The Yin and Yang of Style

Keeping with the style tip theme of the last couple weeks, here is an essential rules when it comes to developing a personal style of your own.

Michael Kors' Rule #9

Combine covered arms with bare legs; classic trousers with plunging necklines; conservative dresses with an outrageous shoe.

What's great about this rule is that it is pretty versatile. It's taking classic pieces and adding some oomph to them -- and that is basically the essence of style.

Nine West Bezel sandal, Piperlime, $79.99; Polka-dot sweater and miniskirt, Mango, $24.99 for each; Top with waistband, Zara, $35.99; Asymmetric top, Zara, $39.99.

Week in Review: Breaking The Glass Ceiling

I’ve started watching “Mad Men” seasons in reverse. I finished Season 5 last week and am almost done with Season 4. It’s an odd way to watch a show, but it kind of works for me. It’s interesting to watch Don’s rises and falls – in love, work, and life – and the arc that Peggy, Joan, and Betty have taken over the seasons. In particular, Peggy has probably experienced the most dramatic shift of all the women on the show. For me, she symbolizes the emerging feminists of the 1960s, making her mark in a man’s world. She struggles. A lot. But, she also shows young women of today how far we’ve come and how much farther we must go.  My favorite episode that really shows Peggy’s first attempt to own her successes is in Season 4 -- it's called "The Suitcase." A lot happens in this episode, but one scene in particular stands out for me. It is when she finally expresses her anger towards Don for not giving her the recognition she felt she deserved on an ad campaign. Sure, it was a little immature and ungrateful on her part, and Don had every right to react the way he did, but it was a pivotal moment in the story that eventually lead to Peggy realizing her potential and power.

Alongside my episodic viewing of “Mad Men,” I am also reading Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. This book got a lot of press a few months ago – many in the media were calling it a new feminist manifesto, while others were criticizing it as being one-dimensional and unrealistic for average women. Although I’m only a third of the way through it, I have to say, as someone who counts herself as an average women – at least when it comes to my financial position and job skills – I’ve found some good advice I can use in my career and in my life in general. Most of what Sheryl comments on – through personal stories and various studies – is standard fair when it comes to the old “breaking the glass ceiling” mentality. Take risks, don’t be afraid to speak your mind, and don’t let anyone (i.e. men) hold you back. But, there are some really valuable nuggets of wisdom that are, well, obvious, but important reminders nonetheless. Here are some of my favorite quotes so far:

“…in order to continue to grow and challenge myself, I have to believe in my own abilities.”

“Owning one’s success is key to achieving more success.”

“…when you want to change things, you can’t please everyone. If you do please everyone, you aren’t making enough progress.”

And well, there you have it. Peggy and Sheryl. They’ve started me thinking – thinking about how I can better position myself as a leader and as a strong woman. I’ve always consider myself both, but I do see where my gender sometimes gets in my way. So, for this week – a slight departure from my bargain ways, but a symbolic analysis of my and all women’s ability to be chic in strength and determination – I dedicate my little ol' blog to women. The fearless. The unsure. The strong. The weak. The leaders. The mentors. And the protégés. Thank you for being you!

P.S. Also check out Sheryl's Lean In website.

Keep It Simple

Another very simple style rule – number 2 on the Michael Kors’ style  list – is to, well, keep it simple. That is, pick items that are effortless in structure, shape, and color. If you build your style around well-made items – either a more expensively made item or a tailored one – that are classically built and in a neutral color, you can create a foundation for any other look. It’s like a house or a painting or a cocktail – the foundation, the background, and the liquor needs to be constructed well, accentuate the positives, and be top-shelf enough to make a statement. Once you have them all in place, you can add almost anything else to it.

And, so, here we are at Rule #2:

"Buy tailored jackets, coats, dresses, and pants in neutral colors."

There are plenty of budget-friendly stores out there that offer an array of these types of clothes – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, J.Crew, The Limited, just to name a few. And, most department stores carry all sorts of pants, dresses, and jackets to fit almost any size.

The key, however, to getting a tailored fit is to actually get these items tailored. I know it is an added expense, but let me tell you, it is a wonderful feeling when you have something fit your body perfectly. It makes buying an okay-fitting sale item even more special when it is alter just enough so that you feel like you spent triple what you paid. And finding a descent tailor is not that hard or expensive either. The last time I had something altered – two skirts – I believe I paid around $15 for each piece.

In the meantime – while you find a good tailor – here are some almost-tailored-like items that fit Michael Kors’ #2 rule.

 1035 Jacket & Trouser, J.Crew, $240 & $140; Ellen Tracy Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $110; Double-Breasted Raincoat, Zara, $99.90; Kate Spade "Brent" Linen Sheath, Nordstrom, $398 (not very budget-friendly, but probably well-worth it!)