Hi there Wardrobe 911 Readers!

As a new West Coast Style Correspondent to the Wardrobe 911 Style Blog and member of the Stylist Collective, I wanted to introduce myself.  As a personal style consultant and founder of Cara Henderson Style Consulting, I dress clients for success throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.  Whether you work in San Francisco’s downtown financial district or in the business casual environment of Silicon Valley, or if you are taking a weekend get-away to the Napa/Sonoma wine country or attending the opera opening, my job is to make you feel confident about yourself and your wardrobe!

The San Francisco Bay Area has a unique style that includes both cosmopolitan and urban attitudes along with influences of the laid back, West Coast, California lifestyle.  The Bay Area is the birthplace of new and fresh ideas, yet it is also steeped in tradition.  All those aspects that make San Francisco such an interesting and dynamic place are also reflected in the way people dress in such a diverse city.

I am here to keep you informed of new trends, tricks-of-the trade (from my many years styling wardrobes for advertising) and to solve your daily and seasonal wardrobe issues. I am excited to hear from you with questions about style and fashion, as well as your challenges.

Knowing that Mary was going to be in town, I called ahead and spoke with Sales Manager John Kiskaddon about Mary’s shape, personality and color palette. In no time John assembled a number of outfits Mary didn’t just like – she loved them. She also loved shopping in a store where she didn’t feel the need to apologize for not being a size 10 or 12.

Don’t fret if you can’t get to San Francisco to shop. Harper Greer does a fabulous mail-order business and provides fabric swatches on request. Below are a few sketches from their new suit collection available now in sizes 12-26.

I am 47 and started dating again and I am really at loss as what to wear to my dates. I found your suggestions about what to wear on the first, second and third date. I love them. Dresses for date #2 and #3 are perfect for a really nice restaurant, however, I would like to know what to wear if I am going just to a local low key Mexican or Indian restaurant, or to museum. Could you please, suggest something that does not include jeans, since I really don’t like wearing them.

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription

There are usually only two reasons for why someone doesn’t like to wear jeans:

1. They haven’t found a pair that looks good on them that they like, or
2. It’s because they are a polished chic kinda gal who doesn’t do jeans

The answer is critical to what my advice to you would be so I’m going to assume the later and style your outfit based on what I know about the gal that doesn’t do jeans.

If you find yourself in a store these days, you’ll be hit with few options for nice pants that aren’t for work.  The casual ones are unfortunately either harem (eek!), sequined (ack!) or frumpy (no!)  — not what you want to wear on a date.

Luckily, there are a few that are hiding in the racks that would work well and one of them is the Theory Enosa knit pant.  It is sleek, thick and comfy yet casual and elegant. Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg also have pants made out of this material this season and it’s a great option to jeans.

Keep it casual with a simple, yet still a tiny-bit-feminine, black ruffle tank.  The ruffles are low-key and will subtly peek out from underneath this hourglass-perfect camel sweater. Add an interesting, bold pearl necklace or a long necklace to create a more casual-elegant vibe.  You’ll definitely want to add some sex appeal with these high-heeled suede booties by Stuart Weitzman (they go to 10.5.)

For other date outfits, check out:

• Movie Date
• Work Lunch Date
• Park Date

Here is a stunning LBD recommendation for Rectangle and Triangle Body types. (Hourglass and Inverted Triangle body types can refer to Little Black Dress, Part 1). Rectangle and Triangle body types look best in sheath silhouettes since the dress falls straight over the waistline area and creates a nice line.  Look for medium to heavy-weight fabrics.

Bailey 44 “Supernova” Dress – this dress is made of a stretchy knit and it is lined which is a plus. The striking embedded beads and faux pearls in the neckline are a fashionable statement this season. The V-Back of the dress adds a nice dimension.

Linea Paolo ‘Jacadia Sandel’ - these suede platform pumps are hip and fun. They come in several colors and are available up to a size 13.

Diana Disco Clutch by Laura Merkin – the shiny gunmetal silver compliments the gray beads that are found in the jewel collar.

Diane von Furtsenberg Balia Jacket (not shown) – this eyelash knit jacket is luxurious and worth the splurge. There is a gathered elastic banding in the back that helps give an hourglass illusion.

Beaded Band Ring – this silver plated black diamond ring adds the final touch.

If you want to improve your shopping success and ensure that you purchase items that are right for your body type, then order a Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box.  The Recipe Box includes a wardrobe guide that provides step-by-step instructions. Each purse size recipe card shows images of wardrobe basics and outfit recipes that are created for your body type. You will feel more confident about your wardrobe and you will look great!

La bella figura, which translates to “the beautiful figure,” means more than just dressing well – the term encapsulates the Italian way of life, which emphasizes beauty, good image, aesthetics and manners. When planning your evening ensembles, keep these words in mind to display your bella figura: elegant, chic and modern.

• Graceful and timeless, this matte jersey dress from Anne Klein is a cinch to pack and flatters most body types.
• The stylish necklace will look fantastic with the dress’s neckline (and a bargain at only $132).
• Sleek and sophisticated, consider splurging on these suede booties from Stuart Weitzman.
• Here’s the frosting on the cannoli: a clutch bag in this season’s yummiest purple. Bellissima!

Even though we’ve turned our clocks back and it’s officially Fall, my mind is on the fashions that walked down the runways in September.  If I had it my way, we would skip winter and go from our bootie/legging/boyfriend blazer ensembles straight to one of the lovely Spring 2010 frocks shown above.

Many trends showed up on the catwalk, but I’ve chosen my five favorites, clockwise from left:

• Knotted details – knots add a touch of drama and can be used to highlight a favorite feature.  Here, Carolina Herrera’s redwood blouse emphasizes the shoulder line beautifully.

• Modern garden party dresses – these floral dresses with a structured cut are more flattering to the body.  Wear a pair of wild heels or shooties with this Lela Rose dress to keep the look modern and funky.

• T-shirt dresses – perfect Spring style!  You can’t beat the comfort and ease of a loose t-shirt dress like this one by BCBG Max Azria.

• Military jackets – from footwear to jackets, designers found inspiration at the Army Navy store.  Marc Jacobs showed a military jacket with feminine touches that I love (although I do recommend you wear it with pants!)

• Minidresses – I adore this minidress by Yigal Azrouel.  If you don’t love your legs, you can pair it with tights or leggings and still retain the silhouette.

Other fun trends to look out for:  animal prints, bare and cut-out backs, feathers, and bright yellow!

And this picture of Elka Eastly Vera — one of the many wonderful individuals I met this week at a color seminar — speaks volumes.

Her dress is hair-related and her cardigan and necklace match her eyes. Everyone kept looking at her — she just glowed!

This dress silhouette fits the hourglass and inverted triangle body types. Do you know your body type? If not, take the body quiz and order a Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box.

• Ella Moss ‘Leighton’ One Shoulder Dress – the Grecian goddess look is elegant and modern. This style really draws attention to the shoulder line and it is very flattering. This dress is fitted and highlights the waist.
• nude footwear Milan – this snake embossed platform pump is perfect for the evening and works well with tights.
• Black tights – make sure you purchase opaque tights and stay away from thicker weave tights. You don’t want your tights to cling to the jersey of the dress. These opaque tights will keep you warm during the winter and they have a slimming effect. It is also fun to wear colored tights so check out the different colors. Just make sure your accessories compliment the color of the tights. No tights is also an option with this dress.
• Tory Burch Logo Flap Clutch – this purse adds a splash of color to the ensemble.
• Nordstrom ‘Eyelash’ Tissue-Weight Cashmere Wrap in cardinal red – this is a nice layering piece if it is chilly. If red is not your color, there are several other options.
• Lisa Stewart Gold Chain Cuff – the cuff should be the focal point of your jewelry since a necklace is not always necessary with one shoulder dresses.

Beauty tip: If you want to add some glamour to your eyes, you may want to try Latisse Solution. It is the first prescription treatment approved by the FDA to grow your lashes longer, fuller and darker. Seriously – no more mascara! I have met people who have used this product and I have never seen so many beautiful natural eyelashes. If you are interested, you can read more about it at Dr. Maas’s website.  He is part of our recommended professional makeover network.

Rectangle and Triangle Body Types – Stay tuned for Part 2!

Theory Bram tank – This is the perfect tank because it’s great quality, works well for work or play, AND it can be worn layered or simply by itself. It’s that versatile and good-looking. Well worth the price.  They come in multiple colors every season.

Wolford Velvet de Luxe 50 tights – A high quality, perfect dernier tight. Wolford makes the best and these will last you forever — seriously.  The great thing about the Velvet de Luxes (no, they’re not velvet) is that they come in super flattering colors from Sienna red to Mocha to a yummy mushroom Mocassin.

Wool cowlneck dress with a nipped waist is great for all body types.  This black dress hits mid-thigh so a sophisticated ribbed opaque tight is perfect. Try the tight in a heathered gray or yummy steel blue ’shadow’ to maintain a long visual line but still have a bit of fun with a different color.

Since the dress is short-sleeved and it is cooler weather, wear a long lightweight merino wool sweater in a heathered carbon – it adds a sophisticated vibe without adding bulk.  The length of the sweater will hit about 1-2 inches above the dress.  You can leave it open or button it in the middle and add a colorful belt. If you do the steel blue tights, I’d keep the belt a neutral black or metallic silver.

Add a cute cutout bootie (cuffed version has only 1 size left) and cool gray handbag and you’ll find the waiting less monotonous.

If you head to Napa, I recommend the East side of the valley and the Silverado Trail. Some of my favorite wineries can be found within a few miles of each other and include Darioush, Pine Ridge, Duckhorn and Stag’s Leap. Looking for a less crowded wine country adventure? Head north on 101 to the Russian River. This beautiful and less developed landscape gives way to small wineries, reflecting Napa of 20 years ago.

Whichever adventure you choose, I also recommend a car service so that you can enjoy the wine, and/or a fabulous lunch, without worrying about who is driving. And your selection of clothes is also an essential part of your day.

This entire outfit flatters the inverted triangle figure. Inverted triangles tend to have broader shoulders, narrow hips and thighs. You want to wear clothing that doesn’t expand your shoulders such as white tops or detailing on the top. The Inverted Triangle Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box outlines the basics that work for this body type and outfit ideas. There are also recipe boxes available for hourglass, triangle and rectangle body types.

• Bailey 44 ‘Strange Jest’ Jacket – this knit jacket will keep you warm and it is easy to carry if you take it off in the winery.  The belt cinches at the waistline and the jacket creates balance between the shoulders and hips. This jacket also works for hourglass and triangle body types.

• J Brand 12″ Pencil Cord – thin wale corduroy is a fashionable alternative to jeans and can be flattering to the legs. These pants have stretch so they will feel similar to leggings. If you prefer a corduroy bootcut, the Red Engine Scarlett Bootcut Cords (not shown) in navy works well with the jacket and top.

• Michael Stars Scoop Neck Cotton Tee in Gypsy  – gives the outfit a burst of color and fits well over skinny jeans.

• Donald J Pliner Arlie Flat – the lizard print has a slight sheen and can be worn day or evening. I personally love them since I own a pair!  You can always transition to a heel if you decide to stay for dinner.

• Aridza Bross Celia Shoulder Bag – the silver hardware adds a fashion accent to your look. This purse has a detachable shoulder strap so that you can wear it as a clutch. What a great idea!

Enjoy the wine country and let us know about your favorite wineries.

Why?

Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment because it eliminates the use of synthetic chemicals and fertilizers.  Conventionally grown cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides and more than 10% of the world’s pesticides.  When these chemicals are used, they soak into the soil, into the groundwater and into people’s bodies.  Many of the chemicals identified have been linked to infertility, birth defects, and cancers in children and adults.

Sustainable materials such as bamboo and hemp are naturally renewable.  Bamboo needs minimal water and absorbs five times more greenhouse gases than trees.  Hemp actually replenishes the soil it is grown in, leaving it richer in essential nutrients than before it was planted.

One of the best known high-end eco-friendly designers is Stella McCartney.  A lifelong vegetarian, Stella does not use any leather or fur in her designs.  She incorporates organic and eco-friendly materials throughout her high-end collections, and recently designed an entirely organic capsule collection.  This organic tie-front dress retails for $495.

Obviously, the cost of using organic and sustainable materials is often passed along to consumers.  More affordable ways to “go green” include the following:

• When making a purchase, think: multi-use. The more ways to wear it, the better. This circle scarf from American Apparel comes with pictures and instructions that show how to wear it 13 ways, including a dress and a capelet! They also have an excellent “how to wear” link on their website with styling ideas for many of their most popular items.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: buy pre-owned clothing at second-hand shops and on Ebay.
• Hold clothing swaps with your friends.
• Creatively repair what you have rather than buying new.
• Shop your closet – organize and know what you have so you don’t buy doubles!

For affordable eco-fashion, check out these retailers:

• American Apparel: They recycle over a million pounds of fabric scrap per year and have solar panels on the roof of their L.A. headquarters. They also use organic cotton in about 20% of their clothing. Their Sustainable Edition line is a selection of their most popular styles in 100% USDA certified organic cotton.
• Payless Shoes: They carry the eco-friendly Zoe and Zac line, who claim to “democratize green fashion by making it affordable and accessible.” These boucle ballet flats are just $29.99 and are made with organic wool-blend boucle and recycled rubber soles.
• H&M has been using organically grown cotton since 2004 and plan to increase the amounts they use by 50% each year for the next 5 years.
• Catalogs and websites: www.Soul-Flower.com has this organic hoody tee for just $28. www.thegreenloop.com has a “$30 or less” option in its sale section. www.etsy.com is a great place to find beautiful handmade goods. I found these bamboo fiber fingerless gloves – warm, hip and responsible!

Let’s take a look at what a savvy traveler should pack when touring one of Europe’s most stylish cities.

• Shoes with pants – Yes, be comfortable on those cobblestone streets and look great at the same time with this stylish ankle boots in charcoal suede.
• Shoes with skirts – You’ll be comfy and chic in this Cole Haan Fiona Low Air pump with Nike technology. The chocolate embossed snake is perfetta!
• Handbag – If Gucci or Prada are too pricey for you, try this Carmen Zipper Tote by Furla, on sale for under $500.
• Wrap – In October you will probably get by with just a cashmere wrap instead of a coat, and it’s so much easier to pack and more elegant, no? This one from Nordstroms comes in 7 colors.
• Dress - For dressier days, this black dress from Eileen Fisher is a winner with its classic bateau neckline and three-quarter sleeves.  It will even take you from day to evening in a pinch.

Rome is not in any way, shape or form Six Flags or Disney, so kindly leave your walking shorts, running shoes and fanny packs  at home. (Editor’s Note: don’t call them ‘fanny’ packs in Europe or Australia since they mean something entirely different.)  Romans are very conscious of the way they look and make every effort to shine even while running errands. Make a great impression and step it up a notch during your trip. Buon viaggio!

It’s also big enough to lose just about anything in it.  I’ve been mulling it over and although I love the style and cross-body hipness, there are two things that would keep me from purchasing it or recommending it to someone:

1. It’s going to hurt your shoulders after constant wear in about 3 to 6 months.  The old Marc Jacobs bags were like this and so heavy that everyone almost quit buying them here in SF -  just to take a stand for their back health.
2. It’s just too big. We already know that we will lose all kinds of things in this BUT if you’re under 5′5″ or petite, the bag will take over your body.  Think “body snatchers” for handbags. If you are tall and have the right proportions to wear something of this scale, go for it.

“Carefree Casual”  is one of the most popular Wardrobe 911 style personalities and it is actually one of my favorite styles.  Most woman who wear this style like to portray an easy-going and comfortable look.  This may be your core-style if you don’t work in a  corporate environment. Or it could be your sub-style if  you occasionally integrate it .

Here is a Carefree Casual inspired outfit that  incorporates  fashion-forward and feminine sub-styles. The pencil skirt and flower belt buckle design show off your feminine side.

The belt buckles are artistically designed and handcrafted by Sarah Princess. There are various designs and they’re perfect for the carefree casual outfit and add a fashionable update to the most basic jeans and tees.

• Vince Cashmere Sweater – this cowl neckline flatters the hourglass, rectangle and inverted triangle body types. A belt is recommended with this top.
• Sarah Princess Purple Flower Art Belt Buckle – this is Sarah’s best seller and affordably priced! This belt should be worn low with this sweater.
• Habitual Shannon Skirt – a pencil skirt looks great on all body types and is a chic  alternative to jeans. For the colder months, wear the reversible design SPANX ‘Two-Timin’ Tights.
• Ugg Elsey Boots in Chestnut- the wedge heel gives the outfit a casual yet modern look.
• Chinese Laundry Hobo – the mustard color brings out the yellow in the belt buckle.

If you want to learn more about the six different personalities, they are featured in our Style Guide which was created for personal stylists to use in a client style consultation. (Although we’ve known a few non-stylists that have used for guiding their own style reinvention!)

I am frustrated with my closet!

I hate all my clothes. Nothing works anymore. I’ve fallen into an abyss!

I used to be so stylish in my 20’s.

Have you uttered those words or felt that way at one time or another? We’ve all been there.  The dreaded style rut.  Our own sense of style has been replaced by practical things that are baby-proof, that our feet don’t hurt in, or that “fit in” at work. Somehow, we lost our way and can’t remember even what style means to us.

It has little to do with clothes and everything to do with doing the same thing over and over. Humans can only take so much of  a monotonous activity and if it doesn’t change, they end up becoming unproductive.  Architects, interior designers and professional color consultants know that to keep a room interesting and people stimulated in a room environment, a mix of color is better than all one color.  Monochromatic = Monotonous + Boring.

A style rut is when we wear only 10-20 percent of what’s in our closet, over and over and over again. It’s when we get BORED with style. Now, more than ever, the Style Rut Syndrome (as I like to call it) has become a full-blown epidemic. Perhaps it’s mostly to do with the tightening of wallets and less shopping for clothes (or that quick fix of having something new) but there are ways to get out of a style rut and some don’t cost  a dime.

Here are three ways to break out of your rut.  Do you have any additional ones to add?

1. Clean Out Your Closet. All those things you’re not wearing? Good-bye. I’m serious.
2. Take a Walk. Nature provides so much inspiration and visual cues to color. Get out there and discover what colors, what scenes, what environments move you. These are good indicators for what styles and colors of clothes you should focus on.
3. Call Wardrobe 911. Our Find-a-Stylist directory is growing and they are some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met.  And yes, I meet all of them. They can help you break out of your rut by using our system that helps guide you in communicating your personal style.

Come join us at the chic Specialtees Boutique for a 2 hour Secrets to Style program and for shopping with Teresa and Maria after! Specialtees will be providing attendees with a 20/20 Girlfriends Discount Card*, a gift, wine and dessert.

Teresa will provide a unique look at what designers and styles work best for you. You’ll receive an overview of the different silhouettes and body types and will be guided through various image tools to determine your silhouette.

Thursday, October 22
6:00 to 8:00 pm (store stays open until 9 p.m.)
Specialtees
985 Moraga Rd
Lafayette, CA 94549

Fee + Registration

$75 — includes worksheets + a Wardrobe 911 Recipe Box. You will be forwarded a quick style assessment upon registration that will need to be completed before the workshop.

Sign-up now!  There are only five spots left.
*20/20 Girlfriend Discount Card – attendees that do not have this card will be provided one at no charge. The card entitles the customer to a 20% discount on regular priced merchandise until 1/1/2010.

Varying Heights

• Tory Burch ‘Stowe’ Mid-Calf Boot – super cute on, these are the perfect boot over a straight leg or skinny jean. If you’re on a budget, here are some other great alternatives: the Frye Harness12R or the Type Z Lancely, both at Zappos.com.
• Taryn Rose Blue Suede Doolan boot – another mid-calf boot that is super sleek and great for your foot. This also comes in a yummy camel color. Remember, you get 20% off if you enter WARDROBE at checkout.
• Bourne ‘Cameron’ Bootie - in taupe suede with a snakeskin-printed heel and accents. This looks great under pants or with tights and dresses.
• Hive and Honey over the knee boot in black suede. With a tiny bit of stud detail at top, this has a great wedge heel to make your legs look long.  (Also in brown.)

Knee High Boots

• Corso Como Salvadore riding boot in a dark chocolate. A flat boot that has some classic details. It also comes in black.
• Rockport Harmony Heights suede boot in Bamboo – I am in love! Seriously. I can picture this with ivory jeans and a yummy ivory cashmere sweater — cafe au lait all the way.
• Calvin Klein Liv 3″ heel leather boot – the dressy work version of a boot. It’s perfect for wearing with tights and dresses or skirts.
• Naturalizer Smooth black boot – Another great option for work. There are many pluses and one negative to this boot. On the negative side, it is not leather. On the plus side, it is animal friendly, comes in brown and black, has a plus-shaft option, goes to size 12 and is only $99.

All-Weather Boots

• La Canadienne  waterproofed black leather boot. Known for their great cold-weather boots, this style is great for stomping around in the snow or rain.
• Aquatalia by Marvin K ‘Xenia’ Weatherproof Boot. For the rain or mild slush, try this waterproof fabric coated sleek mid-calf boot. It’s so elegant that you can even get away wearing it in the sunshine sans snow.
• UGG Snowpeak boot in gray. With a warm sheepskin interior and waterproof quilted fabric and leather — your toes will stay toasty even on the most blistery days.

Smitten Front Pocket Sweater – the fabric content is 79% nylon and viscose with only 5% wool and 16% angora so if you are allergic to wool , this could be a great option. The sleeves are perfect for someone who is broad shouldered and the pockets on front are not distracting.

Rich & Skinny Bootcut Legging Jeans – of course any jean would do but the Rich and Skinny jeans are so soft and comfy you will feel like you’re wearing your pajamas. I’m not kidding. In a mid-rise with a bootcut leg, these jeans are flattering for any body type.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Slip-On – like slippers but with an edge. These are great for milling about the house. Of course, I’m all for the hip mid-calf boots and this Richmond style by Arturo Chiang certainly has appeal. Throw them on for your afternoon escape.

Because the outfit is dark, you want to add a bit of color. A red leather wrap bracelet by Marc Jacobs adds just the right amount of pop and it lays close to the wrist so no jangling or getting in the way of your keyboard.

LAMade cotton voile tunic at an unreal price at BillionDollarBabes (hurry, it only lasts for 2 days.)  Cotton voile is the lightest, softest type of cotton made. Perfect for hot days layered over a simple tank, it makes a great transition to Fall when you layer it over a long-sleeve scoop-neck tee in a warm gray.

Pair it over these 7 for All Mankind high-waist jeans in the LA Dark wash.  Finally, the premium denim designers have heard our cry and the non-frumpy ‘high-waist’ jean is back.

Pull on some fab mid-calf boots by Vince Camuto in a dark slate. You can tuck your jeans in the boot for a on-trend look or wear them over the boot to create a long, lean leg line. For accesories, go for a pair of Kimberly Baker silver snowflake star earrings and a green convertible shopper by the Sak to punch it up.