How to Choose Attractive Eyeglass Frames

I went to Costco this morning to buy new prescription reading glasses. As I looked around at the eyewear choices I noticed that most of the brands were clothing designers, such as Karen Kane, Lucky Brand, Polo, Coach, etc. It reminded me that eyeglasses make an important fashion statement so it's important to choose glasses that make you look and feel confident, as well as balanced and attractive. 

After all, you don't want to end up looking like this! :-)

Here are three True Colors Tips to consider when choosing your next pair of eyeglasses. It will save you time and mistakes!

Whether you're shopping for clothes or eyewear, I recommend the same procedure: 

#1: COLOR - Select colors that complement your skin and eye color
#2: STYLE - The shape and style should balance your facial features
#3: FIT - Make sure the glasses sit comfortably

Color

It's important to choose glasses that are in the same color family as the clothes you wear. For example, if your coloring is soft, muted and "summery," this transparent-colored DKNY pair will look harmonious on your face.

On the other hand, if your best colors are mustard-gold, dark orange and other "autumn" colors, you will ROCK a tortoise-shell frame (I bought the Lucky Brand glasses below).

Another consideration is the metal you choose. If your coloring is warm, a gold metal frame looks best. If your coloring is cool, choose silver frames.

Style
Your face shape pretty much determines your frame shape. In general, I like to mimic your face shape with the frame. If you have a round or heart-shaped face, try a cat-eye, aviator or large wrap frame. Basically you want to match the size and shape of your face.

Another style consideration is the overall "personality" of the glasses. If you have a fun personality your glasses should be fun, too! Play up your sassy style with cat-eye shapes and lots of bling!

If you're more of a quiet observer personality, choose a classic style and you'll feel like the glasses express who you are inside and out.  
 

Fit
Your eye care professional will guide you to find the right technical fit around your nose bridge and temples. But, more importantly, just like your clothes, your glasses should fit who you are inside and express your personality. The best judge of that is YOU.

Do you enjoy shopping for glasses, or do you end up trying on every pair in the store before you find the right pair? Do you think these shopping tips will help you pick out the perfect pair of glasses next time?

Why Should You Hire a Style Consultant?

I find there is a natural inertia, or complacency, when it comes to hiring a style consultant. If you ask any woman whether she's in favor of hiring someone to help her clean and organize her closet to create fabulous outfits that work, she'll invariably say YES. But when it comes to actually scheduling this service, she'll find many reasons to avoid it. 

Perhaps this stems from an underlying nervousness about confronting poor clothing choices she's made in the past (who hasn't made mistakes?), or the fact that some of her favorite clothes don't fit anymore. She just doesn't want to go there! What is it about our closet that reminds us of the past and all the experiences we've enjoyed or regretted? 

A style consultant can help you "heal your closet" by removing the confusing clutter and old reminders. She'll help you rediscover the hidden treasures in your closet that bring you joy and she'll make those clothes more present in your life. Cleaning out your closet is like a spiritual reawakening -- out with the old, in with the new! 

Here's a compelling reason to hire a style consultant: she will take you by the hand and guide you gently (or maybe she'll be more like Jillian Michaels shouting at you with tough love) through the process of confronting your cluttered closet, cleaning out what doesn't work, returning the garments that still fit and work for you, and organizing beautiful, put-together outfits. In the end you'll discover that almost everything you need is in your closet. You just have to clear out everything that doesn't work for you anymore! Doesn't this sound like a metaphor for life?

Here's another reason to hire a style consultant: she will help you create "Go-To Outfits" for your current lifestyle. For example, she could create complete, accessorized outfits for your:

• Client meetings
• Job interviews
• Date nights
• Speaking engagements

Yes, this service does cost money, I won't kid you. Style consultants have to earn a living. But my experience has been that no one has EVER regretted it; on the contrary, what I hear from my clients proves to me that this very personal, very motivational and life-changing experience is worth every dollar and moment you spend.

Find Your Hidden Closet Treasures

If you're interested in learning more about my services, please visit my web page, Grow Confidence, and while you're there, sign up for my Free 5-Day Wardrobe Strategies Mini-Course.  

Are Your Wardrobe Staples Updated?

Updating your Wardrobe Staples every couple years is an important activity because it keeps your outfits current. Wardrobe Staples are not to be confused with the basic foundation pieces, such as underwear, socks, sleepwear, etc. Wardrobe Staples are the versatile building blocks that make your outfit come together in a cohesive look. If your staples aren't in place you will probably end up with a lot of closet orphans, or one-offs, that don't really coordinate with anything. 

Your Wardrobe Staples will be different than mine. They're very personalized and based on your signature style, climate, body type, and personality. Do you prefer to wear a blazer over your t-shirt or button-down shirt? Prefer jeans to dressy trousers? Or, do you wear pencil skirts and maxis? It's important to ensure that your wardrobe staples are current. You should revisit seasonally to ensure the staples still fit, suit your lifestyle needs, are fashionable and in good shape. Yes, even jeans wear out! 

My list of Wardrobe Staples has changed over the years as I've simplified my lifestyle and work mostly from home. My climate is warm and temperate most of the year, so I don't make dramatic wardrobe shifts from one season to the next. I now prefer to wear nearly flat sandals, shoes and boots versus tall heels. Here's my list:

1. V-neck t-shirts and loose-fitting tops: I collect v-neck t-shirts in high quality cotton in all my colors. I also wear a lot of loose-fitting tops that I sometimes half-tuck in front. These looser tops range in color, geometric patterns, and even animal prints.
2. Casual blazers (including a jean jacket): I still love adding a casual blazer over a pair of jeans and a nice top when I meet with clients or go out to lunch with friends. A jacket pulls my outfit together, and with the addition of a colorful scarf, I have a chic, casual look. My blazers include denim, corduroy, wool, silk and cotton.
3. Cardigan sweaters: I own several cardigans in various lengths and thicknesses.When the weather gets chilly, my favorite outfit is a long-sleeved t-shirt, jeans, cardigan and boots.
4. Jeans: I just discovered and purchased a pair of Gap Boyfriend jeans for running around town. These aren't for everyone, as they're loose and won't show off your beautiful curves. However, for comfort I give them an A++. I have several skinny jeans in dark blue, black, white, tan skinny, and spring colors. I'm happy to see bootleg jeans making a comeback because I held onto my Paige bootleg jeans!
5. Dressy Tops and Cigarette Pants: My signature look for events and speaking engagements is a fitted silk top with a black or navy cigarette pant, topped by a dressy blazer (Theory or BCBG), and either suede Sam Edelman booties or black gladiator sandals. The look is fashionable, versatile and best of all, comfortable for sitting and walking.
6. Chunky, colorful necklaces and metal bracelets: I love finding unique necklaces that POP my outfit. A local artist makes beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklaces from antique pieces she finds all over the world. Another local artist hammers gorgeous copper bracelets -- I love wearing copper because that's my True Colors metal as a COPPER (discover your True Colors!).
7. Tall Flat Boots and Booties: Black and Neutral: I have a black Sam Edelman tall boot that I bought at Finders Keepers Consignment, brown suede tall boot, and several booties in browns, tan, cognac and black. Most are several seasons old, but they still look current and attractive.

If you haven't already done so, consider making a list of Wardrobe Staples. When clients call me for a style emergency session it's often a case of missing or dated wardrobe staples. These are not the most exciting items to shop for, but they transform your wardrobe into signature style outfits. When you keep your staples current and replenished you'll have a stress-free dressing experience every day!