Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Always Appropriate

   

In an era when most people live in jeans (oh wait, is that just me?), receiving an invitation in the mail with “Black Tie Only” or “Dressy Casual Preferred” at the bottom can leave you asking, “so what do I wear?”  I’ll tell you.   

Now in this instance I see no need to reinvent the wheel.  I’m going to borrow from Thomas Hart’s article on HowtoDoThings.com for this one.  Mind you, Mr. Hart appears to be a bit of a snob, judging from his opinion of party hosts that request casual attire (see below), but we’ll forgive him because the information is concise and to the point… just like I like it.  Since he covers the men’s attire in good detail, I’ve added some pictures of the women’s dress to clarify further.  Here we go…   

Here are the possible phrases you’ll see on your invitation:   

• White Tie: The most formal possible. Women wear full-length gowns with a crinoline. Men wear black pants, a black tail coat, white tuxedo shirt with bow-tie and a top hat with optional white kid gloves.

Ball Gown (White Tie)

• Black Tie/Formal: Second on the formal scale, this includes a straight gown for women and, for men, a black tuxedo with no hat.

Evening Gown (Black Tie/Formal)

• Semi formal/Informal: This actually does not mean ‘informal’ in the way you or I would naturally use the word, but it is less formal than the first two options. The men are in black suits and the women in dark knee-length dresses. 
  

  Semi-formal/Cocktail

• Cocktail: Men wear dark suits and women wear fun knee-length dresses, 
• Dressy Casual: Men wear blazers or sports jackets, a white dress shirt and black dress pants, while the ladies wear skirts and blouses.
• Business: Men wear blazers or sports jackets with a coloured shirt and khakis or dark denim. Women can wear skirts or dress pants. 

Work or dinner (Business)

• Casual: Either gender what they please, within reason. Use good judgement if the host or hostess is un-classy enough to mistakenly allow this type of dress at his of her party.
  

  Casual (Remember, it's a party)

“Here are the specific instructions for a men’s Black Tie dress code.  

Step 1:

You need to wear a white tuxedo shirt. This means one with vertical pleats on the chest area and French cuffs (the ones that allow for the use of cuff links).   

Step 2:

Wear a black tuxedo. This does not include one that has tails, but please be sure that the pants to the tuxedo have the obligatory black satin strip running down the outside seam of the leg and satin lapels.    

Step 3:

You need a black silk neck tie.   

Step 4:

Black patent leather shoes are a must. This means the high gloss leather ones. And refrain from wearing the velvet tuxedo slipper in the day.   

Step 5:

Remember your silver or gold cuff links.   

Step 6:

A thin black belt or thin black suspenders.   

Step 7:

A cummerbund is optional, and must be black. This should be worn with the fold facing upwards.   

Step 8:

Black sock are absolutely not optional; they are necessary with dark pants.   

Step 9:

  

Do not wear a top hat and white kid gloves. But a white silk scarf can be worn outdoors in the cooler months. 

   

Yes, this type of dress code is very formal. And no, not everyone will obey the rules, but please do not dress down just because you know other silly and misinformed people are going to. There is nothing wrong with being the best-dressed one at the party. Just don’t out-dress the host or hostess, who should possess the good manners to obey the rules they dictated for the partygoers, rather than going above this to the next level of dress.”   

So know you can’t say you didn’t know!  Hopefully you’ll get invited to some fabulous parties this holiday season and you’ll be perfectly appropriate!   

Do you have any topics you’d like me to cover?  I want to hear from you!!  Make a comment in the comments section or shoot me an email to: jodi@stylesuccess.net   

If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone in southeast Michigan, consider a gift certificate for a personal style consultation with ME!  Check out my site for details: http://www.stylesuccess.net   

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!  And for all my MOT’s out there…. HAPPY HANUKKAH!   

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Consider Consignment

Have you ever been to a consignment shop?  If you answered “no” my reply would be “why the heck not?!”  I love good consignment shops.  Unlike thrift shops, a good consignment shop owner/buyer has a discriminatory eye and only accepts items that look new and usually focus and well-known brands or unique items. 

As a seller it’s a fantastic way to declutter your closet without having to feel guilty that you’re throwing away items in good condition.  Do you have any clothes in your closet that still have the tags on them?  You know, one of those things you look at and think, “what was I smoking the day I bought that?!”  Well, you can make a little return on your money by selling the garment through a consignment shop.  Plus, you’ll have the peace of knowing that the garment has found a new home…. not in YOUR closet.

As a shopper at a consignment shop you can find unique items at a fraction of their original cost.  The last time I was in to my favorite local shop I bought two long cardigan sweaters, the kind you see in all the stores right now, for about $10 EACH.  Most consignment shops will also sell some new accessories to make an outfit.  Some of favorite items to look for at a resale shop are special event garments (because they are normally only worn a few times, if not once), jeans (because they’re already worn in) and purses/bags.  But I always find something I love and don’t have to feel guilty buying because the price is amazing.

An added bonus to shopping at a resale shop is that you’re supporting a local business.  Most consignment shops are run by their owners who take great pride in their store and community.  It’s always great to help support local business owners, especially in today’s economy.  In a season where you’re spending a lot of cash on other people’s gifts, consider a consignment shop for finding your holiday party outfits! 

To find the shops in your area just search “consignment shop” or “resale shop”. 

In the Ann Arbor area I recommend:

The Resale Boutique  107 East Michigan Ave, Saline, MI  734-295-3030  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saline-MI/The-Resale-Boutique/230749620018?v=wall

Happy shopping!!

Want help finding that holiday party outfit?  Want to give someone a gift certificate to boost their style confidence?  I’m your girl!  Check out my site: http://www.stylesuccess.net

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Bulk-free warmth

For some women the winter weather presents a new fashion challenge: how to stay warm without adding bulk.  For example, I think that some puffy coats are adorable.  Unfortunately when I wear them I look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.  Considering the fact that most of my outfit choices are geared towards making myself look thinner, you can as where this might be considered counter-productive.  Luckily there are many coat choices out there.  There is also an alternative to adding warmth only with bulky sweaters.  They’re called Cuddle Duds.

To put it simply, they’re long johns for women.  But instead of your run of the mill waffle weave cotton numbers… as sexy as they may be… Cuddle Duds are silky, soft and thin.  They add a lot of warmth without all the bulk.  Perfect to put under your tops, pants and fine knit sweaters.

You can find Cuddle Duds at Macy’s, Target, JC Penney and other retailers.  To see the full line visit the Cuddle Duds website: http://www.cuddlduds.com

A special thank you to my client back in Houston that first told me about Cuddle Duds.  I’ll be thinking of you this winter!

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Sweater CPR

It’s official… sweater season has arrived!  I’ve recently been asked a few questions regarding sweaters so I thought I’d share a couple with the class.

        The problem: Pills – those nasty little balls that form on some sweaters as a result of friction.  You’ll most often see them under the arms where the sleeves rub against the body, across the body from the seatbelt, at the wrists where you move them on the desk… you get the picture.

                    Two solutions:

                     Pumice Stone - easy to use and gives you full control over the amount of pressure you apply.

"Hollywood Sweater Saver"

                       Shaver - battery operated and removes pills in a jiffy.                                                                               

"Ontel Fuzz Wizard Fab Shaver"

         The problem: Fold vs. hang – if you fold your sweaters in a drawer you can’t see everything you have and if you hang them they stretch out and lose their shape.

                    Two solutions:

                    Hanging Sweater Storage - you’re able to see everything you own without risking the shape of the garment.  Added bonus * the cubby holes keep the stacks from toppling over!

Hanging Sweater Storage from Target

                       Sweater Hangers – for lightweight knits ONLY!  Gravity is the arch enemy of sweaters (and mine) so hanging them is always risky.  However if you have a very lightweight fine gauge knit you might be able to get away with it.  To avoid damaging the delicate knit and getting those funny little shoulder bumps, try padded satin hangers.

Padded satin hangers from Target

No matter what, not even if the product claims amazing results, never, ever, hang a sweater to dry!  It will completely lose it’s shape and ultimately ruin the quality and look of the sweater.  Always lay it flat or send it for dry cleaning.

Do you have other questions or conundrums regarding your sweaters?  All you have to do is ask and I’m happy to answer!  Post your question in the comments box and I’ll respond.  And for goodness sake, bundle up… it’s getting cold out there! 

 

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: If you only buy one thing…

Paul Newman wears it well

Are you thinking “Didn’t she use that same title last week?”  Yes, I did.  But I lest anyone think that style belongs only to women, or accuse me of sexism, I don’t want to leave the guys out.  This week’s blog is what men should buy (or what their ladies should buy for them) this fall if they only buy one thing.  And the answer, again… I don’t have amnesia… is the classic white shirt.  For men it’s the Oxford cloth button-down-collar dress shirt.  A classic piece that never goes out of style and, more to the point, is always IN STYLE.  Don’t believe me?  Twenty two out of the “50 Most Stylish Men of the Past 50 Years” article in GQ (from whence I lifted the picture of Paul Newman) are wearing white dress shirts.  Albeit not all of them are button-down-collar, and one of them has ruffles down the front, but you get my point.

Button-down-collars on dress shirts normally bring shirts to a more casual level and in the case of this shirt, that is exactly what makes it so versatile.  You can wear it with a:

-blazer    -     leather jacket    -    vest    -    hoodie    -    cardigan    -    and on, and on, and on….

and some

- jeans    -    corduroys    -    tweed trousers    -    khakis    -    and on, and on, and on….

Or dress it up with a suit and a tie.  Wanna try something new for the fall and winter?  Try a knit tie.  The texture and style match nicely with the elegant yet casual style of the shirt.

You can find these shirts just about anywhere.  The point is to get the right size.  The shirt should FIT.  That means the shoulder seams should be at your shoulders, the sleeve ends 1/2 an inch from your wrist bone and the body of the shirt is fairly close to your torso.  No balloon effect, you should not be able to fit another person in the shirt with you!  For this reason it’s better to get a shirt that is sized by neck size and sleeve length (for example: 16 x 32/33) as opposed to XS – XL.  For more on proper fit check my past blog: Sharp Dressed Man: The Basics of a Man’s Suit Ensemble

Go forth and be handsome!

Want help figuring out the size or style that’s best for you?  Just ask me!  

http://www.stylesuccess.net

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: If you don’t buy anything else…

On Friday, September 25th I teamed up with Mod Squad hair salon in Saline, and Kristin Finn from Mary Kay, to present the fashion trends for fall.  Apparently I’m not as good at multi-tasking as some of the other mom-entrepeneurs out there.  How they are able to plan and execute events while maintaining their businesses, blogs and Twitters, and not forget the feeding, folding, changing, etc., etc., is beyond me!  Obviously I have something to work towards.  To see the fruits of our labor check out the video/photo montage on the “Events” page of my website: http://www.stylesuccess.net/Events.html

In the end my family got fed, the laundry got put away… eventually, and the event was a success.  The Twittering and blogging, however, suffered.  With that, onto Fall…

If you don’t buy anything else new this fall you should buy a classic white shirt.  Not one with ruffles or ribbons or sparkles.  A clean, crisp, tailored white shirt.  My favorite is this one from Banana Republic:

Classic White Shirt

It’s non-iron (yes please!) and has a great tailored fit.  In the Fall preview show I showed it paired with a tweed pencil skirt

Classic Lady

but in truth, the options are endless.

You can wear it with jeans, slacks, skirts, shorts… not in fall maybe, but eventually.  Wear it out, tucked in or belted.  Wear it with a necklace or scarf, a simple white tank underneath or a sequined cami for drama.  It’s appropriate for every age and they make it in a good range of sizes, including petites and talls.

The shirt from Banana is just one option, there are others out there.  If you live in Houston, Texas, check out Basiques in Uptown Park, Sherri has practically turned it into an art form!

Happy hunting!!

If you live in the Ann Arbor, MI area and want to be invited to the next season trend show be sure to add yourself to the mailing list on my websiste: www.stylesuccess.net  Have a great week!!

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Instant Thin

Ever have one of those puffy tummy days, weeks, months?  Everyone needs a “go-to” thin outfit.  One that you know you can throw together in a minute and look pounds lighter.  The trick is a column of dark color plus a lighter colored jacket.  Here are a couple of examples to get you started:

Dude’s look: navy polo + dark denim + khaki blazer

This blazer even has a tonal vertical stripe… bonus! 

Chic’s look: black blouse + black trousers + white blazer

To make this outfit less dressy substitute dark wash jeans for the trousers.

Ta-da!  No belly!!

Have a specific topic you’d like me to address in next Tuesday’s Tips & Tricks?  Let me know by adding a comment or email me at: jodi@stylesuccess.net. 

Have a great week!!

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: No show

Did you miss me?  I apologize for not posting a Tips & Tricks last Tuesday.  I had family visiting and family always takes precedence.  Now, on with the show… or rather, no show.

I love white pants.  I love white pants for women and for men.  Linen, denim, cotton, you name it.  I love them all.  Few things instantly scream summer like a well fitting pair of ‘em.    But ‘oy!  I have seen some horrible underwear choices this summer.  Folks, if I want to see people’s underwear there are websites for that!  So I would like to clear up any confusion. 

The key to underwear for white or light colored pants:  FLESH TONED UNDERWEAR. 

If you’re fair skinned wear a nude color, if your skin is a dark tone then choose a brown tone.  Here are some options.

For men (quite the conundrum, right? ) Unless your name is Gino and you’re cruising the Amalfi Coast, please do not wear a thong.  It’s just disturbing.  Here’s what to buy (click on the pic for link):

Flesh tone for him

Not comfortable with the idea of these underwear?  Next best thing are white boxer-briefs or boxers.  But make sure they are not see-through in any way.

For her: the only answer is flesh tone.  You can certainly wear a flesh tone thong, but if you are looking for a smooth (i.e. no cellulite) look then I recommend a smoothing underwear like Spanx or these seamless gems from Soma (click on pic for link).

Soma’s Seamless underwear

Notice I did not say black thong, pink bikini or white.  Flesh tone is the only way to go.

By the way, summer isn’t over and neither are summer sales.  Now is the time to buy a gorgeous pair of white linen pants or white denim to wear the rest of the this summer and into next.  And while you’re out there, pick up a pair of flesh tone underwear… I’m begging you!

By the way, if you’re not already on the mailing list to have the link to each new blog sent directly to your email, just go to my website: http://www.stylesuccess.net, and click on “add me to the mailing list”.

Have a wonderful week!!

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Instant Style

Want to look cool and sexy?  Want to create instant style?  It’s easy… incredibly easy.  Two words, one item.

Leather Jacket

Not any leather jacket will do.  For example, not these…

Not cool, not sexy

Here are some better options.  By the way, if you like the style, click on the picture and it will take you the store site.

A classic motorcycle jacket by MICHAEL Michael Kors at Bluefly.com, $267

Men’s Racer jacket, Express.com, $348

Keepin’ it real with the animal kingdom?  Don’t sacrifice style for the cause.  Here are great imitation leather options…

Men's faux leather racer jacket, Buckle.com, $54.95

 

Faux leather motorcycle jacket for her, Express.com, $118

 Know anyone living in Southeast Michigan and the Detroit metro area that needs an injection of cool in their style?  Forward them my website: http://www.stylesuccess.net, I’m here to help!

Have a wonderful week!

Tuesday Tips & Tricks: Dis the disheveled

I hope you had a great weekend!

Does this scenario sound familiar?

You’re running late, rushing to get dressed.  You grab your trousers and shirt and realize they’re both wrinkled.  Do you:

          A. Spend the next 30 minutes finding something else to wear

           B. Say, “no one will notice” and put it on anyway

           C. Get out the iron and ironing board and resign yourself to being late

           D. None of the above, use a quick method to get out wrinkles while you go about eating breakfast, showering, etc.

Tick tock, tick tock….  Ding!

Hopefully you chose “D”.  Here’s how you do it.

Shower Steam Method:

Place your garments on hangers, preferably plastic (wood hangers can warp and metal hangers can rust), and hang them in the bathroom while you shower.  Be sure not to hang them so close to the water that they’ll get wet, especially silk.  If you have a way to keep more of the steam in the room without it becoming a fire hazard, please do so.  Once you’re done showering run your clean hands over the garments to help loosen the wrinkles.  Again, if it’s silk you’ll want to make sure that your hands are completely dry.  For other garments that won’t stain from water, it will help if your hands are damp.

If you’ve already showered but still have other things to get ready, you can follow the same method and even turn the water heat up to create more steam. 

The Dryer method

First read the care instructions and make sure that the item is dryer safe.  Then throw the wrinkled garment(s) in the dryer along with a damp… not dripping wet…damp color-safe cloth.  I like to use a white washcloth or sock.  Also add a dryer sheet, or (Bonus product tip!!) if you are opposed to dryer sheets, for example we don’t use them for our son’s clothes, you can use dryer balls.  We use Dryer Max Dryer Balls that we bought at Target.  This is also an eco-friendly solution.

Run the dryer on medium heat for 10 – 15 minutes.  Remove promptly and, if you have time, hang until it cools down.

For both of these methods you can spritz a light mist of water on the garment (except silk) prior to steaming, if the garment is very wrinkled.

There are other ways but these are the two that I have found to be most effective while remaining time efficient.

Have questions?  I want to hear them!!  Click on the comments link and ask.  You can also email the question by emailing me at: jodi@stylesuccess.net. 

By the way, the second installment of the “Sharp Dressed Man” and the new Fall Style Preview will arrive in e-newsletter form to your inbox.  So if you haven’t already, be sure to go to my website at: www.stylesuccess.net and click on “Add me to the mailing list!”

Thanks and have an amazing and wonderful week!!