Are your secrets kept?

2011 rolled in and so far you’ve checked your wardrobe and your shoe game… But how well do you keep secrets? Your underwear is just as important as your outerwear! Most importantly, no one should be able to see your secrets (what you’ve got going on underneath as far as bras, panties, shapers etc).  There’s nothing worse than the right outfit & wrong undergarments! I know you may find it hard to believe, but I myself have fallen short! I had on a fierce black dress, killer shoes, and a purple bra that the world could see through my dress! Talk about embarrassed when I saw pictures of myself! You want to be remembered for what you had on, not underneath, so let’s be sure we check and keep our “secrets” well.

1.   How’s your bra game? (Yes, I said bra game )

Make sure you have the right bra and appropriate color for every occasion. The convertible bra is a must! I suggest a flesh colored one and make sure it has ample support! While push-up bras are great, please avoid them with button down tops. This will avoid your buttons begging for help and the top of your blouse lie properly and not gap open. 

2.  Panties

Thongs are not an option; you must own them and wear them with certain things. I’m sorry, but those “seamless” panties don’t quite do the trick.  Please be mindful this is the #1 secret that usually gets out. To avoid this, make sure you have a proper fit and color based on your outfit. If you’re wearing lower rise pants, wear low rise underwear!

3.  Spanx & other shapers

 We all need them from time to time! They key is for them to smooth out, not accentuate any less than perfect areas.  This can be achieved by ensuring the proper fit and the right garment for the area that needs a little help :)  

Alright ladies- You’re officially on your way to being completely flawless this year!

Stylishly yours,

~StephanieMarlis

Shoe Game- Are you on top of yours?

Now that you’ve done the wardrobe check, it’s time to check your shoe game! No matter how fierce your ensemble may be, it’s what you have on your feet that determines if your look is flawlessly executed.  Shoes tend to take up major closet space and most of us collect them like stamps! Here’s how to make the most of your shoe game–after all, shoes are like the icing on the fashion cake!  No wardrobe is complete without the proper shoe collection.

My first question… Is your shoe game well rounded?  There’s no such thing as too many black shoes, however if that’s all you have, then there’s a problem!  Even if you’re more conservative when it comes to your clothing, shoes are your opportunity to be bold with color! Additionally, I challenge you to evaluate the shoe styles in your closet.  The right style can add the perfect touch of fabulous if chosen carefully.  Don’t be afraid of trend when it comes to choosing shoes.  There’s nothing like a bold shoe to offset a simple outfit or a sleek, simple shoe to compliment one that’s more fierce.  Bottom line, trend and color are highly important when it comes to shoes!  Evaluate your current collection and determine what additions need to be made.  Fall/Winter collections are on sale right now, so this is the perfect time to get fabulous shoes for a fabulous price!  Along the same lines, fresh new Spring styles are making their debut!

Another way to update your shoe game is with shoe accessories!  These are easy and fabulous—all you do is clip them to an existing shoe and instantly your shoes have a new look!  Shoe accessory clips can be found at Target or check out www.absolutelyaudrey.com.

Now that you’ve evaluated and updated your shoe game, don’t forget to:

-Break in any new shoes before wearing them for the first time!  The look and walk of pain will kill any look regardless how well put together!  My favorite way to break in a new pair is to wear them while doing housework

-Buy and keep on hand non slips, heel grips, and foot cushions!

- Check your heels for wear and have them repaired before they reach the point of no return!

Stylishly yours,

StephanieMarlis

~Style Evolution~

Happy 2011! There’s plenty of good reading as it relates to making resolutions for the new year. Well my stylish friends, I want to challenge you to evolve and not resolve as it relates to style for 2011.  Resolutions are rarely kept.  I feel that with style, just like anything else, you want it to be a lifestyle change, not just a short term goal or a quick fix.  So instead of making style resolutions, make a style evolution!  One quote we usually hear around this time is out with the old, in with the new.  To begin evolving your style, you don’t necessarily have to get rid of the old.  Many of us have fabulous finds in our closet that only become more fabulous with time as they become either classic or rare fashion pieces.  Go in your closets and ID these pieces first.  Lay them out on your bed and take inventory as these will become the foundation pieces to begin your evolution.  Next, determine what these pieces say about your sense of style and think about where you want to go with your style.  For example, are they casual and you want to step it up and add a bit more glamour? Are they over the top fabulous and you want to tone it done but not by much?  Are you starting a new career or new chapter in your life and want your style to reflect that?  Once you answer these questions, you are now ready to begin adding the building blocks to your style foundation! Set some time aside to do your shopping and don’t go out without a list (yes, I said a list)… A list will help you stay focused on this evolution mission.  I know better than anyone it’s easy to get side tracked when shopping and buy everything but what you intended or need!  List what places you plan to shop and what pieces you are on the hunt for.  Select a shopping time that is earlier in the day and through the week.  Stores usually replenish throughout the week .  By choosing an early to mid day shopping time and a weekday, you’re sure to have the best selection at hand and first pick of new items.  Additionally, you’ll most likely have full attention from the sales staff if needed.  Once you’ve made it home with your selections, begin mixing and matching your current pieces with your new ones to determine different options.  Try on a few outfit ideas and play with accessories.  Make a mental note of what you like and how these things flow together and hang them close together in your closet.  This will simplify morning dressing.  Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and to try pieces together that you wouldn’t normally put together… you may be fashionably surprised!  Once you’ve put your style wheel in motion, it will be easy to add pieces and continually evolve throughout the coming seasons and throughout the year!

~StephanieMarlis

Maternity & Beyond!

Hey there Haute Mamas!  You asked for it, so by request- My Maternity Style

Having experienced pregnancy twice during two very different seasons, here’s how I made the most of my temporary wardrobe.  Most of us want to rid our closets of the dreaded maternity clothes once we’ve shed the weight and are running around with toddlers. This is a wardrobe that can be a tricky one.  You want to be absolutely fabulous when pregnant and you should be!  When you look good, you feel good and maternity style is no longer baggy and boring.  There are so many stylish solutions. Stylish as they may be, this is still a temporary wardrobe that either you don’t want to invest a lot in or you want to make the most of your investment.  Well, here’s how I took on this issue during my second pregnancy last fall (I gave birth in April).

First, I loaded up on the basics.  I bought non-maternity leggings, lightweight sweaters and tunics one size up, and flat boots (ankle, knee, and thigh lengths).  I also bought a fabulous pair of dark denim Liz Lange skinny jeans from Target and a belly band to make the most of my non-maternity pants.  I have mixed feelings about the belly band- I have a friend who absolutely loved it, it worked great for her through the entire pregnancy.  For me, not so!  Great idea, but I truly believe it depends on how you carry, and my baby was so low this pregnancy it just wasn’t working for me!

Around 5 months, it was time to expand my wardrobe a little bit more.  I stepped outside my box and went resale shopping.  I highly suggest it for maternity wear!  I found some great pieces from Pea in the Pod, Gap Maternity, even a Diane Von Furstenberg top!  I remember spending $60 and walking out with several tops, a couple of dresses and a pair of pants (The DVF top was worth more than that alone)!

As I headed on into months 6 and 7, I was invited to a couple of special occasions (how dare my friends challenge me to dress up while pregnant)!  Well, I found a fabulous non-maternity satin maxi dress in the back of my closet, which by the way looked way better on me pregnant than not pregnant!  I had the boobs for it now! Also around this time, I had to make another purchase I dreaded, the maternity coat! I put it off as long as possible, but it got so cold and I had a couple more months to go and sweaters alone didn’t keep me warm any longer.  I ended up purchasing a tailored peacoat from Motherhood.  Because of the shape, it can be worn when not pregnant and look totally normal!

Months 8 and 9- the homestretch! By now the weather was warming a little and I was about due. Of course I was NOT buying any maternity wear, but I couldn’t wear my winter wardrobe as the weather was warming.  The solution- Maxi Dresses and Cardigans! I loaded up on them, and they have carried me from the end of my pregnancy, through post partum weight loss and nursing (very easy access and stylish).

So there it is, my maternity and beyond wardrobe! Hope it helps- Happy shopping and Congratulations mamas!

~StephanieMarlis

Trend vs. Classic… What’s in your closet?

The latest fashions and the hottest trends… we’re always on the lookout for them.  We pick up Vogue, In Style, Lucky and other fashion magazines to determine what’s new, what’s hot, what’s in and what’s out.  So how do you decide which pieces make their way into your wardrobe? Is there a battle of trend vs. classic in your closet?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been invited into someone’s closet for wardrobe 911! Why? There’s a fashion imbalance creating the I have nothing to wear syndrome when there’s a ton of clothes in the closet.  I filter through and not to my surprise I find the usual culprits. First, there are the overly trendy pieces that can only be worn once.  Then there’s the fabulous sale pieces that were such a great deal, who cares if they just hang in the closet with no coordinating pieces… because they were on SALE! Let me not forget the closet that has no color or trend, it’s strictly basics (The safe closet).  These closet scenarios are what I call an improperly balanced wardrobe.  So, how do you come up with a workable, stylish wardrobe?

1.  Start with your basics.  This includes items such as the little black dress, the classic white shirt, a great pair of denim jeans and a tailored jacket .
2. Add trend and color with pieces such as shoes, accessories, handbags, etc
3. Look for quality bargains, they’re everywhere!  Outlet shop, shop off season, and check out places like TJ Maxx which carry many high end labels such as Michael Kors, Coach, Juicy Couture and more. 
4.  Know what shapes and styles look best on you. This makes for simpler and more effective shopping.
5.  With trend, buy variations or bits and pieces, but please don’t buy every piece of the store display!

Once you’ve done your shopping, take time to mix and match pieces. Give yourself a couple of different options by blending your trendy pieces with your classics. Have fun with it! Maybe even take pics of your different options to refer to when you get stuck.  Remember, a workable wardrobe includes pieces which complement each other and mix well.

Happy shopping

StephanieMarlis 

Fall into Fashion with 5 Must Haves

Falling into fashion is simple with the right transition pieces. With the right fall essentials your style will change as easy as the season… Add a bit of trend with accessories or a handbag and you’ll be hot for Fall and ready for the cooler weather in no time!

1. The Cardigan: you can’t go wrong with it… Perfect for throwing over your short sleeves or sleeveless tops that you’re still hanging on to from summer

2. The White shirt: Another can’t miss item! Check out Banana Republic take on the classic: www.bananarepublic.com

3. Leggings: There are so many different styles and colors available now.  I absolutely love the ones with zippers or buttons on the ankle (Plus, Target has them for $9.99)!

 
4. Trendy Handbag:  grab a bold fall color like red or purple, or even fabulous leapord print to add some jazz to your fall transition wardrobe

5. Ankle boots:  There’s soooo many hot styles to choose from, including stilletos and wedge heels! Check out this selection @ piperlime.com

So there it is… short, sweet and to the point are your Fall essentials! Pieces that work well with each other and your current wardrobe!

Until next time,
~StephMarlis

“Fashion is made to become unfashionable.” -Coco Chanel

Fall Transition Tips

Fall is right around the corner and long sleeves are officially in stores! How do you transition to fall? Here’s some tips to help prepare for the change of season:

1. Go through your closet- identify what can transition to fall and what you need to get your last few wears out of!  (Yes, your halter tops days are limited)
2. Make a list of any pieces you may need to transition into fall- do you have your lightweight jackets or staple cardigan? What’s your shoe collection looking like? Peep toes are great transition shoes!
3. What colors does your wardrobe consist of? You don’t have to go dark for fall, but simply richer in color! That means jewel tones- like sapphire, ruby and emerald or rich chocolates and charcoals.  Don’t forget winter white and basic black! Don’t abandon color, just go rich with it!
4. Let’s not forget make-up!  Check out Sephora’s Fall Trend Report: http://www.sephora.com/browse/article.jhtml;jsessionid=GYLPU3BGBJZDCCV0KRRRHOQ?id=716201
5. Last but not least- transition hairstyle! Whatever you do, try something different! I for one love to go against tradition with lighter haircolor in the fall and darker in the spring (Kim Kardashian just went blonde!)… Whatever your transition style I challenge you to step out of the box! Instyle.com has some hot hair tips!

 

Until next week!

~StephMarlis

“A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her clothes.”

-Vera Wang

On the horizon… Countdown to the launch of Immaculate Couture’s Spring 2010 Collection

Fall Transition

July’s blog was all about personal style…  So what’s up for August? Fall transition! This is one of my favorite times of the year. Summer fashions are on clearance and we welcome in deep rich colors, boots to die for, fabulous sweaters and layering pieces… we change up our makeup and hairstyles. As designers we prepare to show spring and resort collections for the next year.  This year is major transition for me… From behind the scenes to front and center as I introduce myself and my brand to the world! It’s an exciting and fascinating time!  I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is what I was put here to do! When you love what you do, how can the world not be receptive to it?

 It’s officially been 7 years in the making! Seven years of learning, challenges, successes, opportunities, and evolution.  Each experience has blessed me with a stronger faith and increased creativity.

 Fall Transition is here! Coming soon… The official Countdown
to the launch of Immaculate Couture’s Spring 2010 collection!

 Until next week,

~StephMarlis 

 “Success is when preparation meets opportunity.”- Henry Hartman

Style Power

Fashion and style are powerful aspects. We all have that one special piece that makes us feel fierce the moment we put it on. It could be a dress, accessory, fragrance or make up. It may be a certain color. Whatever it is, it’s that one piece that makes you feel unstoppable. It’s amazing how that happens! There’s a special connection between emotion and fashion.

Why is it then that we put style on the back burner? It’s often the first thing that goes when “life” happens. I challenge you to keep your sense of style a priority. Allow it to evolve as you do, but don’t ever let it go… It holds unique power!

Until next week,

StephMarlis

“We’ve come a long way. Power dressing now is designed to let the woman inside us come through.”  -Donna Karan

Dress the Part

The way you dress is influenced by many different factors.  I’ve noticed whenever there’s a change in one’s life, there’s often a change in their dress.  That tells me that our sense of style has an important place in our lives. You can make an impact simply by the way you dress.  I’m not talking about being fashionable or trendy; I’m talking about dressing for your expectations.  I’ve had women ask about finding their personal style after last week’s blog.  Personal style can be tapped into simply by looking at life and what you hope to give/gain from it.  It’s an extension of you.  If you wake up in a bad mood, put on something that makes you feel good.  Whatever your dream in life is, dress the part!  Choose pieces that speak to you, which look and feel good, and express to the world who you are!

 

~Stephanie Marlis

“That is the key of this collection, being yourself. Don`t be into trends. Don`t make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live.” –Gianni Versace