Gala Season has started...Here are the styles that I have seen on the runway, on the red carpet and in the stores.  Check out my other tips for fancy dressing.

• Strapless - for those with small shoulders and good arms
• one-shoulder - for those with a large bust
• beaded- watch the placement of those beads
• draped- great to camouflage those tummies. 
• Make sure you check the forecast before walking out the door.  Stack your closet with wraps and light coats for those nights that get cool. 
• Make sure and cover your toes when it is really cold and when it is raining.  It is a great time to get those fancy shoes out and see if they need to go to the cobbler to be fixed in any way. 
• And speaking of shoes, invest in a pretty, comfortable, metallic heel... it will match most dresses- black and color.  Here is an example of a simple shoe that will go with everything. (Ivanka Trump's new line is available at Nordstrom)

Nordstrom has a new Special Occasion Dress area that includes Bridal Gowns.  Their selection of dresses is really good right now.  They have a plethora of new arrivals as well as some still on sale.

Never pay shipping again...Avoid delivery charges while shopping online by getting a code at www.freeshipping.org.  It features 3,000 merchants - 300 of which offer deals for absolutely free shipping without a minimum purchase.

Fashion News

I am proud to report that Houston is the best city for shopping according to Forbes.  Due to the Galleria, 2.5 million square feet of retail space we have topped the list over New York, LA and Chicago!   

Pant styles for the Spring are changing a bit...

1. Cropped pants are back - but don't pull out the tapered, high waisted styles we wore 5 years ago!  This new "crop" of pants are a better length - lower shin, lower waisted - so as not to make your bottom look bigger. 
2. Wide leg pants are back- careful that they are not so wide that you can't see your shoes.  You will look like you are standing in a hole!
3. Skinny pants are still in and you will still see a lot of leggings with tunics and shorter dresses for spring. 

New LOFT at Village Arcade- in the spot that was formerly American Eagle - it's a power stretch along University - White House/Black Market, Banana Republic, Loft, and New York & Co. -good luck finding a parking place.

 My friend Britt Sudduth has started a new company for custom men's clothing.  His website is www.bsclothier .com.  He has a line of shirts, suits, ties, shoes, and accessories for men.  The turn around is 2 weeks on shirts and about 4 weeks for suits.  Call him if you are frustrated by the choices for the guys in your life that want something of high quality and updated in style.  He has a great blog too.  Check it out...

www.thehouseofriley.blogspot.com

Buy color this month.  Brights are back for spring and will brighten up these gloomy, rainy days we have been having.  Here are some examples...

Chico's jacket- on sale for $69.30

 Stella & Dot necklace - $228.00

 Ftizwell sandal at Zappos.com - $69.00

    I have a new blog on facebook.  Find me at Rebecca Matthews Image & Style.  About 3 times a week I will post blurbs about what's going on in the stores.  Go to the page and "like me!"

My back is better!  I officially have a bulged disc in my lower back.  So that means I can't lift too many clothes at once, but I can get back to work.  I appreciate all of the well wishes that have been coming my way. Let me know if you need an appointment to get your spring going!  I will fill up fast.  Emily is taking many more clients this season so keep her in mind too.

If you have suggestions on what you want to see at my next spring show, just let me know.  I would love to hear from you.  We are planning one for March or April, so news will be coming.

"Fashion can be bought.  Style one must possess."