But you know what? I can’t stay [...]]]>

What's not to love?

Sure, maybe it reached its peak of viewership a few seasons ago. Yes, some of the professional dancers have become arguably more famous than the B, C, and D-list “stars” they are paired with. (Maxim and Karina, anyone?) Yes, it’s cheesy and geared toward a middle-American taste level.

But you know what? I can’t stay in a bad mood when I watch “Dancing with the Stars.” Ever. It makes me happy. And maybe I could stop there, but there are so many more reasons why I love DWTS.

Let’s start with the costumes. More glitter, spangles, feathers, sequins, than you can shake a satin glove at. And then there’s the what the women wear! Zing!

But seriously folks, for someone who is attracted to all things shiny, I’m drawn to the show like a raven to a rhinestone button. The costumes and makeup are enough to make a drag queen blush.

And of course, there is the dancing. This season has a noticeable increase in talent level, where in previous seasons there was always a Cloris Leachman or a Steve Wozniak to face palm over. So the dancing is incredibly fun to watch.

What else? It’s inspiring to watch many of these stars, most of whom have never danced before, learn and improve under the tutelage of their partners, and many of them become really good dancers.

Finally, there is a lot of shirtless and near-shirtless manly goodness to gawk at.

And now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to practice my salsa moves.

Rule #1
Vary the weights between patterns, pairing large with small. For instance, a small check in your shirt with a larger [...]]]>

And once you've got the hang of it, add a patterned pocket square!

Navy suit, white shirt, solid color tie. Easy, right? And so boring! Guys, it’s easy (and fun) to create great-looking shirt and tie combinations by mixing patterns. Here’s how to do it:

Rule #1
Vary the weights between patterns, pairing large with small. For instance, a small check in your shirt with a larger check in your tie.

Rule #2
Start with the dominant color in your shirt and select a tie that has a background or accents in that color.

Rule #3
Try opposites on the color wheel; they get along very well. Orange with blue; red with green; purple with yellow; and so on.

Use it or lose it.

If you haven’t worn something in a year or more, get rid of [...]]]> None of us can afford to go out and buy a new wardrobe every season or even every year, but you can feel as though you have when you spend some time shopping in your own closet. 

Use it or lose it.

If you haven’t worn something in a year or more, get rid of it. It’s taking up valuable space in your closet and keeping you from seeing the good stuff. Consider taking better items to sell or consign, and putting the money toward new purchases.

Break up your suits

The matchy-matchy suit is no longer the business attire of choice for most women. But you don’t have to get rid of suits that still fit you and are in good condition. Take the jacket and put it over a dress, or pair it with some trousers and a colorful blouse. Take the bottom piece and put it with a blouse, topping it with a cardigan instead of the jacket.

Update an outfit with accessories

A new handbag, pair of shoes or just a scarf can do wonders to bring an outfit in line with the season’s trends. So can some great new jewelry. How about adding a colorful, fun belt to a dress?

Start with the basics

Your wardrobe should be built on a foundation of basics, many of which you probably already own. A classic, well-fitting pair of trousers. A sheath dress. A pencil skirt. Jackets and cardigans. Start with these and add “fun” items like trendy tops, prints, and colorful accessories. 

Create clothing capsules to get more outfits

A clothing capsule is a group of 5 to 8 items that all go together in terms of color and style, and with which you can create multiple looks and outfits. For example, a black pencil skirt + a print blouse in teal, beige and brown + a brown jacket + a teal cardigan + a beige v-neck sweater + a pair of jeans = at least 10 cute outfits!

Your work is impeccable, so shouldn’t your clothing be as well? Otherwise it sends a conflicting message to your clients, coworkers and boss. Are your clothes clean and pressed? Shoes clean and polished with heels in good shape? Stray threads trimmed? Buttons intact? If you aren’t paying attention to [...]]]> Lack of attention to the details

Your work is impeccable, so shouldn’t your clothing be as well? Otherwise it sends a conflicting message to your clients, coworkers and boss. Are your clothes clean and pressed? Shoes clean and polished with heels in good shape? Stray threads trimmed? Buttons intact? If you aren’t paying attention to these details, how will you inspire trust in your clients, coworkers, and boss that you are paying attention to details in your work?

Not being current with your image

You don’t need to go out and buy a new wardrobe every season or even every year. Just adding a few current pieces every few months will help keep you looking sharp and with the program. A stylish new jacket or some accessories of the season are sometimes all it takes to freshen up a look. A dated hairstyle or outfit may send a message that you aren’t up-to-date on other vitals like technology or the cutting edge of your industry. There’s nothing wrong with wearing classic clothing, but even the most classic styles need to be updated from time to time.

Poor grooming habits

This is another way to pay attention to details, but rather than your clothes, grooming is about more personal details. Hair neat and in place? Nails neatly trimmed or manicured? Breath socially acceptable? Women, are you wearing an appropriate amount of makeup? Studies have shown that women who wear a moderate amount of makeup at work are considered more trustworthy and competent. And men, facial hair in the workplace is a touchy subject, so if you choose to wear it, make sure it is neatly trimmed and well-kept.

Dressing for yourself rather than the client

There is nothing wrong with expressing your personality through your wardrobe, but keep the culture of your industry in mind. Someone working in law or finance will have more limited opportunities to get creative with their clothes than someone who works in graphic design or in the arts. Again, it’s about inspiring trust in your clients, respect from your co-workers, and confidence from your boss. Keep a jacket handy for those unexpected meetings when you want to elevate your look and feel extra confident.

Too much skin

If you want to get noticed for your work, then you need to steer clear of plunging necklines, tops that bare too much arm, skirts that are too short, or clothes that are too tight and revealing. Lots of us put in hours at the gym or tanning salon, but work is not the place to show off those tanned and toned legs and arms. You may be proud of your cleavage but is it really the thing you want to be admired for at work?

And [...]]]> In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Easter Sunday, April 8

I always enjoy going to my church on Easter Sunday because you rarely see it this packed, literally, to the rafters. Many Catholics who attend Mass regularly will avoid going on Easter Sunday, choosing to attend the Easter Vigil Mass the night before, so they can avoid the crowds. Jokes about C and E Christians aside, it is a wonderful sight and experience for me to see my church so full of those who want to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection.

Pink, yellow, orange, green print Trina Turk dress; bright pink cardigan; black patent wedges; colorful jewelry

I am active in several ministries at my church and I am interested in its growth, so I always want to project certain qualities to those who are visiting. I want to look nice and to show my reverence for the place and the occasion, but I also want to seem approachable and friendly. In addition, I am in a celebratory mood, so I wear some of my brightest colors.

And [...]]]> In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Holy Saturday, The Great Vigil of Easter

This is the high Mass of the year, and also the time when we welcome new members into the church through the Sacraments of Inititation–Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. We begin at sunset, and the liturgy goes well into the evening. It is about waiting for and anticipating the Resurrection. The liturgical colors for Easter are gold and white.

Vintage lamé maxi skirt; gold lamé blouse; vintage gold & lucite belt; gold sandals; gold jewelry

I am Godmother to a young woman who is being baptized, so I want to honor this very sacred, holy evening as I also recognize the importance of what I’m doing, standing next to my “Goddaughter.” I want the clothes I wear to reflect everything I feel about the Easter Vigil.

And [...]]]> In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Good Friday, April 6

During this very somber and contemplative day, the day Jesus was crucified, there are three daytime liturgical services that happen at my parish: a Rosary; Stations of the Cross; and a service called The Seven Last Words of Jesus. We also gather in the evening for the official Liturgy of the church that is celebrated around the world.

Black A-line skirt with satin rosettes; rose print silk blouse; black suede ankle strap 1940s platforms; my rosary beads worn as a necklace; red rose earrings and ring

It’s still all about red, partially symbolizing blood, at least in my mind. There is also the symbol of roses for the Rosary. The Mexican Catholic in me is so attracted to morbid, lurid images of Jesus that are prevalent in that culture, so I want to balance the contemplative tone of the day with a nod to that part of my expression of my faith.

Many might find this representation of the cross disturbing, but I am strongly attracted to these very frank symbols of suffering.

Next time: What I wore on Holy Saturday

And [...]]]> In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Holy Thursday, April 5

This is the day that marks what most people know as The Last Supper. It is the meal that Jesus shared with his 12 disciples, remembered in the sharing of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. Holy Thursday is also the end of Lent, and the beginning of the Paschal Triduum.

Little Black Dress; ivory cashmere cardigan; nude patent leather platforms; jewelry with touches of orange and pale pink

There are several rituals that occur during this evening service, and many of them are performed by those who will be baptized and confirmed at Easter, as well as their sponsors and Godparents. Although this day is symbolized in the Church by the color red, at my parish, the tradition is for those participating in the liturgy to dress in black and white. Since I rarely go without color, I added a touch of it in my jewelry.

Next time: What I wore on Good Friday

And [...]]]> In my Catholic faith tradition, the week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is the most important week of the year. Yes, even more important than the week before Christmas. For someone who loves clothes and fashion, planning what to wear to the many liturgical services during Holy Week is one of the highlights.

And of course, as an image consultant, what I wear is never randomly or haphazardly chosen. I take a lot into consideration when I get dressed, and getting dressed for church is no exception. The act of deciding what to wear and putting myself together on Sunday morning is part of my spiritual practice, and it is something that brings me closer to God.

Communal reconciliation service, Monday, April 2  

Many churches hold a communal reconciliation (also known as confession) service during Holy Week, and it gives parishioners an opportunity to further prepare spiritually for Easter. At my parish, several visiting priests offer their time to hear confessions privately during an evening service.

Vintage black dress with pink, white, and purple micro dots; purple cropped cardigan; pearl necklace, bracelet and earrings; black patent leather stilettos (sorry, couldn’t help myself)

In the first three days following Palm Sunday, we are back to purple, since technically it is still Lent. Besides wearing the liturgically appropriate colors, I also feel a need for modesty and humility for the sacrament of reconciliation. Nothing too flashy or revealing for a lady who will be sitting in front of a priest confessing her sins.

Next time: What I wore on Holy Thursday