A fellow member of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International), Bev Dwane wrote this article. I think she is right on. With her permission, I would like to share it with you.

All magazines at this time of year tell you what are "the" best looks or "must-have" pieces for fall. But will they really be your best look, or must-have piece?

Successful shopping begins with a plan and knowledge of what works for you, although it's helpful to know what the trends are so you aren't blind-sided when you go into the stores. If fashion trends are working in your favor, you may want to try to squeeze a little more out of your wardrobe budget. You will probably jump right in and have a ball as you try on all kinds of new pieces. On the other hand, if you don't see your preferred style reflected in the current trends then shopping can be a frustrating experience, unless you understand how to adapt the trends so they work for you.

Here are this season's key trends, with helpful tips to make it easier for you to decide whether they are right for you.

Color

The key colors this fall are muted, rich and deep. In addition to the typical autumnal colors of honey yellow, burnt sienna and warm olive, you will find plenty of purple, aubergine and teal. Brown and gray are more abundant than than black, especially in heathered tones.

These colors are wonderful for anyone in the deeper summer palettes (Jeweltone, Dusk or Twilight Summers), and some of the more neutral autumn palettes (Metallic or Tawny Autumns). Winters will enjoy the aubergines, purples and teals as basics for their wardrobes. Look for brighter purples to use as dramatic colors. Springs and lighter Summers will find this season's colors heavy and dark. Fall and winter shopping is always more challenging for you. You may be able to use these colors in lighter weight fabrics and in less structured designs. Keep the "feeling" light even if the color isn't.

Frills, Ruffles and Other Ornamentation

This is the season of lots of "stuff" - more correctly termed "complex design." If your style is more feminine/romantic, you will find plenty of ruffles, frills and flounces to make your heart sing. Fabrics are textured and opulent, trimmed in fur, feathers, and embroidery.

All of this can add 'visual weight' to your appearance, so be careful that details and trim are added to areas of your body that will help create the illusion of balance.

Glitz and Metallic Embellishment

A profusion of shimmer and shine exists right now, from embellished dresses to metallic leathers. If your style is more dramatic, you will find multitudes to choose from!

Springs and Summers will find much of this too heavy. Look for a hint of metallic trim that is lightweight and a more neutral warmed silver. If you shine in silver, this is your year for accessories!

Shapely Accents

The illusion of a waist or hourglass figure is seen with belted styles and shapely jackets. Belts of all widths and styles are being added to sweaters, jackets and layered looks.

Choose the width of your belt based on your vertical proportions. With too wide a belt, you'll look heavy rather than shapely. Jackets are nipped in at the waist, giving that 40's glamour look to suiting.

Skirts tend to be pencil style or straight. If you have a curved outer thigh, you will have more difficulty fitting in this style. Rectangle and Inverted Triangle silhouettes will love this option.

Make shopping easier

Each season, designers and retailers are eager to convince you that your clothes are outdated and need to be replaced with new styles. If you respond by shopping to find that perfect piece to update your wardrobe, you may quickly become overwhelmed by all you see in the stores.

My solution to this dilemma is simple. Start with your personal style recipe so you know for what you are shopping. Let me illustrate by comparing shopping for clothes to grocery shopping (stay with me here....).

If you plan to make a special recipe, you start by comparing the ingredient list to what you have on hand. If you head off to the grocery store without making a shopping list, you are sure to return home without several key ingredients, plus shopping bags stuffed with unneeded extras. You may try to make substitutions, but you are usually unsatisfied with the result.

The same thing is true when you shop for clothes. Unless you know what look you are trying to create (i.e. your recipe) you will be overwhelmed with choices. You are likely to return home with unnecessary pieces, and still missing key items for your wardrobe. When you get dressed, you will still feel that you "have nothing to wear."

Feeling lost and overwhelmed when you head out into the stores is common, and is an easy trap in which to get caught. If you want to create a style recipe of your own, just give us a call. We would love to help make your next shopping trip a successful one.

November 4

Gretje and Lori's Business Portrait Special Pricing Dates.

You've always meant to have a professional headshot done, and now's your chance at reduced pricing. You will enjoy a relaxing photography session in the comfort of Gretje Ferguson's home studio in Dedham. Professional stylist Lori Johnson will be there to dramatically enhance your photo with her makeup application. Lori and Gretje have worked together for 10 years to provide natural professional headshots that compel people to want to do business with you!

For details and registration

Get a deluxe Skin Care and Foundation Brush Set (10- 5517) for $35.99 (a $75 value) when you order an essentials Skin Care System! Add both items to your Shopping cart, and the discount will appear at checkout. Offer valid October 1 through December 31, 2009, while supplies last.

We tried this product and love it!

This beauty breakthrough intuitively seeks out and conceals fine lines and imperfections while adjusting to match your skin tone. Leaving a weightless, airbrushed finish so silky smooth it looks flawless.

Let us know if you would like help choosing a foundation shade.

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