#accessories

How to throw the right shade!

New York City

 

The key to looking fab this summer while protecting your eyes is to find the right pair of sunglasses.Here are the Five things you must keep in mind when shopping for your perfect pair.Sunnies as the Australians call them are a must have accessory.

 

Face Flattery

The shape of your frame must flatter your face.There are four common face shapes,Oval,Round,Square and Heart.

If you are not sure of your face shape,the simplest way to find out  is look in your bathroom mirror, make sure your hair is pulled back and trace around your face with a piece of soap. Step away and you will see your face shape.

If your face is Oval

Wear a frame that is wider than the broadest part of your face.

Keep the overall size in balance with your face.

Lucky you most shapes will flatter your face.Your face is similar to an hourglass body you can get away with anything.

Look to Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani and Beyoncé for inspiration,they all have oval faces.

If your face is Round

Oversize, Rectangular and Angular Frames offset your roundness.Try a statement frame.

Be inspired by Michelle Williams and Selena Gomez.

Your face can take strong details and fun color.

If your face is Square

Circular frames are the best for you and do avoid hard edges.

Make sure you balance your face shape.

Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow are your role models.

Go for soft colors and tonal lenses.

If your face is Heart shaped

Rimless frames,Cateyes and Aviators work best to compliment wide cheekbones.

You can go for some of the glamorous oversized Hollywood type frames.

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are your go to girls for inspiration.

Color

Overall stick to colors that look best in clothing  and translate that  to sunglasses. Pay attention to how they work with your hair color as well.White is trending right now but before you invest in a pair make sure it works with your wardrobe and you have a tan.

Fit

When looking at how they fit make sure that they do not slide down the nose and cause and pinching or discomfort.They should stay on when you turn your face from side to side.Look at the side view,the arms should fit nicely behind your ears.Some of this can be adjusted but you are better off picking a close to perfect pair to start with.

Quality

Pay attention to,the arms they should be strong, the hinges should feel smooth and they should feel substantial.It is also important that they offer the right UV protection.Go for the best quality you can afford unless you are the type that easily loses them.

Trend

Sunglass trends come and go.Some are classics and have been around forever.You can never go wrong with a classic pair of Aviators or a statement Cat Eye.It is always fun to have a couple of on trend sunnies for a touch of glam.

 

 

 

 

Think of your sunglasses as the cherry on the sundae,your outfit is perfectly good without them but the right ones just put it over the top.
♥ Sunil

The Perfect Fall Wardrobe in 5 Easy Steps!

New York City

As we head to the Fall and dream about having that perfect wardrobe.The one that is fully integrated  and well edited that epitomizes your style and fully covers all your needs yet manages to look fresh and exciting every time you step out.

Some swear it is just an urban myth and is impossible but with these 5 easy steps you can attain  wardrobe nirvana.The biggest mistake people make is buying one offs,a cute top or a great outfit or some divine shoes and when you bring it home and add it to your closet it just does not give you a cohesive wardrobe.My definition of a dream wardrobe is one that you can get dressed completely in the dark and when you step out into the light you look like a million bucks.

This is the perfect time to do a little planning,Fall is not quite here but we pretty much know what is coming in the next two weeks.Here is what you need to do.

Step 1-Be honest about your body and lifestyle.

As we age our body shape often changes so does it if you have lost or gained more that 15 pounds your shape changes.It is important to dress the body you have,not the body you have or the body you plan to have.Take a few minutes to measure yourself and confirm your body type.Here is a cheat sheet to help you.

Be honest about your lifestyle,if you work from home buying a whole lot of dresses and suits is not going to help.Take stock of what you wear 80% of the time.Do not buy something because you friend is wearing it and loves it.

Step 2-Stick to a Color Story

For the majority of what you wear stick to 4 complimentary shades and work with them.This allows for optimal mixing and matching.For the Fall I like mixing two dark tones with a mid tone and an accent.If you are a print person do add one great print.You can have a color story for work and another for casual if you like.Here are some on trend color stories for Fall 2019.

Step 3- Go for Quality and Fit over Quantity

As Americans we love variety but here is where we should take a lesson from our European sisters.French women tend to have less but it fits them perfectly and is the very best quality they can afford.This is very important when it comes to Outerwear,Bags and Shoes.Quality pieces tend to last longer so in the long run they actually cost less.

Step 4-Create your Core or Foundation

Just like a great house begins with a foundation your wardrobe is built on core pieces or essentials.These are the work horses of you wardrobe that multi task in many outfits.Depending on your lifestyle you may have different core pieces.Make a list of what your items are and make sure you have them,that they fit and are in good condition.Create a checklist and if you do not have it make sure you acquire these pieces first.Here is an example for a professional who works in a casual office.

You should add some on trend fashion tops to balance out your selection.The general rule is that you should have 3 top options for every bottom.Make sure these pieces flatter you really well,if not go out and get a piece that does,here are some guidelines.

Step 5-Work with your Budget

The best way to do it is to follow the 80/20 Rule. 80% of your funds go to carefully planned items to fill your wardrobe gaps.The balance 20% goes towards impulse buys,whims and sales.Here are 10 wardrobe basics that are always in style and give you the best bang for your buck.

 

So with these five simple steps,a little planning and some smart shopping with a dose of self control you can have an amazing wardrobe.

Love,Sunil

 

 

 

 

Scarves and the Summer-Seen all over NYC

New York

Just like Sex and the City,Scarves and Summer is an integral part of the New York style scene. Make them a key part of your Summer Style.They are extremely versatile and can be used as a headwrap, a top, a skirt or even a dress

The windows at Bergdorf Goodman featured a stunning array of Hermes scarves worn in all kinds of ways.I used this as inspiration to create 6 different ways you can transform a scarf in a quick jiffy.

SCARF

Remember your scarf is your Lifesaver and can elevate a simple outfit in an instant.Keep a couple handy in your bag at all times.

Here are some options with easy instructions. I have taken some of the guesswork out for you.

Summer Scarves

Choose one or two in a light weight cotton or poly chiffon,usually a 36″ square works really well.Since this summer is about print matching you can use two contrasting scarves to create a wow look.

Have a Stylish Summer
♥ Sunil

 

5 tips to find your perfect bag-most read post

New York City

We all know that have the perfect handbag polishes your outfit and makes your life easy and effortless.It is an effective way to enhance even the simplest outfit and your figure.Here are 5 simple tips to set you on the road to finding your dream bag.

Buying the right bag.

1.How does it look?

Just because  it is the most exquisite think you have ever seen,it does not qualify it to be your handbag.Try it on as you would a dress in front of a full length mirror.Look at it from every angle,making sure it compliments your shape and personality.Remember that you are the star of your show and your bag is your supporting player.

The bag should be in proportion to your height and figure(shape).Here are a few pointers.

If you are petite,look for shorter handles or adjustable straps,you do not want it to hang too low on your body.Make sure it fits everything you need without being too big.If you are tall make sure than handbag does not sit too high on your body and is proportionate for your frame.An overly structured bag can be hard to pull off and pay a lot of attention to your evening bags.If you are curvy,structured bags work best and be more bold in your choices.

Here is a simple chart to show which bags complement your body type.

 

If you are not sure of your body type here is a tool to help you.

The bag should also fit your personality.make sure it expresses who you are.

2.How does it feel?

If you love shoulder bags,make sure the strap is a width that sits comfortably on your shoulder and does not dig in.Walk around a bit and see if the strap slips.Does the bag sit well under your arm.Make sure the metal hardware does not rub in to your body.Ask the store clerk if you can put your stuff in the bag and make sure it is not too heavy.Your handbag should not exceed 8% of your body weight.For example if you weigh a 150lbs you bag when full should not exceed 12lbs.One of the most common causes of back and shoulder pain among women is the weight of their handbag.

3.Will it keep me organized?

Check to make sure your wallet,cell phone and keys are all quickly accessible as those are the 3 things that you use the most.Nothing is more unstylish than a woman digging around in her handbag or emptying the entire contents to find something.When buying a day bag make sure it is secure and prevents items from being lost or stolen.When buying an evening bag make sure it fits all your needs.There is nothing worse that having to carry a cell phone and an evening bag in the same hand.

4.Does it fit your lifestyle?

Think about when and where you will use your bag.If you commute to work by public transportation you will want a sturdy bag that is weather resistant.If you spend a long time in a car you may want a bag that sits up so that the contents can be easily accessed.If you spend a lot of your time with kids you will need a hands free bag.Darker hues,treated leather and nylon bags stand up better to daily wear.

5.How does it compliment my clothing wardrobe?

Make sure the color and style of you bag compliments your wardrobe.You should have tones that match for work and tones that contrast for casual and fun options.If you wardrobe is all neutral get a great tan or brown for day a red for casual and a print for evening.Always remember your bag should not distract from your outfit but enhance it.

 

Your bag wardrobe

Ideally it should be tons of options that complement your clothing but there are 5 main categories that you should have in your closet.

The casual day bag-this is your bag for your days off,this is your fun bag that works well with jeans.Go for a shade that pops and a style that elevates any casual outfit.Messengers,hobos,bucket and drawstring bags work well in this category.

The structured day bag-this is your work bag,it must be versatile and organized.Go for a rich neutral shade like black,brown or tan.make sure it has polish and goes well with dressier clothes.

The tote bag-this is essential for when you are carrying a lot specially your computer.Structure,stitching and hardware elevate this bag.This bag will prevent you from having to carry multiple bags.

The evening bag-this bag is more of a statement but make sure it holds all that you need.Black,silver and gold are great colors.This is one place where you can buy a piece that makes you swoon.

The seasonal trend-this is for the true fashionista,it is fun,fabulous and fashion forward.It is a little bit of a conversation piece and a show stopper.Here are some of Spring’s Top Trends for 2019.

 

 

So have fun finding your perfect purse companion!

♥ Sunil

 

5 tips to find your perfect bag

New York City

We all know that have the perfect handbag polishes your outfit and makes your life easy and effortless.It is an effective way to enhance even the simplest outfit and your figure.Here are 5 simple tips to set you on the road to finding your dream bag.

Buying the right bag.

1.How does it look?

Just because  it is the most exquisite think you have ever seen,it does not qualify it to be your handbag.Try it on as you would a dress in front of a full length mirror.Look at it from every angle,making sure it compliments your shape and personality.Remember that you are the star of your show and your bag is your supporting player.

The bag should be in proportion to your height and figure(shape).Here are a few pointers.

If you are petite,look for shorter handles or adjustable straps,you do not want it to hang too low on your body.Make sure it fits everything you need without being too big.If you are tall make sure than handbag does not sit too high on your body and is proportionate for your frame.An overly structured bag can be hard to pull off and pay a lot of attention to your evening bags.If you are curvy,structured bags work best and be more bold in your choices.

Here is a simple chart to show which bags complement your body type.

 

If you are not sure of your body type here is a tool to help you.

The bag should also fit your personality.make sure it expresses who you are.

2.How does it feel?

If you love shoulder bags,make sure the strap is a width that sits comfortably on your shoulder and does not dig in.Walk around a bit and see if the strap slips.Does the bag sit well under your arm.Make sure the metal hardware does not rub in to your body.Ask the store clerk if you can put your stuff in the bag and make sure it is not too heavy.Your handbag should not exceed 8% of your body weight.For example if you weigh a 150lbs you bag when full should not exceed 12lbs.One of the most common causes of back and shoulder pain among women is the weight of their handbag.

3.Will it keep me organized?

Check to make sure your wallet,cell phone and keys are all quickly accessible as those are the 3 things that you use the most.Nothing is more unstylish than a woman digging around in her handbag or emptying the entire contents to find something.When buying a day bag make sure it is secure and prevents items from being lost or stolen.When buying an evening bag make sure it fits all your needs.There is nothing worse that having to carry a cell phone and an evening bag in the same hand.

4.Does it fit your lifestyle?

Think about when and where you will use your bag.If you commute to work by public transportation you will want a sturdy bag that is weather resistant.If you spend a long time in a car you may want a bag that sits up so that the contents can be easily accessed.If you spend a lot of your time with kids you will need a hands free bag.Darker hues,treated leather and nylon bags stand up better to daily wear.

5.How does it compliment my clothing wardrobe?

Make sure the color and style of you bag compliments your wardrobe.You should have tones that match for work and tones that contrast for casual and fun options.If you wardrobe is all neutral get a great tan or brown for day a red for casual and a print for evening.Always remember your bag should not distract from your outfit but enhance it.

 

Your bag wardrobe

Ideally it should be tons of options that complement your clothing but there are 5 main categories that you should have in your closet.

The casual day bag-this is your bag for your days off,this is your fun bag that works well with jeans.Go for a shade that pops and a style that elevates any casual outfit.Messengers,hobos,bucket and drawstring bags work well in this category.

The structured day bag-this is your work bag,it must be versatile and organized.Go for a rich neutral shade like black,brown or tan.make sure it has polish and goes well with dressier clothes.

The tote bag-this is essential for when you are carrying a lot specially your computer.Structure,stitching and hardware elevate this bag.This bag will prevent you from having to carry multiple bags.

The evening bag-this bag is more of a statement but make sure it holds all that you need.Black,silver and gold are great colors.This is one place where you can buy a piece that makes you swoon.

The seasonal trend-this is for the true fashionista,it is fun,fabulous and fashion forward.It is a little bit of a conversation piece and a show stopper.Here are some of Spring’s Top Trends

 

So have fun finding your perfect purse companion!

♥ Sunil