FASHION

Dressing for work can be daunting. So we went to Manhattan’s most sought after image consultant, Lori Silverstein for her advice on how to power dress. Lori offers her exclusive roster of private clients, many of which are high power executives advice on their personal appearance, image, grooming and wardrobe. “I believe the best strategy for women dressing in today’s work environment is to embrace a tailored silhouette which is feminine, classic and clean and modeled on the European approach to dressing,” says Lori. We sat down with her to get her fabulous tips on how to dress for work in style.

What are some of the essential items a woman should own in her work wardrobe?

I strongly encourage my clients to invest in classic but stylish pieces. Basic items in the fall wardrobe should include: streamlined cashmere coats which fall right at the knee and are perfect for skirts, dresses and trousers; pencil skirts in beautiful wools and cashmere or cashmere blends; fitted blazers with narrow shoulders with a cinched or defined waist; cashmere sweaters; beautifully tailored trousers and pantsuits with a well proportioned leg, paired with a beautiful silk blouse; and tailored shift dresses (both sleeveless and with sleeves) that follow the contours but are not “too” form fitting. Good fabrics are key and contribute to a rich, elegant and timeless look.

What types of accessories should a woman opt for when dressing for the office?

I believe accessories complete and enhance a look, and a good shoe, handbag, belt, scarf and jewelry are essential.

Shoes
For the work environment, I love a kitten heel or a 2-3 inch heel, and prefer a good classic pump with a bit of twist, as well as a sling back. My favorite shoe designers who have the perfect pump and sling are Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin. The shoes are beautiful, sleek, classic and subtly sexy. They are absolutely worth every penny of the investment. A good suede or leather boot with a narrow toe box and a 2-3 inch heel is also beautiful and classic.

Handbags
Handbags you can never go wrong with the Prada leather tote which comes in a few basic colors such as black, brown and tan, and holds enough items without being oversized and cumbersome. I also love the Chanel classic handbag and tote.

Belts and Scarves
For belts, I steer my clients towards a black, chocolate brown or rich tan belt, preferably in leather or skin and for scarves I favor Hermes. They have so many wonderful designs and colors to choose from, and there are so many flattering ways to tie the scarves that will make every woman look chic, stylish and pulled together.

Jewlery
When it comes to jewelry, I emphasize that simple is best. For earrings, diamond studs or larger classic pearl studs look beautiful and there are some great copies out there that could fool anyone! Depending on the neckline, a scarf could look great, or perhaps a nice pendant or a pearl and gold necklace which is long enough to wrap a few times around the neck and sits up by the collar bone. I do like enamel bracelets (my favorites are designed by Hermes and come in different widths, design motifs and colors) and gold or silver link bracelets with a fob closure. I do stress that one thing to avoid at all costs is wearing large dangling earrings as well as glittery and over-sized pieces. Simplicity is key and contributes to a very polished and stylish look.

When it comes to hair and makeup, what works?
Regarding hair and makeup, the overall look should be neat, polished, well groomed and not overdone. I favor a soft palette for makeup. The first step is to ensure that one takes good care of their skin by using good products diligently (I love Biologique Recherche, La Prairie and Clarks Botanicals) and visiting an excellent facialist. My favorite facialist is Natalie at Yasmine Djerradine. A good, light foundation is important (such as Armani Face Fabric or the Fluid Sheer Foundation, or the new Guerlain Fundation) and a soft, neutral eye (mascara and lightly lined upper lid) combined with a soft cheek blush (the best colors are by Chanel) and a soft lip (Chanel lipsticks and glosses have the prettiest colors). Hair should be worn loose either straight or in soft waves, or held back in chic low ponytail or soft chignon. I strongly discourage hairstyles which are very exaggerated or messy. Everything should be soft and feminine…no overpowering colors or heavy makeup application.

What are some things to keep in mind in terms of dress code for work?
Overall, when dressing for work, I advise my clients to dress in a clean, tailored and polished fashion that is very stylish and flattering. I discourage them from dressing in fashion trends that will detract from a polished look, and look inappropriate for the office. It is important not to wear anything that does not fit well and having access to a good tailor is essential to ensure that each piece fits perfectly. Another item to bear in mind is not to wear anything that is too short, too tight, too low cut, too clingy or too bright, glittery or overly patterned. Femininity is key. Lastly, it’s extremely important to be respected at work by clients and colleagues and a beautifully polished look will keep you on the right track!

For more information on image consultant Lori Silverstein please visit (http://lbsimageconsulting.com)

By Millissa Mathai

As a fashion editor I see trends come and go with a blink of the eye. I’ve come to understand that trends work best when paired with classic fashion pieces. The key to great style is to look put together while incorporating a few up to the minute trends to keep your look fresh.

Here are ten must have fashion items that will give your wardrobe a great foundation on which you can build upon.

#1 The Little Black Dress (LBD)
A little black dress is elegant and extremely versatile. It can be worn everywhere for any occasion It can be dressed up with jewelry and great high heels or dressed down when paired with flats and a denim jacket. Spend as much as you can on your LBD, as it is your fashion staple.

#2 The Trench Coat
When I think of the trench coat I think of Audrey Hepburn in Paris during spring. The trench will take you from season to season and is a great go-to coat for rainy days. Invest in a trench by Burberry, as they are the originators of the trench and have perfected the silhouette and details of the trench coat from stitch to seam.

#3 The Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere sweaters are always in style and feel sumptuous against skin. Whether you opt for a cashmere turtleneck or a cashmere cardigan you will be cozy while staying chic.

#4 Diamond Studs
It’s hard to find jewelry to match each of your outfits; therefore diamond studs are the perfect accompaniment to any outfit since they will go with everything. They are also perfect for work or play.

#5 Men’s Style Watch
A men’s style watch is one of those accessories that will elevate any outfit. Many designer watch companies make men’s style watches for women and they have just the right blend of masculine and feminine touches.

#6 White Button Down Shirt
A white button down shirt looks just as fabulous with jeans as it does when paired with a fitted black pencil skirt. Ralph Lauren has mastered the white shirt and also offers customers different variations on this trusted classic.

#7 Slingback Pumps
Slingback pumps with a moderate heel height are the perfect everyday heels that can take you anywhere, literally. Look for styles in pure Italian leather, as they will last much longer. Also make sure to have your soles and heels replaced as soon as you notice any wear and tear to preserve your heels. Make sure to have at least one pair by Christian Louboutin the master of this shoe style.

#8 Chain-link Handbag
Chain-link handbags exude glamour and richness. They are extremely ladylike and can make any outfit instantly classy. The Chanel 2.55 bag is probably the most coveted and popular chain-link handbag. Lanvin also features great chain-link styles in their handbag collection.

#9 Oversized Sunglasses
Sunglasses, especially oversized sunglasses should be in every fashionista’s arsenal. They are a perfect way to instantly look and feel chic especially on those days when you don’t have the time or energy to do your makeup. Dior has some of the best oversized sunglasses as does Gucci. Word of caution, oversized does no mean bug-like. Make sure to ask for assistance form a sales person when shopping for sunglasses for the perfect style and size for your face shape.

#10 Fitted Blazer
A great blazer is a great way to dress up any outfit and make it look put together in a flash. Black is the best option when it comes to blazers for versatility. Look for luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin can add a dose of glamour for night.

By Millissa Mathai

Walking behind a girl with deep panty lines is sour sight that makes you feel bad for the girl and even a little bad for the underwear. After years and years of fussing over underwear lines, finally we have options that allow for underwear to look barely there.

Spanx started by sucking us in with pieces so long and large that it sometimes we feel like we’re wrapped in a cocoon. Not that we don’t love god-saving Spanx, but for the white pants we love to wear at the office or our favorite butt hugging spandex to the gym, Spanx are a little much. Then came commando. As far as we’ve tested, they’ve managed to do the trick and the miracle panties are more like second skin than an old-fashioned thong. Some commando copy cats came on the surface several months ago. Victoria’s secret trademarked their Second Skin Satin, although tried and tested it isn’t as invisible as commando. Nude options work for your lighter colored bottoms and unlined satin dresses. For the thongphobes out there, regular versions do the same trick.

For your gym time, technical, moisture wicking fabrics made their way to super light underwear that you can work out in. If working out in a thong makes cringe, they also make a brief version, but especially in spandex, it doesn’t hide the lines like the thong. Nike has a version, as does lululemon athletica. Buy one to try it.

When you aren’t obsessing over panty lines – in jeans and chiffon – splurge on pretty panties. Knowing you have something beautiful, albeit barely there, that no one else can see is liberating. For a more lux feeling or special occasions, visit Kaori’s Closet summer sale this week. The swanky Soho lingerie shop has deeply discounted Japanese and European label luxury undies and bras.

Emma Dinzebach

If ever a month to be the early bird who gets the worm, it’s August. The hot items that usually sell out on online sample sales will last a bit longer in the lazy month. With most New Yorkers checked out, sales in the city are ripe and ready for the pickin’. With a little planning, August can be a gem in an otherwise brutal rat race for discounted designer duds. Retails are trying desperately to lure lazy shoppers as they need to clear the stores and warehouses for their fall and winter inventory. To take advantage of the opportunity, score smartly.

Dresses. While tunics and tops can change with a seasons, a classic dress has strong staying power and can carry you through countless weddings, bat mitzvahs and fall charity galas. Visit Beyond the Rack and Gilt for sales by Mochino, Nicole Miller. If you still want a little spice, Ideeli has hot dress sales by leo & sage, laundry and shu shu this week. Uptown, Temperly London has steeply discounted dresses that take the little black dress for a walk on the wild side.

Cold Weather Pieces. For fall, keep you eyes peeled for last year’s fall comebacks. Muck boots, motorcycle jackets and black leather wedges, brogues, and dark, statement necklaces are amongst styles that we’ll see again this fall.

Big Names. And should you see that classic designer bag you’ve long yearned for on sale, August will be the least expensive month to find it.
    

Emma Dinzebach