Fourth of July Fashion

In three days it will be time to celebrate the birth of our country - even if patriotism does not pulse through your veins the other 363 days of the year, its nice to pause and be thankful for all the freedoms we possess in this country. It's also fun to get into the spirit and "sport" the red, white and blue!

Even if you are ready to show your Independence Day spirit, you don't want to look like you invaded your grandmother's closet or thru on the first red, white and blue thing you found in your closet. Follow these tips to pull off a fashion forward outfit on the 4th!!

1. Ignore Equality for All - Don't feel like you must wear equal amounts of red, white and blue. Most people look better in cool colors or warm colors. Blue is a cool color, Red is a warm color. Wear the the color that best flatters your personal coloring in the greatest amount and wear it near your face.


2. White is Not Kind - Remember that true white is not a very "forgiving" color. Most people do not wear it well. Don't be afraid to substitute cream, ivory, stone or even tan if white is not your best color. Or use white only in your accessories - that is what I am planning for the 4th, a gold link necklace with a few white chunky beads on it.


3. Add a Fourth - Don't be afraid to add a fourth color for interest. Like yellow sandals or even a pink blouse. It is also okay to eliminate one of the three (red, white or blue) and wear only two of the colors together.


4. Avoid Costumes - Assemble your outfit as separate pieces rather than something you went and bought all together. You will appear more stylish if it looks as if your separates were already hanging in your closet and you just chose to wear them together. You don't want to look like you are part of the entertainment for the festivities!


5. Wear Your Style - If you are somewhat "Preppy" in the style you wear, you will have no trouble dressing for the 4th of July. However if you tend to be "Dramatic" or "Romantic" it may be a little more difficult. Just remember don't try to dress like something you are not - again you might run into the dilemma of looking like you are wearing a costume. Instead find separates that reflect your style... even for an outdoor cookout!

Have a great weekend and knock' em dead!!

New Season ...Exciting things on the Horizon!!

Summer is here! My family and I love summer, it just seems a time when schedules change and more flexibility comes into play.

I recently finished my term as President of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International), which allows some of my time to be freed up. It was a fantastic experience and a great honor - but I am looking forward to what lies ahead. A fun project I am currently working on is an image book with 19 of my colleagues from AICI. The book will be titled IMAGE POWER. Each one of us will contribute a chapter on an image subject. I am finishing up my chapter on Finding Your Unique Personal Style. The book will be great, I will keep you informed on its release date!

Another exciting thing I am hoping to do with a little more free time is spending more time speaking. I enjoy presenting to groups. With my duties as president coming to a close, I will be able to take more of the invitations that have presented themselves to me. If you would like me to speak at your group, contact me and I can send you more information.

A fun event ahead for me in early fall is a trip to New York City for fashion week - can't wait I'll keep you posted!