Fashion Inspiration: Michael Jackson

I, like the rest of the world, was totally and completely inundated with newspaper articles and tv documentaries that saturated the press over the weekend over the passing of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. While most of these articles and programs outlined the path that had taken Michael from adorable child star and musical genius to the freakish plastic surgery addicted, child loving, pill popping "Wacko Jacko" he'd become. Many articles and journalists stressed MJ should be remembered for his music and not his tabloid escapades, I beg to differ. MJ should also be remembered for his influence on another realm of pop culture - fashion. As iconic as the 'Thiller' music video became, the red and black leather jacket he wore in the video also deserves a place in pop culture history. So does his affection for miliary inspired jackets, a trend that has not fallen off the fashion radar as Balmain featured in their Spring 2009 collection. I would not be surprised if MJ's style inspires many more designers as they make the preparations for their Spring 2010 collections. MJ can rest in peace knowing his music and fashion will live on forever, overshadowing his excentricities.

People Watching: Equestrian Helmet as Bike Helmet

I love to people watch, especially when it comes to taking fashion cues as well as seeing how certain styles work on different body. Not to mention the cast of characters that walk past your park bench or bistro table. That being said, I will mention some notable and perhaps not so notable street fashion in hopes of inspiring others to follow suit.

My latest find happened the other day while walking my dogs, when a woman on a bike cut me off as we were crossing the street. As I turned to give her a nasty look for cutting me and my two dogs off, I saw that she was stylishly attired for her afternoon ride in an equestrian helmet. I couldn't help but smile at her clever and stylish alternative to a bike helmet. She has totally solved my dilemma I have with dorky bike helmets, at least this way I can make safety my number one priority and still look cute.

Off the N to the Y to the C

I am off to New York City today to visit two of best friends who currently reside there. I finished packing last night and as I looked into my suitcase all I saw was black, white and denim - so depressing! I love color but I want to be able to make the most number of outfits out of the least amount of clothes, I am going to NYC - the fashion capital of the world. But I also realized that most of the clothes I have bought in the past year have been black or white. I guess for a similar reason as packing it all - wanting to make the most out of the least. I also can't afford to buy something so trendy that it will be a fashion faux pas by the time I'm able to wear it again next season.

However, while in NYC I do plan on checking out Top Shop. Instead of collecting kitchy souvenirs like sno-globes or spoons, I collect clothes from my travels. I think Top Shop is a perfect place to remember this trip to NYC as an unemployed fashionista! Not to mention I am super excited to see my gal pals! Bon Voyage!

Ways Image Consultants Can Help

I had a girls night out this weekend and inevitably the conversation subject turned to shopping. My friend has a family wedding to attend overseas this summer and her mother wants both her and her sister to look amazing and trendy and all the other adjectives that get the "take that" juices flowing in familial relations. My friend continued to tell me that she had found a dress that was all the adjectives her mother requested. But there was one problem - she didn't feel comfortable in the dress to completely exude all those jealously evoking adjectives.

This little story reminded me of the differences between a fashion stylist and an image consultant. Many people when they hear 'image consultant' immediately think of ladies in powdery pink shoulder padded power suits of the 1980's telling you what season you are. I think it's about time we modernized that image and break free of those shoulder padded power suits to embrace the benefits a modern image consultant, like myself.

The way an image consultant could be helpful when trying to find that perfect dress is not only do we assess your body shape, enabling you to eliminate several styles that would not flatter your figure. But your body shape can almost predict what style of clothing you will be drawn to! Sounds crazy, but it's true. For example, if you have a lot of angles to your body, you will look best in strong lines, patterns and fabrics, not ruffles and flowy chiffon.

So back to my friend. Perhaps the reason she felt uncomfortable in the dress she found was that it didn't suit her clothing personality. With the help of an image consultant she could have a more exact idea of what to look for that would not only save her time while shopping but make the experience much more relaxing giving her a more confined parameters in which to search, and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Yes, I did offer my help and we will be hitting the stores shortly to find that amazing dress that will make her mother proud and the rest of her family jealous.

Blair-ing into the Summer Sun

Even though Gossip Girl is on summer hiatus, we can still get our fix of S and B by styling ourselves for summer in wardrobes inspired by these fashionable Upper East Siders. I consider myself to be more of a 'S', but for all you 'B's out there I came across this super cute Blair-esque dress at Urban Outfitters for $88. It would be perfect for any summer event: yachting, picnic-ing, brunching, or conniving. It is also perfect for the work to drinks transition, just throw on a cardi or blazer for the office and ... TADA!

Cage Sandals at the Vet

I splurged last weekend and bought myself a pair of $4 Michael Kors Robertson Demi-Wedge Sandals at Holt Renfrew. They actually cost a lot more than that, so don't go running to Holt's expecting the same great deal. Due to a seasonal purse change, I found a long lost gift certificate for the retailer and it thankfully covered almost all of the cost of these adorable sandals!

Since Sunday I had been searching for the perfect opportunity to show off and test out my new shoes. Today, the weather permitted and were was my destination of choice for these pretty puppies, but the vet of course! My two Schnauzers had their annual check up and keeping with my mantra (to look stylish no matter what the task) I pranced into the vet in my new sandals. As I was waiting for my appointment to see the vet, an elderly woman, in with her cat, admired my shoes and asked if they were comfortable. Since it was barely 9am and they had only been strapped to my feet for 30 minutes or so, I said the verdict was still out. However, I am happy to report that they are extremely comfortable and despite their many straps, my feet have escaped unscathed from any potential blisters! It seems these cage sandals will spend the summer roaming free out on the streets!

Mission Statement: Trying to be Fashionable Despite Lack of Income

I originally wanted to share my passion for fashion and image consulting with a blog that demonstrated how to look like you stepped off the catwalk and on to the sidewalk, while keeping one's body shape and budget in mind. But like many of my fellow Gen-Yers, this recession has cost me a lot, like earning an income, so I have no option but to fall back upon the EI safety net while I search for that elusive next employment opportunity. Unable to afford simple luxuries, like the latest Chloe sunglasses ($300 a pair) I have now set out to be the stylish I can with what I already own and maybe with the help of some in expensive additions (like $3 a pair sunglasses). All the while making sure that it suits my body type (which I plan to reveal in a later post - I am still a bit shy of exposing myself on the world wide web!). I plan to make this blog a personal journey of how I continue to remain fashionable and stylish even if the biggest thing I do all day is go to the grocery store. I will offer tips and words of encouragement for my fellow EI recipients. Just because there is no office dress code to adhere to any more, doesn't mean we to let our style suffer!