Schick Quattro-Trim Style

The Schick Quattro Trim Style: Ok, so there are tons of ways we can make jokes about this…eh hem…tool.

So let’s get down to it (I swear, I didn’t even plan that one!): If you, and your loved one know you need it, go get it. By the looks of the almost empty shelf at Target, it’s officially Spring.  Retails for about $12.

Michelle Obama (oh, and my president Barack Obama) Photo credit: Saul Loeb / Getty Images

Dear Lady Obama,

Just when I thought all hope was lost with friends abroad, your fashion sense keeps us afloat.  Thank you for mixing it up with ease in  real-girl J. Crew fashion to Jason Wu sophistication.  You had me at chartreuse!

Yours truly,

Michelle

Take a look at Michelle Obama fashion in London: CLICK HERE

Recently, I styled Melissa Osborne – a realtor at Hindsite 20/20. As a realtor, or any outside sales person for that matter, clothes which can move easily is paramount (getting in and out a car, bending, walking, etc.), and because you are your own walking billboard, appearance can be the beginning or the end of your hard sales efforts.

NOTE:  Women are the ultimate decision maker/influencer in any unit.  If that woman sees you dressed like you’re barely trying, she will assume that your working style is the same. I can not express this enough.

Here are the hows and whys to styling Melissa (p.s. This entire outfit was purchased at Target for a total of $106.00!):

Melissa Osborne, Realtor Extraordinaire @ Hindsite 20/20

1) Dark denim pencil skirt with 2% stretch – this allows for easy movement.

2) White v-neck 3/4 length top – because the shirt is fitted, the sleeve length still allows for professionalism if she removes cardigan.

3) Navy cardigan is same color-tone as denim skirt – this is the key to getting a pseudo-suit look.

4) Gorgeous 2″ heels with cushioned insert allow for a full day of walking.

5) Clutch purse is easy to grab-and-go, and fits the essentials: cell phone, keys, pen, and business cards.

6) Necklace is colorful and inviting for an ice-breaker with decision maker (the woman, remember),

“I love your necklace.”

“Thank you, coral is one of my favorite colors.”

“Mine, too.”

BOOM, instant BFFs! Well, you know what I mean. The next time you see her, give her a coral colored accessory.  Trust me, she’ll REMEMBER YOU and recommend you forever.

Is this style short good for petite women?

http://2coolchicks.wordpress.com/2009/03/04/my-review-of-the-strap-perfect/

Merona, Denim Jacket, $29.99

Denim Jacket
Fit: Skims waist and has a little spandex so that it’s not rigid and isn’t too boxy. Versatility: Can be worn over dresses, with cargo pants, peddle pushers. I can also wear the jacket 8 of 12 months of the year.

Mossimo, Peace-heeled Sandal, $29.99

Shoe:

Fit: Soft leather inside – doesn’t rub against toes. Has cushioned heel (nice!). Versatility: Can be worn with denim pants or straight skirt with simple top.

Then reality set-in: 3″ heels! What? I had to chase a two-year-old and puppy just yesterday in flats and it wasn’t fun! How often will I really wear these beauties? If lucky, maybe 10 times a year, but that’s pushing it considering they’re a bit on the trendy side.

Alas, I was a big girl and took my own advice and left very happy and satisfied with my new denim jacket.

What would you have done?

Michelle: Great topic – check out blog for answer.

When it comes to shoes, our mind automatically thinks of black and brown as “neutral.” Now I want you to up your ante and think of “pewter” as your new friend in the world of shoe color tones.

I LOVE ME A PEWTER SHOE! For two reasons: Versatility and instant style.

Think about it, you’re wearing a pretty spring dress. A black or brown shoe would down-play your “prettiness.” But a pewter sandal…even counterpart – not too dressy, but not too blah like say a black flip-flop. Let’s take a work-attire example: Black trousers + White Blouse+ Black Cardigan. Your auto-instinct says black shoes. But how much better would your basic outfit look if you added just a little sheen, like pewter, in a shoe? Add a great necklace and bracelet, and BOOM your basic go-to work outfit went up a couple of style notches.

Here are three great styles to add to your shoe wardrobe:

Let me explain why capris are not always the answer, starting with the first BIG MYTH:

1) The “Audrey Hepburn” Myth: Oh, how many of my clients refer to Ms. Hepburn’s popular style as personal fashion approval.  The fact is that Audrey Hepburn’s physique was: 32 – 19 1/2 – 37 and stood at 5’7.  In my professional opinion, this is the only body dimension that can pull-off a capri look. Further, there is only one type of shoe that goes with a capri pant which I’ll explain in Capri Myth #2,

2) The “Capris go with Every Shoe” Myth: Because capris hit at such a random part of a woman’s leg (mid-calf) the only shoe that truly goes with this style of pant is a very sleek, narrow box (toe) flat. And, again, because of that random capri length you actually need the height of a heel to balance your look. So now you’re thinking, “Well perfect, I’ll just wear a little heel to go with my capris.”

Not exactly.

You see, this is where the capri look gets fuzzy.  If your point to wearing capris is for comfort, but wear a heel with it, that’s a confused look.  What you end up getting is a “mullet” interpretation: Casual on the leg. Serious on the foot.

Transitioning from the Capri:

As warmer months near. Here are two styles that should easily transition you from your capris:

1) Look for casual trousers that breathe and move with ease such as cotton with no more than 2% spandex;

2) Peddle pushers that hit right at or slightly above the knee.

With both styles make certain that each falls straight from the widest part of your hip. And avoid draw-string – you’ll lose your body shape.

Cotton at its best!

Navy or Dark Denim is always chic. Shorts are always comfort.

Reply:  Panty hoes and Peep-toes don’t play well together. Check out blog for other options.

There are two responses to this great question:

1) If you prefer to wear nylon stockings/thin trouser socks with heels, make certain that it’s a closed-toe shoe.  If the closed-toe shoe is a sling-back, make certain that you wear nylon stockings in nude or a sheer black shade, NOT a stocking with design or embellishment.

2) If you like the look of a peep-toe shoe and want height with support, I suggest a WEDGED peep-toe.  Below are some great options for spring/summer – all found at DSW. 

Whether you’re in corporate america, you’re a mommy-entreperenur, or a  stay-at-home-mom, it is SO IMPORTANT to have a three-piece-suit ready in your closet. 

 Suit Event: Employment Interview

It goes without saying, jobs are few and far between these days.  You’ve sent out the resumes, you’ve networked with everyone you know, and one morning the big oppotunity calls, “We loved your resume and would like to meet you in person. Can you be here at 3 pm?” What are you going to say: “Can we make it tomorrow…ummm…I’m not fully prepared.”  Potential employers want a YES I CAN attitude from the get-go.  And because you’re going to read this information and trust Well Styled on this one, you’re response will instead be: “Sure, I can meet at 3 pm!  I look forward to meeting everyone.”

Because you will be well styled, you will show up with a confident energy and look like you’re ready to hit the ground running for them in a  great pant suit, a perfectly pressed blouse, key accessories, killer shoes, and a stellar bag!!!

NOTE: If you’re currently on the job-hunt, it would be a good idea to have your interview outfit ready along with accesorries and blouse.  The last thing you want is to be looking for that one earring under beds, or realize your perfect blouse is not perfectly pressed. 

Stretch Wool Jacket, J. Crew, $175.00

1. Navy Suit – I love me a navy suit!  Simply because everyone else’s first choice is black (I am not everyone and would never expect to dress my clients like everyone else).  When chosing your navy suit make certain that the jacket a.) skims your sides, b.) the lapel is between 1-2 inches wide, and c.) the sleeves hit at your thumb nuckle (if too long, take it to the tailor’s right after your purchase! Trust me. If a woman is interviewing you, she will notice if you’ve rolled your jacket sleeves under. Yuck! ) d.) Chose a flat panel pant and skirt that zips on the side or back.  This allows for a very sleek look.  Again, if the pants or skirt are too long, take them to the tailor’s.

Pintucked Blouse, Banana Republic, $59.00

 2. Blouse - Hmmmm, let me gues what your instinct tells you: White Blouse.  Yeah, I thought you would, but that’s why you have me.  Your power suit deserves a strong partner. A Robin to it’s Batman, a Edge to it’s Bono, right? Therefore, I will suggest a silk blouse in a green or light blue.  Why? Because YOU want to leave a lasting impression. It would be wonderful if the blouse came with tiny gold buttons, but if not that’s okay, accessories come next.

 3. Accesories – K.I.T! Keep It Simple.  You’re only allowed earrings and wedding band or engagment ring.  I am not joking, THAT’S IT!!

Juliette Patent Leather Pump, J. Crew, $198

4. Shoes - DO NOT WEAR MATCHING NAVY SHOES! I will hunt you, find you, remove them from your precious feet and will prefer you walk in barefoot….seriously.

Ok, let’s continue.

I love the way black patent looks against navy. When wearing with a skirt suit, I prefer a black patent sling-back. However, I recommend a basic pump (closed front and back) with a pant, otherwise you will have the back of the pants catching the sling-back portion of the shoe.  If women are interviewing you…they WILL NOTICE.  Shoes should not be higher than 2 1/2 inches tall.

Georgetown Tote, Mere, $430

5. Bag – DO NOT SHOW UP looking like a pack mule. Again, K.I.T. Take in ONE BAG that will carry your notepad, beautiful pen, extra copies of your resum, reference list/letters and Well Styled Cards (’cause you’re going to look so good, they’re going to ask!) Personally, I don’t like the look of computer bags or anything made of that black nylon used for luggage.  It’s not feminine and shows zero personality and will ruin all effort placed into your “power look.” Remember, you’ve got one hour to knock-em dead from head-to-toe. Put an exclamation point on your look with the right bag.  And don’t forget to turn off your cell phone.