Style Tips

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March 2, 2010

Jewelry Box Must Haves

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There are a few key pieces that no jewelery box should be without.   Keep in mind that I make jewelery so I might be a tad biased but here are my top picks for your jewelery box.

Most often your smile is the first thing someone will take notice of when meeting you and that means your earrings could be next.  You can’t go wrong with hoop earrings of any size, precious stone studs and stunning chandelier style earrings.  Your hoops and studs will be a no brainer that you feel like yourself in every day.  The chandeliers will be the pair that makes you feel even more sexy and confident.  Whether they are a $25 costume pair from Le Chateau or a $200 pair that is handmade in your favourite gemstone, what is important is that you feel like a million bucks in them.

There are matchy-matchy people out there who love sets (earrings, necklace, bracelet & ring) and people that can make a statement with as little as one piece.  I am the latter for the record and if you are the statement type you can appreciate the impact of a show-stopping necklace that like the chandelier earrings might just be all you need.   In addition to your show-stopper have on hand a simple and elegant necklace or pendant that you wear on the more casual days or when just a little will do.  Don’t forget the ever-beautiful and practical pearl necklace.  It is not just for Mom anymore.  There are so many colours, shapes and styles out there that you can’t go wrong having it in your repertoire.

When it comes to necklaces, and earrings for that matter, don’t be afraid.  If you don’t think you can pull it off you are probably wrong!  In our shop Flux + Form, where we are all about statement pieces, we hear women often comment on a larger necklace and how they could never pull that off.  Nine times out of ten if they have the courage to try it they are glad they did.

I love bracelets!  My favourite kind is the cuff and for its sheer size and impact it is a keeper.  Two words – Wonder Woman.   If the cuff is on the large and rigid side for you then a few beautiful bangles would work just as well.  Try mixing metals and finishes and you can come up with quite an eclectic combination.

Rings!  These little beauties are at the top my list.  I am definitely a one ring per hand girl (not one ring per finger).  For some of you it may mean an engagement and wedding set and for others it will mean that the sky is the limit design-wise.  I believe a ring can define you.  When making a ring of any kind for a client there is so much of them that make it into the design – from a favourite colour, shape, and motif to traditions, beliefs and memories.  If you don’t have one that means everything to you, save up and treat yourself someday soon.  Until then my advice is to have fun with this one.  Go for a fake but pretty costume cocktail ring.  A little bling goes a long way.

As jewelery designer and maker I usually steer pretty clear of trends and make what I like for the most part.    The key to being a unique individual is to do your own thing.  If you have to have the latest must-have then try not to let it break your bank since it will most likely be on its way out in another season or two.  Classic is always in and simple will never lead you astray!

Jewelery Box Essentials

Earrings – Hoops, Studs & Chandeliers

Necklaces – Casual Feel-Good Pedant & Show Stopper

Bracelets – Bangles & Cuff

Ring – Costume Bling & the Real Thing

Feature Writer
Resident Jewelry Expert
Kim Drosdick
(Kim has made a bracelet, ring and earring set for Tanya Kim and a pair of cuff links made from petrified wood for Ben Mulroney to wear on the red carpet at this year’s Oscars!)
 

February 16, 2010

Building Your Style. Developing Your Signature.

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“Authenticity is energizing, economical, and efficient. The better you know yourself, the clearer your choices. Self-awareness leads to true style.” Carrie & Danielle

Find Your Key Item

A key item is the central piece your outfit will be based around. It can be anything – shoes, a dress, a necklace – the only criteria is it must be something you really, really love!

Build Around Your Key Item

Take a look around your wardrobe – is there anything that complements your key item? Do you have a belt that goes well with this purse? Or a dress that looks fabulous with these boots? Put it on. Continue adding more pieces that work well with your ensemble. If you don’t see any obvious matches, start trying stuff on at random – you might come across something unusual and fresh!

Some basic rules … neutrals go with EVERYTHING. Neutral colors include tan, beige, gray, brown, black, white, and navy.

“How do I know if something ‘works’?”
This would depend purely on your personal style and your vision. If you’re unsure of your personal style listen to your gut. With time, you will learn to trust yourself and your eye.

Sometimes you may simply not have the right item to bring it all together. When this happens, you can either put the outfit on hold and finish it later, once you have the item, or substitute it with something else.

Add an Element of Surprise or your “Signature”

What’s the difference between a good outfit and a great one? A great outfit has a hook, something that makes it memorable and sets it apart from the rest! Once you have most of your outfit together, look for something bold and unexpected to offset the equation! Something you’d never normally consider, like cobalt blue shoes in an otherwise white/gray ensemble, or a large chunky necklace in an otherwise simple understated outfit. Adding the unusual will make your outfit look more interesting.

To have style, there must be an emotional and physical connection and passion to the clothes you buy and own.

*As written for Pretty Savvy

 

January 27, 2010

Shoes, Glorious Shoes!

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Yes, shoes are glorious, but more often than not, storing them can cause less than glamorous feelings.  If you’re feeling footwear frustration, you’re not alone. I often get questions about how and where to store shoes, and especially now we’re in winter, beautiful boots.

Here are some tips to get your shoes in order. Read through and keep in mind your personal habits to determine which options will work with your lifestyle and storage space.  Of course, you have to also factor in your love of shoes and the degree to which that influences the amount of indoor real estate you devote to them.

The first step in any organizing project is to decide your goal.  Is it to make sure you can display prize footwear?  Do you simply want to clear the front doorway of shoe clutter?  Do you want to be able to access your full assortment of shoes easily?  It’s your goal. Decide what it is and keep it in mind as you go through the process.

Next, assess your storage space. Look around with fresh eyes and consider all your options – entranceways, closets, under beds and the backs of doors are all shoe storage options.  Measure the spaces and get an idea of how many shoes and boots can be accommodated.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the storage options that exist.

Shelving – Ideal for near an entrance or inside a closet, stackable shelving provides flexible and easy access for every day shoes.  Expanding models ensure that no space is wasted. The top shelf is the ideal spot for boots or high-top shoes.  Keep them standing tall with boot inserts. If putting shoes on display, choose a shelving colour that complements your space. You’ll find shelving comes in a variety of materials including plastic, wood, metal, and combinations with fabric.

Shoe boxes – A shoe box is ideal for shoes that are delicate or worn less often. I recommend recycling the original shoe boxes (or using them in drawers as inexpensive drawer dividers) and using stackable boxes of uniform size.  Choose clear boxes if you like to see what’s inside, or for quick recognition add a label or photo.  Seldom-used shoes can be stored safely in boxes on upper closet shelves.

Hanging shoe storage – Look for a sturdy model of adequate width to hold your shoes. Use them in hall closets or in the bedroom.   If you have free sections (ha!) they are also ideal for outdoor accessories such as gloves and scarves.

Over the door shoe storage – Ideal for lighter footwear with low heels, use over the door storage in places that can accommodate the extra width on the back of the door without impeding your access or movement in the space.

Under the bed – This is a perfect option for high boots which can be placed on their sides under the bed. Look for zippered bags to protect footwear from dust.

Covered Bins – Bins with lids are ideal for off-season storage. They preserve your footwear and can be stacked to maximize space in storage areas. Before placing shoes or boots in bins though, make sure they are wiped clean and polished if necessary. You will also want to stuff paper into any large cavities to prevent crushing.  Layer paper between levels to protect shoes from scratching each other.

Decide which of the options works for you and then translate that into the number of pairs of shoes and boots that can be reasonably stored. That means without cramming them in!

Now for the hard part – it’s time to figure out if your shoe collection will fit comfortably, or if it needs to go on a diet.  Ask yourself these questions to help cull your collection. You really do have the answers.

a)     How does the shoe or boot make you feel?

b)    How often do you actually wear them?

c)     How well do they work with your current wardrobe?

d)    What is the condition of the shoe? Is the leather still supple?

e)     How much room do they take?

When shopping for shoe storage, measure or take your largest shoe along with you to make sure it fits. Employ these tips and your shoes will be smiling back at you.

Here’s a little twist from “Oliver”…

Shoes, glorious shoes!
What wouldn’t we give for
That extra bit more –
That’s all that we live for
Why should we be fated to
Do nothing but brood
On shoes,
Magical shoes,
Wonderful shoes,
Marvellous shoes,
Fabulous shoes!

Guest Writer
Clare Kumar
Chief Organizer
StreamLife
 

January 23, 2010

Seven Ways to Look Polished

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The way we look sends an immediate and powerful message to others.  Impeccable dress will never take the place of business smarts but it will increase your chances of success.  Credibility, trust and value can be easily achieved through 7 simple ways. Done properly can send unconscious messages that are recognized and immediately noticed as a sign of confidence. With a little effort and a lot of personality it is easy to look polished and professional in any line of business.

  1. Wear properly fitted clothes. Never underestimate the power of a great fitted pant and elegant blouse. When things are perfectly fitted you instantly look reliable, dependable and capable. The same goes for a jacket or blazer the simple addition of this piece adds structure, confidence and authority.
  2. Up-to-date on self maintenance? Making sure that you go for regular haircuts, get your eyebrows shaped and fingers and toes nicely manicured and polished. It is small things like these that have a big impact. You may feel that a peep-toe pump or sandal are inappropriate for the corporate world but a good mani/pedi and personal nail colour will give you a beautifully finished look.  Details make all the difference. A chic outfit will be completely degraded by chipped nail polish.
  3. Scent is a very powerful memory trigger.
  4. Jewelry is an integral part of your personality. It can be a topic of discussion and even a point of envy.  Accessorizing your outfits says “I respect myself as an individual.”
  5. Lipstick/Lip gloss, worn regularly will make a subtle, yet remarkable change on you. Giving the impression that you value yourself. If you take the time to add a little lip gloss it’s pretty likely that you’ll take the extra time to do other things.
  6. Scarves are a great inexpensive way to pull your entire look together adding colour and warmth to a understated outfit.
  7. Practice Your Posture, the goal should be to look perfect yet natural.

*As written for Pretty Savvy

 

January 21, 2010

How to be a Stylish Mama On-the-Go

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If you spend most of your time driving your children around to a host of activities, your style may be lacking your once upon a time personal touch. There are many easy tips to looking and feeling stylish while being a Mama of 1, 2, 3 or more. A bit of prep work can make a world of difference every morning when you get up. I’m here to help prevent you from choosing sweats and yoga gear and running out the door. If you have the right basic items in your wardrobe, you can achieve high-end style and still get the kids where they need to go in record time. Here are 9 quick tips to looking like an Elegant & Sophisticated Mama.

  1. Make sure your closet is organized. That will make it easy to find what you need quickly and easily.
  2. Invest in stylish jeans that are easy to wear, feel good and compliment your body shape. Stick with dark washes with minimal details because they are a bit dressier and can work for both causal trips to the park and an evening out to a fun restaurant.
  3. Be sure your clothing fits well. Baggy items add extra pounds and look like you don’t care very much. If you don’t like the size your at cut out the tags!
  4. The one key item is the Blazer/Jacket, look for ones with seams or darts to show your figure to its full advantage or hide challenge areas. As soon as you add this on top of blouses, t-shirts and sweaters you automatically look more put together and polished.
  5. Include skirts and dresses in your wardrobe. There are many simple cuts that work well for casual wear and are easy to move around in. Add a denim jacket for those chaperoned trips at school or heels for a girl’s night out without the fam.
  6. Look for high quality fabrics, such as cashmeres, wools and silk-blends. These will dress up a pair of jeans quickly. And they stand the test of time.
  7. Opt for ballet flats over runners; this choice will always look stylish. Now a days you can find a huge variety of flats in different colours, patterns, with details and/or trims
  8. Add accessories to give your look some extra polish. Scarves in different widths and sizes are versatile and can be carried into any season. Pick ones that feel great against the skin and add a pop of colour or pattern to an otherwise monochromatic outfit.
  9. Always wear lipstick. Even if you don’t have time to do a full face of makeup, this will help you look refreshed and vibrant!

Next time you’re running out the door ask yourself three quick questions 1. Blazer – check! 2. Scarf – check! 3. Ballet flats – check! And I promise you, you’ll feel fabulous, sophisticated and stylish. Just remember it’s you that makes the outfit so be sure to wear clothing and accessories that make you smile, that get you excited and represents your essence because when you do your Style confidence radiates to the people you see, including your amazing kids!

*As written for Sophisticated Woman and Mama

 

January 14, 2010

Figure Formula Part IV: Hourglass

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When it comes to looking your best, try one of these style strategies. You’re a perfect hourglass if you have:

  • broad shoulders and a shapely bust
  • hips and a butt that are curvy
  • a smaller and defined waist

For the hourglass shape your fashion challenge is to keep your broad shoulders and wide hips balanced, while defining your waist.

  • Make the most of your small midsection. Cinch dresses, jackets and sweaters at the waist.
  • Choose a blazer that is shaped around your torso and hits at the hip, so as not to break up the beautiful line of your figure.
  • Choose pencil skirts or high-waisted skirts that hug your waist and run smoothly to your legs.
  • Pick mid-rise jeans, rather than low-rise jeans, to create a smoother line from your waist through your hips.
  • Pick a pointy-toed shoe in the same colour as your pants to strengthen the vertical line of your hourglass shape and keep you from looking too horizontally curvy. The taller the better!

 

January 7, 2010

Figure Formula Part III: Inverted Triangle

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When it comes to looking your best, try one of these style strategies. You’re a perfect inverted triangle if you have:

  • an average to above-average bust size
  • broad shoulders and a full upper back
  • a thick waist with not much difference between your waist and your bust or hips
  • a flat butt or one that appears to connect straight to the back of the thigh

For the inverted triangle shape your fashion challenge is to play down your wide shoulders and widen your bottom half to balance your figure overall.

  • Start with a supportive underwire bra with molded cups to shape and smooth.
  • Avoid high necklines, which can make large busts appear matronly. Aim for V-necks, U-necks and low scoop necks to reveal a verticle line of skin at your chest, drawing the eye away from your shoulders.
  • Wear circle skirts, pleated skirts and A-line skirts that create fullness around your hips where you want it.
  • Try long chandelier earrings, which break up the horizontal line of your wide shoulders.
  • Select bold colours and wild prints/patterns – but on your bottom half only.

 

January 2, 2010

Esteemed Attire: Secrets to Dressing With Confidence

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Confidence is captivating; it is powerful; and it does not fade – and that is endlessly more interesting than being a certified fashionista. The first and most important step in developing a new or refined style is to project the kind of confidence you exude when you’re at your very best. The kind of confidence that will tell others that you respect yourself, love yourself and dress up for yourself and nobody else.

When you express your own personal style you exude this kind of confidence. To help you discover what your style may be, you need to know what inspires you – what colours you love, what images draw you in and the things that attract you. Create an inspiration board one that holds all the things that make your heart flutter. Analyze it looking for words, patterns and keys that may unlock the “uniqueness” each of us possesses.

“Know, first who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.” – Epictetus, Greek philosopher

Once you’ve identified your direction you need to embrace your body, learn about your shape and what you should do to show off its assets while camouflaging your flaws. Let balance and proportion be the guiding spirit. Type “Figure Formula” into the Faith Style search bar for a breakdown on your shape. Next is colour. Are you a warm tone or cool tone? Warm-toned individuals tend to look alive and healthy while wearing earthy colors, such as oranges, bronzes, golds, peaches, brick reds, earthy greens, mocha browns and ivory. They look best in yellow-based colors. Cool-toned people look best in jewel tones such as vibrant emerald green, royal or icy blues, rosy pinks, silvers, plums, and pure white. Blue-based colors look best. An easy test is to ask yourself, what colour do you get the most compliments on? What colour makes you feel really good when you wear it? And take your cue from there.

The last and best part is to play. Take the afternoon, turn on your favourite music, invite a friend, open a bottle of wine and start dressing up. Take photos as you go, making your very own look book.

A great style is equal parts consistency & diversity. Without consistency, it’s just clothes; without diversity, it’s a cul de sac. Adhering to a particular theme can be good – mod, boho, avant-garde – but don’t limit yourself to just one particular look, cut, silhouette or palette. It’s ok to throw in some fun, unexpected pieces, and just because you’ve never worn it before, doesn’t mean you can’t ever!

Remember: Style is not a chemical element that can be simply discovered. Eternal style is a complex concoction of ideas, simmered on low fire and perfected over time. It is a result of an agile mind.

*As written for Pretty Savvy

 

December 31, 2009

Figure Formula Part II: Rectangle

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When it comes to looking your best, try one of these style strategies. You’re a perfect rectangle if you have:

  • a small to medium chest
  • an undefined waist
  • narrow hips
  • minimal curves
  • a slender or athletic build

For the rectangle shape your fashion challenge is to bring your shoulders further out and add curves to your hips and bottom so that your waist looks smaller in comparison.

  • Details like bows and ruffles around the neckline will help to fill you out on top.
  • Shore up narrow hips with low-slung pants and a medium-to-wide belt.
  • Choose V-necks or U-necks that draw the eye up to you chest and create the illusion of a curvy silhouette.
  • Go with A-line or full skirts that have a wide waistband and taper outward, making it appear as if you have a curved waist.
  • Wear low-rise jeans that hit at the broadest point on your body to fake the look of curvy hips.
  • Select bangles or cuffs to add weight to your top and bottom half without adding fullness to your waist.

 

December 24, 2009

Figure Formula Part I: Triangle

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When it comes to looking your best, try one of these style strategies. You’re a perfect triangle if you have:

  • a small to average bust size
  • relatively narrow shoulders and a slight back
  • a waist that’s slim or nearly equal-sized to your chest
  • a wider or rounded behind
  • wide hips and fuller thighs

For the triangle shape your biggest fashion challenge is to restore balance in your silhouette by creating a strong shoulder line, playing up your assets of your short torso and de-emphasizing your lower body.

  • Pair V-neck blouses with wide-leg pants or an A-line skirt to create an hourglass shape.
  • Choose wrap dresses in a matte jersey in delicate patterns with a dark background. Hem your dresses to knee-length or just above the knee to make your legs seem longer and your hips look smaller.
  • Look for mid-rise boot-cut jeans with large back pockets and a wide waistband.
  • Select jackets that are fitted through the bust and waist but gently flare over the hips.
  • Try colourful scarves around your neck to add volume to your top half or wearing drop earrings to draw the eye up.

 

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