#handbags.#fashionista

Dress like it is Easter Sunday!

There are valuable fashion lessons we can learn from how we dress for Easter Sunday and apply them to our daily life especially right now.

1.Putting on your Sunday Best

When it comes to this holiday we go through our closet and pick out an outfit that makes us feel and look our best.This is very important right now because we can easily go into a downward spiral where our entire wardrobe is sweat pants and pj’s.I saw this sign in a store window and it captured the role of clothing in our life,

It is more important that at this time that we do good and it starts with looking good.

2.Planning your Outfit

Many of us start a couple of weeks ahead look in our closet and pull a few options together.If something needs to be mended,cleaned or pressed we take care of it.Taking a few minutes the night before or the first thing in the morning can helps us look good and not feel stressed about what to wear.

3.Do not be afraid of Color

Nature at this time of year gives us a bounty of color,here are some pictures that I took one Easter I spent in San Diego with my fabulous friend Marijane Relth(Who is never afraid of Color).So take this time of year to add some color to your life and to your wardrobe.

4.Embrace Print

It is all around us right now so say come on in.Print is a great way to make you feel good.

5.And Finally Dress for Joy…

Easter Sunday is about JOY so make your wardrobe a source of  joy in your life and not a source of stress.I have created a coloring book for you to download and print so you can have some fun with the little fashionistas in your life playing with color and print.

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

How to accessorize your body!

New York City

Now that you are familiar with your body type and how to dress it.You must also pay attention to how you accessorize it.I have always said that accessories can make your break your outfit.When you pick your accessories it is critical that they work with your outfit but it is also vital that they compliment your body type.Both are equally important.

One of the most common fashion faux pas I see out there is when the outfit and accessories look great but does not frame the woman in quite the right way.I am sure you  sometimes glance at a woman and think “What a great look but  it is not for her”.

Here is what to aim for in creating the perfect look.

Shoes

1.Must make your legs look longer and leaner.

2.Must balance your body shape.

APPLE-you want nothing in the line of vision between your heel and your leg.If you are wearing hose, match it to your shoe.Avoid straps at all costs.Nude is the best color for you or match your pants.Go for a low vamp or an open toe.

PEAR-simple shoes are best because you want to keep attention up top.You also want to balance your hips with a shoe that has substance to it like a wedge or a block heel pump.A skinny high heel can make you look off kilter.

PENCIL-the goal is to add softness,so details like multiple straps,bows and ruffles are a must for you.Ballet flats are your best friend and do not be afraid of high heels. Avoid shoes with a lot of hardware and combat boot are an absolute no no.Chose softer colors like pink,tan and taupe.

HOURGLASS-A curvier body looks better with a curvier shoe.Peep toes and rounded toes are sexy because they echo your curves.Avoid pointy toes at all cost.

STRAWBERRY-Bright colors are key here to move the eye down.Prints are your best friend,but keep the shapes simple.three dimensional details will add interest as well but make sure they are not overwhelming.

Here are  some of the shoes you should consider this season!

 

Bags

This is one area that most women do not pay attention,they look at a bag on a shelf and a counter but not against their body.You need to try on a bag just as you would a dress or a shoe.Do not believe the myth the “Bigger your bag looks, the smaller your booty looks next to it”

APPLE-create balance by making sure your bag is no wider than the widest part of your body. Avoid straps that hang the bag against your mid section.A structured tote with a short handle works best.No tiny bags for you.

PEAR-make sure the bag sits more on the upper half of your body.A short handled bag that sits comfortably under your arm in a bright color can work well to balance your lower body.An oversize clutch carried above your waist is a must for evening.

PENCIL-handbags that sit at the natural waist add a slight curve to your body.Chose soft hobo’s and satchels ,avoid messenger bags at all costs.

HOURGLASS-you can carry any handbag your heart desires but structured boxy bags and totes can give you the best bang for your buck.

STRAWBERRY-Avoid shoulder bags and messenger bags,make sure your straps are not too wide or too long.A cross body that sits against your lower half can work well.

Here are some of the bags you should consider this season!

Belts

The Best Belts for your body shape are the ones that enhance and flatter them.It is also important to wear the belt at the right position on your body.
APPLE-this is the hardest body shape for belts.Soft knit belts or chord belts simply tied to the side create the illusion of a waist with out emphasizing it.Never wear a belt across your mid section and stay with colors that match your outfit.

PEAR-mid width belts are the best;avoid anything skinny or very wide.Stay in the same color family as your outfit and wear it slightly lower on your waist.

PENCIL-avoid anything too wide,wear it at your true waistband create a soft blouson effect by pulling at the fabric on top.This gives he effect of soft curves that is very flattering.

HOURGLASS-your body is built for belts and you should be wearing them almost all the time.They should always be worn at the middle of your waist and the smallest point and dark colors flatter you best.

STRAWBERRY-mid width to narrower belts work best for you.Make sure to wear it lower lower on your waist or at the top of your hip.Wear a light color belt with a darker dress or top and create fullness below the belt.

“SO PAY SOME ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY TYPE WHEN YOU ACCESSORIZE AND YOU WILL LOVE THE RESULTS”

♥ Sunil

Here is a cheat sheet to help you,feel free to print and keep handy!

How to get a perfect Wardrobe!

New York

 

Winter is firmly with us but in the stores Spring is starting to make an appearance,you are also starting to get your Spring catalogs from your stylists.Before you start shopping for your new wardrobe,it is good to take a minute to establish what your body shape is and how to dress and accessorize it.Your body changes over time and I recommend you review this before the Fall and Spring seasons. This will help you make the right decisions when  planning and purchasing your new pieces.

Now is the time to refresh your knowledge and remeasure your self.Remember it is important to dress the body you have right now, not the one you had 3 years ago or the one you plan to have next year.It is also important to express your self and make sure your wardrobe reflects who you are as a person. Do not define your self by your body shape as we are all truly unique but use it to find what is flattering.You are one of a kind just like a fabulous masterpiece.Just like any great masterpiece you need the right frame that will flatter and show case you.Here are some important steps you can take to plan and execute on a perfect wardrobe this Fall.

Step 1-Measure your Self.

Step 2-Determine your Body type.

Step 3-Define your sense of Style.

 

Step 4- Find what is Flattering to you.

 

Step 5- Plan your Wardrobe and Start Shopping!

If you are more verbal than visual you can create shopping index cards with the color,type of item and price.

 

With a little effort and energy you can have a fabulous new wardrobe.
♥ Sunil

You can download a PDF with all the worksheets below

WARDROBE PLAN