Swimwear Reinvented

This is for you if you’ve ever cringed at the thought of having to wear a swimsuit — wearing so little and showing so much skin makes many women feel self-conscious. Thanks to a Cleveland designer who is the brains behind “girltrunks,” women young and old can feel comfortable and confident while at the pool, beach or on a cruise.

girltrunks are stylish halter/tank tops and shorts that are waterproof and provide more coverage than a standard suit. When Debbie Kuhn of Cleveland launched the girltrunks line, she set out to re-invent swimwear for women in search of coverage and comfort.

girltrunks tops are made of Lycra and bottoms are made of fast-drying polyamide fabric with a mesh lining. They are machine washable and dryable and, for the best fit, tops and trunks are sold separately

For more information, visit www.mygirltrunks.com.

Savvy Shopping Tips for Fall

By Sharon Mosley

Whether you’re shopping for your kids or grandkids who are going back to school or you’re just scoping out the new fall fashion trends, chances are you’ll be scouring the stores and the Internet looking for a few bargains to get off to a stylish start for a new season. Here are some shopping tips to keep in mind.

First of all, it does pay to make a list. It really does keep you focused. There are always items we need to replace, i.e., the jeans that don’t fit anymore. Just tell yourself that they’ve just been through the wash one too many times!

Then set a budget. I know, it’s a tough thing to do, but if you think about what you can comfortably spend, even if it’s just for the day, then you will be not as likely to suffer that dreaded buyer’s remorse at the end of the day when the credit card bill arrives.

Shop alone, if possible. If you’re buying back-to-school clothes, then of course you may have to take the kids or grandkids along to try on clothes. But if you have younger kids and you know their sizes, it may pay to plan a trip by yourself and fill in the blanks later. If you’re shopping for yourself, then you won’t feel rushed to make decisions with someone pacing the floor outside the dressing room.

Set priorities. It may be tempting to browse for a new pair of leather ankle boots, but if you really need to shop for kids’ clothes, then remember you can always set aside some time after school starts to shop for yourself at your own pace. You may even want to spend some of your beach time searching the Internet for inspiration. Go to your favorite sites and fill your “shopping basket” with ideas. I also like to check out the spreads in fall fashion magazines for ideas on ways to put looks together.

Do watch for sales. This is a great time of year to catch sales on fall fashion favorites. The shopping season is in full swing, and retailers want your business early. You’ll also get the best selection now, too. And sales are always a good excuse to indulge yourself a little and splurge. You may not want to wear that fabulous quilted leather jacket right now, but it may be on sale now, and in a few months you’ll have a classic new piece that you will probably wear for years to come.

Focus on the essentials. First things first. If you’ve got a statement-making coat, handbag and shoes, you will not have to worry so much about what goes underneath. Let’s face it. When it comes to fall and winter weather, it’s what’s on top that counts. Your coat, handbag and shoes are what people see day after day. So spend the bulk of your money on these items. If you can find them on sale, that’s even better.

Coordinate with color. Shopping can be a lot easier when you know what color of clothes you want to buy. First pick a color that will coordinate with what you already have in your wardrobe. Start with neutrals. If you already have a lot of black in your closet, then think about adding a fresh touch with a rich brown or a silvery charcoal. Then focus on adding some more colorful hues, such as cobalt blue, ultramarine green, tangerine or even a bright chartreuse.

Have fun. Yes, you can make shopping enjoyable. Do your homework. Be patient. Be true to yourself. And don’t spend your rent money on a new pair of red shoes!  —CNS

Fancy Pants

By Sharon Mosely

“I wear pants almost exclusively so I can sit like a truck driver. I own one dress – a long evening gown.”

—Lauren Bacall

How many of us agree with that movie icon that we all adore, Lauren Bacall? Pants mean freedom. And they are a must-have in our wardrobes. Day in and day out, for many of us, pants are our main go-to fashion staples when it comes to getting dressed, whether it’s for a day at the office or a night on the town. There are all kinds of ways our bottom half can make or break us.

So no matter your shape, here are a few ways to make pants work for you this spring:

• ake sure the proportions are flattering. All it takes is a mirror. Yes, make yourself stand in front of it and check out the waist and below. Try on leggings, boot-cut pants and wide-cut trousers. Don’t rule out those skinny jeans, either. Try them all on and judge for yourself.

• on’t get shortchanged. Yes, we know those cropped pants have been the fashion trend du jour for the past few years, but they don’t necessarily work for everyone. If you have short legs, remember cropped pants make them even shorter. Ditto with cuffs. Consider wearing heels with cropped pants, if you are indeed very short.

• on’t get caught without your shoes. If you are trying on pants in a store, be sure to take along a few pairs of shoes that you might wear with the pants. And you may want to consider taking your pants to a tailor to get the correct length. Remember, not all pant lengths will work with all your shoes. Many of us have several pairs of jeans hemmed to different lengths for just this reason.

• void the extra bells and whistles. Yes, the embroideries and the pockets and all the extra hoopla on pants can get in the way of finding the perfect pair of pants. However, this season, the extras are all about color.

• o pleats please. Pleated trousers have gone the way of “Mom jeans.” Just don’t do it. Stick to flat front pants, which will give you a much better silhouette. Yes, you may have to try on dozens of brands to find the ones that fit and don’t give you the dreaded “muffin top,” but it will be worth it. Then stick to the style that flatters you most, and buy several pairs when you find a pair that works.

• he key is balance. It’s not just the style of pants that you wear that counts; it’s what you wear with the pants. Long sweaters and tunics that cover your hips will make you look longer and leaner, as will fitted jackets and the new sleeveless vests. Platform heels will also give you height.

• heck out the trends. Don’t be afraid to experiment. There’s a plethora of new pants to try: colorful prints and overlays, high-waisted flares, flowing palazzo pants and even drawstring pajama pants. For those of you with great legs there are plenty of short shorts to heat up your spring and summer seasons. —CNS

Signature Style: Statement Pieces for the Holidays

By Sharon Mosley

All I want for Christmas is a gorgeous lace dress, a shiny new pair of boots and a fabulous fur coat … that’s all. Well, there are ways to give yourself the gift of style without going into debt to Santa for years to come.

Let’s just say that you need to keep in mind that basic can be very boring. So instead of being oh-so-practical all the time, this holiday season seek out a signature piece — a unique dress, coat or pair of shoes that is so out of the ordinary you’ll want to wear them every day. And if you do find a show-stopping piece, do the math — that is the cost per wear — sometimes it may be a good time to splurge for the long-term value.

Yes, the Cartier watch, the Hermes handbag or the Chanel jacket can last a lifetime. But you can always take the less expensive route to signature style. Keep your eyes open when you shop the stores and browse online. Go for one great look. Here are a few statement pieces that may get your attention (and everyone else’s) — taking you from basic, boring and so ho-ho-hum to fun, fabulous and va-va-voom all year long.

• A statement dress. It’s a good idea to have at least one of these in your closet, especially at holiday time. Having at least one “go-to” dress that you love to wear year after year (to different parties of course!) is a wardrobe must-have. This season, a special cocktail sheath in all-over lace to makes a stunning entrance at any festive occasion. Shiny sparkly sequin dresses can also be standouts at holiday galas.

• A statement pair of shoes. If you’re not in the market for a new dress, how about stepping out in a glittering pair of haute heels. Shoes can set the tone for the whole outfit. I have a pair of Donald J. Pliner red and black suede mules that I have almost worn out. They are my “go-to” holiday shoes. So check out the shoe salon first: The shoes that are getting all the raves this holiday season are pumped up with platforms, glazed with exotic skins and studded with jewels.

• A statement jacket. Check out the new leather jackets. Yes, dressing up or down has never been easier. With the new burnished metallic leathers out there, it’s easy to do. Team with a frilly ruffled shirt and pencil skirt for dressier outings or with jeans and T-shirts for casual days. This is one place you will not want to skimp on price, however. Soft and supple are the key words, nothing stiff — ever!

• A statement clutch. This is where the fun is this season in handbags … we all have to lug around the totes during the workweek, but come the weekend, it’s time for clutching something a little more frivolous.

• A statement ring or cuff. This is so easy! Check out the jewelry counter in just about every store you visit. You’ll find a huge selection of chunky cocktail rings in all shapes and sizes. Another way to add instant signature style to your holiday wardrobe is the statement cuff. This bracelet is best when big and bold.•

-A statement coat. The holidays are the perfect time to find an evening coat that is over-the-top. Look for drama in colorful furry, knee-length jackets, a wonderful printed brocade blazer or a glittering velvet wrap that ties in front. You may not want to take this one off even after you arrive at the party! — CNS

Fall Fashion ‘Budget Busters’

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

Think you have to have a big budget to get big style? Think again. This fall, major mass retailers are bringing in top celebrities and designers to give fashion followers a big bang for their buck. Yes, you do have to do your homework and visit the store’s websites to know when and where these designer collections will launch. You may even need to visit a store out of town to score a deal if the collection is really “hot.” But when you do manage to buy a high-fashion trend for a low price, it’s worth it.

Here are a few of my favorite “budget busters” in stores now:

• Missoni for Target: A huge launch a few weeks ago that shut down Target’s website and flooded stores with customers proved that the iconic Italian designs were a big hit at bargain prices. The video commercial from the Milan-based company is worth checking out online — and yes, there are a few Missoni treasures still available, but you’ll have to be quick to pick up these great deals.

• Sofia Vergara for K-Mart: The sexy star of ABC’s award-winning sitcom, “Modern Family” has a great collection of clothes at K-Mart arriving just in time for fall and the upcoming holiday season. Her figure-hugging dresses and skirts are steal deals. Watch for K-Mart’s “Money Can’t Buy Style” campaign featuring 20 “real” people putting their own individual spin on clothes available at K-Mart.

• The Kardashian Kollection at Sears: Another major launch this fall is the Kardashian boutique at select Sears’ stores. The famous sisters, Kim, Kourtney and Khloe turn their love of fashion into affordable stylish clothes and accessories. The shoes and boots are my favorites — all priced below $60.

• Jennifer Lopez at Kohl’s: Old Hollywood glamour comes to Kohl’s this fall with Jennifer Lopez’s take on a star-quality lifestyle — complete with faux fur vests, cocoon cardigan coats and suede platform pumps. The vintage-inspired Hollywood bedding collections are big hits, too.

• Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart: The New York designer has been doing great pieces for Wal-Mart for several years now, but her unique style continues to be one of the best bargains in the store. Kamali’s famous signature jersey dresses and tunics are steals at under $20. And if you can’t find Kamali in your local Wal-Mart, check her clothes out online.

• Versace at H&M: Watch for the November debut of Donatella Versace’s collection at H&M. The colorful clothes that the Italian house of Versace is traditionally known for promise to be one of H&M’s biggest designer collaborations yet. And if you don’t get in on the fall collection, watch for yet another Versace collection available in H&M stores in early spring of 2012.

Around the Block: His and Her Fashion Favorites from Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony

By Sharon Mosley, CNS

Want to know what the rich and famous are going to be wearing this fall? Want to know that yes, you can afford their favorite looks too? That’s the intention behind the new collections from Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony debuting at Kohl’s this September.

The folks at Kohl’s say Lopez’s clothes are “all about elegant and refined styles” that are “chic yet playful and offer sexy, glamorous pieces for any occasion.” Now what else would you expect from one of the sexiest fashion icons around?

Here’s a sneak preview of the star’s “favorite” pieces for fall — coming soon to a Kohl’s near you and Kohl’s.com. Check these trends out — all for under $100:

– Wide-Leg Pants — This flattering fit replaces the skinny jean this season. Incorporate a high-waisted, wide-leg pant with a soft, draped top to give this classic piece a fresh, of-the-moment look.

– Winter Shorts — No longer just a summer staple, shorts can be worn with either a bare leg or with tights and are a great way to add new style to an evening look.

– Blouses — As tuxedo suiting is a big trend for women’s wear this fall, look for the perfect way to top it all off with an open-back charmeuse top or pleat-sleeved blouse to pair with a tuxedo pant, jacket, jean or skirt. This versatile must-have is sophisticated, feminine and easily transitions from an office look into an evening ensemble.

– Winter White and Midnight Blue — Shades of white and ivory create clean, soft lines that stand apart in a sea of darker fall colors. Midnight blue is the color for the season and matches almost everything.

– Shimmer / Liquid Shine — A touch of shimmer adds interest to the darker tones of fall. Subtle sparkle and metallic fabrics give any look just the right boost of star power. Try a sequined top or shiny one-shoulder dress.

– Shearling and Faux Fur — The glamorous feel of the Jennifer Lopez collection is easily attained with luxe fabrics like faux-fur and shearling. To incorporate a touch of glamour into any fall ensemble, find the trend in vests, sweaters and handbags.

– Layering — Time to layer up for cooler days ahead! Look for a variety of foundational pieces such as sophisticated cardigans, jackets, sweaters and vests.

FOR THE GUYS

Entertainer and fashion icon Marc Anthony is also launching an exclusive lifestyle brand at Kohl’s and Kohls.com this September. The Marc Anthony collection, according to style experts at Kohl’s is “inspired by Marc Anthony’s musical roots and world travels” and “recalls the elegance of an earlier era with a look that speaks to a timeless style with a modern vibe.” Here are some of Anthony’s fall favorites:

– Moto Chic — The classic motorcycle look is an easy way to add edge to a fall wardrobe. Pair a motorcycle leather jacket with jeans and lace-up boots to get the quintessential look.

– Retro — Form-fitting suits, crisp collar shirts and skinny ties all pay homage to the elegance of an earlier era. Embrace the retro style with a patterned button-down and a skinny tie, just like Marc does on the red carpet!

– Military Inspiration — Masculine, structured and rough, it’s no wonder that the military trend is returning this fall. The pea coat and military trench are outerwear must-haves for men to easily transition summer tees into stylish fall looks.

– External Pockets — With men’s fashion, it’s all about the detail. The external pocket is a unique and fresh take on casual tailoring. Pair these detailed outerwear pieces with jeans for a look that is modern and utilitarian.

–Textured Fabric — This fall, men are adding soft textures into their wardrobes for a look that is both cozy and fashion-forward. Worn with either jeans or a suit coat, cashmere sweaters and fur-lined coats are must-have pieces for every man’s closet.

–Light Gray — Sophisticated and functional, this season’s “it” color for men is light gray. As a color that can be worn year-round and for any occasion, this neutral is perfect for outerwear, suiting and wardrobe basics.

Ten Fast Ways to Summer Style

By Sharon Moseley

It’s time to get hot and look cool in summer’s latest style trends. Whether you’re attending a class reunion, going to a backyard barbecue or getting away for a weekend, there are plenty of new ways to put some heat into your wardrobe without going broke. Here are 10 fashion favorites for summer 2011:

• One: Bright colors. What better way to celebrate a new season than to put on some color! The neons are making news in hot pink and lime green. Taxicab yellow is another way to shout summer with a juicy spritz of color. Summer is the perfect time to get your color on with screaming accessories or a new pair of “look-at-me” jeans.

• Two: Sculpted wedges. Save the flip-flops for the pool. Platform shoes are a great way to spring into warm weather. You can dress up any summer outfit just by changing into one pair of these statement-making sandals. Just remember that pedicured toes make all the difference.

• Three: Nail polish. A simple way to get instant style this summer. Choose a color that’s dramatic, such as the new denim polish from essie or a gunmetal silver like the one from Sally Hansen. Keep the costs down by doing your own manicure on Sunday afternoon, and you’ll be set for a week of barefootin’ down the beach.

• Four: Round sunglasses. Channel John Lennon and his round glasses only this time around, they are bigger and better in sunglasses.

• Five: Jumpsuits. Yes, they’re back in a big way. Think Bianca Jagger and think sexy and silky. It’s the perfect way, if you dare, to dress up for a class reunion, even if you do remember wearing jumpsuits back in the ‘70s.

• Six: Palazzo pants. Another favorite from the past, these flowing wide-legged pants were a hit on the spring and summer fashion runways; they are one of the best ways to keep cool this summer. Just team the soft pants with a skinny tank top or fitted sweater to balance out the fuller silhouette on the bottom.

• Seven: Dressy shorts. Shorts rise to a new level this season, and if you’ve got the legs for them, then the new styles will give you lots of options. The softer, skirt-like looks may even be appropriate for some work environments when paired with tailored jackets. Just make sure that they’re not too short or tight.

• Eight: Polka dots and stripes. Summer wouldn’t be summer without a few of these peppy prints poking out of your closet, now would it? Polka dots are sprinkled over everything from giant totes to sundresses. And natty nautical stripes are the perfect way to top off any skirts, shorts or Capri pants.

• Nine: Neutral suits. Yes, some of us do have to work in the summer. And it can be a problem trying to keep cool but look professional. But this year, designers have turned up with sharply tailored suits and dresses in pale neutral colors that make getting dressed for the office a refreshing change of pace.

• Ten: The long Boho dress. Summer is a time to relax … at least a little bit. Here is an option that will make lounging by the pool a treat. These long dresses — especially the strapless versions — make great swimsuit cover-ups as well as casually elegant party dresses.

Empire waist styles will flatter most body types. Stick to small all-over prints or solids for a more sophisticated style that won’t overwhelm you. Now, it’s time to have that mojito.
— CNS

Summer Wardrobe Wreckers

By Sharon Mosley

Do you think just because it’s summer and the livin’ is easy that you can throw caution to those beach breezes and forget about what you wear? After all, summer is all about less is more, right? Well, not so fast, says fashion trend expert, Andy Paige, author of “Style on a Shoestring” (McGraw Hill, $16.95).

“At any mall USA on any given Saturday,” says Paige, “you will find hundreds of women who have willingly sacrificed their power, femininity and confidence by opting to drown in fabric, logos and flip-flops. The national devotion to sloppy, comfortable clothes keeps me in an absolute tizzy and has become seriously ridiculous.”

But Paige — who regularly travels the country conducting “Beauty Boot Camps” — says she has discovered that there is a “predictability” to the wardrobe mistakes that many of us make. “And remember, there is nothing more comfortable than looking fabulous!”

Here are some of her tips:

♥ Choose clothes that fit. Horrible oversized sweatshirts add 40 pounds and smother any glimmer of feminine shape. Choose active wear that creates shape through the waist, ends around your hip bone, and contains Lycra or spandex. “It’s just as easy to throw on a flattering active jacket as it is a fleece blob,” she says.

♥ Instead of wearing sweatpants that look like “oversized clown bloomers,” Paige advises wearing straight-leg yoga or running pants instead. “You still get the simplicity of just pulling them on, but the cut and lighter weight fabric create a much more figure-friendly look.”

♥ Skip the long tube skirts. “If an ankle-length body tube is hanging in your closet, use it to insulate your water heater,” she says. “Casual ankle-length skirts make us look like shapeless trunks.” Paige recommends wearing knee-length A-line skirts that fall freely from the largest part of the hip. “It’s a timeless silhouette that is the most flattering on everyone, from your grandma to your cousin Gracie.”

♥ Beware of horizontal details. “Whether they’re from stripes, rickrack, ribbons or ruffles, keep all wide lines and voluminous details off your rump,” she says. Vertical or diagonal details will elongate your body and give you more of an hourglass shape.

♥ No pleats, please. Pleated tapered-leg pants are a big no-no in Paige’s fashion book. She advises sticking to flat, front boot-cut or stovepipe-leg pants hemmed to the bottom of your heel to make your legs look longer. She also cautions about “muffin tops” and suggests wearing pants with comfortable waistbands that “frowns in the back and smiles in the front.” Leggings worn with crop tops, see-through white pants and splotchy bleached denim are also summer no-nos.

♥ Put away thick-soled shoes. “Frankenstein’s monster was big, green and dim-witted in the movies; why would you want to wear his shoes? There is nothing feminine, modern or attractive about thick, chunky man shoes. Plus, the thicker the sole, the thicker your legs look.”

♥ Some other summer shoe wardrobe wreckers: white pumps (go for silver pumps or slingbacks), sandals with toe overhang (you generally want about a half-inch of room at the heel and toe), bulky he-man jock sneakers (there are lots of sleek, “declunkified” urban walking shoes available) or socks with sandals (“sandals are for freshly painted toes).

♥ Last thoughts. “So considering the dynamic potential of clothing,” says Paige, “something we all have to buy and wear anyway, since most of us don’t live in a nudist camp, why would you choose to tell the world you’d rather be napping, as you sport a comfortable outfit that’s barely a step above footie pajamas? Smarter fashion choices simply make you look smarter.” — CNS

What to Wear to a Wedding

By Sharon Mosley

Chances are you’re not one of the 1,900 guests who received an invitation to the royal wedding. But if you do have plans to attend a wedding this spring or summer, then you are probably wondering what you to wear. “White tails” may not be the choice of many except the royal British couple, but you still have certain protocol to keep in mind.

“A wedding is the rite wrapped in a party. Dress to honor the former, dress up for the latter,” says Kimberly Bonnell, author of “What to Wear” (St. Martin’s Griffin, $12.95).
Here are Bonnell’s “rules” for dressing for that special occasion we all love to dread.

“Guests grant the bride and groom the illusion of carnal innocence on their wedding day,” says Bonnell. “Even if it promises to be a wild gala, don’t go looking overtly carnal yourself.”

OK, so you’re going to have to dress up. So what do you wear?

• Yes, you CAN wear white to a wedding. “You can wear white, just don’t look bridal,” says Bonnell. Wear white linen or techno-nylon sheath dresses with bare black heels. Steer clear of romantic looks and go for more contemporary, chic looks. Or opt for a white, wool flannel suit with bare heels. White menswear trousers, metallic tops and bare heels are also acceptable “wedding” attire.

• Bare heels are a necessity. “Time out for a definition,” says Bonnell. “Bare shoes means strappy sandals, mules, slingbacks, slides, d’orsay pumps, open toes. With pants and even gowns, bare flats can look just as compelling as heels, but they’re best not worn with shorter hemlines for a dressy event. Bare heels make a pants outfit look sexy and celebratory.”

• OK, you can wear black, too. “Just don’t look funereal,” says Bonnell.  “How? Show some skin. Bare arms, neckline or back swing black from somber to festive.” She adds: “Picture a black slip dress or a sheath, not a buttoned-up black suit; bare black heels, not plain black pumps; or a black sleeveless shell, not a black long-sleeve turtleneck.”

• For a daytime wedding: Short, knee-length, mid-calf hemlines or even ankle-length are just fine if the invitation says “formal,” according to Bonnell. But be careful about wearing pants. “Tux pants, black crepe or velvet, white, gray or black flannel trousers (not gabardine — too businesslike) worn with sexy, bare heels and a stellar top like a taffeta party blouse, modest halter, sequined or beaded shell.”

• Wear low-octane jewelry. Concentrate on “day” pieces not gem glarers. Pair standout jewelry with a white cotton shirt tucked into a knee-length, beaded chiffon skirt.

• For evening weddings: You can get away with “anything under daytime … knee-length hemlines are fine, as long as nothing is overtly “dressy” or “daywear.” Avoid ankle lengths and pant tuxedos. Wear something more bare and elegant than you would wear for a day wedding, such a bareback top or dress. Try dressier day and night combinations like a charcoal cashmere shell with a pink taffeta ball skirt. Choose floral prints, only if they’re on evening fabrics like satin, silk or taffeta. Skip the cotton or linen florals.

• For those “nontraditional” weddings: a beach, a ballpark or a dude ranch, Bonnell suggests wearing flat sandals to the beach nuptials and skip the stockings. “Wear jeans to the dude ranch, but not weary faded ones,” she says. “And why not wear the long satin slip dress to the night ceremony at the ballpark?”

So, what is the bottom line? You’ve got to take into account several factors: The region of the country, the venue and time of the wedding, the age of the bride and groom, and the taste of the couple. Then take it from there. So, dress up to honor their special occasion and have fun while you’re doing it … whether they’re have royal roots or not. — CNS

Spring Fashion Cleaning

By Sharon Mosley

It’s that time of year — spring ahead and get a fresh start. Start by cleaning out your closet! It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it, right?

“Cleaning out your closet is always tough, because our clothes hold memories and ignite feelings and emotions,” says Andy Paige, fashion expert and author of “Style on a Shoestring” (McGraw Hill, $16.95). “We all remember the dress we wore for a special date with our honey or the business suit that got us our first real job or the jeans that made us feel like a rock star. Letting go of garments that we don’t wear anymore but still have fondness for can often be bittersweet.”

However, we have to admit that when we’re finally able to see the floor of our closets for the first time in years, it does feel good. The purge is worth it, even if we haven’t lost those 10 pounds and still aren’t able to wear all those “old” size 8′s still hanging around.

“Truth is, when you do lose the weight, the first thing you want is new clothes,” says Paige. “The last thing you want to do is put on something decades old to celebrate your new body. You want new party frocks and sexy modern look-at-me wear, not parachute pants and a dress from the Alexis Carrington Collection circa 1984.”

And the average woman actually wears less than 20 percent of her closet’s contents on a regular basis, according to Paige. “We live with the delusion that we have a much larger wardrobe than we really do,” she says. “We all stand in front of our closet that’s slap full of clothes and declare that we have nothing to wear. Damn that Eve. If she had not eaten that darn apple, then we would be happy as jaybirds, running naked and free.”

OK, so we’re going to ditch the fig leaves and get busy creating our own closet of Eden — the perfect place to get dressed every day. Here are a few tips to get you started:

♦ Yes, you need to try things on if you’re going to keep it in your closet. You’d be surprised how much wardrobe weeding out you can do by just looking in a mirror. We forget why we’ve never worn that jacket with the weird darts or that skirt that hits us at mid-calf. Yuck, get them out of your life. Fit is key, and yes, proportions change regularly.

♦ The “pile” routine really does work. Or you can do the trash bag thing, but I find that it helps to be able to “see” what you’re getting rid of … not just sticking it in a big black bag.

Think a “Donate” pile, a “Re-create” pile, a “Think About It” pile and a “Fits Me Great” pile. Then be ruthless. Yes, you can have some of your things altered, but I often find that it’s better just to go ahead and let it go once and for all, unless it’s just a matter of sewing on a button or having something hemmed.

♦ Have a friend help you. This tip usually does NOT work for me, but one of my best friends loves to have me help her clean out HER closet. There is something about having an outside opinion. But I find that I know my tastes best, and I usually feel pretty confident about my choices of what stays and what goes. But if you need some help, go for it.

♦ Color-code your clothes. This is probably one of my best tips. Group like colors together. You’ll be amazed at how much faster you can mix and match pieces. You’ll also be able to tell immediately if you need new pieces to coordinate with what you already own.

♦ Here are a few “anchor pieces” that Paige suggests keeping in your closet:

• Great fitted suits

• Fitted blazers

• Trousers with straight legs

• A-line or pencil skirts hemmed to the knee

• Basic black dress

• Fitted denim jacket

• Dark boot-cut or straight-leg jeans

• Accessories, accessories, accessories (well-kept scarves, costume jewelry, handbags,     belts, and shoes)

Next Page »