Fashion Tips . . .

Don't Become Fashion Road Kill!
Tips To Stay Hip This Fall!
By: Stacy Cox

Favorite Fashion TV Moment
Clothing "411"
Accessories, Finishing the Look

My Favorite Fashion TV Moment Occurred on (top)
HBO's "Sex in the City"

Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is thrilled, if not perplexed upon learning she was selected as a "regular" person to model for a charity fashion show. She was paired with the design team of Dolce Gabbana who selected a fabulous gown for her to model. However at the last minute, they change their mind and insisted she sport sequin panties. Despite major apprehension Carrie, her sequin panties, huge hair and stilettos hit the runway (literally) for her date with destiny. Just as the audience applauded and she soaked in the moment, Carrie took her first steps and fell flat on her face! Momentarily, she laid there in a state of shock while her pals dubbed her "Fashion Road Kill!" and to cap it off, the next model, none other then Heidi Klum, stepped over the "human heap" splayed across the runway and carried on. Yet, after regaining her composure, Carrie picked herself up and finished her walk with attitude, confidence and a sly grin that said "So what? I tripped! I will live to see another day, & look absolutely fabulous living it!"

It's one of those TV moments you had to watch to appreciate. Regardless, the message still translates:

• Hold your head high, walk tall and smile big. If you do that, no matter what you wear, you are amazing!

Clothing "411" (top)

•  Today, fashion is less about trends and more geared towards personal style.

•  Mix it up, add a dress over your jeans, and logo t-shirts with tailored slacks. Mixing and matching is stylish. Go ahead and think outside the box. We know basic fashion rules and now it is time to break them a bit.

•  If you are bored with jeans and want a new pair of pants for fall try a pair of corduroys! The power color this fall is purple!

•  Tweed jackets are a must! A one time purchase that never goes out of style and can be dressed up or down!

•  Recycle old t-shirts you have collected from summer camp, theme parks and rock concerts! Graphic t-shirts are back with new life! Pair them with skirts and pants instead of shorts and sweats! It's a fashion risk that will reap compliments!

•  I love the 80's. You may call me crazy, but I am thrilled at this fashion revival! Off the shoulder tops, vertical cotton stripe t-shirts paired with pin stripe pants and converse high tops, denim mini skirts with double wrap thin leather belts are all re-emerging on the fashion scene as options.

•  Femininity is key for fall and there's no better way to express your girly side than with a dress! With rich colors and whimsical details, just add a great clutch and heels and you are good to go.

•  If you don't own a trench coat consider buying one! Again, this is classic you can dress up or down (even with jeans!). It's a basic you'll own for years.

•  Waist lines are finally creeping back up after years of "bumsters". From wide leg to super skinny – from cropped to floor skimming pants run the gamut this year. Everyone should have at least one good suit! Whether interviewing for a job or on a blind date it's a look that say's, "I can handle anything!" If you already own one, give it new life with a wide belt or a faux-fur collar.

Accessories,
Finishing the Look (top)

•  Animal prints, wow! Every fall they make an appearance and you wonder how and where they fit into your wardrobe. Pairing a print with a solid is the real-world-friendly approach or try an animal print accessory (necklace, scarf or purse).

•  Coats – Instead of buying one coat for day and one for evening, invest in one that works for both. A tailored style that hits at mid-calf is most versatile.

•  Shoes – pumps are popular this fall! Rounded toes go great with skirts while pointed toes look best with pants.

•  Dress up any look with a satin clutch! Jeans, dresses whatever, it's the accessory that can add an extra touch of class to your look.

•  Basic hoop earrings are a must! Nothing too big (if the earring can substitute as a bracelet – it's too big). Whether in gold or silver, it's a great accessory to help finish an outfit.

•  Pearl necklaces are experiencing a revival! See if mom or grandmom is willing to let you borrow one of theirs for a touch of elegance. Be bold, wear the pearls with denim!