Didn't your mother ever tell you...

This post is about socks and stockings. A subject I've been meaning to get around to for a while, but somehow continues to slip my mind. Many others have the same frame of mind as me regarding socks, meaning they are frequently forgotten, mismatched or clash with shoes/pants. 

I, too, am guilty of forgetting stockings, socks and all of the above. Exhibit A. I often wear flats and bare feet in the Winter. Inappropriate? Absolutely. Do I care? Honestly, not really. 

That being said, in an office environment, please refrain from making the no-sock mistake.

Common errors include:

1. Wearing no socks at all - This will look silly, particularly in the Winter when your ankles and feet are at their absolute palest. Also, your shoes will acquire an odour almost immediately sans socks.

2. Wearing brown socks with black shoes - Please, no. This looks horrible. And yes, people do notice. I know what you're thinking in the morning, "Who could possibly notice the colour of my socks?" Trust me, people notice. And they most definitely WILL comment. 

3. Wearing pants so short (aka floods) that you can always see your socks - This trend is equally as bad as wearing no socks at all. 

4. WOMEN: In the Fall/Winter seasons, you must always wear stockings with skirts and dresses. Please refer to post #1: Attention: This is NOT the bar.

 

Lesson: Wear socks. Not just any socks, but socks that match your shoes. 

Thank you and Goodnight.

Some words to live by

Coco Chanel, legendary designer, fashionista and powerhouse made some bold statements during her life. She built the house of Chanel and left a legacy behind that will, I'm sure, speak for itself in the decades to come. 

It is time for me to pay homage to the woman who went down in history for popularizing menswear for women and pursuing expensive simplicity. Please enjoy the following quotes from one of this century's most innovative and driven women.

"A girl should always be two things: Classy and fabulous." 

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

"Fashion fades. Only style remains the same."

"The most courageous act is to think for yourself. Aloud."

"As long as you know men are like children, you know everything!" 

"Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable."

"A woman is closest to being naked when she is well dressed."

"There is time for work and time for love. That leaves no other time."

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." 

Shortly after Chanel's death,Karl Lagerfeld took over the House of Chanel and remains to this day as the face of the company. 

Spring is here! You know what that means...

Other than warm weather, good moods and cocktails on the patio, Spring has one more pleasant attribute to share with us. That's right friends, it is time for a season filled with new trends! Always a season filled with excitement and enthusiasm, springtime has the ability to refresh those of us who have been hiding in the shadows all Winter, ready to emerge with a positive outlook and, of course, a cute new wardrobe. 

Upon further thought, I decided I would benefit from consulting my best friend and most trusted companion before publishing this post. We sat down over a nice cup of coffee while I researched what trends should be shared, and which mistakes should be left on the runways. I will now divulge the secrets that my life partner, Vogue, has confided in me. 

Please visit the Vogue website for further details on trends, accessories, news and advice.

Trend #1: The trench 

Trend #2: Personal Dressing - mix and match with patterns and textures that have not traditionally been complemented one another. 

Trend #3: Lingerie - don't be shy to wear a sheer blouse or a feminine corset. Note: there is a very fine line between sexy and trashy. 

Trend #4: Tribal

Trend #5: Utility Jacket - this is the year to imitate your boyfriend's wardrobe. First came the boyfriend blazer, now this masculine, structured military jacket. 

Trend #6: Shorts

Trend #7: Natural Shades

Trend #8: Leather - Stick to the trend of natural shades. Blacks should be replaced with browns and beiges this season.

Trend #9: Sporty - I am personally not feeling this trend. Sporty doesn't work for me. 

Trend #10: The Floaty Dress - A favourite. Nothing will make you feel more girly than a long, silk dress.

Remember....Anna is always watching. 

If the SUIT fits

Every single one of us has a different body type. I'm not talking just about women - men should absolutely be taking note of the topic at hand. 

Tailoring is necessary if you want your clothes to fit perfectly and look fabulous. Unfortunately, when designers began mass-producing to reach wider audiences, we were all designated "sizes." As I mentioned before, not one of us shares the same body; sure, our bodies can have types, but that hardly means that a size 6 on me will have the same fit and look on another size 6 woman. Why? Because our bodies are different. 

Not one person I know enjoys watching a coworker fidget with their clothes, particularly if he or she is presenting to a client. The constant adjusting is a distraction for all parties involved and takes away from what is being said. As a presenter, you will both feel and look better if your pants are hemmed, your sleeves are shortened,  your skirt is taken in, etc. What is the point in spending money on a great piece if it isn't flattering you to it's full potential?

This is where tailoring becomes critical. Finding a knowledgeable, talented tailor can be challenging, and in my experience the best tailors work in small, family run businesses rather than chains located in malls across the country. 

I know some people are against tailoring due to cost, but I can honestly tell you that having a great tailor is priceless. Also, you might be under the misconception that tailors are pricier than they actually are (of course, price will range based on the work you are having done). 

Next time you're shopping and something you love doesn't fit quite right, remember, "I can take this to a tailor!" Most off-the-rack items aren't going to fit you properly, so keep this post in mind and turn that mediocre piece into a wardrobe favourite by having it tailored!