A thing of Animalistic beauty!

This weekend, my husband and I were invited to a birthday party.  I love any opportunity to get dressed up so I was really looking forward to it.  Originally I had planned on wearing this really cute, form fitting dress until as fate would have it I lucked up on this cute shirt I salvaged at a garage sale.  Yes, I said it a garage sale.  Brand spanking new with tags still attached.  I'd make you blush if I told you how much I paid for it.  Although the print of the shirt is quite bold it was fitting for me based on my body type.  I am about 5'7" with broad shoulders and average body build.  When contemplating attire with prints whether everyday or for special occasions one thing to remember is that you should choose prints that coorelate with your body type.  Short, petite sized body types should choose prints that are small to medium in defintion so as not appear too overwhelming in conjuction with your frame.  As for average/tall, to medium/larger figures you should choose prints that are larger in definition.  Any thing petite or too small would  be lost amongst your frame and can make you appear larger than life.  This same rule of thumb applies to the size of accessories (handbags, jewelry etc.) chosen to accenuate any ensemble you choose. 

 Although I really wasn't going for a theme with the attire I chose (given the tiger print blouse and feathered clutch) but it seems one just sort of formed all on it's own.  I call it Chic-CHIC with animalisitic tendencies!

This message has been brought to you by Mme. Closeture and is clothes captioned for the stylish impaired.

weardrobe details: black denim/Kenneth Cole; asymmetrical shirt/thrift; bronze peep toe pumps/Kenneth Cole;feathered clutch/Claire's

Style for thought

I stumbled across an interesting rant the other day over at Imogen's spot where the topic of discussion was on an all to common conundrum for women about why we let ourselves go. In my reading, I began to ponder one of the questions that was posed on whether it's right for a woman (or person) to be labeled as vain or self centered just because they choose to take pride in their personal image.

I felt it worthy to expound on this question because all too often I think people sometimes label me on this same basis. I think honing in on one's self image is not vanity but merely a nonverbal form of communication one makes in expressing the love, care and respect they have for themselves. This is a viewpoint I can embrace and use to my advantage and it's not for vanity's sake or because I'm self centered. I merely use it as a tool in boosting not only my self confidence and self esteem but my happy quotient as well. Just the mere task of getting my hair done or wearing a killer ensemble can uplift my spirits to exponential levels, which greatly impacts my interactions with everyone around me in a positive way.

Ok, so even though I live in the suburbs and I'm a full time wife, mother and working woman; your wondering why go through all the rigmarole when I should have more important things to focus on than my appearance. That may be true but I can't ignore the fact that "I" matter just as much as every other thing and person in my life. I feel showcasing that fact through having a tailored self image and a couture personal style is something to be celebrated not shunned. So maybe in that regard, I am a little self centered because I choose to live a life where precious time and effort is spent in catering to my self image and how I'm presented to the world. But if I'm wrong in my tactics and so called self involved mindset...then believe me I don't want to be right.

This message has been brought to
you by Mme. Closeture and is clothes captioned for the stylish impaired.

Weardrobe details: retro floral dress, B-Squared/ 80's inspired earrings, thrift/shoes, Kenneth Cole/belt, Claire's