Flathead Valley What's in Store: Kalispell, Montana News

This past weekend I was at a wedding in New York. Of course I had to get some shopping in at some of my favorite stores like H&M, Express, and The Outlets at Woodbury Commons. Well I bought the coolest accessory; it is a shawl, sweater and scarf all in one for only $10. This is going to be the first item I make for myself, because it is just that fabulous and it was all over the runway for this fall 2009 season. OK, so let me explain how it works. It is one piece of fabric that is sewn on one seam. It is about 20 inches in length and 30 inches wide when it is sewn together (before it is sewn 60 inches wide). Today I wore it as a shawl and decided when I make mine I will definitely tweak some the dimensions on the width, just too slouchy for my liking. I could not find a picture of the exact one that I bought, but this one in the picture from Etsy is quite similar, just not as wide. You can wear it around your neck, over your shoulders or even over your head. This accessory is a great piece to wear that will keep your warm all winter long!

Ever since I can remember I have always loved clothes and shopping. I've watched runway shows and knew my brands by the time I was a freshmen in high school. I took art classes and I knitted my first oven mitt at the age of 7, that I believe my mom still has in the kitchen drawer. I went to a fashion college and surrounded myself with talented people and famous designs in the museum at my school. I have been inspired by brilliant designers my whole life and last year my Christmas gift was a sewing machine. I was thrilled because I have always wanted to make my own clothes. I am not necessarily trying to become a designer, but just tap into another part of my creative self that allows me to indulge in my ideas and make great clothing in the process.

The only downfall is I do not know how to sew. So for the last year, my brand new sewing machine has been hiding underneath my desk collecting dust in the spare room. I keep telling my boyfriend I will use it I swear but, I just really hate to read instructions. I usually get so excited about the finished product I forget what I read and have to go back and do it again. So here I sit, staring down what looks like another long winter to come and I find myself needing an escape from the cold and dreary months that loom ahead. Now is the time. I vow to immerse myself in color, pattern and fabric, knowing full well that nothing but a tiny instruction manual lies in my path. By the end of this winter I will have created at least one functional and fabulous look and want to share it with you. Art inspires art, any motivational stories or examples of your fabulous creations that will help me get through this would be amazing!

As much as you feel sexy in your undergarments, you should not be exposing them to the public. The other day I saw a middle-aged woman wearing a smocked tube top dress with her bra showing. Just because the bra and dress were the same color does not make that OK. Wearing your bra as an accessory or clearly visible to the public is unattractive. It is called an undergarment for a reason. There are plenty of bra styles out there that fit the appropriate top.

The most versatile bra to own is the convertible bra. The straps are removable and can be worn with with practically everything. It works great for strapless tops, gowns, and asymmetrical tops like one shoulder dresses. You can find this bra at pretty much any store with a selection from the inexpensive version like Jockey to Victoria’s Secret that could be worn 100 different ways.

Wearing the right size bra is just as important as the bra itself. If you have never been measured do yourself a favor and go. You will not believe the difference of the way your clothes look and especially the way you feel when wearing your proper size. It’s like you’re a whole new woman with a whole new set of values!

I will be the first one to raise my hand and say I am always looking for a great deal. When I walk into a store, 95 percent of the time I head for the sale section and then I travel around to see what else looks good. I am sure like many of you, I prefer to get the most out of my money so therefore the more items purchased for less is usually a good day. But is this kind of shopping hurting our economy? When shopping at discounted stores (food included) we are training ourselves and the economy to think on somewhat of a one track mind, quantity not quality. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself is that what you really want? Personally, I want my new jeans to last me at least a year, not a month after I buy them. If I add up all of the inexpensive items (under 50 bucks) I have purchased in my life that have been disposable within a year, I am sure I would at least be $5,000 dollars in the hole. If I had shopped wisely and spent more money at a time on quality pieces rather than quantity, I could still own most of those items today. It is a little disheartening to think, but it is a reality that we all should learn from.

One of the first faux pas I learned was when I was attending the Fashion Institute of Technology: Never combine black with brown in the same outfit, it will absolutely be the death of you! OK, well maybe I’m exaggerating, not the death of you per say but of your fashion reputation yes! The reason being that black and brown should not be worn together is because they are both competing neutrals and way to harsh next to each other. Typically black or brown is worn with another color to accent it or bring out the solid and together it just looks like too much of the same thing. It is just as bad as a denim jacket with denim jeans, another faux pas to avoid. You need a pattern or bright color to break up the dark neutral. If a printed top has black and brown in it that is OK, but do not pair it with black pants and a brown belt or vice versa – that is just a no, no. As for purses, they do not have to match with the belt and shoes, too matchy matchy. Let your purse be a statement piece a contrasting bright color perhaps. Remember, whatever you do have fun with it, just do so following these rules!

It seems the times they are a changing, jobs are becoming harder to get and even now harder to hold. So if your out there job hunting and setting up interviews follow these four rules to give yourself a boost in the market: specifically dealing with your clothes, attitude, homework and q&a face time. Let me just preface, I have been on 20 or so interviews in my life, I am only 25. Also, I have been working since I was 13 years old and no, I have never been fired so I feel I have some experience in this department.

Finding a great fitting jean is like being on the quest to Mecca. It's long, hard and hot, because the lights in the fitting room are rarely forgiving. But as soon as you find that god sent pair, the clouds part and the choir sings, or at least that is how it plays in my head. If I could offer a few tips to avoid for every lady out there, I would say firstly camel toe is a no no. Let me explain: too tight and too high creates an awkward look that everyone needs to avoid. If you're rocking the muffin top and your sides are hanging out that means your jeans are too low and too tight. If you are still wearing tapered jeans please stop. Tapered jeans have been replaced with the straight leg jean, they are much more flattering, or even try the boot cut. It evens out your curves and gives your body proper symmetry. Overall, when shopping for denim look for a jean with a dark wash, a medium rise and boot cut leg for the best proportions. Best of luck on your quest!

This time of year is my absolute favorite! I love going school shopping (any excuse) and the change of seasons means chunky sweaters and hoodies, which I secretly love! My two favorite trends this fall can be summed up by: the 40’s Paper Boy and Punk Chic. The 40’s paper boy look is a combination of wool pants and Chaplin inspired hats that seem like a perfect way to warm up the winter days. The punk chic look is definitely 80’s inspired with its leather jackets, flannels and boyfriend cut jeans. This trend works for many body types, even the guys are rocking it, just remember to make it as feminine as possible. Smaller plaids are more flattering and if you can rock a skinny jean do so instead! Not only will it give your body curves but makes your outfit way more fun. To make this look your own, try mixing patterns using accessories. These trends are a fabulous way to go back to school in style. So start your year off with an A in Fashion!