Little Black Dresses (or not so little)

Little black dresses (LBD's) are probably the most versatile thing in your closet.  They are pretty easy to play up or down.  They can last many seasons and be an essential part of any woman's closet. 

This begs the question: Which is the best LBD for my body and budget?

The key is always to accentuate your best asset. (We all have some.)

Pear Shapes - Smaller waist, bigger bottoms and thighs. 

Think fit and flare shapes.  Pick dresses that cinch at the waist and flare through your bottom and thighs.  This will make you look slimmer and show off your tiny waist.  Avoid shorter and tighter cuts that can make you look heavy and shorter.

Busty - Larger breasts, slimmer through waist and hips.

Try knee length sheath or A-line dresses with V-neck necklines to balance your top and bottom half.  Avoid very high necklines and shorter, tighter cuts they won't help balance you  out.

Curvy - Hourglass shape.

Choose one part of your body to highlight at a time. Avoid going too sexy or too much.

Boyish - Straight figure, little curves.

Look for details that look flirty. You can go shorter and have a deep V neckline, all this will help create curves. Avoid dresses that go straight up and down. Will not show off waist.

Plus size - Bigger through bust and bottom

Look for dresses that have some asymmetrical pleats or gatherings at the waist or bust. A detail at the waist will help you look slimmer at the waist.  Strapless tops with a flare bottom will balance you out. Babydoll styles are particularly flattering.  Avoid styles that are too tight and short. 

Always remember to accessorize. This can completely change your look.

Happy Shopping!

Sophie's Accessories

Sophie's Accessories

How To Layer When It Starts To Get Chilly

As the leaves change and the smell of spice fills the air the temperature starts to drop. Dressing this time of year can be tricky because the weather can be so unpredictable. The key to dressing in the fall season is layering.

First of all there are a few basics that everyone should own (you probably already do). These are simple pieces but necessary: a few button down shirts in different colors, a few sweaters or cardigans, jackets and/or blazers, scarves, hats and at least one good coat.

When it lowers in the 60's and 50's it's pretty easy to layer. You can get away with two or three layers. If using a button down let some of the collar peek through for a pop a color. Top it off with a simple cardigan or a printed sweater and you are ready to go.

As the temperature dips into the 40's and 30's more layers are necessary. Treat dressed like skirts and layer underneath them with a silk blouse. This is a great way to add a layer without too much bulk. Finish off with a sweater or blazer and add a thick knitted scarf. Scarves a great way to add some style and color to an otherwise simple or neutral palette.

OK, now its freezing outside. Getting dressed requires a lot more thought and a few extra minutes.  Try to layer with some prints and keep the look classic. Use tights to keep your legs warm. This season there are all types of different types of tights. They come in all different prints and colors.  If you choose a wild color like red, green or purple (very popular this season) try to match your choose to your tights. It's a little funky but matches and will add some life to an otherwise gray and dreary day.

Don't let the temperature affect your style. Just give yourself a few extra minutes to put a great outfit together.

Happy Shopping!

Trend and Tips: Must Have Fall Essentials!Fall is upon us! Septe...

Trend and Tips: Must Have Fall Essentials!

Fall is upon us! Septe...: Must Have Fall Essentials! Fall is upon us! September 23rd marks the first day of the fall season! After a very hot and humid summer we we...

Must Have Fall Essentials!

Fall is upon us! September 23rd marks the first day of the fall season! After a very hot and humid summer we welcome fall with open arms and warm coats.  That means its time to dig through our closets, basements, attics or any other nook we have stored our fall/winter clothes in.

If we find that some of our warmer clothes needs a little updating it is good to know what we really need to get through the next few months.  With the state of the economy it is probably necessary to buy the essentials and figure out a way to extend our clothes through many seasons.  The following are some essentials that will get you through the next few months without making a hole in your pocket:

1. A warm coat or jacket. Depending on where you live you can get a lighter or heavier jacket. Leather and denim jackets are popular this season. A denim jacket would be a very affordable option that can be easily dressed up or down.  If you live in a colder climate a longer coat would be a good investment. A neutral color would be your best bet. Instead of the usual neutrals like black and brown think outside the box like gray, beige or white. These are just as wearable and polished and not so expected.

2.  Boots. This is can also be a good investment. This season boots come in all different shapes and sizes. From booties which barely cover the ankle to thigh high boots. They also come in all different heel options. Try to pick something comfortable yet stylish.

3.  A warm sweater. Cable knit sweaters and cardigans are everywhere. They have a very polished look and are very versatile.

4.  A scarf.  A great way to change an outfit and obviously stay warm. Pick a few scarves with different colors and styles.

5. Long tees or shirts for layering. The best way to stay warm. Layering.  Look for simple options like plain tees in different colors and button down shirts. The button down men's style shirt is universally flattering on everyone no matter what your shape or size.

6.  Leggings or tights. An easy way to make a summer dress into a fall/winter dress. They come in tons of great colors and styles and are very affordable

7. Accessories. An easy way to shine this fall/winter season. This season it's about all things that glitter like silver and gold. Animal prints are also popular and a great way to add some fun to your look.

Happy Shopping!

Kim Kardashian by Kim Kardashian E.D.P. 3.4 oz Spray - Sophie's Accessories

Kim Kardashian by Kim Kardashian E.D.P. 3.4 oz Spray - Sophie's Accessories

Silver Multi Row Necklace - Sophie's Accessories

Silver Multi Row Necklace - Sophie's Accessories

Beige Flower Headpiece - Sophie's Accessories

Beige Flower Headpiece - Sophie's Accessories

Kim Kardashian by Kim Kardashian E.D.P. 3.4 oz Spray - Sophie's Accessories

Kim Kardashian by Kim Kardashian E.D.P. 3.4 oz Spray - Sophie's Accessories

Flower Princess by Vera Wang E.D.T. 3.4 oz. Spray tester - Sophie's Accessories

Flower Princess by Vera Wang E.D.T. 3.4 oz. Spray tester - Sophie's Accessories

Trend and Tips: Tips from a stylist: How to create a new wardrobe ...

Trend and Tips: Tips from a stylist: How to create a new wardrobe ...: "1) Organization - Organize your wardrobe by season (if you live in a colder climate), Then by category; tops, pants, skirts, etc. Then orga..."

Tips from a stylist: How to create a new wardrobe using many things you already own

1)  Organization - Organize your wardrobe by season (if you live in a colder climate), Then by category; tops, pants, skirts, etc. Then organize them by color. This way you'll be able to see if you have too much of one category or too much of one color. Ask yourself, am I one of those people that wears too much black because its easy?  Am I always in a floral print?

2)  Inspect - Be true to yourself. Get rid of anything that hasn't fit in a while or that you know you won't wear again for what ever reason.  Ask yourself. Am I really going to wear this again even if its completely out of style?  Will I really lose the 30 lbs I need to fit into this again?

3)  Get Inspired - Look at new ways to wear old things. Many stylists create an inspiration board. Clip, cut or snap anything that captivates your attention and your style. It could be a piece of fabric, a magazine clipping, a color or a picture of yourself in your happy place; honeymoon, beach or a family picture. Once you know in the direction you want to go take the next step. Lay out your clothes on a flat surface like your bed or the floor and start to create combinations that you have never thought of before even if at first you don't think they go well together. Go a little outside your comfort zone and see what happens. Ask yourself, have I worn this top with this bottom before?

4)  Essentials - Consider buying an essential piece that you need, like a black dress, great fitting jeans or a great silk blouse. Write down what you need and keep the list in your purse. This will make your next shopping experience quicker and will help you save. You won't buy something you already own.

5)  Accessorize - After you have discovered some new combinations consider some accessories to complete your look. Sometimes a scarf, belt or a statement piece of jewelry will completely change your outfit and make it look complete. Ask yourself, how could a simple colorful scarf impact my wardrobe?  How could a statement necklace make a simple work outfit for from day to night?  How could a colorful handbag spruce up a drab color?

As economic times get tough its a great idea to shop in your own closet. You will be surprised at the NEW wardrobe you can create.

Happy shopping!

Trend and Tips: Essentials for a summer weekend getaway!

Trend and Tips: Essentials for a summer weekend getaway!: "With the crazy lives that most of us have. Most people leave their packing for a weekend getaway for the last minute. They start to pack the..."

Essentials for a summer weekend getaway!

With the crazy lives that most of us have. Most people leave their packing for a weekend getaway for the last minute. They start to pack the night before and often forget essential items.  This blog will hopefully make those last minute packers lives a little easier.

Essentials for a summer weekend getaway.

1. Obviously undergarments. Try to take nude color bras and underwear. The nude color will never show no matter what you wear. Remember to pack a strapless or convertible if you are going to need one.

2. At least one summer dress for dinner out. Your choice if its long or short. Short will probably take up less space in your bag and require less ironing or none.

3. Dressy sandals or a wedge sandal to match your dress. Try to pick a netruel color sandal that will go with anything you pack.

4. Two bathing suits. Even if you are only going for 2 to 4 days, if it is hot and humid outside sometimes your suit won't dry in time for the next day. Also a good idea to take suits with different styles so you can tan evenly.

5. Top and shorts or a short beach dress that you can wear over your suit.  Instead of a simple tee make it a 3/4 sleeve loose top over cute shorts. If you are at the beach you can walk accross the sand and sip margaritas at a beachside restaurant without having to change or feel underdressed.

6. Flip flops for the beach. This season has some very colorful flip flops for really good prices.

7. Jewelry. Keep it simple but fun. Make a simple bathing suit stand out with some accessories like small earrings and some great bangles. Take something more dramatic for dinner out like peacock earrings.

8. Beach bag with all of your essentials like; towels, hat, make-up and plenty of sunblock.

Take advantage of the great weather and have fun!

Find the perfect bathing suit with these tips!

This is probably our most dreaded shopping experience. Some women avoid it for years but at the end it has to be done. These are some helpful tips to make this shopping experience as quick and painless as possible.

1. Give yourself some time.  
    Don't go shopping the day before a weekend getaway expecting to buy your perfect bathing suit. Take
    your time to look around and try things on.

2.  Bring a friend or a significant other.
     Bring someone along, but be careful who you bring.  Take someone who's opinion you respect and who
     can articulate. I'll explain what I mean.  You try something on and ask the person how you look. They
     say they don't like it because you look fat. Whether it's true or not is not the point, they are not being
     helpful. A better friend could say something like "I don't like the way it looks on you, it doesn't help your
     shape.  It makes your waist appear larger, how about something in a different print."  That is a good
     friend to take. They are honest but can explain themselves, therefore helpful. Taking a friend like this
     along can make the process a lot quicker.

3.  Know your body shape.
     Look at yourself in the mirror and be honest with yourself. Determine which are your problem areas and
     which are your assets. Then buy accordingly.  If you are busty find tops with enough coverage.
     Underwires and wide straps can help with support.  If you are small busted try triangle tops or
     underwire tops with padding to add a little something.  If you are hippy a smaller bottom with adjustable
     ties draws the eye up.  If you are straight up and down ruffles, rushing and diagonal lines help create
     curves. A banded midsection draws in your waist and vertical lines make you look long and lean.

4.  Know what prints you are looking for.
     There are many print styles this season; tropical, boho, stripes, florals, nautical and glamorous (camels,
      browns and black).  Remember soft colors and small prints look better on fair skin.  Brighter and bolder
      colors tend to look better on dark skin.  Keep your print style in mind this will help you look through
      a sea of racks a lot quicker.

5. Don't be your worst judge.
    Let's be honest, most of us don't have a supermodels body.  Know your flaws and try to find a bathing
    suit to disguise them and play up your assets at the same time.  At the end be content with the choice that
    you make.  Remember the beach and pool suppose to be about relaxing, exercising, spending time
    outdoors and being with the people we love. Your bathing suit is just something you wear to be there.

Don't forget to accessorize! Add a hat, sunglasses, simple jewelry and cute sandals to complete your look!


Have fun and don't forget the sunblock!

   

How to put together a great summer outfit for every occasion.

Work- For work it's best to have some basic pieces; slacks and/or skirts in some different neutral colors like brown, beige, gray and black. These colors are very easy to match with almost any color top. I personally love men's style button shirts. If you have some in different colors you can match them with almost any of your neutral bottoms. Add a scarf, change your jewelry (keep it low key for work), change your shoes and you can have a totally different outfit without spending a fortune.  For the summer feminine tops are also in style. If you wear some casual wedge heels with your same neutral color bottoms you can go from day to night with little effort.

Date Night- If you have a date night to a nice restaurant, the theatre or a party it's always nice to dress up.  I personally love the look of dark wash jeans.  This summer season wear them with a 70's style top.  Try a one shoulder top or a strapless one. Wear a long thin necklace in silver and gold and a cuff to add some glitter to your look. Grab a clutch handbag and you are ready for a night on the town.

Weekend Casual- For the weekend you have many options depending on what you are doing.  The key is to be comfortable.  Jumpsuits are very popular this season. Complete the 70's look with gold tone jewelry, wedge heels and a hobo bag.  If jumpsuits are not your thing try a long Maxi dress, remember to wear them with a heel or it will drag on the floor and make you look a lot shorter.  I personally can live in shorts in the summer. Try something unexpected and get a pair in an unexpected color like yellow or green.  Complete the look with a loose fitting feminine top and flat sandals.

Play around with separate pieces. Try to match pieces in unexpected ways. Pieces that you would have never thought to put together might look great if you change the accessories.  Have fun!

sophiesacc.com

Which jean style looks best on me?

Once considered strong pants for gold miners trying to strike gold in 1800's California, jeans have become a part of our lives.Dress them up or down they are great for many occasions it just depends what you pair them with.

Since there more than 150 year history they certainly have evolved. All new cuts, washes and styles begs the question, Which style of jeans looks best on me?

Bootleg- This is a great cut. Looks good on every body shape. They make everyone look leaner and longer. Great when worn with a higher heel. They tend to make a person look shorter when worn with flats.

Flare, Wide Leg- Once popular in the 70's, these are back. These jeans make someone look slimmer because they draw attention downward, to the flared leg. Best worn with fitted tops. Great for pear shapes (bigger butt and hips) because they help balance you out.

Skinny- These jeans have a great look but they are not easy to wear. Because they are so clingy they are best for boyish figures. They draw attention upward to your top half. If you are an apple shape (larger bust and stomach) try wearing them with loose tops to balance out your shape. If you are pear shape (larger butt and hips) trying wearing them with a longer top to cover your rump, they tend to accentuate larger hips.

Remember darker washes make you look longer and slimmer. But have fun in the summer and get a pair of white jeans or be really adventurous and rock a pair of color wash jeans like red or purple.

There are no perfect jeans. Try everything on and be patient. Eventually you will find a great pair of jeans!

Can I wear brown and black together?

This is a style choice where people vastly disagree.

Although brown and black are considered neutral colors with very little contrast they do sometimes go together. It all depends on their tone.

In winter, why not combine a black jacket with chocolate brown boots or vice versa. When its cold out darker colors look better and tend to look warmer.

For the upcoming summer months, lighter tones are key. Look sleek in beige linen pants and a simple black top. Your shoes and bag can go either way. Silver jewelry looks great with this look.

Take a cue from some animal prints, they are really in now, they are brown and black and look great together.

Remember take a look at the tone and try an accessory that pops to break up your all dark clothes.  Wear it with confidence, there are no set fashion rules for this look.

Look great out there!

sophiesacc.com

Trend and Tips: Does your handbag and shoes have to match?

Trend and Tips: Does your handbag and shoes have to match?: "Years ago everything had to match. If your bag did not match your shoes people thought you were clown like, less elegant or simply did not k..."

Does your handbag and shoes have to match?

Years ago everything had to match. If your bag did not match your shoes people thought you were clown like, less elegant or simply did not know how to dress. Boy have times changed.

It is probably impossible to have every bag match every pair of shoes you own. With all of the bright colors available for spring,  who would want to?

Just make sure your shoes match your clothes in color and in style. Then find a coordinating (means bringing different things together that create harmony) bag. For example: If you are wearing black and white, why not wear red shoes and a black bag. If you are wearing a bright color like coral or teal, very popular this season, why not wear a nude color wedge heel and a bright color bag.  Go wild and wear animal print shoes with a solid color handbag.

Just remember look at yourself in the mirror before you head out the door and have fun!

sophiesacc.com

How to wear boyfriend style jeans?

These jeans are usually a loose straight cut jean with a cuffed hem. Since they have a masculine feel to them accessorizing with ultra feminine pieces balances them out. Try them with a flowery sheer top, bold accessories, a large handbag and strappy high heel sandals.

sophiesacc.com

How to wear dressy shorts?

Usually made of a softer material and a solid color dressy shorts are a perfect spring/summer look.  Pair them with a floral tank, thong sandals, hobo bag and casual jewelry for day. You can also pull off dressy shorts for the evening.  Just choose a dressy top with a hint of shimmer, pair it with shoes large clutch bag and long silver earrings.

sophiesacc.com