What type of sacrifices do you make for fashion? I thought about the ones that I have made and here is a list I have come up with:
- Blown an entire paycheck? Yes
- Skipped Lunch for a new outfit? Yes! (Too many Times!)
- High Heels above 3”? No, 3” is my limit
- Too-Tight Jeans? No, I have to be able to comfortably sit down!
- Blister Causing Shoes? Unfortunately Yes!
- Heavy Dangling Earrings? Yes!
What sacrifices do you make for Fashion?
Every woman should have these top five career classics in her wardrobe. If you do, you will be ready for business at a moment’s notice. You will never be out of style, or worried about the latest business trends, with these classics at hand.
Always flattering, always ready for business, a 3 piece suit in black or gray will go with anything. Aim for simple cuts and avoid trendy suits as they will have to be replaced regularly. If you are working in a professional environment you will probably need several, but for those who work in a business casual environment 2 or 3 will be enough to suffice. Keep them clean and pressed and you will always be ready to impress!
Great under your three piece suit, or alone with black pants. This shirt will always make you look sharp, and is always in fashion. Look for a flattering cut that is well tailored with perfect seams. Cotton is the best fabric, and will go with pants or a skirt for a crisp look in any season.
This classic is great for any season. Look for a long sleeve sweater version for winter warmth or sleeveless for summer and spring. The turtleneck goes great with anything; skirts, pants, capris, or jeans. Look for a punchy bright, or a mellow classic tone. Make sure it is fitted, in a flattering color.
These shoes will go with anything in your wardrobe. They will dress up jeans, finish off your 3-piece suit or go with you on you evening out. Make sure they stay polished and scuff free. Black shoes are best, but if you can’t get enough beige, brown and white are also great to have on hand.
A great bag will be with your in the board-room or for a romantic night on the town. Make sure it is lined, with sturdy shoulder straps. The more pockets and compartments the better.
You can get all of these and so much more at Kohls, your go-to for the modern plus size career woman.
What are your career staples?
Looking through pictures of people on myspace etc. makes me think how much beauty is over rated
and how much girls can compare themselves to the “perfect” when really we all should be happy with ourselves,
but beauty is always going to be the biggest competition through out the whole world! What is your view?
- Charlotte, NY
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Charlotte -
I believe that we are all our biggest critic. While constantly wishing we looked like (fill in the blank) or were more – slimmer, bigger, shorter, taller, blonder, darker, etc. – can we harmful or self-degrading I think that at times it can be a good thing.
For example, by thinking “I wish I were slimmer, or more fit” instead of “I wish I were skinny” could be a way to encourage me to practice healthier eating habits and exercise more (which of course is a good thing) I am not beating myself over the head, but I can use it as gentle encouragement.
This is however a fine line, if my “I wish I were slimmer” gets to the point of an eating disorder or I become and exercise-aholic then I know that I’ve gone beyond the “safety” line and it is no longer a “gentle encouragement” but I am verbally abusing myself.
I think part of growing up, and getting used to your body is also learning to love you body – and everything about yourself. While we could all self-encourage ourselves to be better people, we must love ourselves where we are at as well.
As a good friend of mine always says, “If you don’t love yourself, who else will?”
What are your views?
Here is my list of must haves for any women’s closet.
Tops:
1) A White Blouse – Great for work, or a semi-dressy date
2) Tank Tops/Camisoles in various colors – Perfect for layering, year round!
3) Graphic or Printed Tees – A casual Saturday must!
4) A Few Polos – Good to wear under jackets/blazers or alone, and always looks sharp
5) A Clean White Tee – There is nothing sexier than a plain white Tee and a pair of jeans
Bottoms:
1) A Great pair (or two) of Jeans – In your favorite cut
2) A Pencil Skirt – This is a classic style that looks great on anyone
3) Leggings – Great for the winter months, or to make that mini of yours a bit more modest (so it can be work to work or a visit with the in-laws?)
4) Black Work Pants – These are essential, and look good with anything
5) Capris – A summertime favorite
Dresses:
1) A Little Black Dress – Need I explain?
2) A Casual Dress – Think sundress, or something you would wear on vacation
3) A Career Dress – Something appropriate for a work dinner, that you would throw on last minute if need be
Outerwear:
1) An Excellently Tailored Jacket or Blazer – Bonus points if it looks good with the black pants, career dress and pencil skirt!
2) A Cardigan – Sometimes the AC gets cranked up a bit too high at work or in the movie theather
3) A Gorgeous Winter Coat – Look like an eskimo if you live in the antarctic, otherwise be hot- even in the dead of winter!
4) A Trench – Always in fashion!
Shoes:
1) Leather Boots – These hold up through any kind of weather and always look beautiful!
2) Black Pumps – Goes with anything
3) Brown Dress Shoes – Goes with whatever your black shoes don’t go with…
4) Sandals – Your replacement for your pumps in the summer 
5) Sneakers – Exercise is important, and we can’t all be like Mariah Carey and work out in our heels
6) Dressy Flats (that you can walk in) – Very important in NYC
Accessories:
What are your wardrobe essentials?
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We have all experienced impulse shopping and had the painful ping of buyer’s remorse. However, what happens when you don’t just experience remorse, but an intense feeling of shame and self loathing? According to a study of 222 college students by Sunghwan Ti, marketing/consumer studies professor at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, several students experienced shame from their impulse purchases.
Their shame caused them to turn to negative coping methods, such as hiding the impulse item, not opening their bill, becoming defensive when asked about their purchase, or mentally beating themselves up about it – increasing negative feelings of self worth.
Many of these impulse buys are related to an instant feeling of happiness related to the purchase. Who hasn’t felt that? According to Duffy Spencer, a psychotherapist who works with people with buying issues, she advises people to recognize that the consequences are not worth the momentary happiness.
Some quick tips to curb bad shopping habits:
- Make a list of what you need before you shop
- When you are looking through a catalog and see something you like, mark the page, but not the item. In a couple of days if you come back to the page and cannot remember what you wanted, don’t buy it.
- When window shopping (online or in a store) leave your wallet somewhere else, then if you get the urge to buy something, you won’t be able to spend.
- Think of something else you really wanted, and imagine the money you didn’t spend going towards that other item.
Are you a shameful shopper, or are you a budget savvy fashionista?
Colors are a big part of my dress code. I use them to cheer me up when I’m done, make me feel more savvy or just because they make me feel good. Watch me and three other stylish women In the latest episode of OSP TV we discuss personal colors, why they were chosen, and what they do for us.
What colors represent your style?
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any of summer’s trends are finding their way into fall in heavier fabrics and darker colors. Florals are still in full bloom with deeper colors and unorthodox shapes. Country chic stays cool with plaid shirts and lots of tweed and corduroy. Vintage takes over accessories with berets, fedoras, and headbands.
Here are some other trends to keep an eye out for:
Dresses; bright and playful dresses are on the menu for fall. Keep your LBD but mix it up with a colorful bag. Asymmetric shapes, interesting patterns and lots of details will be the trend for fall. When looking for colors, be sure to stay away from pastel for fall, this season is all about deep jewel tones.
Tops are feminine and flirty with lots of ruffles, bows, volume, and pleats. Chiffon and paisley prints will look great with those black pants at home. Look for pale shades and wear them tucked in, belted or layered.
Skirts; like the dress, will be bright and playful. Don’t be afraid of the full and circle skirts of this season. If you are going full on the bottom be sure to go fitted on top. Accessorize with belts and layered necklaces. This trend looks great with a cardigan or peep-toed heels.
Menswear will be in full swing this fall. Look for this trend in pants specifically. The cut of the season is high-waisted wider with legs. Look for pinstripes and plaids or fun details like extra zippers or buttons. Wear with eye catching heels and a tucked in blouse for a polished and sophisticated look.
Jackets are arriving cropped and casual. Motorcycle jackets are getting a face lift with added details like ruffles and puffed sleeves. Wear with a printed top, and keep them at the waist or just below.
To see the full collection of Free People merchandise click here:
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Lil Mama
Made famous for her hit “lip gloss,” perhaps Lil Mama should not try to dress up like a lip gloss tube. The see through blouse and white bra, are ALWAYS a no-no, and the cutesy bow, with clashing red pumps just turn this attempt into a fashion disaster!
Considering she tends to play off the “tough girl” vibe in the way that she dresses, this is a very girly outfit, I can imaging this on my china doll that I had when I was a kid. While her hair and makeup look fabulous, If I were her stylist I would have Begged demanded she not leave the house in that top. She might be confused with a life size doll-version of herself.
Thoughts?
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The beautiful Eva Longoria Parker hosted this years Alma awards, and astounded the crowd with 10 wardrobe changes. Which outfit was your favorite?
Francisco Costa - Outfit 4
Angel Sanches - Outfit 10
Which Outfit is your favorite?
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40% of LGBT youth attempt suicide
In 2004 the suicide rate hit the highest it has ever been in 15 years
Suicide is the leading cause of deaths among 15-24 year olds
Gay teens have TWICE the suicide rate than any other group
What are we going to do to stop this? How can we bring hope to LGBT youth?
Introducing: The Coming Out Project
The Coming Out Project is a teen LGBT suicide prevention video that will inspire, educate, and comfort youth that have had a hard time coming out, lost family or friends (by coming out to them), don’t know how to come out, or who feel ostracized for being gay.
Coming Out Project Casting Call
Seeking LGBT people for a TV & Movie Production in the NYC area. No experience necessary. Must be willing to share your ‘Coming Out Story’ and sign a model release. Have fun being a part of a creative teen suicide prevention project, add experience to your resume and work with an award winning photographer. If you are interested in participating in this unpaid project, please fill out the Submission Form below and provide the following information;
1) Personal Contact Information
2) A brief paragraph of what makes YOUR coming out story unique or special
3) Your Age (Must be 18 years of age with proof of ID)
4) Link to your Headshot OR Website.
5) Occupation (What You Do for A Living; Student, Teacher, Etc)
6) Availability for a Taped Interview on Thurs, Fri or Sat
Cost: $25 Donation Fee
Callbacks will begin Sept 1st, 2008!!!!
For More Information Click Here
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