A NEW YEAR!  A NEW YOU!

As we ring in the New Year we take an assessment of where we have been and where we are going.  We look at our wardrobes, our bodies and make some resolutions.  It is a great time to make positive changes.  We look to experts to help us along. Here are some tips from New York Based Stylists found in the Women’s Wear Daily News. 

Fit is one of the most important points in looking fabulous or just looking good. “Nothing looks worse than ill-fitting clothes.  Some clothes have no hanger appeal but are amazing on.”  

“Look for clothes that fit your body type and refrain from being overly trendy” Find a clothing designer that seems to make clothes that consistently make you look awesome. Nicole Miller comes to mind.  Either you can wear her clothes or you can’t.  If you can you can totally count on looking absolutely stunning. 

Nicole Miller has a unique “Look”.  This springs “Look” was “inspired by a recent trip to Tulum, Mexico.  Miller created her Spring 2007 line with a Central American-chic motif that will have you channeling your inner Mayan Princess.”  (www.nicolemiller.com)

The collection features “a tapered silhouette, pencil skirts that hug the hips while blouson tops and bubbly dropped shoulders billow above.  Fabrics are light and airy with breezy crochet and silk georgette.  Colors are primary hues of clay, oatmeal and peridot green paired with whites and soft chartreuse” Her “Santo” print dresses resemble a Mayan mosaic.

Other stylist’s note: “feel comfortable about what you are wearing, keep it simple, keep on the right side of classic”. “Pair what you wear with an amazing bag and heels”, be age-appropriate and comfortable and wear things that fit, things that fit well on a woman always look good.”

A great tip for the NEW you is to go through your closet.  Anything you haven’t worn for two years, gift it or give it to a good cause.  It also makes room for your new purchases. 

A suggestion given is “to turn an amazing vintage find into a one-of-a-kind favorite!”  Erica Goldsmith, Miss Teen WV United States loves to shop for vintage clothing. 
Brenda McCann of Elizabeth Michaels loves to help her customers look awesome.  Brenda and Erica have worked together on some amazing vintage items.  All it takes is a little imagination to create a style that is YOU!

Remember, it’s all about how the clothes make you feel inside.  The key to looking and feeling great is self-confidence.

What are the colors for spring?…Jewel Tones!  Bright blue, red, yellow and green.  Prom gowns are showing a lot of these colors as well.  The cover of Women’s Wear Daily sported a vivid yellow silk tunic and white cotton baby doll shorts.  They were accessorized with large gold earrings and gold bangle bracelets.

FASHION NEWS: Heidi Klum is making the news again with a new show in the works titled “Germany’s Next Top Model.  She has also designed an exclusive jewelry collection for QVC called the Heidi Klum Collection for Mouawad. Top model Tyra Banks just ended the seventh installment of “America’s Next Top Model”.  Everyone knows that anything recommended by Oprah is an immediate sell out item.

Sephora is coming to the Home Shopping Network and Parkersburg’s own Kim Parrish will be showing her spring line on the Home Shopping Network as well.  Great designs at reasonable prices. 

The new Alisha Hill shoes for spring have arrived at Elizabeth Michaels.  The favorite is the Angelina a retro 3-½ inch heel that comes in red, black and white. With a prom gown purchase the shoes are discounted $10.00.  These shoes are great with a gown or blue jeans.  They will be a hot item in your wardrobe.  Second most popular is the 4” peep toe heel in black or dyeable ivory.  It is called Marilyn and has a sling back strap and a large rhinestone flower at the toe.  Another cute number is the 3-¼ inch slide called Keira in gold or silver.  The straps are studded with rhinestones.  You can view these at www.elizabethmichaels.net by clicking on shoes and then Alisha Hill. 

Going on a cruise this winter?  Inside Style and Fashion found a great web site to help you pack and organize your trip.  The address is www.cruisediva.com. The site includes packing lists and reasons why you need to buy duck tape for the trip.  Did you know you can even join the Duck Tape Club??? Linda Coffman also includes tips like: “carry on the outfits you want to wear to dinner…your luggage might not get delivered to your cabin in time to change!” 

Happy New You to all our faithful readers!  See you in February.