ask CARRIE M. Age and size are only numbers. It’s the attitude you bring to clothes that make the difference.
A dressmaker in a former life, Knoxville Fashion Consultant Carrie McConkey is a “clothes whisperer” for her clients, taking great pleasure in helping them unlock their signature style.
-Donna Karan
Every summer I end up with one beloved “Cartoon Character” dress that I wear ALL THE TIME. Any tips on using it to build a wardrobe with other outfits I want to reach for? Your “Cartoon Character” dress sounds like it represents your signature style! A perfect piece on which to build capsule wardrobe. Choose a coordinating scarf (patterned if the dress is solid, and vice versa). Pull out 3 - 5 colors to serve as a guide in selecting a cardigan and blazer for casual and dressy options. Add a pair of flat and heeled shoes to your capsule for further versatility. Finally, seek out accessories such as a belt (if applicable), and at least two sets of jewelry options. Then have as much fun as Minnie Mouse! What should I look for in well-made clothes? Well-made garments are constructed of quality materials that stand the test of time, and they hang better on the body. When shopping, examine the finer details. Make sure buttons feel substantial and are securely fastened. Avoid fabrics that are thin, flimsy, or wrinkle-prone. (Try the wrinkle test: squeeze a handful of the fabric, and let go. Can you brush the wrinkles out, or is it a world of hurt?) Check for a smooth and well-constructed lining if the garment needs it (for example, if it’s white!). Slide the zipper up and down to ensure it glides. Keep in mind that you will most often get what you pay for. Be proud to invest in quality clothing - you are worth it! What type of pant is good for a bottom heavy person? Any and all body types should aim for one thing: visually creating a proportioned, hourglass shape. For those of us whose hourglass is heavier on the bottom, wide leg trousers are the perfect pick to produce a graceful, elongating leg line. Stick with solid, dark neutral colors, and beware of prominent pockets or pleats. High and mid-rise waistlines flatter more than low, and a pressed crease down
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the front and back trouser leg is another visual perk. Regarding jeans, straight leg with some stretch will flatter more than boot-cut. Avoid decorative details including distressed marks or holes (which are perplexing to me anyway). Think long and lean, and if you can add a bit of a wedge or heeled shoe, all the better! All the craze right now is “Stitch Fix.” Thoughts? Several of my clients like Stitch Fix but still seek my opinion on the color, fit, and usability with their existing pieces. Recently I had the chance to get to know a Stitch Fix stylist and learn more about the company. The pros: plentiful size options including 0–24W, maternity, and petites; shoes and accessories can be requested; and the stylists are indeed stylists by trade with years of experience. The cons: limited clothing brands are available; a $20 styling fee applies even if none of the items work; and a 25% discount applies only when all pieces are purchased. Tips: Give plentiful and descriptive feedback to your stylist, and join Facebook groups where Stitch Fix clothes can be bought and sold. How do you avoid buyer’s remorse? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Don’t fall prone to “speed shopping” that can cause a rushed decision. Relaxed shopping equals smart shopping, so give yourself ample time when you are pressed to find an item for a special occasion. Resist well-meaning (or not so well-meaning) salespeople who try to talk you into something you didn’t need in the first place. Measure your gut reaction: do you feel beautiful/sexy/powerful in it? Calculate the cost per wear by dividing the item’s price by the number of times you’ll wear it. Ask yourself, “Can I quickly and easily think of 3 outfits that would look great with this piece?” And my number one foolproof tip: sleep on it! s Do you have questions for Carrie? Email her at carrie@carriemfashionconsulting.com.