Warming trends

In this issue

Frugal fall fashion

Handling stress with style

September 16, 2009

Greetings!

Whew! The kids are back in school, and the logistics of carpools and bus schedules have been worked out (at least for now). It's always great to see everyone settle back into a routine (and next summer will roll back around before we know it!)

Ketura head shot

This means it's time to get serious about reviewing, sorting and storing your spring and summer clothes. I know some of you dread this task. But think about the bright side: You'll be making room for old favorites from previous seasons and some new purchases this fall. If you're not sure what should go on your shopping list, read on for advice about where to spend your money (and where not to).

Last week's evening event about personal style was a resounding success! We met at a beautiful home in Cleveland Park, ate yummy treats, drank Mommy's Time Out wine and talked about finding our own personal style. It was so much fun, I'm hoping to repeat it again soon. (And if you're looking for a speaker for your next event, I'm available for that, too!)

Plus, for those who want to go the extra step, you'll want to come to my upcoming collage workshop, where we'll get our hands dirty figuring out what we find most inspiring. (This event will be in mid October -- stay tuned for details, but start saving your magazines and other ephemera now!)

Be sure to take a look at my new website, the Wardrobe Workshop, where you can visit the newsletter archives and subscribe to my blog. And send me an email letting me know what's on YOUR mind this fall -- I always love hearing from readers!

Warmly,

Ketura

PS Do you know someone who'd be interested in updating her personal style? Just click on the link below to forward it to her.

Warming trends

Fall fashion: Frugal finds and sensible splurges

If you're like most people, you may have some limits on what you'll be spending this Fall to equip yourself for cooler weather. Here are some things to keep in mind as you get your wardrobe ready:

Start with a fashion tune-up, not an overhaul
Here are some ways you could have fun with your wardrobe and without spending too much:

What can you take from last season into this season?
If you bought some things in purple last year when it was big, wear them a lot this season. The color is in style this year, too, so you'll still feel current.

Do you have lots of black in your closet?
Add white for a classic color combo, or make the black pop with something in this season's jeweled or neon tones.

Add a necklace. Statement necklaces (like the one shown here, from Lulu Frost) were big for spring and are still going strong. Two of my favorite sources for jewelry are J. Crew and Anthropologie.

Consider a scarf or shawl. This is a great way add style and extra color to your outfit. My favorites are Virginia Johnson and this by Chan Luu.

Add tights. Have your legs been dreading the winter? This year, take the chill off with tights in mustard, purple or blue -- and make last year's clothes look new again.

Don't forget gloves! Remember Michelle Obama's great choice of olive-color gloves last year at the Inauguration? Expensive? Not really -- think of how much you'll wear them.

Sensible splurges
A handbag. Take a look at your bag. Does it still look fresh or is it showing signs of wear? Try a satchel or a slouchy hobo, depending on your style. This is one of my top recommendations to clients who want to look more pulled-together and stylish. Try Luna Boston or Searle for gorgeous handbags.

A novelty jacket. A new jacket, like a leather biker jacket, could be the accent piece that brings your entire wardrobe forward. Just remember, the fewer trendy details, the longer it'll stay in style.

A great pair of boots. It's time NOW to be look for new boots, if you want a pair. They're an important piece for a stylish fall 2009 look, and there are some great options: knee-high, ankle, and even over-the-knee in all different heel heights. And I encourage you to be bold -- try a rich color like emerald green or purple.

Closet therapy

Handling stress through (and with) style

No one ever has a life that's completely free of stress or even trauma and pain.

If you're worrying about family tension during the fall holidays or are facing sickness in your family or even yourself, here are some ways to make your life easier during challenging times:

Wear only what you love. Don't underestimate how looking good can make you feel good, so dress with care. Whatever's on your schedule, you'll be taken seriously when you show up looking like you respect yourself.

Bring a brand new color into your wardrobe. If your life is in shake-up mode, shake up your wardrobe too with colors you love but may not have worn in a while, colors like pink, turquoise, teal, orange, purple, lilac, or leaf green -- whatever feels energizing, hopeful and uplifting.

Create talismans of special jewelry. You might want to wear a necklace passed down by a favorite grandmother or aunt, or perhaps a butterfly pin symbolizes rejuvenation and renewal to you. Pick a piece of jewelry and let the warm feelings you get soothe you on an as-needed basis!

Control what you can. A crisis can appear out of the blue and make you feel as if life is spinning out of control. This is the time to focus on what you CAN control. Eliminate clutter. Edit out whatever you don't find useful or beautiful: bad photos, chipped dishes, broken appliances, clothes that are out of date or no longer fit. Surround yourself ONLY with things and people that bring you real pleasure.

Keep a gratitude journal. A journal is wonderful for anyone, but especially at a time you could be focused on all the things you don't like, you need to be able to focus on the things you DO like. At the end of the day, write down 10 things you're grateful for. Knowing you're going to be writing 10 things each night will help you focus on moments of grace and simple pleasures.