Fashionista Sista

Straight up.  My resolution for 2009 is to be more… FABULOUS!!!

 Oh ya, its on.  I’ve decided this year that I’m going to dress up more often and shine.  I invite you to do the same.  Being the fashionista that I am, I have more than a few party dresses, a sexy selection of heeled shoes and boots and other pretty things kicking around in the back of my closet waiting patiently for the day they get to rock it out with me.  The funny thing is that I haven’t worn as many of my special pieces in the last few years because I got pregnant, became a mom, worked continually hard on my business Clutch Jewels, and then suddenly before I knew it, I realized that I was surfing on this cloud of easy wearing knits, my signature pinstripe dark denim jeans and sneakers. 

Sigh.  Sounds good.   But you know, I’ve reflected on this a lot in the last few months and I want to have more fun with it these days.  Fashion is the spice of life for me as with other things like my family and friends, traveling, boardsports and playing with my son Judah, but the bottom line is that

FASHION IS FUN.

I’m having a ton of fun rocking out fresh new outfits, and I’ve already been paid a whole bunch of great compliments since I started working my New Year’s resolution.  People smile at me more often and every time I look in the mirror I think ‘sweet, I look great.’  I’d say it’s a win win sitch.  So I urge you to step up this year and have fun when you’re putting your outfit together for the day.  Be sure to wear all those sexy shoes or high heeled boots that you have in your closet.  It doesn’t take a ton of money to have great style.  All it takes is keeping your eyes open for some special pieces that can be transformed a few different ways in amongst your wardrobe to keep it Happenin’. 

So here are 6 solid fashion tips for you to remember as you get dressed this year to help you start looking more fabulous everyday.

1. Explore the depths of your closet and make sure that you are wearing some of those cool pieces of clothing and accessories that have been in hiding and deserve to see the light.  Mix it up a little!

2. If it doesn’t fit you or contour your curves properly DON’T wear it.

3. Wear heels or cute shoes.

4. Accessorize and Jewel thy self for heaven’s sake!  You must wear one signature accessory that pulls your whole outfit together be it a necklace, hat, scarf or earrings and oh ya.. that’s not including your purse or shoes.

5. Try wearing a colourful thick or thin belt around some of your favorite tops, dresses, long sweaters or cardigans to cinch in your waist and add colour.

6. Layer, Layer, LAYER!!!  There are many ways to layer.  Try button up shirts under T-shirts, long sleeves and tailored jackets.  Pop the collar and flip up the cuffs on the sleeves.  Until we start heading into the Spring season try a tank top as a base, layer something fun over top exposing some colour from of the tank top layer underneath and then throw on a stylish scarf and a cool jacket.  When in doubt try it on!

Putting a great wardrobe together takes time and love.  In fact it’s a constant work in progress, because clothes wear out and styles change as do sizes.  When you’re shopping keep your eyes open for that fresh new item that can be incorporated into your wardrobe multiple ways to keep you smiling, inspired and constantly feeling gorgeous. 

I hope to see you round this year.  I’ll be the one wearing FABULOUS…  hope you are too!  Much love.

Hey kats and kittens,

These are fashion rules you can count on to keep you looking fresh, cool and put together all the time, however some of them are to help you take a risk and try something new.  If you have any rules that you swear by, or that you think you would like to add please drop us a line and comment.  You have to put clothes on everyday anyway, you may as well have fun with it!!  Life’s too short to be a bore.  Rock it out rockstar!  

1. If it feels awkward don’t wear it. 

2. If you are going to be tugging at your clothes all day don’t wear it. 

3. If there are just too many colours in your outfit and you resemble a piñata tone it down sister.

4. If your wearing all black all the time… get a life.  Life’s too short.

5. If you’re wearing one colour from top to bottom. Ugh!  The only time this rule is moot is when wearing a suit or a dress. 

6. When in doubt wear one item of denim at a time except maybe jeans and a denim vest or a jean jacket… sometimes that works, but not often unless you’re a biker or cowboy!!!  This goes for leather as well.  Accessories don’t count obviously.

7. Get yourself a cool medium size purse or bag in a random bright colour for a fun new look.

8. Say no to crack and thongs showing… that is beyond passe!!! 

9. If your “clothes are wearing you” don’t wear them.  When this happens you either need to work on your self confidence or just tone your outfit down so that your personality shines. 

10. If the silhouette isn’t figure flattering don’t wear it.      

11. Try layering.  It can be your best friend.  Layering is all about experimenting.  If it doesn’t work take it off, but try it first because it may look great.  For a more casual look I layer almost everything first with a white boybeater tank.  I have at least 5 in my closet at a time and a few coloured ones as well to layer over top.  Then I layer sweaters, hoodies, shrugs, and other lighter tops over them.  The key to layering is trying it out first and if it feels wierd take it off. Try it.. 

12. When shopping and you just don’t know… try it on.

13. If there is too many things to fix on a garment that you want to buy… don’t buy it.

14. Tailoring is great, but the garment has to be worth it!

15. If you haven’t tried the “new look “on, give it a try you can always take it off.  If one label doesn’t fit you in that hot style you dig, try it in a different label.  It might fit you better than the last one did.  Each designer uses a different fit model so not every label fits the same way! 

16. To keep it fresh and seriously fashionable if you wear a loose knitted garment on top, opt for a tailored pant or skirt on the bottom and vice versa. If you wear a knited flowy skirt, dress or a loose pair of pants try wearing a clean lined tailored jacket or something simple on top.  If you wear a loose knitted garment on top and bottom it can be a bit sloppy.. catch my drift?     

17. Wear a piece or jewelry with your everyday outfits be it to work at the office or jeans and a tee.  Show some personality!  Get inspired.

18. If you aren’t feeling confident that day don’t try to rock a new style or you may end up feeling worse than when you started.

19. Dress up rather than dress down.  When in doubt wear a tailored jacket.  It’ll always make you look smart. 

20. Dress for the event!!