FASHION NEWS:

1. KARL LAGERFIELD HAS A NEW LOWER PRICE LINE CALLED "KARL." THE LINE WILL DEBUT ON JANUARY 25, 2012 ON NET-A-PORTER. SIGN UP AT NETAPORTER.COM FOR UPDATES.
2. PANTONE HAS RELEASED THE 2012 COLOR OF THE YEAR, TANGERINE TANGO. THIS COLOR IS A REDDISH ORANGE AS SEEN IN THE SWATCH TO THE LEFT. DESIGNER'S WILL LIKELY USE THIS COLOR IN THEIR FALL 2012 COLLECTIONS. PANTONE WILL PARTNER WITH SEPHORA FOR A LIMITED EDITION BEAUTY LINE SET TO LAUNCH IN MARCH 2012. THE LINE WILL INCLUDE NAIL COLOR, EYE SHADOW, LIPSTICK, GLOSS, AND ACCESSORIES.
3. CHANEL'S NEWEST POLISH IS CALLED DIWALI. IT IS A METALLIC GOLD SHADE. EXPECT TO PURCHASE THIS POLISH IN THE SUMMER OF 2012. YOU CAN GET A SNEAK PEAK OF THIS SHADE AND CHANEL'S PRE-FALL 2012 RUNWAY SHOW AT FASHIONISTA.COM OR STYLE.COM.

Body Shape: Curvy

Curvy women should show off their waist by selecting clothes that are structured, nipped at the waist, and form-fitting.  Form-fitting does not mean tight.  Look for clothes that skim your curves.  For example, A-line skirts and dresses, empire waist shirts and dresses, color blocking, tonal dressing, pencil skirts, and pieces that come with a belt.  Curvy women will notice pants and jeans fit your bottom, but leaves a gap in the back.  Have the jeans or pants tailored at the waist.  Avoid large patterns, as they will only make you appear larger.

What is your body shape?

The secret to looking great is selecting clothes that look like they were made just for you.  You can achieve this by taking your measurements to determine your body shape.  Wrap a tape measure around your bust at the midline.  Measure your stomach by wrapping the tape measure around your body at the belly button.  Take the measurement around your hips or thighs, whichever is bigger.  There are four body shapes.  A woman can be curvy as an hourglass, top-heavy, boyish as in straight-up-and-down, or bottom heavy.  Plus-size women will also fall into one of these categories.  Once you know your measurements, you can save a lot of time when shopping, especially online.  You can also select clothes that flatter your body.  Look below for examples of the four body shapes.  These photos can help you to determine your body shape also.

The New Neutral for Fall 2011

Fall's new neutral for 2011 is heather gray.  I'm loving this color.  It is chic and glamorous.  Don't get me wrong, I still love my black pieces.  However, too much black all of the time can seem boring.  Heather gray is just as soft, sexy, timeless, and elegant as black.  One can pair pastel hues with heather gray for as a nod to Spring or select head-to-toe gray for a streamlined effect.  I prefer wearing this hue from head-to-toe.  How do you feel about this hue?  How will you incorporate this gray into your wardrobe? 

Happy Belated Birthday, Isaac Mizrahi!

Isaac Mizrahi was born October 14, 1961 in New York City.  After his graduation from Parsons School of Design, Isaac worked for Perry Ellis, Jeffrey Banks, and Calvin Klein.  Isaac started his own business in 1987.  He took the fashion world by storm.  The New York Times recognized him as "this year's hottest new designer."  Isaac Mizrahi's creations appealed to women of all body shapes and every aspect of a woman's life.  I admire Isaac for his ability to capture the glamour and chic of Manhattan during the 1940s and 50s.  Isaac briefly left fashion to pursue a career in the performing arts throughout the nineties.  He returned to fashion with a bang.  From 2003-3009, Isaac collaborated with Target stores.  The collections were brilliant, just like the designer himself.
  Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2001

Beyonce's Bombshell Glam

I admire Beyonce for her talent, grace, relationships (with her mother and husband Jay-Z), and undeniable style.  She makes a lot of songs that I, as a woman, can relate to.  Beyonce is a modern style icon.  Her look is a throwbak to a time when women dressed up to go to lunch and prefer dresses over pants.  Her clothes have definition (a cinched waist, a high, but demure hem), her accessories are glamorous and she loves sky-high heels seven days a week.  Beyonce is my inspiration.

Nicki Minaj Gets Her Own OPI Line

Nicki Minaj will collaborate with OPI for the rapper's own line of nail colors.  The OPI line by Nicki Minaj will hit stores in January 2012.  Minaj is known for her love of vibrant colors and over the top style.  Expect the line of nail colors to be the same.  There will be a two-toned polish that combines metallic and confetti glitter for one amazing hue, neon green, and more. 
Would you wear them?

Beauty Products I Want to Try!

• Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector, $18-This product claims to minimize the look of pores and keep your skin matte all day.
• Murad Acne Spot Treatment, $18-This product assures the buyer of its ability to get rid of pimples. 
• Listerine Whitening Pen, $11.99-This is an on the go whitener that contains hydrogen-peroxide.
• A Tinted Moisturizer to even out my skin tone in a more natural way while concealing imperfections.   I plan to shop at M.A.C. for this product.

• Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy Cream, $5.99-This product will soften hands and rid your nails of unconditioned cuticles.

This Bra's for You

Did you know 70%-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size?  Bra experts suggest getting a professional fitting once a year or if you've experienced weight gain or loss, or had a baby.  The right bra can actually make you look ten pounds lighter by making your waist appear smaller!  Many high end stores offer a free, professional fitting.  For example, Nordstrum, Bloomingdale's, and Dillard's.  I choose to have my fittings at Victoria's Secret.  So, the next time you are at the mall, stop in to get a proper fitting.  You owe it to yourself to look fabulous!

It's All in the Jeans

I've told you how much I dislike shopping. Either I shop online or my stylist selects clothes for me.

My exception to this scenario, is jeans. Jeans are very tricky, as there is so much to consider. I usually reserve a whole morning or afternoon when shopping for jeans. A woman must consider the wash, rise, shape, fabric, and pockets. The most flattering wash is either black or dark blue. A... lighter or faded wash will make your hips appear huge. A rise that hits just below your belly button is your best choice. Anything too low screams teenager or I'm trying too hard. Jeans that go above your belly button are called "mom jeans." A high rise jean makes your tummy, butt, and thighs look bigger. Straight leg and boot-cut jeans are ideal shapes, as they balance your hips to the rest of your body. Skinny jeans will give you the dreaded "ice cream cone" affect. Jeans with 2% or 3% spandex will hug your curves and move with your body without pulling or tugging. Finally, the right pocket size and placement will give your butt a good lift. Small pockets will make your butt look larger. Larger pockets that take up most of the seat area will visually give your butt a lift and minimize your hips. My pet peeves are slouchy jeans, the pancake butt aka uni butt, and jeans that makes you ask, "Where is her butt?" or "Did she take a dump?" Jeans should make your butt look fabulous and flatter the rest of your body.

My Top Ten Favorite Designers

This was a difficult list to create.  There are so many designers' collections I love, but I needed to narrow the list down to ten.  The designers on this list are in no particular order.

• Isaac Mizrahi
• Oscar de la Renta
• Versace
• BCBG Max Azria
• Badgley Mischka
• Salvatore Ferragamo
• Diana von Furstenberg
• Carolina Herrera
• Chanel/Karl Lagerfield
• Valentino

How to Look Younger and Thinner

When I was younger, my lingerie armoire consisted of pretty bustiers in every color, lacy undies, and complicated garter belts.  Now, my lingerie is sensible and more supportive.  The older we get, the more support we need.  The answer is... SHAPEWEAR!  They lift, shape, smooth, and take away inches and pounds.  Shapewear is appropriate for all sizes.  Yes, even a size 2!  Many Hollywood women have embraced shapewear.  It is the secret to looking fabulous on the red carpet.  There are three types of compression.  Light smoothes bulges and prevents VPL (Visible Panty Line).  Moderate stops jiggling and Firm can make you look a few sizes smaller.  The best brands, in my opinion, are Spanx, Maidenform, and Lipo in a Box.  Check them out and you will be on your way to looking fabulous!

5 Chic Pieces for Fall!

• Carry a luxurious croc-embossed bag.  It's ultra glamorous and classic.
• Enjoy the versatility of a black dress.  Pair it with fabulous heels for an elegant and classic look or wear ankle boots for an edgy look.
• Go for a white tuxedo jacket.  The look is Parisian chic when you add a pair of tailored pants, a blouse, and heels.
• Try a trench coat in a vibrant color like fiery red.  The trench has become a wardrobe essential for women.  This staple is a wonderful way to lokk put-together, mysteriousm, and uber chic a la Parisian.
• Slip on a pair of black pumps with a heel that is comfortable for you.  They work for the office or going out after work.

A Makeup Free Face? Do or Don't?

While I was working as a teacher, I made certain to apply makeup everyday. However, I started getting lazy when I retired. I quickly noticed the difference between a made up face and going au natural. During the day, oil starts to build up on your face bringing attention to discolorations, wrinkles, pimples, you name it. Even a small amount of makeup can hide these imperfections. Your skin is an organ. Therefore, it needs to be nourished and protected.  For a fresh and put together look, set aside five minutes to apply Carmindy's Five Minute Face.  Enjoy the video and please share your thoughts.

Can You Wear a LWD (Little White Dress) After Labor Day?

Absolutely! I plan to transition my LWD into Fall by pairing it with black tights and heels! I also love this cream dress with black tights on Claudia Schiffer.  How will you transition your Summer pieces into Fall?

What Makes Parisian Women So Chic?

I just finished reading, Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange. Ms. de la Fressange shares the secrets of Parisian chic. She explains why the Parisian woman is so intriguing, how to build a wardrobe around seven key pieces, and adding fabulous accessories. This informative book provides readers with her favorite boutiques, restaurants, websites, beauty, and decorating finds. There are over 300 colorful illustrations by de la Fressange. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.  Please share your thoughts.

How to Wear a LBD (Little Black Dress)

One item of clothing a woman shouldn't live without is a LBD. This item is so versatile. You can dress it up by adding a pair of gorgeous heels, a pair of diamond studs or chandelier earrings, and wearing your hair in a low chignon or you can dress it down by adding a denim jacket and a pair of ankle boots for an edgier look. How would you wear your LBD?

Editing Your Wardrobe

Many women joke about their closets by saying, "I have so many clothes or shoes, I need another closet" or "I have nothing to wear."  Actually, you do not need a lot of clothes to be a chic fashionista.  However, you do need to know what fits and flatters your body.  When editing your wardrobe, try on all of your clothes.  Be prepared to get rid of anything that doesn't flatter your body.  You can donate your tossed clothes to charity.  For example, Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  Two other great charities are Dress for Success (http://www.dressforsuccess.org/) and Bottomless Closet (http://www.bottomlesscloset.org/).  These two organizations use the clothes for job-seeking women who are in need.

Trends for Autumn 2011

The Fall 2011 runways showcased a return to glamour with it's structured shapes and classic pieces with an unexpected twist.  It was as if the runway shows were speaking directly to my style of dressing.  The trends were:

• Vibrant colors like bold gold and orange, jewel tones like cobalt blue, fiery red, purple, and emerald green were all the rage.
• There were prints such as polka dots or stars.
• Oversize knit sweaters
• Menswear inspired clothing
• Fur (faux or real)
• 60's mod
• Ladylike structured dresses and below the knee skirts
• Coats and capes galore

Which trend do you plan to incorporate in your Fall wardrobe?  I do not buy too many trendy items, but I will look for jewel tones, oversize knit sweaters, and ladylike dresses and skirts.

Fall 2011 Shopping

For the Autumn season, I plan to shop the Mad Men collection at Banana Republic, lace accessories, shirt dresses in jewel tones, and Versace's newest fragrance, Bright Crystal.  What are you planning to purchase?

What's Hot in Books

I would like to share some great books about updating your wardrobe and beauty routine. 
Have you read any of these books?  If so, how has the material amped up your style? 

• Harper's Bazaar Fashion: Your Guide to Personal Style
• Oh No She didn't by Clinton Kelly
• Wear This, Toss That by Amy E.Goodman
• How Not to Look Old and How Not to Look Fat by Charla Krupp

In addition to these informative books, I have a list of my favorite magazines.  My favorite magazines are:
Vogue (U.S.), Harper's Bazaar, and Instyle.
What are your favorite magazines?  Why?

Welcome

Welcome to my blog!  I look forward to sharing fashion ideas with you.  We can discuss your style of dressing, who is your favorite designer, which collections or pieces from a collection you enjoyed, and who is the best dressed in Hollywood.  We can also share makeup ideas.  For example, which makeup trend are you eager to wear next season?,  What is your go to makeup products?, and how many products do you use?  Thank you for visiting my blog.  Turn fashion into your own style and Happy Blogging!