Accessories, Drapings, Shoes OH MY!

Let's build some outfits! The following are some pieces that I suggested and Simone bought over the past week. I featured the two looks to left- the tailored boyfriend jacket and the ruffle blouse in salmon as a base for her Spring/Summer outfits. My ideal look for Simone is too look fresh, classic and timeless. She is young woman working amongst mid age people and I want her to blend with her workmates without neglecting her personal style. The following are a short list of accessories, belts, shoes, pants and skirts that I believe best compliment Simone's body type. I was sensitive to show her clothes that will compliment her boday now at it's current weight and 10 pounds from now.

Accesscories

Accessories are the bookends of every great outfit. Simone doesn't wear jewelry normally, so it was fun to introduce her some pieces that would refine her outfits. Her body type dictates that most accessories should be above waist and chest level. For example a longer necklace would look good on her as it would give an illusion of a cleavage. Her writs are quite thin so a statement watch would create balance and add a fun piece of menswear which is very "in" right now. I also stuck with silver pieces as gold looked too harsh on her. Brooches are fun ways to add definition to the neckline, showcase cleavage or draw the eye upward. As earlier stated Simone does not wear necklaces or earrings, so I found a quirky brooch from Club Monaco that's balances both the yin/yang of heavy and fragile.

The love knot bracelet compliments her thin wrist and it has a rich history. The knot signifies
"never-ending" and as a newlywed she found it esthetically pleasing to be reminded of the love she has for her husband. The love knot bracelet is quite heavy, yet creates allusion of thin arms which Simone appreciates.

The watch-I actually own this Michael Kors watch and I love it. It's heavy yet feminine, retro yet current. When Simone mentioned that she needed a watch that she could wear both to work and on the weekends I automatically thought about this watch. This watch is a statement piece and when one is transitioning from college dorm to the corporate arena I think it's important to look for pieces that will leave an impression on people. Again, image is everything and this watch says she knows the trends yet she appreciates the timelessness of the round faced watch. When we first entered MK Simone gravitated towards a bright purple watch. I reminded her that if she's wants to come across as mover and shaker that purple would have to be kept outside of the board room. She agreed eventually and I'm glad to say that she's pleased with her purchase and has been complimented frequently at work.

Purses

I suggested that Simone invest in 3 purses: Casual, Work and an Evening clutch. Nothing disturbs me more than seeing women in a formal gown carrying a huge hobo bag. I chose these three bags because they're classic and made with real leather. Ladies should not waste their money on pleather because the shape and material wear away after time. I also picked structured bags with strong lines for Simone since I thought they would compliment her curvy body best.

Work-The bag above is Prada and though pricey, holds a multitude of things, has various compartments and a strong bucket shape which will fit seamlessly with her clothes. Again the structured hand bag looks better since it will be waist length and we don't want to create an illusion of width by sporting a shapeless bag.

Semi-Formal-This hot red clutch is BCBG and I love the iconic flower symbol on their purses and clothes and I think its makes this red leather bag look feminine. Again Simone will be wearing this clutch waist height so the popping colour will draw away from the hips and will add a boost to her mostly monochromatic outfits. I was concerned that red might clash against her fair complexion, but I think it suits her perfectly as blue and black would wash her out. The bag allows holds a lot of things and looks good with formal gowns or at an after office event.

Casual-Simone owns several Coach bags so she was happy to add another one to her collection. Again this bag is roomy, structured, falls above the waist and again features the bucket shape. Coach is a classic line which features many fine leather goods. This purse is no exception. I love the weight of the bag, it feels substantial yet it doesn't wear her. The tan on brown colouring makes it easy to mix and match with most things in her closet. In my opinion colours like camel, black and grey are base colours. You can add anything to them and they'll always look polished. I told her when in doubt grab those colours first and build your outfit around it.

Simone does NOT wear belts, she always viewed them as unnecessary. This belt from BCBG is perfect for her body shape because the skinny to thick shape of the belt distracts the eye from looking below the waist and the weight of the belt defines her torso. I love that this belt has a slight equestrian feel to it and the leather was manufactured to look worn. It's also versatile because it can be worn with pants or to accentuate a shift dress.

The gladiator shoe- Since Russell Crowe made this shoe popular again, this is now the go-to shoe for young women in the summer. Though trendy, the straps elongates the foot and the studded detailing are fresh and funky. This shoe is comfortable and can be worn with most summer dresses and jeans during the summer. Walking into a room with these shoes will definitely turn heads! The gladiator shoe comes in various styles both long and short. We tried some longer styles together but thought it best to steer clear from them because the straps made Simone's legs look bulkier and squat. I also thought they looked too literal. It's important not to take all trends literally. Harem pants, cowboy fringe and high fashion running shoes look good on celebrities and the runway but often don't translate in the real world. It's very important that your clothes give an honest reflection of who you are or you'll run the risk of looking uncomfortable and unfashionable.

Work pump-This shoe is a mishmash of Holly Golightly and Sarah Jessica Parker. Classic shoe with a twist, the shoe ornament is detachable so that make this shoe quite versatile and it's light and supportive enough to wear in both Fall or Spring. I love the detailing of the "shoe brooch" and the rounded toe resembles a shoe from the 1940's. Totally ladylike and can be worn with most semi-formal outfits.

Flat shoes, this shoe with look great with most of casual wear and depending upon her outfit with some of her work wear. This one inch heel makes a comfortable shoe and the pointy toe elongates her feet. At 5, 10 the flat shoe still looks polished where as someone of a shorter stature 5,4 would risk look squat and stubby.

Ever one needs a great peeptoe with an ankle strap. Women from Marilyn Monroe to Naomi Campbell understand the allre of this shoe style. Simone has defined legs but is concerned about her smallish calves. This shoe will create a fluid line and at 3inches is high enough for her pants and yet low enough for her to manuever around the office or cocktail party. Patent leather is making a steady comback amongst fashionista because of way of pumping an ordinary outfit with some glamour.

I love this skirt! Again it's all about the details and the belt gives the illusion of a petite waist. This skirt was perfect on Simone as it didn't cling or pull. When wearing skirts it's important to have the right "fit" because it will look as if your hiding your shape or trying to look "sexy" Since Simone has a Romantic Personality Sexy it's very easy for her to look "overdressed or sexy" so I was pleased when I found this skirt that gave balance with sexy yet professional. We bought this skirt in a size 10 and Simone thought it would look best in a size 12. I reminded her if a garment is a bit loose the it will make her look a little bigger and that's not the affect she wants. It's about being streamlined even if that means standing up straight and holding in your stomach.

The Pencil skirt, this one comes in a muted grey which is good for Simone as she loves charcoal and this skirt can be dressed with vibrant colours or darker ones depending on her mood. It's high waisted and falls nicely over her hips without hugging them or creating a sausage look. It hits above the knee which elongates her legs which are can tend to look a bit bulky in box and a-line skirts. This skirt has a side zip which I tend to prefer over the back zip. I think it creates a leaner silhouette and it's easier to get on without assistance and it's FULLY LINED. This skirt is a definite staple and the added stretch means that it won't lose its shape after its been washed. Score for Simone!

This pant was met with doubt:) I love it because it's flared and the waist hides lower stomach pooch. This pants sits a bit below the waist which Simone didn't particularly care for, but when paired with on her blouses she really liked the effect. Straight legged pants look great on Endomorphs, well pretty much all pants do and this pant play up her curves. It's a great silk blend and again the flare looks awesome with flats, boots or heels.

This pant style the Jackson Fit by Banana Republic is perfect for Simone's figure. This pant is described as being a lightweight wool for a beautiful drape and feel. It's wide leg and and that gives it a modern update. This versatile pant goes from lunch hour to cocktail hour. I cannot stress the importance of a lined pant. This pant falls beautifully on top of the toe and though wool it's till light and can easily transition from winter to spring. It has belt loops that support wider and thin belts. It also comes with a matching jacket that Simone bought as well. An added bonus is that Banana Republic does tailoring on site, so she was able to turn the cuff of her pants and get the arms of her jacket lengthen and for FREE!

Jackets!! My favorite wardrobe piece. Simone was in desperate need of a jacket and this one by Banana Republic is perfect. I strongly believe in the power of a trench coat because it brings glamour to any outfit. Jeans, skirts or leggings. Since Simone has a defined waist this coat belted will look smashing on her. It's lightweight and water resistance which is added bonus. I also suggested that she invest in a statement scarf. Women in France have been wearing scarves thousands of ways and it's a nice way to add a pop of colour against Khaki. This jacket hits right above the knee which is perfect for Simone as anything longer would emphasize her wide hips.

* This blouse can easily transition from work, under a blazer and skirt, to play with jeans or shorts.

I love this blouse, the muted colour and the frills. Perfect for an endormorph/romantic body type. The ruffle details draws the eye upward and scoop neck gives a bit of depth to her small chest. It's also cute with a cardigan.

Ruffles are HUGE this spring/summer. This colour with pop against Simone's fair features, I love that it's a bit unstructured to hide her belly and it's sleeve hides an untoned arms. This blouse again can be worn various ways from day to night.