Suz on Color

Where has all the color gone? It's springtime, people! (Or at least that is what the calendar says...) Remember the days when springtime meant breaking out of the grey, black and brown rut of winter dressing and embracing color? What says spring more than the happy hues of yellows, pinks, greens, and blues? Alas, when you enter your favorite stores, staring back at you is dull, muted, melancholy colors. Even more, the colors that are being shown right now are very difficult for us fair-skinned beauties to pull off without looking dead.

Here are some examples:

This look is from J.Crew. Does this look like "spring" to you?

What about this one?

Blah! Boring! Where's the color, J.Crew??

Maybe it's just J.Crew you ask? Think again...

This is a "Look We Love" from Ann Taylor Loft. I don't love it. I think it's boring... It's all brown. Where's the look of spring tulips and daffodils? Where is the outfit that makes you want to run through a spring meadow in all your feminine freshness?

This look from Banana Republic is an "Outfit We Love." I think it's fine. I doesn't really say, "Happy Spring," or "Goodbye Winter" to me....but maybe since I live in Chicago I need color and spring more than the average woman. To be fair...there is some color out there. But, it is not as prevelant as I would like. Case in point, J.Crew recently unveiled their Fall 2011 collection. It is jam packed with color. Color, color and more color. The hues are a undoubtedly geared toward fall/winter and not spring/summer, but it's colorwonderful all the same. Where's the color this spring? Obviously, the muted tones are a big trend along with the 'all-white' trend, but I am a sucker for color. Shopping this spring is about as depressing as the Chicago weather -- all grey, brown and melancholy. So come on, let's put a little color back into our lives!

'Til Next Time, Stay Stylish!

Suz on Suggestions from Readers

Thank you to blog reader, Melissa, for your suggestions on more posts regarding, 'what to pack.' Melissa asked whether there were cheap options for easy travel dresses and whether there are any business suits available that will not wrinkle. Great questions, Melissa!

Dresses:

When shopping for a dress to either travel in or pack, you want to make sure the fabric is either a jersey blend or has some spandex in it. Jersey can be literally thrown in a ball in your suitcase and will come out looking wrinkle free. For winter, a wool sweater dress is another good option.


This dress (left) is from Banana Republic and retails for $98.00. I would not classify this as a 'cheap' option. However, the cost-per-use ratio of a dress like this is very low. (Cost-per-use ratio means the cost divided by the total number of times you wear the piece of clothing. If you spend $20 on a dress and only wear it two times then it cost you $10/wear. If you spend $100 on a great dress that you really love and you wear it 10 times, then it cost you the same amount as the $20 dress or $10/wear.) The reason this dress is a great option lies in it's versatility. You can where it almost anytime of year to almost any occasion. You can dress it up for a night out with fun, statement jewelry (see photo, left) and yet it would be completely appropriate for the office with more conservative jewelry and shoes. For winter you can wear this with tights and boots, booties, flats or heels. This dress is great for traveling because it can take you from day to night and anywhere in between. The wrap shape of this dress is flattering on almost all body types. This dress is a viscose/spandex blend. Viscose is a new fabric and is used to make rayon.

The next option is from Old Navy (right) and retails for $29.50. A much cheaper option. The fabric is cotton jersey -- perfect for travel. I would recommend pairing this dress with leggings, boots and a statement necklace for fall. You might also want to try cinching the waist with a belt.

The next two options (left) are both from J.Crew.

The black dress is currently on sale for $99.99 marked down from $198. This dress is a matte jersey fabric -- perfect for travel. Again, a bit expensive. I would again have to state that the cost-per-wear ratio for this dress will be low. This dress is another example of a dress that can easily take you from brunch to late-night dancing. The faux wrap style of this dress is ultra-flattering on almost any body type. It also cinches at the waist, showing off your most slender part making you appear thinner.


This "shadow" colored dress is currently on sale for $75 marked down from $90. This dress is a viscose jersey fabric. Again, a great option for travel. I would not recommend this dress for anyone with a fuller chest or broad shoulders. The ruffles around the bust and shoulders will add volume, making you appear larger than you are. This is a great option for women who are looking for some enhancement in that area.

Suits

Finding suits that are immune to wrinkling is practically impossible. I would recommend looking for fabrics that include a percentage of spandex. Other than that, ask your hotel for a steamer. :)

J.Crew has an entire line of "Stretch Wool" suiting.

Here are some tips on finding the perfect suit:
1. If you are at all busty, make sure the jacket has 2 or 3 buttons. A one button jacket is only suitable for those ladies with a less substantial bosom. If you are busty and you wear a one button jacket it will appear when you button the jacket that you are spilling out of the top.

2. A perfect fitting jacket sleeve will hit directly at the base thumb knuckle. A perfect fitting pant length is for the pant to cover the top of your shoe but not the toe. A perfect fitting skirt will hit just above or at the knee.

3. When buying a suit, if there is an option for both the skirt and the pants, buy them both. This will allow you to mix-and-match and you will have so many more options. Also, break the pieces up and wear them with different separates to create new outfits.

4. When buying a jacket make sure to try it on with a sweater underneath. You want to make sure it will fit over all your tops and not be too snug.

Thank you Melissa for the post suggestions and for reading!!

'Til next time,

Stay Stylish!

A+ for Biel's A-Team Promotion Wardrobe

Jessica Biel has been rocking the red carpet lately promoting her new movie, The A Team. I am not usually the biggest Biel fan -- maybe it's because she's dating my boyfriend JT -- but she has been looking fierce lately. Here is one of my favorite looks and how you can sport the look for less.

For this appearance at the Late Show with David Letterman Biel is wearing taupe colored wide-legged trousers with a baby blue blouse and a skinny belt. She finished the look with a beige clutch.

This blue top is from Bluefly.com and is $41. The saturated blue color will look great on all skin tones. The V-neck and cinching at the waist will flatter any body type.

The wide leg pants are from Banana Republic and retail for $79. When buying wide legged pants be sure they have a flat front and are a bit longer than what you normally might wear. A wide waistband is a flattering look on any body type. Also, make sure they aren't skin tight in the thigh -- this will make the leg appear much larger than it really is. Also, make sure the pants are long enough when wearing wedge sandals (recommended shoe with this look) or heels to cover most of the shoe and just skim the ground.

The clutch is from Hobo International and retails for $108. I love Hobo International, their purses are so beautiful. The neutral color of this bag will go with everything.

Pair with a skinny silver belt wrapped twice around the waist (see http://www.jcrew.com/) at the cinching point in the shirt and a silver necklace and you are ready to go.

Happy Shopping!

'Til next time --

Stay stylish!