I want a make-over

[Grace Linda]

I love that show, "what not to wear." I wish someone would tell them I need help. They could come and throw my clothes out and give me 5,000.00 dollars to spend in the big apple any day. Cut and style me, reveal the horrible contents of my make-up bag.

Does everyone else have the need a make over blues?

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

YES!

[WS]

Hmmmm, well I love seeing what differences they can make in appearance, BUT, I have to say this whole "in style" "out of style" thing bugs me a bit. I have (and always will have) my own style and I don't like the criticism they often make. Sometimes I like people's original styles better than the new versions. (Not that I am beyond a catty comment myself now and again! wink!)

[WS]

Hissss!

(I don't spit!!)

image modified from http://www.flickr.com/photos/nyusc/3580212928/

[Chez moi]

I really do agree that the seasonal color assessment is the best place to start! Find a local counselor if you haven't had it done... it's an hour well spent. I was a spring/autumn when my hair was darker, and stick with my spring palette now that I've 'lightened up'.

Love deep violet as a basic color, accessorized with red. I use my favorite color 'triad', coral/turquoise/periwinkle, against browns and khakis... and I am fortunate in being able to wear black, though it is not usual for my coloring. As Diana said, here in Europe black will take you everywhere. I love interesting jackets, so I will slip on my great black wool slacks and black or cream basic turtleneck, then riffle through the closet to see which jacket today... turquoise with frog closing... cinnabar red cotton with appliquéed critters... khaki embroidered cotton 'Levi' style... the jacket brings the personality and the colorful softness. I don't go for conventional jewelry; prefer interesting pins to necklaces, though I have a jade pendant and an ivory butterfly on a black silk cord that are often in use to dress up turtlenecks.

Miss 40DD doesn't often put on a button-up shirt; I collect T/Ns and knit tops that avoid any tugging or fussing with collars and gaps. Linen shirts double as jackets, though... Lots of pants - linens, corduroy, wool gabardine...well fitted jeans. Mostly washable, easy care; just a few things to dry clean.

I have found a good haircutter and I'm sticking with him. He likes my natural color as well as I do.

I am feeling pretty comfortable with my own style at this point, whether it's going to the local grocery or strolling around Paris. My key is to keep it simple and avoid the showy. 'In' or 'out' of style is not my concern.

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Your "style" Chez, as you know - can take you anywhere in Europe or the world with ease. I collect Chinese jackets in amazing colours that suit me, and I have two beautiful black lace skirts. I pack one of the skirts and an exquisite (and very inexpensive - search China town in your area for one that suits you ) Chinese jacket with a black or cream bustier underneath, and with killer shoes and a pair of black evening gloves I'm good to go for the most sophisticated of venues.

Certainly a nod to the current overall "look" is not t be sniffed at, as there is nothing that will age a woman faster than a look (along with a hair cut and makeup) that is decidedly outdated. We all know this of course. But sifting through the seasons fresh looks (which is 99% recycled previous styles tweaked to look different) is confusing. Less is more. Quality quality quality over quantity is key. Find beautiful fabric and find a good dressmaker. The key to recycling your good cloths is a good dressmaker. It will save you tons of money!

Women in the US are very fortunate. Cloths are generally very inexpensive - and of decent enough quality that one can shop at Wal-Mart or Koss or Target or other places I have yet to discover (and your outlet malls - so cool) and if one has a good eye - one can snag things for pennies and team them with things of quality so that one has a personal and eclectic style.

I love high end and low end consignment shops - have a list of them for every city I visit. That's where I find the slightly used but timeless signature purse, scarf etc. to augment my wardrobe. And of course there is Ebay. When I do wardrobe consultations, I walk through your wardrobe with a dressmaker by my side. I believe in keeping certain items and recycling them. Esp. if the fabric was excellent to begin with. I had my first fashion boutique in Montreal when I was 18 ('71), with my crazy French Canadian girlfriend. We were very successful. I brought cloths/accessories etc. in on consignment - and was a wardrobe consultant long before it was a "business".

[Raelein MB Haley]

I could use a make-over. If they threw away all of my old clothes, then I could get new ones that would fit my growing body, and look good. I think I do fine in the makeup department, but they'd probably not agree. And I could use some classy shoes! And a good haircut! Do I sound in need of a makeover? :)