Fab or Fad? How to recognize a trend and know if it’s right for you!

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM and Dani Slaugh, Conselle Affiliate

Designers who specialize in orchestrating the new fashion productions are once again asking us to adapt our tastes and our personal style according to the ever-changing trend.  There’s nothing wrong in that, if you like the new looks.  But what if you don’t?  What if they don’t flatter your figure?  What if they make you look childish?  Should you simply conform for the sake of looking up-to-date?  No way!

Fads have great appeal because they are new and novel.  But the fad is quick to fade when it’s replaced by something even newer.  It’s better to build a core wardrobe composed mainly of classic pieces and then adding a trend or two.

How do you spot the fads?  

You can learn to spot the fads by their impractical styles that very few people can wear very few places, by their extremes of length and width in hemlines, shoulders, sleeves, collars and lapel; by their loud colors and glaring prints; and by the fuss and frill or over-done decoration.  A fad seldom lasts longer than two years and sometimes less.

Is there any redeeming value to fads?

Sure, fads can be fun and refreshing!  Once in a while, a fad comes along that provides a new solution to an old wardrobe need.  If it is well-designed and truly fills a need, it may remain in style for a long time, at which point it moves out of the fad category.  Blue jeans, tennis shoes, down-filled jackets and polo shirts, as wells peasant blouses, loafers are originally fads that filled a functional need.  The longer a fad lasts, the closer if comes to being a fashion trend and may move on to becoming a classic.

Read Full Post »

Conselle’s ode to Levi Strauss….and the growing denim uniform

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM and Dani Slaugh, Conselle Affiliate

Little did young Levi Strauss know when he came west during the California gold rush, that he would be responsible for creating one of the longest-lasting and most distinctive American contributions to the world of fashion.  He brought with him a wagonload of denim fabric to be made into tents for the miners, but he met with little success at tent making.  A very clever fellow, he then decided to make pants for the miners out of his very sturdy cotton material.  Copper rivets were added at points of stress to strengthen the pockets and enable miners to carry ore samples.  The so-called “Levis” were an immediate success and caught on elsewhere because of their durability and suitability to the rugged lifestyle of the Western United States.

A new name was needed to identify the pant style when made by manufacturers other than the Levi Strauss Co.  And so they became known as “jeans,” a logical adaptation for the name of the cloth from which they are made.  According to Webster, “Jeans” is a durable cotton cloth in a twill weave, used for work clothes.  The fabric was first made in Genoa (Genes), Italy and used for trousers or overalls in solid colors and stripes.  It was similar to Levi’s denim, a serge or twill seave cloth, made in Nimes, France – hence, deNimes, or denim.

Today, jeans may be seen not only in the mines, but in the backyard, in the classroom, the shopping malls, in restaurants and in theaters.  They are worn by people all over the world.  And last time I checked, most of those people are not wearing them to work hard labor.  No, we’re not panning for gold in the river, so why do we want to look like we are?   Jeans were great for their original purpose, but now that we have cleaner living conditions, it may be time to reconsider the jeans uniform that we all wear.  So many of us would benefit from more variety in our wardrobes. In reality, jeans fit few bodies, get stuck in the crotch, and bag in the bottom.  Our closets are full of enough unwearable jeans that most of us could make our own tent.  Maybe it’s time to consider the fashion statement we’re really making.  Read our June Newsletter for a young woman’s take on jeans in the closet.

Read Full Post »

Three Jackets That Say “I’m in Charge”

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM and Dani Slaugh, Conselle Affiliate

 

Nothing upgrades your wardrobe and simplifies your work mornings like a coat/jacket. Which jacket depends on who you are and what you do. Three options for 2012!

 

Relaxed Updated Safari: The updated safari jacket, above, unstructured enough to convey relaxation, yet “jacket” enough to communicate visual authority. It’s the right choice for you if your work is low-key, creative or outside the nine-to-five routine, or if you’re a work-at-home mom out on errands. Terrific on the weekend! (Ralph Lauren)

Easy-dressing Sportive Blazer: the chic jacquard stripe jacket, above, timeless and timely classic shape and styling.  The right choice for you if your workplace doesn’t require strict suit looks; if you prefer clothes that translate active into polished. Wear it open for a more relaxed appeal.  (J.Crew school boy jacket)

Professional Currently Trendy Double-Breasted Cut-away Blazer: a jacket for the woman who needs the real thing, above, a classic turned modern thanks to eye-catching buttons, and feminine silhouette. The right choice for you if work clothes are your priority now; if you hanker for clothes that express individuality without compromising on authority. (H&M Blazer)

Read Full Post »

Tips to Improve Your Image in 2010

Improve Your Image in 2010! Photo c/o family-vacation-getaways.com

By Judith Rasband, AICI CIM

Happy New Year!  As you resolve to dress in a more authentic manner in 2010, here are some tips to improve your image in 2010! 

• Tip to Improve Your Image #1: Wear clothes that fit well — you’ll look slimmer and smarter in clothes that fit with a little extra ease around the body.
• Tip to Improve Your Image #2: Rather than limiting yourself to a narrow range of clothing styles, colors or fabrics, remain open.  Become more aware of creative combinations in line, shape, color and texture as shown in magazine pictures and store displays.
• Tip to Improve Your Image #3: Don’t overdo the accessories and decorative detail in your outfit.  Create one major point of emphasis with decoration or accessories, usually near your face.  All other areas and accessories should be less important in the amount of attention they claim.
• Tip to Improve Your Image #4: Clothing worn dancing on Saturday night isn’t appropriate for the office.  Save the glitter and glitz for after dark. 
• Tip to Improve Your Image #5: Don’t be afraid to try out a new look for fear of making a mistake.  Experiment with looks you like.  If you make an occasional mistake, it’s a good indication that you’re learning.  And when you resolve not to make that same mistake again, you come closer to your goal of creating the look you like.

Resolutions give purpose, structure and control to our lives — goals to work toward as you begin the new year.  Set yourself small, realistic goals with immediate results. 

If you have questions about how to begin and reach your image-improvement goals, send them to judith [at] conselle[dot] com. 

Copyright Judith Rasband and Conselle L.C. 2009

Judith Rasband is the Image Expert and would love to work with you!  2010 is a great time to turn the page and welcome in a more authentic version of you.  Visit www.conselle.com or call 801-224-1207 to learn more.

Read Full Post »