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Wearing your Heart on your sleeve? What Your Sleeve Length Says About You

3/26/2017

 
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There are so many questions about sleeve lengths.  “How do I know if the sleeves are too long, too short? Should I roll them up, leave them down, or just wear short sleeves to avoid the issue all together?”  You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers….  

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How do I know if the sleeves are too long, too short?

A long sleeve length should end at the wrist bone when the arm is bent (at the base of the pinky/ring fingers). The shirt sleeve cuff should show 1/2” below a jacket sleeve. The cuff should also touch or cover your watch whenever you wear it.  Wearing it too long, may appear childish, as if you're wearing your dad's shirt that you haven't quite grown into.  Too short, and you may communicate a lack of attention to detail as if you've outgrown your clothes and haven't bothered to replace them with the correct size.  Yes, you could roll the sleeves up but if you're investing in a good quality dress shirt you want it to be as versatile as possible.  You'll want the option of a proper fitting sleeve.
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​Short sleeve or long sleeve?

You may already have a preference on this, if not, it’s helpful to understand the message communicated by each one.  In general, the more skin you show, the more casual the message becomes.  Short-sleeved sport shirts may appear more youthful, more approachable and relaxed because the more skin you show, the more casual the message becomes. The long sleeved version may have a more refined appearance, communicating knowledge, experience, and leadership.  (Of course the color, fabric and pattern will also influence the message conveyed.) 
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Fashion forward short sleeves will have 1” or less of ease around the bicep and end 2-3" above the elbow.  This creates a fuller, more athletic appearing bicep. Sleeves in the image below are  longer and more traditional, better suited for a boxier shirt shape. 
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​How high should I roll up long sleeve shirts?

Cuff your sleeves 1-2” wide and roll anywhere from 2” below the elbow to just above the elbow.  Fabric generally gets too bulky to roll up to the bicep, unless it’s extremely light-weight.  For the relaxed 50s look, pictured above, higher is better.  Or roll up the sleeves on the short sleeve shirt.
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Short sleeve? Long sleeve? Not sure how persuasive you’ll need to be that day?  When in doubt, go for the long sleeve and roll up the sleeves to relax the look when needed.  Notice that an unbuttoned collar also visually relaxes the appearance as opposed to the collar buttoned up to the neck. (See images above.)  Yes, clothing communicates before you even say word.  To get your specific non-verbal communication strategy that will lead to your version of success, contact me HERE.  

Who Doesn't Want a New Dress in the Spring?

3/25/2017

 
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Carrie Tie-Waist Dress from Anthropologie
Did you have the same tradition I did growing up?  A new dress for all the girls on Easter?  Although matching my two sisters is something I wasn't so keen on... and probably influenced my need for a style all my own.... I still love buying a new dress on Easter.  But dresses can be so hard to find when you have to have one! Don't worry, I've got your back on this one.  Check out my Spring Dress Guide for a dress sure to fit your figure, personal style and coloring HERE.

THE 8 STEP PROCESS PROFESSIONAL STYLISTS USE TO ORGANIZE A CLOSET

3/14/2017

 
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  1. Spread a white sheet over your bed, unless the bedspread is already white.  You will want to lay accessories on your bed and focus on their design, not a distracting bedspread pattern.  
  2. Bring in a clothes rack.  If you don’t have one, your can make one by setting up two chairs, putting a broom on top and hanging the clothes from the broom handle.  
  3. Bring in 3 boxes or plastic bags. One is for cleaning/repairs, one for repurposing/donations, and one for off-season clothing.  (You may choose to hang off-season items in another closet if available.)
  4. Off-season? Love it? Like it? Hate it? Look through each item of clothing. Store off-season clothing in another closet or box.  Designate one place on the rack for items you love and hang them there.  Designate one place for items you like and hang them there.  Throw the hates in the donation box. 
  5. Repeat this process with your accessories using your bed space for loves and likes and boxes for hates/off-season.  
  6. Evaluate what your love section has in common.  Is it the color, the fit, the pattern (or lack of pattern), the texture?  Make a note of this.  Now consider the hate items, what do they have in common?  Write this down.  Vow not to repeat the elements that you didn’t like and look for more of the elements you do like in future purchases! Keep your notes with you later as you shop.  Creating a style file using Pinterest or mail order catalogs is also great follow-up for inspiring ideas.    
  7. Cluster your clothing for maximum efficiency and variety.  (Details here.) Make a shopping list of missing items to complete your cluster.  Keep this with your style file.  
  8. Fill the closet with love.  I'm so happy to help with this one!  Let the focused shopping begin.  Contact me HERE.
Hot Tips -
Hangers:  Good quality hangers will keep your clothing investment looking better longer.  Avoid plastic tubular hangers that stretch your clothes.  Hang sweaters by folding the sweater up the center and draping it over the hanger, near the hook, between the sleeve and side of the sweater.
Shoes:  Reconsider where you put your shoes, a high shelf may be the best place for your tall boots.  Cut a foam swim noodle the same height as the boot and insert into the boot to help retain its’ shape.  
Jewelry:  Keep your jewelry in the closet with your clothing, if possible. Put earrings, necklaces, rings, etc., in a plastic zip lock bag, poke a hole in it, and hang it over the hanger with the outfit or cluster it works with. Or maximize your wall space by creating a jewelry board.  Take foam core, cut it to size, cover it with muslin, and hot glue the fabric to the back.  Nail jewelry board to the wall and use straight pins (as for sewing) to hang necklaces, earrings, and bracelets according to color.  
Lighting:  Good lighting is essential and often overlooked in the closet.  If lighting is dim, replace the bulb with a high wattage option and use the eco-friendly dim bulb to add“ambiance”in the living room. ​

Looking to add an extra half hour to your day?  With a professional wardrobe evaluation you'll experience efficiency that puts time back on your side!

Get Started Here
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    Dani Slaugh

    Image consultant and personal stylist.  Dani is happily married, the mother of 3 charming children, and an Aussie named Josie Wales.  

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