Fashion-Forward-Friday : Fabulous @ Every Age (dress your best @ all stages of life)

zest/zest/

Noun:	Great enthusiasm and energy. A quality of excitement and piquancy.
Synonyms:	relish - gusto - savour - savor "Zest is the secret of all beauty. There is no beauty attractive without zest."  -Christian Dior No doubt these thoughts have gone through your mind when you've stood in front of the mirror:  Am I dressing like my mother? Do I look like I'm wearing my daughter's clothes? Am I dressing age appropriately? Am I making the most of my looks? Perhaps your frock is in an eye-popping color or print, skims the body, plunges low in front or back, or shows too much skin. Maybe it doesn't show enough skin and adds years. And with all the boundary breaking in fashion today, it is not always clear who should wear what. What to consider when dressing your age: 20s There are no boundaries for twentysomethings when it comes to fashion. It's about personal style and adding whimsical touches you can get away with only when you're young, whether that means playing with color, mixing and matching, or wearing high heels and high hemlines.  Ah, youth! Being under 30 allows you to get away with a lot when it comes to dressing.  *Pick a fun frock. Ultrafeminine, lighthearted, colorful, and flirty are the qualities to look for in a dress, whether it's for night or day. Don't be afraid to show a little skin here and there, but remember to maintain a level of polish. If your dress is too revealing on top, make sure the hemline is a little longer. If it's short, the silhouette should be more restrained. *Try a top with personality. It could have loads of ruffles, highlight your decolletage in a strapless cut, or even be a washed-out rocker tee- as long as it's interesting. We all know the youthful set loves jeans, which go with every sort of shirt and blouse, so let your top set the tone. *When it comes to skirts, think sweet or sexy. Twentysomethings can pull off charming pouf, pleated, and bubble-hemmed (my personal least favorite; but some can pull it off) skirts. If you have the body for it, go for minis, tight or full. Either way, Your top should be toned down when your skirt is special. *Experiment with jackets and coats. Wear a tailored blazer over a floaty frock, a sleek leather bomber with a breezy, floral blouse, or a girly, princess-cut coat atop skinny jeans and a tank. "A girl in her 20s can rev up everyday basics with something outlandish." -Michael Kors 30s More pulled together, serious looks are what your 30s are about, but you don't have to be a total square. The trick is to experiment with fashion-forward styles while maintaining a level of polish. A honed sense of style lead to sophistication, but don't put your risk-taking days behind.  *Go for a dress in a new silhouette. Whether it's below the knee or well above, revealing, roomy, or in between, pick a shape that's interesting and unique. Try contrasting shades, metallics, and pops of brights. The idea is to look cool and confident. Move beyond the superslinky and girly stuff. *Your shirt should have an edge. It can be a crisp button-up, a silk blouse, or a simple tee, but it should be a fresh twist. Neat ruffles, a prim scarf tie, or a bit of ruching can turn a basic into something bold.  *Seek out skirts with style. Though it's a feminine signature, a skirt doesn't have to be mumsy. Look for pieces that are either sharp and severe or soft and subtle. A sculpted pencil shape with a high waist is seriously sophisticated but not stuffy, while a swingy, short skirt adds attitude.  *Top off your look with something striking. Your coat or jacket is an integral part of your wardrobe, so pick a piece that makes a statement. A trim, architectural jacket can be just as dramatic as a bold animal-print coat.  "I don't know if I really understand the idea of dressing one's age. All you need is confidence, comfort, and the pleasure of dressing." -Marc Jacobs 40s Classic silhouettes and colors may start to dominate your wardrobe, but each piece should be full of personality. Think interesting embellishment, feminine volume, and bursts of rich color and pattern.  It's important to look smart and conservative, but that doesn't have to mean buttoned up. *Find a refined frock. You want to look mature but not matronly. More covered up cuts that fall at the knee or just below are appropriate, but there are plenty of pieces out there that still have sex appeal.  *Opt for a subdued yet modern top. A stark shirt is uberversatile and universally flattering-it's really a no-brainer. Choose wisely when you're going for something with detail; pick a solid, sophisticated shade.  *Stick to fine and feminine skirts. Demonstrate more restrain when it comes to showing leg- but not necessarily with your skirt style. A full-pleated cut looks sweet and womanly, while a below-the-knee pencil is a sleek standard.  *Consider a well-constructed jacket cut. Whether it's to be worn with jeans or a dress, your blazer or coat should have strict structure.  "I am going to wear the shortest skirts possible, as long as they look good on me." -Sharon Stone 50s Refined, tasteful choices are the foundations of age-appropriate dressing. Tailoring and structure are key, as are clean lines and fuss-free frocks in a simple palette.  Now is the time to embrace traditional elegance with uptown appeal. Leave the latest trends by the wayside.  *Dress up in classic colors.  *Look for ladylike tops. *Keep your skirt simple or luxe it up. *Start with a clean cut jacket. "I think it's better to tell the truth about your age and surprise people with how good you look." -Iman 60s Elegance is the idea, and so timeless, traditional pieces are the mainstays. Tweed suits, trousers, and coatdresses dominate the closet. Contrasting hues-black, white, and red-are the most chic.  Know your style and be true to your instincts. Fads come and go, but enduring standards will serve you well.  *Opt for classic-cut dresses. *Try a top that's eye-catching. *Select a soft swingy A-line skirt. *Pick a top-notch topper. "It makes much more sent not to be encumbered by trends and not to be too caught up in fashion, no matter your age." -Narciso Rodriguez 70+ Looking dignified and distinguished is of the utmost importance- and that means splurging on a little luxury. Fabrics should be of the highest quality, and tailoring should be precise. Stay true to timeless, tailored shapes, but add lushness to your look with embellished pieces. Classic hues will ensure the elegance you aim for.    *Turn up the volume on top. *A structured suit is standard. *Go to great lengths for the perfect skirt. *Jackets and coats should be standouts. "I think an older woman can be more fascinating than a younger one. Dress elegantly and you will possess timeless and ageless style." -Giorgio Armani "Age is but a number! Wear what you like and LOVE what you wear!" -Kate Hudson And Happy Friday to you! May you have a great (well dressed to impress) weekend!!!

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Personal Style (Your Own Look) :::

Some say there is an art to dressing well. That may be true. Mastering what goes with what, knowing which designers are in and which are out, and eyeing exactly where the hemline should hit and how high the heel should certainly take talent.


But let's face it, most of us don't have the time, energy, or patience to elevate what we wear every day to an art form. Our goal is usually to find some that feels comfortable, makes us feel confident, and looks chic. We want dressing to be effortless-and we want to look effortlessly dressed. Yes, there are the enviable lucky few who have a knack for looking oh-so-perfectly pulled together every time they step out the door, and then there are the rest of us, who have to try a little harder (and still those who don't bother at all).  But with the proper tools, the right mind-set, and a little direction, we all can be well dressed in no time. 


Express Your Inner Fashion Sense


Here are tips to find your own style:


-Don't dress in a look straight off the runway or all in one trend.


-Feel free to mix and match.


-Don't be stuck on one style; experiment with new looks. Or, find a signature look and be true to it.


-If you like it, buy it and wear it (with confidence).


-Have fun with trends, but don't be a slave to them.


-Know that keeping it simple is often the best way to go.


-Add your own touch to a look, whether it's a bow, belt, or brooch.


-Do the unexpected. Don't always wear things in the traditional way. 








(((On a side note)))
There are 3 ways to Wear a Blazer-Know the value of a good suit. The traditional twosome looks smart as a set, but the jacket alone is just as chic.


1) A dark suit: You can rest assured you'll look appropriate-say, at work or on evenings out-in a sleek suit. Try a classic, frill-free cut and avoid getting caught up in short-lived trends. Plus, black will always be flattering (and slimming). Find a cut that works for you and stick with it.


2) A jacket * jeans: Your favorite blues with a tailored jacket is what casual chic is all about. A fitted jacket is the most polished.


3) A mismatched suit: Try your blazer with different trousers. A wide-leg style in crisp white, for example, is dressier than denim and a nice alternative in warmer weather. 














It really THAT easy with a great black blazer :) 


I hope everyone enjoys their (well-dressed to impress) weekend! Be safe out there and most of all be fashionable!!!

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Great Finds :::

The Basics : Pieces you can save on

Luckily, when you're wardrobe building, there are many places where you can skimp a tad. It's not about low quality, it's about knowing what should be easy on the budget. 


*Jeans- While, hands down, most people claim to get more wear out of their jeans than any other article of clothing, there is still no need to spend big bucks on your blues. Yes, we all have our favorites that get a lot of use, but we are also fickle and no doubt happier to have more than one cut to choose from- at least a pair to wear with high heels and one to wear with flats. Besides, who needs high maintenance denim? You won't think twice about throwing more affordable jeans in the washer and dryer. 
I scored on a pair of black straight leg jeans from a thrift store this past weekend. 99 cents Green Tag Special and they are superb! SUPERB I say! 


*Pants- Think of them as dinner-table dressing. No one sees your bottom when you're sitting at a table, behind a desk, or even having a tête-à-tête at a crowded party. So why empty out your wallet on something that gets so little attention? Spend on your top. If that's exquisite, it'll keep all eyes up (to your smiling face).


*Skirts- Following the same logic as pants, skirts are the second half of your outfit and are a support for your top, therefore they don't always have to be so pricey. Yet, unlike pants, they have the potential to define you- say, tantalizing in a thigh-high, demure in a dirndl, or powerful in a pencil- so choose your skirt shape wisely.


*Button-ups- (my fav fashion find) These no-frill tops aren't meant to last a lifetime. White is the color of choice for the men's-style shirt, which means its needs to be laundered a lot-and it requires ironing to keep it neat. Therefore, the shirt gets worn out fast. Since it is best sharp and crisp, you'll want to restock often. My favorite cut is from Express and although they can be pricey, I've been lucky enough to stock my closet with one from almost every color in the rainbow including black and white from second hand stores as well. If you find them on sale at Express, stock up on them. They're timeless and classic and can go with almost anything.


*Lightweight knits- Thin sweaters are ideal for layering, so it's advisable to have many in your stable. Because you'll use these as flexible go-to items (over anything, under some things, thrown in your bag in case you get cold), multi-ply, heavy-duty fabrics are not necessary. Fine (and therefore less expensive) wool or cotton works best.


*Tees & Tanks- This is the most obvious are where you can pinch pennies. There are plenty of brands out there offering well-made tees with appropriate price tags. Look for longer styles for more layering versatility. So, when you find the best fit and fabric, stock up!


"If you find something you like, get it in two colors." -Elle Macpherson

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Ultimate Classics :::

The Timeless Staples


Once you have your closet essentials down, it's worth stocking up on pieces that will always look great, no matter the trend du jour. Think versatility, longevity, and everlasting appeal- the clothing that style setters from Catherine Deneuve to Kate Moss have always relied on. 


*White Tees: They are the all-American standard. You'll always find uses for basic tees, whether atop denim on weekends or with a dressy skirt for a sporty edge. They're also the ground work for layering.


*Cashmere Cardigans: As a part of a sweater set or in a longer V-neck grandpa cut, a button-up sweater offers the most adaptability- perfect with a pencil skirt for work, sexy at night with nothing underneath or as a cocktail-dress topper, and a great layering piece for casual days. Classic colors- camel, navy, black, and gray- will get more wear than brights or patterns.


*White Jeans: A more glamorous take on the basic jean, these clean pants are effortlessly cool. All they need is a cashmere V-neck on top for a jet-set aura. They even work in the winter paired with a cozy knit or fur.


*Shift Dress: Think Jackie O's simple, pared-down, but polished style. The minimal frock couldn't be easier to wear- working with a blouse or a tee under, with flats or pumps- making it a no-brainer for every woman's wardrobe.


*Trench Coat: It's the ultimate symbol of chic- loved by woman young, old, curvy, slim, conservative, or edgy. It's a versatile piece that is at the same time practical, glamorous, and cool. Whether you wear it over worn-in jeans or a fancy dress, you're sure to look sophisticated.  






 





 







It is not my intention to make this post entirely about Jackie O or her endless and timeless  style, however, I started searching and couldn't simply find one picture to post of this iconic fashionista. And?! She deserves a little bit more of a write up than I am currently capable of, and although she has been covered endlessly and praised upon everywhere; I figured the pictures do the most judging and Jackie O's got it!!!


Now?! Have a wonderful weekend where I hope you enjoy dinners in (or out), event hosting (or attending), cocktail tasting (or downing), and may you always be dressed the n9nes in any occassion. Because?!...you deserve to be!


Happy Friday and Have a Great, well dressed to impress Weekend!

-Fashion-Forward-Friday- ::: Every Woman's 5 Must-Haves :::

The 5 basic pieces every woman should own!


No wardrobe is complete without certain tried -n- true staples that work as the foundation for any look. Use these key items as your building blocks:


1* A dark -preferably black- lean suit. The jacket and trousers can be worn separately for more mileage.



2* A pencil skirt. This can be A-line if it's more flattering for your body type but should be simple and refined.



3* A crisp white shirt. Dressed up or down, it will always look chic.



4* A great pair of jeans. A straight cut in a darker wash is more versatile.

5* A little black dress. dba the LBD, it will never let you down.




I've found that splurging a bit in these departments, making certain you have the right cuts for your body style, and really NOT compromising is the perfect recipe for achieving the looks that will be timelessly classic and chic. Not to endorse but I find (being slender and tall) that NY&CO usually has my inseam in stock (and that goes for any shape or size) and Express is always a place to look for these essentials. Visit them @ the right time and who know?!! You might be able to score a killer deal!


"Tailored items should be well made and well designed. So, investment will be rewarded."-Giorgio Armani