Help Me Monday March 2011

Wear it now...Wear it later...
Our subject this week is how to get dressed in this crazy spring weather.  I don't know if Colorado is similar to other states, but this is the time of year to get a 12" snow storm one day and bright sunny days in the 70's the next.  And the most common mistake I encounter is the urge to throw on the sweater, turtle neck, and fur lined boots in the middle of March and April.  So what is a girl to do?  It's called layering.

So, I am giving you permission to get that closet changed out for the spring/summer weather but to hold on to the light weight cardigans, denim jackets, blazers and even your leather boots and maybe some funky knee socks.  So here goes...

Thank you to InStyle magazine, March 2011 issue.  I love this idea of pulling out that sleeveless summer dress and topping it with a lightweight vest, jacket and leather boots.  No hose, no tights, just bare legs.  Just remember that the perfect hem length is just above or right on top of the knee cap of the leg.  Aubrey and friends, I know you can go shorter if you like, but not too much shorter.  All things in moderation please.

These next two ideas involve denim jackets, one of my favorite go to tops for cool spring breezes.




A perfect solution to keeping those warm leggings out but topping them with a soft sheer sleeveless dress and a fun belt to show off your waist.  This next idea is for the 20 somethings.  Oh to be young again...


This is absolutely one of my most favorite looks in the spring which is pairing those bare legs with fun knee socks and leather boots. My 40 something version of this would be my dress or skirt just to the knee, bare legs and leather boots and you might see me try a more conservative knee sock, but NOT above the knee.  Mommies, if I catch you wearing thigh highs in public I might have to tackle you with my bedspread.

So put away those thick winter clothes and get out your fun spring frocks and start layering!
Missy and Aubrey
PS Next week is Mad Makeover Monday.  See you then!

Just one more Khaki outfit!

So, this is exactly what I was trying to describe on Monday.  These Khaki's are a bit like harem pants, in that they are high waisted, fuller through the hips and tapered at the ankle, which makes them ever so cute when rolled up.  The pants shown here are from www.topshop.com for $76, the shirt is from www.madewell.com for $85 and the very affordable jacket (with pushed/rolled up sleeves, I might add) is only $39.95 at www.hm.com.  Speaking of H&M, does anyone know why Denver does not have one??????   So frustrating!   

Hope this helps.  The spring weather is back in Denver so no better time than the present to give this a try!  Enjoy!

Fashion Mission Monday March 2011

Welcome to our first Fashion Mission Monday!
Your Mission: To open your closet doors and survey your Khaki situation. I know what you are thinking...BORING, but Khaki pants are no longer the thick, poly blend, unflattering travesties they once were. One good pair of fashionable Khaki's is all a closet needs, and they especially come in handy for the volatile spring weather we encounter, so let's get started.

Mission Dilemma #1: I have lots of khaki's in my closet and I never wear them.
Solution: Pull them all out, throw them on the bed and one by one please try them all on. As you model each pair in front of the mirror, ask yourself, do they fit, are they long enough, are they in good repair, do they flatter my figure? If yes to all of the above then they are keepers.  Keep your favorite one and we'll show you some fun ways to wear these hidden gems. If no, to any of the above questions, out they go. Either to a second hand resell store, Good Will or a needy family.

Mission Dilemma #2:  I have one pair of Khaki's I really like, but I forget to wear them.
Solution:  Just read on.

Mission Dilemma #3:  I have no Khaki's in my closet and I like it that way!
Solution:  I think we might have some styles that surprise and inspire you.  More thoughts below...

The following samples are courtesy of Real Simple Magazine, March 2011 issue.  I know they are hard to read so if you want to know stores and brands in your category, just pop me an email:

My personal favorites are the Loft pair with a tie at the waste and the elastic around the ankle (middle pair for hourglass figure).  I found a pair almost identical to these at The Rack in the clearance rounders 40% off of $49.97.  (Shopping at Rack will be a whole post in itself coming soon!)  And you probably noticed that Khaki doesn't mean just tan or brown.  I find olive green to be the most flattering color on me.

Now, here is one fun example on how to wear your khaki's in a new way, especially for those of you that already own a pair but are not wearing them (image from www.stylecaster.com):

These Khaki pants are from American Apparel but you can see how even just a couple of rolls of the hem and you have a very trendy and fun look for your spring wardrobe.  If you need to dress this up a bit for work, just swap out the jean jacket for a light weight blazer, with your sleeves rolled up to show off your wrists, (the most delicate part of a woman's body).  One hint, for those that are vertically challenged like me, only two rolls of the cuff is needed and wearing oxfords like these with a little heel is even better.  For you long legged girls, GO FOR IT!

So have fun, let me know what you think and if you are willing to give it a try!

How we plan to roll...

If any of you love to plan and schedule as much as we do, then we think you'll like our "blogging schedule" for the month.

Every month our plan is to post on Mondays, with each Monday of the month being assigned to a theme:
First Monday - Fashion Mission Monday, we will be challenging you to add a unique and fun piece to your closet or inspire you to wear something you may already have.
Second Monday - Help Me Monday, we'll be sharing tips and tricks and hoping that you will email us with questions you have.
Third Monday - Mad Makeover Monday, we'll be featuring a client with a little background including her shape and style with some very impressive before and after pics!
Fourth Monday - Quick Pick Monday, Aubrey and I will be looking back on the month and taking a picture of our "go to" outfit to share with you. We'll tell you why we picked the pieces we did and where to find them in the store.
Fifth Mondays - these will be Wild Card Mondays with surprise themes!

So keep a look out for our first post on Monday, March 7th, here we come!

How did we get here?

So here we are on Aubrey's big day and all our fashion imagination has been put to the test as we created together the day of her dreams.

But just like many little girls, our love for clothes and putting unique outfits together began long ago. My barbies and Crissy doll had only hand made, private label (by Missy) outfits which eventually translated to sewing my own clothes in high school and dreaming of being a famous fashion designer some day.

But alas, reality set in and I was too chicken to move to New York or California, so I settled for a nursing degree, marriage and growing a family that I could dress like my barbie dolls.

Years later, my love for clothes has rubbed off on my daughter Aubrey, but she is way more talented than I ever was. What comes naturally to her, I got through certified training in Portland, OR, as a personal image consultant and stylist, in January of 2010.

So, through this blog we hope to pass on some inspiration, ideas and maybe even some challenges that will stretch you out of your comfort zone. We hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
Missy and Aubrey