Fashion Advice

Your Visual Resume: 5 Interview Dress Mantras to Adopt Now By Mary Lou Andre

How you choose to dress each day shapes both your own mindset (how you feel about yourself) as well as the reaction of others to you. In a job interview, how you package yourself is extra important. You want to instantly be perceived as competent and confident.

In honor of all the soon-to-be college grads in our midst, here a few of our best wardrobe tips to help land (and keep!) the jobs of their dreams. Please share them with a young person in your life (and/or use it to give yourself a dressing well refresher course!) Wherever you are in your life, we hope some of these tips resonate with you:

  1. Suit Up – With today’s more casual workplace rules, many people want to know if they still should wear a suit to the interview. In most fields, the answer is yes, especially for that all-important first interview. When you show up suited, it tells people that you understand job interview etiquette and want to be taken seriously right away.
  2. Relax with Thought – If you are told that you don’t need to wear a suit for the second interview, listen and adopt your dress code carefully. For men, we suggest a blazer with well-coordinated dress slacks along with a dress shirt with or without a tie – your call. For women, we also often suggest a blazer with well-coordinated business separates – pants, skirts and tops with conservative necklines – you get the idea!
  3. Add Color Appropriately – While dark suiting is the standard for job interviews (it projects more authority and can be price-neutral if you are on a budget), don’t be afraid to add color to your interview ensemble – especially when interviewing in creative and less formal industries. Dress shirts, blouses and other professional tops are the easiest and less risky way to do this. Pick hues that compliment your skin tone and personality and make you feel your personal best.
  4. The Details Matter – How you coordinate belts, shoes, socks, hosiery and totes is significant. And don’t skimp on alterations. Sleeves and hems should be the correct length. Be aware that less is often more in terms of accessorizing — you don’t want to create unnecessary distractions. These types of details send subtle yet very significant messages about your attention to the small things that matter a lot in today’s competitive business arena.
  5. Don’t Let Outerwear be an Afterthought – You are often wearing outerwear when you first meet someone. Make sure yours stands out in only the best way. A trench coat and a well-maintained tote are essential finishing pieces for most business outfits, especially when interviewing.

Last Word
We all have a tremendous amount of control about how first impressions are formed about us. Like a resume, your interview attire should be part of your overall game plan and not neglected or ignored. Carve out the time early in the job interview process to be sure you have the right look for the job you want. Of course, partnering with a reputable drycleaner like Anton’s is also a smart career move. When you invest in yourself, you invite others to invest back in you.

Top 10 Fashion Picks

Spring/Summer 2012

  • 1. A Versatile Dress.
    Choose a sleeveless style that can be paired with jackets, cardigan sweaters and a variety of shawls and wraps. While still a great choice, think beyond the LBD (a.k.a. the little black dress). White, red and coral offer a fresh twist on this perennial classic.

    Read the rest of  Top 10 Fashion Picks »

Eliminate “What to Wear” Stress with the Versatile Dress: 5 Tips

Dresses can be fun, flattering and a no-brainer on days when you don’t want to think about coordinating an outfit. They can be ultra-casual, such as a sundress or beach cover-up, or make the most formal of statements when heading down the aisle to say “I do.”

Dresses can also work well as professional attire when they are coordinated to set a business tone. They offer a nice change from traditional business suits and separates, especially this time of year.

Because dresses are not the easiest garment to fit, (i.e., your proportions are different on the top and bottom, you are well endowed or carry weight through your mid-section) you do need to pay attention to the styles that will fit and flatter you best. Classic sheaths, A-line designs and wrap dresses never go out of style because of their timeless appeal and the fit options they offer to various figure types.

With these thoughts in mind, here are 5 fresh tips to help you incorporate the dress trend of the moment into your wardrobes this season – hope they make navigating the dress rack a little easier – enjoy!

  1. Beyond the LBD - While the LDB (a.k.a. the little black dress) is where we often start our dress collection journey with our private clients (you just can’t beat the night and day versatility), other solid colors such as red, coral, yellow, navy and white offer a fresh twist on this classic favorite and can brighten up your wardrobe for spring.
  2. To Print or Not to Print -Printed dresses are not created equally, especially for professional situations. Subtle, smaller prints work on most body-types and sizes and tend to be more office appropriate than bigger, louder prints. Wearing a solid color cardigan or jacket over bolder prints is one way to tone them down for work. A good rule of thumb to follow is that prints much bigger than your fist tend to be too bold for many work situations.
  3. When in Doubt, See a Tailor - A skilled tailor can often perfect the fit of a dress and is worth seeking out before snipping the tags off a dress that you are not sure about. For instance, if the lower half of your body is slightly bigger than the top half, a sleeveless sheath dress in a size that fits through the hips can be taken up at the shoulder to perfect the fit through your upper body. Many of our petite customers also benefit from this style trick if they are interested in a sleeveless dress that is not offered in petite sizing.
  4. Become Your Own Artist - The dress provides a wonderful canvas upon which to accessorize like crazy. Long layered necklaces complement the vertical line of a dress well as do long scarves. If you’d like to show off your waist, a skinny belt at the waist of a simple dress is a good choice. Thicker torsos can often be camouflaged with thicker, wider belts that hold you in. Of course, jackets, cardigans and a variety of shawls and shrugs also add individual style to dresses.
  5. It’s a Wrap! - Finally, our dress tips would not be complete without mentioning the wrap dress. Those made of matte jersey define the waist, flatter a variety of bust-lines and hug the body instead of clinging to it. The deep V- neck elongates the neck and the slanted vertical line created by the wrap slims the body. If you are well endowed through the bust area and have a hard time keeping the “girls” from popping out, wear a camisole under the dress for extra coverage. It works every time!

Prom Style 2012

Anton’s award-winning Belle of the Ball prom dress donation drive is in full swing. Now through April 1st, go through your closets and donate dresses that are in good shape and in current style at any of Anton’s 42 locations. You’ll be helping deserving young women go to their proms in style while lightening up your closet for spring.

For those of you looking for tips to help special girls in your own life get ready for prom 2012, here are some handy prom dress shopping and style tips:

Selecting your Dress

  • Be your own stylist – Look through magazines and peruse website to get ideas. Create your own “look book” by cutting and pasting the styles, accessories and hair styles that resonate with you. Use this process to guide your gown selection and overall look. Many Hollywood stylists start the red-carpet planning process with their A-list celebrity clients much the same way!
  • New doesn’t always mean better – Shop in your own closet (or someone else’s!) before heading to the mall. For instance, many closets have little black dresses that can be glammed up for prom. Although bright, bold colors are definitely in for prom 2012, black never goes out of style because of its versatility. Try pairing an age-appropriate black dress with a white shawl, pearls and strappy black sandals for a winning look. Also, check out consignment and thrift stores for one-of-a-kind dresses and unique accessories. After all, recycling is very much in style!
  • Set yourself up to succeed when shopping – If you do decide to head for the mall, pick a day well before the prom to visit and see what looks good — pressure free. It costs nothing to try different styles and it can be fun with a few friends and nice comfortable dressing rooms. Dress in easy on/easy off clothing and cut down on the amount of make-up you wear to try dresses on. Also, limit your shopping trips to three hours or less at a time. Long, shop-’til-you-drop sprees usually lead to impulse buying, exhaustion and frustration.
  • Ask the sales person about the store’s return policy – Finally, it is usually easier to return at a large department store. They generally have more liberal return policies while specialty stores and outlet stores often do not accept returns or issue credit only.

Prom 2012: What’s in Style

  • Bright, Bold Colors – Pastels are out, bright orange, pinks and yellows are in.
  • Short, Poufy Skirts with Tight Bodices – Show off a toned upper body with this flirty, retro look.
  • Tulle Overlay – A great accent on the skirt component of both long and short dress styles.
  • Shiny and Shimmery – Sequins, rhinestones and jeweled embellishments are the current rage.
  • Off One-Shoulder – Sport with a sophisticated up-do for classic, Hollywood style.
  • Open Back – A dramatic way to show off toned back muscles.
  • Asymmetrical Hems – The best of both dress worlds – long in the back, short in the front.
  • Feathery Details – An alternative to sequins and rhinestones for funky fashionistas!

Accessories Checklist

  • Shoes – Closed-toe and open-toe options both work. Stilettos are most prevalent: ballet flats can work with some styles.
  • Hand-bags – Simple “clutch” bags typically compliment prom fashions best.
  • Gloves – Short and long styles can bring a dress to new heights of fashion.
  • Earrings – Big, bold earrings work well with bare necklines; simple hoops and studs compliment delicate, chain necklaces.
  • Necklaces – If you choose to wear one, be sure it complements the weight and neckline of your dress (i.e. delicate fabrics work best with a simple chain necklace: a strapless gown with a tulle overlay may call for a bold, signature necklace to balance the tulle and fill in the neck). Long, layered necklaces, can add a lot of style to long, sleek dresses with little or no other embellishments.
  • Bracelets – The more the merrier this season so stack them on!
  • Rings – Over-sized cocktail rings add whimsy and Hollywood style.
  • Undergarments – The right bra can make or break your dress. Be sure it is a priority to get the proper bra and any other support garments that will flatter your figure and your dress.
  • Hosiery – A nude leg looks best this time of year and lets colorful gowns stand on its own. Forgot hosiery or purchase nude-colored hosiery. Hosiery with built in support can also aid in the quest for a flattering fit.

Flatter Your Figure

  • Full Bust – “V” necks and strapless dresses with ample built-in support flatter a voluptuous bust best. A well-placed necklace can also bring the eye up to the face, away from the bust, if that is what you desire.
  • Small Waist – Dresses that are belted with a sash or other tie at the middle are terrific for showing off a slim waist. This design element can also draw attention away from other areas of your figure that you might be looking to camouflage like fuller hips.
  • Small Bust – Layer, layer, layer! And seek out dresses with ruffles, padding and other embellishments at the bust-line. Dresses with an empire waist (i.e. the waistline is gathered right underneath the bust) were designed for you!
  • Heavy Legs – A full-length dress is an obvious choice. If you want to go shorter, be sure the bottom of the dress lands just below or just above the thickest part of your calf, thigh or knee. A dress with a full skirt will hide unwanted weight in the legs and thighs.
  • Thick Upper Arms – A “fluted” sleeve (i.e. one that flares away from the arm) that ends at or just above your elbow can balance out a thick upper arm. A halter neckline (the design naturally slims the arm by drawing the eye away from it and towards your face) is a good choice when you pair it with a shawl wrap.

Winter Clearance Wonderland: 5 Items to Stock Up on Now

An easy way to give yourself an end-of-winter wardrobe lift while cost-effectively building your wardrobe for seasons to come is to take advantage of end-of-winter clearance sales. Here are 5 winter wardrobe staples to look for now:

  1. Cashmere Sweaters & Scarves – Called the Cadillac of all wools, cashmere is more expensive than lamb’s wool and merino wool with good reason — it lasts longer when cared for properly, can be worn into spring better than heavier wools and is luxurious to wear because it does not itch the way some other wool fabrics do. A few classic cashmere sweaters and scarves can last a lifetime, especially when you partner with a reputable cleaner like Anton’s to clean and store them for you at the end of the season in a secure and dust-free environment. For more information about Anton’s Closet – Anton’s free clothing storage program – click here.
  2. Winter Coats – Merchants are motivated to sell off their coat collections right now to make room for spring collections that are arriving daily. They also don’t want to get stuck storing these bulky items through the summer months. Make their store real estate problem work for you by visiting your coat closet and getting focused on what you’d like to replace or update in your coat collection. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get what you need when you arrive at the store with a fresh focus. Best part — you won’t feel guilty buying the coat that felt like a splurge at the beginning of the season now that it is up to 70% off!
  3. A-lined Leather Skirts – When properly coordinated, leather can add a significant amount of style to a wardrobe. While it is tempting to stock up on leather goods that are on sale, we advise people from investing in pieces that might go out of style quickly. The one leather item that we take note of when we see them on sale is A-lined leather skirts. The length — which lands at or just below the knee — sets it apart from shorter and long cuts that go in and out of style more quickly.
  4. Bright Colored Leather Gloves – Black and brown gloves tend to sell out quickly and because you wear them the most, it makes sense to buy them when you need them, even if they are full price. Gloves in fun colors like red, fuchsia, turquoise and yellow can add great fun to a wardrobe and become true fashion finds when purchased on sale. When you are buying gloves, particularly late in the season when pickings are slim, err on the side of a bit tight rather than a bit large, as these items always stretch with wear.
  5. Simple, Neutral Tops – We tend to stock up on tops for our clients at the beginning of a season in the “in” colors that are being shown that year. They tend to sell out quickly and you want to get the most mileage out of them in their best season. If you can find simple knit tops in basic colors (i.e. black, cream, beige or red) during end-of-winter clearance sales, grab them, especially in lightweight wools and season-less silks. Picking up colors such as lilac, apple green and sky blue this time of year can help you get ready to lighten up all of your dark suits for spring.

Last Word
The items you won’t have much luck finding during clearance sales include winter boots, hats and ski jackets. By mid to late February these pieces are well picked-over so you’re probably better off waiting on these purchases until the following year.

Five Tips for Selecting and Wearing Winter Coats with Style

Now that the holidays have come and gone, coat departments, from moderately priced chains like JC Penney and the Gap to high-end stores like Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue, have been transformed into a sea of sale signs.

If you are in need of a winter coat to get you through the rest of the winter months, now is the time to act. Here are five tips to help you navigate winter coat racks this season:

  1. Think Fabric – All wool coats are not created equally. Yes, 100% cashmere coats are king, but even a small percentage of cashmere blended with other wools will give a coat more luxury and longevity. Avoid a large percentage of nylon blended with wool. The nylon (a man-made fabric) can start showing through the wool in just a few seasons, making it look worn and old. Nylon in wool also contributes to that annoying “scratchy” and “stiff” feel. No matter what type of wool coats you choose, be sure you always have them professionally cleaned at a reputable drycleaner like Anton’s.
  2. Consider Length & Shape – A coat that falls from mid-thigh to the knee tends to be the most versatile length, as it can work over pants, jeans, and skirts. Full length coats that aren’t fitted at the waist can look frumpy, especially on women. Any length coat with a shaped waist will typically flatter both petite and full figures. No matter the length, a trench coat with a zip or button out lining can work in all seasons and climates and might be the only coat you need!
  3. Study the Details – While sleeves should cover your wrist bone, they should not wander too far down your hand. In order to be useful, pockets should not be too low or too high. In addition, you don’t want pockets to appear in places that don’t work with your figure. Buttons should be sewn on tightly and extras provided. If you love the way a coat fits but don’t like the buttons, they can be easily replaced. Anton’s is happy to tighten up the buttons on your coats when they come in to be cleaned.
  4. Punch It Up – Hats, scarves and gloves give basic outerwear signature style. If your coat closet tends to be full of dark neutral colors, add some brighter coat accessories to beat the cold weather doldrums. Cobalt blue, fuchsia and bright red look especially crisp and fresh in the winter months and can do wonders for your psyche.
  5. Take it for a Test Drive – Finally, before purchasing a coat, try it on wearing what you plan to wear under it. You’ll also want to button or zip it up and hug yourself to ensure it fits properly. “Steering wheel” and “jump rope” tests (yes, you act out both movements while in the coat to ensure mobility!) are also good indicators of fit.

Ten Tips for Building a Functional Holiday Wardrobe

  1. Think About Your Calendar. Before you shop, jot down the activities you’ll be doing during the holidays, including any specific parties you’ll be attending. Getting focused ahead of time about the types of clothes and accessories you will need to build a functional wardrobe to wear from now through New Year’s will keep you on track at the store.
  2. Determine Your Retail Sizing. Many people settle for less than a perfect fit. Taking the time to know your correct size is one way to wear all your clothes well. Women – petite, missy, plus or some combination is as relevant when shopping for holiday clothes as your day to day wardrobe. Men – when choosing a jacket, understand which cut is right — regular, long or short. Likewise, be sure to be properly measured before purchasing any new dress shirts. There is never a substitute for a good fit!
  3. Pick Your Base Neutrals. Black, gray, navy and olive are good holiday neutrals that mix and match well with a variety of brighter colors and prints. While not the only choice, the easiest shoe color to incorporate this time of year is black. It mixes well with all of these base neutrals, even navy!
  4. Bottoms Up. Focus on bottoms first – dress slacks, skirts, cords and jeans if you choose to wear them for more casual holiday gatherings. The darker the rinse, the more dressy the jean. Once you are happy with your pants and skirts, add a minimum of three tops for each for versatility. Extra tip for cords: We highly recommend professionally dry cleaning cords that you want to keep for dress events. When laundered in the washing machine, they lose their shape (and holiday!) appeal.
  5. Pick a Signature Color. To further simplify your wardrobe, consider accenting base neutrals with one hue that you love. Stock up on tops, bags, sweaters, ties, shoes and other accessories in the same shade of this color and you will get many looks with fewer pieces than you ever imagined. Red is a logical favorite this time of year as is cobalt blue.
  6. Know Your Fabrics. For extra ease and comfort during the holidays, opt for low maintenance fabrics so you can grab, pack and go. For the fancier fabrics we all love to wear during the holidays, consult a reputable drycleaner like Anton’s to help you get years of wear out of these special clothes.
  7. Layer Effectively. Tees, camisoles, shirts, sweaters and jackets can be combined in a myriad of ways to give you climate control and a polished appearance. Remember, the office party is not the place to let it all hang out! When in doubt – layer!
  8. Connect the Dots. Pay attention to buttons, zippers, stitching and other details on clothes and accessories as you assemble your outfits. Typically, it takes a minimum of three similar metals, colors or other details to pull a look together. Keep this in mind when selecting jewelry too.
  9. Tie It All Together With Outerwear. Wraps, vests, parkas and traditional wool and rain & shine coats are a necessity for challenging winter weather. You’ll enjoy all your clothes more when you take the time to think through your outerwear options. Make sure holiday outfits are included in this thought process.
  10. Check Out At the Store, Check In With Your Closet. Finally, create a special place in your closet to store all your holiday clothes. Not only will these pieces be out of your way, making day-to-day dressing easier, but they will also be easier to locate and review when an unexpected invitation comes your way!

Five Tips for Organizing Your Holiday Fashions

It’s November. Do you know where your holiday clothes are? With professional and social parties, reunions, philanthropic celebrations and special family gatherings in abundance from now through January, taking some time early this month to organize a winning holiday wardrobe makes good sense.

Here are some easy to implement tips for storing and making the best use of all your special occasion clothes so they (and you!) will look great – one, two and maybe even ten years from now:

  1. Devote Separate Storage Space – If you have the room, devote a separate closet for your special occasion clothes. Short on space? Hang them in a zippered garment bag specifically made for out-of-season storage in the back of your main closet. Not only will these pieces be out of your way, making day-to-day dressing easier, but also they will be easier to locate and review when an invitation comes your way.
  2. Organize Holiday Accessories Too – Consider storing dressy shoes, evening bags, fancy hose, evening shawls, holiday scarves and special jewelry together so they, too, are protected and easy to locate when you need them.
  3. Shop in Your Closet First – Pulling out all the black pants, black skirts and simple black dresses out of your closet is a great first step for planning a simple holiday wardrobe. Using a rack or even your bed to lay out these items with festive tops and jewelry combinations will allow you to see what you have before you spend more on holiday attire. When you have the basic outfit together, place shoes and boots with each outfit and decide if they work or if you need anything new. Often times, new shoes and a new bag are all it takes to give holiday clothes an updated look!
  4. Revisit your Jewelry Box – This season it’s all about long, layered necklaces, big, bold earrings and well placed pins and brooches. Chances are some of the jewelry you’ve had for years but never knew what to do with, will have an opportunity to shine now. Layer long necklaces with short necklaces and mix pearl stands with chain links until you land on just the right combination. Not much of a necklace person – no problem. Vintage pins look nice placed at the neck of a dress or in their more traditional spot — on the lapel of jackets and/or coats. If you prefer a clean neckline, large earrings left over from the 80s could work, depending on the outfit!
  5. Get Festive with New Buttons – Adding festive buttons to a favorite jacket or sweater may be all it takes to cost effectively get you ready for a last minute holiday invitation. Visit a local button store to review all the options. We do this on behalf of our private clients all the time with excellent results!

The key to successful holiday dressing is not necessarily having a closet full of clothes. Rather, it’s about having the right base pieces and knowing how to dress them up in a way that is appropriate and makes you feel confident as you head out to a myriad of destinations. Of course, partnering with Anton’s to have special fabrics cleaned and cared for is also part of ensuring that your special occasion clothes work for you for years to come!

5 Professional Image Tips to Help you Succeed in Business
(& in Life!)

Whether you are a business person, community leader or just someone who likes to show up in a way that makes others feel good, this month’s featured article “The Look of Leadership” is designed to make the case for why professional image standards matter.

Here are 5 strategies we frequently use when coaching executives interested in using their image to enhance their leadership skills:

  1. Dress above industry standards – Overly casual dress codes are for amateurs. The term “business casual” is actually an oxymoron when used to express a style of dress. We advise leaders to think business first, casual second – or never – if it doesn’t serve them well.
  2. Appear effortlessly pulled together at all times – When it comes to managing your image, what you do behind the scenes is critical to showing up to a myriad of situations confident and pulled together every day. Seasonal shopping appointments (including tailoring), standing appointments with skilled stylists (including those who specialize in wardrobe, hair, make-up and skincare) and regularly using a reputable drycleaner are not indulgences when they are an intentional component of creating a professional presence that delivers results for you and your company.
  3. Fit in While Standing Out – A well-chosen watch, a designer tote that is organized and functional and a fashion-forward coat in a cut that sets a business tone are three examples of how we have added fashion and style to the professional image of executives working in more conservative industries. These men and women consistently tell us having one or two stylish accent pieces makes the business basics they need to have in their wardrobes less boring and more enjoyable to wear on a day to day basis.
  4. Come across at ease = perceived as approachable – When your clothing fits you well, is appropriate for business and sets good business boundaries, you feel more comfortable in your own skin. When you are more comfortable with yourself, others are more comfortable in your company. It really is as simple as that!
  5. Sets the tone for what is expected from others – If you are struggling with a workforce that is overly causal and lax in their appearance (and attitude!), a good way to start to reverse this trend is to enhance your own style of dress. For example, if you hardly ever wear a jacket, start wearing one. Blazers and sports coat tend to instantly communicate a higher level of expectation from others you interact with both on and off the job. Jean days are another trap for leaders. Jeans are generally perceived as the lowest pant choice on the professional food chain. Remove them from your wardrobe if you are looking to send a subtle yet significant message that standards are changing!

Cooler Weather Wardrobe Tips

The rules for what is and isn’t acceptable to wear after Labor Day have changed over the years. No longer is it necessary to pack all of your whites, linens and patent leather shoes and accessories away the minute this “official” end-of-summer date hits the calendar. It’s also not uncommon to see sandals, bare legs and sleeveless looks being worn into October.

So how do you mix and match what is currently in your wardrobe in a way that is appropriate for the fall season? Read on! Here are ten handy tips for successfully transitioning a New England wardrobe for cooler weather:

  1. Store Your Summer Wardrobe
    After you wear your linen and other summer clothes that are dry cleanable for the last time this season, drop them into your Anton’s bag for drop off. If you don’t have an Anton’s dry cleaning bag, stop by any one of Anton’s 43 locations and pick one up an application and we will send you one free of charge. Set a goal to have all your summer clothes completely out of your main closet by October 1st. If space is an issue, Anton’s will store all your summer clothes for the cost of the cleaning for you. Best part: You’ll feel like you have a brand new summer wardrobe when you pick your things up next spring! More information and locations visit www.antons.com
  2. Create a Get-Away Tub
    You’ve heard us refer to this concept before and now is an ideal time to adopt this handy wardrobe organizational tool for yourself. As part of your fall closet check-up, launder all of your strictly summer tee shirts and other machine washable summer clothes and fold them into a plastic tub for storage. Even if clothes appear clean, invisible stains (especially on light-colored clothes) can turn into permanent spots by the time you take them out for the next season. Added Bonus: If a winter trip to a warm climate presents itself, you’ll have a head start packing for your trip!
  3. Whites & Linens
    It is still best to pack white linens away after Labor Day (Ditto for white shoes and white sandals). Of course, white sneakers can be worn year-round. Darker sneakers can be more hip when you are wearing them as street wear as opposed to exercise gear. White denim can be worn well into fall and many white cotton tees, camisoles and shirts are year-round staples. Men and women, having white shirts professionally cleaned is a great way to look crisp and fresh year-round. Darker linens such as black, chocolate brown and hunter green are fine to wear through September and even into October when it stays warm here in New England. Extra Style Tip: If you do choose to continue to wear white jeans, pair them with black tops and shoes and silver jewelry for an easy, transitional style option.
  4. What about Pastels?
    Follow the same guidelines for white when determining when to pack pastel and other light-colored cotton, linen and tropical-weight clothes and accessories away. Pastel-colored wool tops, particularly in cashmere, can be handy wardrobe transition pieces now and in the spring when paired with such things as jeans, leather and light-weight wool. Be sure to properly care for all your fine wools by having them dry cleaned in between the seasons when you wear them so that you get years of good use from these classic, wardrobe staples. A Word on Organizing Seasonal Jewelry: While we are on the topic of light colored items, storing strictly summer jewelry (i.e. sea glass-inspired designs and the like) in its own storage compartments away from non-seasonal jewelry makes good sense as well.
  5. Fall Bags & Totes
    Straw bags, totes and hats should go into hibernation for the winter right after Labor Day. An oversized leather tote is a great fall staple for any women on the go. Consider adding one in a deep shade of red to add a rich, warm element to brown, gray, navy, khaki and black clothing and accessories as you head into fall. Deep red footwear can give you the same seasonally-appropriate punch of color when strategically incorporated into your wardrobe.
  6. Fall Footwear & Hosiery
    “City sandals” (i.e. a little chunkier in the heel with more coverage across the foot) are a better transitional sandal choice than “strappier” styles and flip fops that automatically scream summer. Regardless of the style of shoe you choose to wear in the fall (in addition to sandals, ballet flats, peep-toe pumps and loafers are all standard fall shoe choices), black and brown are the easiest shoe colors to incorporate into a fall wardrobe. Boots can make their way back into the closet after October 1st. Ditto for opaque hosiery. Bare legs are fine as long as it stays warm. Nude nylons always work when you need extra coverage.
  7. Contemporary Guidelines for Patent Leather
    Contrary to what you may have been told, patent leather footwear is acceptable year-round as long as it coordinates well with the rest of your outfit. For instance, a pair of patent leather sling-back pumps typically looks well with lighter weight fabrics even in the winter. Think evening wear and pretty, feminine suiting for the office when coordinating patent leather footwear in cooler months. The same shoe will most likely look out of place with heavy woolens.
  8. Layering Works Wonders
    Women looking to feel more pulled together as the weather gets cooler are wise to add layering options to give transitional dresses, skirts, pants and jeans more versatility and flair. Leather and jean jackets in a variety of cuts and colors along with shawl wraps and light-weight blazers and sweaters are the way to give sleeveless basics more longevity as you move through fall. Extra Tip for Men: You guessed it, a navy blue blazer (or other sports coat in a color that works for you) is all many of you need to layer effectively in the fall. They work as well with a shirt and tie as they do with polos and khaki’s.
  9. The Best Fall Coat
    Unlined trench coats in a variety of lengths make good sense on rainy days as well as cooler days when you want warmth and style in one handy garment. Make sure an updated trench is one of the best items you own. Colorful rayon and silk scarves in warm-rich hues that connect to the colors you are wearing underneath are a great way for women to add style to their outerwear. Additional Scarf Tip: Save your wool scarves for your wool coats which start to come out of the closet in early November.
  10. Dress for Success
    Finally, if you work outside the home, be sure to review your company’s dress policy. The list of what is and isn’t acceptable often changes after Labor Day. Bare legs and arms can be risky in many professional situations, even when a company’s dress policy states that hosiery and sleeves are not mandatory in the warmer months. It’s really about boundaries, respect, appropriateness, and, of course, good taste. These things never go out of style – especially in a business environment!

Top 10 Fashion Picks

Fall/Winter 2011

Summer Travel Style

With many New Englanders taking vacation time this month, here are 7 fresh ideas for adding ease and style to your summer travel wardrobe:

#1 – Create A Weekend Getaway Tub. If you travel a lot in the summertime, having a plastic tub filled with your favorite traveling outfits and toiletries is a great way to stay organized. If you travel locally, take the tub with you in the car. If you are traveling by plane or train, pack your suitcase from it. At the end of the season, store the tub and all of its contents in an out of the way place. Added Bonus: If a winter trip to a warm climate presents itself, you’ll have a head start on packing for your adventure!

#2 – The Versatile Navy Blazer. Summer dress codes for both business and social events can be hard to interpret, especially in the warmer months when people tend to dress more casually. Men, you can’t go wrong traveling with a light weight navy blue blazer. Dress it up with a dress shirt and tie when the occasion calls for it. Dress it down by wearing it over a polo shirt and pair of khakis when you need to be pulled together yet not over dressed.

#3 – Twin Sets Offer Temperature Control. Twin sets (i.e. cardigan sweaters with matching shells) are great traveling companions for women. When it’s cool (i.e. on the plane, at a restaurant or other air-conditioned venue), the set provides more coverage and therefore more warmth. When the temperature soars, the shell might be all you need. Three-quarter sleeve cardigans are also a great way to make sleeveless sundresses and tops more appropriate for professional and social events that require more coverage. Added Bonus: Twin sets are amazingly easy to pack!

#4 – Stick with Neutrals. White, khaki, olive, brown and black all look fresh when worn together in the summer and can be mixed and matched effectively while on the road. Men, a white oxford shirt with a light wool olive pant with a brown or black summer loafer is much cooler looking than a darker colored dress shirt, dark pant and wing tips. A navy blue blazer easily works with this combination too when you need to be jacketed yet not suited. Women, animal print shoes and bags go with all these neutrals and can keep your style quotient high on the road with little effort.

#5 – Add Color Strategically. If you want to add more color to your travel wardrobe, pick one color in the same tone as an accent. Women, an easy way to use this trick in the summer months is to pack all black and white base pieces (i.e. pants, shorts, skirts and jackets) and then add tops, jewelry, shoes and belts in your “signature” color. Red, turquoise and coral are popular signature color choices in the summer months.

#6 – Don’t Write Off Linen Completely. If you love linen but find it to be too high maintenance on the road, there are some tricks to making linen a better travel companion. First, look for linen blends – fabrics that combine linen with other fabrics such as rayon to keep wrinkling to a minimum. Second, ask Anton’s to use extra starch when they launder your linen pieces. Your linens will be a little stiff when you first put them on, but as you wear them, they will relax a bit and hold up longer. Finally, carefully fold your linens in plastic dry cleaning bags before packing them. Of course, whenever possible, transport your linens in hanging garment bags.

#7 – Freshen Up Tees and Polos Early in the Season. Finally, taking the time to freshen up casual tops such as polos and tees is time well spent if you travel a lot in the summer and value a crisp, clean look on the road. Women, when you find that perfect tee, buy three in white and three in black. You won’t regret it! Men, colorful polos over fresh khaki pants and shorts are the way to go in the summer.

Final Thought
The more organized you are at home, the more organized you’ll be on the road. Creating a packing system each season and loading up on versatile clothes and separates is the way to go to maximize your traveling enjoyment.

Five Tips for Cracking the Summer Dress Code

Business Casual dress for the summer

In the summer months, many companies allow employees to dress more casually. While many professionals welcome the opportunity to shed more formal business attire and be a bit more relaxed in their appearance, many are unsure of where to draw the line.

Read the rest of  Five Tips for Cracking the Summer Dress Code »

Your Visual Resume: 5 Interview Dress Mantras to Adopt Now

How you choose to dress each day shapes both your own mindset (how you feel about yourself) as well as the reaction of others to you. In a job interview, how you package yourself is extra important. You want to instantly be perceived as competent and confident. Here are a few of our best wardrobe tips to help land (and keep!) the job of your dreams:

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Top 10 Fashion Picks

Spring/Summer 2011

  • 1. A Versatile Dress.
    Choose a sleeveless style that can be paired with jackets, cardigan sweaters and a variety of shawls and wraps. While still a great choice, think beyond the LBD (a.k.a. the little black dress). White, red and coral offer a fresh twist on this perennial classic.

    Read the rest of  Top 10 Fashion Picks »