6/25/12 - Total outfit cost $18 (top, skirt & shoes)

The little rusched top was $3; the Ann Taylor Loft skirt (the blue flowers are really vibrant) was $3; the Nine West black and navy heeled loafers were $12.

6/22/12 - Total outfit cost $9.50 (Top, shell, skirt & shoes!!)

This neat little outfit was extra inexpensive.  The lace top was $1; the orange tank underneath was $1.50; the skirt is by David John and was $3; the studded black heels with silver buckles on top are by Rampage and were $4.  If you want to throw in the $3 cost of the orange and silver bracelets, the $1 for the vintage orange disc earrings, and the $1.50 I paid for the vintage brooch, you have a grand total for the ENTIRE outfit - head to toe - of $15.00!

You are Not a Spread in Vogue.

Aren't you glad you are not a model?  Hmm?  You don't have to stand poised with half-closed eyes, attempting to look 'sultry' with your mouth slightly ajar (well, some people seem to always have their mouth open a bit).  You don't have to stand at odd angles with one leg ridiculously far from the other while it is perched on its toes, so that somehow your legs look longer with your dress slit up to your hipbone.  You don't have to sit on the porch steps with bizarre posturing to sell -what? shoes? a skirt? makeup? hair product?  You don't have to walk into a business (like say, your dentist's office) and lay prone on their waiting room couch with one arm dropping to the ground to hold one of your shoes that somehow managed to fall off of your foot.  You don't walk into your office with your business blouse unbuttoned to your navel with no foundation wear in sight (thank goodness we don't do that!!)  Who Sits, Lays, Stands, or generally Looks like these examples?  I usually sit on the porch steps like a real person.  I generally stand like a real person.  I utilize a couch cushion as it was intended.  And, my Mother felt that people should close their mouths when it is not engaged in eating or talking.  To my knowledge, I have NEVER run into a person who exhibits the unbelievable stances that you see in advertisements for Anything. 

Since you don't position yourself in ridiculous poses as you go throughout the day, or have some army of hair and makeup professionals 'touching you up' every few minutes, and since we lack the amazing wind blown look of a fan gently wafting our hair in the breeze - then WHY ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED IF YOU DO NOT LOOK LIKE A MODEL? You should look like a real person.  An amazing, fabulous, stunning and well dressed person - but very real.  Do not compare yourself to what you see in a magazine or on a tv ad.  Do not compare yourself to famous folks.  You are not armed with a fashion squad to make sure that nothing is out of place, while your 'candid pictures' are Photoshopped to death.

Next week we will discuss putting together an outfit you see in a store window or in a magazine ad (if you can manage to look past the outrageous model pose) for a tiny, tiny, fraction of the retail cost.  And - it will be wonderful and you will be your Own model when you step out your front door!

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

6/20/12 - Total outfit cost - $33 (suit & shoes)

This Kasper suit is 16 years old - it seems to have held up pretty well - $15; the pewter colored Madden Girl heels were $18; the vintage blue 'chandelier' brooch is definitely an eye catcher.

You Enjoy Being a What?

What image do you want to convey to the world?  To your mate?  To your parents?  To your employer?  To yourself?  Do you even have an idea?  Well, think about it.  We've discussed before that what you wear makes that impression - whether you want it to or not.  Whether you Intend it to, or not.  It does.  Sometimes that impression can be permanent and hard to erase in the minds of others.

Someone commented recently that perhaps a few of my readers may wonder why there are no photos of me in anything but dresses and skirts.  Well, there are a few reasons - but for the initial purpose of this post, it is because that is the impression that I want to convey to the world at large.  I enjoy being a lady.  You should enjoy who you are (and it should be someone amazing and memorable in only the best ways). 

I can definitely state that if I have ever had an incident of a flat tire on a roadway, that the minute I step out to examine the damage, people will stop to help me.  And continue to stop to give me assistance until the situation is resolved.  I have to believe that (other than the general goodness of Texas folks), the moment someone sees a lady in a ladylike dress and heels needing some aid - they make Sure that aid is offered.  I have had more than one female acquaintance let me know that they are Never offered assistance in such situations.  Sad.  One wanted to know why I always got help.  Well, if you always look like a lady, there will always be someone earnestly Wanting to Help.  If you run around looking unladylike, they are more prone to pass you by (sorry, but true).  Now, needing a tire changed (by someone else) is NOT the reason I dress like a lady, but it is certainly one of the benefits. I do know how to change a tire (but I don't like icky) and manage crisis (and no one likes crisis) when they arise, but friendly help is always welcome.

I have also witnessed first hand (and second hand), that if you are the one who holds up a higher standard of appearance, then others will follow suit.  They will.  Try it as an experiment.  You'll see (and secretly know that YOU are making a difference!) - folks will take notice and you may be surprised at the sudden improvement of the people environment around you.  It's almost like a contest.  It's not a contest, but in full blown reality - the less fabulous dressed will find a reason to 'up their game'.  And then you have made the world a better place by just dressing great!  How easy was that?!

If you have difficulty putting together an outfit (the number one complaint I receive) - contact The Closet Fairy and we will remedy that little problem.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

An overview since March 1, 2012

6/14/12 - Total outfit cost $28 (Top, skirt & bracelet)

The dark multi-shade burnout skirt is by Boston Proper - $3; the dark olive top is Anne Klein (purchased at Dillards years ago) - $21; the vintage bracelet is stunning in person (couldn't get a good shot) - $4.

6/12/12 - Total outfit cost $16 (top, skirt, floral pin, & necklace)

Isn't this just a happy outfit?  The skirt, by Jones NY - $7; the top is acutally an exercise top - $3; the dark floral brooch mimics the pattern in the skirt - $2; the necklace has great yellow bling (couldn't get a close-up) - $4.  These yellow heels are by Gianni Bini and people constantly stop me to comment on them - they are several years old.  You can see them in previous posts.

6/11/12 - Total outfit cost $10 (dress & sweater)

This 50's inspired look is a Coldwater Creek black & white polka dot dress with hot pink trim at the neck and the scalloped hem - $7.  The pink sweater is by Merona - $3.   Those fabulous pink mod floral heels are by Mia (several years old).

May I Compliment You On Your Stunning Neckline?

Every gal has at least one 'very complimentary neckline'.  No matter your height, width, neck, chest, shoulders, back - you name it - there is a neckline silhouette that is flattering for you.  How many times have you put on a top or dress and bemoaned the fact that it just didn't look right at the top.  Too often it is because the neckline doesn't really flatter your 'picture frame' area.  More often, people ignore the fact that the neckline they are prancing around with it just not the best one for them.

How do you know what is right or perfect? 
This is something I recommend to everyone I work with:
1. Head to the mall because there is an abundance of stores (you are NOT going to purchase anything).
2. Keep focused on not buying anything - and head to the ladies TOP department.
3. Walk around to more than one department (don't just stand in the sportswear section).
4. Pick out every conceivable different style of neckline you see:
    Boat neck; Jewel; Square; Sweetheart; V-neck; Zip-front with collar; Cowl; Portrait; Turtleneck; Mock-    turtle; Scoop; Deep scoop; Peter Pan; Polo; Button-front without collar; (there's more)
5. Go into the dressing room and put them on!! (I am tired of hearing you whine that you don't like to try on  clothes - just Do it).
6. Actually look at your Upper Torso and Face only.  You are not trying to decide if you want to purchase the top.
7. Be open and objective.  Just because you have never worn that type of neckline before does not mean that you shouldn't try it on.
8. Suddenly, it will hit you like bag of hammers when that perfect neckline is reflected back to you.
9. You will also have benefited from viewing the necklines that were Not so perfect. 

Rules:  (Yes, there are some very basic rules that you have to abide by, no matter what).
1. If you have a very thick and/or short neck - Leave the jewel neckline alone.  It is not your friend.  You can't make it your friend.  You will always look uncomfortable and stubby headed (not a good look for anyone).
2. If you have very wide shoulders - Square necklines will only amplify the look.
3. Two fleshy mounds that heave above your neckline is NOT RIGHT EVER.  That neckline silhouette is too low and not the perfect one for you.  Remember that you are Not a Tart.

Armed with this new magical knowledge, you can shop so much smarter.  You can dress so much smarter.  You are a smart gal - show it!

When you find your perfect 'picture frame', your world will be a better place. I promise.
Let me know if you have had a revelation about your neckline.

God bless you richly.  I know that He has blessed me!

6/7/12 - Total Outfit cost:$24 (Suit & Shoes)

This Talbot's deep red silk suit was $12.  The giraffe print, extra cute, Nine West heels were $12.  It is okay to mix fun with something more serious.

6/6/12 - Total outfit cost $12.(includes top, skirt & shoes)

This little square neck top is by I.N.C -$3.00.  The skirt has gorgeous embroidery around the entire area - it is by sunny leigh - $1.00. The brick red shoes (really comfy) are by Van Eli - $8.00

6/5/12 - Total outfit cost $19 (includes top, skirt & shoes)

It's a very Boho day.  The blue lace Coldwater Creek top was $1.  The white layered skirt was $3.  The Nine West blue canvas espadrilles were $15. 

6/4/12 - Total outfit cost $18.50 (includes skirt, top, shoes & necklace)

This multi colored skirt is great for summer: $5;  The lime top was $3.50;  The shoes are Amanda Smith and were $7; the necklace is large celadon stones and cost $3.

6/1/12 - Total outfit cost $28 (Top, skirt, shoes and necklace!)

Zebra prints are always in vogue.  The top was $3.  The skirt is by E.C.I. New York and was $15 - it has a lazer cutout pattern on the hem.  The shoes are by Rampage and were $4.  The rough silver necklace is by Dana Buchman and was $6.