Double Take: Key Pieces Take on Multiple Personalities to Enhance Your Spring Attire
Double Take: Key Pieces Take on Multiple Personalities to Enhance Your Spring Attire
- April 8th, 2010By Andre Wilson, President/CEO, Style Icon Image Consulting
Demanding career, working mom, devoted wife, entrepreneur and when fortune smiles on her…just one of the girls attending a much needed GNO; these are the many facets that comprise the life of Jill Howell-Berg, M.D. . Each situation, venue, and audience requires its own look, wardrobe and feeling of empowerment. This is what would allow her to communicate her best attributes and strengths in seconds. Never again would she dawdle in the mirror speculating if this is the right look or and settle on a look that at its best is mundane.
When I first spoke with Jill Howell-Berg, M.D., a pediatrician with Community Medical Associates in Clarksville, IN, about a photo shoot for the Spring Issue of Valeo, she was naturally curious about how I would style her. Aside from the obvious particulars of time, place and date, she was curious about other issues. What clothing I would decide on, what stores would I be pulling from, and ultimately what look I would select for her; all these questions would be answered in good time.
After my initial consultation with Dr. Berg, I took her through a special process I use for each client. I began the selection of ultimate looks for her lifestyle and schedule. The establishment of the clothing compilation for Dr. Berg began with a must-have wardrobe staple from White House Black Market; the sophisticated Trouser Jean. The Trouser Jean looks great on almost every woman and is perfect for GNO. The trouser jean works for almost every body shape and is one typically made of softer denim with a clean straight to wide leg. You can build from this piece and dress it up or down. I love accenting the jeans with a great jacket, sequined tanks, and fantastic accessories. For the photo shoot I chose clear Lucite accessories. Clear is IN this year!
An invitation to dinner or cocktails with friends is extended. I call these types of events fashionable social occasions; not formal enough for cocktail dresses but chic enough to warrant more thought on wardrobe selection. What to wear? Jeans are a bit casual and a cocktail dress is excessive. Insert - the classic black pencil skirt. This wardrobe staple is the go to for parties. Couple the skirt with the black and white boustier topped a white boyfriend blazer. You could easily substitute a nicely constructed jean or pants to this look and command any venue! I couldn’t resist putting her in the stylish version of the signature white lab coat that is standard….sans the stethoscope.
Dr. Berg was fantastic and even sent me a message stating she had a true Cinderella experience and she loved the clothing.
Here are few tips and strategies and dare I say “prescriptions” for instantly updating your wardrobe and feeling confident at any event or venue.
- Audit the closet. NOW! Take out every item that still has a price tag on it.
- If you haven’t worn it in the past 2-3 years maybe there’s a reason.
- Fit is key! Tailor your clothing. It makes your clothes look neater. The right fit…makes you look thinner! Instead of your jeans and pants dragging the floor, or being a tad to short with heels, have a pair of jeans tailored to a pair of your flats and another tailored to your heels. PROBLEM SOLVED!
- Spend more money on the hard to fit or problem areas.
- Buy great clothing now… don’t wait until you lose the extra pounds.
- Accessorize ALL OF THE TIME. This is the least expensive and most effective way to go from drab to fab. I love statement pieces, clear accessories and stacking your bracelets.
- Don’t let a great sale cost you money. If you buy a great top at 50% off and you never wear it, it’s not a great deal!
- Invest in yourself - buy quality!
- Do not shop 1-2 days before an event, it adds unnecessary stress.
- Never take fashion advice from a 21 year old!
For assistance with your image, wardrobe planning or personal shopping, call Andre’ Wilson at 502-432-8254
