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?

[Suuse]

I am fortunate--I gave up trying to keep up with fashion ages ago. My wardrobe is very simple: all my skirts, trousers and capris are black or denim, and my jackets are black or brown...and there's a khaki linen jacket somewhere. Toss in lots of black and off-white blouses and a few brightly-coloured shirts and I'm done. All my boots are black, as are most of my shoes--I have a pair of khaki sandals. Whoopee!

Unless otherwise instructed, I always wear black to work, so that makes it easy.

Makeovers always sound so good--but I don't think I'm make-overable. I do get a kick out of having makeup artists paint my face. I worked on a shoot for Avon AGES ago---we're talking the 80s!--and the makeup artist was Way Bandy...the fella who did all the Cosmo covers. By the time he finished with me, my naturally auburn hair was a deep brown and I was wearing more makeup than I would apply in a year.

Kinda put me off makeovers for awhile....

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Way Bandy - the Cosmo dude! Oh my! I remember him! Suuse - I can just imagine! Do you have a picture?

Humm. No? I'm not surprised. I'm chuckling away here. Way Bandy. did I say "oh my" !?! :^D

[Suuse]

Way Bandy + 1983 = NO WAY AM I PUBLISHING THAT PHOTO! :-P

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Ahhhhhhhhhh . . .too much cleavage LOL?

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

LFF. Be French, or Italian. A beautiful pair of black pants. They must fit perfectly. Ditto a well cut skirt hitting just below the knee. A few custom fitted or custom made shirts. White or cream - depending on your skin tone. Black next to the face as we age can look harsh - be careful. Two elegant textured jackets, one long and one short and one perfect cashmere cardigan sweater set all in a colour that makes your face sparkle. Three fabulous coordinating scarves. Preferably Hermes if you can manage it or of like ilk. Prowl consignment shops. A large wrap in a deep chocolate brown and black tweed if you can find one - or a solid colour. A winter beige is very elegant and goes over anything. Good shoes, and a good purse. Simple and elegant. We are adults now.

Every thing else is pretty much a trend, and you can incorporate a touch of it that appeals to you in your wardrobe. Everything is re-invented eventually, so look for excellent quality retro.

As you well know, chic French women, Montreal women, Italian Women - stylish women from Hong Kong to Santiago - always dress simply and elegantly. As we age, it's quality - not quantity - that counts. Things of fine quality have no fear of time.

Moths mind you - yes - sigh. /;-D

And casual? A pair of jeans or eqiv. that makes you look splendid. A crisp white shirt with cuff links. worn shirt tails out. Mix the elegant jacket with the casual and big necklaces (with tiny earrings) are in right now as we move into fall. Form fitting vests, have one you have taken in at the waist so it fits like a glove.

Purple (all shades) and paisley anything is huge for fall into winter. So is arctic blue.

[Suuse]

Interview suit tip: NOT BLACK UNLESS YOU LOOK AMAZING IN IT. Find a dark blue or a charcoal grey or even a brown or taupe suit. Don't spend the rent on it, but make sure it's cut well and then, if necessary, have it tailored.

And if the jewelry jingles--off with it.

I do this for clients all the time (yes, I dress people, too.) The big mistake is wearing black--unless you're a creative. Then it's all right. ;)

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Spot on Suuse! I too dress people lol - I had a fashion boutique in Montreal -never lost my interest. I'm the queen of accessories with tailored clothes. I love fashion (and dressing others to better enhance their attributes) so much I am contemplating looking for a part time job in fashion retail whilst I slowly build my other business.

Black right against the face can really drain your colour. Pick the perfect red for your colouring (if you can - coral is almost universally suitable too) and then pair with a black, charcoal grey or dark navy blue suit - it makes a power statement. Be careful in picking white. Sharp cold white generally looks better on olive and darker toned complexions, where as soft white or a creamy beige can look much better on a fair skinned blond or redhead. There is an old trick - match your white shirt/blouse to the colour tonality of your teeth.

Another colour that can work well suit wise is a deep aubergine. 100% on trend mark and the colour marries well with many other colours. It's also a soothing power colour.

I am an autumn - it really works, knowing your "season". When I was much younger I was a winter. Our skin tone changes as we age, as does our hair colour and our eyebrow colour.

Bobbie Brown and so many other cosmetic kiosks offer free make up sessions - just book in advance as classes are limited to usually 5 or six women max. You don't have to buy anything, so be disciplined. Go to Lancome, then Bobbie Brown, then another, until you find a fresh look that you are happy with.

[WS]

One thing about the aubergine - don't do it if you have yellowish colored skin unless it has a reddish warm tone to it. Purple next to sallow skin can make one look a bit sallow. (Aqua too!) If you are blessed with a rosy complexion probably either aubergine will do for you!

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Spot on WS! Ditto with Eggplant tones - also super popular this fall winter and into spring '10.

[Suuse]

What you said.

[Dazzling Zoomer Gal Diana]

Me? Or our LFF or both ? ;-D

[Suuse]

I think we should open a consultancy--complete with before/after photos! ;)