The highly anticipated Fall  J.Crew Collection has finally arrived!  From the first sight of “Wild Flamingo”, I was obsessed!  This particular collection captured everything that I love about J.Crew,: classic blazers  in bold colours, ruffle tops and statement pieces in pretty pinks and bold burgundies that announce the arrival of fall fashion.

With every collection J.Crew has released, I have always had my must haves and my clients would ask me ” what did you buy already?”  As a stylist, it means so much to me that my clients value my opinion. So to you..I say “muchas Gracias!”  For the very first time,  Here are Syraluna’s Selections of the fall 2016 J.Crew Collection.

All things leopard! For me, leopard never ever goes out of style. It is a classic print that goes with every colour from wild flamingo to vibrant flame to of course the classic black. Transition this classic print with light weight fabrics and bright colors from summer to fall.

 

What is not to love about this Rhodes Blazer in wild flamingo and what J. Crew Aficionada (said in my Castilian Spanish accent) doesn’t love a perfect fit blazer in a more perfect colour.

 

Fabulous in Fatigue. I love the simplicity of this top, but paired the leopard skit, pearls and d’oracy pumps it creates the most classic yet bold look for that says  “I need to make an unforgettable first impression.”

 

This collection has most certiantly captured the very essence of J.Crew with it’s classic cuts of blazers, trousers and skits in colours that can only be found at J.Crew.

 

 

 

Summer is my favorite season for the following reasons:

1.) My birthday is in the summer and I get to celebrate!

2.) I get to trade in my pencil skirts for my shorts

3.) School is out…for summer!

4.) Did I mention that school is out!

5.)Summer fashions

But I know that everyone doesn’t get a summer break and they have to be fashionable and professional while it is 100 degrees out side. In this post, I discuss my favorite summer trends, while making them work appropriate or finding an alternative.

I  love summer styles of linen blazers and sweaters, off the shoulder blouses, cute detailed shorts and not to mention rompers. Oh let me not forget the bold colors and of course the classic white that announces that summer is here.  Summer styles are fun and relaxing and capture the mood of being on a permanent vacation. However, just because we’re on vacation doesn’t mean all of the fashion rules are too.

The Summer Blazer

Even though I am on vacation from the school, I still work a summer job where I must look professional and fashionable and in this case, I will opt for my linen blazers. I love traditional pieces in bold colours, such as the this linen blazer pictured on  me. A blazer is a classic, (refer to previous posts) which can be worn with jeans, skirts, dresses and yes even shorts. While blazers are usually saved for fall fashions, choosing a fabric like linen or cotton blend will give you a professional(without sweating) look that is summer and office appropriate.

Rompers and Jumpsuits

The romper has been one of may favorite summer must haves  this season! It is one piece instant outfit with varying sleeve lengths. Paired with sandals for a casual day or with heels for a sexy night out  drinking sangria with your boo or with the girls. As much as I love the look of the romper, it may not be appropriate for the work place.  My office

alternative is the jumpsuit paired which can be paired with  a light weight blazer that is professional and  suitable for the office.

 

Shorts

Shorts are the official uniform of Summer! As soon as the school is over, I convert my wardrobe over to my colouful and printed shorts paired with heels,  linen sweaters, button-down tops or tee-shirt and a blazer. Yes, I love to wear shorts and a blazer! Blazers, instantly elevate any look. Now as for short length, I like 4in. shorts because I do like my legs; it is a perfect length for me When it comes to short length, they should hit you mid thigh(this is my personal preference.) However, there are various inseams of shorts(measured in inches): 3,4,5, 7, 9 and Bermuda (which is a 10 inch short). when it comes to shorts, Ladies please stop being so critical of yourselves and try on a pair of shorts. Pay attention to the length, if they are too long, they can make you appear shorter in stature(this does depend on your leg length and inseam.) As always, I stress material. It will greatly affect the fit of a pair of shorts, which means you may have to size up or down depending on the cut, fit, material and the dye. Yes, the color of the dye can affect the fit of shorts as well; dye can weaken the fibers of fabrics which will affect the fit of any garment. So keep this in mind when shopping for all garments.

Off the Shoulder

Off the shoulder tops, dresses and rompers have been the trend of the season which highlights the neck and shoulders. Off the shoulder looks can be fun, elegant and romantic,  however,  they can quickly turn to looks that are…um…not so classy. Off the should look are meant to highlight the shoulders, we should not see any cleavage of any kind when rockin’ the off the shoulder blouse. I love fashion and trends and I always find ways to implement them into my professional wardrobe and as much as I love this trend, it is one the should not be worn to the office. Unless your profession is in fashion, please, please leave this look for night out with your chicas or your boo.

 

White Hot

White is the colour of summer. Wearing all white is an instant way to make any look chic whether it be white jeans paired with a white blouse or an all white suit paired with a bold colour or statement piece. An all white look some how captures chic, professional and keeping cool in one basic but classic look. Pairing shades of white of different fabrics can be nearly impossible, the trick is to wear shades of white that are close in color (you won’t get an exact match because fabrics hold  dye differently). Pair the all white look with a bold colour or statement accessory like shoes jewelry, scarf or purse. The results will be…amazing.

Just like many aspects of life, if there isn’t a strong foundation, the process of building upon those fundamentals can be a struggle. The same can be said for fashion, even the most beautiful garment can look unflattering if your foundation is mal-wear (an ill-fitting bra.)

I recently discovered ( ok, a year ago) A la mode, a loca boutique specializing in bra fitting. I went in because a friend of mine recently had a baby and needed some new bras because he traditional bras were not giving her the support that she needed. While, I am there my good friend Challyn, who is also  a bra specialist, commented on how “sad” my boobs looked. I already have big boobs, I didn’t want to be sad too, so I allowed her to fit me for a bra. After she took my measurements, she picked out the most beautiful bra, I slipped into the dressing room and was surprised at how supported I instantly looked. I stood taller, my sweater fit better and I swear I looked 10 pound lighter too. I left a la mode feeling confident and sexy.

Fast forward a couple of months, I needed to update my bras, I knew that I could bypass the bra fitting games and go to my girl Challyn, because she had my size and preferences on file. On my way to A la mode, I started thinking about all of the time and money wasted on bras that didn’t support me and just made my boobs look “sad.” As, I park, there is a sign out side the door, that advertises 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, which brings me to this edition of my blog “foundation of Fashion” where I inquire bra specialist and good friend Challyn on why are 80% of women are walking around with a poor fashion foundation.80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, why do you think that is? 

A lack of education. Many women are misinformed about their bra fit or completely unaware that they are wearing the wrong bra. Some  Women also think that they are the same size in all brands of bras which isn’t the case.  Just like clothing retailers, your size of clothing will vary depending on the brand; the same is for bra fits; it will vary depending on the designer

What do you say to women worried about bra size instead of bra fit?

“The tape measure doesn’t tell the truth.” Many bra specialist in retail stores don’t do fittings properly, which can give incorrect measurements. I also don’t tell women their size until after they have tried on a couple of styles and they see how much better they look when wearing a bra that is truly supporting them.

How does A la mode differ from  stores like Lane Bryant and Victoria Secret? 

A la mode imports various styles and wide range of sizes from Canada and Europe that are both supportive and stylish. Whereas stores like Lane Bryant and Victoria secret, design and manufacture their own bras and the measurements will be geared towards their product. For example, a woman who measures a 42 H, the bra specialist will add inches to the band to get her into a 46DDD because it is the size that they sell; hence one of the main reasons some many woman are walking around wearing the wrong size bra.  A la mode caters to women of various sizes, even the most difficult to find sizes.

How do you encourage women to come in and get fitted?

I usually tell my friends how “sad” their boobs look Challyn is laughing and so am I because that is how I became a loyal customer of  A la mode. Once women see and feel the difference of a proper fitting bra , women are  left feeling supported. confident and sexy.

The right bra creates the proper foundation for all of your stylish garments to fit; it will also help with your posture which will help you walk tall and confident. Usually, I give you, my readers, some advice on fits of a particular garment but in this case my advise to you is:

 Go to A la mode  for a true bra fitting

 Invest in your bra because it is the “hardest working piece of clothing”(alamodeintiamtes.com) you will purchase.

 Try on multiple styles and DO NOT panic about the bra size, focus on how amazing you will look in your blouse

 Leave feeling supported, confident and sexy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Louboutin   released a” nude” ballet flat collection in many different skin tones! This is huge news for both fashion and many women of color because; we are now able to have that same level of elegance that out has only been depicted in that apricot(I’m referring to Crayola crayons ) hue of nude. This is exciting news that there is now a nude for various skin tones and yet a little discouraging that it has taken the designers this long to  expand on the classic nude shoe.

As I am writing this piece, I decide to do a google search for  for “nude shoes” just to see what else may come up and what comes across in the images in the apricot shade of nude for various styles of shoes. I’m hoping that in the next few months that we have the same number of shades of nude as we do styles.

I’ve been on the search for a nude pump  in my hue and it has been challenging. I do own a pair of the apricot nude pumpes it it looks great with outfits that are  shades of white. However, I’m still not able to get that classic and leggy look that the apricot nude on the matching hue gives. I’ve found pumps in shades of brown with the names ” Cognac,”         ” Tobacco”, “Hazelnut”  which are  a very very close match to my skin color and I am able to achive that long leg look,. but this option is not available for all other different shades of nude

The nude shoe is the classic natural that really goes with EVERYHTING in your closest .  According to the Huffingtonpost, Louboutin quotes that “the nude collection is dedicated to people who want to have great legs, to have a great silhouette”  I believe with Louboutin blazing the fashion trails in the manner and many many more shoe designers to follow in his footsteps;  every woman will have an opportunity to have both great legs and a great silhouette her nude hue.

 

 

 

 

Jeans the most essential piece of any wardrobe, yet it is one of the most difficult to pieces to find even though almost every designer has their brand of denim. Trying to find the “perfect” pair of jeans can frustrate even the most seasoned shopper on her quest for jeans.

My years as a Personal stylist have taught me a few tricks when it comes to shopping for denim for both myself and my clients. For example, the amount of stretch, fit, cut and quality of denim all play a part in how denim will fit

My favorite fits of denim are the toothpick and matchstick by J.Crew. (don’t let the name fool you).  The toothpick is my year around denim; it is a very tapered leg with a  length that hits just above the ankle,  which is perfect  to length for a seamless look when wearing boots. The toothpick is also my fit to wear with my classic ballet flats, my sandals or my heels.

The Matchstick has many of the same characteristics of the toothpick with the fit and feel of the denim with the perfect amount of stretch and memory to keep it’s shape after multiple wears. The Matchstick is a classic full length jean that has the perfect length for both heels and flat

 

 

 

 Understand your body. I can’t tell you the number times I’ve seen women wear a brand of jeans for the sake of the name sewn in on the label. Ladies if the jeans aren’t flattering, that label mean nothing! Instead buy jeans based on fit and if you look amazing who cares who made them. One of the brands that I found to be the most flattering for women with curves is  the“sweet heart” jeans by Old Navy. This jean is designed with a smaller waist to prevent gapping and hugs your curves without being too tight.

The “boyfriend”  style denim, is more fitted in the waist and fuller throughout the leg of the pant. I have found that boyfriend style tends to have less stretch and is flattering on body types that are lacking those curves. The two brands of boyfriend denim I have found to be both comfortable and stylish are by Madewell and Old Navy. I own both and with the Old Navy brand I had to size up in order to get that boyfriend look. With Madewll, I was able to wear my normal size while maintain the look of the denim.

When shopping for denim, look for the following to have a “perfect” fit for your body type

Rise: Unless you are wearing a high-waisted denim, jeans should hit you at your natural waits or at the belly -button

Stretch: Most denim is made with at least 2% elastin; anything more  and you are wearing jeggings (more on those on a later post).

Pockets: If the pockets of your jeans are hit the curve of your buttocks, then the rise of your jeans are too short.

wash: the wash of the denim will affect the fit of your jeans

Cut: There are various styles of denim and various designers all of who have an idea of what is the “perfect jean” Try multiple pairs until you find what is comfortable.

I hope that this is able to give you a start in the right direct for your quest for jeans

 

First, I would like to say Happy New Year to you all! 2015 was a year of many trials and tribulations. It has been a year of new ventures  such as my blog and being able to have platform to discuss not only fashion but other topics that I would like to share with you, my readers.

As we embark on another year, I still want to focus on the classics a strong foundation of any wardrobe. Part III of the classic series focuses on pants, the fit, cut fabrics, style and yes comfort. Many of my clients who love fashion who also happen to be teachers often look for a pant that is comfortable, fashionable, professional and of course affordable

Prior to my discovery of the Pixie Pant, I struggled with a professional pant. I would find a pant that was too long in the rise, too tight in the leg, or too small in the waist. I would wear pencil skirts or dresses and avoid the dress pant and wait for Fridays so I could wear Jeans to work and not deal with the morning wardrobe struggle.

The pixie pant is an ankle pant with a generous  amount of stretch, Do size down, that has a front zip closure along with a bar and hook. This pant is a great professional pant that can transitions  the seasons. It is perfect for spring paired with a kitten heel or sandals; It is also the perfect length and width to wear inside of boots without having the bunching that can occur with excess fabric. I love feel of the pant, it is a blend of cotton and spandex, which makes it a perfect year round pant.

 I recently discovered the Pixie pant from J. Crew ( I know right after all of this time) and it is the most comfortable pant I’ve worn. I would describe this pant as a very thick legging( a nice alternative to leggings, I’m still on the fence about leggings) or even similar to a riding pant and, in my opinion, a little casual but paired with right  pieces, the pant can be elevated. The J.Crew Pixie pant is a very fitted pant with a back zip. I also recommend that you size down in this pant as well because there is also a generous amount of stretch in the J.Crew Pixie pant as well. The leg of the this pant is very tapered so it is perfect for boots, heels or flats. The pixie pant pictured and what I own are the leather tux trim, which gives the pant an elegance and edge at the same time.

 

  The Sloan pant from Banana Republic,  is also an ankle pant with a front zip. This pant does have stretch but not as much as the Pixie Pant from Old Navy. The Sloan pant has a little more structure in the leg of the pant and has a slit at the ankle which adds to the very slight flare of the pant. I’ve found that the pant works best with heels or flats; I had slight bunching when, I’ve worn them tucked inside of boots.

I’ve discussed three styles of ankle style pants and yes I own all three styles (a little excessive? perhaps) but I also like to wear a full length pant, but I’ve found that they have been a little more difficult to buy for the fact that I’ve noticed that full length tend to be tighter in the thigh, shorter in the rise then they have a flare and depending on the designer the flare can fall at various lengths. I’ve found two styles of full length pants that have been the most flattering for my figure. The first style is the Campbell trouser by J.Crew. I love the line and the flare of this particular pant because it is the perfect lenth of the flare it can be worn with both a kitten heel or higher heel and of course the colors are fabulous!

 

7th Avenue Studio Fit Boot-cut

 

The 7th Avenue Studio Fit boot-cut trouser by New York and Company  is another full-length pant that I found to be flattering for my figure. It is a perfect fit through out the leg, perfect width of flare, however it is a bit longer in the inseam, which is perfect if you have a long inseam and if you don’t, well  it’s an excuse to wear those 4 inch heels!

The fit of the pants is essential and understanding how pant fit your body type will give you a professional and stylish look.

Look for these key features when shopping for the classic essential for your wardrobe:

Ankle Length Pants: Should hit slightly above the ankle; anything that hits higher than the ankle is considered high-waters, (not cute) which can make you appear shorter in stature, especially if you’re already petite.

Long Length Pants: Ladies, please avoid the excess fabric at the bottom of your pants. Walking around with a pool of fabric about your feet is not stylish, makes you appear shorter and  not to mention it is dangerous. Please invest the $8-$10 to hem those pants! If you’re going to wear heels, the pant should hit the bottom of the heel and should not hit the floor. The frayed look isn’t cute either.

Cut and Fabric: Try on various designers and styles, remember fashion is not one size fits all. If a pant has a generous amount of spandex, do size down. Once you find a pant that you love….invest in multiple pair and alterations   (if they are too long). Happy Shopping!

As a personal stylist and an educator, the most frustrating phrase I hear daily is ” I can’t ___________(fill in the blank). My response in both professions is you don’t know until you try a particular style or formula. You may have to try several styles, brands, cuts and fabrics until you find what works for you.

Working in education, I’m constantly having to try different techniques to teach a concept and I’ve learned that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to teaching. The same is said for fashion, one size does NOT fit all; fashion and style is and should be as unique as your personality. Being in fashion, I am surrounded by beautiful and bold colors, various cuts and styles of pants, denim, shirts and skirts and with so many options to choose from, I have the opportunity to find what styles and colors work best for my body type and complexation.

Every season, there is a fashion trend that makes the pages of fashion magazines and are displayed on the mannequins hinting to customers that THIS (what ever is styled on the mannequin or in the magazine) is what they should be wearing without any substitutions. It is not a one size fits all, when it comes to fashion you will have to make substitutions to accommodate your body type. For example, I love crew neck sweaters, but worn alone, it is not a flattering look for me because I am busty and it draws a lot of attention to that area, so I improvise. I will  layer with a collared shirt, wear a blazer or I will ALWAYS where my hammock pearls why you ask because it draws the eye towards my face and not on my chest.  I often times will  try to find a V-neck version of a look that has inspired me; which also helps minimize my bust.

Color is another area where women say “I can’t wear __________(place color here) without ever giving it a try. Some are afraid of color for what ever reason, some don’t want to draw attention to themselves, there for avoid color. The main reason, I’ve learned in my years as a stylist is that most women just don’t know how to coordinate bold bright colors so they avoid them altogether and stick with the neutrals. Many women have also said that they  can’t wear color; it isn’t that they can’t wear the color; they just need to find the right shade of color.  You may need to try on various shades of a color that you are wanting to wear and take pictures of yourself. Try to take the picture in natural light; the lighting in fitting rooms is horrible.

Fashion has so many styles and trends that are styled perfectly on the mannequins and models in the magazines then so many of us tried to replicate the exact same look  then leaving the fitting room frustrated because the it didn’t look right and you are convinced that you can’t wear that style. Here are few key points for dressing your body type, particularly if you are busty.

 

 

 

Stripes: Every body type can wear strips, the trick is to find a stripe that is proportionate you your body type. The J.Crew shirt is the perfect width if you are busty. A thinner stripe, will make you appear wider than you really are.

 

 

Being busty, I’ve learned a few trick along the way  to make sure that your bust is not the focus on your outfit:

Always draw the eye up. Wear a statement necklace/earrings or collard shirt, both of these will put the focus on your face and not your bust.

Necklines.  The most flattering necklines for our figure is a V-neck or boat neck. These  necklines minimize the bust and elongate your neck. I do love a crew-neck sweater; however I always layer  under a blazer, with a button-down shirt and of course my pearls!

Prints. I love floral prints and of course leopard  but just like stripes they need to be proportionate to your body. The texture of the fabric  will also affect the fit of a the print. I personally wear these prints in a pant or a skirt and stick to a chambray or solid color top. (this is an example of where yo make the substitution.

And of course Sparkle. Every girl needs some sparkle in here life and not just for special occasions. Everyday is a special occasion and if you want to wear sparkles… just make sure that it is proportionate to your body.

I hope that these few tips will help you next time your are shopping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I was thinking about my blog post regarding Style, I started researching what is style and how style has come to be. Style is used as both a verb and noun; it is used in so many art forms that the definition of style is very vague. So instead of defining style we learn to make it personal.

Many of those who have encouraged me to start my blog, know that I was a personal stylist for six years, during that time I not only developed my personal style, I also encouraged my clients to establish their own. Personal Style is developed over time, as you learn more about yourself and  what it is that your are attracted to you will learn how that is reflected in your style hence personal style.

Personal style gives the world a glimpse of your personality. It goes beyond what is  fashionable and incorporates the latest trend while still being  able to express an element of  personal style. It is those personal details that take a look from being fashionable  to creating a  style. As, I have developed my style and tweaked it throughout trends; I have found that I would describe my personal style as colorfully classic  with a slight edge; I say this because I tend to wear classic pieces in very bold and bright colors; I love color it instantly makes me feel better and happy. Case in point, I love a blazer, it is my favorite classic piece and  I own in one in just about every color! Yes, you read that correctly from citron to cerise. The blazer is my go to piece because it is professional, classic and it goes with EVERYTHING! Paired with my hammock peals, I’m styled  for what ever may come my way!  As for a slight edge, I still lean towards the classic pieces but with bold and dramatic hardware such as detailed buttons or contrasting zippers.

So how do you develop personal style?

• Attraction. When shopping, pay attention to the looks and colors that you gravitate to. See how you can incorporate these into your wardrobe in a fashionable and personal-stylish way.

• Work with a personal stylist. A good stylist will capture parts of your personality and not recreate you with a make-over. (Unless that is what you are looking for).

• Ask yourself what do you want your style to present to the world…are you classic, bold, artistic, witty etc.

• Pay attention to detail… style is in the details.

• Signature piece . What is that one element of fashion that captures an essence of your personality; a pair of unique socks, bold colors and patterns, classic peals, a red lip… what will be that signature element that takes your look from fashionable to personal style?

A button-down shirt instantly makes any look classic, chic and professional. This one classic  piece can transition your wardrobe and looks amazing with everything from the classic suit to a sequin pencil skirt. It even manages to elevate leggings ( umm… more on  this topic in later blog post.)

The button-down is classic and essential in any wardrobe yet it can be the most difficult piece to find that is designed for your particular frame. As much as I love a good button-down, I avoided them in the past for many years because I could not find one that fit me and “the girls” as we will call them.  I have a large bust, which has created many styling challenges for me in the past. Shirts would not fasten and if I managed to button a shirt it would pucker across the fullest part of my bust which would have me reaching for the infamous safetypin to seal the shirt shut.

To aviod  the puckering and safetypin I’ve tried wearing men’s shirts, which fits accross the “the girls”  but the fit is  too big in the shoulders and the body of the shirt which can makes for a sloppy look. If  I  tried to layer it under a sweater it resulted in excess fabric crawling up my back and arms.

I’ve also tried shops that are geared to “plus size” women. Again, they fit across the bust but I look like I’m pregnant ( I’m not trying to have that look at this time) I have nothing against these stores; I find the cut of the clothing to not be proportionate to my body type which leads to the clothing having execess fabric and creating an unflaterring look.

Now, I’ve described the button- down shirt as a classic and essential for all  wardrobes and I believe in investing in your classics. Meaning pay attention to the quality of the fabric, the lines of the shirts and how it fits on your body . This will be a piece that you will wear and transition all year long so invest the time and money in classics which  always creates looks that are professional and fashionable.

Through out my quest for the “perfect” fitting button-down, I’ve found that the women’s buttond down-shirt from Old Navy are the most flattering for me when it comes to fitting accross the bust  and that there are key element to the perfect fit

1. Have a strong foundation. Wear a bra that will lift and support the bust . Not only does this improve your posture, it will improve the fit of  your shirts. I’ve found that the wrong bra is the main reason why a shirt doesn’t have the “perfect” fit. ( More on this in a future blog post)
2. Fabric and color. Pay attention to the dye or pattern of a shirt, this too will affect the fit of a button-down shirt. Ever noticed that white shirts always seem to fit tight? It is because the fibers in white garments haven’t been weakend by the dye process.
3. Not all button-down shirts are alike. When looking for classics, try on various cuts, brands and designers becasue  what is considered a size “12”  or “XL” by one retailer will vary slighltly or dramtically in another.
4. Invest. Classics paired together always make for the perfect outfit or transition seemlesy with the latest trend which is why you should invest in multiple button-down shirts.

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1018072&vid=1&pid=371071002