What is personal style?

It is in my opinion that personal style is the combination, or crash, of personality, fit, and comfort. Funny combo, I know. I think about my own personal style.

1. It speaks to me and about me.
2. It fits my body the way it is today. This is important. I want to feel and LOOK nice.
3. It's comfortable. I have had clothing that fit me perfectly, but I wasn't comfortable wearing it. I feel comfortable in my wardrobe, and it helps me feel comfortable in my own skin.

Now these are the most important things to me, but not the only. I do love color, but all color is not good on me. Some colors are better than others. I play off my skin color, undertones, and hair color. Also, print can be an issue if not used correctly. I am a shorter girl with real curves. I have to handle prints carefully. This works for me though, because I'm not a big fan of prints anyway. I just make sure that I'm not covered in any print. It's important for my shape and short stature that I only go half print to half solid. That's my personal style.

"Fashion? Fashion is..." they say. (QUOTES)

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."

-Coco Chanel

"The difference between style and fashion is quality."

-Giorgio Armani

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion."

-Coco Chanel

"Elegance is a question of personality, more than one's clothing."

-Jean-Paul Gaultier

"Style is primarily a matter of instinct."

-Bill Blass

"Chanel is composed of only a few elements, white camellias, quilted bags and Austrian doorman's jackets, pearls, chains, shoes with black toes. I use these elements like notes to play with."

-Karl Lagerfeld

"Art produces ugly things which frequently become beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time."

-Jean Cocteau

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity."

-Plato

"Fashion is made to become unfashionable."

-Coco Chanel

"We live not according to reason, but according to fashion."

-Seneca

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."

-Mark Twain

"The expression a woman wears on her face is more important than the clothes she wears on her back."

-Dale Carnegie

"Fashion condemns us to many follies; the greatest is to make ourselves its slave."

-Napoleon Bonaparte

"While clothes may not make the woman, they certainly have a strong effect on her self-confidence - which, I believe, does make the woman."

-Mary Kay Ashe

"Above all, remember that the most important thing you can take anywhere is not a Gucci bag or French-cut jeans; it's an open mind."

-Gail Rubin Bereny

"I've always thought of the T-shirt as the Alpha and Omega of the fashion alphabet."

-Giorgio Armani

"I dress for the image. Not for myself, not for the public, not for fashion, not for men."

-Marlene Dietrich

"Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women."

-Elsa Schiaparelli

"Fashions fade, style is eternal."

-Yves Saint Laurent

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

-Coco Chanel

"Jeans represent democracy in fashion."

-Giorgio Armani

"The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice."

-W. Somerset Maugham

Rings I must have ASAP

I am so obsessed with this ring, a ceramic skull! It speaks to me. It's incredibly edgy with the classiness of Presidential china. I love pieces like this! I think this is the meaning of fashion. It crosses borders, is unconventional, and crazy sexy! Thank you innovator, the MIXKO (http://mixko.etsy.com/)


And this ring, hello masculine! This ring makes me want to put on my Fedora and sit in the Pappadeaux's bar on a Saturday night (Dallas, TX area - right off 67S) sipping some dark smooth liquor and talking to a handsome man about sex without ever using the word.

How do accessories do this to me? Another winner from ShopLuella (http://shopluella.etsy.com)

cotton COLORS

My two favorite (basic) things in fashion are color and cotton. Now don't get me wrong, I am very passionate about leather, silk, and neutrals too, but there's something about cotton and color! I mean most everything I put on my body fit into these two categories all year long. You can do some sort of color in every season and cotton is the friendliest fabric of them all.

I think because I don't care much about a print, I embrace color. I'm not a small girl. I'm shapely. I'm voluptuous. I don't like to slap a polyester print across my body. Cotton prints I'll consider, but no big funky abstract or floral polyester for me! I think that as a jewelry designer I choose to play with print in my jewels. I love a solid cotton blouse in a crayon box color, with trouser denim, glam shoes, and as many accessories as I can get away with. I may have on three matching printed ribbon wrap bracelets, an understated neck piece, and the most glam earrings in my arsenal. That's just me. I play two roles. I want to play with my comfort level in my wardrobe and advertise my jewels. And, show my style!

So the next time you're out and about shopping, bypass the new version of the white button up shirt and go all out for color. I say all the time that people are more than welcome to do it my way because it's glam to death, or make your own way!

THE LIST of fashion's seasonal guarantees

Real Simple, http://www.realsimple.com/, says these are the wardrobe basics every woman should have hanging in her glam closet. Wow, could it really be this easy?

Always in Season

Black tank: A white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt.

Short-sleeved white T-shirt: White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. Then replace as needed.

Short-sleeved black T-shirt: The best short-sleeve length is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm.

Long-sleeved white T-shirt: For a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling.

Long-sleeved black T-shirt: A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress.

Black turtleneck: Consider investing in cashmere: You get more warmth with less bulk.

White button-down shirt: A fitted one will get the most wear: It's easier to tuck in and looks neat when left out.

Crisp white blouse: Softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe.

Crewneck sweater: Thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort.

Cardigan: A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.

A black dress: The “little black dress” is a cliche for a reason: It’s a wardrobe necessity.

Pencil skirt: This classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees.

Jeans: It's worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. Your best bet? A pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2 percent Lycra. (The fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.)

Black pants: To get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose.

Skinny jeans: Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don’t fit too snugly at the waist.

Khaki pants: For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.

Denim jacket: A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.

Cropped jacket: Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You’ll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.

Black cashmere wrap: A fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular.

Fall Basics

Cotton waffle robe: Perfect over pajamas or after a shower, this robe is far less bulky than its terry cloth cousin.

The tuxedo shirt: The ultimate day-to-night top, it has a crisp quality that makes it a great multitasker.

Fleece vest: Terrific over a turtleneck or peeking out from under a coat, a vest offers versatility in unpredictable autumn weather.

Athletic sweatshirt: As comfortable as a flannel pajama top—but appropriate for wearing in public.

Lightweight waterproof coat: Ideal for traveling, this practical item looks as right with a skirt as it does with a pair of jeans.

Khaki trench coat: Structured and stylish, it’s a true classic.

Leather blazer: A trim leather blazer brings a little sophisticated edge to any piece. Add a scarf and you’re ready to go anywhere.

Peacoat: No longer just navy blue, peacoats come in a range of colors and a variety of lengths.

Winter Basics

Heavy sweater: Look for a big, chunky knit that’s both comfortable and stylish.

Cashmere hoodie: More luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.

Dark-wash jeans: A wardrobe standby in the cold winter months that’s available in a variety of cuts. Keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.

Pantsuit: Wear the jacket and pants together to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.

Gray flannel pants: These stylish standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.

Wool trousers: Look for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool, made with a twill weave, which won’t feel too heavy.

Down vest: Works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy, so you can wear it with anything.

Black cashmere wrap coat: Whether calf or fingertip length, this elegant item will work for day or evening.

Winter coat: Fur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket.

Spring Basics

Cotton polo: More tailored than a T-shirt, it offers cool comfort on even the stickiest days.

Cotton blouse: An airy and attractive springtime fundamental.

Printed tops: A few boldly patterned pieces add life and color to spring basics.

Lightweight cashmere sweater: Single-ply cashmere offers comfort in over-air-conditioned offices and movie theaters.

Cotton button-up cardigan: Combines the softness of a sweatshirt with the elegance of a cashmere sweater.

Lightweight waterproof raincoat: Easy to carry as a guard against spring’s fickle skies, it blocks wind and rain without weighing you down.

One-button blazer: A cotton or lightweight-wool jacket is a pulled-together layer that can be removed when the temperature rises.

Inverted pleat skirt: As good looking with a tailored button-down shirt as it is with a tank top, it can be paired with a jacket for a more professional look.

Capri pants: These ankle-baring bottoms look great with ballet flats or strappy sandals.

Chinos: Comfortable cotton pants that are durable enough for a day in the park but still look proper in the office.

Summer Basics

Bathing suit: A well-fitting one- or two-piece in a go-anywhere color like black, white, or navy never goes out of style.

Convertible strapless bra: This adjustable undergarment looks smooth and natural under a strapless dress, tank top, or halter.

Cotton pajamas: A pretty patterned pair works as both loungewear and sleepwear.

Built-in bra tank: Offering coverage and support (and an end to visible bra straps), this tank can be worn to workouts or cookouts—and even to the office, under a jacket or sweater.

Ribbed cotton tank: Originally made for men, these shirts are now available in female-friendly shapes. Pick one that fits your figure—it works well alone or under a suit jacket.

Cotton blouse: Choose a lightweight top from a range of colors and a variety of prints.

Cotton printed dress: Stay comfortable even in heavy-duty humidity.

Strapless dress: A white one will show off a great tan, but black, navy, and camel also work beautifully.

Khaki shorts: The summer-wardrobe equivalent of air-conditioning, khaki shorts keep you cool, comfortable, and looking crisp.

Cotton drawstring pants: A good-quality pair will take you straight from yoga class to lunch with a friend.

White jeans: Available in a wide range of styles, white jeans look chic with almost any warm-weather top.

Jewels, by me

Yellow and kelly green = Summer?

When I see yellow being displayed in store windows it makes me want to run home and jump in a sun dress. I don't know. I think it's because everyone in fashion tells me every year that yellow and kelly green are the hot colors for this summer. They are the hot colors for every summer. They equal summer! So with that in mind I am giving thanks to yellow and kelly green. Yellow dress and green blouse: J.Crew. Multi bead accent necklace: http://elleabelle.etsy.com/. Green rose accented necklace: http://rachelled.etsy.com/. Yellow flower painted bangle: http://uncharted.etsy.com/.

MOTIVATE ME

I love to display the things I love. In my business notebook I have pages of cardstock collages with beautiful items that motivate me. When I make a new page I can pull an old one out and post it on a cork board. It helps my creative process to keep motivating items all around me. These items can be little beads I'm trying to figure out how to use, pictures of fun times with my son, or fashion forward photos from magazines. Whatever gets or keeps my mind going. Honestly this isn't just business, I use these tidbits in my day to day fashion. I learn new ways to belt a cardigan or tunic, work a vest, or take a basic dress from day to evening. I need motivation in my life, in heavy doses!

In keeping with this, I recently found ways to make your own glam bulletin boards using recycled materials.

A large, ornate frame makes a great bulletin board for a child's room or home office. Begin by painting the frame. Measure and cut thick corkboard to fit the frame. If the corkboard is less than a half-inch thick, back it with inch-thick foam core secured with spray mount or hot glue. Fit the corkboard into the frame by attaching it with brads at the back. Glue grosgrain ribbon around the edges of the cork to create a border inside the frame.

An old office corkboard can be converted to a stylish magnetic message board with the help of fabric, zinc-coated steel (aluminum and stainless steel will not hold magnets), and a whitewashed frame.

Transform a flea-market picture frame into a pretty — and practical — pocket organizer with some mat board. Cut a mat board to fit your frame. Cut additional strips of mat board to the same width as the frame. To create a decorative look, glue seamstress's tape to the top edge of each strip. Working from top to bottom, create "pockets" by gluing the bottom edge of the strips to the board with hot glue. Overlap strips as you go. Fit the mat into the frame and secure it to the back of the frame with hot glue or a few brads.

G L A M O R O U S

I'm starting a blog focusing on all the glamorous things out there. Although I am a die hard crafter, I appreciate handmade and retail the same. I think there's a lot of room in the fashion industry for anyone willing to participate.