As women we know that how we look and therefore how we dress is a visual expression of our self esteem. When we feel good about ourselves we feel empowered and we dress accordingly. When we feel negative about ourselves we often dress to hide our inner beauty.

Our confidence is expressed through our wardrobes. At Anne's on the Avenue we acknowledge this. So we use it to help our clients appreciate what nature has given them. We help you discover your own unique style confidence, and express who you truly are.

We do this by helping you put together your own personal passport for style. A confident style that's efficient, flattering and fashionable and most of all it's a style that is all your own and an expression of who you are. We have 5 simple steps:

• First we look at your lifestyle. In other words what kind of wardrobe do you need? Do you need professional, casual, leisure, cruise and travel wear, evening wear, or a combination of these?

• Second we look at your existing pieces and assess how these garments fit and flatter you, and your lifestyle.

• Then we choose which items will become your new figure flattering signature pieces that will form the basis of your new style confident wardrobe.

• Next we add complementary items to mix and match so you can stretch your wardrobe and you'll always have "something to wear".

• Finally, accessorize, accessorize, accessorize - and how to do it!

This article was provided by Anne's on the Avenue

www.annesontheavenue.com

 

Shopping your own closet

"Revitalize"

The solution to the "I have nothing to Wear" issue

Why is it that so many of us have a closet full of clothes, but we never seem to have anything to wear? March is the perfect time to go into your closet and to re-familiarize yourself with what you have. The benefits of possessing a wardrobe that is appropriate for your lifestyle and your body type are vast. The right clothes can give you more confidence and increased energy .

 

 

By exploring what you already own, you will be able to see what's still working, what isn't and why. This is the first step to:

• ensure that you only have flattering outfits to wear
• making your wardrobe more user friendly
• guaranteeing that you only own outfits that make you look great
• enables you to find outfits more quickly and easily

 

 

 

 

Closet Editing

The first step is to go into your closet and re-familiarize yourself with what you have. The first rule is to EDIT IT. In our closets, as in life, less is more. In most cases, the 80/20 rule will applies.

We wear 20 percent of our clothing 80 percent of the time. The remaining 80 percent represents things that no longer fit our lifestyles, our bodies or are just plain unattractive on us. Some are impulse buys, some that we thought that were great deals or things that we may wear some day. Start by taking every thing out of your closet and put it in one of three piles.

 

 

 

PILE #1

These are the things that you never wear, things you do not like and things that do not fit you. Put everything that is out of style or things that you do not feel good in. Most likely, if you have not worn it in the last year, you will not be wearing it again. This is the GET RID OF PILE.

 

*NOTE: So many of us hang on to clothing thatare too small for us because we plan to lose weight, only to be constantly disappointed and critical of ourselves when we see those items in our closet that do not fit or have not fit in months or years or even decades. We then beat ourselves up and say hateful things to ourselves and about ourselves and unconsciously sabotage ourselves. Just get rid of these annoying unfashionable clothing items that do nothing for our self-esteem and go out and buy something that makes you feel good exactly how you are now. Guess what sometimes happens? You lose weight!

 

Now go back to the GET RID OF PILE and add more. Make a donation pile. If you have lightly used work wear you might consider donating it to W.E.S.T Woman's Enterprise Skills Training Back to Work Closet or to a woman's shelter.

 

 

 

PILE #2

These are the things that need cleaning, mending or small alterations. If these items are not cleaned, mended or altered within a month's time, place in the GET RID OF PILE because you obviously are not using them anyway.

 

* HELPFUL HINT: If they are to go to alterations or the dry cleaner put them into your car right away so they will end up getting done.

 

 

 

 

 

PILE #3

Clothing that you like to wear and clothing that fits you properly

 

This is the clothing that will be the basis of your wardrobe building. When you look at your clothing in the #3 pile, think of it in terms of colour ranges and groups. When you put these back into your closet place the blouses, tops, skirts, pants, blazers, dresses all together in colour ranges. Place the hangers facing in the opposite direction to which they usually will face. Within the next 2 months watch which hangers have not been turned? These are articles of clothing that are not being used and should be added to the GET RID OF PILE.

 

 

 

 

 

Remember these basic principles when shopping to add to your wardrobe:

 

+ The emphasis should be on fit and quality

+ Buy the best that you can afford in simple classic styles

+ Choose flattering styles that fit your body type

 

This article was provided by Anne's on the Avenue

www.annesontheavenue.com

Accessorize, Revitalize and Maximize are the key themes for this year.

Shopping your closet is what is in vogue for 2009.

This is the year to re-examine what you have in your closet and to become skilled in how to rejuvenate and refresh it.

As you are looking for cruise and resort wear to travel with, think about your look and remember that you are preparing your spring summer wardrobe.

The importance of accessories; Accessories have the ability to transform any outfit to your signature look. They can transform any outfit from run of the mill to amazing.

Jewellery in the 2009 collections comes in many and various forms. There are a few common threads among them, however, including:

• Bright lush colours and bold botanicals
• Geometric shapes
• Exotic and ethnic inspirations
• Rich colors; prominent stones and gems
• Modern avant-garde designs

Key Trends:

Bracelets, bangles and cuffs
Scarves
Broaches
Hoop earrings
Clutch Purses

 

Bracelets take various forms this season- from simple chains to chunky bangles. It is the ornate cuff that really takes the trend status, however, worn on the upper arm or wrist.

 

Floral plethora- giant florals are vigorous. Find them as prints, large floral broaches, appliqués, brocades, shapes and patterns. Colors range from pastels to brights.

 

Impact pieces- show stopping bib necklaces, body wrapping belts, accessories command attention

 

Scarves and pashmena wraps

Texture is very important as in crushed or deliberately wrinkled fabrics. Soft feminine colors, and bright colors are both very in.

 

 

Purses and bags

 

Clutch mania- clutches move from evening to day, dazzling metallics and bold brights, from the smallest wristlets to the boldest brights.

 

How to wear these Accessory trends

 

Fashion re-mix is as if all fashion elements were shaken up in a special shaker and some new fashion cocktails were created. Some items may be a retro remix, an artistic distil, or a rainbow punch. It will take great panache to differentiate the fashion genius from the fashion disaster. A confident attitude is a must to carry the look.

 

There are two ways of interpreting this seasons jewellery trends the way the designers see it or the way the accessories and clothing will enhance our beauty and confidence.

 

The 2009 trend is to team wildly bold or colourful clothing with over the top accessories. Experiment with clashing colours and styles- and to make them as interesting as possible. The 2008 trend was to play down the clothing to make the jewels stand out. I would like to see a subtle mix of both, as not to have fashion disasters.

There is always the option to pair statement pieces with a little black dress, or even jeans and a tee. What ever your preference is, the bottom line is that when it comes to jewellery in 2009, the bigger and more exotic the better.

Anne's on the Avenue is the proud recipient of the 2008 BIZ X

Magazine Oscar award for the Best Accessory Store.

 

This article was provided by Anne's on the Avenue

www.annesontheavenue.com