A Sweet Farewell to a Musical Icon . . . a Fashion Trendsetter

I would be remiss if I didn't devote my blog this week to the one I consider to be the greatest musical legend of all time - Mr. Michael Jackson. Like many of you, I was simply devastated upon hearing the news yesterday that the "King of Pop" is no longer with us.

I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news. And although last night I had the pleasure of sitting front row at a Kenny G concert, my mind was elsewhere, and I couldn't stop looking at my Blackberry for updates. Michael was not only a gifted musician (he was indeed a musical genius), he was a fashion trendsetter. Who else could get away with wearing a sequined glove and white socks with black pants 2 inches too short? I am a bit embarrassed to say that when the Thriller album came out when I was in high school, I had the "Beat It" jacket (in white not red), and I used to pull that front piece of my hair down just like Michael. He was my hero . . . He was my musical idol . . . He was and will ever be my Michael, and I pray that he is finally at peace.

Fabulous . . . Fashionable . . . Fifty

On last Saturday I had the pleasure of helping my client celebrate her milestone birthday "fashion" style. I came up with the theme "Fabulous, Fashionable, Fifty," and she carried this theme through to perfection! From the invitations, to the gift bags, to the outstanding raffle prizes (guests received raffle tickets for each item they brought to be donated to Dress for Success), to the requirement that everyone come dressed "Summer Chic,"this party was nothing short of being "fashion fierce."

I had the honor of doing my "Recessionista Chic" presentation (concepts taught via a scavenger hunt and a word matching game), and was pleased with the overwhelming response I received when I opened the floor for questions. I thought some of my answers might be helpful to others so I've taken the liberty to post them here.

What do you think about stockings?
I never wear them. If you must wear them, never EVER where them with open toe shoes. (Peep toes are OK - again, if you absolutely must.)

Can plus size women wear prints?
Yes, but stay away from horizontal stripes and large prints that overpower you and the garment.

What type of maxi dresses are appropriate for plus-size women?
I love maxi dresses, and I think they are appropriate for just about any body type. I would suggest that if you are plus-size, stay away from dresses that have layered ruffles the entire length of the garment. Also, wear heels to avoid looking frumpy. (That goes for all of you shorties like me as well.)

How can young people use what's currently in their wardrobes to double as business attire?
This can be challenging, but not impossible, particularly if some of their wardrobe falls into the "business casual" category. If they currently have dress pants, pairing them with a jacket or cardigan and top is a good start. And they can wear their halter tops or tanks/camis underneath their jackets or cardigans as long as 1) they keep the jackets or cardigans on, and 2) the necklines are not too low and plungy.

How should you organize your closet?
By article of clothing and color. (E.g. all pants should be grouped together and arranged from lightest (white, cream, camel) to darkest (navy, black).) And get rid of ALL wire hangers! I prefer wooden, but these can be pricey so heavy duty plastic ones are okay as well. (Actually, almost anything is better than wire!)

When building a professional wardrobe, how many pieces of each item should you start with?
I suggest starting with pant suits so that you have the most options for mixing and matching. Start with 4 -- 1 in each of your basic colors (tan, brown, navy, black). If the suit comes with the option of buying the skirt as well, buy it! Purchase 3-4 tops to go with each suit, and if you can, select tops that can be worn with more than one suit. Add cardigans (2-3) in tan, red, or grey. Now you can mix and match jackets or cardigans with your pants or skirts. Your wardrobe options have instantly become endless.

What is the best way to maximize my wardrobe?
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. This season it's all about bold chunky jewelry, and it can turn a simple white tee from boring to glamorous. You should also resist the urge to wear the same combinations over and over again. Choose a different top the next time you wear your favorite black pants. Also remember, many things in your closet can be worn with jeans even if you didn't buy them to do so.

How to be an "After 5" Diva on a "9 to 5" Dime

You're a mover and a shaker and have found yourself on every invite list for the hottest cocktail parties, black tie events, and local fundraisers. To complicate matters, your social network has expanded to include other event A- listers who move in your same circle. How do you possibly attend all of these formal events and continue to look fabulous without breaking the bank? Following these simple steps will ensure that you have some money left in your little evening clutch and still look "fashion fierce."

1. Never EVER wait to the last minute to get your outfit together. Do your shopping early and often. Hit the clearance racks of the evening wear departments in major department stores and boutiques at the end of the season and start building an after 5 wardrobe. If you wait until the last minute you are likely to spend top dollar for something you may not be 100% satisfied with. My motto: a woman should always be prepared to accept a last minute invitation.

2. If you are on a limited budget, choose cocktail and evening dresses that are classic pieces and in classic colors. First build your wardrobe with dark colors: black, navy, and wine. Leave anything really dramatic or bright (e.g. red or hot pink) in the store. Why? Because you want to be able to wear these dresses to multiple events without it being obviously noticeable. If you wear a dramatic red dress to more than one event and you move in the same circle of people, it WILL look like you are wearing the same red dress.

3. Make sure you buy multiple pieces of jewelry to match each dress you own. For example, for a simple black dress, purchase chunky gold and silver jewelry. If you have extra money, throw in some pearls (lots of pearls at varying lengths - faux is ok) and clear or colored crystals. And make sure each set of jewelry is stylistically different. If you buy a gold set with a chunky necklace and simple post earrings, buy the silver set with long chandelier earrings and a cuff bracelet. Keep in mind you do want your jewelry to be statement pieces so they should be dramatic. This way, when you have to wear the same dress to multiple events, the focus will be on your jewelry and not on your dress. Diversity is key for camouflaging that you may be recycling dresses.

4. Purchase multiple wraps, scarves or other pieces that can go over your dresses in different colors and textures. If you love pins, work them Michelle Obama style. Add one to the dress alone or be creative and drape your wrap around the dress and use the pin as an accent piece. Pins can add pizzazz to a simple dress or wrap and make it look completely different. (Just don't overdo it!)

Have a special event to attend and need additional advice? Don't hesitate to contact me at adrienne@psiloveyoullc.com.