Give Meaning to Spring Cleaning

Tackling an unruly wardrobe is so satisfying! (OK, that's why I do what I do!)

As hard as it is to decide to let go of some of clothing you've had around for a while, if it's not satisfying these three things, it's better to move on.

All of your clothes should:

1. Fit your body, today

2. Fit your lifestyle needs/goals

3. Make you HAPPY!

Even two out of three may not be good enough. That's ok, it just means that you've evolved, and so has your idea of image and style. We will find new things that are perfect! But what to do with the things that you've piled up as a 'cast away' pile? Very, very rarely would I suggest that clothing should be tossed out. The only times are when the items that you're moving away from are either intimate wear or are beyond any reasonable use to another person.

You can Give Meaning to Spring Cleaning by selling or donating your old clothing items to give them the opportunity to make someone as happy as you have been when you wore them.

Trademark Spring Cleaning Tactics:

1. Consignment: Got items that are 2 years old or less, high quality vintage (think about this one carefully), and are in excellent condition? Sell them! I particularly like Ex Toggery, Off The Cuff and Second Nature Boutique. Not only will someone be able to enjoy them as much as you did, but you can use the reclaimed funds as part of your 'Clothing Budget' for the coming season. How smart! (You might also find some really great pieces there yourself)

2. Success Program Donations: Consider donating good condition business appropriate items, between 2 - 5 years old to Dress for Success or Dress Your Best. Both organizations assist economically disadvantaged individuals prepare for success in their professional pursuits. You may also be eligible for tax receipts for your donations.

3. Drop-Box Donations: The remainder of your items will likely be very welcome to the recipients of donations from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Value Village, or a program affiliated with your house of worship.

No matter which combination of options you choose, you will know that your spring cleaning has had extra meaning this year.

My Favourite Jeans - A Love Story & Anniversary Message!

It happened in the Autumn of 2000. I was working at Mendocino in Toronto when we received our first shipment of the line of jeans that would change the way we all see denim. What was once an every day item would become a luxury status symbol. We received 7 for All Mankind denim, as far as I know, they were amongst the first 7s to be carried in Toronto!

Uniquely verigated, fine but sturdy 100% cotton denim, strategically faded, gently whiskered for a natural looking wear, and with their (at the time) signature faded 'crease' down the front of the leg, as soon as I put them on, I was hooked. My bootcut 7s went everywhere with me: my move to Australia (they'd never seen anything like them), various vacations, all manner of occasions. They fit my body shape perfectly, and suited almost every lifestyle demand I could place on a pair of jeans.

After 3.5 years of denim bliss, and a gradual move from 'dressy' to 'casual' to 'weekend' wardrobe, the first tear happened. The horror! From that point on, I patched and repaired my beloved 7s so many times that they're hanging on by the patches themselves. It has been years since I was able to wear them yet pair of jeans remains tucked away in my special memorabilia box, reserved for things like high school yearbooks, photos of childhood friends & past loves. (Even Image Consultants aren't immune to clothing-sentimentality!)

As many pairs of beautiful denim as I have had since then, I have never had the same affection as I had for those, my perfect jeans.

This past November, 7 for All Mankind celebrated it's 10th Anniversary! Happy Anniversary, Sevens! And please, if you decide to bring back style U0775019U-G, in it's classic execution, be in touch. I know an Image Consultant in Toronto who desperately needs another pair!

Could Your Image Consultant (hehem that'd be me) Be on TV?

I recently posted my demo reel for the Marilyn Denis show auditions (I know!) and so many of you contacted me to tell me that the styles I pointed out inspired you to action! I was so impressed I just had to post about it.

I'm going to break out a few options for the great Fall trends I noted in that video, so those of you still pining for those items can see a few different Trademark worthy options...more to come!

A Major Fundraiser Goes Glam...

Saturday evening marks the 5th annual Gala Fundraiser for the Royal Ontario Museum. Known as the ROM PROM, this fundraising even is a cornerstone of the Toronto Philanthropic Social Calendar.

I'm thrilled to be attending this year - and will be letting you in on all the best fashion there! The theme this year is NOIR - dark glamour, vintage Hollywood looks and all the fatalism that goes along with it.

Gloria Swanson & William Holden in Sunset Boulevard

So: What to wear?? I paid a visit to my friend Tao Drayton of Cabaret Vintage, tried on a bunch of amazing dresses both pristine vintage as well as from their newly designed vintage-inspired line (you have to try on the Soiree, and they're all made to measure!) and asked him to share his thoughts on the theme:

1. What does Noir or Old Hollywood Glam Mean?

I see Noir style as bold, sexy, moody with emphasized tailoring and detail. The films were often in black and white so people usually think of a grey palette, but the marquis posters showed the vibrant colours of the actual wardrobe, so don't be afraid of colour.

2. What are the hallmarks of evening wear style for women when dressing in the Old Hollywood Style?

The hallmarks to me are luxury, decadence and out of the ordinary. Women wore dresses and gowns of exceptional quality, jewelry that dripped with glamour. Go for lavish, but avoid sweet.

3. What are the hallmarks for men?

For men, I think it's about the suit and a hat if you can! Think Humphrey Bogart, Pinstripe suit, Fedora and Trench coat. For the suit, I recommend a dark colour and a wide lapel.

Humphrey Bogart & Mary Astor (Right) in The Maltese Falcon

4. If you had to make a Top Five List of fashion and accessories to pull off a great Old Hollywood look, what would they be?

1. Fabulous Black Dress
2. Sexy neckline
3. Bold Hat (men and women)
4. Bold Suit (men and women)

5. Attitude!

Thanks for all the great tips, Tao! Can't wait until Saturday night!

Does Your Bra Wardrobe Stack Up?

Many of you have heard me say it, but I'll say it again: the right underpinnings, will make your clothes, and your total outfit look better in every case! In fact, many of you have spent a few hours with me stocking up on the right bras, panties, shapewear and slips to make sure that the rest of your wardrobe fits to the nines!

Wearing the right lingerie can immediately improve how you look and feel in special outfits - making you look smoother, perkier, slimmer....sound good?

MSN/Sympatico wanted to learn more about what I had to say on bras - and you know I can go on all day on the topic! But, for now, I'll leave it to the article Does Your Bra Wardrobe Stack Up? to answer the question: what should I have in my lingerie drawer?

How to Make a Powerful First Impression

We all want to present ourselves in the best light in every situation, particularly when we have a special interest in the person we are meeting.

As much as I speak about building a powerful and authentic professional image, we are all multi-faceted people for whom even the briefest encounters can present new possibilities. In this way, taking care of our personal presentation can serve us well at every turn.

When MSN/Sympatico asked for my opinion on grooming tips, I thought: how will we cover all of it in just one article?? We settled on a topic that my clients often ask me questions about: How do I make a great impression on a date?

Check out Jackie Burns' article How to Make a Powerful First Impression to find out more...!

What Messages Are YOUR Clothes Sending?

You know how when you visit a doctor's office, a gym, a fast food restaurant (ok I know you don't really visit those) you tend to see the same colour choices for decor over and over again? The psychological effects of colour on the human brain and emotions is well documented from a variety of perspectives and for multiple uses.

Recently, author Jackie Burns asked me to help her to uncover the subliminal messages that the colour of your clothes are sending. She wondered if there was a similar psychology, and the answer is a resounding: YES!

In her article What Messages Are Your Clothes Sending? I demystify the key of colour for your wardrobe.

I hope these tips will help you to choose the best combinations for the important events in your life, be it an interview, an important meeting, a date, or family movie night!

Out with the Old, In with the Fashion New Year!

I don't know about you, but I've always felt like the true start of the new year is September. The change in the air, that back-to-school feeling I can't ever seem to shake, and of course, the THICKEST fashion magazine issues of the year! If nothing else, September is the start of the new year in the fashion world and that, in and of itself, is thrilling for me! Just as in Spring, the start of the Fashion New Year is a great time to take stock of your closet's contents. Do they fit your lifestyle? Do they suit your needs? Do they fit, flatter and make you happy? How long have you had them? (hint: generally 5 years or more for every day clothes is too long!) Even though styles may come back, they will always come back with a difference (wait until my entry on the New New Wave trend...)! This week I had the pleasure of being featured in an article 'Simple Expert Advice for Reinvigorating Your Closet' on MSN/Sympatico's Shopping Cart Confidential Blog with writer Jackie Burns. In it I provided tips and thought starters on how to master an unruly closet of clothes and make sure that it works for you. Hope it helps provide a bit of 'new year' inspiration! Happy Cleaning and a Very Happy Fashion New Year!

Fall 2007 Women's Trends

Can you believe that it's time to think about fall fashion already? Just as we get into the swing of summer the stores are about to provide us with great fall trends to swoon over.

SO! For those who have had to listen to my ranting about what's coming up next - and for those who are ready to hear it for the first time....a preview of fall's most exciting trends:

WOMEN:
The Jacket: in many permutations this season their is newness to make jackets ever more the item to spruce up your wardrobe with. Utility, Leather, Ladylike, Cropped or Swing, there's a version for every personal style and every occasion.

Dresses: The fluid dress of summer evolves into a more structured, sophisticated version of itself for fall. The Tailored Shift, Short-Sleeve Crew Neck, Shirred Bubble Minis, Swing Strapless they're all coming and they're fabulous!

High Waisted Pants: For everyone who has had to listen to me for the past six months as I lamented the lack of choice in high waisted jeans, you won't have to hear it anymore! THEY'RE HERE! The high rise is novel, and it will be fun to try as an alternative to those super lows.

Wide Leg Pants: From flared bottoms to full palazzo styles, with high, regular or low rise, we will move away from the skinny leg to something more full for fall.

Returning Trends: As we have been seeing for the past few fall seasons tartan, embellishment, leather, sweater dressing and menswear inspired looks and fabrics are all back for fall!!

While it's still a good 30 degrees in the shade, it's still nice to dream about all the fun we'll have in fall....

Guys - your trends are coming too, sit tight! ;)

See you in the stores!