Fall Fashion Looks For 2013! Enjoy!

FALL 2013 is here! Whether you like it or love it; whether you are ready or not...HERE it comes!
I've heard a lot of times at work that its still too HOT to think about the upcoming season but you gotta think about it! The beauty of shopping for Fall Fashions now is you will be a step ahead of those late bloomers! Retailers are not producing as much as they used too. Many customers try to wait for a SALE or a PROMOTION. This can be a double edge sword. While you can get a discount you may not get the size. Supply and demand do not always meet nowadays. Now the demand is so much higher than the supply causing a shortage of fashion forward items or even basic items. Yes, yes you can possibly order items but remember there are chains of retailers with customer alike who want the same thing! First come first gets it!

I agree with creating a sense of urgency for consumers. A lot of merchandise does not need to be manufactured if its going to sit in the store. So, shoppers listen up! As I've said in earlier blog posts, the retailer has to make money too! If you cannot afford an item please do not buy it then return it hoping to get a cheaper price because retailers do have policies regarding price adjustments. Save your money for that ONE special store that you like to shop with or you want to shop with. Go scope out price points so you know what you are dealing with. Retailer prices fluctuate all of the time. Even if you make friends with the employees of a particular store, ask them if they have a book that shows what's coming our for the next month. This can allow you to see the trends, colors, and silhouettes. Many books will even list the prices so at that time you can see if it will work into your monthly budget.

I have included some fabulous pics of 2013 Fall colors and trends! Enjoy!

10 Rules to Fashion in the Workplace

If you have been reading my posts you can tell by now I absolutely LOVE fashion and styling those who have no fashion sense. So many of us are confined to a particular wardrobe because of our working environment. I have come across many women who don't have any FUN clothes because we are forced to wear clothes within a particular guideline. What I would like to share with you is that there are ways to be within a dress code and still feel pretty, handsome, and sexy. Depending on what profession you are in these rules will vary.

1.   Analyze the dress code thoroughly. A lot of basic dress codes state specifics on what to wear such as crops, pants, or sleeve length. You will also find direction on colors, hair or nail care. Amongst these, look at the basics in your wardrobe. A professional should always have black, navy, white, brown, khaki, and olive green. With these basic ground neutrals, you can go forward with your business attire but add some creative personality to your day. 

2. Look at color. How can you brighten up your wardrobe with color?! Yes, we all want the seasons most fashionable colors but also take some risks. Try mustard yellow with orange and brown. Red and green with navy. Pinks, sky blue, and yellow with all neutrals. Try black and brown.  

3. Stay fitted! What this means is buy clothes that fit! So many people are so afraid to go up a size to get what fits. To me that is ridiculous. I have seen women go down a size and then they buy it with no hesitation. Its a mind game. Each retailer makes their clothing different. So in one store you may be a smaller size and then in the next store you may go up a size. Whatever size you are keep yourself positive by wearing what makes you happy and that fits!

4. Tailored vs. Relaxed Fitting-it's a big difference between the two. Tailored clothes show your curves, legs, and hips. While these assets aren't needed in your profession however it makes your womanhood or manhood come  to life!  The way you dress can be inspiring to others. Some may ask you for your opinion about their look or maybe they want you to dress them for future occasions. 

A relaxed fit allows for more movement. There are a lot of women who can pull this look off with slim bottoms and fun artistic shoes. Some who opt to wear flowey tops are those who are trying to hide something. This concept can work against you so you really have to be careful. If you opt for a flowey top be sure that the top has some structure elsewhere being that its fitted at the bust line but flows outward. Maybe the neck line is beautiful. The garment could be flowey over the tummy area but very straight elsewhere. As a women who just want to be sure you look appealing and as a man you want to be sure your look is sharp!
5. Crisp white shirt. It's essential more than you know. A crisp white shirt can be put together with any pant or skirt. It's a serious look without wearing so much  black and navy. When you find this crisp white shirt be sure to buy at least 3. If you do not care for them properly the material can become too soft and will lose its substance/stiffness.
6. Utilize your hair stylist to create a fashion forward look for your profession. Plan to change this style once a quarter to keep some interest in peers as well as yourself.
7. Go to a beauty class. Ladies! This will amaze you! You will  be amazed at what you learn about your coloration, techniques on makeup application, and much more! How fun will this be in order to add some creativity to your makeup !
 8. Accessorize to your fullest potential! Okay, so every gal wants diamond earrings, they are so classic! If you like a classic look but need to stay within a particular price range then purchase some good ole Cubic Zirconia's! They are just as good! But who says you have to stop there!  Some of us like wild and fun jewelry ! Find a few accessory stores such as Francesca's where you can get an array of funky jewelry. You will always find great pieces you love but there is nothing like shopping in a boutique setting.
9. Be inventive! It's not hard to come up with ways to wear particular items. Just practice! Have a few cocktails with your ladies and go shopping. Try on clothes and your friends wardrobe you! Find ways to be fun and flirty! Maybe you buy nice underwear that makes you feel great! It's important for the undergarments to be sexy and fun too!
10. Nails. Nowadays it's the coolest thing to wear green nail polish! Hey, I never had that problem, but so many of you did. Don't get so stuck on yourself to the point you don't enjoy or express your creative side! Pamper yourself with a mani and pedi then get your technician to put designs on your nails. Remember it used to not be okay with your natural nails but its he healthiest choice!
Try colors that you would not normally get!

Are you scared to take a risk? Fashion expressions!

I've lost myself in a world of nay-Sayers who look frumpy everyday. These are the people who have everything to say about how you dress, look, and your fashion sense. Sometimes we let ourselves adhere to what others think about us and others tell them where to shove it! For me, I've worked in various places that have its own unique fashion. What you have to realize its how you pair pieces of clothes together in order to create a dynamic look. Fashion should not be stressful it should be fun, unique, and desireable. Look at who you are listening to. Everyone has an opinion but is it worth your time or do you need to put that sister/ friend in their place? Has it ever gotten YOU anywhere to care about what people think?

You may ask why am I so Adament about personal expression? Take a self assessment test below:

1. Are you uptight because of personal situations or your job?

2. What is currently in your wardrobe? Is it the same old style in a million colors? Are your clothes so baggy that you and everyone else can fit into them?

3. Do you have the right color palette?

4. Is your wardrobe too conservative?

5. What about your under garments? Are your "twins" screaming for a bra that fits? What about your under wear?  How grandma or sexy is it? The material of your underwear can be gratifying for your companion. Not everyone loves a thong but a thin panty strap on the hip can still b sexy.

6. Do you look like a tent, a linebacker, or perhaps a hooker? No matter your body type their are clothes that will flatter your body...and guess what?! You dont always have to wear a dark color on top or bottom to de-empasize a part of your body you don't like. Find a tailored shirt/jacket with some interest. Maybe the skirt/pant needs to be updated. Please don't buy any clothes/shoes with rhinestones that look like dog collars or sequins that look like my little girl put them on. 

7. Whether you have good feet or bad feet there are cute shoes out there that will make you feel pretty. Please shop within your budget. If you love to spend most of your money on shoes because thats how you express yourself. Try the comfort of  Naturalizers, Aresoles, Nine West, Echo, to name a few. Or maybe you love STACKS! #Luchiny, #Jessica Simpson, #The Baker Shoe Store, #Aldo Shoes, Steve Madden, to name a few. If you have a larger budget then try #Jimmy Choo, #Menolos, #Prada, or #Gucci.
8. Layer accessories in big and bold colors. Or wear unique pieces that add personality.
9. Mix patterns in prints. Don't look like a clown or that you just through something together but put stripes with solids, patterns with bold color. Experiment!
10. If you are finding it hard to try something different, then start as simple as nail polish. Choose a color that is wild! Treat yourself to a nice pedicure, if it works in your budget. Buy a nice pair of open toe shoes. Then just stare at your toes. Watch complements come a rolling! 

Let's Talk About the Fashion of Shoes

He loves the way I walk. He told me the slight bend in my knees makes him quiver. When he steps back he watches; left to right my peach sways with a slight jiggle. My legs look taller even leaner. I am the black stallion-they call me. Not because of my color. Im slightly caramel with a touch of brown suga. Watch. Imagine. Look at the muscles flex as I walk. My stacks give me the ultimate gratification. Hmmm...you are sexy. I am marching around the house passing the 6ft mirrors watching my shoes work. Work Judy work, I say. Let me do my runway walk.

How did you get this way? Your creator is immaculate-crazy even. There has to be a lot rattling around up there to design one of the sexiest things that goes on a women's body. Who knew that this-shoe, that this accessory to my foot would create such a masterpiece that I would love; that I would use in creating my fantasies, my dancing, work, and play. My toe clevage attracts all types. It can make showing some clevage exceptable in the eyes of your peers, that is if you even care what people think. I have dreams of which of you I want. Red, black, silver-oh I just don't know. Maybe I feel like a wedge, a stiletto, or maybe some sexy strappy flats. Can I find weird shoes, traditional shoes, or even shoes with color? I can find all of these if I really try hard. I don't want to look older than I am. No pointy kitten heels; shoes that remind me of a witch. I want my man to look at me with live images that only he can touch but others can imagine.

Espadrilles are a nice medium for those who cannot wear stacks. They can have a casual or dressy look with skirts, dresses, and even crops. Try a pop of color to give your espadrilles some life and your feet will thank you. Your feet will get so much attention and you will meet women who want what you have. Don't worry ladies. Designers make more than one pair! There is enough badd girl to go around.

Flats are a great little thing because sometimes women prefer to be comfortable and others have foot problems. Maybe you are in the category of being more sutle. Some women do not want to be noticed so you wear very off-putting shoes. They may have holes, don't match, dirty, or just a bad style. Remember shoes are still supposed to do something for you. A lot of people say beauty is pain and it can ring true. This will only work if you can walk in them. If you are walking in baby steps and you are limping as if somebody hit you then you will not look beautiful. Take the shoes off! Please-I beg you, don't let your shoes talk to you if you can help. And if you can afford it buy another pair. Don't be ghetto and try to glue your shoe together where people can see the homemade work that you did.

Be a good sport now and pass this along. Stay tuned for more shoe talk and websites!

Poisonous Fashion & Business Downturns

Shopping is a pleasurable experience and almost therapeutic. There is the desire to be fashion forward what ever the cost just to say that you have received the latest item that is on trend. This desire that burns deeply within us has a tendacy to have a level of gratification so deep into our soul that we could make whoopy with our new clothes on because they make us look so desireable to our companion. This beautiful word called "fashion" can be poisonous not only for the shopper but for the provider: the business itself. I have analyzed businesses out there assessing why is it that many fashion forward brands have had to close stores. I know you would think that the brand is just not making a profit but do you really understand why?

 Women can have toxic spending habits that lead to debt and businesses not making any profit. There are 4 categories of shoppers: The need shopper, the want shopper, the compulsive shopper, and the return shopper. So, how do these 4 effect a businesses success?

1. The need shopper shops when she is truly needing a refresh on her wardrobe whether that be because you are out of date, too little, or too big clothes. This shopper needs assistance and is going to purchase quite a bit of clothing because she needs to update her wardrobe.
2. The want shopper has clothes to get her buy but increases her wardrobe because she makes impulse purchases because of the item being either very unique or very cheap. This shopper can also have a pattern of returning impulse purchases therefore hurting the business.
3. Compulsive shoppers buy in large quantities and buy often. This shopper does not have the conscience of money because she has plenty. She does not care to let her riches be known and she often is a "queen" expecting royal treatment because her purchases are always several hundreds of dollars. This person can affect your business because any minute she can decide she went too cra-cra and then expects full refunds.
4. The return shopper is someone who is never satisfied or constantly buying merchandise without being 100% sure the merchandise is what she wants and ends up always bringing something back.

This affects businesses greatly because when you return something you are keeping the money in your pocket and not in the business bank account. As customers we have to be mindful that in order to continue to purchase from a retailer that you truly enjoy the service, merchandise, or atmosphere you have to do your part. If a business closes then you need to ask yourself what role did you play in that. We're you not supportive enough to return your buying power to the retailer or did you make a lot of returns. Even if you returned a $20 item that is still $20 less than a company has. You may be thinking, "we'll it's just $20 bucks and surely the company will survive." Well folks expand your mind to this, if a store had 1,000 people in one year to bring back $20 each then the company lost $20,000! This could be for a small business or big business. Your business is valuable to the success of retailers.

It's common courteousy to try on the merchandise, to be certain the merchandise is what you need/want, and that your shopping habits don't get out of control so that you have that buyers remorse. Put yourself on a monthly fashion budget and adhere to it!

Rule# 4-Funny Money For Fashion

Everybody wants a deal. Some don't want to pay for nada! Others believe in working the system to get what you want. What category are you in? What I can tell you is retail is a funny little place where money sure enough is funny. We all choose to spend our hard earned money on what we want. Some of us choose to buy cheap clothes to go on expensive trips. Some of us burn our credit cards up totaling hundreds of dollars to keep up with the fashions knowing we have bills to pay.

Some of you are what I call Fashinaire's where you are an "heir" to fashion and you have clothes galore. Women and men who can afford everything have either worked hard for it, inherited it, or you are a professional manipulator. Imagine going to Saks a few times a week because BIG daddy loves his wifey. Maybe BIG daddy loves his mistress, goodness  forbid. Or maybe BIG daddy himself is getting his suave on for his next business meeting or maybe to impress his date. 

Regardless of how much you spend,  we all have to shop on a budget. Appearance is what makes you feel like a stallion or if you are a women it brings your inner sexy outwards. In order to achieve the look your are going for decide what makes you the most sexy. Is it your hair? Is it your stacks or commonly referred to as heels? Maybe you prefer the entire outfit to make you feel dressed to impress. Whatever makes you feel the most fashion forward is what you should spend the most on if you have to choose where to put the most of your money. There are great places to shop where you can get the most out of your money.

Ann Taylor Loft seems to have customers conditioned to a sale of 40% off. J.Jill has events for their customers and when you shop you receive emails with coupons. New York & Company has great sales and have petites and talls in the store. This is great because it saves on shipping. DSW Shoes has rows of shoes to choose from and at the back of the store you can find their dot sale. 

Just remember wherever you shop don't let your money be funny but just let your money buy you a wardrobe that will make you look and feel great!

Here are some links to other fashion blogs I love!
thechrisellefactor.com

www.karlascloset.com

Fashion Queens and their Sexy Kings-Rule #3

Every woman wants  to shop with her husband or someone whom they care about passionately. Its very endearing to see the public display of affection rise to the top when you are trying on that fitted skirt that hugs your hips in all of the right places. He just cannot get enough of you that your husband or boy toy wants to sit inside the dressing room where multiple woman are in order to get his private show.

I know its every couples dream to be intimate in the middle of the day or night in a dressing room where people are. There are many people that have heard whispers and noises that sounded like more than just tangling in the clothes.I know its the spontaneous thing inside of us that makes us want to be naughty. Its a rise that after you fufill that little fantasy you go have a nice cocktail after.

Not everybody wants to hear the sexiness in public but just maybe it is what a boring person needs to hear in order to satisfy the drought in their lives? Ive heard all things and seen all kinds and nothing surprises me. We do have woman who are very uncomfortable knowing that someone else's man is next door. Whether she is uncomfortable because she feels he is a peeping Tom or maybe she is afraid he will like what he sees is beyond me. You do need to ultimately be respectful of the privacy of other woman trying clothes on.

Now, there is another side to shopping with your husband. I understand that as woman we are never satisfied with our body and it gets the best of us. I know so many of us struggle with extra tummy fat or not so pretty thighs or legs. To accomodate for our flaws we have to be sure that the outer person we see is dressed in a flattering way to make our companion jump our bones.Here is the thing. Husbands can be annoying from the retail perspective.

I have seen women come into the store to purchase a lot of merchandise and then when they take it home to their hubby he does not get a rise. So, then here you are stuck with a decision to exchange or return. You can look at this in so many angles but it's unfair to the business either way. A few friendly things you can do is bring him with you if you value his opinion to what gets his goose going. The second thing is maybe just tell him it is what makes you happy. The third thing you can do is have him look through the website with you or the catalog to see the items he would love to see you in.

Fashion RULES #2

So here we are for Rule #2! I pondered this rule and it deems necessary. Retailers and sales persons are there to help you and NOT get on your last nerves! If a sales person gets on your nerves then you need to assess the reason why. The first question to ask is if the sales person is doing his/her job. Are they doing it well to where the sales person cares about the choices you make for your wardrobing?

If you are going to shop for retail therapy for reasons that you are pissed off, you are just blowing money because God has blessed you with some extra cash flow, or you just mad at your husband or wife and you just want them to pay for it then all of those reasons are YOUR PROBLEM! Don't take out your so called therapy on the salesperson. Just like as a customer you do not want to feel negativity amongst the team members then pay the salesperson the same respect.

Searching for the right clothes takes time and fun! Check your attitudes at the door. If you do not want to be bothered then stay your behind at home! The other thing you can do is just shop at the department stores where nobody speaks to you and everybody watches you. Of, course this will be an acception for department stores who base their pay off of sales per hour, but this is rare.

Sales persons have a job to do and its to service you! As the good ole saying states, "Don't bite the hand that feeds you!" If anything be sure to have a conversation with these workers because they may make you feel better!

RULES OF FASHION IN RETAIL

There are rules. Whether we like it or not we have rules. I have seen so many customers treat retail workers as if they should worship the ground they walk on but little do each of us know that retail is a very hard job..but it is a BUSINESS!

Over the next couple of days I want to share many RULES TO FASHION RETAIL.

Did you know that your retail workers that are full-time make anywhere from $30,000 to $60,000? These numbers are  from my own experience however I am utilizing these numbers to say that retail workers do earn a living and your business is important!

RULE #1 Choosing a Place to shop
When you shop, there should always be someone who says "Hello!" If they don't..then run for the hills and somewhere where you will be acknowledged. I train  my team that our store is like our house and it is a standard to treat it as such. When someone comes into your home you don't ignore them do you? No! You get to know your "guest." You ask them their name and then you engage them in a conversation to make your guest feel at home.

So, do not be shocked when you go into a store and the salesperson greets and engages you, it should be a requirement for your shopping experience. Of course you should always engage back and get to know the salesperson. I have seen customers looked freaked out because the shopping experience is not something that they are used to. But as a shopper, have some standards about where you spend your money!

The store you will find that have this service is J.Jill, Chico's, Banana Republic, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, to name a few. To sum it up, boutique stores are the best to shop in because the company drives off the value of the customer. If, for some reason one store is better than the next then be sure to call that store out. Each store within a Brand should have a mirror image. In other words, no matter if you go into a J.Jill store on the east coast or the west coast the customer experience should be the same.

Stay tuned for more RULES!

Love Fashion:Get the Inside Scoop

My experience has taken me on a journey of fashion,the sex of fashion , and the art of wardrobing from a retail perspective. The way you shop and how you shop has an effect on how you feel, what you think about you, what others think about you, and how the retail stylist views you.

I have helped many near and far find their inner style and beauty; to teach how to flatter your body according to your style. Even though ive never Blogged before, I can see this becoming addictive because I care so much about YOU! So, here I am ready to service you as so many have encouraged me to start a Blog.

How do conclude your personal style? What about if you want to change your style? How do you consider what to change it to? Well many things should be taken into consideration. If you are a plain ol' gal then try some color or prints. If you are a wild flower and want to tone it down utlize more base colors with a pop of color or a nice toned down print. If you are a sex pot and love showing your boobs or a little thigh, then you could find a happy length of one to two inches above the knee. The tops you choose should be figure flattering and fitted.

Some fashionista's out there like their clothes loose and juicy and just cannot stand for clothes to be constricting, then find tops that are generously cut but your bottom half needs to tailored. This look keeps this fashionista comfy, pretty, and her figure is flattered.

I remember helping a guest who was long and lean like me. Beautiful brown skin with hair to match her statue. She couldnt help the long monkey arms that God gave her. While trying on tops she would get sizes too big in order for the sleeves to be longer. i told her, "Absolutely not! " I did not want her to look like a potoato sack. I showed her ways to cuff the sleeves or even put a tact in the sleeve so that all the way around her body looked flattered and her arms were happy too!