Accessories are essential to an outfit. Why? It’s how you bring an outfit together, or make simple, basic pieces, like a white blouse and jeans, a reflection of you. Jewelry helps you maximize your wardrobe, make outfits look different and it’s fun!
Here are two videos from an event I conducted at the Banana Republic flagship store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. More events and videos to come!
Leggings are everywhere this Fall! I’ve seen them in almost every magazine and from $5 to $450, however, this trend is very young and not the most age appropriate. Instead, try a fun pair of tights. Opaque tights are always a must in any woman’s wardrobe, but colored and pattern tights are so easy. Opt for a vertical or small, non-bulky pattern which won’t add extra ‘weight’ to the leg.
Here’s a subtle pair from Nordstrom: http://tinyurl.com/m7unlw
And, if you just want to dip your toe, then try pattern trouser socks - I have a fishnet pair that I wear all the time!
Here’s a link to the Oprah web site with a list of stores and labels for petites. http://tinyurl.com/mnp6ad
Remember, petite means anyone who is 5′4″ and under. Petite clothes are cut with different proportions, but are not smaller in size. Someone can be petite on top, but not on bottom. Again, it’s all a matter a length and the right proportions for your body.
Here’s some other guidelines for petites:
Avoid cuffs in pants, shorts et cetera as this is a visual break in the line of the leg and will shorten you.
Pinstripes can help elongate your frame, but be sure pinstripe pants lie straight against hips and thighs.
Tops should never cover the crotch, because again, we loose the line of the leg.
It’s best to have skirts and dresses just above the knee - this way we see more leg/skin, which helps to length the look.
Jackets should be at, or just above the hip bone - longer and it covers up too much of the leg.
Avoid super high heels as these aren’t in proportion to a petite stature, (5′4″ and under), and will make your weight look pitched forward and off balance.
I am now on Twitter! Follow me as I give advice, links and share what’s going on in the fashion world. My Twitter name is: NoelleCellini — http://www.twitter.com/NoelleCellini
This fashion issue depends on the material or fabric of the trousers. If it’s a dressier fabric, such as tropical wool, then it should have a crease. If it’s a more casual style, like chinos, then no crease.
All my dress trousers have a crease down the front, but my city shorts and casual, cotton pants, do not. My trousers jeans do have a crease since they are a dressier denim and styled like a dress pair of black pants. However, this is a personal preference as I like the slimming effect it has on the line of leg. In general, a crease is usually makes the trousers more formal.
Zara is coming to Chicago. Downtown Chicago that is. This Spanish retailer already has one store in Old Orchard, but will be opening two stores this November. One in River North, on Michigan Avenue, and one in the Loop.
I like Zara, but that’s because they fit my silhouette. Since I’m an hourglass, their tailored jackets and pencil skirts fit
me well and I love the European details. They are also known for turning out trends at a rapid pace, (lead time is about two weeks from idea to store), however, they do have plenty of basics like coats, t-shirts and blazers.
Since they are European, the items do run small. Jackets are narrow in through the shoulders and upper arms, and pants are not very generous in through the hip and thigh. This store is not for everyone, but to give you a guideline, it is seen as an upscale H&M. Items work well for an hourglass or rectangle, and a pear can wear the fitted tops and blazers. 
I was asked the other day, what color shoes do you wear with a navy suit if you can’t find navy shoes? Well, the fact that you can’t find navy shoes is probably a good thing. First of all, navy shoes really only go with navy. They can be a bit dated and thankfully, there are many other options.
A bone-colored, tan, light grey, taupe or even this dark pewter-colored shoe can be worn with navy. Shoes don’t always have to match your trousers, suit or even outfit. In fact, even in a conservative atmosphere like an interview, your shoes can still be the defining point or pop of color in the outfit. For example, instead of always wearing black shoes with a black suit, try a pair of dark purple heels, red, taupe or even metallic.
Metallics are actually very versatile and specifically, with navy, I love a metallic shoe. A dark bronze color is best as it works well with navy, black, brown and even jeans and a black top.
“A sneak peek at the new Ann…” is how many of the mailers and in-store coupons read from Ann Taylor these days. Starting this Fall, Ann Taylor is introducing a new look filled with “frothy tops, perfect pencil skirts and easy, elegant dresses”. They have hired a new design team and are doing away with the Margo, Lindsay and Audrey fit for pants. There will now be two styles, the Signature and Modern fit.
The price point will also be a bit higher as they are trying to introduce “must-have” pieces for your wardrobe, (this 
means something that you just have to have, regardless of the price). They will also be bring back size 14s to the store, (as they took them out briefly to only sell them online), but have permanently removed the double zeros. That size, along with the largest sizes, will still be offered online.
I have lots of clients, including myself, who are nervous and unsure of the new design. This stems from the fact that so many of my clients love and rely on the Margo trousers. No tailoring was needed for the pear body types as the Margo was a perfect fit for them. After looking on the web site, it states that the Signature fit will closely resemble the Margo.
I know that they wouldn’t have introduced a new design without a lot of research behind it, so until then, we will all have to wait and see what the “new” Ann Taylor will bring. It seems to me, that it will be items that have a much more tailored and fitted silhouette and perhaps even a bit younger in style as well. To be continued…
Many people ask me if they can wear their gold and silver jewelry together. Well, here’s the perfect answer courtesy of the July ‘09 issue of InStyle.
“I think it works best when the pieces are dainty. I wouldn’t suggest giant yellow gold hoops with huge solid silver bangles - subtle is better.”
I also think it’s okay to wear silver and gold bangles together, or even layer a few necklaces with different metals. Remember, the fashion rules aren’t as strict as they once were — items don’t have to match — they just need to like they go together!
After shopping with a client the other day, I wanted to share a few tips for shopping for tops when you have a large 
bust. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t want to look for items that are too loose, (like the picture to the right). You still need to look fitted things, otherwise, the top will just hang and we have no idea where the bust line ends, making you look bigger. Tops should nip in slightly at the waist and then flair out to balance out the bust.
Scoop, V-neck and sweetheart necklines are the most flattering on larger busted women. Empire tops are also good, but avoid ones with too much volume below the bust line. Wrap tops are also an option and don’t be afraid of patterns. This can actually keep the eye moving and creates visual interest in an outfit. It’s also great if you can find something with a band or detail at the bottom of the top, which will draw the eye away from the bust.
Items to avoid:
- Turtlenecks, crewnecks and boatnecks are the least flattering necklines as they cover up too much. Instead you want to look for cuts that break up the bust line.
- No Cableknit or anything ribbed as this will pull too much across the bust.
- Short sleeves that end at the same horizontal line as the bust are also a no - they should be shorter, ¾ length or long-sleeved.