What does that mean? It’s simple, really. Before I would discuss actual clothing options with you: A-line skirt vs. pencil skirt, wide-leg trousers vs. skinny jeans, I would first need to know who you want to be in your clothes and how do you prefer them to feel?

Let’s take me for an example. I don’t do casual well. I’ve tried and tried and tried, and I realized the reason I don’t feel I look good in casual clothes is because I don’t enjoy wearing casual clothes. I don’t care about jeans, nor do I like searching for a pair that I don’t have to pull up over jiggly parts or wear a blowsy enough top to cover said jiggly parts. Shorts are not in my vocabulary (or my dresser drawer). I feel happiest when I’m wearing dresses, with skirts coming in a close second. So I know that about me. I enjoy layering. And trying unusual combinations. I’m not afraid to take a risk. I want to have fun getting dressed.

And so this photo on the right provides a pretty good example of how I do “casual wear.” The Vera Wang skirt is comfy yet special with its draping and metallic rust color. My top and sweater, both H&M, are simple basics I turn to often. And my Jeffrey Campbell flatform boots are, well, Jeffrey-freaking Campbell. Comfortable as all get out and just as stylish, too. And my vintage camel coat is the staple that gets me through winter, whether I’m at the theater or a soccer game.

This is me. Doesn’t mean it should be you. But hopefully, this post will get you thinking about how you best wish to represent yourself. I’d love to hear from you! k

“Romeo and Juliet” is my all-time favorite Shakespeare play, and the clutch includes a memorable quote from the noted romance tragedy.

From the structured dimensions to the text on the spine, attention to detail is apparent in the clever design.

I know you should never judge a book by its cover but this clutch is beautiful both inside and out. The striped lining adds just the right finishing touch to the glossy surface.

Some of the other Kate Spade book clutches include “The Importance of Being Earnest”, “Emma” and “A Tale of Two Cities”. Combine my love for both words and fashion in one style statement? This handheld marvel has my name written all over it!

*All photos courtesy of Kate Spade

Why is this important to me when there are so many tragic things happening in the world? Simply put, A) This is the industry in which I work, and B) This topic has an actual impact on society.

You may be shaking your head at this moment, saying to the screen, “But Karen, cocktail dresses have become acceptable for black tie. Why should wearing a gown matter?”

Because it does. Consider the following:

• There was a time when people dressed to go to the theater. Dresses and suits were the norm. It was a special occasion and people looked special attending a performance. Today, I look around me at musicals, plays, the symphony, and I’m surrounded by people in jeans – and if I’m lucky – a sweater in lieu of a t-shirt.
• There was a time when people dressed to go to church. “Wearing your Sunday best” meant just that. Today, I see churchgoers in jeans, shorts, sweats, depending on the season and the course of events that took place the night before.
• There was a time when people wore a put-together outfit, which then turned into jeans and a shirt, which then turned into pajamas to go to the grocery store.

While I can’t pinpoint the moment in history when people began caring less about the way they presented themselves to the world, nor can I explain why it happened, it happened. And once you let something slide, it downgrades. And it usually sticks. (Think about all the ladies who did their hair every day, and then one day just stopped, never to wield a hairdryer and round brush again.)

The same goes for black-tie events. What was once the time and place to get one of those rare moments to look and feel like a princess – a Hollywood star – is slowly turning into something less special. Long dresses turn to cocktail dresses and then what? Mini-dresses? Leather pants? Take a look at the image of Halle Berry at right. Stars don’t look like stars because they appear in movies or on television. They look like stars because they dress like stars. Most celebrities start off quite under the radar. It isn’t until they start making a big splash with their fashion choices that the photos in magazines start to multiply. (Or they do something scandalous, of course.) If Halle had turned up to that awards show wearing a cocktail dress, she would have still looked beautiful, because she’s Halle Berry. But she wouldn’t have shined nearly as bright as she did wearing this gown.

It’s not that I’m completely opposed to the cocktail dress. If it was truly special, worthy of a princess (that’s us, remember!), I would totally be on board. But my issue with the cocktail dress mentality is, instead of magical, it usually ends up looking like the typical attire we wear to a wedding. That’s not black tie. That’s just a dress. (See examples at right.)

If budget is an issue, there are many options. Borrow from a girlfriend (I loan out dresses to my friends all the time), or go to a great resale shop where you can find tons of gowns for a fraction of the price. Great prices can also be found in vintage stores – and you can be sure of wearing a dress no one else will have. And watch for big sales at your favorite stores. Also, don’t think a long dress means you’ll only wear it once and then it will be relegated to the back of your closet, collecting dust. Choose a long dress that can later be cut to knee-length by a tailor.

You get limited chances to really make a splash. So why not make a splash?

The platforms at right are the latest addition to my flatform collection: Jeffrey Campbell’s Eloise. A quick flatform primer: not all shoes that fall under the flatform category are totally flat. It’s more about the angle of the foot in the shoe than the heel height. Because shoes such as these pictured have such a high platform in front, my foot ends up on a very slight incline, which translates to my weight being well-balanced along the shoe. Since all my weight isn’t on the front – the typical setup for the majority of heels – I’m not angering my foot. And there’s no bunion pain!

OK, so back to the killer shoes. I found these at Free People for $128. This is Wine Suede, but they also come in a pretty pale pink called Dusty Suede. They are fabulous and provide easy walking. I paired them with my Pamela Mann tights, which I picked up at Tender for $15. Also fabulous. Together, the tights and shoes add a giant dose of hip to any LBD.

I’m the maxi skirt’s biggest fan. All summer long I slip them on, loving their striking yet effortless vibe. I have an emerald green one, a pink pleated one and a silver number that could do double duty at a black-tie event.

But wear one in winter? Most certainly not!

Was there a reason I didn’t wear maxi skirts during the winter? Most certainly not. Perhaps it just never occurred to me. However, I recently righted that wrong, picking up this tartan beauty at Chi-Chi and the Greek. All I had to do was slip it on, add a long-sleeve T and a couple of choker necklaces, and a convert I became.

The very first place I wore it was Bloomfield Nails where, upon stepping foot in the salon, a young lady in the middle of a manicure gasped and exclaimed, “I love your skirt!” (We’re now best friends…)

And my maxi skirts will be spending a whole lot of time out and about this winter season.

Meet Hannah Bloomfield, owner of Hannah’s Dreams LLC. The 12-year-old’s interest in jewelry making first sparked while assisting her grandparents with their craft of transforming antique buttons and silverware into unique bracelets. Her hobby soon evolved into a passion.

Her Aunt Ginger was injured in a car/deer accident, and Bloomfield helped her with household chores. In return, her aunt reimbursed her with a visit to the craft store and Bloomfield began to execute her jewelry designs. Bloomfield’s family calls it “The Blessings of the Deer”. She designed and sold dozens of bracelets, necklaces and earrings, which encouraged her aunt to invest in venture capital so Bloomfield can keep producing her creations. At the end of 2010, she secured numerous custom orders and participated in her first craft show. Her jewelry ranges from $4 earrings to a $50 necklace. The demand for her designs have allowed her to translate her passion into a profit, and pay back her aunt most of the money she invested in her company.

Bloomfield prefers to sell her art in person and witness her customer’s reactions.  She notes that her business name, “Hannah’s Dreams LLC”, sums up her journey. “Dreams of people excited about wearing jewelry that I made, dreams of learning more about business through education, and saving to pay for it as well,” says Bloomfield. “And well, you know, just dreaming!”

Bloomfield even has her own business card.

Lydia, 14, of Lydia’s Bitty Bows, makes snazzy bow-shaped pins out of duct tape. Each creation includes an attached bobby pin to wear in your hair or clip onto other accessories. Her designs, $3 each, are available at Lorla’s in Northville, 248.348.9270.

Isabella is a 5-year-old style diva who insists on dressing herself every morning. She loves her summer maxi dresses and doesn’t let the frigid temperatures stand in her way. She layered her look with a cardigan and boots to transition between seasons.

Check out Hussein: a 4-year-old stud who is rocking a sleek skinny suit from Neiman Marcus.

These young fashion mavens show that it’s never too early to express your personal style and make your dreams a reality.

With the exception of my shoes, which are Jeffrey Campbell, of course, every item I’m wearing in this photo is vintage. (And all from Chi-Chi and the Greek.) I didn’t plan it that way. It just went together so well, how could I resist?

First, I must discuss the pants. Why, you ask? Because I pretty much NEVER wear pants. Why, you wonder again? (My, you have a lot of questions today!) I think there are two primary reasons: 1) I’m obsessed with dresses, and 2) I’m a hippy girl and often don’t like the way I look in pants. I believe I wore jeans once this year. And it was not one of my better days. I often say, “God didn’t put me on this planet to wear pants.” But now I’m not so sure. This pair – with PLEATS of all things – are by Sonia Rykiel. The woman is a goddess of design. Obviously so, because she fashioned together a pair of wide-leg trousers with PLEATS… and they make me look thin!

With the miracle pants, I paired a jacket by Adrienne Vittadini. Just a touch of shoulder padding reminds me that Adrienne hit it big in the ’80s, and yet, this jacket doesn’t feel defined by any decade. That’s brilliance.

Many women wouldn’t add a choker necklace to a collarless jacket with embellishments, but I say, “Why not?” It’s a fab finishing touch that makes the outfit feel complete. And shiny.

Diane Keaton has her style of suiting, as did Katharine Hepburn. I guess this will be mine.

The vintage leather mixed with rocker-style studs make these tough boots a natural choice to juxtapose with a feminine dress. They look equally fabulous with black skinny denim or leggings.

If you’re not familiar with Frye, you should consider striking up a relationship with this footwear company. Since 1863, Frye has been creating tough shoes and boots that can withstand any journey, from crossing a prairie to crossing a busy city street. From boots used in World War II to a pair in the Smithsonian, this American company has crafted its way into the country’s history.

I stopped by V-Male Detroit Vintage in Dearborn Heights to pull some items for one of my fashion shoots, and my eyes were glued to a specific jumpsuit. Déjà vu struck me: ’80s style, plunging neckline with ruffle detail, shoulder pads, cinched waist and fluid structure…all it was missing was the vibrant color, skinny belt and long sleeves. Luckily, it was the perfect fit and only $20. Score! The plunging neckline was a bit risqué to flaunt during the day, so I wore a sheer blouse with an embellished neckline and a black cami underneath. I added a black patent leather skinny belt that came with a top I purchased a few years ago. Finishing touches included sleek platform booties, simple stud earrings and a pop of red lipstick. Some of my favorite finds have come my way when I least expected them.

While I walked out with this fantastic Sue Wong handkerchief dress, with intricate lace spider-web panels (her dresses typically range from $300-$500 and I got this one for $120), I also walked out with those two bulging bags. Why? Two important reasons, all part of understanding how to sell merchandise to a consignment shop.

1. The season wasn’t right. A black BCBG dress, which I wore to hang with the Black Eyed Peas (who wouldn’t want a dress photographed with Will.I.Am?), was not quite right for the upcoming winter season. They asked me to bring it back in the spring. Same went for the four pairs of shoes I though would be easy sells. The owners were focused on boots, not slingbacks. I’ll be back with those, as well.

2. The items weren’t perfect. For a high-end consignment shop, tears, missing buttons or stains won’t do. My Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt had some dirt near the hem, which I hadn’t noticed. If I had taken it to the cleaners first, they wouldn’t have happily welcomed it in the store. I’ll get on it and try again.

Buying from a consignment shop is easy, fun and ever-changing. Selling to one, however, can be a little bit of a challenge (unless you have a wardrobe filled with top designers in mint condition). But when you can get rid of dusty items taking up valuable closet space in exchange for cash? Totally worth the exercise.