The Right to Assess and Invest in Fall
August 20, 2015
By: Roberta and Helene
The leaves haven’t turned
The grass is still green (except in L.A.)
The flowers are still blooming (except in L.A.)
The temperatures are still rising
YET, the mannequins in store windows are dressed for the POLAR VORTEX! And on every newsstand fashion magazines are whetting the appetite of the female beast to shop for Fall.
What you see can be overwhelming. So many coats, so many dresses, so many tops and so many bottoms. So many decisions——What’s worth investing in? Before you go shopping take stock of what you already own. It may be just the right time for a CLOSET CLEANSE!
Our clients choose Team Stylists, especially at the beginning of a new season, for our expertise and objective eye in advising what to hold on to and what to let go of.
We emphasize that wearing clothing that is outdated and past its prime might make you look outdated and past your prime. It is important to know what still fits right. You may be one of the lucky ones to be the same size as you were a decade ago, but guaranteed, your body proportion has changed. While much has gone south, the waist has probably gone north. You need clothes that fit the body you are in today. Once you have assessed and edited your closet portfolio, you are ready to go shopping and invest you money wisely. For a more productive and cost effective experience take Team Stylists with you.
STANDOUT TRENDS
The free spirit of the 70's that began in Spring continued with a vengeance into Fall 2015. Strong on every runway was the folkloric influence evidenced in Victorian frilled collars, romantic lace, embroidery, tapestry, rich velvets and opulent brocades. Patchwork textures at Etro and Chloe made a big impact as well. Hemlines Midi and Maxi out. And….that’s not all there is. Take a break from skinny and find your flare in jeans by Rag and Bone etc. and in wide leg trousers by Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Dries Van Noten. Fringe falls from hemlines, handbags, shoes, shawls and ponchos. In fact, fringe falls from nearly everything.
Snowbirds will soon snuggle up in fluffy fun furs while others might tend to try a long, sleeveless vest as an alternative to the coat. Ponchos, cool capes and floor sweeping dusters are strong finishers carried over from last season’s Boho Chic. Call TS to connect with the Worth Collection and view their amazing selection of ponchos and shawls (from $249 to $298). WORTH the money!
As for color the Fall/Winter trends really grab our attention. Whatever your color chart may say, your best bet for Fall is to get out of the black and into the red! These captivating reds range from scarlet, tomato, and crimson to merlot, marsala, and full bodied bordeaux.
Whether you drink it or wear it, all eyes are on the lady in red. She plays a leading role in the collections by Ferragamo, Dior and Hermes. Black is still beautiful but gets stiff competition from navy, eggplant, charcoal, and stormy weather gray.
Olive green, once used for military and safari, is a staple as a sophisticated and chic color choice. You will be green with envy in the Alice and Olivia sweater trimmed with a dyed to match fox collar (now at Neiman Marcus). No snow yet, but prepare for a WHITEOUT! There was no shortage of stark white pieces all over the runways. All white now is all right now! When in the mood for a calming effect look to the new neutrals. Marni, Michael Kors, Fendi, and Loro Piana wowed us with soft cream, ivory, cognac and camel. There is enough color to cater to all of your fashion cravings. Quiet or playful, subtle or strong, what will you choose to paint your wardrobe in this Fall????
Team Stylists has a wonderful experience at the Neiman Marcus Fashion Show (Images above) this week. The models were gorgeous in sumptuous fabrics and provocative combinations. What luscious eye candy! Jewels, crystals, pearls, furs (fun and real), enough imaginative creativity to awaken our passion for fashion and take it from RUNWAY TO REALITY!
Image Source
July 23rd 2015 By: Roberta and Helene
Women of all ages whether busy in the corporate world walking
from one meeting to the next, or running around chasing grandkids, or
active in the golden years, are looking for stylish shoes. But sometimes
our feet get in the way.
The most powerful fashion accessory, the one to make or break a
look (hopefully not a leg) is the shoe. But for some of us finding the
right “sole mate” can be as difficult as finding the right
man. Everyone has a type. With all the choices out there (we mean
shoes) there is a variety of stylish options to choose from. Sometimes
fancy, sometimes functional, shoes are the “sole” of an outfit. Some
of us like to be high while others prefer to remain safely planted on the
ground. What we see on the runway isn’t always the best for real life
or real feet.
From the lowest of kitten
heels to the highest of stilettos there is a type of heeled shoe for nearly everyone that will
cater to the fashion calendar. Pumps are one of the biggest shoe trends to hit the
stage. Whether thin heeled or thick, pumps allow you to maintain a high
profile. High heels, a favorite of trendsetters and the vertically challenged, look
best with pencil skirts, tight dresses, skinny jeans and for occasion
dressing. While one may be teetering on killer stilettos the chunkier
styles offer a whole lot more stability yet still looking stylish with the
new lengths.
If you prefer “Flat-wear” your options increase as the runway
offered an array of versatile flats. The ballerina will never go away. These multi- taskers especially suited
to capri pants and jeans, make the right footprint with midi and maxi
skirts as well. Comfort meets chic! The pointy
toe lace-up gets on well with flirty skirts or evening
sheaths that simply skim the knee. Although too staid for dresses and
skirts, there is a new focus on loafers. Great with jeans, trousers and suits, the right pair
in red, navy, or gray suede can stand its own against nearly any pair of
high heels. The athletic trend continues to gain momentum as every
brand does its version of the sneaker. Let your feet do the walking in wedges, low platforms,
mod maryjanes or kitten heels. Put your best foot forward.
You'll be hot to trot in all boots climbing from the ankle to the thigh this fall. This high and mighty trend remains a favorite
standby. Perfect ankle
booties are just tall enough to keep the feet warm
while still being short enough to show off your legs If you want to. The
bootie makes its statement paired with shorter lengths and with every bottom
from skinny to flare.
Glad or not, the GLADiator appeared on the catwalk adapted to the winter months. If you
dare to be glad, you will want to know that designers sent out their gladiators
paired with open toed stockings.
For fab-glam attitude, there is a lineup of bejeweled and bead embellished
footwear. When the time is right…..feel like a
diva. Another eye popping trend of graphically designed and
architecturally sculpted heels will even have Richard Meier staring at
your feet!
Pairing the perfect shoe with the right outfit requires some
footwork. Choose a shoe that complements rather than competes with your
outfit. As a rule of thumb, busier shoes mix better with simple looks
while simpler shoes mix better with more intricate and embellished
looks. It's all a balancing act.
If the shoe fits wear it. If the shoe doesn't
fit make friends with your shoemaker!
For more Style advice, click here.
ROBERTA & HELENE - Style
Team Stylists, Helene and Roberta have worked as personal stylists for more
than three decades. Our strength and our focus are women between the ages of 50 and 80 who are professionals, career persons and those who just want to look
their very best.. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A CELEBRITY TO WORK WITH A STYLIST!
Visit the Team Stylists
website today to learn more!
The Right to Not Be Invisible
July 2nd 2015 By: Roberta and Helene
Magazines dictate what to wear in our 50’s,
60’s, 70’s and sadly ignore the 80’s. Team Stylists take offense
to this cookie cutter approach. We like to explore outside the bounds of
predictability. Older women are one of the most desirable consumer groups and
many achieve their greatest success after the age of 50! Five years ago, how
many of us knew what a blog was? We used to blab. Look who’s blogging now!
As we continue to learn and re-invent ourselves
(a la Caitlyn Jenner) we must not ignore the importance of updating our style.
Team Stylists encourage you to step out of the box, break some rules, push the
envelope but keep within the parameters of good taste. Always be mindful of
your body type, personality, and how you want to be seen in your world. Fashion
promotes new trends every season causing the dilemma “Can I or Can’t I? Should
I or Shouldn’t I?" Yes you can and yes you should! Look to designers
for inspiration, pluck out those modern touches that work for you and leave the
rest behind. If it’s Boho Chic you like but don’t want to look like Cher you
can still wear a pair of JBrand flare bottom jeanswith a shaped blazer or an Iro leather jacket. There
are “fringe benefits” in a crossbody bag by Rebecca Minkoff.
You don’t have to be a hippie head to toe. Punctuate your style by developing
the art of mixing. If you love color and patterns, try pairing stripes
with florals. Go for it but be aware that there is a method to the
madness.
Express yourself! Do you emulate a Jane Fonda or
a Betsey Johnson. Annette Bening or a Diane Keaton? Look at Iris Apfel,
who at 94, takes accessories to the max and never made rules because she said,
“I would only break them.” Age should not be the determining factor for having
fun with fashion. WHO WANTS TO BE INVISIBLE? Not our women, all over 60 and some over 70!
Testimonials
Helene and Roberta of Team Stylists are a dream
come true for me. I am an artist, traveler and amateur chef. I like simple,
edgy, no fuss clothing which allows me to move around with ease. They do a
superior job of making me look hip and youthful without looking too young...an
admirable quality to have as stylists and an important quality to have in the
youth driven market of Los Angeles. They have culled together a wardrobe for me
from all price points, which allows me to be on trend without being too
trendy. And it doesn't hurt that they are lovely, funny, smart women. I
could not be more thrilled.
DIANE STEIGER
I have been in the fashion business for many
years where I had the good fortune of working with Helene and Roberta. We have
done personal styling, fashion shows and closet editing together. Although I am
now involved in another industry I always refer to them for their expertise.
Because of my background, I recognize good talent when I see it. I
enthusiastically endorse Team Stylists, Helene and Roberta.
BEVERLY KESSLER
I have had the pleasure of knowing and working
with Helene and Roberta of Team Stylists for many years. I feel that they
always look out for the best interest of their clients. I am very active in
charitable organizations and involved in Temple life as well. I have enjoyed
their services be it dressing me for special occasions such as Bar/Bat Mitzvahs,
Weddings, Charity events or just for a casual lifestyle. They respect my desire
to be cutting edge but remain in good taste at every age and every stage.
IRENE SMITH
I have had the experience of working with Team
Stylists, Helene and Roberta for many years. They have always interpreted my
personal style and were right on target in choosing just the right look for my
busy life. I am the owner of Xian, a successful restaurant in Beverly Hills,
travel extensively and have a very active social life. Team Stylists have
simplified getting dressed. I love their CLOSET CLEANSE - what to
keep, what to donate, what to give for resale. My experience with Team
Stylists has been nothing but extraordinary.
VICKY MENSE
This grandmother of two sits on the Board of
Directors of Helping Hand of Los Angeles at Cedars Sinai Hospital. Although my
schedule is a very busy one, Team Stylists have made a difference. I can get up
and dress for the part I am playing each day because just the right items are
in my closet. Team Stylists never overlook the basics and often combine them
with special pieces so that I always present myself fashionably, tastefully and
to suit my personality. I am a fan of Team Stylists and I am delighted to
recommend them to women of all ages.
BOBBI SCHERR
I am an avid art collector and on the Board of a
Los Angeles Art Museum. I am invited to many art openings which enables me to
express myself in interesting and stylish ways. Team Stylists have been in my
life for as long as I can remember. Their expertise is unsurpassed. They are
definitely my "go to team" as each season approaches. Whether it's
about everyday clothes, out to dinner or an art opening, they have it nailed
down. Team Stylists are knowledgeable about the latest fashion as well as the
"tried and true'" essentials that always work. They know what is
appropriate for my age as well as what will compliment my body type and
lifestyle. Team Stylists will always be apart of my life no matter what path my
life takes.
JULIE SMOOKE
For more Style pieces,
click here.
Team Stylists, Helene and
Roberta have worked as personal stylists for more than three decades. Our strength
and our focus are women between the ages of 50 and 80 who are professionals,
career persons and those who just want to look their very best.. YOU DON'T HAVE
TO BE A CELEBRITY TO WORK WITH A STYLIST! Visit the Team Stylists
website today to learn more!
In the 18th century the second amendment to the Constitution gave us the right to BEAR arms. Did it anticipate that in the 21st century some of us would rather BEAR arms than BARE arms? When it comes to arms and the aging woman, you don’t need a history lesson. If you are like us, you’ve tried it all - lifted weights, done Pilates, practiced yoga and moisturized extensively and expensively. But the skin still had a mind of its own. It went South.
How did my once velvety - smooth arms become so dry and crinkled? Should my arms forever be banished from view? I say I want to embrace my flapping arms, but am I evolved enough to do that?
Sizzling days and hot nights are approaching. What winter hides summer throws in your face. No more sleeveless dresses, spaghetti straps and camisoles? Will I ever again feel sexy and alluring?
Team Stylists has some tips on how to be “cool” and look “hot”.
THE OVER AND THE UNDER:
Don’t “shrug” your shoulders at these sleeveless solutions. It can be as simple as navigating
Amazon.com or
Nordstrom for a plethora of shrugs in every shape and fabrication. We love our sheer and weightless shrugs by
Gaultier that we found at The Real Real. Or this colorful
Michael Kors shrug with built-in ventilation for Summer. In a hip way, sleeves wrap around your shoulders exposing a little skin. After all, we still love our shoulders since they are sexy and slower to age. Give them the “cold shoulder”!
ALTERNATIVE: Create sheer magic with a
poncho that softly drapes over that strapless dress you’ve been yearning to wear. It adds a touch of glamour and showcases your sense of style.
A great find under the radar is the opaque, one size fits all, stretch long sleeve top at
Nicole’s Boutique, West Hollywood. Choose from a variety of solids and prints at $45.00. Looks great under your sleeveless shells and dresses. Just when you thought it was time to give that dress up - Voila! A new look, another solution. It’s only arms length away! Be sure to check out
Sleevey Magic or
Sassy Sleeves for fashionable sleeves that cover the upper arms giving them a slimming appearance. A good way to play “hide and chic”.
ALTERATION TIP: A wonderful seamstress can add chiffon sleeves to almost anything. We just added them to a JPG tube dress and a Katherine Hammnett sequin top - two wonderful pieces re-invented and saved from “death row”.
SKIN TIP: Whatever skin you do show, give it a golden glow with
L’Oreal Sublime Self-Tanning Towelettes. We love that they are streak free, quick and convenient. Wipe away...even where the sun doesn’t shine!
Well “armed" with all this advice, the powerful woman promotes her best and leaves the rest behind!