WARNING: Improvisation Can Cause Improved Creative Thinking in Business

Check out this article in Fast Company then hire me to show your group how this can be a powerful tool. I call mine Improoohvization!TM  Brainstorming Technique

You have been warned...It could be the best thing you ever do for your business!

Common Sense Couture: Runway to Reality

SPRING/SUMMER 2010

As you may know, I keep you informed of general styles and how you can adapt them to your lifestyle. The truth is it is best to take one or two ideas fro the runways to start with. Incorporate them slowly and carefully. Remember the runways are a little tongue-in-cheek, and many times put things together that are meant to be used separately. The styles you pick should not compete if worn together.

MEN

The fashion trends for men on the runway are all over the map this season, but one to be careful with is the slim or short pant. Unless you really know how to pull of this look, I don't recommend it. The skinny pants of the sixties (and eighties) are the norm now, with suit styling on the thin side. If you are slim, still keep the tailoring on the simple side for the pant and pick one embellishment on a matching jacket instead of turning up the pant legs. For an example, a great lapel or wrist cuff to set you apart, but keep it simple. If you are a medium to large build, I don't recommend the slim pant, but you can look for a pant with a slightly wider leg and use monochromatic (one color, similar tone) dressing to give you a longer look from head to toe. Speaking of toes, I love that two-tone oxfords are making a comeback. It takes a certain man of style to wear these well. Take a look at these examples. Two designers this season make fashion a little more accessible to imitate without risking a bad look:  Salvatore Ferrangamo is one. (I don't recommend the bright orange suit pieces, however.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jISzAO_asUU&feature=related

Georgio Armani Spring Summer 2010 Look for the casually elegant gray suits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TSXkia8Ql4&feature=related  Hairwise it is good to keep it simple, but if you like an edgier look, add some texture and volume with hair products. Experiment, look at photos in magazines or online, but remember to keep it real. Don't get tripped up by crazes. Keep facial hair trimmed and neat. Use an unscented moisturizer for the face; you'll thank me in ten years. Just make it oil-free if you have oily skin and choose a sensitive skin formula if needed.

WOMEN

The good news is that the designers have finally figured out that we rather not go back to the eighties.  The bad news is that the skinny pant is back with a vengeance. Most of America is not built for them,  but yet they industry keeps trying to force us into them. Your guess is as good as mine as to why. Most image consultants agree they are not flattering to the majority of clients. If you are built in a very slim way, these will work, but for most of us on the curvy side, not so much. No, let me say that a different way: If you are even slightly curvy, STAY AWAY. Put them back on the rack and your image won't get hurt. Instead, opt for a more subtle boot cut or slight flair with heels or a nice boot with the same. The idea for us is to elongate the body as much as possible. It is a season of contrasts, everything from campy or military style to flowing shades of cream to dark urban edge. This is why it is so crucial that you find your own aesthetic voice, your unique style, and adapt the latest trends to you, not vice-versa. For example, you may take a iridescent pastel piece inspired by Michael Kors design and pair it with your favorite jeans and bag. In this economy, a good way to stick to a smaller wardrobe budget is to add small touches to update your existing staples rather than a complete overhaul. Keep your basics in good shape and they will serve you well for many seasons. My personal favorite is Carolina Herrera since she masterfully holds to her elegant sensibility, then adds unexpected creative flair. My personal style is to stick with classic design that works for my body type and throw in one colorful, artistic piece. I liked her past seasons a bit more than this one, however. 

Make-up and hair are toned down, soft and feminine. If you like darker lipstick, remember to be true to your skin tone and style. Your own personality is always the best foundation. Play up those great eyes or smile and keep things plucked and trimmed neatly. Keep it light for Spring and the focus will be on you, not the color.

How did Carolina Herrera get started creatively? Read this nicely written piece: http://www.fashion-forum.org/fashion-designers/carolina-herrera.html

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Model: Cameron