Close-Out/Clothes-In

We all spent tons of time shopping for our loved ones trying to get them exactly what they wanted for the holidays.  And now we are assessing what we ended up with, and looking at all of these after holiday sales wondering how to sort through the melee of deals.  Well, I’ll tell you……

1)    Clean up first. Do not go shopping without having all of your clothes put away, and a clear inventory of what you have.  So many times, we end up at a sale rack and get excited and overwhelmed by the bargains and just start buying things.  Whether we need them or not.  It’s no bargain if you don’t need it.  If someone gave me hay at 80% off, that would not be a bargain.  Because I don’t NEED hay.

2)    Risk it.  Use the good bargain time as an opportunity to try something new.  A new color, style, fit or designer is way more comfortable to buy when you are buying it at a huge discount.

3)    Separate your seasons.  Put all your spring and summer stuff away until the season comes.  This will allow you to get more wear out of your clothes each season, and it will feel like Christmas every time you open up the goodies you have in storage.

4)    Be a purse snatcher.  These sales are the best time to get yourself a new designer bag.  Since designer bags change every season, they are ready to let go of the goodies that didn’t sell over the holidays.  You are better off to buy one perfect purse than to buy a bunch of smaller items.  Try buying just one beautiful, designer bag instead of a bunch of lower quality bags for the season.  When it comes to purses, less is more.

5)    Try it on.  Do not leave the store without trying on your new found bargains.  Sometimes things end up on the clearance rack because they aren’t fitting the way they normally do.  You might find yourself a size bigger, or a size smaller or in a designer you have bought before.  Don’t be afraid to put it on and see what happens.

6)    Tailor it. Don’t be afraid to purchase something that needs some alterations.  I would contact a tailor you know of, and find their basic alteration rates.  That way, when you are considering the value of something, you will have a realistic sense of what it will cost with the alterations it needs.

Remember….  A good buy is only a good buy if you love it and use it once you get it.

Happy Hunting!!!

Fashionable and Fun Entertaining

With the Holidays now in full swing, the thought of hosting a holiday party has surely come to mind.  So many times we get stuck at parties that are NO fun, and frankly just kind of flat.  It’s like we got together because we should, not because we want to.

Well, that is definitely not the case at my house when it comes to holiday parties!!  Make them fashionable and fun:

1. Write down your invite list, and make sure it makes sense.  I always make sure I have a good mix of guys and gals, and a nice age difference.  Inviting people that are all the same will give you more of a flat event.  The more different everyone is, the more they will have to talk about.  It’s also a great way to not have your party become a place for everyone at work to stage a complaint carnival.  Once you’ve written them down, be sure you have them RSVP.  I usually say something like, “I’m setting the table, so I need to know exactly who is in, and who is out.”
2. Give everyone a dress code. People like to dress up, and giving them a reason to, is a gift in itself.  For example, you could require a blazer for the guys, and any dress with a bit of sparkle for the girls.  You could also require a color:  Red, green, or blue seem obvious.
3. Don’t be afraid to be a bossy host. It’s your job to keep everything rolling along.  So tell them when they need to sit, eat, etc.  People also appreciate it when they know that someone has a plan for the evening.  And include in your planning when the party is over.  It will be good for everyone when you have a clear end time.
4. Be a kid. A natural way to have your friends let loose is to play some games.  Board games are an old-fashioned thought at this point, but they are something that will bring the whole group together.  Keep your TV off (unless you are together for the Oscars, Emmy’s, Tony’s, or sports).  Some games I recommend are Cranium, Dominoes, cards of all sorts, and CatchPhrase.  When you are setting up teams, make sure you are putting people that don’t know each other together if possible.  Everyone is up for new friends.
5. Table color. Make sure you always have something of interest on the table.  Color is really important.  Whenever I buy dish towels, or napkins, or anything else, I always get them with color.  Bright colored napkins or candle holders make any table festive.  I do more of a contemporary thing with really bright colors, but even a wonderful assortment of leaves or mini Christmas trees can be fun.
6. Be graceful. No matter what background my different guests have, we always say grace before any meal.  We hold hands and I just thank them all for being there and for the opportunity we have to be together.

Everyone has such busy lives, and so it’s absolutely essential to remember what is really important.  Time with your friends and loved ones is the most important thing you have.  Don’t forget to celebrate that fact, often.

Chic Snow Gear

When the weather is cold and dreary, it becomes more important than ever that you are choosing bright colors. Color impacts your mood, feeling and general emotional state. When it’s only light for a few hours a day and you are dealing with the slosh of snow, dress for Spring, but in a really warm way.

1. Top it off. Now any friend of the snow knows that you have to have a great hat to keep you warm. Why get black or brown? Get a floral knit, or bright color. Even white is a great option. I was in Germany with a friend last year, and she was freezing and miserable in the weather. We got her a hat with orange, pink, and green; complete with ear flaps and the pouf on top. Not only did she get warm, but she just felt lighter and was laughing throughout the rest of the day.
2. Boots. Do NOT ruin your favorite fashion boots. No matter what they say, or how short of a distance you think you are walking, the snow and salt ruins the bottom of those boots and can damage the leather. Get some water proof boots for snow. In this case I would go with black, so that they match more of your outfits. Have them in your car, at your office, and anywhere else you might need to take on the snow.
3. Snow pants. I just tried on some amazing Prada snow pants in Kelly green. So much fun, but living in LA, I couldn’t really justify the need. The thing about snow pants is that they really are just for those days you are skiing or working in the snow. Don’t do the snow pants thing running around the mall. Think of them as your Winter casual jeans.
4. Snow coats. The most important elements to a good snow coat are that they are waterproof and filled with down, or a similar synthetic. There is something very chic about those longer snow coats that go to above the knee and are stuffed full of down. Let the coat really carry the look by going really snug underneath with a turtleneck and pants that are very fitted. Color is important here as well.
5. Wrap it around. Once you’ve got the coat, the boots, and the pants, get a big happy scarf! Don’t match your scarf and hat. Let them blend, or even better have them contrast and be bold. I was at a party in Dublin a few years ago, and this woman showed up in a full length purple knit dress, lavender long jacket, orange hat, and a bold green scarf. All the color was very happy, and actually changed the mood of the entire group in the middle of the dreary Irish countryside. Buy lots of scarves in lots of different colors.

An old Swedish saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”

Good color equals good clothes.

Better Sweaters

Knits are your friend.  When you are dealing with any weather at all, you are going to need to pull out a sweater.  So here’s the question…..  Which sweater is going to be better?

1. Thick cable not.  The beautiful stitching of a cable knit sweater looks so cozy, and beautiful when folded up in the store.  This is not the case when you put it on your body.  Cable knits add a lot of thickness to your body.  But if you are in the elements and really want that big thick sweater, do it with leggings or super skinny jeans.  And guys, make sure your jeans are more snug if you are going for the cable knit sweater during the cold season.
2. Little length.  So many sweaters are out now as coats.  They are to the knee, or even longer.  It can be a great look when you add a belt, or if you decide to layer a bright colored t-shirt underneath.  Big funky jewelry is also a great way to make the long sweater work.  I always recommend that you have your long sweater fitted through the body.  The more shape it has, the better it will look on you.
3. Turtle-necks.  It’s a funny name, when you think about it.  I wonder if the turtle neck was invented for the people whose necks look like the wrinkly mess of a turtle.  They are great to cover up your neck for aesthetics or warmth.  The trick is to get a tightly woven wool, cashmere, or any combo with silk in it.  The tighter the weave, the thinner it will be, which will give you a much slimmer look.  Necklaces over turtlenecks only work if you are doing a very clunky, funky piece.  For jewelry, I recommend you stick with a wonderful pair of drop earrings.
4. V or crew. When chosing between a v-neck and a crewneck, you want to look at your body.  The bustier you are, the better off you are in a v-neck.  If you don’t like too much cleavage, then pull in a t-shirt layer, or go for a higher V.  Crew necks are only good if you are smaller framed and you want to have a larger look.  If you are smaller-chested, the fitted crew neck can be very chic.
5. Knit bottoms.  When you are going for anything knit on the bottom, make sure you have the right fit.  They should always be snug and fitted.  Remember, things get bigger as you go throughout your day.  Don’t wear a knit top with a knit skirt unless that top is of the exact same kind of knit, unless you are doing a t-shirt with a cardigan over it.   A knit skirt is usually best when paired with a fitted t-shirt or blouse.   Knit skirts need to be stored folded so that they don’t get stretched out.
6. Tie one on.  Men are always trying to find something new to do for casual Friday.  Knits are it.  Take a zipper front, or button front cardigan, pair it with a beautiful dress shirt and tie, and you have the fresh approach to casual Friday dressing.  I wear a cardigan with a printed t-shirt almost every time I fly.

When the cold weather strikes, you are ready to take it on, with your ability to wear a better sweater.

Getting the Boot

If I see one more size 2, six-foot-tall model in thigh-high boots, I think I’m going to jump off the balcony at Barney’s. This look is so NOT for everyone.. First of all, you need to be super thin and in shape. You also need to have the height. Oh, and did I mention that you need to have several hundred dollars? The ones I just sold my client, (who is in amazing shape, great long legs, and an actress), were $1,490.00. She will probably only wear them for the next few months, and then they will become my problem to store. Boots are an important part of your Fall wardrobe, especially if you live anywhere with a season. Keep these guidelines in mind:

1. Color conservative. Unless you are going for the Hippie Chic look, or super Bohemian, you want to only get black, brown, or a variation of either. Reds, purples, greens and yellows all seem like a dramatic departure, but when you go to put the look together, people are only going to see your boots coming. “Wow… look at those purple boots walking down the street!” Remember, leather and suede are very heavy looking, and the more material you put on your feet, the heavier you will look.
2. Viva the ankle boot. The ankle boot is running wild this season. You will see them everywhere. There are only two ways to wear them. With a very long, fitted pant that covers the top of the boot, you will be working the most classic way to love these. Or, for the more current look of the season, do your boot with some dark tights and a short skirt. Ankle boots are there simply to finish your look, not to create the whole look themselves.
3. Ugh. Ugg boots are great for a trip to Aspen or your local ski lodges. They will keep your feet toasty warm. They are also great if you are going down to grab a cocktail in the lobby of The Ice Hotel in Scandanavia. They are not good at the super-market, school, or the mall. They are clunky, casual, and just plain lazy.
4. Size them up. As a rule, you should be buying boots a half size above your normal size. This allows room for tights or socks to keep you warm. Also, all that leather can rub you the wrong way, so a good sock will allow for nothing but comfort to come between you and your boots.
5. Sexy boots. The sexiest version of a boot is the 3-4” heel with a pointy toe. They tend to fit very snug around the ankle, and grasp the calf as they go up the leg. I always think of Manolo Blahnik and his high boots… They are sexy because they truly just encase the foot. When you try on any boot, make sure they match the shape of your foot without too much gap over the top.
6. Less is more. Don’t worry about showing off your whole boot all the time. High boots are great with jeans, even if the jeans are over the top. Every time you cross your legs, or sit down, or do a cart-wheel your jeans will inch up, and your high boot will be revealed. It will be very noticeable and even more appreciated because you aren’t trying too hard to get people to notice your boots. You will feel completely different wearing a high sexy boot, and people will know just by looking at your face.
7. Uh-“O”. I just saw the most ridiculous editorial in O magazine. The magazine, which is usually “right on”, showed a pair of high boots with broaches on it. Yes that’s right, they recommended you take vintage broaches and add them to the middle of the boot. Just remember, even editors have a hard time with the powerful impact a boot has, and tries to break it up. If it looks crazy to you, then it is crazy for you. Follow your gut on this one.
8. Cowgirl crazy. Don’t get a mid-calf boot and put it with a shorter skirt. Unless you are going clogging or to a square dance this look confuses people. Don’t be confusing.

Everyone will find their own style when it comes to boots. Trust yourself and just buy what you love. Don’t give away the really important real estate in your closet or your hard-earned money on something you aren’t just madly in love with.

Personal Gifts for the Picky

We all have an ultra picky person on our holiday list. Chances are you have been tormented since September thinking about what to get him or her. We think that we need to get it just right, and that we have to get them something that will leave them smiling through New Year. Sometimes these picky people are 15, and let’s face it; nothing is going to satisfy them except for pop-culture stardom. So for the picky people in your life, here are some tips to “Happy-Up” their holidays.

1. Designer Watches. No matter how cool someone is, a new watch will always be a great addition. Think big bold color for the gals and big techno for the guys. The gals will love something in pink, white, yellow, or some other color they would not think of buying for themselves. The guys want the gadgets, so go for a watch that has a special feature; solar-powered, 3 time-zones, time-travel, etc.
2. Luxe Blankets. There really is nothing better than a comfy blanket that will add to the décor of your house. I have a beautiful orange Hermes blanket on my couch, and it really adds to the whole room. Then, I got an Indian print cotton blanket that is so soft that it instantly makes me think of my childhood days when I was home sick from school. There’s something very intimate and amazing about getting someone a statement blanket like that. Don’t be cheap with these, and make sure you are getting a color or print that will go well with their décor.
3. Visitor’s Journal. Buy that picky person a beautiful journal. And then inscribe on the first page the journal’s purpose. Mine says, “You are sleeping in Mark-Alan’s guestroom. Who are you and how did you end up here?” And now, when I have company, they all get to sign this, leave a fun story, and read through who has stayed before. It’s not an expensive gift, but it is something that will be valued.
4. Fabrics. A general note on fabric. Picky people are usually purists. So go for all cotton, or all cashmere, or a yummy blend of both. It might cost a little more, but your picky person will be way more inclined to utilize their gift. Whether a scarf, a sweater, or a blanket the fabric will make a huge difference.
5. Gift cards. We are all used to giving the envelope with some plastic card in it. Usually it seems like we got too busy to find them that perfect gift. What better way to give a gift card then to give it with a personalized addition? How about a gift card with a 2 hour excursion to somewhere fabulous. You can give them the card and then write an addition like….. I will pick you up, and chauffer you to Turkey Creek where I will act as your stylist. We will find some great goodies, I’ll get your sizes while you are in the dressing room, and we will spend all our time focusing on getting you the new look you want.” People love this!!
6. Serious scents. Try to go shopping for fragrance, and find a scent that is brand new, or that is from a land far, far away. All the big designers are always launching new scents, and a lot of the smaller companies are now offering more customized options. Don’t go for what they wear all the time… go for what you think they could wear. A lot of times if you tell the fragrance person what they wear now, they will be able to tell you what other scents might work for them.
7. Rainy Day Happiness. Buy them a great, happy umbrella. A dreary day goes away when you pull out a pink polka dot umbrella (for the gals that is). And nothing says he is “the man” like a wood handled, beautiful umbrella in hunter green or navy.

We know it’s the thought that counts, but we also all know that there is nothing more satisfying than seeing someone you care about use something you picked out yourself just for them.

Fall for Chocolate

With Fall in full swing, and the holidays quickly approaching, your chocolate browns are getting eager to be seen. Nothing says “Fall is here” as much as a chocolate brown suit. But sometimes you can look just plain dreary without the right styling.

Here are some ways to take your chocolate brown to a fresh, happy place.

1. Bright yellow. Whether as a scarf, a big piece of jewelry, or a simple shell yellow is a great solution. It brings out the richness of the brown, and makes it look immediately fresh. And no one can be mad at someone in yellow: It’s just so happy!
2. Pearls. A beautiful strand of pearls, thick or thin, bring lightness and interest to whatever shade of chocolate brown you are wearing. When you wear pearls with all black, the look is a little harsh. But with chocolate brown, the look becomes softer and more inviting.
3. Armani contrast. Well, our dear friend Giorgio Armani loves mixing dark colors. And one of his favorite things to do is black with chocolate brown. Like a sequined black top under a tailored brown suit. The look is very dramatic, beautiful, and most important to me, interesting.
4. Pistachio green. I first saw this color with chocolate brown on Madison Avenue at the Calvin Klein boutique. The contrast seems stark at first, but as you look at the colors together, you will fall instantly in love with how the green makes the brown look completely different.
5. Chunky gold. This season is all about big chunky, funky jewelry. And the metal you want to wear with chocolate brown is gold. Nothing makes gold stand out and look as bold as chocolate brown. Silver just doesn’t have the same impact.
6. Jeans galore. Another great look with chocolate brown is light to medium colored denim. The mix of the rich brown with even distressed denim is really beautiful. Be sure to finish off the look with a matching brown shoe. A brown velvet jacket is especially good with jeans.
7. Power pink. I have an amazing actress client who will take a chocolate brown dress and let me do a bright pink shoe with it. It looks so great, and the brown makes the pink really stand out. Black and pink are just too predictable. The fun, silly look of the pink makes the brown look even more sophisticated and rich.

Chocolate brown is a vital element for your Fall wardrobe. Don’t be afraid to wear it in new ways. Life is too short to wear the same thing all the time.

5 Ways to Always Look Skinny

Now we all know how to get in shape. We know what to eat, and what not to eat. We know we need to exercise all the time and we know that weight loss doesn’t happen overnight.

While we are on our way to perfecting our bodies and minds, we won’t be our perfect size. I know this every time I try to squeeze into some new French or Italian designer pants. Seriously? My skeleton wouldn’t fit in some of those things. But I still want to look trim and in shape. Here are my 5 tips to always look your slimmest and trimmest.

Tapered pants. Now I’m not talking about cigarette pants that are so snug you can’t sit down. Wear a pair of pants that come in at the ankles to elongate the body. You can prove this to yourself with this simple test. Take a pair of wide-leg jeans or pants and look straight into the mirror. (Taking a digital picture would be even better.) Now, take two safety pins and take them in at the ankle leaving enough of a gap for a couple fingers on your ankle bone. Now look straight ahead again. (Another picture would be great.) This is an easy alteration for any seamstress, so even if you can’t find this exact look in the stores, you can still have this look in your wardrobe.

Fitted body. Whether you are a 2 or a 12, fitting your clothing to the middle of your body is very important. Often times, people who are overweight, think they are better off with something loose around the middle to hide some things. Not true. The more fit you have around your body, the leaner you will look. Embrace your body!! All of it. It’s what you got, so be proud of it. Knits are really great for this, and don’t be afraid to shop for the perfect under garment to support your new look.

Pull it back. Short hair, or hair pulled back behind your ears is very important for body shape. If you are not your ideal weight, don’t let big curly locks come down the side of your face. Big hair says big body. Slick hair says trim body. I know that when I went from long preppy hair, to short, trim hair, I looked 10 lbs. lighter immediately.

V is for Victory. You will always win with a little skin. Drop the crew necks and turtlenecks. Replace them with V-necks. The added shape is interesting, and draws the attention up to the face and whatever fabulous jewelry you are rocking. Now if you are afraid of it being too low, ask your best friend, and trust them. If you are still worried, you can wear a tank underneath with a little interesting color to pop through. Big color necklaces are everywhere right now, so they are definitely at one of your favorite stores at a great price.

Heel thyself. Put on your favorite pants with flat shoes, and then try changing it out with some heels. Most women know this already for skirts, but a lot of my friends that aren’t a size 2 forget how important that couple of inches is when it comes to your jeans and trousers. DO NOT buy shoes that aren’t comfortable. The more weight you have the more of a heel you will need. Make sure you are supporting your body weight properly.

From your hair to your heels, have a super skinny fall.

Fall-ing Fashion Forward

Nothing is more important for Fall than color. This season’s addiction to jewel tones can be seen everywhere. Amethyst, ruby, sapphire, and anything else you would find in the vault at Harry Winston. These colors aren’t all good on everyone, so that is why God invented the scarf.

On a recent trip to Egypt, I noticed all the market places had tons of scarves for sale. Mostly in Egyptian cotton, (go figure), the colors that they had were bright and inviting. It was almost impossible to find a black one. With all the solid draped fabrics that everyone wore in this culture, the scarf was really their way to bring their own sense of style to a predictable look. It’s funny how we have our own cultural look here in the US. We call it black. Black covers all evils, goes with everything, and is a frugal choice. So take that black and mix it up a bit…

When buying scarves this Fall, go for big colors that will go against black, brown, and charcoal. You can take that charcoal jacket from years past and put an amethyst colored scarf with it. And a great necklace with that amethyst detail, and you will feel bright, new, and oh so fashionable.

Patterns are also very important. If the main color in the pattern is really bright or even fluorescent, don’t worry about it matching. It’s considered outerwear at that point, so it can have it’s own thing going on. Bold stripes and florals are way more appropriate for this Fall. Save the plaids for next year.

Also, make sure you are buying a scarf, and not a shawl. If it’s big enough to cover your dining room table, don’t put it on!!! Put it on your table!!!

So, the perfect way to update your look for Fall is with scarves. Get together a drawer full of fabrics in all of your favorite colors, and they will provide you with months of warmth and style.

Mark-Alan Harmon is a celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles who has worked with television and movie personalities like Tori Spelling, Kelsey Grammer, Erin Brockavich and Pamela Anderson. He has appeared on Style Court, the Look for Less, How Do I Look?, CNN Showbiz Tonight and Lifetime Television.

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