Fall into New Beginnings (Part 1)

New beginnings are always a great way to try out a new fashion choice, re-assess where you are in your life or just plain take time to pamper yourself for the busy time that can be spring and summer.  The kids are back at school and the holidays are fast approaching.  So we hope that these next few posts are insightful, inspiring and gives you an opportunity to assess your life before the holidays are in full swing!

Your Style, Your Fashion
Every season has a cache' of publishers highlighting what's new for the season so we are going to do something different and highlight what we consider to be the essentials of what can get you through fall/winter when you don't have time to know what trends are in/out...

Black Turtleneck

A black turtleneck is great because it can be worn for almost a solid 6 months (Fall thru to the end of  Winter).  You can dress it down with a great pair of jeans and black boots with the jeans cuffed to show more of the boot or you can dress it up and wear with your favorite leather skirt for a pulled together look with no fuss.  Black turtlenecks are also great for making everyone look thinner and streamlined no matter your size or shape.

Also, as you age, turtlenecks are also great to continually upgrade.  You can start with a great basic Gap turtleneck, a fit pullover, and eventually work your way up to a great cashmere choice.

Knee High Boots
Knee high boots are a great way to make your fall/winter wardrobe updated without purchasing several pieces.  Most people tend to purchase a new set up boots each season but we at Curva-Lish believe that you should purchase the best knee high boots that your money can buy and then get them re-polished and re-soled when necessary so that they become a signature item.

Here are some other suggestions when considering what knee-high boots you want to buy to update your look:

If you tend to have a classic wardrobe of beiges, browns, and blacks that makeup the bulk of your wardrobe, why not venture out a bit and purchase a pair of colored Foot Candy knee-high boots that gives your wardrobe a beautiful injection and adds a dimension of personality.

If you tend to have a colorful wardrobe with lots of colors or patterns, a great pair of black, deep tan or grey/slate boots.

If you are a person who has many different types of looks in your wardrobe, many different types of boots already and you are not afraid to dare and take a chance on a new look, try a great pair of cowboy boots (see these affordable and fashionable Western-style boots from our partner), native american inspired boots, zebra print or a cute pair of Wellingtons.

Leather (or Faux Leather) Jacket
Things can get very interesting here because there are so many different types of leather jackets to choose from and here are some ideas to help you decide on which one is best for you:

• Petite: if you are shorter in stature and petite, we recommend a waist-cynching jacket that shows off your petite curves but also helps you define your waist, thereby lengthening your frame.  Make sure the cut is waist-cynching so that the jacket's silhouette doesn't "cut-off" your height.
• Plus-size:  a biker, bomber or mustard bomber jacket is a great way to tell the world that you love your shape and you are not afraid to wear a bold fashion choice.  It is even better if you dress the jacket up with classic pieces or make your "tough biker chic look" complete by adding tight skinny jeans (or form-fitting skirt).
• Tall: this might sound unlike any other fashion advice you've ever been given but we think tan or beige leather jackets look great on tall people because it gives you an elongated look that highlights your height!  For our tall London readers who want a fashion forward option, check out this gorgeous asymmetrical jacket from Saks.

Scarf
Unlike these days and times, women used to be known for their scarf choices and how it accentuated their wardrobe.  In our ever increasing casual world, scarves are a great way to add a bit of pizzaz without needing to make a huge, permanent investment.

We like scarves that are small and easy to tie if you have a smaller neck, shoulder and bust line...big scarves on a smaller frame is too over powering.  We like bigger scarves for those women with larger shoulders and/or bigger bust lines.

Bold Jewelry
Purchasing a bold piece of jewelry is always a fail-safe way to add punch to your fall wardrobe and can also take you through the holidays (check out the bangles in the jewelry section of our partner).  What we mean by bold jewelry is a statement necklace, affordably gorgeous bracelets, Kate Spade earrings or clearance Oscar de la Renta rings.  If you really want to go big, we recommend this Versace stunner. Whatever your preference, make it count!

Leopard Print
 No matter if it is shoes, a handbag, shirt, skirt, pants or some other fashion choice...leopard print looks great on everyone and can usually match with just about anything in your wardrobe.  The key is to not wear leopard print all over at the same time (i.e., wear a leopard print shirt, skirt, hat and shoes at the same time!).  The best way to wear leopard-print is to add complimentary colors (black, beige, red, etc.) so that your leopard print item can stand out on its own!





Perfume/Scent
Different seasons bring about different feelings and one great way to express how you are feeling is to add a new scent to your "wardrobe".  Since there are so many perfumes, body oils, lotions and other scents out there, we highly recommend requesting a sample from your local department store, checking out the pages of Fall magazines that give you a preview of a new scent or visiting a who can tell you the ingredients of any scent you are curious about purchasing.

We hope you enjoyed this list as apart of our Fall into New Beginnings series and check back soon for Part 2!

Curva-Lish Team
curvalish@gmail.com