Thursday, September 5, 2013

Casual meets Class

Good evening StyleWise Guys and fellow Fashionistas!

Tonight's post is about a point I preach often and loudly--casual should be comfy AND classy. Keep in mind, I mean this differs for everyone. This evening's models are great examples of how the classy+casual formula wins for obviously different people--and why? What was it about this evening's models that capture the concept? These ladies all have one thing in common......they stayed true to comfort, color, and most important of all: they stayed true to themselves.

The models you'll notice range in height, body type and overall style. Those that are wild at heart wear funky prints, the charmingly classic stick to simple (but fun/bright) color palettes and cleanly structured lines. No matter if you're wearing a skirt and heels or jeans and brogues, casual will never ever go wrong if it reflects your personality--all the while telling the world with your obvious outward self-respect, how you expect to be treated.

(Pssst.......remember that in dating too Ladies--if the wrong type of guy is consistently hitting on you, it may be the signal you're projecting with what you're wearing.....just a thought.)

Our first model is a fellow redhead.......notice the narrowness defined at the waist with the belt, the use of color, and the spectacular shoe--not exactly what I think was originally meant by 'spike heel', but you be the judge:


Also noteworthy on my lovely fellow redhead: the shoulders are covered, which means......NO BRA STRAPS HANGING OUT!
(Sorry--I just had a moment there....if you know me, the exposed bra strap is a huge peeve of mine. So, for the millionth and likely not the last time--quit showing us your underwear! If a guy was walking around with his pants half open and his underwear hanging out, someone would call the police--why, oh why, is it ok just because you're a girl and the underwear is for boobs??)

Next, we have the classic look I mentioned earlier--simple, feminine, and vaguely reminiscent of Grace Kelly or a young Audrey Hepburn:


Of note here are the soft colors that are still cheerful shades--for this model's complexion, these choices were perfect......and here's the best part: they were instinctual. She chose these colors on her own, I'm certain based on seeing how bright they make her eyes and skin appear. Her relaxed posture shows how comfortable she is in simple cotton separates. Yes--a skirt and wedge are considered casual, for those of my Lovies out there who live in pj and yoga pants.

Pastels are NOT for everyone, BTW......if you have an olive complexion, jewel tones/brights are far better--think eggplant purples, deep wine, or dark emerald. Also, white looks stunning on olive tones--when in the fitting room hold the color up near your face if it's a top or dress--if you appear tired, washed out, or the color simply overwhelms your skin as neons tend to do, put it back. Just because you took it in there doesn't mean you have to buy it. And no, no one is watching and assuming you're putting back because it didn't fit your body. It goes back if it doesn't fit who you are or your coloring.

Speaking of bright neons, we have our next model--this is a perfect example of how a simple sundress, a bright belt and lipgloss can be finished off with a great flat sandal. Here again we have a model with a great color sense--the pink really pops, and with a dress in a print with neutral background, it's the perfect way to add visual interest:


Last, but certainly not least we have artistic and sophisticated, without sacrificing fun--notice the metal accents on the jacket lapels? Fantastic detail! This look says I'm young, intelligent, upwardly mobile; this look is true to the personality of the model. The flat shoe is also perfect--she can stay on the go and still be cute doing it:

A big round of applause for our models!!! Thank you!


Ladies--get a new bag on the cheap? Guys--find a new tie or newest cut jacket for a bargain? Send me a pic!

Lastly, if you have any style questions, quandaries or stumpers, drop me a line or join up for Google+ (adding comments is pretty easy and so is signing up).

Till next time, Gents and Ladies alike, (to quote Denis Leary): "It's under-freakin'-wear because it goes UNDER your freakin' clothes!"

Good night, and good dress!

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