“Fashion is what you’re offered; style is what you select.” I don’t know who said that, but I’m sure glad she did!  This newsletter is all about sharing what’s out there and how to determine what YOU should select. Despite the differences among our various styles, we all want the same thing: the assurance that we can reach into our closets blindfolded, pull out any item, create a smashing look around it and walk out the door feeling like a million.    It’s possible – even easy – if you can tune in to your appearance assets and tune out the designer dictates that some new style is a “Must Have” for everybody.   Start with this list of true “Must Haves” for creating your sensational personal style. Tackle one item each week and by Fall you’ll be well on your way.

#1 – Color certainty. You absolutely, positively MUST understand what colors work best on you. Even if you did the Four Seasons thing decades ago and never used it, contemporary color information is invaluable. Trust me on this.  It not only assures that everything in your closet will flatter you, it cuts your shopping time by 75% and guarantees so much mix/match versatility you won’t know which combination to wear first. Check your local Yellow Pages or go to www.aici.org  or www.color-quest.com  to find a professional color consultant near you.  Whether you use my services or somebody else's - Just Do It. If you DO decide to use our color services, mention this newsletter for a $25 discount before August 15.

#2 – An edited closet. You can’t spot the good stuff you already own in a closet packed with not-so-good stuff. Start with the easy decisions. If it doesn’t fit – unless it can be cost-effectively altered – it GOES.    If you’re determined to lose that pesky 10 pounds and don’t want to discard items that you intend to fit back into … OK. But put them in another spot, away from your today closet. Nobody needs to start her day surrounded by clothes that shout “TOO FAT”.   Next get rid of anything that is showing its age and all the pieces you just plain don’t like – either their look or their feel. I know all the reasons this is tough: “It might come back into fashion.” “I paid a lot of money for this.” “My mother-in-law gave it to me.” “I have shoes that exactly match it.” I give you permission to get over it and let it go. If you need on-the-spot help, check details on our closet audit services.   Don’t discard wrong-color pieces yet; next month we’ll learn ways to rescue some of them.

#3 – Shaping under-layers. Your clothes can only look as good as the undergarments that support them. Oprah publicized what experts already knew: most women wear the wrong bra size and style. Get a professional fitting to find a bra that feels great and keeps “the girls” up where they belong – halfway between your sternal notch and your belly button.  Call your local Macy’s and ask when a Wacoal fit event is scheduled. In St Louis, you can also contact independent bra expert Betty Will-Bower at 314-849-5009 or www.bodygraphicbras.com.

#4 - Some more shaping.  If your bottom half is less toned than you’d like, No-Nonsense brand body shaper pantyhose can trim away a full size and banish bumps and bulges completely. I stock up online at www.nononsense.com  because it’s tough to find quantity in-stock at retail stores.  Watch for their free shipping and Buy 1 - Get 1 Free offers. #5 – A dependable dressmaker. Give up the fantasy of a perfect fit right off the rack. Check the items in your closet – as well as any new pieces you buy – for flattering hemlines, correct sleeve length, wide shapes needing some taper, too-full sleeves and other fine-tuning. Getting it right can make a so-so garment into something sensational. Find a local expert through the Professional Association of Custom Clothiers, www.PACCprofessionals.org.

#6 – Shoulder shapes. I know you’ve heard shoulder pads are “out of style” and if you mean the oversized Dynasty look, you’re right. But a modest shoulder enhancement does miracles to lift and balance any figure challenges. A little more shoulder translates to a lot less tummy, hips or thighs, and a higher bust.                                                     You’ll be amazing at the polish shoulder pads will give to your beloved twin sweater sets.   If you are in the habit of cutting pads out of your washable tops – keep right on doing it. When you wash the garment those built-in pads turn into built-in lumps. So replace them with ½” thick unglazed foam pads.  The textured surface clings like Velcro to the inside of your garment and moves to a different garment tomorrow.

Next month’s issue of Eye4Style will include tips to update some of your questionable garments ... and take you shopping for new pieces to fill the empty spots.    In the meanwhile, I’d love to hear from you.  Email me with questions or comments.  Or call me.  Really. 314-803-4445. And if your women’s group or organization is looking for a great program in the coming year, contact me for details. You’ll receive a FREE thank-you gift for any presentation you help me schedule. 'Til August ...   Nancy

Nancy Nix-Rice  -  1512 Ann Ave  -  St. Louis MO  -  63122  -  314-803-4445  NancyNRice@hotmail.com

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