Wrap It Up

You have broken in your running shoes, sweated out your hair dos, iced sore joints and pushed away from the daily donuts in the office; congratulations you look wonderful! Do you still have the last 5-10 vanity pounds to shed before you cue the Right Said Fred “I’m Too Sexy” (oh am I the only one that struts to that song?)? I know you are not quite ready to do a full on wardrobe re-haul, but your current attire is eeeehhh—not quite fitting. DAA-DAA-DAAA (that is my hero chime) A WRAP DRESS! 

one of my fave designers Diane vonFurstenburg in a DVF WRAP dress

Lady Diane vonFurstenburg (www.dvf.com) is a genius when she introduced the world to the wrap dress in 1972. The wrap dress flatters any body type and size.   I tell you they come in all lengths from mini to maxi, spaghetti strap to full sleeve, dramatic black to Rainbow Bright and they go from a day at the park to the fundraising gala. Have I sold you on getting a wrap dress yet? Well, here is another bonus from my fiancé (he’s doesn’t know he is) Tim Gunn when he was on Oprah, you remember the one when J. Hud revealed she lost an astonishing 70lbs, Gunn stated the wrap dress grows (in your case shrinks) with you.  As you continue on your journey to fitness goals, the wrap dress will be the prefect look. 

Here are a few shapshot of my favorite looks for the wrap dress:

 

The long sleeve chiffon maxi wrap is perfect for a day of shopping...I am sure J.LO is shopping!! 

 Look how this embraces her waistline

Kelis looks great in this long maxi wrap

You can wear this to the office then happy hour, try a color like Christina Milian did.

***ROZZIE'S TIPS***: Don't forget your accessories! Get a wide belt and stacked bangles for a diva day look.  Change it up with a skinny belt and diamond pendant for the office.  Add the statement necklace and pumps for your date night.  And don't shy away from prints and colors! 

Spring Cleaning

Today officially marks the first day of spring!!! Beautiful blossoms are beginning to bloom, our days are longer and cute lady bugs are crawling around.  Just one thing seems to be out of sync, when you look in your closet and it looks like you are stuck in November!!   You open the closet doors and you see clothes, shoes, belts and coats. You have no idea where to start. No fear, I have quick reference to help you clean out your closet and get ready for a fashionable spring.  Keep in mind the three S’s: Save it=you can keep it and wear it this season. Share it=donate it to a charity of your choice.  Scrap it=throw it away;  it served its purpose. LET’S GO!!

Save it: You spy the bold, black, casual blazer, but the button is missing, but it looks wonderful.  Go to the fabric store (Hancock Fabrics or Joann’s) and get new buttons—adding a jeweled funky button will give it a new look.   Going through your shoes you see the taps on the heels of your pink peep toe pumps are down to the nails (you know you hate that annoying clicking sound when you walk).  These are salvageable, for less than $10 a pair you can get the taps put back on them (Heel Quick-Lenox Mall and Cumberland Mall) and keep on strutting. 


Share it:  You have your pile of things that you preserved well now you must try on.  You realized some items just do not fit (face it the pants are now officially high waters---you really should have read the label). Someone will LOVE to use that top, dress, blazer, jeans, etc.  Go ahead and donate that trendy bubble hem dress, the one you only wanted to wear to the office summer picnic, face it, you are done with it, and you will never wear it again.  Reaching way back in the closet and you see the skirt you have not wore in…GEEESH years (I am sure there was a reason you stopped wearing it) more than likely you will NOT wear it this year.   Oh, what about that asymmetrical dress you got the great deal on, but it looked HIDEOUS on you.  No matter how much you spent on the item, if it is unflattering on you it may look DEVINE on someone else.  The wool blend cropped jacket that makes you itch---why wear something that is uncomfortable?  Here is a list of reputable, local Atlanta charities that are in need of clothing donations (they are a tax write off, too):
-Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV): PADV is the largest nonprofit domestic violence organization in Georgia, has provided professional, compassionate, and empowering support to battered women and their children in metro Atlanta. (www.padv.org)
-Dress For Success: The mission of Dress for Success Atlanta is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.  (www.dressforsuccess.org/atlanta)        
-Atlanta Day Shelter for Women:  The mission of the Atlanta Day Shelter for Women is to ease the burden of homelessness for women and children and to assist in establishing self-sufficiency by providing comprehensive education and supportive services in a manner that respects human dignity.  (www.atlantadayshelter.org)
-Corporate Code: FOR MEN Corporate Code is designed to expand the participation and leadership of displaced men in Atlanta-the homeless, formerly incarcerated, and/or unemployed.  The goal of Corporate Code is to help them gain economic independence by providing interview-appropriate clothing and career counseling. (www.corporatecodeatl.org)
Veterans Empowerment Organization of Georgia (VEO): VEO's mission is to provide the appropriate assistance to veterans who are neglected, sick, hungry and homeless in the state of Georgia. VEO has a transitional housing program that provides a caring supportive environment to allow the veterans to rebuild their lives by returning the dignity of self sufficiency lost to the circumstances that left them homeless. (www.veteransempowerment.org)

Scrap it:  Aggghhh, the seam is busted on those grey slacks and besides that they have been worn a million times over, you can not even imagine being seen in them.  Don’t even clean the house in tattered and torn garments!  You pick up the soft pink, silk blouse and you noticed you never got that huge, oily, tomato sauce stain out of it from last year—it must go to the landfill.  Staring at cargo capris, you can not remember if they are navy or grey or maybe they were black-that is when you know they are way too faded, toss it.

Now that you made space in your closet…TIME FOR SHOPPING.  As you hunt for great deals these are 10 key pieces you need this spring:
1.  Military Chic: get the cargos or the light weight blazer—maybe both
2.  Bold Prints: polka dots, stripes, florals, animal (leopard, zebra, python)
3.  Crisp White: a classic button down, a pair of jeans, a sheath dress, your handbag…so many ways to add white into your spring look.
4.  70s Inspired: jumpsuits (be careful of the fit and fabric…you have to try these on and really know your body type), maxi dresses and flare leg pants/jeans.
5.  Pop color: citrus yellow, cobalt blue, tangerine
6.  Fashion Tote: some are large yet stylish enough to carry your notebook, magazine, cool flats, snacks…I am not the only one that puts all that stuff in a bag am I?
7.  Wow Jewelry: bangles, statement necklaces, scarves, large earrings
8.  Wedge sandal: an easy shoe and a fave of mine with maxi dresses.
9.  Khaki: cropped pants, jacket, a hat, you need this color in your wardrobe. Khaki blends really well with many of the bright colors for spring.
10. Little Black Dress-get a great one that will take you from day to night with a quick change of accessories.

More Asos...

**ROZZIE’S TIPS** REMEMBER looking good=feeling good.  You always want your clothes to make you feel like the best and most beautiful you.  Sharing your unwanted clothes will help someone less fortunate feel their best. 

A Layering Transition

WOW you can not beat Atlanta weather!! These mild sunny days and the cool starry nights are perfect.  I notice a strange blend of fashions: a breezy halter maxi dress and a fur collar pea coat---yeah, I saw that---and I spy espadrilles and a leather bomber jacket---sigh.  I understand the confusion…I really do. I mean you have 70s in the day and you are begging to put away your chunky sweaters, but when the sunsets you are scrambling to find your wooly hat.  Don’t fret…I can help you!!

The key to fixing the “transitional” weather is LAYERS! Wearing layers allows you to take off and put on as you please and still remain “fashionable”.  Here are a few of my favorite “transitional” pieces:

Lovely yellow for Mandy Moore



Halle Berry tube dress and cardi

• Cardigans: A cardigan is the perfect layering piece for this transitional weather.  I believe in getting cardigans in pop colors like cobalt blue, magenta and rosy pink.  Cardigans can be worn over dress for work and with jeans and a tank for a weekend of errands. 
• Scarves:  A simple inexpensive and simple way to flair to your outfit.  Old Navy (www.oldnavy.com) has a special on multi-colored scarves for $10.  Brighten up that grey outfit with a pink floral print scarf.
• Spring Trenches: A spring trench is a light weight trench that is a perfect piece for looking stylish when the temperature begins to drop.  Don’t fear purchasing a beautiful yellow or turquoise. 
• Denim Jacket:  A simple denim jacket is the perfect for putting on with a pencil skirt or leggings.  Since denim is a weather friendly fabric, you can’t lose throwing one on.  There are many different cuts from cropped to blazer style, you will find one that is perfect for your needs. 
• Ballet Flats: Tired of boots? Slip on a ballet flat! Your ballet flat doesn’t have to necessarily “match” your outfit, but make sure it flows.  Don’t walk away from the animal print, polka dot or striped flat, they are a fun accent piece…and comfortable.
• Peep Toes: I know, I know you can’t wait for the toes to come out. I love a good pedicure myself. A peep toe pump is a way to let the toes see the light with out freezing off the entire foot when the sun sets.   

Kelly Ripa with scarf and peep toes 

Joy Bryant adds a denim jacket

**ROZZY’S TIPS***Look for fabrics such as matte jersey (dresses and tunics are the best in this fabric) that are light enough to keep you cool, yet heavy enough to keep your warm, I don’t know how they do it…I wish I invented matte jersey.

Tailor Made

As I was watching Live with Regis and Kelly--hoping they will call me (I want to win a vacation)--my favorite First Lady Michelle Obama was a guest.  As she walked out, I thought "geesh, that dress looks familiar!"  It does look familiar...H&M $35 familiar.

First Lady Obama took a $35 dress and made it "presidential" by adding sleeves.  Aside from adding sleeves, Lady O, removed the sash and put on a bold, bright, red, wide belt and yellow kitten heels.

www.hm.com (US online shopping coming soon YAY)

When I want my items "custom fitted" (sounds good to say "I got my pants custom fitted for me!") I go to Vinings Alterations at the Vininigs Jubilee 770.433.2143 they are pocket friendly and give a quick turnaround, they let out a hem on a pair of slacks for me while I waited.

***Rozzie's Tips***Finding a good tailor is the key to making any piece your very own.

JEANS 101

I love jeans!!! A great fitting pair of jeans can easily take you from the office (paired with a blazer) to the martini bar (remove the jacket and reveal that cute lacey cami).  I tell you, they are the bees knees (I hope that is good).  The jean has come a long way from 1873 with Levi Strauss…still in business and one of my faves. Now, I will admit; shopping for jeans is a task. If you plan to go with a friend…bring the honest and very PATIENT sidekick.  Prepare yourself to try on several pair and keep an open mind on the brands.

While you shop remember these four words: FIT---RISE--- WASH---CUT. 

FIT:  You have to make sure the length is right—are you wearing these with heels or flats? When you are shopping, bring your shoes. This will help you see how the jeans will hang when you are rocking your favorite pair of heels.  Pay attention to the way the pockets are aligned.   Wide set pockets tend to give the hips a wider look---this is a good look for the boyish figures, giving the illusion of curves. The tush check is a must…let me reiterate a MUST. I have a friend with a rump that will politely tell Kim Kardashian to “have a seat” hence the reason she is a PZI Jeans (www.pzijeans.com) model.  Find a pair the makes YOU look your best. 

RISE:  From high-wasted to super low, there is a rise for you! Don’t think the rise causes the dreaded “muffin-top” it is the size! Think of the length of your torso (the space from under the bust to the top of the hip). If you have a long torso (try a mid-rise jean. If you have a shorter torso, go for the lower rise jean to create the illusion—I love creating illusions-of a longer waist.

WASH:  The hue of the jean is a major deal. Do you want black, indigo, light wash or white?  I personally think you should have a black, indigo and white as your staple.  Adding fun colors like greys come AFTER you have your staples.  Check out the whisking too. Whisk detail is the lighter color usually on the thighs of jeans to give them that worn look. (HINT: not flattering on every body type)

CUT:  The cut, oh the cut of the jean is an important factor in your purchase.  You have to keep in mind your plans when you purchase your jeans. Here is a brief overview of the cuts:

• Trouser: Relaxed throughout the hip and thigh with an opening similar to the flare.  Normally the material used with a trouser jean is a softer denim. If you are able to wear jeans to an office, this pair is a must. You will look amazing partnering these with a blazer and pumps or ballet flats.
• Flare: These jeans are a tall woman’s go to pair. These jeans have a wide opening—not as wide as a bell bottom. They look great with a pair of super high stilettos.
• Bootcut: I call these the universal jeans…they look wonderful on every body type. They are more fitted in the hips and thighs and have a gradual yet subtle flare at the opening.
• Slim/Straight: The jeans are just as they say “straight”. From the thigh to the opening this jean consistent no flaring no tapering.  This jean elongates the leg so my shorties…have fun.
• Boyfriend/Slouchy: This cut is roomy in the hips and thighs. You have to get the length just right.  It looks great cuffed with some flats for a weekend of leisure. 
• Skinny: This jean has a tapered leg, some openings are as small a 10”.  These look great with boots, so much easier to tuck in.
• Legging: RING THE ALARM I love a denim legging. They are so comfortable. They are just as they say…a LEGGING. Pair them with a tunic and you are off. 

Have a grand time shopping for your jeans! Jeans range from $12 (Faded Glory) to $300 (Rock and Republic). Make sure you get the pair that you LOVE and that LOVE you back. 

***Rozzie’s Tips***: look for some stretch in your jean (lycra, elastane, spandex) this helps the jeans “remember” you---mold to your body.  You don’t have to wash jeans after each wear---just don’t get funky on me!

http://www.shopstyle.com/browse/womens-clothes/Gap?fts=jeans