Most of all, I’m a big fan of color that suits a person’s coloring.

Do you know what your best colors are? If not, make 2012 the year you resolve to identify your best colors and then actually wear them. The reason? You’ll look younger, prettier, more energetic, better rested and happier. You’ll probably look smarter, too. (Why not?!) I even believe personally (though I have zero evidence to back this up) that we respond emotionally to our best colors. (For instance, the watermelon color in my logo thrills me every time I see it.)

What color makes you happy?

And why wait to get started? Experiment in the next few days with unexpected combinations of colors, just to get you underway in this endeavor. For inspiration, take a look at your favorite personal-style blogs (this image comes from a favorite of mine, Kendi Everyday), the built environment, and the natural world.

The issue: holding on to clothes from 20 and even more years ago.

Have you faced this? Clothes from college (when you are more than a couple years out of college)? Your letter sweater, but now you’re 40 (or more)?

What’s really going on here? It is the actual piece of clothing that’s so hard to part with? No, of course not. It’s all the feelings it represents — who we WERE when we first wore that piece of clothing. It’s that nostalgia for a past self that’s difficult.

I never, ever push a client to get rid of these pieces. It would be like asking her to part with a treasured photograph. Instead, we talk it through … what was this piece for? What does it mean to her? Will she ever wear it again? If not, would she want to store it somewhere out of sight? Together, we find a solution to the problem of clothes front and center in the closet that she’ll never wear again. The idea is for her to feel lighter, freer, happier without them … never to feel regret over something she loved and let go and now misses.

That’s why she has a gorgeous watermelon vintage coat hanging in her closet, even though she’s given away a dozen or more now-oversize sweaters. She just loves it so much and can’t let it go. And if it makes her happy to look at it in her closet, then it makes me happy, too.

Often I see clients who have had or are undergoing some sort of life transition. Often, it is mothers of young children who no longer have paid work or who do their jobs from home. Supporting them as they make this transition is a really satisfying part of my work. Today, for instance, I worked with a young mom who has a full-time job but does it from home, often with her three-year-old also at home. Her standard work attire: a cute but comfortable T-shirt and jeans.

We did two important things during our session, apart from weeding out clothes that no longer fit her, since she’d recently lost a little weight.

First, we edited out the T-shirts that weren’t even nice enough for working in at home … because even when she’s by herself, she wants, needs, and deserves to look and feel great!

Second, we made more room in her closet and her life for who she is right now by getting rid of the corporate suiting she’d worn for years. They just didn’t suit her current lifestyle.

Who are YOU right now? And does your current wardrobe reflect and support who you are right now and all the many roles you play? What changes would you need to make so that it would? Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

I recently had the chance to get professionally fitted for a bra at the Saks near my house by a woman whose job involves traveling around the country and training saleswomen in how to fit women for the right bra size.

I had an aha moment when I realized that even a bra more expensive than my usual cheapie style was a relatively small investment of money — and paid off in a HUGE difference in how I looked. It was also super-interesting. So for both those reasons, I wanted to share what I learned.

Take a look in the mirror at yourself wearing what you consider a bra that fits well. If you stand perpendicular to the mirror with your arm bent 90 degrees at the elbow, are the girls at the half-way point? Any lower and you need to give them a lift.

Now, facing the mirror: Does the center of your bra, the part between the cups, lay flat against your chest? It should — or, in a bra-fitter’s terms, it should “tack.”

Does part of your breast “fluff” out under your arm? (That’s the fitter’s admittedly goofy terminology.) It should not — that’s a sign the cup size is too small. Does the back strap ride up? It should not — that’s a sign it is too big. In fact, the strap should be fairly low on your torso and parallel to the floor.

A couple last points: Bend over to put on your bra, so the girls are really in the cup. Once you’ve fastened it, put your hands in the cup at the outer edge of the opposite breast, then gently nudge the “fluff” under your arm in toward your cleavage, so it is fully in the cup. Voila!

A new bra should fasten on the loosest hook, because it is as tight was it will ever be. And your should give your bras a day off between wearings to allow the elastic to recuperate.

I got three new Elomi bras at the end of the fitting, but these fitting tips work for women of every size.

When was the last time YOU got fitted for a new bra? Have you ever had a real bra fitting? And what tips do you use to make sure you get the right fit? Leave a comment and let us know!

(Ketura Persellin is a writer and image consultant in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. Planning a trip? Email her for a free packing worksheet. Or visit her blog to sign up for her complimentary newsletter.)

Tie one on

November isn’t even in the rear-view mirror yet, and already the pre-holiday sales are underway, with more to come.

And you’re looking forward to hunting down gifts for the people on your gift lists — plus some serious bargains for yourself, right?

Not so fast.

Before you plunk down the plastic on clothes for yourself, take an minute to answer some important  questions. This precious “pause before purchase” could save you money you’ll want when the new season arrives (in just a few weeks). Build in a pause moment to ask yourself the following questions:

You say, “What a good deal, it’s on SALE!” But will you wear it?
When the holiday season’s over, there’s nothing to celebrate but the sales, right? Well, watch out! When the season’s over, will you be in the mood for that over-the-top evening-only outfit, or will you have to wait a whole year to wear what seemed like a bargain when you bought it? All too often, these end-of-season purchases go unused or forgotten. Will you really remember next year to dig out these holiday finds?

But wait – there IS an exception. Is your personal style contingent on glamor pieces? Do you love fur-trimmed sweaters, sequined tops, and satin tuxedo pants so much that you’ll easily wear them a dozen times before March? Then you should definitely be shopping the sales, because these are items you want now, next week and next month. That’s a good buy!

Is that new ‘basic’ about to join the other ‘basics’ already in your closet?
Shopping habits are hard to break. In fact, these habits can be so strong that you’re barely aware of the fact that you’re buying yet ANOTHER black pant, basic boot, pea coat, or V-neck sweater You’re sure you need another one!

Before purchasing that same old basic — AGAIN — ask yourself: How does this one stand out or improve upon what I already have? If you can make a case for how this one will earn its place in your closet somehow, go for it! If there’s really no difference, then just say ‘no’ and save your money.

Will this current trendy sale item have longevity – and does it matter?
This year’s novelty cardigans have ribbons, ruffles and applique. There’s hardly a simple cardigan to be found anywhere! This could be a departure for someone who wears really tailored clothing without much detail. Because it strays so far from that person’s norm, it might be a good year to pass – even if the number on the sales tag is too low to be believed. But if you like something and feel adventurous or curious enough to try something new, then the reduced price makes it an opportunity that’s hard to pass up. Take a risk – it’s not a big one! – and give yourself credit for trying something new. You may end up loving it and making an adjustment to your style recipe.

Will this item help you look more modern or just keep you at status quo?
The last thing you want to do is buy something that makes you look older than you are! Push yourself to look at new things – new cuts, silhouettes, colors, and patterns. Stretch yourself. Be a modern version of your best self. Shop with your style words written down. Print them on an index card, fold it and stuff it into your wallet. Pull those words out and look at them before you buy anything. Is this item helping you look more like you? Or is it just okay? Don’t settle! Look at the item, and ask yourself, “Is this the old me or new me?” You want to stay current. Don’t slide backwards and buy something that was so you … three years ago!

Do you know your style words?
If you don’t have words to describe your current style, don’t even think about going shopping! Invest the money in a style update. I can help you define your goals and keep you on track for getting the most out of your clothing investment. You’re going to wear clothes today, tomorrow and every day this next year. Be sure they fit and flatter you in the best way.

What I want: Faux fur vest (Scully, Zappos.com)

Fortunately, sometimes just reading about getting ready for a new season can provide that little bit of immediate gratification. This blog post fit the bill for me: “20 Ways To Transition Your Style into Autumn,” from the blog You Look Fab.

What do you do to get a little more mileage from your warm weather favorites while awaiting a drop in temperature? Or do you just pack ‘em all away and get a jump on your Fall favorites? Personally, I really can’t wait to wear my new faux fur vest. Leave a comment and how you’ll be transitioning to Fall.

(Ketura Persellin is an image consultant and personal shopper in Washington, DC, and surrounding suburbs. She’ll help you get rid of those 15-year-old jeans and find you an alternative to your college sweatshirt. Find out more here.)

Keep warm in a cape (at Anthropologie)

This transition between warm and cooler weather can be a challenge, but the solution to braving the up-and-down elements in style lies in wearing (and packing) layers. Here are a few ideas about how to

use them to keep yourself comfortable until it’s time for the heavy-duty winter stuff in a few months.

1. Leggings. A legging as pants is a no-no. But leggings as a layering piece is a great way for to bring some of your dresses into cooler weather. (This works for seasonless-type fabrics and styles; anything that screams “Summer!” — like seersucker or eyelet and whites and brights into storage.) Wear calf-length or ankle-length leggings under your dresses or skirts with cute closed-toe flats. If the temperature climbs up unexpectedly, just go into a bathroom and take that layer off. (And here’s a great primer on how to wear leggings — though I don’t agree with every point she makes, it’s a great starting place.)
Extra warmth: When it gets really cold, a pair of thin leggings can be worn under a pair of jeans or trousers and won’t create extra bulk.

Stuart Weitzman (at Zappos)

2. Boots. High boots are a great way to keep your feet and legs warm while wearing a dress, skirt or even skinny jeans. Keep a second pair of shoes in your car or at your office in case the temperature rises.
Extra warmth: Add warm wool socks underneath boots for extra insulation.

Leather looks current (at Anthropologie)

3. Leather jackets. Thick wool jackets should “Winter!” but it’s too early for that in October and even November In many parts of the country. Leather jackets are better during this transition time — they can provide that extra layer of warmth so you can get a little more use out of your favorite short-sleeve T-shirt. Plus, this year, leather jackets are so current that they’ll instantly bring last year’s clothes forward into this Fall. When the mercury dips, just swap that cotton T for a long sleeve version or a cashmere sweater.
Extra warmth: Carry an infinity scarf or a small wool scarf ready to wrap around your neck.

4. Capes. A cape can be your go-to item when the winter winds blow your way. They’re easy to throw over an outfit and  as efficient as a blanket for keeping you warm. They also look great over a sleeveless jersey knit dress. If it’s colder, pair with camel trousers, oxford shoes, and a classic white blouse.
Extra warmth: Get a great pair of elbow-length gloves to complete this look.

Bajra scarf (at Intermix)

5. Wraps and shawls. Thick shawls are a transitional necessity. Have a go-to shawl in your car or main bag — it’s your back-up plan for when you forget to layer. (Best bet: Choose one in a neutral that can go over everything.) You’ll grab this shawl often — at the movies, in a chilly meeting room, or at a soccer game.
Extra warmth: Later in the season, you may want to pack a heavier scarf or shawl, too — for your lap at a football game, to put under your head on the plane, etc.

Yours are sitting in your closet, you say? Well, they really shouldn’t be. (And if you’re lucky enough to have a giant, massive closet, like a few of my clients, then you don’t need to remove your out-of-season clothes entirely, but you should have them sequestered — in garment bags and off to one side.) Here’s why: Those unwearable (because out of season) clothes are a distraction! You open your closet and think you have lots of options, but really, those are things you can’t wear at all, because of the season. (Same goes for the formal gown you wear once a year, your ski parka you last wore three years ago … get the picture?)

So people often ask me how I handle the transition between seasons. Here’s how I do it. On Labor Day, I pull all the true summer stuff from my closet and dresser: the filmy scarves, the fabric bags, the canvas shoes, the bright white, the poplin. Ditto straw, seersucker, eyelet, and the like. It’s over! Stuff you didn’t wear all seasons should exit your life, through a charity donation or a gift to a friend. (Really.) The rest should be cleaned or laundered and stored until next year. At the same time, pull out your Fall/Winter stuff. You know those long-sleeve silk tunics and all the other stuff that SAY Fall but actually isn’t that warm? This is its time! Wear it now, because you know you won’t during the next blizzard.

The reality is that those boxes stay in my bedroom for a few weeks, sometimes even a month. That’s the time when we are truly in between seasons. It’s too warm for even my lightest-weight cashmere, and I can still wear some of my silk tanks under other pieces. Then those warm-weather clothes go upstairs for the rest of the season.

And here’s my reward: Looking through my old “friends” from last year, and finding ways to wear them that feel current and very Fall 2010. Wouldn’t you like to do that? It can be a little tricky, so let me know if you’d like some help and support. (Note to readers who don’t live in the Washington, DC, area — this can be accomplished remotely! Just inquire for details.)

How do you handle the transition between seasons? Maybe you’ve got a better way — if so, I’d love to hear it. Drop me a line. And don’t forget to subscribe to this blog feed.

An image of you!

Wondering what you want to wear this Fall?

It’s a common concern.

Recently I held a collage workshop at which participants put together a “portrait” of what they’re gravitating toward right now, sartorially speaking. They pulled images from current issues of popular magazines (they could have used other types of magazines for inspiration, too, like interior design ones — or even non-designy ones, as long as they were full of images) and created a little accordion book with them. It was a lot of fun!

One participant's finished collage

Here are a couple images of what we did. You could easily do the same thing on your own with just a pair of scissors, glue, some magazines, and a small piece of poster board. Of course, you wouldn’t get my guidance and insights along the way, or the pleasant chit-chat of the participants as we worked.

Oh, and we used these very wonderful accordion books, so the finished result was more of a look book or inspiration book than a simple collage. But the beauty of this is you can make it as plain or as fancy as you like.

My finished inspiration book

It was so much fun, I’ve already decided to hold another one in month or so. Stay tuned for details!

Minimalist meditation
Fashion as serene as a Zen garden, this is pared-down design with little or no embellishment for quiet understatement. Try:

• straight-line dresses
• jackets with shape but no details (like showy buttons, zippers, or other hardware), and
• a neutral color palette including winter white, rose beige, dove gray, and black.

Future focus: Bundle up, urban warrior

Futurama

Sparkle lights up military drab

Inventive individualist

Jessica Schroeder of WhatIWore.com, working her oxfords

Menswear mashup