Wednesday, October 19, 2011

What We Can Learn On Halloween

Who do you want to be this Halloween?


Halloween, that wonderful time of year when we are encouraged to dress up, channel our creativity, and express ourselves in an entirely new way. How often do we get the opportunity to wear whatever we please, and have a free pass to do so?

If you have an expressive creative side and fail to access it during the year due to your job, daily obligations, school, etc. this is the time to go wild. Go to the fabric store, notions department, costume shop, and vintage boutique. Enjoy the process of sifting through all of the options. Why not use this fun-loving day to try your hand at crafting an exceptional costume?

The excitement of planning and creating an interesting costume can be yours throughout the year. Why not take the mundane task of daily dressing and infuse it with the energy from your Halloween experience. Isn't that what we do when we choose clothes, create our daily costume? Make the time you shop and dress a creative process to craft wearable art, your ensemble!

Halloween not only encourages the creative process, but consciously or unconsciously requires us to dig deeper into the self to decide who we want to be. Maybe we want to be the flirty bumble bee? Maybe the sexy cheerleader? These choices are often motivated by an internal process. If we can analyze this process, we can come to a greater understanding of who we are or who we want to be.

Even during the rest of the year, we decide who we want to be depending on our clothing choices... even if it is a component of the self. The sexy self, the corporate self, the bum around self, the athletic self...all merely costumes to suit the pieces of the whole. Use this process to examine who you are: What part you are dressing for? Where are these choices coming from? Why have you been dressing the way you have? Why have you chosen these clothes? Then, ask the question of who you want to be: What part would you like to dress for? What clothes make you feel the part? What in your wardrobe is hindering this goal? And what in your wardrobe do you still need? You will never look at your "costume" the same way again!

Happy Halloween!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Transitional Wear

Change of any kind is stressful on the body and mind.  As we leave Summer behind and launch into Fall, we will experience transitional wear from seasonal change impacting our sleep cycle, metabolism, and mood. But transitional wear doesn't only refer to the stress of change, it also refers to the clothing items we must choose to seamlessly move into the colder months and here's how to do it:

Skinny jeans or leggings:


Although the seventies style flare leg is on trend, the skinny is here to stay. These pants are perfect for those in between days as the fabrics come in light and heavy weights. Skinny jeans or leggings work well with of-the-moment flowy tops with cardigans, color block 3/4 boat necks, and heavy knits.


Knits:


From sheer knits to chunky yarns, cozy tops are perfect for this weather. Layer them or wear them singly with skinny pants or skirts. Try knits in various cuts, such as a cardigan, long tunic, poncho or the super trendy cape. Put on gloves, scarves, and hats to keep all areas warm and covered.


Skirts or shorts:


These items are both a sophisticated and comfortable choice. Consider in a seasonless wool gabardine or the trendy heavy fitted ribbed knit. Wear tights, leg warmers, or warm boots as the temperature drops.



Sweater dresses:


If you have difficulty crafting outfits, this item is a no-brainer. Just throw on over boots and tights or heels. Layer with a cardigan, peacoat, faux fur vest, or puffer. For accessories, wear a belt, chunky necklace, or colorful scarf. If you are looking for an easy piece that takes up very little room in a closet or suitcase, this is the one to invest in.




Tights:


This item is perfect to keep you warm without adding bulk. It also doubles as a body shaper and problem area concealer. Try in different patterns, colors, and weights. Wear with classic heels, ankle booties, chunky platforms, knit boots, or wellies.


Undergarments:

There is nothing worse than experiencing winter bulk from your clothing, when bending your arms or moving your legs is an impossibility due to fabric constriction. The only thing that may be more uncomfortable is the moving from the outside cold to indoor heat, leaving you breathless and perspiring. Wearing silk underwear, long sleeve t-shirts, camis, and button downs are all wonderful options to fight the cold and still maintain the integrity of your garments.



Hats, gloves, scarves:

Think of these items as cold weather jewelry. Whether in leather or yarn, hats gloves and scarves are ideal to finish the look of your ensemble while keeping you warm. Wear a matching set or mix and match colors and prints. Go trendy or classic, high end or low, these cold weather accessories are the perfect pieces to collect this season.