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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

Know your Body Type?

New York City

In the cold days of January some of us are planning to change our body thru diet and exercise and some of us are planning to dress our body in the latest Spring fashions that are being previewed right now.I am a firm believer that you should always dress the body you have right now and in order to do that you should first ascertain your body type.Here is a simple sheet that can help.

 

Current research is showing that there are close to 12 different body shapes out there but a majority of women fall in to the 7 body shapes listed below for each body shape I have given a brief do’s and don’ts.These are just suggestions based on my experiences working with all kinds of women over the last 30 years.The only rule is to is know that you are truly unique and beautiful and it is all about loving what you have and rocking it.

These are just guidelines to help you showcase and understand your uniquely beautiful body.So have fun with this and just know something’s may be better for you and others may be better left alone.

This most common body type close to 40% of women rock this shape.

This is the most desired body shape by both men and women.

Dolly Parton celebrates this shape in song

 

Fashion loves your body shape

May be one of the more challenging body shapes to dress but looks amazing when done right.

Well as they say you are destined to catch someone’s eye.You do find tall Apples but it is most common among petite women.

One of the least common body types but fun to dress.

I have expanded the usual 5 body types that I work with and included more details to make it easier to understand.

So have fun with trying some new things as your body shape changes and getting rid of some old things that no longer flatter you.I believe clothes are the frame for the masterpiece that is you,every masterpiece deserves the best frame.So take the time and energy to find your best frame.

♥ Sunil

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to be warm and fashionable at the same time!

New York City

Major winter weather is here and some of you have had almost 2 weeks of below freezing temperatures.We are expecting record low temperatures starting today all over the United States and I think Calgary Canada just broke a few records as well.I am not going to talk about Ottawa that looks like it belongs in the movie “Frozen”

Winter is no excuse to look like a Bag lady or a Michelin man just to stay warm.Style never freezes.Staying warm and cozy means piling on the layers but once inside you may encounter near tropical temperatures.Your look has to work both indoors and outside.

Layering adds complexity to a fashionista’s quest to maintain a certain level of chic.Just getting in and out of layers tends to mess up hair,make up and general decorum.If you are not careful you can end up looking and feeling like a very messy layer cake.

The solution?

Follow these simple 5 steps to stay fashionable,chic and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.

1.Choose your base layer wisely.

Most people think no one is going to see it so why bother and then you get to a really hot office or department store and have to strip down.Your first layer should be

  • Soft,absorbent and great feeling against your skin.Cotton,Merino and Cashmere are all great fabrics for a base layer.
  • Have a close to the body fit and can stand alone if needed.Leggings and Tights are are great under pants and skirts.
  • Be in a skin flattering color.
2.Your layers should work together.
  • Your next layer should be easy on,easy off to not destroy hair and make up.Zip and button fronts work really well,as to cowls and deep necklines.
  • Your pieces should all have the same feel or spirit working together and standing alone.Make sure they all have the same mood.
  • Lay out all the pieces on the bed and do a quick check before you put them on.
3.Create interesting color stories.
  • Stick to the same color family with one pop color.
  • If you choose to go monochromatic mix up your textures or else your outfit will look flat.
  • Pay attention to your skin tone,most people get paler in the winter so something that looked great 3 months ago may not work right now.
4.Pay attention to fit.
  • Every layer should be figure flattering,as you go up make sure each layer is slightly bigger.
  • Nothing looks worse than jamming four layers under a jacket or coat that was made for one.The stuffed sausage look is one of the most common layering mistakes.Opt for a wrap coat or a poncho that can take many layers and look good.The good news is technical innovations in fabric and construction have created coats that are super warm and thin at the same time.They are pricey but worth the investment.Look for a more classic style that will not go out of date.
  • Make sure you have mobility especially that you can drive once you get in to a car.
5.Make sure to ice the  layer cake which is your outfit.
  • Your final layer is the most important,Do not fall in to the trap of “I am going to take my coat off when I get there so let me just throw on this old super warm thing”This is  a common mistake.You will run in to several people before you get your coat off it is Murphy’s law.
  • Match your coat to your look;have a great sporty coat for day that goes well with jeans and pants and have a dressier one for night that works with dresses and skirts.For most occasions the ideal top layer is an easy fitting coat that looks stylish no matter how many layers lie beneath.
  • Have fun with accessories,make sure you always have a great scarf and gloves that complement your outfit. A stylish hat will keep you warm and chic.You lose a lot of your body heat from your head so choose one that fits well.
  • Boots are the way to go for footwear.They really complete a layered look and can be both warm and stylish.Make sure you get a pair with great traction because a fashionista must always be upright.