Style Advice :: How to wear a skirt the right way!

I feel that with the title of this article in conjunction with the pictures, I really don't have to comment on much.  Those two things pretty much speak for themselves and you can see the problems you should be correcting when styling a skirt.  But.. I'm going to put my 2cents in anyways, lol!  

It's that time of the year, we are dusting off the spring skirts and shaving our legs :)  With every style consultation I am showing clients how to style and create multiple looks with this seasonal staple.  But before I get very far I am correcting the same style mistakes on almost every singe gal.  There are a few essential things you need to know when you are wearing a skirt this spring. 

If there is too much fabric there is not enough you!  It's important that we see shape and/or structure somewhere.  If you can look in the mirror and draw a rectangle over your image, there is a problem.  Shave off pounds my tucking in and belting your skirts.  This will draw the eye in and minimize fabric overload.

Find balance.  Maxi skirts have transcended from being a trend to being a staple in most women's wardrobes.  Even if you have a petite frame you can pull off this piece, you just need to find the balance.  If you are wearing a full skirt on the bottom, you have to wear a fitted top.  Full on top and full on bottom comes out to frump on top of frump.  And of course, tuck in in and belt.  Look how long the leg line becomes, giving height to this 5'4" frame!

Layer right.  Believe it or not skirts need structure.  It's back to that balance word again :)  When skirts are full and flowy they need to be balanced out with some structure and stability.  Try throwing on a denim jacket or chambray top.  I am also a big fan of waxed utility jackets or vest!  Oh, don't forget to tuck in and belt.

Pair the right top.  I see it often where clients try to go for the monochromatic look by pairing a dark skirt with a dark top.  I get it, and there might be some instances where that would work.  But when you do that, we start lose shape.  There needs to be definition to where your torso ends and your legs begin.  To keep it casual I recommend vintage vneck tees and tanks in white to wear with your skirts this spring.  Make sure you tuck in and belt, giving you a polished and finished look!

Tuck in that darn top!  I'm not even going to be cute with this one.  Look at how much more of the skirts pattern and style is revealed when the top is properly tucked.  There is also gained height, minimized waist, and added style!

Wear it where you're supposed to.  Over and over I see women tugging and pulling down their skirts to their hips.  This does a couple of things.  It makes your legs look shorter, your waist longer, and style frumpier.  Skirts are designed and cut to fit at your natural waist, so that the fit and flare of the garment compliment your shape not take away from it.  Hike those skirts up to the waist and you will get a much better fit and more flattering flare!  Tuck in and belt. [I had to!]

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Kokoon for You!

If you recall a while back I spoke of an amazing confidence building experience I had with Kokoon, a local design house here in Minneapolis.  If you don't recall, that's okay.  I'll give you time to catch up, you can read that article {here}.  Since then a friendship has blossomed between Fashion Fix and Kokoon.  A friendship that has been uplifting, inspiring, and more!  Obviously I can't keep them to my self and I have no problem sharing things I love.  

A couple of weeks ago Kokoon allowed me and my client Julie to have a private fit session at their studios in south Minneapolis.  It was a blast!  I preselected pieces based on Julie's style and needs.  They were all organized and ready when we arrived, along with fresh coffee and treats :)  We went to town playing dress up, in a real life design studio!

Shown in style:
Curved Hem
Isla Linen Pant
Verve Sleeveless
Woodstock Maxi
Cameron Mesh Cami
Looper Cardigan
Verve Printed Sleeveless

Julie couldn't of had a better time, all while supporting a local business!  Both of us felt like we were part of something special, part of the process, part of something bigger.  We weren't just consumers at Kokoon, we were much more.  I can't wait to go back, and if you want to come with me you can!

Link up {here} for a runway event coming in June.  Email me {here} if you are interested in a style session at the Kokoon studio.

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Every hour of everyday I receive dozens of notification, on just this one pin!  People just can't get enough of her style and beauty, who can blame them.  

I love this look too, that's why I pinned it from the blog I follow, My Curves & Curls.  It was pinned from {this} specific post.  I got to thinking, why does everyone love this look?  Let's break it down.

1. Layer; adding a 3rd piece makes any outfit polished and put together.  Blazers are especially magical, when worn they really elevate a look.

2. Stripes; a pattern that is only two colors is an endless canvas.  You can accessorize a zillion colors in almost any shade with patterns like this.  A special note: two colored patterns in neutrals are the best; ie: navy & white, black & white, tan & white, tan & black, etc.

3. Bright Color; a splash of color in a jeweled tone is jazzy!  Mustard is always a surprise touch when worn, and it pops with navy.  But you could swap this out for purple, pink, red, etc and get the same effect.

4. Detailed Accessory; hand bags with hardware or metal jewelry adds interest to a look.  Layering in the right accessories show intention when you were getting dressed :)

5. Animal Print; this is the number print I advice all my clients to introduce into their wardrobe.  All stylist will tell you that animal print should be worn like a neutral, can be added to almost any outfit.

Okay Okay Okay, but how are women in Minneapolis doing this.  I'll show you!  See how Fashion Fix clients are implementing these style tips.

1. Layer

2. Stripes

3. Bright Color

5. Animal Print

Disclaimers:
-all looks styled by Fashion Fix during in home wardrobe consultations
-these are real women, from real outfits, from real closets
-once again the photo is from My Curves & Curls, photo credit

To be styled with your wardrobe and learn how to make new looks, visit www.fashionfixmn.com

Belts, Belts, and Belting

I taught another class this past weekend at a boutique I love, Second Debut.  Once again I was in my happy place for at least 2 hours that day.  Well I was probably also happy when I took a nap later that afternoon.  

I can not get enough of this stuff, I am telling you, these women rock who come to the Fashion Fix workshops/classes!  They are filled with eagerness to learn and have the best questions.  Which has now 'forced' (not really forced, I love it!) me to create a new label and series on the blog, "FAQ".  Because if one woman has a question, I bet there are 100 more with the same one.  What was asked...

When do I wear a belt and how do I wear one?

When

I say whenever you can!!!  Most of my clients want to punch me when I say "...tuck in and put on a belt."  But you need to wear a belt in order to create a waist line, or show off your waist.  It's a misconception that tucking in and belting will make you look wider.  It does the reverse!  If you cover your mid-section with too much fabric and no shape, you will look like you have no shape, enhancing the frumpiness.  Belting also helps to create a styled and accessorized look.  If you are checking your self out in the mirror and sense that something just isn't right or something is missing, it's a belt!

How

To keep up with the blog follow Fashion Fix on facebook {here}.  You will see when new post go up and also know when the next workshop or class is that Fashion Fix is leading.

If you are interested in hosting a class or scheduling a wardrobe consultation email me {here} lindsey@fashionfixmn.com

Happy Belting!

See You Next Season

Last week I taught my first open class in Prescott, WI.  I have to say, it was my happy place!  Getting a group of women together to connect, engage, and empower each other is an amazing feeling.  We talked about closet organization, productive shopping, and how to style.  Everybody came excited and ready to ask questions, which is exactly what I wanted!  

Fashion Fix's mission is to empower women with education and resource.  Anytime I am with a single client or a large group it is my goal to create a safe and non-threatening environment for women to ask questions.   To write about all the topics brought up that night, I 'd have to publish a book (hmm... an idea?)  Instead let's discuss a question one woman asked that is relevant to now. 

What do you pack away & what do you keep seasonally?

This was a great inquiry because whether you are living in a small one bedroom with a tiny closet, or sharing your closet with a significant other it can get cramped.  Rotating seasonal pieces can help keep your wardrobe organized and productive.  But what do you swap?

Think about fabrication.  You don't have a pack away all your light colored or cotton pants for the Fall and Winter.  Just stow your linen pants.  The piece on the left would be great with navy blazer and pair oxfords or some ankle booties!

Knit dresses are another great garment that can transition well into the cooler months.  The color-blocked dress on the left was a summer buy.  Pair it with some tights and boots, and I see it looking great in October!  But, your light floral printed dresses could probably go into the storage unit for the Winter.

Here is another great example of fabrication, plus color.  I love green, especially if you are a blonde; it looks great on you!  Layering all year round can really style up an outfit.  So keep your cardigans around for all seasons.  But pack away any light weight or linen layers.  You can still wear a knit cotton sweater in the Fall and Winter :)

Maxi dresses and skirts are hot, hot, hot!  People can not get enough of them, so how can you wear this trend in more than just Summer and Spring?  It's all about neckline and layers.  Maxi dresses that are strapless or tank style, keep.  One's that have a halter, pack.  Then pair it with a great jacket or cardigan and your are ready for Fall!

Layering pieces are needed ALL THE TIME!  Sleeveless shells and tanks are essentials for every season.  But there are limits to which ones you should be wearing when.  I love floral prints, they stand out beautifully under cardigans and blazers.  However, the print on the right has a little too much of a Hawaiian inspiration for Fall and Winter.  But the tank on the left would be perfect with a navy blazer, skinny jeans and tall riding boots.  Pack one, keep the other!


This and so much more is talked about at workshops and classes that Fashion Fix leads.  To keep updated on when the next class is and where it is link up to the Fashion Fix facebook page!  I can tell you right now that this Saturday, 9/28 I will be at Second Debut in St Louis Park leading a FREE workshop.  Link up {here} to see details.




photo credit: kaboodle.com, us.asos.com, loft,com, polyvore,com, girls-4-god.blogspot.com, refinery29.com, marieclaire,.com, alexprss.com, ebay.com, buckle,com

More Dump the Frump

 

These are my favorite post, Dump the Frump.  The content for this series is driven by real women, with real wardrobes, and real struggles!  What is always funny to me with these consultations is that no matter how different we women think we are, we have so many of the same problems when it comes to our wardrobes and how to style them better!  You can look through past Dump the Frump post {here}, and you'll see some themes - tucking in, belting, hemming pants, etc.  Even though you may have a different body type or shape from the women in the pictures, you can still apply the styling tips your looks!

 

Be inspired and be... not frumpy!

 

If you want to be styled with your wardrobe, visit the Fashion Fix website {here} for pricing and scheduling.  All client styling is completed with clothing and accessories that clients own!

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