Shoes, boots and bags

Of all accessories, footwear is a necessity. For practical as well as enhancing purposes, it's essential to have a wardrobe of them. You'll be happy to know that this year's crop are styled for comfort. Compare this list of basics with what you have:

• Pumps for business
• Dressy high heels
• Ballet flats
• Short boots
• Tall boots
• Walking shoes
• Foul weather boots
• Athletic

Your personal style and life-style will determine the heel height, shape of the toe and how many of each type to have. Speaking of how many you have:

I have a friend in the closet systems business. Through her work she's discovered that most women have almost twice as many shoes as they think. They don't count the ones only used a couple of times per season. In reality, it looks like there are more choices. Just like our clothing, shoes need to be purged a couple of times a year.

Just for fun, guess how many you have, and then count them. O.K. I'll cut you some slack. Just count the ones in season.

Some need all the basics in 2 colors. For those with dark hair, I suggest black and brown. If you're light, try brown and tan.

As part of the shoe inventory, check your handbags, too. The basics for these are a tote, handbag and a clutch. I suggest a set for each of your essential colors.

Reminder: Shop for shoes when your feet aren't too tired. Also, try them on, again, when you get home. Compare the comfort to comfy ones you already have.

To see a lovely selection of shoes, boots and bags, go to Talbot's. They always have the basics!

Next month: Coats and jackets.

Fall Colors

Gray is the new black this year. It's really a great addition to last year's browns and the perennial blacks. The rest of the story all about neutrals such as black, gray, taupe, tan, beige and white. To spice these up, add a shot of color, either a little, like a top, necklace or shoes or a lot, like a jacket or coat. All shades of purple, plum, deep burgundy, teal blue, pine green are popular.

For those who like bright tones, try orange red, hot pink and egg yoke yellow. For more on colors, check: www.pantone.com

Must Haves for Fall

I mentioned these last month, but it's worth repeating. All of these looks aren't for everyone, but you need to know what's out there.

According to Lord & Taylor, this is "What's Hot"!

• Cropped, Swing & Belted Coats
• Wide Leg Pants
• Shine & Metallic
• Detailed Blouses
• Knits
• Mod

Happy shopping!

How do Men FEEL about How They Look?

From the boardroom to the baseball field, our image is our brand.

Take, for example, the conference I recently attended. 85% of the 700 or so in attendance were financial executives, and men. The most common question was, "How do I look?" And my answer was initially the same, which was, "How do you FEEL about the way you look?" The variety of answers were generally:

1. "I wore this to be comfortable."
   The attire would be khakis or jeans and a polo shirt.
2. "The brochure said 'business casual' so I wore a sports jacket."
   This garment was usually old and tired looking.
3. "My wife dresses me."
   This group generally looked pretty good!
   Their personal clothier knew to put them. In the typical business casual look of:
   Dress pants in khaki or gray
   Dress, button down or polo shirt
   A blazer style sports jacket
4. "I want to look good, so I always wear a suit to these events."
   The conversation that followed usually centered around a vast inventory
   Of carefully selected, quality attire.
   These guys looked great, but hold on
   To the old stuff too long.

What were the rest of my answers for improvement?

1. Comfortable for work is not the same as comfortable at home. In a business environment, jeans are not for work, unless you for Levi Strauss. If you choose a polo, knit or button down collared shirt, wear dress slacks with a leather belt and shoes.
2. A sports jacket always improves a shirt and pants, except when it doesn't look good any more. An old favorite might have broken shoulder pads, (try a better hanger) worn out sleeves or doesn't fit any more. My rule of thumb: if you wear this piece 3 or more times a month, then replace it every year or 2. Oh, and retire the old one.
3. I love this answer! What's more perfect than a live- in stylist? Well, me, of course!
4. These men really get it. Distinguished and prosperous looking, they enjoy the process of dressing well. But in clothing there can be too much of a good thing. If you wear a suit daily, 10 to 15 are plenty. Since you probably buy a new or 2 a year, be sure to retire the same number.

Ladies, the same advice goes for you, too! Because, like men, YOU are the image of your business!

*****

Socks and Stockings

Hi Julie,
I really enjoy your newsletter and look forward to it every month. I have a question. What is the rule on socks and stockings? Should they match the shoes or pants? Today I am wearing a camel colored sweater with a white blouse underneath and some jeans and dark brown shoes. My struggle this morning was whether to wear some nude colored nylons, some dark brown knee-highs or a pair of off- white/camel colored socks. I chose the socks; hope that was the right choice!

Joanne J.

Hi Joanne,
Generally, we matchthe socks the with the pants. But that's a very general rule. With jeans, you can add more color, and fun, to your outfit by adding color. This also draws the eye to this area because of the contrast. Assuming these are casual shoes, I'd just wear a dark sock.

Hope this helps!

P.S.
Leg wear for fall has lots of patterns, in dark colors. Unless you style type is "Mod", don't wear the bright tights!

*****

This 30ish female executive is moving to New England to open an office for her company. She decided it was time, once and for all, to get help with her wardrobe. Attractive and in great shape, she was never really sure she looked good. She relied on a few "go to" outfits and her family's opinion, but what she really wanted was to look great!

Finding me through a web search, we talked. After a "mini make over" in her hotel room, she said to me, "I wish you could come to my closet!" I said, "Why not?" But why do this before you move? 2 good reasons:

1. You won't pack what you don't need or want any more
2. You'll know exactly what to wear during this stressful time

The process with all my clients is to:
Analyze-Organize-Plan-Shop-Review
For more details go to: www.julie foley.net/services

This is usually done in 3 appointments, but it was amazing to do it all at once. Since she was moving, we left no drawer or storage box unopened. In 5 hours we went through every garment she had. While she was going through the drawers you never clean out, like socks, stockings, underwear, workout clothes and sleepwear, I packed up all the "good byes" (or is it 'buys'?). This was Day 1.

Day 2 started with organizing and purging her jewelry. Although jewelry doesn't go out of style as quickly as belts or scarves, we all have our favorites. This also served as a good time to talk about scale, proportion and necklines. By 11 am we were off to shop!

Normally I "pre-shop" for clients. I did some on line, but I knew I'd fine something at classic stores like Ann Taylor and Talbot's. They didn't disappoint. Even though this client is petite, we found most of what she needed by 7 pm. Suits, skirts, tops, shoes and evening wear would be added to her newly revised closet the next day.

As we started integrating the new purchases with her existing wardrobe, I photographed these outfits. Clients love this "Memory Tool." After a couple of hours of mixing and matching, we visited another Talbot's and Ann Taylor. Good thing because these locations had more merchandise than the ones the day before. We found 2 more suits that she really needed to complete the new wardrobe. By 2 o'clock I was at the airport heading home.

So, in 3 days (or 20 hours) she had the wardrobe of her dreams. Being an executive, she explained her feelings in terms of "take-a-ways":

- Buy pieces you love
- Find the colors that look good on you and don't compromise
- Wear clothes that fit
- If the ones you love don't fit, get them altered
- To save time, make outfits
- Plan these outfits a week ahead
- When in doubt, hire an image consultant!

For a busy executive, this is definitely the way to go!

*****

For more information on working with me on YOUR style,
click here.

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