Have fun with fashion - be the cutest and age version of yourself. No Limits!

When trends = style they're timeless

An individual's style is timeless and much more than keeping up with the current trends. In fact, those that have curated themselves don't necessarily follow trends, they just keep their eyes open for pieces that inspire them. Style is deeper and truly personal.

Thirty-two-year anniversary photo. Photo credit, Blake Blamalam.

A friend snapped this photo of "Tulula" and me

(on the dress form). A fan of the tutu I created Tulula a three-piece ensemble using fishing net, remnant canvas shopping swatches that we use for personal color analysis clients, leftover fabric from a quilt I never finished, and my favorite, tuille. My personal style is a little all over the place and is not popular or trendy. If I had to have a theme I'd say it's something quirky (even a small accent) and comfy. Whatever your style you don't have to have rules when you are true to yourself!

Following trends become more of exploring options and keeping your eye open to new experiences. Trend watching becomes more about taking some risks and trying something new, not about following them, and that's exciting!

I always loved playing with fashion, I still have flashbacks of my young years when I would experiment with clothing choices that I thought looked or felt good and was picked on. I won't lie my self-esteem did plummet, and I became more mainstream so as not to bring attention to myself and as an attempt to fit in. On the right (sorry the photo is so low resolution) my daughter thought I looked cute and snapped a quick photo of me wearing blue slightly flared pants with a geometric pattern. I have an alien t-shirt on, a blue blazer, and colorful snakeskin boots. Mixing it up is fun and I love the color!

My confidence is back and the primary thing that stops me from wearing something is comfort and practicality. For example, I have a messy job and would love to wear my bright pink fluffy boots (in the top photo), or my white sweater boots (currently searching for something that I can spray on sweater-type, furry-type fabric boots to protect them from spills and debris that will not harm them. Help a sis out if you know of something, please!) to work yet I know that would not be wise as powders of many colors and potions of all sorts would most likely defile my beauties. I also steer away from wearing anything too structured that would impede my movement. I need to be able to move unobstructed. Even my tutus can be troublesome as I am klutzy and have bumped into my shelving with its pointed edges and tore my beloved.

I don’t think there is anything more important than feeling good about yourself, and I believe that looking good is part of that.

It's not self-absorbed or superficial to feel that way! I can assure you that when people feel they look good, they feel good physically and mentally. This is my business and I see firsthand the spark in the eye and the leap in someone's step when they feel good, more confident, and happier.

Letting yourself go is a violation on all levels. You must value yourself to be healthy and when you value yourself others value you as well.

Healthy, meaning physically and mentally. I strive to be the cutest healthiest version of myself until the good Lord decides to take me. To keep in check mentally and physically I will continue to playfully dress (meaning enjoy dressing), exercise, and eat well.

Recently I worked with several wiser than I women and applied makeup and false lashes, they loved it and looked fabulous!!!! Having conversations as I was applying makeup, one of my clients shared that she will never be an "old person". My heart leaped with joy! Yes! I agreed 100%!

Style Tips:

• Wear your colors - so uplifting and creates natural vibrancy.

• Your style be it activewear or runway, just put it together, and be the best version of yourself.

• You do not need a big budget to look cute. Thrift, search online and hit the sales.

• Invest in key pieces and use fillers, ex: a great coat, jacket, blazer, etc.

• Make sure it fits - baggy fits look frumpy, too tight looks sloppy.

• Feel good in what you are wearing!

• Try new things - go into stores you never go to. Try on styles you would never try. Get out of your comfort zone.

• Shop color first, style second, fit third.

• Don't buy if it doesn't fit correctly unless you absolutely can fix the fit.

• Don't fool yourself into bad purchases, be firm.

What is style other than an expression of oneself? When my daughters were little and their grades struggled I would threaten them that I would take them out of their beloved school and enroll them in a girl's private school known for their institutional somewhat early Physical Education type uniforms. They would quickly get their grades up to avoid being forced to wear a uniform. My daughters like myself, at an early age sunk inside of the thought of having to wear what everyone else does. At one point a school they attended required collared shirts and blue pants. It was soul-crushing for them. In first grade, they knew they did not look their best in collared golf-type shirts and hated them. I giggled and commiserated with them in full understanding. The school they later attended from third grade onward respected individuality.

I challenge you all to try something new and please share with me! Be the cutest you can be!

Live Colorfully!