Hello Gorgeous,

With all the options available this summer, and there are many ways to up your look; I am hoping this article saves you hours of angst, and exposes you to the better rays of the sun. This season is all about bright colors, pastels, patterns and mixing prints. I am so impressed with some of the ladies who have stepped out of their comfort zone and have experimented (with much success indeed) with their sense of style.

Let’s take stock of what we have to play with, the rules, and how to have fun with it.

Neon. Wear it now. It won’t be around for long and it’s fun. Who doesn’t love color that makes you feel happy?
Breezy Cotton Shift Dresses -Like the advertisement says, it really IS the fabric of our lives.
Sleeveless Jumpsuit – Its comfort, class and confidence all rolled into one. Slip it on and your ready to go.
Maxi and Mini Dresses. Maxi – Myth: only tall women can carry them off. I am 5’4”, and trust me, it looks good! Mini – Myth: the shorter the better. Guess what? There happens to be an acceptable length which does not involve exposing your ‘business’
Versatile shorts. Something that will take you straight from the beach to that party on the yacht. Stay clear of hot pants and Bermudas, both are very unflattering and NO it doesn’t matter how long your legs are.
Draped T’s. Try pulling one of the shoulder, it looks effortless and very sexy!
Pastels, Patterns & Prints. The three P’s – Mix them up, it will turn heads, and if done the right way will keep them turned
1-piece Swimsuits. Bikinis have been demoted this year.  The modifications to the one piece are sexy enough to stand up to any bikini. Please don’t kill the look by wearing heels – all you need is a pair of embellished sandals and a pedicure.
A little sparkle. Do a little sparkle even during the day, try pairing a sparkly tee with a pair of shorts and a simple cuff on your hand. So simple. So fun.
Backless shirts & Dresses. For the brave, give your ladies some cover using Hollywood tape, the rest can pair the dress with a bright/lace bralet.
Cold shoulder. Here’s a secret darling… no one has fat on their shoulders.
Bright scarves. Can be used as a cover up as well and tied in several different ways.
Crop Tops. Rule – Cover your navel. Yes, unfortunately you will have to pass on the chocolates
A Classic Shirt Dress, what can be more chic?
White.Head to toe, not including white shoes in the ensemble of course.Throw in a colorful accessory to break it up. Personally, I like to pair white with gold accessories.
Over-sized clutches. In bright colors. I am loving them even for day time.
Sandals – Embellished, braided and ones with ankle straps. These should be your go to shoes all summer.
Mega platforms and wedges. Did I say that I’m 5’4?”, with these I am closer to 5’7”. Enjoy these responsibly, and be extra careful when you are up dancing on that bar.
Waterproof Mascara and tinted moisturizer are summer must haves in your makeup bag. If you’re by the pool or at the beach, try skipping foundation all together.
Sun Screen – your mantra for the summer. You will thank me when you’re 50. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer body mist – SPF 30 and L’Oreal Sublime Sun SPF 50. If you’re one of those that breaks out on your face, get your hands on a sunscreen that is oil free.
Clinical strength deodorant – All of the above won’t matter if you smell anything but delicious.

This post could have gone on for another few pages, I really had to contain myself!

Its been fantastic communicating with my readers, and I of course encourage questions. While I am happy to see my suggestions come to life, this blog hopes to empower you with your own sense of style.

“Create your own style… let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” ― Anna Wintour

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

Hello Gorgeous,

Spring is finally around the corner. So smile and enjoy it.

Ladies are getting styled for Spring Fashion and the stores are flushed with florals, pastels, tribal prints, neons, feel-good clothing and accessories.  The focus is on “feminine chic”. Styles from the 20’s are back – that means flapper dresses, fringes, messy updos, and finger waves.

Did you get all that? No worries – As always I will break it down for you.

Colors & Patterns

Pastels, Neutrals, Bright colors, Stripes, Florals and Tribal prints are in this season. That gives you so much to choose from – try pairing floral bottoms with simple unfussy tops. Do neutral on neutral and white on white, you will be amazed at the results. Stripes with florals? Yes! Totally doable if you know what you’re doing. Give it a shot. Neon – if you are even a little in doubt – don’t do it.

Clothing

Sleeveless jackets – use it as a layering option.
Pleated skirts – Invest in one or two good pleated skirts that will last you the entire season – one black and perhaps another in tangerine.
Peplum peplum peplum…it’s everywhere. A must have for this spring.
Colorful blazers – check your closet, I am sure you have a few stuffed in there somewhere.
Colored lace – This is my ultimate favorite. Think Valentino
Wide and tapered slouchy pants are a staple and will definitely carry you into summer. Stay away from stiff fabrics and pick the silky drapey ones.

Makeup

Give red a rest on your lips, try coral instead.
Fresh dewy looking skin is what everyone is trying to achieve(refer to blog post  A Face to Face to get that look).
Rosy em up – A little pink on your cheeks will give you just the right amount of color

Hair

Finger waves – from the 20s
Bouncy curls, big blowouts – think Charlie’s angels – the original gals, not the new models trying to be actresses.
Undone braids – the neat ones are boring
Jeweled headbands – as your one and only accessory when worn
Ponytails – sleek, messy, low or high. They all work
Messy Updos – like you would look after a shower but this time only with hairspray and tons of pins to hold it together

Shoes

Ankle straps
Bright suede pumps

Darling, spring is supposed to be rejuvenating. A new beginning of sorts. So do away with fabrics that have weighed you down these past winter months. Be light, airy and put that spring back in your step.

What to look forward to?  NYFW.

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.
Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.