No Sweats Please - Dressing for Life

"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language." —Miuccia Prada

It is surprising to observe women during the cocktail hour at swanky upscale restaurants arriving in sweatpants, work out jackets and tennis shoes or just sweatpants and flip-flops. Or to notice women out and about during the day in this casual attire at functions that have nothing to do with working out.   This is a trend that is on the rise and frankly does not flatter anyone (man or woman) no matter how thin and svelte the physic. In contrast, television, cinema and even the Housewives franchises denote women dressed up both for daily and evening affairs.  Furthermore, any woman in the public eye is always carefully attired, which in turn creates self confidence and adds to the mystic of being a savvy and professional woman.

Now, this fashionista loves work out attire (Nike, Zella, Lululemon) for running, tennis and for any athletic endeavor.   Afterwards, pants or dark hued jeans with a spring colored shirt, fun coat, shoes, scarves and colorful handbag is a must.   It is always exciting to dress up for the occasion whether meeting friends for lunch or happy hour, having "date night", attending plays, social functions or even getting your nails done. A Forever Chic Style fashion maven would rather wear an Audrey Hepburnesq, Sophia Vergara, Nicole Kidman fashion ensemble and be memorable.

"My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses." —Audrey Hepburn

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An Actual Conversation in Seattle, WA at a Restaurant

Cast of Characters

SEATTLE: Two women going to a play in Seattle met for happy hour. Attire: spring jackets, black pants, brightly hued pumps and red lipstick.
NY & FL: Two women from New York and Florida sat next to them.
Famous Chef: Visited table.

***In fact, everyone bent over backwards to make sure the Seattle ladies had a wonderful experience at the restaurant before the play. They were not in their 20's nor dressed provocatively and instead were attired in simple and classic clothing creating a wave of interest in the restaurant.

The Conversation

NY & FL: Are you two ladies from Seattle? You are both beautifully attired.

SEATTLE: Yes, we are both from Seattle.

NY: WOW! I have never see anyone dressed up in Seattle during happy hour!

SEATTLE: Well, we always dress up when we go out. However, when we just walked in - I noticed a group of people at the bar looking fantastic and was surprised.

NY & FL: Oh, they are all from out of state attending a convention next door.

SEATTLE: Interesting.

NY & FL: You ladies even have red lipstick on which is so not Seattle.

SEATTLE: Thanks, this is just who we are and we like dressing up.

Famous Chef: Walks over to table. Well, you two ladies look like spring has arrived. You both are definitely trend setters. Why women do not spend more time dressing up and be "oh so French" and trend setters is a fascinating question.
SEATTLE: Thank you with big smiles.

Moral of the Story

Do you want to be noticed? Do you care? Do you want extra perks? Everyone makes a decision on a daily basis on how they will be perceived within in 30 seconds of meeting someone. It is the beauty of life and of course a very personal choice. Every Forever Chic Style maven knows that showing off the best self with apparel creates a sense of self-confidence no matter shape or size.

"Playing dress-up begins at age five and never truly ends." —Kate Spade

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Powerful Women "Dress for Success"

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life, so you bought some sweatpants." - Karl Lagerfeld

If sweat pants and work out gear were acceptable at night for dinner or professional endeavors then the following women below in powerful positions would have donned athletic gear and presided over the events. However, successful women know that dressing for success is a must in business, in daily life and definitely for prime time affairs. In other words, these three women exude self confidence and know how to command a room verbally, physically and with intelligence and beauty.

I. First Lady Michelle Obama was stunning in a shimmering silver gown at the 89th annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2015. The curled hair, dress and smile was electrifying and memorable.

First Lady Michelle Obama

II. Angelina Jolie, active humanitarian and special envoy for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, was dressed in a cream and gold skirt suit commanding the room with a powerful speech on Syrian refugee crisis Friday, April 24, 2015.

Dame Angelina Jolie, Actor, Director and Humanitarian

Diane Sawyer, ABC Correspondent

III. Diane Sawyer, ABC Correspondent, presiding over the ABC interview of Bruce Jenner on Friday, April 24, 2015, wore standard black pants, white blouse and appeared perfectly coiffed and poised for the heart wrenching interviewed that garnished 17M viewers. Yes, she stated she hates to wear makeup but still she does to impress and complete the ensemble.

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Forever Chic Style - Two Options

I. Classic Suit Attire: Simple to throw together, quick and appearing confident, formidable and ready for anything. Look for a longer jacket, skirt and matching pants. This St. John outfit is an example of timeless suiting. The idea is to not always wear together but rather mix and match with color pieces, jeans etc., while adding in jewelry, scarves and other accessories. The Theory pants are essential in the wardrobe and can be easily combined with a colorful top, jacket, leather jacket, and cardigan. Lastly, a pair of classic pumps can be worn with everything in a Forever Chic Style closet.

The Suit - Always Look for Longer Jacket

St. John Collection Bouclé Knit Jacket with Crepe Trim - ($1,295)

Must Have Pants - Theory

Theory 'Custom Max' Stretch Wool Pants ($295)

The One and Only Pump

Tirra Pointy Toe Pumps

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The Dark Denim

"I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity—all I hope for in my clothes." —Yves Saint Laurent

II. Dark Denim Jeans: Jeans, pumps, boots, scarves and sweaters all are perfect for daytime and even "date night". Of course, colorful tops, handbags, lips and jewelry all add to the fanfare of dressing up for an evening affair. In spring and summer try a pair of vivid hued jeans or classic white too!

Paige Denim 'Skyline' Skinny Jeans (Mona) $169.00

Notice the Pumps...

'Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.' - Marilyn Monroe

Paige Denim 'Verdugo' Crop Skinny Jeans ($158)

The Pop of Color...

Longchamp 'Le Pliage Cuir' Leather Handbag ($555) Array of Sunshine Hues

Bling, Bling, Bling

kate spade new york small square stud earrings ($38 Now $28.50)

Take note and purchase a few core pieces that can be worn over and over again. Put away the athletic gear and embellish in a few timeless apparel choices. Invest in a gorgeous Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress for a bit of nonchalant pizzazz, or add a scarf in vivid rainbow hues or a beautiful broach to a lapel. In other words, spice up the outfit and enjoy the moment with wit, intelligence and new found confidence. Notice the change in self image and observe the respect created from taking the time to show off the best you every day and at every event in your life.

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