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Kathy
Friend is a Wardrobe Coach and Personal Shopper.
She is a contributing editor for Wedding Day
magazine, Prom Night magazine, the Fashion Expert
on WSBT TV and of course, the Fashion Editor
for MFM, Kathy and her husband Marty are lifelong
residents of Michiana. Kathy is a step-mom to
2 girls, Mindy and Leah; and she is the pre-adoptive-mom
to 5 year old, Anya. Kathy and Marty are also
the partents to family cat, Jazzmine.
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here to view more articles by this author.
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Q&A
with fashion and style expert, Kathy Friend
I
get a ton of mail with questions on everything from what colors
you should wear, to where to shop. I thought I would take
this opportunity to answer some of the most frequently asked
questions.
Q:
How do find a good fitting jean?
When
it comes to finding a great pair of jeans, there are 4 keys
to getting a good fit.
- The
Rise - look at where the waistband site. Medium or low rise
means that jean is going to sit between your hipbone and
belly button.
- Look
for a contoured waist - or one that is slightly higher in
the back as it is in the front.
- Fit
- make sure your jeans fit you. If they hurt - they are
not the right size. If you have to lie down on the bed to
get them zipped, not the right size. For those of us who
have a belly, or hold weight in our midsection (and most
women do), that waist band should hit you right at your
belly area. If the waist band hits above that 'area', you
will appear heavier, and so will a jean that hits you below
the 'area'. The biggest mistake is thinking a lower rise
jean will make you look thinner. This is simply not true.
The lower rise will create a muffin-top effect that is not
flattering, and makes you appear heavy.
- Inner
leg seam - if the seam is centered - it will give you a
very classic look. If the seam is moved forward slightly,
it will offer a slimmer looking fit; likewise, if it is
moved back, you will see a slightly more relaxed fit.
Q:
How do you find the perfect bra?
Know
your size! To find your size - simply measure your rib cage
(just underneath your breasts) - that will give you a number.
If that measurement is 34" - then your band size is 34. If
the number is an odd number (like 37"), then round up (to
38 for example). Then, measure around your breast line. For
example, if that number is 37, then you would wear a 34C -
each inch difference (between your band size and breast line
measurement) represents an additional cup size. Remember the
bras are like jeans, you need to find a brand that works for
you…try on several.
Q:
What is the best way to start to update your wardrobe?
First,
clean out your closet. Take a real honest assessment of what
you have, and get rid of anything you haven't worn in the
past year, pitch anything that doesn't fit or shows signs
of wear. Then, make a shopping list. The smartest ways to
build a wardrobe is by sticking with a simple color scheme,
and create a capsule wardrobe. A capsule is different pieces
of clothing that all work together to create many different
outfits. For example - a black skirt, jean, dress black slack
with a denim jacket, black jacket, red top, white blouse,
black tank - they all go together, and can be worn in many
different ways.
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Q:
How do I tell a co-worker that her attire is not appropriate?
This
is a touchy topic - but the best way to handle that is to handle
it with kid gloves. Approach her as you would want to be approached,
and tell her why what she is wearing isn't ok. Defer to the
company's attire policy if need be.
Q:
I don't know how to accessorize. How do I start to get into
the accessory game?
Buying
key accessories can be a real challenge. The good news is that
it is the cheapest and easiest way to add some oomph to your
wardrobe. It is also the easiest way to change your look from
season to season. If you want a few things to add some punch
to your spring / summer look, start with color. Colorful beads,
shoes and a handbag are a good start. Pick one color that you
love from this season (a citrus hue would be good) and add interest
what that color. For example, an all black and white outfit
would be super cute and trendy if you added bright yellow accents.
Q:
Where do you shop?
This
question always makes me laugh. Where I shop isn't the best
place for everyone. You need to first define your style. All
stores and boutiques cater somewhat to a specific style and
look. Start tearing out pictures from magazines of things that
you like - take note of the designer - go online and find where
you can purchase that designer. If it is a department store,
chances are they are going to have options in that look at different
price points.
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