I was asked on Facebook the other day, why shoes are so ugly. This was my response:
Most people choose ugly shoes because of a lack of effort and too many options. In America, we have too many options, which is good and bad. It’s good in the fact that if you have a narrow heel, fallen arches, a large shoe size, or anything specific, then you can definitely find something to fit your needs. However, too many options also causes people to settle for shoes that are comfortable and ugly instead of prolonging their search and buying shoes that are comfortable and chic! In Europe, people don’t have as many options, so they’re not overwhelmed, are tempted by less, and buy with thought and intention (and stores in Europe only have sales twice a year, so people don’t make a mistake and buy something ugly – they buy something they love and have be lusting after!).
Remember, there are good, affordable options out there - sometimes it takes awhile and sometimes you need help from a professional!
I’ve worked with women of all ages, but the comment I hear most often is, “What do I wear if I’m not in my 20s; I’m not my teenage daughter, but I don’t want dress too old?”
Dowdy, frumpy, and matronly are three words all women dread. What do you wear? Where do you shop? You can be stylish without spending a fortune, looking too young, or too trendy.
This new blog highlights photos of my mom, who’s in her 60s, to show you that style does exist for real women, with real budgets, and real body types. No excessively trendy items. No purses that are more than a mortgage payment. Everyday style. Casual chic.
Dress it up! How to choose the right dress and ideas for the holidays!
Banana Republic Flagship is excited to have Chicago stylist, Noelle Cellini, of My Best Foot Forward, as a special guest presenting, “How to choose the right dress and ideas for the holidays.”
Guests will enjoy her styling tips and techniques while receiving 25% off their purchase. Come and meet Noelle and learn valuable styling tips for the quickly approaching holidays.
Banana Republic
744 N Michigan Avenue
Tuesday, December 1st - 6:30pm
* Please email or call Noelle to RSVP.
Upcoming Events:
January 20th - Shop Your Closet. Building on the Basics.
February 24th - Building the Perfect Wardrobe for Your Vacation and How to Pack.
Accessories are essential to an outfit. Why? It’s how you bring an outfit together, or make simple, basic pieces, like a white blouse and jeans, a reflection of you. Jewelry helps you maximize your wardrobe, make outfits look different and it’s fun!
Here are two videos from an event I conducted at the Banana Republic flagship store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. More events and videos to come!
Leggings are everywhere this Fall! I’ve seen them in almost every magazine and from $5 to $450, however, this trend is very young and not the most age appropriate. Instead, try a fun pair of tights. Opaque tights are always a must in any woman’s wardrobe, but colored and pattern tights are so easy. Opt for a vertical or small, non-bulky pattern which won’t add extra ‘weight’ to the leg.
Here’s a subtle pair from Nordstrom: http://tinyurl.com/m7unlw
And, if you just want to dip your toe, then try pattern trouser socks - I have a fishnet pair that I wear all the time!
Here’s a link to the Oprah web site with a list of stores and labels for petites. http://tinyurl.com/mnp6ad
Remember, petite means anyone who is 5′4″ and under. Petite clothes are cut with different proportions, but are not smaller in size. Someone can be petite on top, but not on bottom. Again, it’s all a matter a length and the right proportions for your body.
Here’s some other guidelines for petites:
Avoid cuffs in pants, shorts et cetera as this is a visual break in the line of the leg and will shorten you.
Pinstripes can help elongate your frame, but be sure pinstripe pants lie straight against hips and thighs.
Tops should never cover the crotch, because again, we loose the line of the leg.
It’s best to have skirts and dresses just above the knee - this way we see more leg/skin, which helps to length the look.
Jackets should be at, or just above the hip bone - longer and it covers up too much of the leg.
Avoid super high heels as these aren’t in proportion to a petite stature, (5′4″ and under), and will make your weight look pitched forward and off balance.
I am now on Twitter! Follow me as I give advice, links and share what’s going on in the fashion world. My Twitter name is: NoelleCellini — http://www.twitter.com/NoelleCellini
This fashion issue depends on the material or fabric of the trousers. If it’s a dressier fabric, such as tropical wool, then it should have a crease. If it’s a more casual style, like chinos, then no crease.
All my dress trousers have a crease down the front, but my city shorts and casual, cotton pants, do not. My trousers jeans do have a crease since they are a dressier denim and styled like a dress pair of black pants. However, this is a personal preference as I like the slimming effect it has on the line of leg. In general, a crease is usually makes the trousers more formal.
Zara is coming to Chicago. Downtown Chicago that is. This Spanish retailer already has one store in Old Orchard, but will be opening two stores this November. One in River North, on Michigan Avenue, and one in the Loop.
I like Zara, but that’s because they fit my silhouette. Since I’m an hourglass, their tailored jackets and pencil skirts fit me well and I love the European details. They are also known for turning out trends at a rapid pace, (lead time is about two weeks from idea to store), however, they do have plenty of basics like coats, t-shirts and blazers.
Since they are European, the items do run small. Jackets are narrow in through the shoulders and upper arms, and pants are not very generous in through the hip and thigh. This store is not for everyone, but to give you a guideline, it is seen as an upscale H&M. Items work well for an hourglass or rectangle, and a pear can wear the fitted tops and blazers.
me well and I love the European details. They are also known for turning out trends at a rapid pace, (lead time is about two weeks from idea to store), however, they do have plenty of basics like coats, t-shirts and blazers.