good match for any body type.

2) Jeans. As with the two items above, just buy a decent pair that fit YOU. This does not necessarily mean spending $200. When you find a quality pair that fit, buy them. Just make sure you check the back view. Many times you’ll have to try on hundreds of jeans to find the right ones for your body type. It might be worth enlisting an HONEST friend, or even a sales associate to get opinions.
3) Jersey dress. Fabric is key as to how it drapes. If something feels slightly rough, it will normally turn out crumpled and not lookin’ too good after a few washes. Opt for a swingy’ cut that has some movement at the bottom of the dress, this will mean there is some movement sewn into the shape of the dress so it will not cling to any unkind parts. For those of you with curves, wrap dresses, made popular by Diane von Furstenberg.

I love jersey dresses, because they make fantastic transitional pieces. Pair with leggings and a turtleneck for fall and winter, but lose the layering and wear bare-legged with open-toed shoes in the summer.

4) Your ‘wow’ dress. This is an item that hides all your trouble spots. If you have a boys-figure, it gives you curves in all the right places. Perfect for a special date, fancy work dinner or event a wedding, this dress is so great because it fits perfectly, but doesn’t SCREAM for attention. To ensure the dress is a ‘classic,’ stay away from details (sequins. buttons, etc..

5) Jackets are worth investing in because they really put the finishing touch an an outfit and can dress up a casual outfit instantly. According to the experts, you should pay the most attention to the fit on the shoulders. Narrow shoulders look great if you also have narrow hips; the look you are aiming for is an inverted triangle, the point being your waist. Longer jackets work well for the lean look, so opt for this cut if you wish to downplay your stomach area.
Next we have the classics that you should try and find on-sale (because there are always great options out there)

The White Shirt. If you are anything like me, you’ll stain these in no time — why pay a lot of money for something you’ll end up having to replace tomorrow? Even the best cared for, high-end white shirts tend to dullen (i like making up words) after awhile.

When trying the shirt on, make sure you check how it fits in the shoulders- this will indicate how well it fits you.

A long-sleeved striped top in colors that suit your skin-tone: You’ll have many opportunities to wear this item but it need not be expensive! Think Target, Gap, American Apparel, J. Crew, etc.

Cashmere sweater: Yes, this is a luxurious item but I’ve seen them incredibly discounted at outlet stores and for reasonable prices at Gap, Express, J. Crew. Great layering piece. I look for bright colors that could add personality and pop to an outfit while still being functional (keeping you warm!)
T-shirts: Buy in many colors in lengths and NEVER spend a lot of money on these. You’ll wear them all the time, which means you’ll be buying them all the time. It’s a T-shirt, for cryin’ out loud! dDO NOT spend your money on T-shirts!
Printed silk scarf: These are everywhere right now and a great way to spice up an outfit. Wear draped over your shoulders, in your hair, around your waist, wrapped around your neck — the possibilities are endless.

Belt that makes a statement: An inexpensive way t instantly transform and outfit. Rely on urban outfitters and even Forever 21 for some fun options.

Sexy evening top: Buy something you are comfortable in and that makes you feel confident. Enough said.

Comfy sweater: everyone needs a comfortable piece that doesn’t make you look like a bum. Make sure the fit is still fairly structured and hits you in the right places, you don’t ant to look frumpy!

Leather jacket: Much like good wine wine, these improve with age so scour the vintage shops, eBay and/or mid-price range shops because frankly nothing is cooler. I CONSTANTLY throw my leather jacket on casual or simple outfits to give them a it of an edge.

Now, combine the pieces above with some of this year’s trends, and you’ll be good to go! Don’t try too many trends at once, I normally set a maximum of two per outfit, otherwise you just look like you are trying too hard.
Top Ten Fashion Picks for 2009

#1 Yellow and Gray
#2 Gladiator Sandals
#3 The Little White Dress
Pair it with a jacket or cardigan for work wear with a fun belt and hells for a night on the town.

#4 A Bright, Big Floral Blouse
Belt it over anything or wear it as a soft, flowing jacket over a simple dress.

#5 Pencil Skirts
Look for high-waisted silhouettes and below the knee hems. Pair with stilettos for a modern, chic look.

#6 Colorful, Oversized Handbags

#7 Floral
Pair small prints with large bold stripes and pair bold prints with neutral colors or smaller detailed patterns.

#8 Animal prints
I like to use animal prints in my accessories, not necessarily the whole outfit. Think shoes, belts, purses, etc.

#9 The Boyfriend Jacket
The mid-thigh length and rolled up sleeve give it signature style.

#10 High Impact Jewelry
Think big. Think bold. Think bargain.

The easiest way to add personality to an outfit is through accessories. Look for shoes and jewelry that resonate with you and pair them with your classic pieces to create a unique look that’s totally you! Have fun and happy shopping

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. It’s a little chilly here, but the sun is shining so that makes me happy

I received a question this past week regarding funeral attire and wanted to use ‘Solve it’ Saturday as an opportunity to address the concern.

The days of having to wear black from head-to-toe are over, and while it’s important to be respectful, wearing all black isn’t required — in fact, some funerals request that people wear their loved one’s favorite color in order to celebrate their life. It might be wise to take a moment and consider what your loved one and their family would appreciate.

Honestly, I think you being there is what matters most, and the very fact that you asked the question implies that you’ve got enough common sense to wear something appropriate.

But I’ll give you some insight….
I’d avoid bright colors and stick combinations of gray, navy, black, white or brown…anything with a neutral palette. The point is that your funeral attire needs to be respectful – you don’t want to draw attention to your dress when you’re honoring the loss of a loved one. Don’t wear anything daring, revealing, or showing too much skin and you’re probably good to go.

As far as accessorizing is concerned, I’d keep it simple. Nothing too flashy. Pearls or simple gold or silver are always safe choices.

Just use your judgement and remember that the important thing is that you are spending your time with the family and paying your respects – that’s what people will remember.

Alright, well I am off to run some errands and do some grocery shopping. Veggie Girl and I are hitting up Whole Foods this afternoon and I’m really looking forward to catching up with her. Tonight the Mister and I are making dinner for some friends and going out to see Wolverine (should be interesting…) I’ll let you know how everything goes — I’m cooking up a tasty lil feast

What are you doing this weekend?