Style File - Fashion vs. Style

Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion fades, style is eternal." I rather like that. Year after year, all the designers come to the big city fashion shows with their version of what we ladies should wear for the up coming season. Frankly, I wonder sometimes at the concoctions those models flaunt down the catwalk. Do designers really expect that the average woman, working 9 to 5 or caring for her children and home, is really going to wear some of the outfits they send down the runway? I'm convinced not. Regardless of the trend, "skin is not in"! I was recently reading a book about how NOT to be a fashion victim. The author was quite humorous in her definition of a FV. I began to take note. Here are her three red flags: (1)the "IT" bag, (2) the number of brand name or designer lables she is wearing, (3) note how many of her clothing choices were inspired by the season's trends. I'm not discouraging you from buying this year's trendy, new styles and colors but your entire ensemble shouldn't be made up of this season's hottest "must-haves".

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Most of us girls like to look good. If we look good, it helps to make us feel good. Now, I'm not saying that it's all about outward appearance, no, I know that real beauty comes from within. What I am saying is that STYLE is a language and each time we get dressed we are sending a message to the whole world about who we are and what we believe. Thus, my topic today - Fashion vs. Style.

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What is style? How can you define it? I am not sure I can answer those questions but I believe we all know it when we see it. Over the years I've come to learn that true style is timeless. I've also discovered that truly stylish women have some basics in common. Here's the short list:

1. She only buys what flatters her figure and complements her coloring. In other words, she knows how to pass on the bargain and keep only those things that make her look good.


2. She understands the importance of buying the quality pieces that will never go out of style such as the Little Black Dress or the perfectly tailored jacket. These become the "foundation" of her wardrobe.


3. She knows what pieces to splurge on. These pieces will add panache to her basics and remain timeless season after season.


4. She understands that SHOES and BAGS make the outfit.


5. She knows how to add DRAMA with accessories.


6. She understands how to mix and match, creating new ensembles on a whim.


7. She realizes that style ISN'T about the money.


8. She knows how NOT to be the victim of this year's trends.


9. She is comfortable knowing that everyday is not a photo shoot.


10. And MOST importantly, she understands that the FIT rather than the size or label is EVERYTHING!

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Each Wednesday I will begin posting a detailed entry for each of these basics starting next week. If you would like to know more about Life and Style by God's Design or to schedule us for your next ladies event, go here.

Until I see you again,

Dress for Success!

~Alisa