Enter Fashion Fantasy!

This Milan Fashion Week Show from Moschino – Women’s Fall Winter 2021/2022 by designer Jeremy Scott is something to see! (full show link below)

It appears that Scott reached back to the Golden Age of Hollywood for inspiration for his 2021/2022 Milan Fashion Week Show. It is a fun fashion show that reflects the influence of Hollywood from Gone With the Wind to Betty Boop … comedies, musicals, gangsters, and WW2 in between.

The show opens with storybook backdrops that immediately put you into a land of make-believe. Models begin the show wearing the ’40s inspired tiny fedoras with gangster striped suit adaptations. Although the influence is apparent, the modern expression is present in each outfit.

The scenes change quickly with much more to see. You may want to watch it more than once to catch the details. The setting is that of a formal stage in a Hollywood cinema from the ’30s or ’40s. I couldn’t take my eyes away. Such fun!

If you love hats, you will see the 1940’s influence throughout! Below are a few fashion history pics from the 40’s:

Retrieved from VogueCovers and Glamourdaze.com.

Each collection has it’s brilliance. Sometimes the brilliance is hidden in strong fashion statements that steal the show. It’s our job to deconstruct and find the brilliance we can use.

Collection’s Fashion Statements for Your Application:

A mix of prints, flounces, peplums, suits, and bows.

Hats were dramatic and whimsical.

The art gallery section featured 40’s influences and ended with modern hand-painted art.

Fabrics presented textural statements from the heavy woven to extremely embellished.

The Safari section introduced animal patterns against leather-trimmed khaki outfits accessorized with boots.

The show finale included dramatic long gowns in satins and velvets, with novelty accents. Shimmer and shine fit for the Red Carpet in Hollywood or in your own world of play dress-up.

Spoiler Alert: The last dress in red embellished with black hearts closes the show as the red drapes are pulled with a bit of shock… ending the fashion show giving watchers something to talk about!

Why this Moschino show? Entertainment, for sure. Also, it includes real workable fashion statements. The Key Influences below are a few of my takeaways. When editing your wardrobes, it might provide ideas for creating your own fashion fantasies… paired down of course.

Collection’s 7 Key Influence Standouts

1. Strong Shoulders

2. Pearls

3. Patchwork

4. 40’s peplums plus

5. Safari

6. Hats & giant bows

7. Appliques


Images retrieved from https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2021-ready-to-wear/moschino/slideshow/collection#40
 

Enjoy watching the full show, only 11 plus minutes online at Fashion TV.

~ Karen Mathis

SPRING ARRIVES… COUTURE DESIGNERS LAUNCH FALL & WINTER COLLECTIONS

Thankfully, some things never change! As a fashion buyer, going to NYC shows and seeing the brilliant new fashion designs of the future seasons is something I sorely miss. Good news… I’ve found the second-best online option to ease my pain.

Just as we consider what new Spring colors we really must add to our wardrobes, Chanel has already posted the new 2021-22 ready-to-wear Fall/Winter Collection. It is too exciting to miss so please join me!

5 Things to Watch For

  1. Fabrics: chiffons, heavy tweeds, faux furs
  2. Accessories: chunky chokers, layered pearls, chains, and lots of pendants. Drop jeweled earrings, chunky bracelets. Bags to match… I love the tweed cross-body bags. Boots were the bold statement fat and furry.
  3. Lengths: Short-short to maxi and long. Bodysuits solo, short hot pants, and mini skirts. Other skirts in all lengths. Coats and Jackets … pick your favorites… theirs something for every shape and style.
  4. Denim: Washed light blue denim the right mix with the amazing jackets.
  5. Classic White Collars: Chic on silk georgette, silk jacquard, and denim.

Enjoy!

Spring 2021 is Here!

Yes, I know… we are still home mostly with closets full of clothing. In some cases, new 2020 purchases yet to be worn. For most of the country, folks are snowed in. Warm-ups and flannels may still be your fashion of choice unless you’re lucky enough to own cashmere PJs.

On the positive, we are nearing the end of our quarantine and will soon be vaccinated en masse. Until then, staying safe and enjoying the early glimpse of Spring 2021 is fun to see. Designers have been busy during COVID and they are ready to share their magic.

Check out some of the new fashions for influence. You’ll see classics reinterpreted with new twists and textures. Comfort is still key as is color. Look at what Vogue is showing.

5 Reasons to Express Your Best Appearance for Video Interviews

Recent studies show a trend of increased numbers for remote jobs. Let’s look at some of those changes to better understand how these might effect your chances for getting a job during and after the coronavirus.

The new book, Power of Appearance, takes the reader through a step-by-step process as the main character gets ready for a critical job interview. Some key information covered is:

  1. It outlines the importance of wearing colors that enhance your personal best.
  2. How to get the perfect fit using the “Indents” guide.
  3. How adding certain accessories communicates positive cultural messaging.
  4. How fabrics such as silk communicate high standards.
  5. The overall psychology of how to dress for best results.

Video interviews, webinars, and online presentations are here to stay. As long as we are dealing with humans, appearance will be primary in helping to get a job, promotion, and/or social respect from others.

The following points from the Flexjobs.com 2019 Annual Survey show us how the workplace was changing even before this pandemic:

  • 76%  of professionals prefer fully remote work options.
  • 74% of respondents believe that flexible working has become the “new normal.”
  • Having a choice of working from home is now a key factor for those evaluating new career opportunities.
  • 65% of respondents think they are more productive working from their home office.

Over the last five years remote work grew by 44%.  FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics found that between 2005 to 2017, there was a 159% increase in remote work. In 2015, 3.9 million U.S. workers were working remotely. Today that number is at 4.7 million, or 3.4% of the population (Retrieved from Flexjobs.com).

Knowledge based jobs are leading the way to working remotely and companies are using workplace flexibility to attract and retain talent. What has not changed is how appearance plays a huge role in hiring whether in person or video interviews. 

Why does appearance matter so much? A first impression will be established in the very first second your video becomes live. Are you smiling? Have you groomed the best hairstyle, make-up application, and dressed in your best job interview outfit? Assignments will be made based on what’s seen and believed about you in that flash. Did I tell you it will also be lasting? 

The following 5 points express what the power your appearance  communicates (nonverbally) on your behalf:

  1. Silk expresses higher standards
  2. Gold and precious stones express value worthy of royalty
  3. Pearls express honesty, innocence, and sophistication
  4. Bespoke expresses wealth as “the boss”
  5. Well-fitted tailored expresses authority and intelligence (K.Mathis, 2020).  
Next you can evaluate ways to enhance your chances for getting a job during coronavirus, using the power of appearance stylist tools. For more information on how to create your best job interview outfit visit www.powerofappearance.com

#powerappearance #Videointerviews #remotejobs

What to Wear to Your Virtual Interview

So life has changed. Virtual interviews may replace in-person ones for a while. What’s the one important thing to an interview that has not changed? It’s your first impression. In a Nanosecond, an impression of you is formed based solely on appearance. That’s why your clothing choices can make all the difference. It’s how you communicate your personal identity to others.

Let’s put your plan together for a successful first impression at your future virtual interview.

The goal is to create an appearance that empowers you with respect. In my new book, POWER of Appearance, the narrative spells out how to use stylist tools to improve your appearance. The summary of social psych studies spells out why.

Why Does It Matter? Because What You Wear Speaks Volumes About Who You Are:

  •      It signals social status
  •       It defines roles
  •       It points out authority
  •       It teaches timely appropriateness
  •       Historically it establishes cultural value including differentiation

There are two additional important reasons you want to look your personal best Outwardly you are empowered with positive assumptions from others called “assignments.” For example they may believe you are, “a smart person,” “a nice person,” and “would fit in well with us.”

“The inferences we make about another person’s character and status are made from how we perceive her or his appearance,” (P. A. Andersen, 1984).

Inwardly there’s a cognitive reaction to looking your best, called Enclothed Cognition. It’s the very reason some of the British private schools have students wearing their blazers on test days. They simply perform better. Research shows it works the same for us. Increased self-confidence results in improved performance.

First step is to consider your audience. It’s worth finding out whether there’s a spoken or unspoken dress code at play. Google the name of the company + executives. You may find a company list with pictures. Most will be dressed in a mix of business formal. For men that can be shirt and jacket without a tie. For women it can be turtleneck or blouse with a vest or jacket. This can be a guide as to how formal or casual their leaders dress. 

Next plan how you need to look to fit in with the tribe. Remember, how you dress is not a frivolous exercise. It’s a form of communication. Nonverbal is one more way to speak another’s language. Whether you realize it or not, your appearance will be screaming your identity, non-verbally. Let’s get you in total control of that messaging.

In order to accomplish our task, the following key filters need to be established for you, personally:

1. YOUR PERSONAL COLOR PALETTE: Wear a color that is in harmony with your natural coloring. You may download the free  Do-it-yourself Color evaluation tool at PowerofAppearance.com. It will help you quickly establish your best harmony and contrast colors.

Did you know color is used as a tool for our brains in the memory process? Colors have cultural meaning that create reactions, as well.

It’s important to note that black doesn’t trigger memory at all. It’s great to wear as long as you accessorize with color. Black can be dramatic and provide great contrast to color. However, black or other neutrals are not good without an effective use of color preferably near your face. All black just doesn’t give the brain anything to hook onto to remember you. Wearing a solid silk scarf in one of your personal harmony or contrasting colors will solve the challenge and make sure you are memorable.

2. SHAPE, FIT, AND BEST SILHOUETTES: Have you heard of the Authority Principle? It is spelled out in the book and it works in your favor when wearing a tailored blazer or jacket. Respect is immediately assigned to you based on silhouette and the fit.

In the book, the main character learns where to hem and alter her garments based on another stylist tool, Indent’s Tool. At your virtual interview since no one can see your back, you may want to use pins to take in a jacket. It could allow for an indent at your natural waist to create the look of the perfect. Research shows that perfect fit empowers appearance. Think James Bond in his Bespoke suits.

3. FABRICS THAT REPRESENT QUALITY: Silk sets higher quality standards based on it’s long cultural and historic use. Adding a strip of silk at the neck will send a message of sophistication and accomplishment.

4. FRAME THE FACE: Often I ask my clients, “Who’s the star of your show?” In other words, not the shoes, not the hair, not the bag. When evaluating an outfit, everything should always support your face.  For your virtual interview it should definitely be your face. Just like any painting on your walls, add a frame and it rises in stature. Use your hair, make-up, and accessories as tools to frame your face. Think of them as supporting characters. This way you get all eyes on you and your presentation.

When adding scarves use your personal contrast colors for the most dramatic and memorable effect. Please stay away from busy prints. Sweeping or setting hair back away from your eyes is best.  Showing your eyebrows for expression will enhance your looks. 

Research tells us to beware that showing too much cleavage can cost promotions based on the decision makers.

Add quality jewelry if you have it to establish power. Both gold and silver hold cultural power that will translate to your appearance.

If you apply these tips, at your interview, YOU will be the star of the show!

Learn more about the Power of Appearance or Fashion, visit www.PowerofAppearance.com 

6 Ways to Use Scarves to Empower Your Appearance

  1. Vintage and new silk scarves send the message of sophistication. That’s based on the value evolved culturally over many years.
  2. As an accessory, a scarf can be an inexpensive yet powerful way to express quality standards.
  3. As an accessory, it can enhance your natural beauty by tagging your skin, hair, and eye colors which will be harmonious.
  4. It can also create a contrast making your appearance stand out.
  5. A scarf at the neck or inside a jacket collar draped in front can “frame your face” bringing the attention of others to your face.
  6. Scarves and wraps can extend your wardrobe options. Adding color to basics allows for different options. You can wear the same black jacket over and over if you mix up the color in scarves and blouses.

Download info on Frame the Face one of my stylist tools

Imported silks have been made into scarves of all sizes and shapes at good prices and free shipping.

POWER of Appearance is Real.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQcN5DtMT-0

When Reactions to Appearance Expose the Identity of Others.

This video first caught my eye because the experiment drives home the Power of Appearance, a subject of great interest to me. However, I was left with was such sadness at the thought of how we collectively treat the poorest among us.

Unfortunately, it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse! A new report shows a comparison of homeless school children and the numbers are rising. “[T]he 2017-18 school year with the 2015-16 school year and found a 15 percent increase in the number of students nationwide who experienced homelessness” (nytimes.com/2020/02/03).

We passionately fight against abortion and the right for a woman to choose. What about after the birth? Where’s our passion for policies that help the poor, specifically young moms and children such as healthcare, education, minimum-wage?

What can one person do? If you aren’t able to give to organizations, please vote to elect local and national leaders with a track record and plan of action to bring hope to these children, our children 🙂 #leaders #dress #firstimpressions #empoweringwomen #dressforsuccess #help #powerappearance .

4 Ways to Read and Incorporate High Fashion Designer Influence

Here’s an idea to incorporate from Prada’s Fall/Winter 2020 Collection… fringe, fringe, fringe!

Beaded fringe at the neck, in skirts, on coat sleeves, handbags, hair, scarves, you name it!
1. When you look at designer fashion, it doesn’t always have to be literal.
2. The best approach is to examine a trend you may like.
3. Deconstruct it.
4. Reconstruct the idea in something that works for you!
Note: Remember, you can apply a new trend from buying an original, finding a knock-off or borrowed version, or create a bespoke item to your own standards, colors, fabrics, and fit. https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/g30928793/every-look-prada-fallwinter-2020/?slide=58