Jazz Up Your LBD (Little Black Dress)

Hello ChaChas!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  With more holidays and celebrations approaching, it's time to think about formal wear.  You can never go wrong with the LBD.  It's a classic and timeless look that is perfect for holiday parties, weddings and other special occasions.  When wearing your LBD, don't forget the details to look your best.

Statement Necklace

Necklace by Stella & Dot / Nancy Dziewinski

Bold Shoes

Try red pumps or other bold colors

Or add some SPARKLE!

Earrings That Pop

Earrings by Stella & Dot / Nancy Dziewinski

Wear Your Necklace Backwards

Mix It Up With A Little BLUE Dress

Cynthia Rowley / Marshalls only $25!

Photos by Carol O'Rourke

I'm going to a wedding this weekend- guess what look I'm choosing??  

Stuck on what to wear for your next holiday party?  Let ChaCha help you!  Go to my Styling Services Page.

Beijos,

Deb

Fashion Tip Friday: Define Your Waist With A Belt!

Here's a quick Fashion Tip Friday...

Make an outfit go from "ok" to FABULOUS with just a belt!  My client, friend, and graphic designer for my awesome logo, Missy, shows us a perfect example of how the magical powers of a belt can give us a waistline and/or pull an outfit together.

Before

After

Before

After

Isn't it amazing??  I think I get more excited than my clients when I see this happen.  So ChaChas... pull out those belts and use them!  Need help figuring it out on your own?  Visit my Styling Services Page.

Happy Friday,

Deb

Are You Wearing The Right Bra?

One day, while shopping with a friend and critiquing her in the dressing room, I noticed that every top looked like crap on her.  I couldn't understand... they were cute shirts and sweaters that worked with her body type and then I saw it.  Her average-sized boobs were out of whack.  Spread apart, flat, pancake boobs.... "What the hell is going on with your boobs?", I gasped.  "Shirt.  Off.  Now!!"  And there it was.  A raggedy, old bra that lost all elasticity, support and shape.  She probably wore this bra in college (she's 40 by the way).  I couldn't believe what I was looking at.  We stopped the hunt for clothes and made the priority to find a good bra.  The right bra!

Ladies, don't underestimate the importance of a good bra!  I'm telling you, it all starts with our underwear (I'll cover panties another time). You could really ruin your outfit if your girls aren't supported the right way.  Start with what is underneath before working on looking your best with clothes.

I'm not a bra expert, but I do know from experience and observation on how to make your tatas look their best (under clothes that is).  

What to Look for in a Bra: 

1.  Size
Get measured, people.  If your bra is too tight not only will you be uncomfortable, but you will get undesirable back-fat (no matter what you weigh) bulging from the straps or band.  It also shouldn't ride high in the back... how can it feel right to have your bra dig into your shoulder blades?  On the flip side, if your bra is too big, you lose support and the cups poke out.  And no cheating... bras should NOT be worn on the tightest hook; they need to be worn comfortably on the first hook.   Places like Nordstrom, Victoria's Secret and Von Maur are good places to start to get measured.  If you have a special size or special circumstance (like breast surgery), you should find a specialty bra store.  Check out Tina's Closet in Lisle, IL-  they will be great help and can probably answer more questions than I can.  Our breasts are constantly changing from pregnancies, hormones, weight gain/loss and age so it is a good idea to get measured every few years- or even months.

2.  Support
No matter what size, we need to get those boobs up.  Some of us more than others.  Consider underwire, push-up or a really good wireless bra.  Don't let those boobs sag! 

3.  Padding or No Padding?
This is a preference.  However, if you need a little help with enhancement then I would highly encourage some padding.  Just enough may help to fill in a blouse a little nicer.  Padding will also help with hiding those crazy nipples you may have developed from nursing, or maybe some of you are naturally born with those T.H.O's!  Anyhoo, so they are not sticking out for the world to see, get a padded bra.

4.  Style
So many to choose from!  I prefer to be practical- I want the bra to look nice and comfortable.  No more sexy lace bras for me, but hey, if you like it then go for it!  Just make sure those embellishments aren't noticed through lightweight fabric shirts.  My favorite bra is Victoria's Secret T-Shirt Bra.  It is so soft and comfortable and gives me perfect support.  If they carry your size, get this bra! 

And lastly, some bra tips...

5.  Give Your Bra a Break
I was told years ago that you should never wear the same bra two days in a row.  Just like jeans, bras stretch out a little after they've been worn for a day.  So it's a good idea to give your bra a day or two to get back into it's shape or it could lose it's elasticity faster.

6.  Sports Bras Are For Sports- ONLY!
No need to elaborate.  Do I?

Now it's time to analyze your bra collection.  Are your bras making your girls look their best?  Or are they creating a disaster?  Start with the right bra, then move on with the right clothes for your body type.  You will then be fabulous!

xoxo,

Deb

10 Looks, One Button-Down Shirt

Hi Cha Chas!

I am super excited about my latest YouTube... 10 Looks, One Button-Down Shirt!  It is exactly what it states.  I took one, white button-down shirt from Target, and created 10 cute looks!

This is how I do it...

Thanks for watching and please share :)

Beijos,

Deb

How To Wear Stripes

A ChaCha follower recently asked me this question:

Hi Deb,

Help!  I have a bit of a belly.  Can I still wear stripes?  Will it make me look bigger?

Sincerely,
M

Dear "M",

You are correct to have some concerns but yes, you CAN wear stripes!  Of course you have to follow some guidelines...

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How To Wear Stripes When You Need To Conceal Your Tummy

1)  Make sure the stripes are different widths.  Mixing skinny, wide and anything in between will help you avoid a wide look.  

2)  If stripes are the same width, then they have to contain many colors or dark colors.  However, you must pay attention to where those stripes are placed!  The darkest stripe should always be right across your tummy or area of concern.  Check out this perfect example.  Same client, same brand dresses, just different styles with stripes.

Before

Oh no...the above dress is giving her a spare tire!  The color placement is wrong because the darkest color is NOT on her problem area (where it should be).  Allowing the orange stripe to lay along her tummy makes it bulge out.  The black stripe above her breasts is out of place too- it's flattening her nice figure.  Instead, it should be right at the empire waist to emphasize the nice boobs she has.

After

Much better!  Look how thinner she looks!!  The variety of colors AND stripe sizes work perfectly together.  And check out the thick, dark blue stripe...right at her tummy where it belongs!

3)  Keep the stripes to a minimum by layering it with a jacket or blazer.

4)  Look for stripes that move diagonally or vertically.  That will give you a slimming effect.  Just be sure that your verticals don't resemble one of a referee-  yikes!

If you follow these rules, you are sure to rock stripes no matter your body type!

Have a fashion question or concern?  Let us all know... your question could be showcased next!

ChaCha you later,

Deb

How To Give Your Summer Dress A Fall Look

It's Fashion Tip Friday!  

Don't put away all your summer clothes!  A lot of your clothes like camis, tanks and short sleeved tops can be used to layer.  But what about your summer dresses?

Start with any summer dress.  Mine is pretty flirty and summery, but watch how I warm it up...

Before

Mystree Summer Dress

Look how I created a cute, fall look with a denim jacket, skinny jeans, scarf and boots...and of course some oversized sunglasses. 

After

Fall Look With A Summer Dress
Hudson Denim Jacket/Pashmina Scarf/Jolt Skinny Jeans/Dolce Vita Boots

Voila!  A summer dress is now ready for fall!  Inspired??  Get in your closet and see what YOU can come up with!  Use accessories, leggings, tights and anything that keeps you warm.  Send pictures to my ChaCha Flare Facebook Page or email me.

Happy Friday,

Deb

5 EXCUSES FOR NOT CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET (properly)

Last month I shared with all you gatinhas, 10 Signs You Need a Wardrobe Overhaul.  Well, it's now November and fall is in full blast with the holidays creeping upon us.  I have to ask...how does your closet look?  Can you choose any item randomly that makes you look AND feel good?  Or are there still items that get pushed to the side?  This is a perfect time to get a ChaCha Closet Overhaul- especially if you are a victim of one of these excuses...

5 EXCUSES FOR NOT CLEANING OUT YOUR CLOSET (properly):

What to keep?  What to purge?

1)  Someday It Will Fit Me Again

Why hold on to clothes that don't fit anymore?  It's NOT a motivation to lose weight, it's wasting space in your closet and probably making you feel bad that you are no longer that size.  Embrace what you have!  Keep what fits and looks great on you.  I know it's hard to give up those cute, expensive Miss Me jeans, but what good are they if it just sits in your closet?  If you do lose weight, it's a great opportunity to celebrate by purchasing new, cute clothes.  That's the real motivation.

2)  I Paid A Lot For That 

So you made a mistake and paid a fortune for something that ended up not working.  Oh well, move on and learn from it but don't keep it!  There are exceptions and I am very willing to give clothes another chance.  It's possible you may not know how to wear this precious item.  Maybe you need to layer it, add a belt or scarf?  Again, if it is a hopeless cause then purge purge purge!  Confused?  Just contact me.

3)  It's My Only Leather Jacket, Suit or <Fill In The Blank>

If it doesn't make you feel your best then it isn't meant to be.  It may be a classic piece, but it needs to look right on you.  A dated, oversized suit that gives you no shape should be chucked!  

4)  It Will Be Stylish Again

Hmmm, not likely.  Bell-bottoms came back but did you actually see people wear their bell-bottoms from the 70's?  No, trendy items are exactly what they are called.  Enjoy the trends at the right time but then let it go when you stop wearing them.  Sometimes they can last for seasons; you may be able to pull off the look longer especially if it flatters your body.  BUT... if you like to hold on to things, it's best if you stay with the classics or at the least don't spend a fortune on the trends.

5)  The Salesperson Said It Looked Cute On Me

Nothing against salespeople- they can be very helpful.  However, sometimes they are blinded by their own products or their possible commission.  Too many times I have seen people thinking they look good in something that does not work for their body type.  For instance, if you have broad shoulders, you should not wear puffy sleeves.  Or, if you have large breasts, you should not wear baggy tops.  Remember, what looks good on a manikin does not necessarily look good on you.

Stop making these excuses and give your closet a facelift.  You will feel fabulous after getting rid of the junk while keeping the outfits that make you feel awesome!  Let ChaCha Flare help.  My clients agree (check out ChaCha Testimonials) that I have not only made their closets lighter, but I was able to come up with outfits they never thought to put together themselves.

Get started today and I will weed out your closet plus give you styling ideas and recommendations of what to add to your wardrobe. 

ChaCha you later,

Deb