Take Some Style Risks
By Sarah Carlos
Sex in the City comes up on girls’ night out over cocktails more than a bad date. The show was brilliant, and I for one, shared many tears when it went off the air. I loved Carrie’s style attitude more than I loved hearing about her latest boy trauma, although, those were very entertaining as well.
She took style risks. The girl did things with fashion I have never ever seen. Pleather!? HUGE flower broaches?! White jeans, leggings, mini-dresses, newsboy caps with a dress…the list could go on for days. But she always strutted down 5th Ave. and smiled without a care in the world. You may feel that you have personal style that takes risks similar to that of Carrie’s or perhaps you would like to take things a little further – shake things up in your wardrobe. Well, you are in luck. I, as always, have some advice for you.
Soak up the latest trends. I know, the last thing I want to do when I see the latest Paris Hilton disaster is pay attention, but, you just might see something you can make your own. For example, Molly Sims was recently seen wearing a cute floral sundress over jeans. Would I ever in a million years have thought this would look good? Heck no! But it did – it does and consequently, I will often be seen on the weekends sporting similar attire – receiving compliments by the bucket load.
Bring back old trends and make them your own. It worked for the white jean and cropped legging. Never in a million years would I have thought that the legging would come back. It should have gone into extinction long ago. But, a week after I heard it was in, BAM! Kate Moss was sporting them. Then it was Molly Sims, Elle McPherson, and so on and so on. Now, I don’t think they look that bad.
If you have confidence in the way something looks whether you are bringing back the bell bottom or the penny loafer, people will take notice. AND will appreciate YOU for standing out in the crowd and taking some risks. NOTE: Seventies attire is really coming back, so grab some hippy sundresses, cowboy boots and some leather thong shell embellished sandals. Don’t worry – they look cute on everyone and yes, everyone can pull them off.
Match up different looks. My favorite outfit is a solid black Ralph Lauren suit with a white button down, my hair in a ponytail and black and white pumas. I am constantly trying to push the suit boundary. So many are stiff, corporate and boring. This makes all of that go away. So, pair dressy items with dressed down items for a look that is totally chic and all your own.
Shop at TJ Maxx. I know – sounds a little random. I was nervous about revealing such a personal and important secret, but my friends and I (total shopaholics) have been frequenting the TJ seen for years. They have AWESOME shoes at any size. Anne Klein originals for $30. BCBG Girls, Ralph Lauren bags….It is fantastic. If you have never been, it is time to check it out. They have those little accessories to give your style the more distinctive vibe and look you have always wanted.
Regardless of the advice I have just given, follow your instincts. Only YOU are going to know if something works for you or it doesn’t. The best resource you can have is to buy (or subscribe) to as many fashion magazines as you can and rip out looks you like. I keep all of my favorite looks in a folder so that when I am in a funk and feel as though I have nothing to wear, I remember that 100 different ideas are just a foot away.
Remember, you don’t have to be as obsessed as me to want to present yourself well. Fashion is art – an expression of who we are. Go with it and make it yours!
