Clip-On Earrings Back in Vogue

These lovely vintage clip-on earrings, a few from my personal collection, are similar to the styles currently seen on runway models and celebrities gracing the covers of major fashion magazines.

These statement making earrings are the go-to accessory for Fall that almost everyone can afford. The large goldtone and pave button earrings above were only $1.00 at the local flea market.  Clip-on earring styles range from casual to all out glamorous.  With such a variety, it's possible to find clip-ons to compliment almost every outfit.  Styles include door knockers, floral, geometric designs, bright enamels, rhinestones, beads, etc.  They can be oversized or average.  In my opinion, texture is the key to a really great earring.  Have fun with this trend, but don't overdo it for the office.  Keep it professional looking.   On your free time, experiment with the oversized and sparkly, even during the day.

Major department stores are carrying a lot more clip-ons.  Also, check at vintage stores or visit your mom and grandmother for some really great finds.

Hip Fashion Stylist at Etsy - My New Vintage Clothing Boutique

I've been wanting to open an online vintage boutique for a while now.  I FINALLY did it!  Hip Fashion Stylist at Etsy sells vintage clothing items and accessories for women.  Some items in the boutique are from my own personal collection.  Others are pieces I have used in photo shoots.  Below are a few things I have listed or will be listing in the near future.  I hope you will come by and browse. http://www.etsy.com/shop/hipfashionstylist    Or see the Shop Hip Fashion Stylist Etsy button on my blog main page.  What vintage items do you like to shop for...dresses, skirts, blouses, accessories, etc.?

This dress was used in a photo shoot I did.  See blog post "Beautiful Vintage"

  

Thrifted Sequins

Sequined garments are hot again this fall.  Whether you choose to go with a little or a lot, sequins add a touch of glamour to any outfit...especially casual looks.  Here are two examples of how to integrate sequined items into your wardrobe for a trendy, up-to-date (and affordable) look.

 

The fabulous black embroidered and sequined bolero was thrifted from my favorite Goodwill.  A magnificent find if I do say so myself!  I have paired it with a gray lace embellished tunic, skinny jeans, open toe booties, and a vintage belt.

The off-white cropped military jacket was $2 at a liquidation store and the stunning blue-gray sequined crocheted top was thrifted.  Paired with skinny jeans, multicolor flats, and a silver and abalone cuff.  Photos by Dominic Van Horn.

Eternal Denim

Denim fabric never goes out of fashion.  The colors, washes, and styles may change, but some form of denim is always "in."  These photos are from a recent photo shoot I did.

                        

A current popular trend is wearing denim with denim.  The secret to mixing denim is to make sure that the colors of the two garments are different enough so it doesn't look like you are trying to match them.  I have paired the light wash boot leg jeans with a darker denim jacket,  a cotton, floral print, racerback tank, silver bracelet, and bronze sandals. 

This year we have seen the return of the denim shirt.  It's always an easy to wear, casual option...dressed up or down, layered or alone.  Shown here with some cuffed black jeggings, black tank, studded belt, and some "killer" heels.  Photos by Dominic Van Horn. 

    

Tools of the Fashion Stylist Trade - Color Analysis

One of the main tools I use as a fashion stylist is color analysis.  Due to our individual natural coloring, certain hues DO look better on us than others. However, too often color is the last thing we consider when buying clothes.  But I say, "Why look great when you can look fabulous!"  Several years ago I discovered this amazingly simple system for determining skin tones...Spectrum Determining Cards by Fashion Academy.  It has made my job SO much easier.  With it I can direct my clients to clothing, makeup, and hair colors that are incredibly flattering. 

   

Bear with me...this is a little technical,  but here's how it works.  All skin tones worldwide are divided into six spectrums based on how much yellow, red, or blue is in the skin's undertone.  There are three warm spectrums and three cool.  As you can see above, each of the 6 Spectrum Cards is shaded from light to dark representing a range of skin tones.  On the right side of each card are all the eye colors that appear in people with that range of skin tones.  (Strange, but true!)  On the left side are natural hair colors that appear with that range of skin tones.  You simply match the client's skin, eye, and hair color to the card to determine their spectrum.  Then each spectrum has a separate checkbook size palette that shows which colors (VERY wide range) will look best on that client.  It takes about 15 minutes to do the analysis and it is highly accurate on all skin tones.  It easily beats any other system I have ever seen for simplicity of use and accuracy.

When I shop for a client, I use the palette as a guide and shopping goes much more quickly because I'm not wasting time looking at garments that will not be flattering to their natural coloring.  It is invaluable!!!  I carry my own personal palette with me always.

Here's a simple method you can try at home for determining whether your skin undertone is warm or cool.  Place a gold and a silver bracelet/watch across your forearm.  If the gold brings out warmth in your skin tone and the silver doesn't, then you are probably warm. 

Keep in mind that everybody can wear some "version" of almost every color.  But, here are a few suggestions.

 

      Warm color families:  tomato red, golden yellow, orange, royal blue, kelly and moss green, brown,  etc.

 

      Cool color families:  Wine and burgandy, lemon yellow, pink, blue-gray, blue-green, rose brown, etc.

  

      Color families that look good on all skin tones:  periwinkle blue, coral, aqua/turquoise/teal, and off-white

The number of colors that flatter you is infinite!  So, why wear an unflattering color?  Next time you find the perfect blouse consider the color.  If it comes in several colors, choose the one best for you.          

(Contact Fashion Academy at info@fashionacademy.biz  for a consultant near you.)  Photos courtesy of Fashion Academy and John Holland.                  

Tips for Shopping Thrift Stores

I shop at thrift stores several times a week if I can.  I love it...I love the hunt!  Yes, thrifting is addictive.  But, since becoming a stylist I've become very picky about what I actually buy.  I study fashion magazines regularly and interpret the styles to suit my personality and body shape.  A garment may be a fabulous designer piece and it might be a great buy, but if it doesn't flatter me, I don't buy it.  Below are a few of my recent finds. 

I see lots of women checking out at thrift stores with baskets full of clothes.  Yes, they are inexpensive, but what do they do with all of those clothes?  Do they donate them back to Goodwill when their closet is full?  They can't possibly wear them all.  Most of us only wear a small amount of the clothes we own. 

Here are a few tips to consider when thrift shopping:
Buy only what you love, what fits and flatters, what is stylish, and what is in excellent condition.  And make sure you have other things in your closet to wear with whatever you buy. 

Follow these simple rules and your addiction can be well under control.

   

Look Great for Less

As I have mentioned before, almost every outfit I wear includes something thrifted.  The other day, as I was heading out, I threw on a thrifted skirt ($4.59 at Goodwill), a tee, and flip flops.  The temperature was 101!  I wasn't too concerned about my looks.  I mentioned to my husband that I often got compliments on my skirt.  He looked at me kind of strange.  As you can see below, it's nothing special.  I've had it for years.  It can be worn year around with sandals in the summer and a sweater and boots in the winter.  Well, that morning as we were shopping, I got three compliments on the skirt.  My husband turned to me and said, "You weren't kidding; people REALLY like that skirt!"  Then as we got in the car a lady yelled from across the street, "I love your purse!"   It's also thrifted.  The point is...you can look great for less.

     

 

Body Flattering Outfits for Real Women

I had the wonderful opportunity to work as a stylist with Curves, International on a photo shoot for a recurring article in several issues of their magazine.  In the articles entitled "Body Love" a Curves member is featured and tells what she loves best about her body. 

Laura loves her newly toned arms.  We chose to show off  her fabulous shape in this gorgeous form fitting knit top with a v-neck, gathered bodice, and 3/4 length sleeves.  This photo is proof that "exposing" our best features is not the only way to accentuate them.

Eileen loves her legs and you can definitely see why.  The classic knee length sheath we chose really shows them off.   It keeps your eyes at the level of her greatest asset. 

Both women are beautiful and glow with confidence!  Each of us should take a lesson from these lovely ladies and learn to love our bodies.  We can't all be size 2 top models.  We should improve what we can, accept what we can't, and dress to enhance our best features.   Our self-esteem will increase and others will see how beautiful we really are, inside and out.

Photos from Diane Magazine for Curves.  Photographer is Peter Chin.   

Vintage Necklace

I love using vintage jewelry in my styling work.  The brown and gray crystal and stone multistrand necklace is from my private collection.  It really adds warmth and light to basic gray. I used it for the Shabby Apple fashion show and photo shoot and then again on one of the main characters, Debra Wright (Dawntoya Thomason) in the movie, The Grace Card.  (In the first photo, note the unusual design of the earrings.  They actually fit down into the outer ear.  Very uncomfortable!!)

This style of necklace would really make a statement with casual clothes as well.  Picture it with a crisp, oversized white/off white shirt (left untucked), skinny jeans or cropped pants and fats...a la Audrey Hepburn.     

The Grace Card will be released in early 2011.  It's a very moving drama that tackles the race issue, family relationships, and faith.  Check it out at http://www.gracecardmovie.com/    Shabby Apple photo by Dirk Olsen.  The Grace Card photo by Dorothy McCuskey.