Clinton Kelly Tells Us What to Wear!!!

I'm so behind in writing this post, but I'm excited to share my experience earlier this fall attending a fun fall fashion show at my local Macy's hosted by style guru Clinton Kelly.

I was grinning like the Chesire cat about meeting Clinton!
Photo c/o of Macy's

Clinton has had a partnership with Macy's since 2005.  As a component of that partnership, he tours the country dishing style advice and schooling adoring fans on how to wear the season's hottest trends, whatever your body shape or age.

At this "Girls Night Out," Clinton discussed six of the fall's hottest trends, while also answering the audience's style questions and charming us with his snarky funny, but still very sweet, personality.

Clinton advises an audience member on attaining a more flattering fit

Clinton dispensed advice on how to remain age-appropriate and flatter your body, while still having fun and remaining modern with trends.  To do so, he used models of various sizes and shapes and ages, which I love!  How annoying is it to see style advice for women of various shapes using models who essentially look the same???

Embellishment

Distressed Denim

Mixed Media (Mix of fabrics, textures)

Skater Skirts

Plaid

Layered Knits

While he provided familiar advice (if you are a What Not to Wear fan), he was quick to point out that people should wear what makes them happy.  If you love flaunting your cleavage, flaunt away.  Love showing off those legs, go for it!  The most important part is being happy with your look and who you are as a person!

One of the things that impressed me the most about Clinton was his awesome body positive stance.  He discussed how the images of "perfection" we see in the media are constructed.  Having met many celebrities first-hand, he re-iterated that NOBODY looks the way they are portrayed in the media.  He discouraged the audience from comparing themselves to these false images.

He also encouraged people in the audience to forgive people who have harmed their self-esteem through criticism or bullying but to  release any negative words they had been fed.  He admonished parents not to criticize their children's bodies, reminding them that even "helpful" comments can lead to lifelong injury.

Through "What Not to Wear" and other venues, Clinton has worked to help people feel fabulous through fashion.  I was sad to see this show come to an end.

Clinton dishes style advice

Clinton encourages body acceptance

After the show, Clinton posed for pictures with fans.  I was able to meet Clinton and discuss my blog and the struggles of finding trendy, edgy fashion as a curvy petite gal.  Clinton agreed that fit is a very difficult challenge for curvy petites, but he also re-iterated that there is not a single trend that can't work for ladies like us.  Silhouette is the key to making any trend work for any body, including curvy petites!

Which look or trend is your favorite?  Were you a fan of "What Not to Wear?" 

*ALL MODELED CLOTHES FROM MACY'S

Foulard Me Once...

Today, I am featuring two ways of styling my foulard blazer from last year.

Blazer:  The Limited (old)

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar here and here)
Purse:  The Limited

This past week, I wore this the pants look to work.  Over the summer, I shopped my closet and created this skirt look.

Shirt:  The Limited (Similar here)

Shoes:  Target (Similar here)

While I find the skirt look very figure flattering, it feels a little too "Real Housewives" for my personal taste.  

Belt:  The Limited
Necklace:  Torrid

Pants:  The Limited (Similar here)
Shirt:  The Limited

The pants outfit is a little more low-key and feels a little less fussy, making it much more of a go-to option.

Clutch:  The Limited (Available here)

Which look do you prefer?

Do you shop your closet to try out new combinations?

For this blazer in other looks, see here and here.
For this blouse in another look, see here.
For these pants in other looks, see here, here, here, here, here, and here.

P.S. I had some alterations done to the blazer between the photos of the two looks.  The pants outfit reflects the shortened and slimmed sleeves and side tucks from underarm to waist.

Skirt Week: Drama Queen

Hi everyone!  Today kicks off Skirt Week, and I'm super excited about this first look.

Skirt: The Limited (Available here)
Clutch:  Jason Wu for Target (Available on eBay here)

Tank:  Torrid (Available here)

I fell in love with this skirt from The Limited the second I saw it and just knew I had to make it mine!  The mini with sheer overlay is a clever and sexy way to show off the legs while still having some coverage.

Shoes:  Target

I hear a lot of petites say that they can't wear maxi skirts because they are too long.  Well, this one was definitely too long, but hemming is generally one of the easiest and least expensive tailoring options.  At 4'9", I have virtually all of my pants and skirts hemmed, even petites sizes.

I had both layers of the skirt hemmed to get the right fit, and I couldn't be happier with the result.

Jade ring:  Vintage (Similar here)

I have some ideas for how to style this skirt for early fall, but after playing dress up for a bit, I came up with this dramatic summer evening look.

I love how these separates create the look of a dress. 

The bold beaded chainlink necklace adds to the drama and really works with this simple color palette and easy, flowy pieces.

Necklace:  Target

Do you like the trend of sheer maxi skirts layered over minis?

For this top in another look, see here.

Laid-back Polish

Hi everyone! I'm back from vacation.  

Blazer (Available:  New York & Company blazer)
Bag:  New York & Company (Similar:  Silk Elements)
Bracelet - Left Hand (Available:  The Limited)

I hope you enjoyed my picks out of the Fall 2012 runway trends.  

My advice on trends:

• Stay true to yourself:  Don't buy something just because it's trendy.  I used to dress trendier when I was younger, but now, I buy clothing that suits my personality and my body type.  Being in my 30s, I'm more comfortable in my own skin and more attuned to what looks good on my body type. I only featured Fall 2012 trends that I like and would actually wear.  For example, 70s geometric print suits were shown by Prada and other designers on fall runways (See look here).  I prefer a much more classic look and will definitely be skipping that trend.  Picking a few looks or ideas from each season's trends keeps your look current and modern, but helps keep your style uniquely you.
• Don't break the bank:  Style isn't about running out every season and buying a whole new wardrobe, which is great because most of us can't afford to do that.  The key to great style is to learn how to wear what's already in your closet in new ways.  If you have the means, add a few trendier pieces to your wardrobe each season.  Accessories are a relatively inexpensive way to update your look each season.
• Break the rules:  Personal style and fashion should be fun.  While I focus a lot on finding flattering fits, sometimes girls just wanna have fun!  If you're in love with a new color, print, or cut, even if it's not the most practical or flattering, I say go for it!  It's important not to take yourself too seriously (I'm working on this :-D).  Loving your look will make you feel great, and your confidence will shine through!

Now for today's look:

Not quite ready to end my vacation, I wanted to wear something that was easy and laid-back but still polished.  I chose an all black look topped with a light pink blazer for a little color.  I finished the look with silver jewelry.

Silver collar necklace:  New York & Company
Tank:  Old Navy (Similar:  Old Navy)
Crossover top:  The Limited
Pants:  The Limited (Similar: The Limited)

Bracelet (Available:  The Limited)

What's your view of trends?  

What do you wear for work when you want something easy but still want to look put together?