Friday's Faux Paw

I love it when human women wear dresses. There is nothing more feminine or pretty than a woman in a dress! Why then do so many of you wear a nice forn fitting dress and then ruin it with the wrong undergarments - specifically panties? I am tired of seeing women wearing control top panties which create a bulge over top of them so you look like your oozing out of a sausage casing! (Mmmmmm... sausage...) Yes by all means wear underwear that holds you in. But choose a panty that doesn't stop at your waist but continues to under your bra. This will make you look fabulous under those form fitting dresses. Check out: http://www.spanx.com/home/index.jsp If you don't want to invest in something like that, then don't bother with a control panty at all and just wear regular ones. Not only will you look better, but I won't mistake you for a sausage and try to take a bite out of you.

Blemish Free? I Think So!!!

Yes I do hold down an regular job in an office five days a week. But in my spare time, (which there is not a lot of these days) I write, sing, and model. One night before a photo shoot, I got a wonderful huge pimple by my nose. I read somewhere that if you put a blemish cream containing benzoyl peroxide the offender and let it sink in, then put a dot of clay mask on top and go to bed, the pimple should be gone in the morning. Even though I was super skeptical about this, I gave it a try and went to bed.

The result? MIND BLOWING!! It was gone! I never thought that would happen being it was a major underground pimple. So I knew at that moment I had to blog about it and let everyone know that this really worked.

You can use any blemish cream with 2 - 2.5% benzoyl peroxide in it and any type of clay mask. The products I used were both by Paula Begoun and you can buy them online at her website: http://www.paulaschoice.com/  - CLEAR Regular Strength Acne Fighting Treatment and Skin Balancing Carbon Mask.

I hope this works for you as well as it did for me!

Joelle

Casual Fridays Do Not Have To Be Blahdays!

If you work in an office like me, you most likely have a fashion phenomenon that occurs each Friday called "Casual Friday". Most people I know don't have a a problem dressing business, or business casual the rest of the week, but for some reason when Casual Friday comes along people are not sure what to wear. The pitfall I am speaking of is not over-dressing but under-dressing. I may be unpopular after writing this, but I feel that hoodies or bunnyhugs (which is what they are called in Saskatchewan), rockstar type or worn out jeans, gym sneakers, leggings without a dress or long tunic over top, yoga/athletic pants, unkempt hair, and no make-up have no place in an office - even on Casual Fridays. Just because it's a Casual Friday does not mean you let yourself go and look like you've started the weekend early.

So, what does one wear? Because fashion is visual, I think the best way is to show you five of the outfits I have worn on Casual Fridays in the hopes that you might find something to inspire you.

Outfit One

My trick for spicing up a casual look is to throw on some unexpected items with faded jeans and a t-shirt like a jaunty scarf and coral heels.

Outfit Two

Yes a plaid shirt and jeans is very casual indeed. But with a white blazer and some stylish boots, I could be off to my office job or maybe even a Polo match.

Outfit Three

Dark denim trousers always look right on track for the Casual Fridays. But instead of pairing a stuffy white blouse with them, I chose pops of colour to give a nod to the current trend of colour blocking. I do love orange oh so very much!

Outfit Four

While this may look dull, drab and boring at first, I assure you it is not. This photo doesn't show you what I have on underneath my suit coat very well. This is a good choice for that Casual Friday where you are heading out to drinks with the girls afterwards. Because for a night on the town, all you need to do is take off your jacket and...

Voilà!! Just add a clutch and some dangly earrings (which you of course brought to work with you) and you're ready to party!

Outfit Five

Okay, if everything thus far seemed a bit too dressy for you, this should make you happy! Yes I am wearing a tank top, jeans, and sneakers, but I am also wearing a cute argyle cardigan. Argyle always elevates and refines an outfit. Also please note I am not wearing gym sneakers but clean, stylish, fashion sneakers.

See you Wednesday!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

Ahhhhh another Friday the 13th. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia. I am afraid of people who commit this faux paw - wearing "PINK" across your bum. We have Victoria's Secret coming from the US to Canada to blame for this phenomenon. They make beautiful lingerie, however they also make loungewear/workout wear that sports "PINK" across the bum of the pants. It's bad enough to wear the pants for what they are intended for which would be working out or staying at home. However the real problem begins when I am out for a walk and have to see you out in public wearing these atrocities. (Please see my past blog entry for how I feel about outfits that belong in a gym being worn outside of the gym: http://clothesbutnotquite.blogspot.ca/2011/09/fridays-faux-paw.html) And to make matters worse the many of the people wearing these pants do not need to be drawing further attention to their plump, jiggly, untoned bottom. Just a heads up, these pants were in style years ago in the US so not only are you guys being sheep, you are also way behind the times.

Top Ten Make-up Trends For Spring/Summer 2012

Hello everyone! Hope you had a great Easter holiday. I know I sure did! It involved lots of singing. I had fun but am so glad that it's over now. I picked up a bunch of discounted chocolate and gummies yesterday, so I must try to show some restraint or the swimsuit season ain't gonna be pretty for me.

There are many different make-up looks this spring and summer. Some of them I'm not sure I would try (colour blocking), other than for modelling but many are easy and wearable and won't leave you looking like a clown at your workplace.

1. Colour Blocking

The trend of colour blocking continues even on the face. This is a look that can go too 80s in my opinion if you do your whole face. To give a nod to this trend, just do the colour blocking on your eyes and keep the rest of your face simple - a bit of blush and nude lipstick.

2. Orange

Pantone's Tangerine Tango has even made it into make-up for spring/summer! Sephora has teamed up with Pantone to create various orange make-up products. Because I love orange so very much I must elaborate!

The lip collection includes a set of four shades of liquid lip gloss in colours Luminous, Vivid, Glaze and Opal. Luminous is a semi-sheer bright orange with shimmer.Vivid is a bright orange opaque. Glaze is a soft peach shade with shimmer. And Opal is a translucent shade of apricot (more orange-red than Glaze). This collection also includes a Tangerine Tango crème lipstick.

For eyes, Sephora also introduced a Tangerine Tango eye shadow quad of powder shadows that can be used wet or dry and Tangerine Tango Twist eyeliner.

And for the face, the Tangerine Tango prisma chrome blush has a warm colour and luminous sheen that will impart your cheeks with a soft glow. There’s also a blush duo with two complementary colours.

3. Red Lips

Winter, Spring, summer or Fall red lips are here to stay. Any colour is up to you from coral reds to wine reds - anything goes this Spring/Summer. Surprisingly, red lips is a look anyone can pull off. Fair skinned gals look best in coral-reds, medium complexions wear pinky/cranberry shades, while dark skinned gals will look best in dark, rich colours such as burgandy or warm brick.

4. 60s Inspired Cat Eyes

We probably have Mad Men to thank for this trend that keeps going into Spring/Summer. You can stick with the tried and true liquid black eyeliner for this look. Or to make it more modern, why not try a coloured liner or one with glitter in it?

5. Navy Eyeshadow

Instead of the usual brown or black smoky eye, navy was where it was at on the runway. This would be a look best suited for evening. And once again keep the rest of your make-up simple.

6. Silver Eyeshadow

Fresh and light, this is a look that pretty much anyone can pull off. Younger women can do a more metallic eye and wash the colour all over the lid. Older women can use a more matte eyeshadow and just use it as more of a highlighter on the brow bone so you don't accent those dreaded wrinkles.

7. Sun-kissed Skin

It's time to break out the bronzer. First off, invest in one that is close to your natural skin tone and make sure it doesn't look orange. Then dust it on your cheekbones and a bit on your nose and forehead. Do not, may I repeat, do not overdo it or you will look like Snooki.

8. Exaggerated Lashes

Time to break out your false eyelashes? I think so! Now's the time for big lashes - the faker the better. If you're in a more conservative maybe save them for a night out with the girls.

9. Purple Eyeshadow

The purple eye is still going strong into Spring/Summer! If you want to try this look, apply one single shade all over the lis for a wash of colour. Green eyes look great with darker shades of eggplant or aubergine. Brown eyes are gorgeous with purples with a bit of broze mixed in. Blue eyes sparkle with a cool purple with grey undertones.

10. Natural Make-up

Less is more with this common trend. Just focus on highlighting your natural features. Choose a tinted moisturizer (don't forget the sunscreen), put on some light blush, neutral eyeshadow, and mascara on the upper lashes. Slick on some tinted lipbalm and you're ready to go!

Hope you're now ready to try some of these trends out!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

I wish female humans would understand that leggings are to be worn UNDER something as in a dress, skirt, long tunic, etc. When you wear them as pants you look like you forgot the rest of your outfit. You look even more ridiculous when said leggings have a sheen to them like the aerobics spandex of the 80's. I wasn't alive then, but Joelle assures me that it was truly a scary time fashionwise. And those that do not have perfect bodies (which is most of us) or have a bit of "junk in the trunk" when you walk, it looks like two pigs fighting in a sack. I really don't need to see this and no one else wants to either. So please be kind to the enviroment and mankind (and us dogs) and cover up your bumper. Not only will you look better, I will not want to bite your bum thinking it's alive.

Viva Les Curves!

After watching the Academy Awards this year, I wasn't in my usual euphoria over the gorgeous evening gowns on the red carpet. Why you may ask? It's because I saw entirely too many women who were way too thin and sickly looking. When exactly did looking healthy go out of style? And more importantly what kind of message does this send to women, particularly young women? Apparently a very harmful message because in Canada one to two percent of women between the ages of 15 and 25 have anorexia and three to five percent have bulimia.

I remember as a young woman looking at magazines not realising the amount of retouching that had taken place on every photo. How I longed to look like that! I also didn't realise that the model had three hours of hair and make-up and another three hours in wardrobe to attain that look. No wonder I had low self-esteem issues because I looked nothing like the beautiful women in the magazines. I remember feeling so ugly and inadequate. At least nowadays, photoshopping is very mainstream and talked about. A great video to watch about the magic of photoshop was made by Dove:

This video and many others nowadays show what goes on after an image is shot and what goes on "behind the scenes" at a photoshoot.

Yes I still model, however I am very concerned about the message it sends to young women. I recently modelled and was interviewed for Lane Jensen's I Feel Beautiful When... project. I chose I Feel Beautiful When I Model in order to discuss my childhood low self-esteem issues and try to debunk the beauty myth:

Remember, you can't have style if you look sickly because you're starving yourself. eat healthy and always do some sort of exercise in your life daily - even if it's power walking/shopping for those great deals at your favourite mall! And above all love yourself because "We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle." - Marilyn Monroe.

Joelle

Can't Wait For Spring!! The Top Ten Trends For Spring/Summer Fashion

Normally I am most excited for fall fashion. I love the fall textures, colours, and especially taking out my many pairs of boots. But for some unexplained reason, this year I am so excited about spring. Most likely because of all of the wonderful colours that seem to be popping up everywhere. Here's a quick run down of what we are starting to see everywhere:

1. Coloured Denim

Yes coloured denim is still everywhere, not just jeans, but now pants, shorts, and even capris. I have already purchased orange, red, navy, and white jeans and green pants. I still would like to add some purple jeans and cobalt blue jeans to the mix.

2. Colour Blocking

Colour blocking is still very popular this spring. If you are scared to mix brights, then colour block some nutrals instead. Unsure how to do it? Then invest in an already colour blocked for you dress.

3. Nautical

Ahoy, matey! Nautical is once again making an appearance for spring. Look for horizontal striped tees in red/white or navy/white, blazers in a solid like red, navy, or white, and even shoes in the same colours either solid or striped. If the look is not for you, then why not paint your nails in those colours?

4. Bold Pastels

Yes bright colours are in, but bold pastels are huge right now too. Because they are not as pale as in the past choose clothes with clean lines, and keep the neutrals for shoes and accessories.

5. Florals

With spring there are flowers and not just outside! Floral patterns are everywhere this season. To avoid overdoing this look, you only need one statement piece for maximum impact. There's also no need for lots of jewelry or make-up.

6. Pleats

Knife, accordion, or crystal, going with something pleated this season and you'll be in style. For extra glam, add some shimmer or shine. A skirt is the best way to show off some killer pleats. Don't over do your hair and pair it with some strappy platforms.

7. The White Shirt

The white shirt has taken on many a new appearance this year. Designers have knotted, tucked, slashed, warpped, drapped, and layerd it to create a a new way of wearing this wardrobe staple. You don't have to tuck it in, but pair it with a short skirt for a more modern look. Keep accessories white as well - except for your shoes of course.

8. Neon

Are the 80's rearing their head again? I think so! Neon is back with a vengeance. Try a pair of taxi cab yellow pants or a flourescent orange mini skirt. If you're not brave enough, why not some lime green pumps?

9. Shimmer

Clothes have been starting to glow this spring inspired by how water looks being lit by moonlight. You can try this trend with pearly colours in uncomplicated silhouettes. Only do this with one item of clothing. This is wearable during the day too!

10. High Waists

This is not a look that everyone can pull off. Your legs will look longer, and you won't have the "muffin top" bulge, but if you have wide hips, these pants can make you look wider because of the higher up waist. Tuck in your shirt, otherwise people won't know you're wearing a high waist pant at all. Wide pants work best with a lean jacket. A high waisted pencil skirt looks good with a loose blouse.

Zeke will be here Friday with another Faux Paw. I'll be back Monday to talk about something extremely important. Stay tuned!

Joelle

Looking Good In A Flash!

Okay, as I have mentioned more than once in this blog I am not a morning person. It really doesn't matter how much sleep I get, I still hit the snooze bar an average of two times per morning and barely drag my butt out from under the sheets in time to get ready for work. I have found that I only need a few minutes to do the basics and I still manage to look put together. I will share this with you, so when you have a time contraint you can also look good.

First lightly apply foundation if you wish to. Then apply concealer where you need it, for me this means under the eyes and on my nose. I skip the powder but for those with oily skin, lightly dust with powder. Use a light eyeshadow (white or pale pink for fair skin, champagne or pale gold for medium skin, pink/gold or pale bronze for dark skin) to highlight under the eyebrow and on the inside corners of the eye. This makes you look more awake. If I have more time I also apply eyeliner on my upper lash line. Also make sure to curl your lashes and apply mascara on your upper lashes only. By doing this you will draw attention away from dark undereye circles and wrinkles. Lastly, apply some blush and tinted lip balm or lipstick and you're ready to go!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

You bought a wool coat? It sure looks great on you. The reason I and everybody else knows that it's wool is because you didn't remove the tag stating that it's "100% Wool" from your sleeve. When purchased, many coats and suits (yes male humans this includes you) will have a tag stitched to the sleeve stating that it is made of wool or saying where it was made or by whom. It is your job after you buy it and bring it home to take scissors or seam rippers and remove the tag or you look rather silly. We don't really need to know that your coat is made of wool as long as you look good while wearing it. Don't make me jump up on you and remove the tag with my teeth because I feel like doing that everytime I see this faux paw. Not cool.

Solving The "I Have Nothing To Wear" Blues

If you're anything like me, Monday morning comes way too quickly after a weekend. Most of the time I pick my clothes out the night before a workday because I am not a morning person. Sometimes, though, I get sick of doing that or just feel plain uninspired. So what's a girl (or guy) to do in this case?

I may just have an answer to this dilemma. Choose a day off from work, grab yourself a beverage and some snacks (I like red wine with cheese and crackers). Then get some fast tunes playing and a Polaroid instant camera (if you only have a digital camera, that's okay; but then you'll also need a colour printer.)

Start putting together work outfits complete with jewelry, purse, and shoes. If you like an outfit a lot, put it on and get someone to take a photo of you in the outfit. Repeat. Feel free to write on each photo any details about the outfit you wish to remember and the date if you wish. Put the photos in a mini album or pin them on a bulletin board. These outfits will be your "go-to" outfits that you can reach for when you're uninspired--or too tired to pick something out. Now dressing for work will be easy.

Zeke is back on Friday with another Faux Paw he is tired of seeing.

Joelle

For The Men!

I know I spend a lot of time talking about women topics because... well... I am a woman! I have neglected our men followers as of late so I will try to remember to talk about men's style more often. So, here goes!

My husband likes to go to the spa. There, I've said it and there's no turning back now (unless he reads this and tells me that I'm embarrassing him and I delete this entry but I hope that doesn't happen). I think that in today's day and age there is absolutely nothing wrong with men looking after themselves and practising great grooming habits. Afterall why should women only be the ones to fuss and fret over looking their best only to go on a date with a guy who looks like K-Fed on a bad day?

Someone once said, "Women come out of the bathroom in the morning totally transformed. Men come of the bathroom in the morning smelling better." Men, if showering and shaving are the only thing you are doing to get ready for the day ahead, have I got some suggestions for you!

1. Ditch the Uni-brow

Invest in some good tweezers (Tweezerman slant ones are my favourite) and pluck those stray hairs between your brows. If you have exceptionally bushy brows that almost cover your eyelid, then go to a salon and get your eyebrows shaped with a good waxing.

2. Ditch the Nosehairs

If women are watching an octopus' tentacles move in and out of your nostrils when you breathe, then trim your nosehairs. Trimmers are very inexpensive and can be found anywhere. this goes for ear hair too.

3. Ditch the Grey

We colour our hair, so why don't you try it if you are pre-maturely greying? Pre-mature greying is when your getting a lot of grey hair in your 20s and 30s. And don't go with Just For Men as it is crap that comes off on everything. Women's hair colour is far more superior in every way. If you feel weird about buying a box with a woman on it, pretend it's for your girlfriend/wife. Or get it done at a salon.

4. Ditch Soap and Water For Your Face

Start a good skin care regime which doesn't involve using soap on your face. Soap dries out skin and clogs pores. Buy a dedicated face cleaner for your skin type. Also exfoliate your skin once a week either by using a gritty scrub or a chemical exfoliant like Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). And everyday of the year, wear a sunscreen of 15 SPF or more. You don't want your woman to look old and neither do we want you to!

5. Ditch the TV

Start exercising! You have it way easier than a woman to gain muscle and lose weight being that we are fat storers thanks to our ability to have a baby. You don't want a fat girlfriend/wife and we don't want a fat guy. We like to be able to brag to our girlffriends how attractive our man is.

6. Ditch the T-Shirts (at least once in a while)

There was a photo on facebook circulating recently that said, "A well-tailored suit is to women what lingerie is to men." Although this is cute, it is also true. I'm not saying that you have to wear a suit to go grocery shopping with your gal, but at least put some effort into your appearance. Wear nice jeans or khakis and a button down shirt or golf shirt. Wear some nice shoes, not the beat up runners you use to mow the lawn. Trust me, your effort will pay off in ways I cannot discuss here. *wink*

Now guys, I know not to give you more ideas because quite frankly I think this may be more than enough for you to process if you never tried any of these things. But try them and you'll see that not only you'll feel better about yourself, but maybe you will find that certain special someone or keep that special someone interested. Hope this helped out!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

When you put on mascara, it is supposed to make you look better. If you choose clumpy mascara, you look like there is a hairy spider around each of your eyes. If your mascara clumps, either throw it out and buy a new one or if it's new then buy a better mascara. Expensive doesn't necessarily equal better. After applying mascara, use an eyelash comb (or save a mascara wand from a past tube and clean it) and run it through your lashes to get rid of clumps. Also if you find that your mascara flakes off under your eyes making you look like a raccoon, then once again buy a better mascara! Mature women, if you wear mascara try not wearing it on your lower lashes. This makes one look more awake (it detracts from dark under-eye circles) and draws the eye upwards and away from those crow's feet that may be starting to show under your eyes. If mascara doesn't enhance your eyes and instead makes you look worse, then why even bother wearing it at all?

Paula Begoun The Cosmetics Cop

I need to mention an important person to me in the field of cosmetics. Her name is Paula Begoun and she’s also known as The Cosmetics Cop. She is the reason I no longer spend too much money on products that don’t work and end up hating them later. Here is some background information on her taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Begoun at Wikipedia:

Begoun studied Science at Northern Illinois University, before moving to Washington D.C. to work as a professional makeup artist and esthetician in 1978. Begoun relocated to Washington and opened her own cosmetics stores in Seattle in 1981, adding a business partner a short time later. In 1982, KIRO-TV in Seattle, Washington offered Begoun a consumer/feature reporter position, where she began reporting on the beauty industry as an investigative journalist. At that time she began working on her first book, Blue Eyeshadow Should be Illegal.

Begoun had sold her business shares to her partner in 1984, and at the end of 1985 she self-published Blue Eye Shadow Should Be Illegal. In the following years, Begoun received thousands of letters from women across the nation for her Dear Paula syndicated column, wanting more information on products and her ongoing expose of the cosmetics industry. The constant product review requests from women led Begoun to begin work on the first edition of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. The first edition was published in 1992.

In 2008, Paula created an online version of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. http://www.beautypedia.com/ is a product review database with over 45,000 products reviewed from over 300 brands. Products reviewed cover a wide range of skin care and cosmetics from many companies, making Paula Begoun the only cosmetics industry CEO to recommend products other than her own.

In the early 1990s, Begoun began work with a team of cosmetic chemists to develop her own line. She adhered to the standards that skin care should offer results based on published, peer-reviewed research rather than hype and hyperbole. Begoun’s extensive research of the cosmetic industry earned her the expertise necessary to develop her exceptional, state-of-the-art formulations,relying on proven science to create products unique to the industry: skin care that worked, without exaggerated claims. In 1995, Paula’s Choice began to sell their first products online. Every Paula’s Choice product is free of artificial coloring agents, fragrances and irritating ingredients. You can learn more about her products and order them here: http://www.cosmeticscop.com. Begoun remains a consultant for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, major cosmetics companies, news and industry insiders.

She also has a free phone-in show where you can ask questions every Thursday night. To listen live go to: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/paulas-choice-community-page.aspx If you miss it, you can download the free Podcasts on iTunes. Do yourself and your wallet a favour and check her out!

Paula Begoun The Cosmetics Cop

I am not receiving any benefit by recommending anyone or anything on my blog. I would be amiss if I did not mention an important person to me in the field of cosmetics. Her name is Paula Begoun and she's also known as The Cosmetics Cop. She is the reason I no longer spend too much money on products that don't work and end up hating them later. Here is some background information on her taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Begoun at Wikipedia:

Begoun studied Science at Northern Illinois University, before moving to Washington D.C. to work as a professional makeup artist and esthetician in 1978. Begoun relocated to Washington and opened her own cosmetics stores in Seattle in 1981, adding a business partner a short time later. In 1982, KIRO-TV in Seattle, Washington offered Begoun a consumer/feature reporter position, where she began reporting on the beauty industry as an investigative journalist. At that time she began working on her first book, Blue Eyeshadow Should be Illegal.

Begoun had sold her business shares to her partner in 1984, and at the end of 1985 she self-published Blue Eye Shadow Should Be Illegal. In the following years, Begoun received thousands of letters from women across the nation for her Dear Paula syndicated column, wanting more information on products and her ongoing expose of the cosmetics industry. The constant product review requests from women led Begoun to begin work on the first edition of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. The first edition was published in 1992.

In 2008, Paula created an online version of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me. http://www.beautypedia.com/ is a product review database with over 45,000 products reviewed from over 300 brands. Products reviewed cover a wide range of skin care and cosmetics from many companies, making Paula Begoun the only cosmetics industry CEO to recommend products other than her own.

In the early 1990s, Begoun began work with a team of cosmetic chemists to develop her own line. She adhered to the standards that skin care should offer results based on published, peer-reviewed research rather than hype and hyperbole. Begoun’s extensive research of the cosmetic industry earned her the expertise necessary to develop her exceptional, state-of-the-art formulations, relying on proven science to create products unique to the industry: skin care that worked, without exaggerated claims. In 1995, Paula’s Choice began to sell their first products online. Every Paula’s Choice product is free of artificial coloring agents, fragrances and irritating ingredients. You can learn more about her products and order them here: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/. Begoun remains a consultant for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, major cosmetics companies, news and industry insiders.

She also has a free phone-in show where you can ask questions every Thursday night. To listen live go to: http://www.cosmeticscop.com/paulas-choice-community-page.aspx If you miss it, you can download the free Podcasts on iTunes. Do yourself and your wallet a favour and check her out!

Joelle

Building a Capsule Wardrobe

Do you have a lot of clothes but never seem to have anything to wear? If so, I may have the solution to your dilemma.

In pretty much every book on dressing well there is talk of creating a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe consists of basic clothes you can wear year after year and are the foundation on which you build the rest of your wardrobe.

First you need to pick a neutral colour which looks good on you, such as black, charcoal grey, chocolate brown, tan, navy, ivory, or cream. The most popular colours for a capsule wardrobe are black, chocolate brown, or charcoal grey.

Let's build a capsule wardrobe. First I will choose a colour--black.

   The Basics Checklist

• Black three piece suit--blazer, pants, skirt.
• Black cardigan
• button-up blouse in white or off-white, depending on your skin tone
• black camisole
• black opaque tights
• dark denim jeans--the most versatile would be boot-cut.
• little black dress

Once all of the aforementioned items are crossed off your list, then, if you want, you can buy the items you bought in black in a new core colour such as brown, then charcoal grey and so forth.

When you are finished with the basics, then you can add diversity and pattern into your closet. These will be your add-on pieces. While your basics will work for each season, your seasonal add-on pieces will be in secondary colours. Just remember that for each new piece you add, make sure it goes with something you already own.

To show what I mean, I have chosen blues and purples.

   Add-on Checklist

• Blue and purple printed dress (my example has black in it as well)
• Solid purple dress 
• Printed skirt with purple on it
• Purple blazer
• Purple cardigan
• Printed or solid blouse in blue and purple
• Solid tanks in secondary colours--purple and blue

A good rule of thumb is to spend less on patterns than solids, because patterned clothing has fewer mix-and-match possibilities than solids.

And don't forget shoes! I used black as the core colour.

   Basic Shoe Checklist

• Black high heels
• Black flats
• Nude heels
• Black boots (flat or heeled)
• Black booties
• Walkable black flats (canvas sneakers, sandals, or slip-ons)

And last but not least, please make sure you buy some good underwear. A piece of underwear can make or break an outfit.

   Basic Underwear Checklist

• Seamless bra and underwear to match your skin tone
• Seamless strapless bra to match your skin tone
• Black seamless bra and underwear
• At least one set of matching bra and underwear in a fun colour (I love leopard print!)
• Foundation shorts for tummy control under tight dresses
• Half-slip to wear under skirts
• A full slip to wear under dresses

Hope this helps you to start having something great to wear each day!

Joelle