Style Icons by Joanna P. Brock

One of my favorite and most important things in life is having a mentor, someone to guide me, lead me and set examples that I can follow. Since having a good fashion sense is also so important to me, and should be to some extend, for all of us (remember, what we wear speaks volumes about who we are and who we portray ourselves to be), I wanted to explore a few iconic women. Look to them to do the work for you and then follow their lead. To expand upon this topic I have invited my best friend in life, a woman who is and always has been sure of who she is and has the undeniable ability to turn heads with her class. I bring you, Mrs. Joanna P. Brock. 

My bff has asked me to toss in an opinion regarding her recent blog trend on style and I could not be more honored to contribute.  Chelsea has specifically asked for my opinion on Style Icons.  Well, too bad for you that there is very little "new" in this category - too good for you that that fact is why the people I am about to mention are Icons.

Up to this point, Chelsea has done a lovely job arguing the point of buying less, but better and buying classics, not trends.  All of these points I could not agree with more.  The ladies that I want to mention knew this and were able to be confident, beautiful, always appropriate, and always stunning while wearing clothes that were timeless.

A few weeks ago the tv show Project Runway asked the designers to be inspired by Jackie O.  Even a show based on new, boundary pushing, innovative fashion recognizes that Jackie did it right in a feminine, classy wardrobe!  She knew that she could appear anywhere in a smart suit or a flattering CONSERVATIVE* (more on this word in a moment) dress and be appropriate and confident!  She always looked put together and aware of herself!

I mentioned the word conservative because there is a disturbing trend of flesh in fashion.  While standards do evolve, ladies, fitted is different than painted-on-tight, not every flattering neckline includes the majority of your bust, a short flirty hemline should never venture too close to your underwear (and yes, you should always wear underwear!!).  Some of these fundamentals are getting thrown out the fashionable window and I believe this is very sad.  Modesty oozes confidence.  Yes, people judge the girl in the super tight, super low cut, super short dress as trashy, desperate and cheap.  Cover up a bit and let your gorgeous personality shine!  A shining personality is  always a fashionable accessory.  

Back to Jackie.  She is known as much for her fashion as much as for being The First Lady.  Jackie was constantly being followed by paparazzi, media and adoring fans - a great motivator for dressing up.  You don't have the same following?  Don't worry - someone is watching and you should care!  You never know who they may be!

My second favorite icon is Ms. Hepburn herself!  Audrey Hepburn is known for her style of simplicity and elegance.  Who knew that black cropped pants and a white tee shirt could be so stunning?  Audrey knew.  Audrey loved the casual ease of cropped pants and a tee, but knew the importance of putting on a stunning dress for the right occasion.  I think Audrey is a great example of knowing one's audience and atmosphere.  When you are home having coffee with your best friend, don the yoga pants and flip flops if you like.  If you are OUT having coffee with your best friend, ditch the gym wear and put on some real clothes!  If you are invited to a dinner party of friends, don't wear your torn up jeans and stained favorite sweatshirt.  These may be your friends but if someone is putting enough effort into throwing a party - at least get dressed!  Audrey had a great sense of awareness for what was appropriate and flattering to her body.

My newest favorite icon is Kelly Ripa.  Her clothing seems to be a great example of merging timeless classic styles with trendy fashions of today.  She has a way of marrying classic lines with new fabrics or modern flair.  It's exciting to see how she adapts the old to the new!  I think she is a great example of how we can make the classic clothing of decades ago seem new today.  I am excited to see how she continues to portray herself.  

        

These are the ladies that I look to for inspiration.  They embody class, energy, elegance and sophistication.  I encourage you to think of these ladies (or your own favorite classy girls) as you are seeking to improve your style.  There is a reason why ladies from so long ago are still considered to be so fashionable - they had pride in themselves as women, not as objects.  They had confidence in who they are, not who they are wearing.  Take a trip to Google images and look around and what these women did - I hope it inspires you to find the style that makes you the best you that you can be!  

How To: Find Your Style!

Part of dressing for success comes in empowering others to define their style. So I think that today would be the perfect day to address some excellent inquiries from my friend, Margie.

She writes:

I have NO idea how to dress for success. I mean, I understand your points but I never even know where to start. I loved my old navy jeans and high school team hoodies. How do I even know what my style is? My personality has just enough Peaceful Phlegmatic to want to wear what is comfortable. But my #1 personality is Sanguine, then Choleric. I love pink and wish I could wear bolder eye colors. I wear a lot of black and white, because (I think) it is classic looking. I don't like 99% of what models wear but I love the style of someone like Aubrey Hepburn. But I don't know that it would work for me.

How do I even know what stores to start with?

Well, pretty lady, you've come to the right place! My first piece of advice is to put aside the personality stigmatisms and figure out what looks good on you, not what your head tells you is you. Your mind can play some tricky games on you when it comes to appearance. When you conquer this, your confidence will soar. And let's face it, our personalities should be in constant development if we are truly on the path to success so who's to say you should cater to one personality trait or another. I say look good, feel good, and keep on growing! That being said, we must address your question about makeup! I'm not a make up artist but I do recommend staying subtle in that area unless you properly know how to apply it without looking like a hooker. If you want to experiment with a bolder color or darker definition around those lovely lashes, start by finding examples of make up trends in the latest issue of InStyle, Elle, Vogue, or your favorite (current) fashion issue, and experiment on yourself. Here's the trick though, don't let the fear of something new make your decision. Snap a pict with your phone and shoot it to a trusted and seriously stylish girlfriend who already pulls off the looks you like. Or, even better, invite them over in person to give their opinion. As a rule, I always ask 3 people with different, yet chic styles, for their advice any time I am trying a style little out of my comfort zone. 

That brings me right to the main point: Finding your style. Then we can discuss where to shop and how to take it from shop to your own wardrobe adding, of course, your own personal flair. *PS, there is actually nothing wrong with your high school hoodies as long as you don't leave the house in them for anything short of a service project. 

My first suggestion in discovering your style would be to identify your own Celebrity Fashion Muse. Why? Because these days, they are the ones who pay a professional stylist to dress them. They have access to all the latest trends and designers before the rest of us know they even exist. It's a great way to find out about the newest trends and pieces before they even hit the stores. You can basically look to them and say, does that look flatter her and if so would it flatter me? Here's the key though, to get the best idea of whether or not that look that flatters them, will flatter you, identify a celeb that looks like you in terms of hair color, skin tone, body type, etc. You probably won't find your twin in Hollywood but you can certainly find someone to identify with. Can't find the perfect one? Pick a few and watch closely. I think we have already decided you love the classic appearance of Audrey Hepburn so lets start there for inspiration. To keep Audrey updated follow leading ladies like Anne Hathaway, Keira Knightly or Natalie Portman. And Oh! How I love the Audrey look! So timeless! In addition, it really is a fashion any woman can adapt to their closet and pull off with the utmost sophistication. So, Margie, don't doubt that a form of this can be just for you! 

Natalie Portman for Harpers Nov. 2006

Finding a celeb with your body type is truly a must when it comes to figuring out what type of clothes will flatter. I'm petite so I try to look to stars like Lea Michele, Lauren Conrad or Reese Witherspoon. I like to ask myself WWLCW? What about you? 

Now, this next piece of advice might sound silly but it's actually really helpful. Pick out what you deem to be your favorite outfits, select 5-6 of them, with accessories, shoes and all, and photograph yourself in them. Seeing yourself in a photograph is completely different than seeing yourself in a mirror. You will have the opportunity to analyze that snapshot as much as you want and really decide does the ensemble live or die? When in doubt, ask a friend (with good taste, notice I keep reiterating this, GOOD TASTE!) If you aren't quite sure what good taste is, please ask me, my email is listed, or try uploading your snapshot to Go Try It On for honest advice on your look. Because, hey, sometimes your friends can be way too nice or may suffer from their own fashion faux pax. 

The next big thing to tackle is the fact that yes, black and white is classic, but it's important to keep it chic, spice it up, and keep it from becoming ho-hum. One easy way is by jumping on board the nude train. Nudes and natural tones give a very romantic flair to our typical black and white. These are tones that range from champagne to sand with hints of peach or blush. Accessories are another great way to add the wow factor. 

this Banana Republic salt & pepper tweed number is timeless and polished with a feminine belt accentuating the waiste and bold accessories keeping the look fresh and modern.

Now that we've established a bit of a jumping off point I'd like to suggest a few places to browse:
1. Nordstrom. They offer a myriad of different designers, looks and dominate in the shoes and accessories department. Plus, the ladies there are extremely put together, offer excellent style advice and will bend over backwards to give you a good experience.
2. Banana Republic. Although the dress forms in the shop windows may be draped in more layers and colors than you are ready to branch out to, they have classic covered. My advice, pick a dress form or two on display that you like (get a little daring even!) and just try it all on.
3. J.Crew. My go to store for life. I recommend doing the same thing as advised for BR. The fits will be different enough to give you a really good idea of what looks best on you.
4. White House Black Market. You said it yourself, you're a Black & White sort of girl. This shop has your name written all over it and the staff is lovely as well. Visit the Easton Town Center location and ask for Jessica, she's my girl :)
5. Target. Your wallet needs a break sometimes and Target will lend a hand in that area while still providing an up to date collection. I love Target for inexpensive accessories, just stay away from the chunky heels in the shoe department, they seem to be still weening themselves out of the 90's.

Last but not least I am dying to share this invaluable website with you all! What Not To Wear's Stacie London and Clinton Kelly on some of their favorite fashion tips, please visit What Not To Wear's website for the ultimate in style advice.

And there you have it! Margie, I've had a blast helping you find your look. I sincerely hope these suggestions will be of great use for you. When in doubt shoot us a look and we'll be happy to properly advise, demise or high five! 

A Fun Fact:

I've advocated for pearls as a girl's best friend many times before so I will spare you my undeniable passion for the tiny white wonders and leave you with this fun fact:

Real pearls have an iridescent sheen that reflects upward, enhancing the glow in a woman's complexion. It's the one jewelry item that's a cosmetic enhancement too. 

Dress for Success: OH Polyester!

Before we begin I want to set one thing straight. I am not against Polyester. I am against 100% Polyester clothing, and here is why: It's not natural (it comes from the same material used to make plastic drink bottles) and it reminds me of the Brady's or a bad prom dress. Halloween costumes are made of 100% polyester, not your wedding gown, not your business suit, not your favorite skirt, dress or pair of pants. Oh, and did I mention it's highly flammable? I'd advice against running through a burning building draped in it. 

This is 100% polyester. It didn't look good on Carol Brady then and it won't look good on you now. 

Fabric should be the first thing you should pick out when you're looking for quality in an garment. And truth be told, it's really okay to do poly-cotton blends (within reason). They're super soft and some of my absolute favorites as far a good vintage t-shirt goes because it just gets softer with time and isn't susceptible to shrinkage the way a 100% cotton tee is. That's my disclaimer for poly. But let's remember Nigel's comment from The Devil Wears Prada, "Oh, never mind. I'm sure you have plenty more poly-blend where that came from." In other words...it's not special and it's a bit tacky. 

Stacey and Clinton, hosts of the American version of What Not to Wear, are adamant when it comes to polyester. They maintain that it’s a big “no no” and that you should rather stick to luscious natural fibers. I am in complete agreement. 13 year old girls who shop at Deb wear polyester. 

Here's another movie reference, Saturday Night Fever, remember those leisure suits? Or Uncle Eddy's baby blue suit from National Lampoons Christmas Vacation. Did those look comfortable? Did those look good? No and no. And let me share one more little tid bit: You'll sweat like a mad in those things. 100% Polyester isn't exactly a breathable material and I'd highly advise against wearing it at all in the summer months unless you want to show off your sweat stains, because you will. 

BAD.

So when you are selecting your wardrobe with love and care, taking time to be sure your choices are classy, please observe the fabrics and read your tags. 

If you look better, you feel better! 

Dress For Success: The Chapter on Investing

The votes are in! When asked which wardrobe staple would you most like to invest in the #1 answer was a classic trench or coat, followed by shoes as your #2. My thoughts exactly. In honor of those picks here are a few tips (in my own opinion) on seeking out the perfect investment piece for you:

1. Make sure you LOVE the color, in my book, whites, greys, blacks and navy's or a sharp red will always be in style. And avoid patterns that you may not want to wear again next year. 
2. Observe the stitching and lining of the garment (even a shoe), you can tell a lot about it's lifespan by carefully reading between the lines....I mean stitches. Is it strong, are there lose threads, is the material durable? 
3. Only buy it if it is the perfect fit. Tayloring also counts as a perfect fit. I love taking an item I think is 100% my size in every way and asking my taylor, who knows me, my style and matches my love for a good garment, and asking her to make it even better. If it doesn't fit right, don't persuade yourself to get it. Chances are it will sit in your closet for decades. 

As I write this I'm donning a loose knit silk slub sweater I spent $100 on at Banana Republic back in high school. I've been loving it for over 12 years now. At 14 coming up with $100 wasn't easy but mama taught me well.

My first investment piece. And Wilmington, he's such a photo snob. 

Now, I admit, I learned early on to invest and purchase wisely, however one of my biggest struggles in the up through college was impulse buying. Where? places where you waste $25 on something that can only be worn once, twice if you're lucky. The result? Wishing I put that $25 towards a gorgeous white wool coat I've been loving from Elie Tahari. The lesson is, waste not, people. Investing in that Elie Tahari I could pass on to my daughter or granddaughter is much more cost effective than a trendy top I may never wear again. Still not convinced that to invest is best? Put down those knock-off LV purses (I can see you from here and my heart hurts knowing you're even thinking about it) and think about the legacy you leave with a real Louis Vuitton. I don't know about you but I'd rather have my great grand children looking through my closet someday saying "Wow, Grandma had some real class. Look at these gorgeous fabrics!" Instead of "we're gonna need more garbage bags to get rid of all this crap. What was she thinking?"

The bottom line is this, it's a fact: The better dressed and presented you are, the more public acceptance you will receive. And it can be done very affordably? It's easy. Pay twice as much and buy half as many. You're really spending the same amount but you're buying better pieces. Pieces that last. And when you do this, you not only budget better but you think twice as much about what you are purchasing. I swear, your closet will rock. It will take time and effort, but it will rock. And the great part is, you will find that you are actually ahead money-wise when you follow this shopping rule. Why? 

It's simple....

1. Your clothing will last more than twice as long because they are more than twice as good, and as a rule they will show quality as long as they last. 

2. What you buy will stay in style longer. Better clothing always does. The same goes for accessories. 

3. You'll get better advice. Merchants selling $500 suits are usually more interested in helping you find the garment just for you than are merchants selling $200 suits. 

Remember, your appearance talks to you and it talks to others. When you dress for success your appearance says "Here is a person who respects themself, he or she is important." The well dressed person's appearance says positive things, it conveys impressions of success, intelligence, prosperity, dependability, trustworthiness and admirability. The shabby looking individual's (and I don't mean shabby chic - that's another story) appearance says negative things, it says here is a person who isn't doing well." It conveys impressions of carelessness, inefficiency and unimportance. There are many men and women who have very little in the finance department who still dress so significantly well that they feel and command respect. Practice it. 

You owe it to yourself to dress your best. That's a little piece of my mind on the topic. I would like to give a shout out to my good friend Miss Meagan Newell for introducing me to a new designer, Elizabeth and James. When I mentioned investing in your wardrobe, Meagan shot me a tweet about E&J with this note: "Investment Pieces! Go." She added, "They're so wearable and really easy pieces." Here are a few of my top picks from their Fall lookbook.

Happy Investing! 

Dressing for Success

Courtesy of Instyle Fall 2010 Fashion Trends

Business Casual. What does that mean? Two years ago I switched industries from a casual retail management position where I literally wore jeans and sweat pants to work and dove into entrepreneurship where I had to quickly grasp the meaning of dressing "business casual". Apparently you look more sophisticated when you're not donning sweats and flip flops. I don't know, it was new to me. Now, I figured if I was at a loss for how to dress to impress in this category then I'm sure there are many others who feel the same way. And after two years of mastering this game (once I figured it out) I have to say that yes, there are MANY out there who might like a few pointers. So over the next few days we'll be chatting about how to make your work attire work for you, without looking stuffy, trashy or boring. 

Today we'll start with the rules. Thank you to all who participated in helping me come up with these. There are a multitude of other Do's and Don'ts but these have been hand selected by the crew at Live the Dream (my other love) to kick things off. 

The Top 12

1. Invest, Invest, Invest.

2. 100% Polyester is usually not an option either. It flatters no one. 

3. When in doubt accessorize with pearls. Jackie O did and look where that got her. 

4. The shoes and the bag DO make or break the outfit in nearly every case so choose wisely.  

5. Spend more, buy less. (especially in shoes and coats and in neutrals or reds).

6. Trends don't always work in the business world…this will be a fun topic for later in this series…but classic is always classy. Leggings and jeggings will be covered. (Thank you, Erin for your input). 

7. Find a fashion icon (a good one, I'd steer clear of Courtney Love) you admire and ask yourself, would they wear this? I love to ask myself, “Would Grace Kelly or Jackie O approve?”

8. Accessories in proportion. FYI: cell phones are not accessories. Not now, not ever so don’t even try. This includes blue tooth pieces.

9. Less is not more in the length category however way more isn't so stylish either. (I do know that floor length maxi dresses are trending but ankle biting fabrics are not.)

10. Certain patterns and colors are only ok when in certain patterns and colors. Example: the fabric you used for your country rose colored hand made pillow case should never be seen in another form such as a dress or really any piece of clothing. And to be honest we should probably talk about tossing the pillow cases.

11. Sequins, studs, and embellishment of any kind can be done in ultra fashionable and up to date ways (think J.Crew, or Bebe and the new must have, a sequined cardigan or blazer) but the perfect planning is necessary. The day of the flasher is over and never was appropo for the business world anyway.

12. Gentlemen, when in doubt look to the studs of the series Mad Men for your iconic garment inspiration…it won’t be hard to attain these pieces nor will they be extremely pricey since they are all outfitted by the geniuses at Banana Republic. LOVE.

Tune in tomorrow to tackle the topic of Investing in your wardrobe. In the mean time, visit the poll and tell us: Which piece of clothing would you most like to invest in? 

-The team at Chandelier Skies.... (this now includes my husband who has much to add on these topics!)