The Clothing Chronicles


In This Issue:

Message from Diana
Feature Article:


MESSAGE FROM DIANA

The crocuses are starting to bloom in spite of the crazy weather, so it must mean spring is on the way - finally! I think we're all more than ready for a little change around here.

The first thing I'm going to change is the prices on my ebooks. I know, I know - I've had them the same price for YEARS. Which is precisely why, dear reader, I'm giving you fair warning on the increase, which will happen April 1st.

I'm even offering a nice price break if you order more than one title at a time. Offer ends March 31st. You can find all the details here:

http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com/ccsubscribes.html

So what's on tap for today's article? A look at your best bets for Spring 2009.

For those of you who live south of the equator and are just heading into fall, take a look at both my recommendations for Fall 2008:

http://theclothingchronicles.com/archives/321-fall2008.htm

As well as the Fall 2009 runway trends from:

Enjoy!

Diana Pemberton-Sikes
FashionForRealWomen.com


Pre-Price Increase Sale

WARNING: The prices on my ebooks and seminars will go up on April 1st. If you've been thinking about ordering some of my titles, NOW'S THE TIME to DO IT! Why pay more later when you can save big now? Dis.counts on multiple titles until March 31st.

Fashion For Real Women Products

http://www.fashionforrealwomen.com/ccsubscribes.html


FEATURE ARTICLE

Your Best Bets for Spring 2009

Tired of the gloomy weather and fragile economy? Join the club! Fortunately, neither will last forever. Spring is a time of rebirth and renewal, and one of the easiest ways to get into the spirit is by slipping into the colors and patterns of the season.

Fortunately, you won't have to add a lot to be "au courant" this year. Retailers are sticking with perennial favorites, which is good news: you can wear pieces from previous years and still look of-the-moment. Just replace what's worn out and add a few new things to feel fresh and trendy.

Just remember these 5 basics rules:

1. Always shop with a list to keep on track and in budget

2. Stick with styles that flatter your figure

3. Limit your color palette to your most flattering tones

4. Don't be afraid to mix high-end with low-end

5. Invest in classics, go cheap on trends

With these in mind, here are my top picks of the season:

Big and Bright

Citrus, turquoise, lemon, coral - you'll find a rainbow of colors to hang in your closet. DO invest in a bright top, trench, or dress, BUT make sure it's a color that flatters your skin tone.

 

Bright Trench
Roamans.com

Bright Dress by Michael Kors
Macys.com

 

Flower Power

Bold floral prints, interesting floral details, flowered accessories - you'll see them all this year. Just remember to keep your garden at bay by wearing one floral thing at a time.

 

Floral Dress
BananaRepublic.com

 
Floral shoes
Overstock.com

Geometric Shapes

Interesting and unusual shapes, colors, and details on clothes can turn heads and start conversations. If you like dramatic looks, this is right up your alley. Just be VERY careful where those unusual details hit your body, or people could be talking about them for all the wrong reasons.

 

 

Geometric jacket
Overstock.com

 

Multi-dimensional Dress
Overstock.com

Your Inner Goddess

The sexy drape of a goddess gown has been popular since Roman times. Find the details that suit your shape best and pair them with a bold metal bracelet or gladiator-style sandals. Bellissima!

 

The Roman goddess
Chadwicks.com

 

The updated goddess
Macys.com

Chic Safari

Looking to prowl around a bit? Sleek trousers (or pencil skirts), animal print tops, a safari-style jacket -- who doesn't love this look? It's been popular for decades because it looks good and turns heads. Tap your inner huntress with this classic style and see what you catch.

 

 

The safari look
BananaRepublic.com

 

Animal Print Bag
Macys.com

Ruffles and Lace

Ruffles and lace have been favorites for centuries for one simple reason: men love the feminine appeal of girlie-girls. Not all the time, of course, but if you're looking for some male attention, try putting some lace near one of your best assets - neck, wrist, or décolletage, for example - and see how much interest it generates.

 

 

Ruffled cardigan
Roamans.com

 

Lace top
MetroStyle.com

Heavy Metal

Metallics remain popular this season and will serve you well in a variety of ways, including belts, shoes, and bags. Just don't go overboard - a little metal goes a long way. Remember that cool skin tones look best with silver while warm tones look better in gold.

 

 

Swimsuit with metallic accents
Roamans.com

 

Metallic handbag
Chadwicks.com

Understated Elegance

No matter what the year or season, you can't go wrong with classic styles in elegant fabrics. Silk tops, linen trousers, jersey knits, great tweeds - these clothing investments will last you for years to come. So long as you take care of them, that is.

 

Classic tee
BananaRepublic.com

Classic shirtdress
Macys.com

 

Marrakech Express

Okay, so this one is totally trendy and definitely NOT for everyone, but it's a fun way to evoke the exotic if your budget is keeping you at home this year. Tunics, harem pants, turbans - think Talitha Getty chic bohemian (but without the drugs) for a dramatic, out-of-the-ordinary look.

 

 

Textured woven shirt
Roamans.com

 

Breezy Printed Tunic
Macys.com

Think Pink

Pink was so popular last year, it's making an encore performance this year. Tops, dresses, jackets, accessories -- you'll see it everywhere you shop. Try bright pinks if you have cool skin undertones, salmony pinks if you're have warmer tones.

Pink jacket
Chadwicks.com

Pink trench
Macys.com

So that's it - my top picks of the season. Have fun, spend wisely, and dress well!

Need more help in conquering your closet so you can finally build a wardrobe that works? Download a copy of WARDROBE MAGIC:

http://www.wardrobemagic.com

to see how easy looking pulled together can be.

Wardrobe Magic

**************

Until next time,

Diana Pemberton-Sikes
diana@fashionforrealwomen.com

FashionForRealWomen.com
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OccasionMagic.com
WardrobeMagic.com
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