Hot Legs! Are You Still in Town?

Submitted by on June 24, 2010 - 3:45 pm

Sorry, I couldn’t resist. My inner nerd came out … I’m totally exposed!

But seriously, wouldn’t you love someone to refer to you as ‘Hot Legs’? No matter how progressive you are, we love to be told we look great. Because we take the time to take care of ourselves and dress our best, we love it when someone else notices.

So, if you’ve been working on your gams … here’s how to show them off best.

1) Lotion and/or Self Tanner

Prep is SO important. Always use lotion immediately after getting out of the shower when your skin is most ready to absorb it. You may even want to reapply just before you leave the house.

If you’re comfortable with Self-Tanner, I highly encourage it. If you’re really fair (and even if you’re not, actually), using a very light color will allow you to easily build a gradual ‘tan.’ I personally use this approach because I’m a perfectionist … and perfect at applying self tanner, I am not!

The main reason why I do it anyway is because it’s the best way to camoflauge and ‘tone’ your legs without much effort. Also, you should know that MOST women, regardless of size, have cellulite … and we ALL want to camoflauge it!

As a last ditch effort, if you’re not into the self-tanner, don’t be afraid of pantyhose. Donna Karen makes a FABULOUS sheer hose that matches your skin so it doesn’t look like you’re even wearing any hose. This is exactly what you want when opting for hose – sheer, barely there perfection.

2) Appropriate Lengths

The perfect length to flatter your legs (and depending on your age and/or the occasion), is from mid-thigh to just below your knees. A good rule of thumb for appropriateness is the good ol’ Catholic schoolgirl test – if you’re skirt skims your fingers when your arms are to your side, you’re good to go. This is also what would be considered mid-thigh for most of you.

Even if you don’t love your legs because of your age (not your shape), I highly encourage shorter skirts for special occasions. This is simply where the perfect sheer, nude hose come in to play.

3) Heels

This is obvious, but it never hurts to reemphasize a great point. Heels lengthen the look of your leg. Who doesn’t want legs that go on forever?

A ‘one better’ trick is a pair of nude heels … your legs will look like they go on forever. BONUS: You now have a pair of heels for every occasion!

When choosing the perfect heel, be careful of cutting yourself off. These days, we’re seeing a lot of ankle straps and chunky booties, These can still be a great heel option, but just be careful of where they hit you. Just below the ankle is best and scooping a bit is even better. The idea is to keep drawing your eye down. (Often times, this style is best for leggings and/or skinny jeans since you’re not breaking the line, you’re continuing it.)

4) Strappy Sandals

The more skin you are willing to shoe on your foot, the better. Again, we’re talking about pulling the eye down.

I personally am obsessed with the Jimmy Choo’s Jennifer Aniston has been wearing (and was WAY before she wore them … she just validated my LOVE!). They’re so subtly sexy and prove my point. Amore budget friendly option from Nine West work just as well, though. ;)

Even if you’re wearing a flats … opt for a strappy version. It will be just as flatter as a heel … justkeep pulling the eye down. It’s almost as if you’re not wearing any shoes at all when they’re strappy. This is one time where showing more skin is the best option AND still classy!

I wonder, did I emphasize enough … pulling the eye down?

To Trend or not to Trend?

Submitted by on June 17, 2010 - 2:09 pm

Every season there are new Fashion trends to follow. New IT colors, new themes, new styles, etc. What’s a busy stylish gal to do to keep up with it all? Every three months and new trends to adapt to? Oy!Life Life Invite

Now, to set your fears aside, I’m going to explain to you why you can stop your worrying. Perhaps because I’m a personal stylist with an emphasis on STYLE, but I’ve never really bought into trends.

For one, I’m not a beanpole. I can’t wear just anything the way those runway models can. Real Women have Curves and I’m one of those women. And I embrace it. Fully.

And if you are a beanpole, you probably wear your clothes so as to give you more shape (you are if I’m working with you, at least).

For instance, it took me a full year to buy into the skinny jean. Before that, I was wholeheartedly against it. Why did I eventually buy into it?

For two reasons …

1) It morphed from a trend item to a closet staple. They’ve been around for years now, so you have a ton of designer creating their own versions.

2) I found my fit. Again, I’ve got curves, so I had to find something that would compliment them and not exaggerate them. My perfect pair were fitted and slim to balance the voluminous tops, a dark wash and more of a straight leg than a really skinny leg.

Also, Fashion Trends are no different than business trends. They follow a cycle.

It all starts with Designers debuting a collection with a few ‘new’ key items and styles (these are the trends) and a few key people pick up on these ideas and start the trend on the streets. About a year later, more designers have picked up on the trends making it more mainstream so more people are following it. The trend ‘dies’ … onlyto come back three (or ten) years later.

For instance, Cargo Pants are now making a huge comeback though this time around they’re a lot sleeker and sophisticated. I’ve even seen some people wearing Overalls.

Some more subtle trends we’re seeing again (from only 2 years ago): Ikat and Tribal Prints, Military influence, Romantic Flourishes aka Lingerie Inspired, etc.

Moral of the story?
Buy what you like, look to trends for inspiration and be sure what you’re buying fits you well and you’ll always look STYLISH.

Trends come and go, but style is eternal.

Add Some Sparkle!

Submitted by on June 11, 2010 - 9:36 am

Like a good Fashionista, I went to see Sex and the City 2 on opening weekend. It’s the same good stuff we loved about the show – relationships, great friends, sexy guys and STUNNING FASHION!

Of course, I loved it.


The Fashions were a little bit more toned down (with a few exceptions) as appropriate with a toned down economy. The plotline was a little bit toned down as well, but the characters were just as lovable as ever … so I quickly forgave.

There were two things that absolutely stood out for me above all else.

For one, the girls were finding more success both in careers and personal lives. Balancing it all, striving for me, finding peace, etc.

More importantly, in finding the balance, it was also about keeping some of the sparkle. Of course, Carrie was focusing on her relationship with Big, but it really made me think about the sparkle in their wardrobe.

Of course, I don’t necessarily mean bling, but I do mean excitement. Yes, let’s make Fashion FUN again!

Adding the Sparkle Back into Your Wardrobe

Accessorize. Seriously, it’s that easy. And why not try something new? Add a hat (I LOVE Urban’s inexpensive options). Or, try a piece of jewelry that makes more of a statement than your used to. Layer them unexpectedly, etc. Play with what you’ve already got and keep your eye for some fun additions to your collection.

Play with Color. Even if you’re wearing a basic neutral outfit, pop in a bit of unexpected color. Color has a natural tendency to liven your mood, so if you’re needing a pick me up, the brighten the better! Go with your favorite and you’ll never fail. It will always brighten your mood!

Dress up for YOURSELF. It seems quite daring, I know. But, why not? Who cares what other people will think? Most likely, they’ll be checking you out and doing an inventory of your outfit. Wear a dress to a casual event, pull out your black tie for a dinner out and even better … recruit your girlfriends to do the same. Make up an excuse! Who doesn’t love to get dolled up??