There are all shades of taupe available. Choose one that best flatters your skin tone.

What do you think? Will you give taupe nails a go?

Debbie Funderburg, Healthcare Executive

For example, I am crazy for purple, usually a dark shade versus one that is light or muted. I once saw a pair of shoes in DSW in kind of a berry tone. They were very cool and a fantastic price. I couldn’t think of one thing I could wear them with, but I thought, “What the heck,” and took the plunge.

I wear them all of the time! (Right now as a matter of fact!) I originally wore them with a printed, silk dress that had various shades of purple. The other day, I wore them with a charcoal gray dress with a border print of mauves and berries. Today, they’re sassing up a charcoal gray skirt and plaid trench with berry shades.

Go ahead and break the rule. Buy accessories in your favorite color. At the very least, you’ll be able to jazz up an all black, gray or white outfit and add considerably to your accessory collection.

For the month of February, as my Valentine’s gift to you I’m offering a special package.

“Love Your Closet, Love Yourself!”

In this 4 hour session we will:

* Define and refine your personal style. You’ll learn how to put things together and what to shop for to feel more like yourself than ever before!

* You’ll learn to highlight your assets and camouflage the parts you’re not too crazy about. You’ll learn to dress to show the world how fabulous you are!

* We’ll shop in your closet, creating new outfits without ever spending a dime in the stores!

* You’ll love everything in your closet-you’ll only need to decide what you’re in the mood to wear each day!

Regularly $400.  Book in the month of February-only $300.

SAVE $100!

Schedule your appointment for the month of February and I’ll throw in a special Valentine’s Day treat! Click here for more information. Or e-mail or call me  at 303-463-4839 for more info and to schedule.

Don’t you deserve to invest in YOU this Valentine’s Day?

I’m a huge fan of layering, especially with jackets.  Given the shortage of long sleeved blouses and short sleeved shells in the stores, we’re presented with a challenge when we want to take our jackets off.

Luckily, fashion has taken a turn and given us a solution that works for everyone no matter what your personal style. We’re seeing ¾ length and long sleeved, lightweight, button-up cardigans worn underneath jackets. When you get a little warm, instead of suffering, simply shed the jacket and you still have a layered look that’s appropriate without losing your authority and credibility. The following are a few ideas to try:
* A lightweight printed cardigan over a collared blouse worn under a suit jacket. It’s a great way to add life to a basic suit.
* A lightweight, round necked, cardigan buttoned to the neck over a camisole worn with layered necklaces. On top of the sweater goes your blazer or suit jacket. Take the jacket off; undo a few buttons and you’ve still got a polished, professional look.
* A lightweight v-neck cardigan worn over a blouse or shell topped with a blazer or suit jacket. In this case, the sweater looks a bit like a menswear vest. (Imagine this cardigan under a gray suit.)  I tried this look out the other day when I went to work in a client’s closet. I didn’t end up taking the jacket off, but I loved the idea that I could!

-Duster style as mentioned above.
-Belted and buttoned over a camisole and leggings with or without a jacket.
-As a tunic over jeans or cropped pants or
-Simply as a cute spring dress with sandals.

I’d love to hear what you think of this trend. How would you wear this shirt dress? (Please post comments below, thanks!)

Walking in the front door you’re immediately taken in by the hot pink walls, the very cool crystal chandeliers and the sparkling white marble floor. And although the shop isn’t huge, you’ll want to stay there all day.

Along with the inviting interior, the clothes are fabulous, too! Even in post holiday sale mode, there was plenty to choose. As a wardrobe consultant, I try to encourage my clients from wearing all black, and here there is far more color than I have seen in almost any store recently. What also sets this boutique apart is the range of sizes-they don’t stop at size 4 like so many local boutiques.

Owner, Lauren Metz, has her finger on the pulse of what women want. She told me she buys for women, 40-60; however, her high school aged helper modeled pieces that she couldn’t wait to buy. There’s something for all categories of your life: work, play, evenings out, relaxing and pure indulgence. You’ll find gorgeous colors, sumptuous fabrics and unique, wearable styles all in a to-die-for interior. I can’t wait to go back! For more information, visit www.delishdemure.com.

I couldn’t agree with her more. Isn’t our goal to continually improve ourselves or freshen up an aspect of our appearance? As an image/wardrobe consultant, I never aim to completely change someone’s look, rather I help them enhance and make the absolute most of what they have.

Then I read a great article in the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Reinvent Yourself by Teri Agins. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the article:

“But most of us just want to polish and maximize who we already are, and what better time than the present? With all its visual impact, fashion is always a good place for a new start.”

“When you are well dressed and fierce, it’s life enhancing for you and all the people around you,” declares Simon Doonan, creative director at Barneys New York. She goes on to suggest taking your personal style and pumping up the volume. For example, if you love dressing glamorously for evening, why not inject some of that glamour into your everyday look.

“While there’s no denying that a style update will bring on the compliments, there’s no satisfaction like the confidence boost that you get from within.” I have to admit, this is the absolute favorite part of my job. When a client finds a new look she love, she lights up from within! Click here to read more about how I can help you reinvent yourself for 2010.

If your wardrobe is devoid scarves, I encourage you to take a trip to the accessories department or your favorite boutique with this tip in hand and do a little experimenting. If you like scarves, follow these tips, and you may just learn to love scarves.

The Hardest Working Accessory

Scarves are the ultimate multi-tasking accessory. Here are just a few reasons to love them.

* Camouflage If you’ve put on a couple of extra pounds over the holidays, (like me,) you’ll love this quick fix. A long scarf not only covers your tummy, but it also creates a strong, center front vertical line creating the illusion that you’re taller an thinner.

* Color Even though most of us own a lot of it, black is rarely our best color. By adding a colorful scarf to a black jacket or sweater, you’ll give yourself a rosy, healthful glow.

* Warmth If you’re often cold, even when the heater is running, a scarf will help. Even a silk scarf will help you cover your torso and keep you warmer. When the temperature really dips, a cashmere scarf will warm you right up!

* Interest Scarves are extremely stylish this year and will continue to show up for spring. It’s an easy way to update and add interest to even the simplest outfit. Trés chic! French women have known this for years.

* Mix ‘n Match A patterned scarf can help pull your color scheme together creating a well put together appearance.

* Attention Because scarves are generally worn close to your face, they’re eye-catching and help hold attention at your face, where you always want it for business!

Be sure to sign up for my e-Style Tip of the Month packed with pictures and more how-to’s to help you take the stress out of getting dressed.

And if you would like some hands on learning about accessorizing-whether you’re lacking or need ideas of what to do with what you’ve got check out  Accessory Madness.

One of my favorite ways to develop a style identity is to create either a style file or a style inspiration board. Find things that really resonate with you. They can be photos but also things like paint swatches, fabric samples, buttons, beads, small items from your home, etc.

Look for photos of things, places and looks you love. This is the important part. Don’t settle for things you kind of like, think will look good on you or are simply pretty. Choose the things that stop you and almost take your breath away. It’s not important to know why you like the photo or item right away.

Another key to this exercise is to look at all aspects of a photo/item. For example, perhaps you’re extremely drawn to our photo of this Dries Van Noten outfit. But you know you’d never wear the prints together, and it’s too shiny, etc. Still, you love it. Rip it out! Once you start collecting enough things in your style file/board, you’ll see patterns/themes emerge, and there you’ll begin to see your personal style.

Lastly, I know how busy you all are. I’m not suggesting you go to the book store , buy every magazine in stock, and then call in sick to read them all while eating bon bons. (Well actually the bon bons sound pretty good!) Choose a few magazines or catalogs. They don’t all have to be fashion magazines. There are plenty of clues in the magazines or catalogs you already own. Then give yourself the freedom to do this “project” in stages.  And most importantly, have fun watching your new personal style emerge!