STYLE BULLETIN
FEBRUARY 2013

Access Your Allure


Greetings!

We often talk about techniques for improving our daily wardrobe, whether it's for the office or running errands or date night, but what about those times when you want to especially access your alluring side? You want to share your "inner Bardot" without baring too much or dressing inappropriately.  This month we'll talk about the key components for putting together outfits that accent your best features without going over the top.  With Valentine's Day coming up,maybe you'll want to try a few of this month's tips, whether you're going out with your special someone, or the girls, or taking yourself out for a personal treat.  Everyone has their own way of expressing their alluring side - find one (or two) that speak to you and have some fun with it!


First, take an honest look at your figure and determine which 'asset' you think is your best. This will likely be the one you want to emphasize.  Is it your shoulders...your toned arms...your legs...your waist...your back?  The idea is to select one, two at most, to feature.   For example, if you're wearing something that is fitted and body-conscious, you'll want to keep the length a bit longer, and accessories simple. 

 

   

Second, it's important to recognize what is appropriate for you, at your age.  This will admittedly differ according to each person's general principles and 'state of body'. I know for myself, it was in my mid-50's that I started inching my hemline down to my knees and now, as I approach 60 (yikes!), I'm finding Sally Hanson Airbrush Legs a real must in the warmer, bare-legged months. Of course, we can thank the lovely Kate Middleton for renewed interest in the nude stocking, so that may be an option in the future.   I'll still wear a hemline above the knee in the winter when I can wear tights, or if I'm in a beach environment, but otherwise, those days are gone for me.  (If you need help assessing what's appropriate for you, give me a call.  It's what I do!)

 

 

Third, what are the basics to achieving your most most alluring you?  Every woman should have some go-to basics in her wardrobe, beyond the LBD, that she can rely on to help her access her allure.  Your personal style will define the specifics of those items - the color, the pattern, the texture - and how you will put them together.  

 

Here are my Alluring Must-Haves with some examples to spark your imagination:  

 

The Pencil Skirt is a basic that can work in so many ways in your wardrobe.  Even the Dramatic sparkly version above can be worn during the day, when paired with a white tee, blazer and boots, for example. Whether you choose an edgy leather version or the floral feminine style, this skirt is inherently alluring due to it's hip-hugging shape. Pencil skirts come in many variations (you can see above the variation in  the degree of narrowing at the bottom) so even women with larger hips can wear this style. A ruffle or flounce at the knee also draws attention away from the hips. Belting this skirt will draw attention to the waist, if that's an area you want to emphasize.  If you've got a pencil skirt in your closet (and if you don't, you should consider getting one), think about how you can amp-up it's allure with what you pair with it.

Other alluring items are a dress or skirt with a back zipper...draping, strapless, or one-shoulder necklines...satin blouses...cashmere or other cozy sweaters, depending on how they fit and how you accessorize.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alluring Accessories are a must, whether you're wearing your pencil skirt or your LBD, or even your dark-wash jeans and drapey top.  Dangling or sparkly earrings, a cocktail ring, special clutch, and a statement necklace or bracelet will attract the eye.  Likewise, metallic or embellished shoes beg for attention. If your legs and ankles love admiration, go for it! If not, try a nude pump, or maybe a sheer black stocking with black pumps (no sandals or peep-toes with stockings, please!)  

 

Alluring Extras ensure that you've thought through all the other elements that enhance your features.  The would include:

  • Shapewear - this is a must if you're wearing clingy or close-fitting fabrics..  If supermodels and movie stars can wear shapewear, we mere mortals can as well.
  • Red, pink, or even coral (if that's your color) lipstick will add drama to your overall look. Find the shade that suits you and wear it proudly.
  • Freshly manicured and polished nails, either to match your lipstick or a metallic or a lovely pale shade to flatter your skin tone. 
  • Consider a khol eyeliner to emphasize your eyes at night.
  • If you're don't wear your signature scent all the time, now would be the time to pull it out. It's well-known that scents can affect our mood, so wear something that makes you feel special.
  • The proper bra for the occasion  - smooth surfaced for clingy or sheer fabrics. 

And the most alluring element of all - a confident smile and walk. Here's to alluring you!  

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....
got to style hair yet again this year at Fashion Week in New York.  She sent me a shot of the insane, behind-the-scenes action in getting the models hair and make-up ready for the runway.

She is a stylist at Rizzieri Salon in Marlton, NJ, so if you're in the area and in need of a good stylist, ask for her.
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"All you need is love..."
Lennon/McCartney


That pretty much sums it up, wouldn't you say?  Whether it's romantic love, sisterly or brotherly love, friend-love, neighbor-love, pet-love...or even self-love. Yes, self-love is important too, because it means we're taking care of ourselves mentally, spiritually and physically so we can offer our best to the world.  In this month of February when we officially celebrate love, take a few minutes for yourself every day. You deserve it!  Maybe you'll want to give yourself a little bouquet of these lovely, edible "tulips" - I saw this on the Facebook page of Rustichella D'Abruzzo, a site devoted to food of the region where my husband's family hails from, the Abruzzo region of Italy.  They also make a great dried pasta that is imported to high-end groceries, such as Draeger's Oooh, just talking about it makes me want to go there!


However you decide to celebrate love this month,
all my best to all of you!


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Adena DiTonno
adenaDesigns
Wardrobe and Image Consultant  

415-729-1008
[email protected] 
www.adenadesigns.net

President, 2012-2013
      AICI SFBA


Member Redwood City Chamber of Commerce
 


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