Nancy Pipal's Style File: The Best of 2010

nancy pipal executive presence and personal style consultant 708.579.1016

January Style File: The Best of 2010

January 2011

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While reviewing my list of 2010 resolutions, I laughed out loud thinking about how some goals seem to magically re-appear year after year! If I had lost five pounds every year I resolved to do so, currently I would be weighing in at a total of thirty nine pounds.

How about you? Any pie in the sky resolutions you can skip this year? For many, seeing a list of unfulfilled goals at the end of the year creates undesirable levels of anxiety. No thank you. Not our intention.

In fact, why not skip the review of past transgressions and just rip up that old list [or hit delete]. Let's have a good laugh and be happy we have the wherewithal to rip at all! Why not concentrate on new things? Do-able things . . . like 'Throw out the mangy old black tights and shop for a new pair'. Now that, we can do!

Hope our Best of 2010 will help out in both departments: laughter and shopping!

slim lined and classic flats for everyone

1. Flats are a staple in every woman's wardrobe and it's not easy to find those that are both stylish and flattering! Rounded toes on typical ballet flats tend to make feet look stumpy and legs look shorter, particularly with skirts or dresses.

Instead, why not choose a flat that has a longer slimmer cut like these Tuxedo flats from Talbot's holiday catalog. They are dressy enough for a party skirt and cool enough to wear with jeans and a blazer.

2. Nordstrom brand tights: Still one of the best buys in town. At only $10 a pair, they come in all the basic neutral colors and offer a consistent good fit. Be sure to use a lingerie bag in the washing machine and then air dry! With some gentle TLC, you can expect at least 2 seasons of wear. Amazing!

3. The leggings that wash like a dream, do not fade, fit like a second skin and don't bag anywhere? ZELLA brand.

I am recommending these to anyone and everyone. And even though they were more than I am accustomed to paying for leggings($50), they were worth every penny. Try them at Nordstrom's in the Women's Active Wear department or @ www.nordstrom.com

4. A cami bra that offers the cleavage coverage classy women appreciate and the support previously unavailable in a cami bra style? SOMA is the brand to remember. You can find these bras in a Soma store or on line @ www.soma.com (Great neutral colors and very reasonably priced at $44)

5. Spanx for men: outstanding T-shirt style tops for men that help tremendously with lower back support and as an extra added little bonus, they camouflage extra pounds around the middle!

Who knew? www.spanx.com

6. Brooks Brothers white shirts ...alas and again! While many other woven brands were 'cheaping down' this past year [skimping on the quality we have come to know and love], Brooks Brothers did not change their fabric recipe in the slightest. They continue to offer great quality, no iron, crisp material with easy breezy wash and wear convenience. Bravo B.B.!

Happy New Year, Dear Readers!

Nancy

Reader F A Q

Q. Any suggestions for where to find flattering and comfortable shoes on-line? I see that some websites like Piperlime have no shipping charge to send or return.

A. The 'no shipping charge' policy is enticing, but I use these online shoe shopping sites just to see what's out there. Since the chances of shoes actually fitting my adorable feet are slim to none, I prefer in-store try-on time. But I arrive at the store knowing if they carry the brands and styles I am looking for. That is the beauty of looking on-line FIRST.
This little shopping tip has saved me [and my clients] much time, money and disappointment! Try it, you'll like it. Check out these fun websites for shoe shopping ideas:

No shopping, just laughing websites:

1. The E-Trade baby commercials. These never fail to tickle me:

"Apparently, riding the family dog like it's a small horse is frowned upon in this establishment." Name of this ad is Solitary. Click here to view the ad

2. The Andy Borowitz daily report. This man has an uncanny ability to turn any news item into witty, dry and wry, comedy.

click here to read daily report

My around town calendar for January 2011:

January 15 - "Mayslake Ministries Women's Retreat: "Women Who Do Too Much". Special presentation by Nancy Pipal: Goodbye Closet Clutter - Hello Freedom! Lombard, IL. Call 630.268.9000 for retreat information. Or go to www.mayslakeministries.org
January 18 - Indian Prairie Library - Darien, IL. Tuesday night at 7pm. Special presentation by Nancy Pipal : Shopping in your Closet! [Open to the public.] Would love to see all my Style File readers who live in the area!

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Nancy Pipal

Executive Presence and Personal Style Consultant

420 W. Burlington Avenue

LaGrange, Illinois 60525

708.579.1016