Before you go shopping for spring clothes get your closet ready with these tips.

1. Purge your Fall/Winter.  Get rid of any clothes that you didn't wear for the last three years unless it was particularly expensive or it is considered a vintage piece. Do this now while it is fresh in your mind. Don't fool yourself into thinking you will remember next fall; you won’t. In the retail world Fall/Winter is over so buying clothes now might be a waste of time. Make a quick list of worn out winter items or outfits missing from your wardrobe i.e. my winter boots are a mess or I didn't have a fun outfit for house parties.

2. Purge your spring clothes. Empty your closet onto your bed, putting each item into one of the following five categories:

                I.  Clothes you love, love, love and I will wear it all the time.

                II.  Love love. I wear this on special occasions.

                III. Use to love I don't seem to wear this anymore.

                IV. Like but I can't say I love it.

                V.  Eh. I thought I liked this but it doesn't fit me well.

Make a donation pile of the 4s and 5s. Keep the 3s one more season.  In general clothes you have not worn in three years sell or giveaway. Organize the entire wardrobe by season, then type, then color. All on the same kind of hanger (not wire hangers). I recommend folding sweaters, cotton tanks, t-shirts, and hanging all other items.

3. Time to make some outfits. To qualify as an outfit it must be altered, look good on your body type, and be in a complimentary color. An outfit ideally should have three pieces (i.e.blazer, silk tank, and pant) and  won't be complete without shoes and accessories. Every favorite item should go with at least two or three other items in your closet. If one of the items is something your tired of wearing, it heads up your spring shopping list. Make as many outfits as possible. Think of your lifestyle. If you work full-time your work outfits come first. If you are a stay at home mom your day-to-day outfits come first. Then start asking yourself what to wear to other events...i.e. what can I wear on date night? What can I wear out to dinner with my husband? Any item or event outfit you are missing goes on the spring shopping list.

4. Get Inspired. Start collecting magazines and catalogs to figure out what to add to your wardrobe this season. Fold down pictures of items or outfits that you think would look good on you. Consider what events you have to attend. Any new selection should coordinate with what you already own. Remember to revisit the basics as well.

5. Shop with a purpose. While you are making outfits write down any missing wardrobe items that would enhance your outfit and any outfits you need for future events. Only buy what is on your list. Avoid shopping on impulse or without your list.

6. Hanger placement. When you return all your clothes to your closet turn all the hangers in your closet backward, and each time you wear an item and return it to the closet flip its hanger forward. You will see what you're actually wearing. Do this for six months and consider donating the clothes you are not wearing.

1.  Animal Prints
Every women needs to take a walk on the wild side. Whether its zebra, tiger, or leopard everyone needs an item with an animal print. One animal per customer please.

2. Menswear Suits
Return to the power suit and choose a classic silk blouse to make it more feminine. Mixing the rough and feminine together is the key.

3. Bold Colors
Buy anything with bold blocks of color. The color red  and cobalt blue to name a few were seen everywhere on the runways.

4. High Waisted Pants
If you've grown tired of the low rise pants this will be a welcome change. High Rise pants and jeans are in. Think Audrey Hepburn!

5. A New Length In Skirts
Longer pencil skirts and fuller skirts are showing up in stores. If you choose this trend combine it with a high heel shoe.

6. Structured Bags
This season, handbags move away from the slouchy and shapeless and now have more structure and less hardware. Try a classic tote bag.

7.  Classic White Blouse
A well fitted white blouse is a trend that really is a staple to anyone's wardrobe.

8.  Capes
Think of the cape as your third piece. Once it's on, your off.

9. Pencil Skirts
Pencil skirts look so ladylike and make an outfit so much more feminine than pants. They come in tweeds, knits, or wool.

10. Sparkle And Shine
Every day you really must have a little sparkle and shine in your life and a sequin tank or lurex sweater will do the trick.

Spring is a naturally feminine time - brights take over the color palette, flowers pop up everywhere. And this year's spring is more ladylike than ever!

Look to add ruffles, lace or a touch of floral to transition into a stylish and sexy spring.  But don't think old-fashioned or matronly.  Think beautiful.  Start with Audrey Hepburn classics and add a bit of sparkle.  Or Julianne Moore with her soft, grown-up sense of style.

Here's the scoop on Spring's must-haves:


1. Casual Blazer - This year the blazer is softer and less constructed. More fitted than the boyfriend jacket, it goes with a tee and pant today and shorts or capris as the season heats up.  A good investment for all wardrobes.   

2. Neutral shoes - Neutrals, not black are the new go-to colors. And they're being worn with everything, especially a neutral heel with the LBD (Little Black Dress). This is a great investment if you're looking to update your look with earth tones, too.

3. Sparkle Tank - This is a fun trendy piece to pair with jeans, under a blazer or with a pencil skirt that can turn your look from day to night.

4. Spicy Color Palette - If you wear warm colors, this is your time to shine! Look for colors like ginger, nutmeg, mustard, and more to mix with your whites and neutrals.

5. Pleated crop pants - Not for every figure, but very much on trend. Wear these with a tight top tucked in to accentuate your waist. And, if you have a pear shape, stay away as this look will just add more bulk where you don't want it.

6. Printed Jersey Dress - Ask any man and he will tell you a women looks better in a dress than any pants.  Today's new jersey dresses are easy to wear and great for travel. When shopping, pay attention to the silhouette that most flatters you.  And if you consider yourself "outfit-challenged", a dress is often easier to put together than a whole outfit.

Last, splurge on a accessory that is going to make you feel fresh and ready to make a statement. Whether it's a fabulous multi-strand necklace, a bright- colored watch or so-cute colored bag, get something you love for spring.

1. Proper undergarments - Invest in a good bra. Get fitted if you haven't been fitted for awhile or you have gained or lost weight. A lot of stores offer free bra fittings. Your bustline should sit in the middle between your elbow and shoulder. Buy seamless underwear. I like TC Edge sold at Nordstrom's. Buy Spanx if you want a pantyhose-smooth feel. Buy a Flexees cami if you want to cover love handles or back fat. Wear this cami with your bra to smooth out your tops.

2. Make sure you try on clothes in a three-way mirror so you see all sides. Sit on a chair, cross your legs, bend over to see if you need longer tops to cover your back side.

3. Most clothes will fit better if they are altered. A common pant issue is the pants fit in the butt and legs but gaps in the waist. This is a simple alteration to take in the waist.
Shop at stores that offer alterations and ask the seamstress if the item needs any alterations. When you find items that fit you well, stick with that brand.

4. Buy items in your color palette. Buy colors that you have gotten compliments wearing and don't buy items in a color you are unsure of or just because it is on sale.

5. Go to stores where salespeople are interested in helping you. If you like them stick with them and they'll get to know you better. This is like having a favorite hair stylist versus trying to have someone different cut your hair each time.

6. Common alterations that don't cost much are:
- waist in on pants
- taking the side or back in on a blouse
- shortening or lengthening sleeves, shortening or lengthening pants
- making an armhole smaller like on a sleeveless dress
- taking in the hip or butt area of a pant
- putting lingerie straps in a dress so your bra straps don't hang out
- taking in the sides or back of a blazer
It is easier to take in a garment than to make it bigger. Trying to alter shoulders on a blazer or jacket is difficult and expensive.

7. I find clients make most fit mistakes when they are in a hurry or they need an outfit fast or are shopping with their children. I recommend "Shopping With A Purpose". This means shopping with a well planned list at the beginning of each season.

Before you run out looking for lame or a red satin frock with gold bells and green elves, check your closet. It’s better to buy something you need for your wardrobe --  not something you need for the holidays. Skip the Santa sweater and holiday turtleneck and, instead, buy something that you can wear well beyond Jan 1.

What are some wardrobe pieces that will be fabulous for the holidays and other occasions?

1.    The LBCD (little black cocktail dress). Big this year. Sleeveless if you’ve got Michelle O’s arms. Long or ¾ length sleeves for the rest of us.
2.    Cashmere sweater with nice flowy black pants. Add strappy sandals and a cute cocktail bag.
3.    A beautiful fitted pant suit with layers of long pearls or necklaces or a ruffled blouse. Wear with dressy slingbacks.
4.    A silky sleeveless top covered by a long open cardigan and straight black pants. In the retail world, we call these “date night tops”.
5.    For less dressy, a sweater dress with tights and tall boots.
6.    For warmth and arm coverage, a luscious cashmere wrap for anything sleeveless.

Remember that what might be “hot” for the season might NOT be hot for you. Consider your lifestyle and body shape – and potential alterations – when buying.

Retail alert! If you love something and it fits – BUY IT! Retailers are not buying large inventories and the best items will be gone quickly.

If you need any help shopping at this hectic time of year, call me! 708-829-8245.

Fashion can be ruthless! We’re seeing several new looks, but not everyone should make them THEIR looks. This might help you make the decisions:

1. Shoes with bows.  If you have a small to average foot, this  can work for you. Gives a classic black dress a kick with a bow on a pump and dresses up jeans on a flat.

2.  Chunky knits.  Only for the freezing cold gal -- not in menopause.  This look might also overpower a petite women.  Better to dress in layers to keep warm versus a heavy sweater.  It can be very cute over leggings with tall boots.  This is a trendy look, but if you already have enough “chunk” in your shape, pass.

3.  Animal prints.  If you have warm tones to your skin buy the animal print with camels and browns.  If you cool tones buy the grey and black.  Add an animal flat to a pair of jeans. Add a bag to give any basic outfit a kick.  Buy a scarf, if you just want a little flair. But no more than ONE animal per outfit, please!

4.  Sherling Jackets.  Besides a down coat, this is the warmest coat you can buy, And it is much more hip, flattering and worth every penny.

5.  Jewel tone velvets.  Beautiful for the holidays or a fancy occasion, if they work with your skin tones. If not, you can still wear them but not around your face. Add a scarf or blouse that is more fitting.

6. Camel Coats.  Tired of your black coat? This is a perfect color for women with warm coloring.  For a red haired gal this is a must. All coats need a scarf to keep the collar clean and to stay warm.

7. Straight leg pants. Not to be confused with skinny pants! If you have a pair shape, straight legs can be a tough look to pull off.  If you have great legs this is the pant for you. Pears, stick with an always-flattering trouser, bootcut, or wide leg.


It’s my belief that all women can look their best. It’s my passion to help you achieve your best this Fall. With a little guidance, a beautiful Fall can be easy!
I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about wearing for Fall?  And, if you want help creating your list or shopping, give me a call at 708-829-8245.

Now is the time to shop for Fall even though it's raging summer outside.  In keeping with the tough economy, retailers continue to stock less inventory and when an item you like is gone - its gone!

Especially if you’re hard to fit, you’ll want to attack the stores at their fullest. So stop thinking breezy dresses and start thinking blazers. But before you head out, let’s think about making smart choices.

#1. Shop with a LIST. Here are the basics for a casual Fall wardrobe. Start by seeing what fits and looks great (no pilling, no bad stains, etc.) from last Fall.

• Long sleeve t-shirts in solids or patterns.  Buy scoop or v-necks if you are full busted. Buy rounded crew neck if you are small busted. Buy enough for Fall and Spring because in the Spring stores will start to carry short sleeves, but you’ll still need long sleeves. This is a key layering piece. Make sure they are long enough to cover your back side when you bend over. To save time, bring along a t-shirt you love and lay it over the new ones to check the length and width. If you love three quarter sleeves and can’t find them buy long sleeve and have them shortened.

• Twill or cotton pants. After Capri season comes twill or cotton pants.  This is an alternative to jeans and worn before cords, velvet, or wool pants in the colder months.  You’ll also wear these pants in the Spring.

• Tanks for layering. Basic tanks go under fitted shirts, v-neck sweaters, suits, cardigans, t-shirts. Check out the length to cover your back side and sticks out at the bottom of the layered piece.

• Casual Blazers/Jackets.  Look for jean jackets or suit blazers in different fabrics and lengths that give you a waist. Stay away from boxy styles that are flattering to no one.  

• Cardigan.  A trendy alternative to a jacket, it can be worn buttoned or open, long or short. This works over a sleeveless dress or a fitted shirt and pencil skirt.

• Flats. Buy a flat with a little support on the bottom so you don’t feel barefoot.  These are cute with jeans, cotton pants, a short dress or skirt and a necessity for office attire.

• White blouse. Here’s your American classic that looks good on everyone. This can be worn layered or by itself.

• Quality undergarments.  Buy seamless panties (TC Edge at Nordstrom’s or Vanishing Edge at Soma) to eliminate panty lines. And get fitted for a supportive bra. You’ll probably look thinner when “the girls” are where they’re supposed to be.

• A bright light weight scarf.  Add pizzaz to any t-shirt, sweater, jacket or coat while adding warmth as the weather changes.

• Dark trouser jeans. This is the jean for everyone and the most universally flattering. Keep decoration and pockets to a minimum.

# 2. Buy with Spring in mind. Unlike one-season wardrobes, Spring and Fall can do double-duty by just changing out some accessories.

#3. Every outfit should have three pieces – a bottom (pants, skirt), a top (blouse, sweater, t, tank) and the thing that makes it an outfit (jacket, cardigan, statement scarf, etc.). Except for dresses that can be outfits in themselves. See for yourself how that 3rd piece adds style to your everyday look.

#4. Get rid of the bad.   Please don’t hang on to the clothes that you don’t look and feel great in! They simply hide the great wardrobe you have in your closet. Even if you just have to lose a “few pounds” to get back into clothes, it seems like those few pounds are never in the same place. Donate or consign what doesn’t fit or isn’t top quality so you can look into a closet filled with actual possibilities.

Fall is one of my favorite shopping times. Make it yours, too!

WOW! A savings for Fall!

DO you need help with your Fall wardrobe? Right now through September 3oth, I am offering $50 off a private consultation when you book 2 or more hours @ $75 an hour.   I will shop with you or clear out your closet while you learn everything about style that will work for you.

If you’re like most women about this time of year, you’re seeing new fashions at stores and starting to think about what’s put away under the bed and in attics in anticipation for warm weather. But before you think you’re ready to shop, think about how you might shop smarter.

In my work as a stylist (or wardrobe/closet/clothes consultant), I’ve learned most women have no idea what’s in their closets or what they need for the upcoming season. I’ve also learned that I can really help. Here’s how:

Save Time

The most important way to save time is to shop with a list. I call it “shopping with a purpose” because you’re going to go into stores knowing what to zero in on… clothes that complete your wardrobe.

When I do a “closet makeover,” we identify what pieces would pull your wardrobe together and offer many outfit options. These go on the list. Other things that go on the list are special event needs like a dress for a wedding or party and pieces you identified the PREVIOUS season that you needed.

Shopping with a purpose lets you zoom in and out of stores, trying on clothes you know you need.

Style That Works

Don’t we all want to enhance or camouflage our bodies with clothes so we look our very best? But how do we know what works? There are many good books that give us suggestions. But books don’t give feedback – and I do. From your angle, it’s hard to know what to play up and play down. So,I do that for you and give honest, realistic recommendations on what to look for to flatter you.

I’ll steer you to – and from – the trends that work for you and the rest of your wardrobe. Instead of you buying a lot of unflattering but hip items, I might suggest a few contemporary accessories that update your look less aggressively.

Age Appropriate

Once we’ve discovered what’s right for your body type, we’ll talk about your lifestyle. As we age, our body types change (as if we haven’t noticed!) but we often don’t change what we buy. Jeans are still important, but no longer skinny. V-necks may flatter more than our old favorite turtlenecks. And I’ll be totally honest about styles that make you look dowdy or older!

Store Resources

Armed with your shopping list, I’ll take you to the stores where clothes are pulled and ready for you in the fitting room. Through a network of great salespeople , found through years of trial and error, I usually know where to find the best matches to the items on your list. And I know reliable tailors, as well.

Save Money

Of all the times I’ve been called to a client’s closet, I have never had to recommend a whole new wardrobe. We’ll shop in your closet first to make many outfits that look great on you and work for your lifestyle. We’ll identify a list of the things that can extend your wardrobe – items that really work with what you have – so you needn’t buy a lot. Plus when you have your shopping list, you’re not as tempted to visit sale racks and buy “mistakes” that will seldom be worn.

“What would Julie say?” becomes your mantra before buying. Consequently, you walk away from items that don’t work hard in your wardrobe, and buy with confidence, knowing your purchase is a smart buy. The investment in stylist service can be one of the best purchases you can make.

It’s my belief that all woman can look their best. It’s my passion to help you achieve your best this spring, while making it so easy you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

I’d love to hear what you’re thinking about wearing for Spring. And, if you want help creating your list or shopping, give me a call at 708-829-8245.