Fashion Talk - Part 2

Style is about polish and more importantly, about confidence.

Sometimes, though, sporting an ugly ensemble with confidence doesn't necessarily work. Attempting to assert their individuality, we often see people take fashion to the tacky. Quite honestly, this is ok. Without the no-no's, how can we gauge what is tasteful and what is intolerable? Let's take a look at some key don'ts for females in today's world of style:

Don't wear accessories in ways they are not intended. Take the the Rambo band, for example. This misguided soul does not resemble Sylvester Stallone, nor is she carrying an AK-47. Headbands are meant to be worn on the head, not around it.

Don't wear tights in obscure colors or tights that are overly textured. Yes, leggings are cool, but coordinate them correctly - they should not stand out. Hey, chica! 1980's Madonna called. She wants her lacy, pink day-glo tights back! Oops, I take that back. Even 80's Madonna didn't wear anything as hideous as these.

Don't wear too sheer lace out in public. Frocks like this belong in the bedroom only. Oh, and if you bought it at Frederick's of Hollywood, it should be worn under clothing, not as clothing.

Don't wear a top that accommodates a visible bra. If the exposed bra is unavoidable, at least wear a pretty bra.

Don't wear jeans that don't fit. Baggy jeans are for rappers. Too tight jeans give you muffin-top. Find a pair that fit you just right.

For more fashion do's and don'ts, check out Glamour magazine's list of America's Best.

Let's Talk Fashion - Part 1

With recent costs from my big Cancun excursion, I have had to cut down on shopping drastically. Fashion is one of my many passions, and as a result, I am experiencing what I have self diagnosed as "Mall Withdrawal." Last week, in an effort to feed my clothing addiction, I had sifted through a heap of clothes I have had in storage for a couple of years. I managed to salvage several classic pieces of apparel, but most ended up in the bin I designated for donation - those in the donation pile I was absolutely certain I would never wear again. This task was difficult for a clotheshorse such as myself, being fully aware that fashion trends are cyclical: what was in-style a decade ago or so will surely make its way back en vogue in a matter of years. Remember the 80's? Well, apparently it is creeping into the new millennium, and has been for some time. I wish I had saved my leggings from back then.

My interest in fashion can be traced back to my mother. Her uncle was a freelance designer overseas, and ran a small boutique that made clothes exclusively for women. Inspired by Western and European fashions, my mom's uncle regularly tailored custom clothing for her, so she always had something chic to wear. This sense of style was ingrained in her being and followed her for years. I remember growing up how well put together she always looked, and that she insisted the same of her daughters. From the time I started Kindergarten until I reached the 3rd or 4th grade, I wore pretty little dresses with tights and matching shoes. My hair was always groomed with matching accessories. Shopping back then with my mom was never excruciating, and fortunately for the both of us, it is still just as fun when we go shopping together now.

There is much to appreciate about fashion such as the craftsmanship of couture and the artistry of its various styles. I personally enjoy the aesthetic that clothing demonstrates: accentuating our unique figures and often times making us look like the runway mannequins we wish we were.

More style talk tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Appearance Says A Lot About You

Tonight I will be attending a company holiday party. Woohoo! This means that I will spend the next three hours primping myself to catwalk standards. Yes, you read that correctly: three hours. Most people might react incredulously to this feat, but getting to what people see as the final outcome takes planning and most importantly, meticulous attention to detail. I am a female after all, who takes much pride in how I present myself to the world. Many of you would like to say that you could care less about what people think about you, but I think there is always a slight hint of self-consciousness in everybody about their appearance. I strongly believe that people make judgments about others from the way they look. I'll admit it - I'm totally guilty of judging, but only from first impressions.

When it comes to presentation, it's really not about style, because everyone's styles are different. However, the perceived amount of care that you put into how you look says a lot. Showering, grooming your hair, ironing clothes, etc. -those small details require time and energy, but are tell-tale signs that you don't neglect yourself.

A few of my female friends have revealed to me that they assess their boyfriend prospects by their shoes. Strange, right? Surprisingly, the logic behind that makes some sense. Shoes require thought when selecting them for purchase and also when coordinating them with an outfit. Maintaining them also requires some effort. Basically, old, ugly, dirty unmatching shoes equates to bad boyfriend material. Boys, take note: if you're looking for a girlfriend, check your footwear.