Weather happens.

Rain on the wedding day is considered good luck for a marriage, but it sometimes makes a situation slippery.  What do you do when you planned the last six months for a outdoor picnic-themed wedding and end up with a monsoon? 

Be flexible.  Laugh.  Remember that you are supposed to be celebrating a joyful occasion.  Of course, a Plan B is always smart.

Too bad it was $10,000. 

But wait!  It's available to rent for only $1000?  It must be too good to be true.

It's not.  For the more practical brides who can't imagine spending six month's rent on one dress (but secretly wonders what it would be like to have that Cinderella), here is your fairy godmother:  preownedweddingdresses.com

This website is a true treasure and sells (and rents) impecable designer dresses for a fraction of the cost. 

SOME EXAMPLES

A $10,000 Monique Lhuillie gown. Available for rent at $1000:

Jorge Manuel $9800 gown, purchase for only $1,150

Priscilla of Boston $2600 gown, purchase for $325

Jorge Manuel $8,600 gown.  Purchase for $1,150

Manale La Reine $3600 gown.  Purchase for $500

Here are the artistic lovebirds:

And their amazing work:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE:  www.cinderellaphoto.com

Last week, we presented to AISD's "Ready For The Real World" event.  We talked to high school students about the importance of first impressions and the appropriate way to dress for a job interview.  

But enough with that!  Spring time is finally in full bloom in Amarillo.  After a few dreary cold spells we are enjoying the sunshine.  The birds are chirp chirping away and (cue the cheesy music)  LOVE is in the air.  Ha ha.

This of course means weddings.  They happen all year long, but there is 

something about late spring that gets people in a frenzy to say "I do."  So for the rest of this month and the early part of June, we will be talking about gowns and flowers and cakes and venues and pictures and something old, something new, something borrowed, something....okay you get the point.

Photo credit:  Cinderella Photography, www.cinderellaphotography.com

Look something like this:

Or someone like this:

Into someone like this:

Ok ok, so none of  these are actual StyleWise images, but you get the picture.  We have been honored with some really wonderful clients and we would love your mother to be added to the list.  Feel free to peruse our website (www.stylewiseimage.com) for more information on our services and client photos.

As we mentioned before, style is all about attitude.  StyleWise assistant and blogger, Shannon Holt, woke up this morning with her left eye feeling so irritated, she couldn't open it and had to visit the doctor. She should be better in a few days but this got her to thinking about eye patches. 

They aren't just for pirates, you know.  Some examples:

 The Runway Model Eye Patch

 The Heidi Klum Eye Patch

The Quentin Tarantino Eye Patch

The Perfectly Plaid Eye Patch

The Vintage Vamp Eye Patch

Like we said, it's all about attitude.  Have a good weekend, everybody.

We couldn't agree more. 

Short Trench, $69.99

 http://www.onestopplus.com/clothing/Short-Trench.aspx?PfId=181965&DeptId=19599&ProductTypeId=1

Michael Kors Double Breasted Trench, $129

 http://www.bluefly.com/MICHAEL-Michael-Kors-sand-cotton-poly-double-breasted-belted-trenchcoat/cat20134/305328101/detail.fly

Miss Sixty khaki studded trench

 http://www.bluefly.com/Miss-Sixty-khaki-studded-cotton-poly-belted-trenchcoat/cat20134/305144302/detail.fly

Happy Friday everyone!  We end this week with a poem by the great Maya Angelou.

Phenomenal Woman

by Maya Angelou

April is "Poetry Month" in literary circles, and today we give a nod to 1920's acclaimed poet and fashion-ista, Dorothy Parker.  Parker was known for her quick wit and her appetite for life. Considered quite the scandal by many, this writer was no Emily Dickinson.  She loved nothing more than a good party and her poetry, short stories, and articles (she wrote for both Vogue and Vanity Fair) reflect this.  So here's to you, Ms. Parker:

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

by Dorothy Parker

Oh, both my shoes are shiny and new

And pristine is my hat

My dress is 1922

My life is all like that

Here are some examples:

“To insure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” - William Londen

For those who do not live in Amarillo, here are gowns from some of our favorite websites:

For the girl who has rich taste but a not-so-rich wallet: www.bluefly.com

Red Sateen 'Eva' Scalloped dress by A.B.S. 

$198, www.bluefly.com

magenta sateen bow-front dress, A.B.S

$204.99, www.bluefly.com

For the girl who wants variety: www.nordstrom.com

Sean Collection Beaded Back Tie Gown - $378

www.nordstrom.com

For the girl who thinks she was born in the wrong decade: www.poshgirlvintage.com

1950s Green Striped Party Dress - $359

www.poshgirlvintage.com

For the girl who wants something truly unique: www.etsy.com

Striped Tutu Party Dress no2,  $188

Today, we continue color week highlighting PANTONE's spring 2010 color, Aurora:  imagine soft, golden, buttery yellows.

1950's yellow lace and tulle party dress, www.mephisvintage.com

Blume leather ballet flats, $138

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/shoes/ballets/PRDOVR~24374/24374.jsp

Satin-front tee,  $45

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5042&vid=1&pid=719757

Ice Cream for This Dress, $69.99

http://modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Ice+Cream+for+This+Dress

Yellow Bridgeport Linen Shoes,  $48

http://www.toms.com/womens/yellow-bridgeport-linen-classics-shoes

Itsy-Bitsy-Teeny-Weeny Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini, $90

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22327727&ref=sr_gallery_13&&ga_search_query=yellow+swimsuit&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

We are introducing the IT colors this week, and today's highlight is the color of plums and cloudy sunsets:

Morisot dress, http://modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Morisot+Dress, $54.99

Industry Magnet Sandal, Urban Outfitters, $128

Unagi Tweed Pencil Skirt, $115

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Shop_By_Category/skirts/pencil/PRDOVR~22970/22970.jsp

Violet Converse All-Stars, $48.99 http://www.converseshoeshop.com/converse-all-star-shoes-violet-p-3304.html

Ever wonder who comes up with the "it" colors of the season?  Is it just fate or did someone actually sit down and figure out that everyone would fall in love with the combination of blue and brown?  Well, we are here to give away that secret.

Pantone.

No, we aren't talking about the shampoo company.  That's Pantene.  Pantone is a company whose sole existence is based on color.  They were founded in 1962 as a small business manufacturer of color cards for cosmetics companies, and quickly rose in reputation.  Now, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report coincides with the beginning of New York Fashion Week.

Below are the top ten spring 2010 colors for women. 

And for a super cool sneak preview for fall, visit this awesome Fashion Color Report (it has testimonials from actual designers) : http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/index.aspx

Cameron Diaz showed up looking every bit the "old Hollywood" siren in Oscar de la Renta:

Amanda Seyfried reminds us how beautiful simplicity can be with her clean up-sweep hair and Armani gown. 

Miley Cyrus looked both grownup AND youthful in Jenny Packham.  Well done, girl.  Now stop slouching!

Rachel McAdams never disappoints.  She looks beautiful in this Midsummer Nights Dream type gown by Elie Saab:

And of course, Sandra.  Number One Favorite of the evening.  Number one best speech.  Our sweetheart wearing Marchesa:

Put those miniscule spectacles away.  Bold glasses are back.  For how long?  Who knows.  We are only certain retro eyewear is taking 2010 by storm.  Of course, not everyone is going to look great donning a pair of Buddy Holly frames.  And as cute as those horn-rimmed glasses look on the models, they could easily make others look like they are getting ready for a sock hop.  We certainly don't want you getting mistaken for your great-aunt Mildred!  So to make a little sense of things, we at StyleWise scoped out a few useful sites to help you pick a fabulous pair of eyeglasses.   

Just Remember

• Keep your eyewear current.  We wish the glasses your wore in 1996 could still be trendy, but that just isn't the case.

• Trying them on is key. Don't get swept away by magazine articles and advertisements. Think of your glasses like you would a great necklace.  You don't want to be overwhelmed by your accessories. They should feel like an extension of your own self.  

• If you wear glasses everyday, don't be afraid to have several pairs.  You change your clothes. You should have the freedom to change your eyewear!

• Also: the mirror sometimes lies. Have a friend go with you and take a digital camera. A picture can help be a deal-breaker.

To get a better sense of this season's trends, visit:

http://www.eyebuydirect.com/extra_eyewear_trends_2010.php

And for figuring what's best for your face shape, here is an excellent source: 

http://www.allaboutvision.com/eyeglasses/eyeglasses_shape_color_analysis.htm

Zippers: 

Generally, zippers that are the length of the hand mean that a jean is mid-rise. Zippers that are longer are high-rise; shorter, low-rise. Mid-rise is almost always going to be the most flattering fit. It cuts the tummy in half and gives a long, lean look. 

The Yoke: 

The yoke is the v-shaped panel in the back waist-band. The larger the yoke, the small the butt appears. It creates a curvy fit and helps the jeans sit close to the body. A large yoke also means the waist will probably fit better. 

Pockets: 

The larger the pockets, the smaller the butt. Visa-versa. Also: pockets that are slanted (versus pockets that are straight across) are usually best. They help accentuate the good curves. 

Legs: 

If you are over 5’5”, do yourself a favor and buy a great bootleg. They are so flattering. Not so much for the shorties. Petite women should concentrate on a more straight leg style. 

Just so You Know... August, September, and January are often the best months to buy great jeans. “Jeans” are what we garden in. “Denim” is what we wear outside the home. Sleek, dark denim jeans are a must!  

Trouser dark wash jean.  $89.50  (Great for the workplace!)

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=12303&vid=1&pid=731723

Women's "The Dreamer" Bootcut Jean, on sale for $19.00 

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48621&vid=1&pid=662350

CJ by Cookie Johnson 'Faith' Straight Leg Jean, $117

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3083551?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=bottoms:women:pant&cm_ite=cj_by_cookie_johnson_'faith'_straight_leg_stretch_jeans_(cosmos_blue):262154_5&cm_ven=Froogle&mr:trackingCode=9645E279-F7E0-DE11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA#reviewAnchor

J Brand - 805 Mid-rise Straight Leg Jean, $158

http://www.jbrandjeans.com/805_MidRise_Straight_Leg_Jean_in_Ink/pd/c/104/np/104/p/1080.html

Listen up men:  corduroy is in.

Not that it was ever out, but we at StylesWise like to provide a few friendly reminders.  A corduroy suit is a nice way to spice up the prevailing winter.  It gives the feeling that you are rebelling, without sacrificing style.  It says "Hey!  I know how to be comfortable AND put together."  We prefer a slim-cut style.  It's modern and makes the body look long and lean....and a corduroy jacket always looks killer with a pair of dark-wash jeans.  For more information on the best ways a corduroy suit, visit: 

http://www.details.com/style-advice/perfect-wardrobe/200910/corduroy-suits-slideshow#slide=1

P.S. - For a little dessert, here are a few classy places for men to get inspiration:  

www.bespokenclothiers.com/ (for blazers)

www.jcrew.com

www.bananarepublic.com

http://www.selectism.com/

http://www.esquire.com/style/

Perhaps it was that certain joie de vivre that she was able to emanate.  Audrey Hepburn could swing from elegance to goofiness in a snap, and not seem to worry how she was perceived.  Perhaps that is really the secret to being an icon: being utterly at ease in your own skin.  

This autumn, curl up on the sofa and treat yourself to one of her movies.  And afterwards, if you are interested in adopting her style here are some crucial elements to an Audrey Hepburn's simply elegant wardrobe:

1) Black skinny jeans

2) Black turtleneck

2) Men's button down white shirt

3) Capri Pants

4) Ballet flats

and, of course....

5) The Little Black Dress

Soon to be released in all major cities this September is the French film, Coco avant Chanel starring the effervescent Audrey Tautou. In case you are unaware, Coco Chanel is one of fashion's most forward thinking and powerful women of the 20th century.  Her appreciation for luxurious simplicity made her a pioneer.  She was the one who inspired women to switch their skirts to trousers and when she was burnt to a crisp from a vacation in Cannes, every woman suddenly wanted to have "that glamorous Coco Chanel tan."  She is a true icon. 

Thank you for your interest in Teen Beauty Boot Camp!  We are looking forward to meeting you.  To register, fill out the form below.  If you are interested in registering for more than one person, please fill out a form for each attendee.  Cost for Teen Beauty Boot Camp is $75 in advance and $90 at the door.  Enter your credit card information below or send a check!  Checks can be made payable to StyleWise Image, LLC and mailed to the following address:

StyleWise Image, LLC

4100 Paramount Blvd

Amarillo, TX 79109

The StyleWise Team recently watched a documentary on the Discovery Channel entitled The Science of Sex Appeal.  What makes someone "drop-dead gorgeous" and others just, well, average?  It all has to do with the subconscious signals we are constantly sending and receiving when we are in contact with another.

The ancient philosopher, Plato, developed a mathematical formula, but that formula is present in everything beautiful that we see today- it's in nature's leaves, majestic flowers and animals, even the human face and body.  It is called Plato's Golden Ratio.  In mathematics and the arts, 2 quantities are in the Golden Ratio if the ratio between the sum of those quantities and the larger one is the same ratio between the larger one and the smaller.

Beauty is not arbitrary.  So where does it all begin?

The face.

For your face to be "drop-dead gorgeous," the measurements of the length of your lips (AB) should coincide with the width of your nose (AC) and with the length between your eyes (CB).

Also, look for the Golden Ratio in your arms, feet, and height- for, first and foremost, sex appeal is all about having features that in proportion with one another!

Why even bother with organizing the closet, you might ask.  First of all, it is a place everyone goes daily, sometimes several times a day, so it deserves some attention.  Just beginning everyday by going into a clean and well-organized closet makes getting ready every morning that much easier and stress-free!  Getting organized may be a bit time-consuming at first, but it will save you tons of time (and headaches) later, believe me!

Tip #1:

Begin today by investing in matching hangers.  This may seem very simple and minute, but it makes a world of difference!  I prefer the white plastic hangers - they're cheap, clean, and fairly durable (especially important to a mom of 6, like myself!)