Fashion, Wardrobe & Image Stylist

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Age is in the eye of the beholder!

How Old Do You Feel?

Am I Too Old to Wear Long Hair or Should I Wear Short Hair?

Is This Skirt Too Short?

Do I Look Too Sexy?

Do I Look Frumpy?

Am I Dressing Appropriately for My Age?

These are questions that I encounter when I am working with women in their closet and in the dressing room. What is age appropriate?

Here is my client Cyndi looking fabulous for a special event.

Cyndi ready for special event

One day, I was chatting with my cousin who was in her 90’s and now she is over 100 going strong. She is beautiful, sharp and ageless.  I asked her, “Ruthy, how old do you feel?”, she paused and said to me, “About 40… How old do you feel?”. I responded to her with the same answer “About 40…”, she smiled and replied, “See, we’re the same age.”

The biggest compliment I receive is when people say to me “I hope I look as good as you do when I’m your age”. First, I cringe, then I realize what a lovely compliment it is. What is really going on in my head is that I Think I am their contemporary even if they are 15-20 years younger than me. You can look in magazines and online and find all sorts of advice on what is considered “age appropriate”, but when I work with women in their closet or the dressing room, a woman only wants to feel great in her outfit. And you can’t put a number on that!

This is Katerina beautiful at 92 with style and her own personal flair. We just met and I had to take this photo..look beautiful at any size any age any time

Katrina and Pam

I encourage mature women who have beautiful long legs to wear short skirts but not in the office. If you have battled weight loss/ weight gain over the years, and are not comfortable with your loose skin, knee length or just above the knee is much more flattering. Showcasing the best part of your figure and wearing clothing that makes you feel confident and beautiful is what will help you forget about ‘age appropriate’ attire. When a woman dresses with consideration of the trends and keeps her wardrobe up to date, she will present that youthful spirit we’re all looking for.

Here is another client, Karen, looking stunning before she heads off to a black tie event.

 

Karen going to black tie event

You don’t have to worry about dressing ‘trendy’ just add a few touches of the seasons’ current trends into your wardrobe.

Let’s talk about hair. There is a point when a mature woman’s hair can look too young or the hair can be dragging her face down rather than giving her a fresh uplifted current image. It is important to understand that the structure of your face should determine what hair style is best for you as well as taking in your chronological age. Personally, I know when my hair is about two inches too long, I look tired and I know I need a hair face-lift.  Go for a consultation to a hair stylist if you feel you need a change and an uplift.

Accessories can be ageless. Beautiful colors will accentuate your skin and your eyes. Update your wardrobe with a statement necklace, ring or bracelet.

Pam with necklace

Necklace

One of the tricks that I teach my clients at workshops is to listen to your daughter. Your daughter knows, give her the benefit of the doubt. She will tell you if you are dressing too frumpy or inappropriately.

I am here to help you put together a wardrobe that matches your style and your personality. I can work with you virtually or in person.  Call me at Positive Reflections!

Pam – 203.733.9328

 

Pam in jumpsuit

Dating Again? Style recommendations for both women and men

Dating at any age can be nerve-racking, intimidating and stressful.  None of the looks you want to project!  You want to look cool, confident and friendly, maybe even flirty.  Let’s work with what you can control – your wardrobe.  Your jitters will back off when your fashionable style comes forward.

If you would like a personalized consultation for your body type and personality please click here to learn about our virtual style consultation for dating again.

Dressing for casual dates: Coffee shop dates, a stroll in the park, Saturday lunch.

You don’t want to overdress for casual dates but being underdressed might send the wrong message.  You could come off looking aloof, bored or like you don’t care.  And you do!  So let’s dress the part.

Clothes for casual dating

Click on the image for purchase information

 

Recommendations for Women:

Outfit:  Wear great fitting jeans with a silk top or blouse paired with a cardigan or cropped leather jacket.  Or wear a loose over weave sweater with a camisole underneth.  A cute strappy sandal is perfect for warmer weather and boots or booties make a great choice for colder weather.

Accessories:  If you are wearing a thin sweater or a long tunic, layer thin necklaces or wear a long pendant.

Makeup:  Go light on the makeup for your daytime look.  Wear your favorite color lipstick.  Get a relaxing manicure before your date.

Clothes for women dating again

Click on the image for purchase information

Menswear Style Recommendations:

Flattery is healthy for our egos… What if the young people at your work or your new date greeted you with “Wow, you look great”  Would that be all right with you?

Although men’s fashion doesn’t change as rapidly as women’s fashion, it does change.  When you make a choice to change things up once in a while, the benefits can be far-reaching.

Here is a list of subtle changes that can be advantageous, especially if you are dating again.

  1.  Instead of wearing your blue jeans, smarten the look up by swapping it for gray or black jeans.
  2. A quick way to look modern and distinctive is to visit an eyeglass boutique where the selection is extensive.  A “hip” frame can knock years off your age and make you look as important and attractive as you really are.
  3. While you may  have blazers in your closet, they could need an update.  Instead of a standard blazer, your new dating lifestyle could benefit from a lightweight navy quilted hunting style jacket or a leather jacket.  Team it with jeans or a dress slack and you will have a modern look.
  4. While searching your closet, always check for stains, torn or discolored items.  These small details should not be overlooked, because the benefits will be amazing.
Clothes for men dating again

Click on the image for purchase information

 

All of the above  recommendations are contemporary choices which will work in general.  If you would prefer a consultation which is specific to your body type and personality be sure and check out my virtual style consultation for people who are dating again.

Sundress Summer

Sundress Summer

When you don’t know what to wear to a summer pool party, beach, date, or barbecue…try a Sundress.

It is easy, and all you need are accessories.

Click on the picture to find out details about each dress.

Spring Into a New You!!

During the past year of COVID 19 pandemic our wardrobe and choices of clothing  changed dramatically.   What we used to wear was no longer  a part of our everyday lifestyle to say the least. Everyone reverted to “HOME CASUAL”.  Pajamas, Tee shirts, Sweat Pants, Leggings. If you were on a Zoom or conference call, that is when your makeup went  on. You pulled your Go To Top or Dress from your wardrobe.  Otherwise your closet missed you this year. You were “ incognito”

There were changes in the fashion industry that evolved during this year.  For example eye makeup was on the rise, however, lipstick was not.

Phyllis at home with dog

Phyllis at home in comfy clothes

Now that people are beginning to go out and be seen and shop again, casual and comfortable seem to be the key words when choosing clothing and footwear.

The top four statements women are saying about shopping again are:

  1. I don’t get ‘dressed up’ anymore.
  2. I haven’t been anywhere in a long time, what do I wear when I go out now?
  3.  I need to loose 10 Pounds.
  4. I have been working from home with no dress code!

Now that times are getting better and you can begin to focus on yourself I have put together some ideas for this Spring.

Choose your outfits to make you feel happy.

This Spring and Summer make it your priority to choose color. Don’t go back to your usual beige, black brown gray. Just choose one piece in your outfit with fun colors. Jumpsuits are very trendy right now and a go to outfit for almost any outing.  There is no matching involved – it’s easy.

Pam in colorful jumpsuit

Pam in a multicolor jumpsuit.

 

Amy is wearing Lily Pulitzer

Amy is wearing Lily Pulitzer, always a good choice for color

 

Below are some spring suggestions that you can easily purchase in your size to get your spring shopping started.

Spring fashions

Click on the image for purchase information

 

Don’t forget you can add color to your outfits with your accessories. Mix and match with various outfits.

Pam in a necklace

This necklace was handmade by Paula Marian (www.contempotteryplus.com)

 

Just because shoes are comfortable, that does not mean they can’t be stylish this season.

I have noticed that there is a dramatic difference in shoe choices in DSW, and Malls. Low heels, comfort shoes, sneakers sandals predominate.

 

Be comfortable in your own feet.  Click on any shoe for buying information (They are all on sale!!)

Teva Cross Strap Wedge

Teva Cross Strap Wedge

 

Eileen Fischer Lace Espadrille

Eileen Fisher Lace Espadrille

 

Eileen fischer Wedge Sandal

Eileen Fisher Viv Wedge Sandal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturalizer Caine Strap Ankle Sandal

Naturalizer Caine Strap Ankle Sandal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need help with your wardrobe?

I am offering virtual stylist sessions and having a special offer.  If you sign up for one session, you get a second session for free.  This offer expires at the end of May, 2021.  Click here to learn more about the virtual stylist package.

Please call or email me if you are interested in a virtual stylist session special offer – [email protected]

 

 

 

Cultivating Your Confidence with Your Closet

Podcast Info

𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌?

𝑹𝒖𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒔?

𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 2 𝒔𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒐?

Join us for a fascinating talk about our closets.  We talk confidence, style & the massive impact it has on the rest of of your life.

You will learn

  1. Getting dressed is all about feeling confident when looking in the Mirror and walking out the door.
  2. What does it really mean to dress your age?
  3. Polished and Put Together for your Personal and Professional life

Are you a Positive Reflection Type of Women?

💎She is a women in Transition…Age, Job, Baby, Weight, Widow Divorce.

💎She finds it frustrating to shop..and therefor hates to shop.

💎She does not have a sense of style for herself.

💎She would like to use accessories but finds it awkward.

💎She has not gone through her closet for 10-15 years.

💎She is afraid to part with clothing…

💎She finds it hard to wear color.

💎Her Husband or significent other feels she needs a change or a lift…

💎She is a women in a Fashion Rut, Want’s to change, but doesn’t know

𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘!

https://anchor.fm/gritandmoxie/episodes/Confidence-and-Your-Closet-with-Pam-Freidlander-eppl44

 

 

 

Reaching for Classics This Spring

When spring fashions show up online or in the stores, there’s often an audible groan. Why? At first glance, the selections can look like island party fare: sheer fabrics, jean shorts, itty-bitty slip dresses. Is everyone on vacation? Professional women looking for summer work attire feel left out.

There’s also the woman who favors clothes and accessories that are classic and elegant all year round. Women who enjoy refined and sophisticated fashion will shade their eyes from the bright colors and flashy prints and hope for better choices when fall until rolls around.

Pam in classic black and white

Pam is wearing classic black and white

If this is you, believe me when I say this: this is your bonanza year for fashions that suit your style statement. Let me give you a few examples.

Bust out in beige

Someone could look at beige and not even register that it’s a color. A woman with a refined eye can see beige and swoon—especially if that shade is good with her skin tone. A lot of designers showed head-to-toe beige outfits. Call it oatmeal, sand, or stone—it’s a color to love. Could you be new to beige? If you want to project a vibe of quiet assurance, do it in this color. If wearing it head-to-toe feels like too much, find a piece or two and wear it with your separates. You’ll quickly discover a silk blouse, trousers, dress, skirt, or trench to fall in love with.

Different colors of beige look great together.

Different colors of beige look great together.

 

Pam looks classy and seasonal in shades of beige.

Pam looks classy and seasonal in shades of beige.

Highlight the shoulders

Wear a blazer with structured shoulders. You can find them in black for that ultra-classic look or consider shopping for a novelty blazer that you can wear with your favorite jeans or pant style for a change of pace. The cut of the blazer, the quality fabric, and the terrific tailoring will ensure it sends the right message.

A classic black blazer creates a sleek profile

A classic black blazer creates a sleek profile

This black and white blazer creates a classic look with the black pants

This black and white blazer creates a classic look with the black pants

Dress up your jeans with a classic tweed blazer.

Dress up your jeans with a classic tweed blazer.

Add Structure to your handbag.

I’m sure you’ll notice many floppy bags this season. Keep looking and you will discover there are plenty of handbags that that have more structure to them. The briefcase is back in style, and a framed bag will look chic and polished.

There are so many options in structured handbags in terms of style and color. Buy one or two to go with your spring wardrobe.

There are so many options in structured handbags in terms of style and color. Buy one or two to go with your spring wardrobe.

 

We are all glad that Spring is officially here and soon the weather will be warmer.  Time to think about what new items you need to add to your wardrobe.   There are a lot of ways I can help you to make the most of your spring wardrobe.   Give me a call at 203.733.9328 or email me at [email protected] if I can help.

 

It’s Time to Think About Your Fall 2018 Wardrobe!

Are you ready to try some new things from the fall/winter fashion offerings?

Whether you sample one item or several, there are some tantalizing treats to choose from.

For people who’ve been wondering where brown went, it’s back! It comes in all shades of chocolate and on into burnt caramel. Time to stock your shoe and handbag shelves with this rich color or choose a few separates to blend into your existing wardrobe.

The Colors of Fall

Boot: Steve madden, Handbag: Tory birch, Shoe: Louise Et. Cie, Jumpsuit: Emmy, Necklace Bess Heitner

Floral prints just keep coming. Plan to wear floral print dresses with dark backgrounds. They’re great paired with a colored tight and a boot.Or just wear these feminine dresses to a  business function or Holiday Party.

Floral Print Dresses

Dresses are from: Sachin & Babi & LK Bennett

We grew up loving velvet. Velvet has been spanning the seasons. People even wore velvet this Spring and into the Summer. Look for it this Fall/ Winter season in dresses blouses and jackets. How do you feel about velvet shoes?

 

Velvet

Items are from Nordstrom and Modcloth

There is an array of plaids just waiting for you to enjoy and try. Classic plaids of different colorations are being combined in the same outfit.
For instance you can wear a blue plaid pant with a red plaid jacket. Or wear a red plaid boots with a blue plaid dress. It may sound less than appetizing but you won’t know until you try it.

Plaids

Plaids are from Neiman Marcus, Marc Jacobs, Brooks Brothers, Jeffrey Campbell, Dressywoman.com,   @sarabattaglia/Instagram, Imaxtree (4)

So glad that you can choose from any pant leg, width style you choose this season.  Pants of any length or width are available.
Wide, pleat front, flairs, cigarette, printed pants and painted pants.If you wear pants well, get ready for a smorgasbord.
I added just some sampling to wet your palette.

Pants

Pants are from Zara, Y.A.S.,Rachel Comey, Wrangler and Michael Kors

I hope the above ideas inspire you to select a few statement pieces for your fall wardrobe.  If you need any help just give me a call.  Looking forward to some cooler temperatures and some beautiful days ahead.

Pam

Pam in brown dress

Spring Fashion Tuneup

Pam Ready For Spring

It’s time to transition your wardrobe to spring!

We all know not to believe every weather report we hear. The running joke is that weather experts get it right about 50% of the time. In any case, I want you to feel prepared 100% of the time for whatever the day brings. Even though the calendar and the stores say it’s spring, you may not be enjoying spring-like conditions for a while. Or, one day it feels likes spring and the next day the winds are blowing and you’re pulling your collar up to guard the chill.

So below is a step-by-step guide to help you move your wardrobe toward spring even if there’s more winter weather ahead.

Step 1:  Ease Into It!

Look in your closet and pull out anything that looks too wintry. The easy pieces to spot are fur-trimmed items in dark colors, thick tweed jackets or pants, and anything thick like wide wale corduroys, heavy wool pants, bulky cable knit wool turtleneck sweaters. Put them away for next year.

Be sure you have your woolens cleaned first. One little splatter of juice that goes uncleaned could invite a moth infestation. Pack them in cedar or sachets with herbs to keep them safe over the next few months
Remove dark winter clothes from your closet

Step 2: Minimize the Darkness

Escape the winter doldrums by changing your color palette.
Organize your spring clothes

Take out all the dark colors that seem gloomy to you right now. Place them on your bed and now look into your closet again. Are there enough lighter or brighter colors in warm pieces that will get you through the next month? If not, put back a few dark pieces, ones that are neutral and less season-specific like a cashmere sweater you could wear in May if you need to.

Step 3:  Lean on Your Layering Pieces

Even though there still may be a cold snap or two, respond with multiple layers like flat knits, quilted vests, and scarves. Pull out your cotton or silk scarves and start wearing them in place of your wool ones.

Blue silk scarf

 

Some other wardrobe tricks include wearing a buttoned up cardigan over your blouse and under your blazer. If it starts to warm up in the day, remove the cardigan or the blazer. You’ll still look dressed for the day.
Bring a blazer for when it's cool

Wear a V-neck sweater over your dress so it looks like you’re wearing a skirt and a sweater. Add a silk twill scarf at the neck. If you get warm during the day, remove the sweater and the scarf and you’re back to wearing the dress by itself.

Or wear a button down shirt over your top.  It can be unbuttoned or even removed if the temperature climbs.

Light spring colors

When possible start using your trench coat with the quilted lining instead of your heavy wool coats. Take the lining out when it warms up.
Pink Trench Coat

Step 4:  Break into Your Spring Stash

Pull out any long-sleeved cotton or silk knit tops. Start using these under cardigans or swing jackets. While you’re at it, bring out a couple of spring dresses that you can pair a sweater. Or wear lighter shades of denim like rolled up jeans and ankle boots.

Your jean jackets can be worn over maxi skirts or dresses.
Jeans jackets go anywhere today

Step 5:  Contact Me!

If you’re sick of what you’ve been wearing for the last few months, it may be difficult to make decisions on your own or strategize your way into spring/summer but there is hope.

I’m here to help make those decisions with you and set you up for a wardrobe you’re happy with right now. Shoot me an email and we’ll get started.

 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there!
Wishing you all a day of flowers and fun filled family time!

Flowers for Mother's Day

How to wear prints and patterns!!

In my career I know that it is not unusual for women to shy away prints and patterns. The more color the more pattern the scary it is to try. Some people hesitate wearing prints because it seems difficult or mysterious. Yet wearing them can be so pleasing to you. Let me answer a few questions about prints so you can start wearing them with confidence.

Can petites wear large patterns?
Traditionally it’s been said that petite women should wear small prints. I disagree with that. Clothing always has to be in the right proportion but within that proportion can exist a patterned skirt or top that is larger scale if the woman has large-scale features (eyes, nose, mouth), a booming personality, or is a rule-breaker by nature.

Petites in Patterns

Is there a bold print for everyone?
Not necessarily. However, I have had clients who never thought they could wear a bold print and then when I had them try some on, they absolutely fell in love with the look. So be adventurous. You may think you know what will work best but prepare to be surprised.

bold prints

 

How do I wear two different stripes in the same outfit?
As an example, consider wearing a stripe combo this way: Pair a narrow blue striped oxford shirt with a wide-leg waist pant in large navy and powder blue stripes.The scales of the stripes are different in each. That difference is what makes mixing stripes successful.

 

Fun with stripes

How do I choose the right leopard print?
Start with the color. You may already know whether it’s more flattering for you to wear cool colors or warm colors. With that knowledge as your guide, look for a leopard print that follows that same formula. A leopard print could be in shades of gray and black, which would be great for someone with cooler coloring. A leopard print in camel and chocolate brown would better serve someone with warm coloring.

 

Is Leopard for You?

Can I mix a floral print with a plaid? 
Yes, but be sure they share one color in common. When both prints share a shade of blue, that blue is the glue that makes them pair well together. Perhaps there’s a yellow green in a floral print and a darker yellow-green in a plaid. Even though the yellow-greens aren’t matching, it’s close enough to make it work.

Floral Prints and Plaids

Why bother mixing prints and patterns?
It’s a way to really own your look. You won’t find anyone looking like you. Also, it’s a way to be artistic without paints, canvases, and sketches! You’ve taken the artistry provided by the creators of these patterns to the next level where you then create your own individual art through the magic of your combinations.
Mixing patterns

Pam Banks

I highly encourage you to make friends with prints and patterns this season.  My client Pam Banks looks wonderful in her patterned dress.  Prints and patterns really can bring you so much joy. I’d love to help you collect a handful of prints that truly work for you. I’m just a phone call away!

Do You have a Ruffle skirt hanging all the way back in your closet? It is time to REPURPOSE and have fun wearing it this spring.

Ruffled skirt

Spring Fashion on the runway brought numerous feminine shapes and designs. When wearing a ruffle skirt choose something simple on top. Let the skirt make the statement. This season you can choose any length from mini to ankle. You are the artist of your creation.

 

Ruffle Skirts
Ruffled skirts
I also wanted to use this occasion to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!!  I have my Husband  two beautiful granddaughters, and my son to send my love to.
Pam and Lenny

 

Wishing you a fabulous heart happy and heart healthy February!

Pam

Holiday Party Style Strategies

Happy Holidays!
I wish all my clients friends, and family Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
May this be the year that every time you look in the Mirror you say to yourself “YOU GO GIRL “

Pam sitting by Christmas tree

Holiday Party Style Strategies

You’re invited to a party or get together and you want to feel festive. What do you do? Do you rush out to the store after work to buy a new outfit? Do you leave everything to the last minute and try to pull something from your closet from things you’ve worn in past years? Do you have a meltdown and call the hostess and tell her you’re coming down with the flu?

Any one of these three strategies could bring your stress level up near the breaking point. Maybe you get mad at yourself for leaving these details to the last minute. Perhaps you think everyone else must really have it together and only you have problems over what to wear.

Ban those thoughts! Take a deep breath…that’s good…now let’s talk some style sense.
1. There’s good news, you could be more prepared than you realize.
2. By calmly looking at your options, you can get excited about the party instead of dreading it.
3. Everyone goes through fashion breakdowns but you can learn to curb yours with a few tips about how to look festive.

Are you ready to start putting together a few holiday outfits? Inspiration is as close as the fall trends you may have already added to your wardrobe. Here are three style choices to work into your fun holiday looks

Velvet

Remember those velvet slacks you bought or that velvet jacket you scored this fall.  Combine either with lace and pearls and you’ve got a romantic holiday party theme.

 

Romantic Velvet

Pleated midi skirt.

This skirt is pretty in a print and glissens in metallic gold or silver. Either one can be a key ingredient for a night of holiday cheer.

 

Pleated Skirts

Wide leg pants

In satin or prints is a comfortable and in-style choice for a Holiday party. Pair them with your favorite sweater or blouse. You will certainly make a statement.

 

Wide Leg Pants

 

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday and a very happy, healthy and safe New Year.

Pam

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