Strategic Style
Welcome
Welcome to "Strategic Style". It’s different from most fashion blogs. It doesn’t feature pictures of how great I look in the hottest new trends for the season. Although I sometimes use my own wardrobe as an example, this blog isn’t really about ME at all.
It’s about YOU. It teaches how classic design principles can guide you to wardrobe choices that showcase the things that are fabulous about you. That knowledge lets you shop strategically, dress effortlessly and feel confident about your appearance no matter your lifestyle, age, size or budget.
I believe it is the clothes’ responsibility to make you look good -- not the other way around. Each woman looks her personal best in clothes and accessories that have “points of connection” to her. The more characteristics that exist in common between you and the things you wear, the more fabulous you will look. Your stuff will look more fabulous too, based on the design principle of repetition.
And things that connect with you will also connect with one another, right? So you quickly develop more mix-and-match than you ever thought possible. Shop less, spend less (or at least not any more) and feel great about how you look every day.
Then you can put wardrobe worries on the back burner where they belong, and march out the door every day with confidence to play your valuable role in the world – whatever that happens to be. Welcome aboard!
Lots of you have asked for tips on travel wardrobes. Whether you are squeezing a quick family trip into the waning days of summer, planning an extended big city weekend this fall or have a business conference in your future, packing for travel gives many women stress-induced heartburn. Here are some tips to make it easier to plan your travel wardrobe.
continue reading ...I hated jeans. Lots of people though I was just insufferably prissy … but it wasn’t that. They just weren’t comfortable to me. Then, with the advent of stretchy, soft denims, skinnier legs and higher, more natural waistlines, I began to change my mind. Yet two problems remained. The overlap end of the waistband curled after the first washing, and over time that little pokey- out bit would rub tiny holes in my tees and camis – BOO! And the wonderful comfort-stretch fabric tended to grow a bit in wearing and the jeans would start to sag.
continue reading ...Celebrities and style bloggers are photographed all over the place these days wearing bright white sneakers. The look is widely touted as a sure-fire way for mature women to look youthful and sporty. Here’s the reason you might want to think twice before jumping on this particular band wagon.
continue reading ...Kimono-style toppers in sheer fabrics and striking prints are a classic look that is especially on-trend this summer and likley to continue into cooler months. They add pizzazz to various combinations of solid-color separates. And they camouflage a multitude of “middle management” issues.
continue reading ...This video commentary about the wardrobes of female presidential candidates has lots of thought-provoking advice for the rest of us too. Whether you’re running for office, making a business presentation, leading a Sunday School discussion or PTA meeting, soliciting good service from a store clerk or just hanging out with friends, I’m betting you want to be regarded with respect and have your input taken seriously in discussions. Designer Nina McLemore shared some tips with NBC News … and I have a few “Yes, but …” additions to the discussion
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