The Style Rundown

Waves or Straight? This Lotion is Great for Your Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Worried about humidity ruining your carefully tossed waves or want a sleeker blowout? I used the new Jonathan Stylist Professional Series Straightening Lotion for both looks and LOVE it! Wow. It smells fresh and a bit girly, has good ingredients and really makes a blowout or hairstyle last. Me theory is that the starch in the ingredients acts like hair-memory when the heat from your dryer and/or iron hits is used. It helped me achieve a stick straight blowout but also left my hair softly wavy without the frizz when I used it on an "air dry" day.

I scooped mine up at Sephora for $26. One note: don't use too much of it, my hair was a bit stiff until I figured out the right portion.

What the company says about it:

"A lightweight moisturizing lotion that straightens and smoothes...controls frizz and restore[s] shine. It expertly reduces blow-drying time and adds hydration without weighing down your mane."

InStyle Sure Can Age You

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:02:00 +0000

I saw their recent cover featuring the 44-year old Sandra Bullock who I admire for her depth, choices and charisma in addition to the fact that she is really beautiful. However, InStyle magazine (for their March 09 cover) managed to drape a silly and somewhat unflattering frock on her AND they re-touched her almost to the point of non-recognition. What a shame. Instead of making her look cover-ready, they took away all of her personality and yielded her as a shiny, overly-tucked Sandra-Bot.

Right woman, right color scheme but too contrived and truly, her face is airbrushed to oblivion. I did some research. Interestingly, she's been on their March cover every other year--see the light pink 05 cover, the light teal 07 cover, and of course, the yellow 09 cover. For reference, I've included an un-retouched picture snapped of her at the Golden Globes this year (Jan 09). See...beautiful.

So, in minor protest, I recycled the issue without reading it and am considering ending my subscription.

Getting Ready, The Celebrity Process

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 16:02:00 +0000

I was in LA recently helping some clients get ready for an event where there would be media. As we made final decisions on what to wear, how to accessorize + how to walk and sit properly in the gowns I was taking mental notes at the other things these beautiful women had to do to get ready.

It's really a 2-week process.

For one event. Because of the scrutiny they were preparing to endure they had undergone injectables (a la Botox and Juvaderm); Facials; Laser Treatments; Spray Tans; Fat Burning Treatments; and highly specific workout and diet regimens.

So...as you're reviewing Best Dressed lists or combing over your US Weekly or People and comparing yourself remember that the celebrities you see are certainly beautiful but have undergone intense and timely preparation for that one night and one picture. And then when Cinderella goes home and washes off the makeup and the tan and starts eating normally again, she's just (more) like the rest of us ;)

Oscars Rundown. Best, Worst and Why

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 04:47:00 +0000

First, the WORST. Really though, they were just mis-steps and not horribly tragic. Tilda Swinton. I applaud her no-makeup and statuesque stance and I actually like her outfit, but not on her. The top is nearly the same color as her skin so the draping cannot be appreciated nor can the person wearing it. Her strong lips go a long way to improving the situation but can't compete with a sea of beige.

Miley Cyrus. Maybe she's going after a serious role or wants to start changing her image, but she was dressed like someone in their 40s not teens. Teen years should be fun and experimental and colorful (within tasteful bounds, sure) not matronly. This outfit has no verve.

Melissa George and that white mermaid dress. Not only is that a bright, cheap looking white but coupled with the severe mermaid shape and matchy-matchy white bag she looks like she's headed to a Vegas chapel right afterward. Sorry, she's lovely, but not in this getup.

Evan Rachel Wood. Same problem as Tilda--the beigey-cream color nearly matches her skin so she's overall unimpressive, even with coppery hair, dark nails and lipstick--it can't warm this up enough to do her justice.

Amy Adams and the red dress. It's actually an alright ensemble except for the cloggy shoes! They are too bold and clunky. A simpler shoe would allow the eye to linger longer on that spectacular necklace instead of tripping up on her shoes.

Now, the BEST. While I would have liked to of seen Kate Winslet with softer hair (like Meryl Streep's) to balance the color, sheen and construction of her dress she did master the one-shoulder glamour with a dash of vintage perfection nicely. The one shoulder dress is not one of my favorite looks but it sure is popular again. Her simple jewelry, the perfect draping of the dress and elegantly natural makeup completed a classy and modern look that fit her stature beautifully.

Ah, Marisa Tomei. She looked elegant and vintage and stunning. That is not an easy color, shape or length to wear. She wore it well. She wore it so well that she's in my top picks, however, it is a bit wedding-dress like which I thought was kind of odd. She probably knew that and still chose it, gutsy.

Meryl Streep looked amazing. The taupe tones in the dress matched those in her skin and hair and the effect was simply divine. Her soft, natural makeup and hair added a youthful, fresh finish to a lovely ensemble. She was the perfect example of "Wear it Like You Mean It" because without her grace and confidence, the dress could have been dull.

Let's focus on orange. I love this color on the red carpet. It's current and worn exceptionally well by these two ladies, one of whom wasn't listed on Style.com. She's Sir Ben Kingley's wife, Daniela Barbosa de Carneiro. The soft ruffles and shoulder ornamentation fit her figure beautifully while her laid back hair and makeup suited her to stunning effect.

And Amanda Seyfried redeemed herself by shining in a spicy persimmon-colored chic dress that was a little bit fun, and flattered her creamy skin tone. This shows great improvement since my last post about her red carpet attire. Nice job Amanda!

As far as makeup goes--it was all about the lip. Soft, beachy hair and glossed hair and then a naturally vibrant lip. This can be achieved by doing something just a few shades brighter than your normal go-to. Of all the ladies there, Diane Lane was pitch perfect in this arena.

Nothing to Wear but Lots of Choices?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 00:18:00 +0000

Spring is my busiest season--mostly because Winter beats us into submission style-wise by limiting our choices in terms of fabric, color, fit, length etc. So when the weather starts to flirt with you and reminds you to bring some of your lighter pieces out of the other closet I also tend to get a lot of questions about "having nothing to wear even though I have so many choices." It's not time to abandon everything but that is a signal that you've changed--physically, mentally, or both. Your outlook may simply be different, you may be re-entering a new or different office atmosphere, your weight may have changed by +/- 10%, or you may be in a new relationship, regardless of the reason, your outlook is different. Either way, lots of stuff in your closet definitely doesn't mean you'll always have something to wear. It's usually a sign or a marker about a state of mind for a season or a decade...and if you find yourself feeling like you have "nothing to wear" more often than not, then what I really hear from that is that you have changed and that nothing in your closet feels like who you are or who you want to be. Listen to that and explore new options.

Jessica Simpson's Weighty Topic

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:49:00 +0000

She sure is getting a lot of press about her weight (feels like a Joe Simpson ploy, truly). As a stylist, I say that (a) she tends to make some really iffy stylistic

choices; and (b) she's beautiful, at any weight. Because regardless of the style she chooses to showcase, she has beautiful features and she

wears her outfits well. That's what personal style is. Additionally, she's young. She should be experimenting with color, fabrics, fit, trends, etc. The following pics: from the now infamous "chili cook off" shot (where not only is the outfit less than flattering, the camera angle is awful) all the way back to 2003.

Lessons?

Trends don't work for everyone (the high waisted jean and Marc Jacob's-esque belt).

Know your assets and showcase them beautifully, then walk tall and wear it like you mean it.

Nice New Find, One Great Tote

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:30:00 +0000

I was fortunate enough to meet the owners of the LA, CA-based company, green girl, and see their whole array of beautiful totes before they're ready for sale nationwide. The material is sturdy but has a nice hand and the reversible prints allow you to change up the look. The prints are vibrant and happy (who doesn't need a dose of that right now?!) and the wide straps allow you fill the bag up but not have it dig into your shoulder. It folds up neatly when not is use and when you're ready to put it to good use, there are many options. It's the perfect size and ultimately flexible meaning that I keep it handy for quick grocery runs, but have also used it as my carry-on bag, my purse, and as my beach bag on vacation last week. Check out the other prints on their site. The picture of my daughter shows their smaller tote (she loves the butterflies!) that's perfect as a lunch bag, kid's tote or as an organizer in a larger bag--equally useful when traveling around town or on vacation. I certainly have a cozy spot in my wardrobe, and my heart, for great bags and these fit the bill perfectly. I'm known to have a carefully edited selection of handbags and totes (10 total, that's it) and these two are now in active rotation. Large tote=$46 (can buy now from this online retailer: Tuvalu). Small tote=$40 (can't find them online yet...but they're coming!)

Taming the Fast Food Belly for Business Men

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:13:00 +0000

I was boarding a plane last week and noticed this gaggle of business men in front of me. Of course, I sized them up style-wise. I gave them good points for grooming, clean neat shirts etc. and then *bam*, their whole look fell apart. See picture.

The man's pants on the left are easily 2" too short and the man on the right is wearing his too long--both make their fast-food bellies look larger than they realize. The cuffs made Mr. On-The-Right's legs look short and their giant, bulging computer bags made them look sloppy.

These things are all easily addressed with the help of a tailor: many stores offer this for free or at a discount, just ask. Additionally, many dry cleaners offer quick tailoring services, just measure at home with your dress shoes on and mark them with a safety pin. They should fall about 1/2-3/4" up the heel and JUST break over the shoe (slight crease where the pants hit the top of your shoe gracefully) for the leanest look. Also, dress chinos should not have any pleats. Now, that computer bag! It's too jam packed. Pack them neatly with only the essentials.

If you have a picture, outfit or other style item you want analyzed. Email me!

09 Golden Globes Best and Worst Dressed--and Why

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:38:00 +0000

I can only imagine the preparation for the GGs. Just because you have the funds, borrowed clothes and a a stylist on-call does not guarantee you will look amazing, or your best, at a highly publicized event. Here are the Style Coach's Top 3 and Worst 3 for the 09 Golden Globes:

TOP 3

1. Eva Mendes in Christina Dior w/Van Cleef & Arpels jewels

The simplicity of the off-white gown, her confident and elegant stance and the stunning necklace created the perfect look. This is a great example of finding a style's focal point and working with it for an overall stunning effect. Her elegant hair is not overly styled and her makeup is muted and classic, like the dress, and then *pow* the necklace--perfectly colored to match her skin tone and in proportion with the dress in size and shape. Perfection.

2. Cameron Diaz in Chanel Haute Couture

The pink color is luscious with her coloring and the two play nicely

together. Her soft, carefree waves mimic the soft flow of the dress. Her eyes sing and the berry-colored lipgloss is the perfect way to marry the whole look together. The grey-platinum shoes are the nicest, most modern color to wear with such a divine ensemble. She really had a great style package.

3. Anne Hathaway in Armani Privé

The navy color, crystal accents and flowing nature of the dress called for simple elegance everywhere else and that's exactly what she did. Her flawless and fresh makeup with soft red lips and matching, short red lacquered nails finished the look off so as to render it refined and youthful all at once.

Worst 3

1. Renée Zellweger in Carolina Herrera

For someone who's about to turn 40, she jumped ahead and dressed like a 60-something pageant queen. The dress itself is interesting but she curled and pinned her hair into such a concoction that she looks overly primped and primed. She's unbalanced and the result does not compliment her figure or image very well.

2. Laura Dern

Much like Renée, she has managed to look matronly and dowdy. In fact, she's borderline funereal. Such a shame...A softer, more modern hairstyle, fun clutch and non-prom looking shoes could have made this look really beautiful. Instead, she looks like the goofy chemistry teacher out to chaperone the prom. I always say that "matchy-matchy" ensembles age you and this illustrates that perfectly.

3. Amanda Seyfried in Stella McCartney

Great example of a pretty dress on the wrong person. First of all, her casual posture kills the one shoulder-grecian mystique. Secondly, the color is so neutral that it is rendered blah against her creamy skin. Volume in her hair with soft waves would have looked more youthful and provided intrigue and a killer cuff with colored jewels might have saved this one. She's just too young and fresh to look so boring.

Job-Seeking Style Pointers: Interview-Style for a Recessionary Job Market

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 05:25:00 +0000

I have so many clients and friends job-seeking that I wanted to put together the core pieces of advice I tend to offer for clients seeking a new opportunity. It's longer than a typical post but good stuff based not only on experience but also on feedback from recruiters and interviewers.

During a recession you are going up against more candidates than usual for a prospective job. Make no mistake, the details matter. Once you succeed in getting to the in-person interview you’ve already checked the box on the essential job qualifications, but now is the ultimate litmus test—the interviewer is thinking, “Does this person fit in? Do I like him/her?” Your appearance has a lot to do with how those questions are answered, and they’ve been answered before you even sit down to talk. So don’t let grubby shoes be the thing that gets you bounced.

1 - THE BASICS
Economic times result in a pullback to more formal interview rules for attire. Do your homework first (ask the recruiter, the receptionist, check for employee’s blogs) and get a feel for what everyday attire is for the office where you’re interviewing. Now, take it up two notches and that’s how you should dress for your interview. It shows your respect and enthusiasm to the team and hiring manager.

2 - GROOMING
Your hair should be freshly cut (but not on that day). For women, your hairstyle shouldn’t be elaborate but it should be neat. For men, neatly styled includes no over-using gels and sprays but a little grooming product is nice.

Your skin should look fresh, clean and lightly moisturized. For women, use makeup and perfume sparingly for a youthful and not at all trendy look. Men, no cologne or very little is best.

Nails should be neatly trimmed and manicured and your hands should be very clean and lightly moisturized. For women, your nail polish color should be a pinky-beige (no dark or bright colors) and re-consider fake nails—they are very much out of style at this point (sorry, who else is going to tell you).

3 - THE OUTFIT
Overall, it should be clean, pressed, lint-free and fit you impeccably.

Women, Creative Environment:
You have more stylistic license here. Chic dress, skirt + more subdued jacket or cardigan with simple, but unique accessories leave a polished impression. Add personal-style items like great shoes or a belt in an unexpected and interesting color, as long as it’s a sophisticated pairing. Just be sure to stick to the style rule of one focal point per outfit.

Women, Corporate Environment:
The pantsuit rules. Navy and black being the most serious, conveying that you are professional and dedicated. Depending on the position, you can choose a simple or slightly ruffled or patterned blouse. Keep it straightforward enough, but still flattering and updated nicely. No cleavage, oodles of lace, sporty watches, open toe or mile-high heels. Critical to the success of a pantsuit is making sure your hems are long enough. Know which shoe(s) work with that suit. They work if your pants fall all the way down to about 1/2”-3/4” from the floor/up the heel of your shoe when worn together. This is critical to do-emphasize hips and make your overall silhouette look long and in control. In addition, no pleats* and no cuffs, but a crease is definitely okay.

*If you’re updating an older suit, just have the pleats tailored out of them and check the length while you’re at it.

Men, Creative Environment:
Be true to your decade, meaning that it’s definitely okay to look modern and fresh, but don’t get into tragic-territory by trying to look “hip” and ultra-young. It’s much more impressive to wear your years well. Example: an un-tucked dress shirt is somewhat passable on a 20-something, not so much on a 40-something with 20 year’s of experience. Depending on the company they may really frown upon “old-school” suits, know this before you arrive. If jeans and khakis are acceptable, make sure yours are modern interpretations of the classics: richly hued, straight-leg, no pleats, no cuffs. Your pants should “break” over your shoes gently, meaning that they have a nice bend in the crease where the top of your pants hit your dress shoes. This is also achieved by making sure your pants are ½”-3/4” off of the floor/up the heel of your shoe when worn together. It’s much more powerful looking to have pants that fit, especially ones that are long enough giving you a tall stature.

Men, Corporate Environment:
Focus on a very nice suit that is tailored beautifully, it looks much better and you’ll walk into a room with a much more confident presence in one. In addition, for the pants: no pleats* and no cuffs, but a crease is definitely okay. Don’t do tone-on-tone suit/tie combos (suit and tie are the same color) and be sure your dress shirt fits your neck nicely and is impeccably clean. Socks should not have holes, pills or be threadbare. If you wear a watch, make sure it’s a proper dress watch, not a rubber sports one. If this is a high caliber interview, know your interviewers and some of their taste triggers: the right watch**, a subtle monogram on your sleeve, an alma mater pin, etc. could be the clincher.

*If you’re updating an older suit, just have the pleats tailored out of them and check the length while you’re at it.
**If you’re wearing a really chunky dress watch, you may need to start customizing your shirts and having your cuff enlarged a touch on the the wrist where you wear your watch so your sleeve isn’t always getting hung up on it.

4 - ACCESSORIES
Clean, polished shoes matter. As do nice, new socks (for men). If you’re wearing a tie choose a color(s) that subtly mimics the company’s brand colors and looks classic. Knot it correctly and be sure it’s long enough (top of your pants). Bring a nice, small jotter and pen to take notes. Your belt should be in good shape and match the tone of your shoe color. Keep some breath mints or strips in your pocket for a quick refresher between interviewers.

Women’s accessories should not jangle, as that can be a distraction. Earrings, bracelets etc. should be classic and simple. Carry a small, tidy purse and a small, non-cutesy jotter with a nice pen to take notes.

Now, Wear it Like You Mean It and go land that job!

Resolutely Redefining Self, The New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:18:00 +0000

I like the end of the year. Even though it's just a day and a new calendar, it is my impetus for taking stock of myself. Professionally and personally, am I where I want to be and who I want to be?

Anne Hathaway is in Vogue this month and beautifully pronounced that she "is embracing the process of redefining herself, says she's looking for 'a pared-down truth.' ". She is now my new style idol in many ways. It's a really great article and presents some insightful thinking from such a young starlet. For 2009, I too, am seeking a pared-down truth. Since one's outer appearance is very much a barometer on their state of mind and interests, I am going to re-examine my wardrobe, my style and my everyday attitude in a way that embraces my tastes beyond what is "right" or "on-trend" and look in the mirror to see successes, nothing else. It's easy to dole out the right advice and information to my clients, it's quite another to apply it to myself. Expecting a turbulent 09 I am bracing myself by lifting up my self-image and propping up my confidence so I can take on anything next year has to offer.

Here's an excerpt from the Jan. 09 Vogue article (partially available online + nice behind the scenes video):
"I realized that the past five years of my life had been spent accumulating things I like but never asked if I love." Although she's referring specifically to her wardrobe, Hathaway exemplifies the notion that the material and the spiritual are far from distinct. What we buy and what we wear express otherwise intangible states of mind. "I'm looking for a pared-down truth," the actress says apropos of her wardrobe, and she's fully aware that her words have a wider resonance."

Warm wishes to you for a healthy, successful, fulfilling New Year.

Is Elnett Hairspray as Amazing as They Say it is?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:40:00 +0000

Well, yes and no. The texture, hold and finish are all beautiful. The legend is true, this stuff is AMAZING. You can find it at Target now versus having friends smuggle it in from Europe or getting it on eBay. However, it smells a bit like old school Aqua Net--and the smell lingers pretty much all day. I'm on week two of using it and I'm still not used to the smell, but I wouldn't still be using it if it wasn't so great. Weightless, shiny hold that's buildable--even over multiple days, with no flaking etc. It's worth a try.

Holiday Party in a Recession: What to Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:42:00 +0000

If you're even attending a company holiday party (your own or significant other's) you're lucky. Many companies have cancelled them completely. So, how to celebrate in style but also be appropriate given the economic climate? Here are some pictures of great examples and my five guidelines.

This Year's Five Rules:

(1) Be respectful and thankful, go to it. It's not really an option if you value your career.
(2) Stick to a muted palette but feel free to add a few dashes of sparkle via a vintage pin, bracelet, big necklace or colorful little clutch.
(3) Keep makeup and hair simple--no up-do or uber-fancy blowout. Think dinner-date, not gala.
(4) Be sure your nails are simply manicured and that your hands are clean and soft. Better for lots of handshakes and a few light hugs.
(5) For you guys, or your man--get your shoes cleaned and polished and no un-tucked shirts. And #4 applies to you as well.

Happy Holidays!

What Great F/W Casual Looks Like

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:34:00 +0000

We're tired, it's been a long year and on the weekends many of us shelve style along with our morning commutes. However, I don't recommend this for all situations. At home? Sure. Quick run to the store? Usually. Out and about? Um, no. But there's an easy formula for casual that you can figure out so that you can still be comfortable AND chic. These are all examples I saw at the Ferry Building Farmer's Market here in SF. (Note: they may be stylish but that doesn't mean they like getting their pictures taken...so these are all on the sly, hence the mostly "rear" shot) I figured I'd let the images do most of the coaching on this one with minimal commentary. These are all great examples of casual done really well--and still comfortably.

Common themes: denim, great walking boots, muted layers, sweater or jacket layer is tailored or special in some way.
(1) Ms. Apple-Buyer here mixes all brown tones (3 shades of one color can be very, very nice and high-end looking) and she does a nice job with textures blending velvet, tweed and suede. She had on very little makeup and her hair was not blown out, but she still looked pulled together.

(2) Ms. Euro-metallic Shoes. While she does give off that Euro vibe, I like her hat and cute, flat boots. She is also a great example of the current "used" denim trend, but she does it much better than the celebs have done. Just a touch of torn, not ripped.

(3) Ms. Blonde with Great Orange Purse. My favorite. She was beautifully bare-faced but had done her hair and slipped on a supple pair of flats with skinny jeans and then paired it with an oyster-grey belted sweater-coat. Perfection.

(4) Ms. Red Hair. Simple, easy and really nice. This should be a go-to classic for you--dark jeans, boots, trim jacket and casual bag.

(5) Ms. Striped Sweater. Similar to Ms. Blonde, and also coincidentally blonde. It's just a great formula. She threw in a nice pair of large, Tom Ford sunnies to good effect.

(6) Ms. Chuck Taylors. This is a youthful look that can be worn by many generations. Dark jeans + simple kicks (aka flat, simple sneakers) + tee + jacket + scarf + casual bag. Nicely done.

(7) Ms. Leggings. Alright, I'll retract my no-leggings-over-20 rule. She proves that they're really cute with tone on tone (matching) flats, simple sweater and luscious, deep purple bag. She polished the look with a beautifully simple pair of earrings. It really works.

How to Compose a Family Portrait; Style Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:11:00 +0000

QUESTION: We're doing our family holiday pictures next week (me, hubby and babies). What do yourrecommend we wear? Should we all match or wear the same color shade? Please let me know what you think would look best.

ANSWER: The best way to have a great family portrait is to plan the basics first.
(1) The setting should be spare and clean so you and your family are the focal points. If you live near beautiful mountains, trees, the beach, a favorite lake etc. you may want to think about going there for the photograph. Make sure there's nothing behind anyone that will look like they've sprouted an architectural element out of their head. You can minimize a distracting background by shooting up close.
(2) The lighting should be warm and beautiful but not with glaring sun. Usually that means early morning or late afternoon.
(3) And with little ones, the mornings are usually happier and cleaner--so try for a morning time slot.
(4) Plan to shoot many, many frames to get the right one. You may want a tripod and a remote or at least know how to do the auto-timer on your camera.
(5) Be you. Plan to have everyone wearing outfits that are naturally them too. To get around "what color should everyone wear?" you can plan to convert the photograph to black and white (some examples are here from Nancy Wong of Bug & Bean Photography).

(6) If you want a color picture then it can be nice when everyone is wearing complementary colors but not necessarily all the same. For example, when Dona Laurita of Foto di Vita took our family pics last year (that's us by the fireplace) we wore Grey and Brown mostly--note that this was taken in the morning using only natural light. Black and Grey; Navy and Greys; varying shades of Brown; varying shades of medium to dark Blue; all work. I would avoid whites and creams which are harder to capture. I think matching outfits look a bit dated and contrived--but that's up to you, everyone has their own style they prefer.
(7) A normal, eye level angle tends to look the best for portraits.

Now that the set up is right...posing, or looking naturally amazing, takes a little practice--see this post for tips on how to look good in pictures here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Man-Style, What to do with Fall?

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:55:00 +0000

I often write about women's style bits, but I do get a fair amount of questions from guys and have many clients who are men so it's only fair that I dedicate a post to them once in a while!

Here's a shout out to Junior and some pics of guys from here in San Fran. I saw some great style out here to answer the question of "what's cool right now for guys"? Well, not much has changed but there are definitely some things to note.
(1) Dark, really great jeans. Not too slouchy! I saw some major brands on these guys--and a nice pair of Levi's. Please recognize that the pics are all from the back b/c people freak out when you take their pic so these were all on the sly.
(2) Pair them with a short-sleeved polo with a tone-on-tone long-sleeved shirt underneath + a really great pair of casual Puma kicks.
(3) Suit blazers. These really look great with the jeans (still). In these examples, one is tweed while the other was a really beautiful pinstriped one. They were well made and fit quite well serving as an impeccable top layer.
(4) On Mr. Levi's here--note that his Blackberry is HIDDEN from normal view. Oy, please don't strap those things onto the front or side of your pants--it looks awful. And while we're on the phone topic please do NOT cruise around with wireless headpieces in your ears. Uber-dorky and anit-social.
(5) The dress shirt + muted tone hoodie + sport jacket still works really well as long as everything is pretty subtle and not too matchy-matchy.
(6) Messenger bag. Love 'em. Be sure they fit your frame proportionally and don't lug around more than you need to or else you will get in the murse zone, not quite as cool.
(7) Scarves. Wear them simply, straight down or doubled and wrapped around your neck. Don't do the drapey thing you see the Hollywood boys (and ladies) doing--it will look like you're trying too hard.

Keep the questions coming and good luck out there! xo

How to Take Care of Your Boots

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:55:00 +0000

Boots are fabulous go-to footwear for Fall thru Spring and since they're in such heavy rotation + expensive you should most definitely take care of them.
(1) Keep them in good shape free from mag-chloride, salt and other winter chemicals. Wipe off any of these as soon as you can. Use a waterproofing spray, fabric or leather conditioners and cleaners.
(2) Store them upright with the toes stuffed and the long shanks kept round with material, foam or a boot form. These boot forms (in the pictures) are from the Container Store and are $10/pair. They allow your boots to stand upright or hang.
(3) At the end of every season take them to a reputable shoe repair shop for a tune up on the material, toes, heel points and soles so next season they’re ready for you as soon as you are ready to put them into rotation again. The pair pictured here just got new soles for winter (Vibram) and they are soooo great now when the weather turns.

I also get questions a lot about tights being ruined by the zippers on their boots--just wear a thin, long pair of boot socks over the tights to protect, and keep your toes warmer.

How to Shop Consignment for Beautiful Recycled Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Sales are climbing at consignment stores, as are their intake of items. As we all find our recessionistas within, I thought it would be appropriate to dole out some sage shopping advice when it comes to trolling consignment stores.

1. Do some research online to find the stores in your area...or in a really nice area near you. There are great treasures to be had if you are up for an expedition.

2. Know a few things about buying and re-selling.

BUYING
(a) Plan to explore, so set aside time. Ask for help, they should know their inventory really well and are usually more than happy to help you navigate the choices and even put together entire outfits.
(b) Try everything on--no returns.
(c) Inspect the seams and the fabric for visible damage or wear and tear especially around stress points like elbows, knees, butsy, long hems etc.
(c) Know what you need for your wardrobe. Don't go crazy and buy a bunch of things because the price is so good. Be sure you actually need the items.
(d) Know, or ask, about tailoring. I have some great "vintage" recycled fashion that required some hefty, but worth it, tailoring. You can usually tailor down 1-2 sizes and can almost always adjust length and waist (barring intricate seaming, pleating, etc.). Factor your tailoring budget into the purchase price as well.
(e) Yes, it's okay to bargain a bit. If you think the price is too high, ask for a discount or offer up a price point you're willing to pay on the spot.

RE-SELLING
(a) Most stores only buy/intake items on certain days during certain hours so don't load up your car and waltz in without knowing that first.
(b) Put your best foot forward--bring in items on hangers or nice bags for shoes and handbags. Be sure they are clean and look appealing. How you present the clothes DOES make a difference to the person deciding if they're going to take your goods.
(c) Know what their policies are for payment. Some pay $$ on the spot, or when the item(s) are sold, or some $$ now and possibly more if you wait until it sells. Some require you to follow-up during a certain time period to check your account.
(d) And be prepared for your Plan B if they don't take the piece(s) or they don't sell. I usually defer to charity and take the tax write-off.

Your Hair and the Hair-Master Who Manages It. Finding a New Hair Stylist

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:24:00 +0000

My favorite Hair-Man (Andy) has a theory that every seven years you should really think about changing your hairstyle and/or color approach to avoid monotony and adjust to the person you've become, which changes over time. I have to say, I agree. This begs the question, how do you find a new hair stylist? Just because you want a new look doesn't mean you HAVE to change stylists but sometimes it's nice to have a fresh perspective if you're looking for something new. So here's my process for finding a new hair stylist you can trust:
(1) The "new" look. Comb through magazines and use your camera-phone readily. Focus on what looks good for your face shape, hair texture and (critical) be realistic about how much time and product you're willing to spend on it. InStyle.com is really helpful for that and they even have a free try on some style section.
(2) Read up on Yelp and check out Allure.com for top stylists in your area, but don't stop there.
(3) Call the salon and ask what the stylist's next available appointment is. Truthfully, it should be at least a few weeks to get in for a cut if they're any good. There are exceptions but it's a general principle. Ask about the stylist's and/or salon's hours, whether they take credit cards etc. and what the prices are for the services you're looking for.
(4) You can look around town for someone with similar hair to yours styled in a way you'd like to emulate and find out where they go. This can take quite some time, but it's good to keep in mind.
(5) Pick your top two prospects and schedule a shampoo and blow-out. Go early to your appointment and try to see the person before you as they leave your prospective hair stylist's chair so you get a sense for their finished product.
(6) Ask questions, share pictures of styles you like and see if this is not only a technically capable hair stylist but if it's a person you can spend hours on end with every few months, who will listen to your needs and take care of one of the most personal things on you--your hair and its style.
(7) Pick your favorite and plan to go to your new stylist at least 2x (the 1st time they're going to be fairly cautious and the 2nd time will be a more progressive appointment) and then dive into a new style with them on your 3rd appointment.

That gives you plenty of time to think about your new look and to do it in a great way. A lot of work, but the payoff is worth it.

Where to Find Boots for Wide or Narrow Calves

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 16:28:00 +0000

Like most clothes, boots are seemingly made for the "average" leg that fits nobody's calves particularly well. Since the questions this past week have been about where to find boots that fit a wider or narrow calf, here are some top picks.

Duo Boots with an entire section of "calf fit" boots--at least 25 great styles and shoppable by heel type, length (shaft), color, material, lining and occasion. Easy to shop and good pictures of the boots. Note that it takes a little time and a little extra $ for shipping to US since they're based in the UK--but you will not find this great variety elsewhere, their prices are good, and the exchange rate is manageable right now.

Ayla Boots for wider calves and wider feet.

Zappos. Perennial favorite of mine in general, and they list boots with the calf circumference measurements and they have searches just for Narrow or Wide calves.

Good luck and order now, they don't really go on sale until Spring, and not always then either--the boot is a good investment and something you can rely on throughout the Fall and Winter.

Recession-Proof Pieces: What to Count On in Your Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:39:00 +0000

Most clients these days are working with much less expendable income putting a halt to shopping altogether in many cases.

So, how do you freshen up your look with little to no money to spend?

(1) Try new color combinations, mixing and matching outfits by laying them on your bed and trying new ideas;
(2) Pay extra attention to your hair, cut and color + style--keeping this current and coiffed will have you looking memorable without any new outfits on your body.
(3) Take really good care of clothes/styles that are here to stay. Don't automatically dry clean and wash your clothes after every wearing, do this only when they're dirty. A hand-held steamer can often be just what you needed to re-fresh a piece and it's much easier on your clothes that a full wash and dry or dry-clean cycle.
(4) Enduring pieces include:
- Dark denim; slight flare for any look and skinny for tucking into boots
- Leather jacket; bust it back out from 10+ years ago and wear it with dress pants, a blouse and a nubby scarf.
- Trapeze or A-line tops; layer them with long sleeves or a blazer and even try a thick or skinny belt to reign them in from summer and make them current
- Ballet Flats. So perfect and so easy to wear. They will never really go out of style.
- Classic, chic animal prints like zebra and leopard. When paired with solids and mixed in well, they can be fun and interesting.
- A shift dress. A simple dress that can be dressed up and down depending on footwear and outerwear
- Nice, wool dress pants. Can be worn far more often than most people think and if they have pleats from another era? Have the pleats tailored out of them!

Be well and keep the questions coming!

The "Other" Rachel, Fashion Stylist

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:55:00 +0000

She goes by her full name, Rachel Zoe. If you've read US Weekly or People lately then you've seen some her styled starlets. Or perhaps you've seen her grating reality show "The Rachel Zoe Project". A friend of mine wrote to me to tell me that she saw part of the show and realized immediately that I could "smoke her" since she doesn't do much but teeter around on platform heels and hide behind her buggy glasses. Kudos to Ms. Zoe for becoming marketable herself but as a Style Coach aka Fashion Stylist myself, I consider it my job to make someone feel beautiful, to find a way to help them shine every day in any situation that presents itself. I do not ask or even want the credit, it's a behind the scenes arrangement that helps boost someone up. Client's names never leave my lips and often times they only whisper to good friends that they might have had some help with their new look. And that's what style really is--a bit elusive and really great to see, but not something that can be repeated cookie-cutter style on every client.

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer's Style from the Street) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:45:00 +0000

Jessica's ever changing look goes along with her profession as a makeup artist for Stila. This season she lopped off INCHES of hair (maybe 12?) for a blunt bob that she saw, "everywhere in L.A."

Citizen Jeans, cute top...is it HaniiY?, Chloe bag and Tom Ford shades...LOVE.

What Works? Ask the Style Coach

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:25:00 +0000

I've had a lot of requests for real-life pics of outfits that work and don't work with explanation as to why. So, here's the first round of just that. This entry was inspired after the last Project Runway where the designers were aghast that they might have to be designing for (horror!) a mom. I took these pics at a trade show where there were a LOT of moms and it illustrates where that stereotype comes from. As a mom and a business woman, I know how truly busy life is every waking second of the day. As a Style Coach, though, I encourage you to give yourself and your confidence a leg up by learning a few good tricks about how to pull yourself together well. Ok, let's break these down.
(1) I'll forgive the sports sandals since it was a trade show and assume she had chic ballerina flats awaiting her...the idea of the outfit is great: comfort and yet still put together but the skirt doesn't fit her right. She was probably 5'4" and that skirt is too long, especially in something with that bold of a print. Bottom Line: if the skirt were just 2-3" shorter her legs would appear longer and leaner and flatter her overall silhouette better.

(2) These ladies in the long dresses have some wonderful curves, however, the pattern, length and shapeless-ness of the green and white one does not skim and hug to her advantage making her appear rather square-shaped. The one in the black and white stripes isn't doing much for herself either since the clingy knit of the fabric blended with a stripe pattern means that the stripes curve and bend wherever her body does giving her an uneven and larger silhouette. Bottom Line: A dress should skim your body, be fitted to the right proportions, and can be in a beautiful print but stripes are really hard to pull off.

(3) Ah, one I love and one I don't...you probably already guessed that the woman wearing the dark denim, classic top and fun flats is a perfect hit. Even if you're not rail thin this is a look you can wear very well and duplicate to great success--just alter the proportions to suit your shape. Now, the woman wearing the white cropped pants and silver flats. Under 5'10", cropped pants are just not the best look. They chop you off in a visual sense and can make your hips appear larger as a result. Add in flats and her look is just not working for her. A little wedge heel and I would have forgiven her the flats! Bottom Line: Know the proportions of your body and pick an interesting focus for your outfits--like great shoes!

(4) My poor friend here in khaki. Beyond the fact that the pant's material is too clingy to flatter any body type, it's the colors that did her in. Clothing made in light colors appears larger on your body and vice versa. Bottom Line: Lighter colors on top and darker on the bottom are an easy go-to combo, any time on any body. Of course you can switch that up, but be sure that the fabrics and cut flatter your figure.

(5) Similar to #4 but here the khaki-colored pants are too BIG. Her whole look is thrown off by these sloppy looking pants. You can tell that she really takes care of her hair, has a nice bag and good top and then || BOOM || bad pants. Bottom Line: fit, fit, fit. Doesn't matter what it is or how much it costs, it must fit.

Vintage + Discount = Real Style

noreply@blogger.com (Rachael the Style Coach) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 21:51:00 +0000

A lot of personal stylists will tell you that it's easy to spend money and make a great outfit, but not so easy to work on a tight budget. Those with real style relish the opportunity to really accessorize, mix and match the new with the old without spending a small fortune giving the client style in spades. I put this together recently for myself and got a lot of really positive comments the day I wore it so I thought I would break it down here and challenge you to go into your closet and chef up something fresh.

Top: Vera Wang for Kohl's; $30
Belt: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's; clearance rack $10
Skirt: vintage Chanel from consignment/re-sale store (in perfect shape!); $100 + $35 in tailoring
Shoes: Tahari from DSW; $79

Voila! Current print with a vintage gold, wool skirt accessorized simply. It's my favorite go-to outfit right now. And here are my kidlets who wanted in on this photo session.