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!

A bit off topic

I know this blog is supposed to be about trends, tips, do's and don't, etc...BUT I was perusing my favourite blog, "Go Fug Yourself", and realized that I would much prefer to compile a top 10 list of my favourite stylish celebrities this week. In no particular order, here goes:

1. Emma Watson

As a young hollywood starlet, Emma Watson has always been able to maintain a certain level of class and integrity (unlike a few of her colleagues). She looks trendy and put-together at all times and still manages to dress her age (although I guess she is 20 now...how is that possible?Where did they days of young Harry Potter go?). I love Emma Watson.

2. Anne Hathaway

In my opinion, Anne Hathaway is today's Audrey Hepburn...that may be thanks in part to her skin type (nothing wrong with being pale...props, girl!) brown hair and classic beauty, but nonetheless, she has come a very long way from the Princess Diaries.

3. Diane Kruger

Diane Kruger...maybe I love you so much because Joshua Jackson, a.k.a. Pacey Whitter, is your arm candy and thus an enviable accessory to have. Either that, or maybe it's because you look lovely in everything you wear.

4. Jennifer Aniston

It is true that Jennifer Aniston is criticized for wearing black pretty much all the time, but why wouldn't she?? Look at her. It's obviously working. Again though, I'm not sure if I love Jen based on her style, or because I pity her list of failed relationships that have been made so public. Poor, poor woman. Still, Ms. Aniston is undeniably stunning and always manages to look fabulous - even if it is always in black.

5. Dakota Fanning

Another starlet who managed to grow up in the spotlight unscathed. And so, so cute! Look at her! She can act AND put an outfit together without one instance of the infamous "wardrobe malfunction" that many of our beloved youngsters have fallen victim to (shout out to B-Spears). Young actors everywhere should take a tip from Dakota.

6. Kate Winslet

What a classy lady. This dress is beautiful and hugs Kate in all the right places. She always knows what looks (this includes her beloved escort, Leonardo DiCaprio) best on her body type, which can prove to be challenging for many women . Work the curves! 

7. Leighton Meester

Always looking trendy and somewhat edgy, Leighton Meester does a great job putting together an outfit that I would never think of (but wish I could). Exhibit A is noted above. Although she is still fairly new to the scene, Leighton has made quite a splash in the fashion world and receives well deserved credit for her ability to look cute at all times.

xoxo,

Gossip Girl

8. Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz intimidates me. She has that whole mysterious, exotic thing going for her and frankly, I am jealous. The woman can wear anything. That being said, she always selects timeless, classic outfits and does not take advantage of her unique ability to wear sweatpants and still look glamorous.

9. Reese Witherspoon

I really admire Reese Witherspoon. Not only for her sense of style and great acting skills, but also for her strength and girl-next-door quality. Similar to her colleague, Jennifer Aniston, she too went through a very public break-up (with Ryan Phillipe, whom I unfortunately now hate) and still maintained a high level of professionalism and integrity. And let's be honest, the girl looks great all the time - I mean literally, ALL the time. Has Reese really had children? I suspect a c-section...

10. Scarlett Johansson

Part of the reason Scarlett made my list is because she always makes a statement. Never afraid of a bold colour or risque choice, Ms. Johansson maintains the grace and poise of an old-hollywood star. 

If you feel I have forgotten somebody important or want to add to the list, please comment!

Work it! Timeless Pieces (for the office)

To the concerned woman and man:

Do you wake up every morning asking yourself, "what am I going to wear to work today?" or like me, fall asleep to a mental fashion show of your closet's contents? I have the solution to life's biggest problem.

Here is a list of 10 items every woman should own. Your life will be simplified by this list - now all you have to worry about is accessorizing!

1. The Classic White Shirt
   
2. The Blazer
   
3. The Shirt Dress
   
4. The Pencil Skirt
   
5. The Little Black Dress (of course)
   
6. The Structured Bag
   
7. The Kitten Heel
   
8. The Cardigan
   
9. The Black Trouser
10. Tank Tops (in every colour)

Thank me next time you hit snooze in the a.m. Just add a touch of your personality to these essentials and you will feel confident and classic next time you step into the office!

Men, I haven't forgotten you! Here are your top 10 essentials:

1. The Trench Coat
2. The Dress Pant (and a tailor to go along with them)
3. The Blazer
4. The White Button-Down Shirt
5. Dark Denim Jeans
6. Leather Shoes (black and/or brown)
7. A Dark Navy or Black Suit
8. V-Neck Sweater
9. A Belt (again...black and/or brown)
10. A Solid Tie (make sure it is tied properly and sits at an appropriate length)

Note: Please strive to achieve the "David Beckham" look. This may be a selfish request on my part, but I'm certain that my sisters out there will support this request. You will be grateful when there is a lineup of ladies at your cubicle.

There's nothing like a crisp collar...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is nothing I like more than a crisp collar. I know it can be tough to wake up 10 minutes early (take it from someone who presses snooze an average of 3 times every morning), but the importance of ironing cannot be stressed enough. Oh yeah, and don't forget the starch; it makes all the difference in the world, I promise you will love it.

Some of you may be wondering, "why is ironing so important?" Let me be frank.

1. It shows that you care. By coming to work wearing a wrinkled shirt, pants, skirt or whatever else it may be, you give off the impression that you are sloppy and unorganized. If you cannot pull even your outfit together, just think about the impression your boss must have regarding your work. I will repeat: sloppy and unorganized.
2. It completes an outfit. The simple act of ironing can take an outfit from frumpy to fabulous in a matter of minutes (along with a few accessories and...oh, I digress). Not only will you look better, but you will feel better.
3. Stacy and Clinton would be more than happy to provide a third reason as to why ironing is CRITICAL; my only other personal reasoning goes back to the beginning of this entry - I truly enjoy the look of a crisp, freshly starched collar.

Many of you cringe at the thought of ironing. This is because you do not yet possess the necessary skills. For this reason, I have attached a video that will take you through step-by-step lessons outlining how to properly iron a dress shirt. Enjoy.

(please note: this is only clip 1 of 12; for a full ironing demonstration, please watch all 12 clips)