Ultimate Closet Toolkit Your Comprehensive Closet Resource Nada Manley - BeautyMommy Copyright 2014. BeautyMommy 0
Contents Your Functional Closet... 2 Closet Staples... 3 Closet Statements... 4 Best Jackets for Proportional Body Types... 5 Best Jackets for Women with Curvy Hips... 6 Best Jackets for Straight Body Types... 7 Pants for Proportional Body Types... 8 Pants for Women with Curvy Hips... 9 Pants for Straight Body Types... 10 Black Dresses for Proportional Body Types... 11 Black Dresses for Women with Curvy Hips... 12 Black Dresses for Straight Body Types... 13 Building a Shoe Wardrobe... 14 Shoes + Accessories... 15 Head-to-Toe Accessory Sets... 16 Infinite Combinations for Instant Outfits... 17 THE FULL CLOSET TOOLKIT INCLUDES OVER 50 MORE PAGES Closet Helps: How to Pick a Necklace, How to Pick the Right Shoes, How to Tie a Scarf, Fabric Care and Quality, Choosing Items that Last, Discovering your Body Type, Outfit Tracker, Packing Lists, Closet Organizing Tools, Shopping Checklist. The Essentials: For Women with Proportional Body Types, Curvy Hips, & Straight Body Types. The Black Jacket, The Black Pants, The White Button- Down, The Black Dress, The Black Skirt,The Dark Jeans, The Tee, The Tank, The Cardigan, The Shorts. The Accessories. The Outfits, and Putting it all Together.
Your Functional Closet I know, I know. You already have clothes, Plenty of them. But morning after morning, you still open up the same closet and stare at the same clothes, wondering what to wear. The truth is you don t need a lot of clothes to look fabulous. Just the right ones. Here, a sampling of the core items you need to build a wardrobe that is fashionable, functional and fast. (For the comprehensive guide to all of the wardrobe essentials, check out the full Closet Toolkit on BeautyMommy.com). Start with the Closet Staples, a core edit of stylish staples and classic accessories that allows you to create multiple looks that are timeless and chic. After you have your basics covered, move on the Closet Statements, the wardrobe updates that will mix and match with your staples to create exciting, of-the-moment looks. These pages offer a sample of what you ll find in the Closet Toolkit, a comprehensive guide to creating a wardrobe you ll actually wear. These are the pieces that work. Here, you will find hints on choosing pieces that fit and flatter, and that will give you the most value for your money, whatever your budget. Each of the fashion essentials (black dress, black jacket, jeans) is grouped into three categories, based on body type. They are: Proportional: This body type features shoulders that are in proportion (the same width) as the hips, and a defined waistline. Curvy Hips: This body type features curvy hips that are wider than the shoulders, a small waist and narrow shoulders. Straight: This body type features shoulders and hips that are in proportion (the same width) and no defined waistline.
Closet Staples I like a stirrup pant and a high-heel sneaker as much as the next girl, but they don t have staying power. These pieces do. But them now, in the best quality you can afford, and you will have them forever. This list includes: Black Jacket, Classic Black Pump (not too pointy, round, high or low - you can also substitute a flat or a wedge), a little black dress, a casual black dress, a cognac bag (goes with black and brown Bordeaux also works), a black jacket, and gold jewelry (watch, cuff or bangle, necklace and hoop earrings). Two additional staples to consider: A white button-down (one that fits really well) and a khaki trench. SHOWN: MICHAEL Michael Kors straight front pants, Three Dots dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs watch, Jennifer Zeuner hoop earrings, Adia Kibur necklace, Vince shift dress, J. Crew Sloane pumps, Kirsten Elspeth cuff, Pinko Black blazer
Closet Statements If the Closet Staples are the cake, then this list, the Statements, are the little sugar flowers. They are the fun part. Again, these are a good place to invest, because even though they jazz up everyday basics, they are still classic enough to last for years. They include: a gorgeous black statement dress, a special cuff, gorgeous dressy hoops, pumps (or flats, or wedges) in gold, leopard, and an accent color of your choice, a bag in your accent color, a dress in your accent color, dressier black pants, a dressier black jacket (maybe with tuxedo details), and tortoise watch. SHOWN: Rachel Zoe black and gold hoops, Faith Connexion tuxedo blazer, Vince Camuto straight leg pants, ABS cobalt lace dress, Diane von Furstenberg Anette pump, Enzo Angiolini Call Me 2 gold pump, Simply Soles Cheers flat, Betsey Johnson tortoise watch, Rebecca Minkoff cobalt bag, Tory Burch Tiana dress, Kara by Kara Ross cuff
Best Jackets for Proportional Body Types Lucky you! You are so easy to shop for, because the classic blazer, your most flattering jacket style, also happens to be the easiest to find, in every price range. Look for clean lines, a cinched waist, a vertical collar/neckline, and a triangle (v-shaped) opening at the hem. A curved princess seam at the back of the jacket and slim sleeve add to the flattery. Stay away from any heavy structure or detail and your balanced body type will shine through. SHOWN: (top row) Birger et Mikkelsen Minimalist blazer, Versus blazer with safety pins, Ted Baker Heila blazer; (bottom row) Rag & Bone Timeless blazer, Viktor & Rolf blazer, Balmain blazer
Best Jackets for Women with Curvy Hips If you have curvy hips, bum and thighs, the most flattering jackets will be those that draw the eye upwards, balancing your bottom half. A high, round neckline, detail and structure at the top third of the jacket, a cinched waist, and a straight hem are all key elements to look for, as is a curved princess seam at the back of the jacket and slim sleeves. The classic Chanel-style jacket and St. John s styles are great choices, but you will find this style in contemporary lines as well. SHOWN: (top row) Rebecca Taylor tweed plazer, Pucci woolly jacket, ASOS ponte jacket, Max Mara Operoso jacket; (bottom row) Saint Laurent sequin trim blazer, Maison Scotch embellished blazer, Dinou cropped, buttoned jacket
Best Jackets for Straight Body Types A straight body type can have fun with some of the details that other women are forced to avoid, like pockets and ruffles and fun collars. Structure, which can include any kind of detail or shape, at the top and bottom of the jacket, is very flattering to this shape, because it helps to build out the frame and define the waistline. Look for a vertical neckline, a cinched waist, and fitted sleeves. SHOWN: (top row) Caroline Constas fox fur lapel blazer, Elizabeth and James blazer, Emilio Pucci blazer; (bottom row) Smythe crossover blazer, Pinko Black blazer, Alexander McQueen organza jacquard jacket
Pants for Proportional Body Types Whether or not you are curvy, a proportional body type is a classic hourglass, to varying degrees, with shoulder and hips that are the same width and a defined waist, so the most flattering pant shape for this body mirrors that hourglass shape. Look for pants that cut in at the knee and come out towards the hem, as with bootcut and flare styles. The more pronounced the shape, the more it will accentuate yours. Slim or cigarette pants are also a good choice, but avoid straight legs, which can be boxy and boyish on your SHOWN: (top row) MICHAEL Michael Kors flat front ponte pants, Theory Emery pants; (bottom row) J. Crew Pixie pant, MICHAEL Michael Kors bootcut pants
Pants for Women with Curvy Hips If you re rocking a small waist and curvy hips, you probably thing finding the right pants is a challenge. But there are some hints that make it easier to find a pair that fits and flatters. First, find pants that fit the hips, not the waist. You can t have both, so wear them a little lower, and wear a longer top. This will help you avoid the gap in the back that makes curvy-hipped girls see red. Once you fit the hips, look for a heavier-weight fabric and a straight-leg style that falls in a straight line from hip to knee. Minimal embellishments and pockets are best, and avoid side pockets, as they can gape. Avoid pants that cut in at the knee, which can accentuate the hips. SHOWN: (top row) Theory Mac C pants, Banana Republic Martin Fit Black Lightweight Wool Straight Leg pants; (bottom row) Ann Taylor ponte slim pants, Chelsea & Theodore ankle slim pants
Pants for Straight Body Types These are the best black pants for a straighter body type with proportional hips and shoulders but no defined waist. The most flattering shape for this type is a graduated flare, which goes out from the hip to the hem. Detail around the hips and thighs help add shape. Skinny pants are also an option. SHOWN: (top row) Ann Taylor Tall Crepe Wide Leg Trousers with Sash, Rachel Zoe Pants - Geoffrey Extra Wide Leg; (bottom row) INC International Concepts Petite Pants, Bootcut Pull- On, Topshop High Waist Ponte Skinny Pants
Black Dresses for Proportional Body Types You have already got that whole balance thing going for you. All you need to do is pick clothes that don t throw it off. Vertical necklines are the most flattering, as is a simple shape and minimal structure. Belting should be at the natural waist. Start with a simple, gorgeously made LBD in a seasonless crepe material that is a bit on the dressier side, and a more casual one in a knit that won t wrinkle to take you through a full day. Both can be dressed up or down and, when chosen well, will last you for years. SHOWN: Banana Republic black wrap dress, Diane von Furstenburg Cressida knit dress
Black Dresses for Women with Curvy Hips When the most prominent part of your shape is in your hips, drawing your eye upwards helps to create balance and make the hips appear proportional. A short, bold necklace is one way to do this. This body type benefits from high or round necklines and a circle, a-line or full skirt. Empire waists are also flattering, as is any kind of belting or detail below the bust, which tends to be the smallest part (the natural waistline) for this body type. Structure at the top is ideal, and can include anyting from a lighter or bolder color, pleats, ruffles, beading and sleeve detail. SHOWN: (top row) Patagonia Margot dress, Ted Baker Ranni lace belted dress, Topshop Broderie Bodice sundress, Dorothy Perkins black petal sleeve dress, Axara cocktail dress; (bottom row) H&M t-shirt dress, Alice & You black/pink belted dress
Black Dresses for Straight Body Types For this straighter body type, building out the top part of the body as well as the hips helps to define the waistline and creates curves. Ruching, draping, and structure at the top and the hip area are all flattering details to a straight body type. Drop-waist, paneled and yoked styles are also beautiful on this shape. Belting should be either above or below the natural waist, and pockets or other details at hip level are very flattering. SHOWN: (top row) Issa pleated jersey dress, Faith Connexion mixed media ruched side dress, Loft ruched neck tank dress, Rumor ruched dress by Kiyonna at Lane Bryant; (bottom row) Ann Taylor crepe ruched dress, Diane von Furstenburg Della ruched dress
Building a Shoe Wardrobe I have been known to say that, if your shoes and bag are great, it doesn t matter what else you are wearing. Shoes, as we all know, are the fun part. They always fit and flatter, and they re an instant update. A collection of shoes in neutrals are a fabulous foil to an infinite number of creative looks, or use statement-making shoes to take an outfit from ordinary to outstanding. Your core collection should include: Flats and heels in black, nude/beige, metallic, a dressy pair of thong sandals and a casual pair, a couple of pairs of evening sandals, a light colored pair of heels, espadrilles, leopard heels or flats, and a couple of pairs of shoes in a bold, accent color. SHOWN: (top row) Christian Louboutin gold sandal, Marc Jacobs pump, L.K. Bennett black sandal, Michael Kors nude pumps, Tory Burch espadrilles; (2 nd row) Jimmy Choo orange sandals, TKees thong, Tory Burch thong, Mod Cloth gl;itter flats; (3 rd row) Shoe Cult leopard pumps, French Sole flats, Valentino pumps, Accessorize black patent flats, Sperry flat and
Shoes + Accessories A wardrobe of carefully selected basics can go from merely chic to flat-out fashionable in seconds with the right accessories. As with shoes, begin with a core wardrobe of accessories (the Staples) in the metallic of your choice, as well as black and beige, and then add your favorite seasonal colors for that wow factor. This fall palette of cobalt, emerald and Bordeaux is universally flattering and will easily add punch to a classic suit wardrobe for work. If you re a mom-on-the-go, switch the pumps to wedges or ballet flats. SHOWN: (top right): Topshop black necklace, Baublebop gold necklace, Juicy Couture bracelet, Steve Madden shoes, ASOS clutch; (2 nd row) Mango cuff, Baublebar cobalt necklace, Kamalikulture cobalt pumps, JanKuo emerald earrings, HeartSoul ruffle blouse; (3 rd row) Mango silver bangles, Humble Chic black cuff, Topshop silver necklace, Sole Society cobalt bag, Charlotte Russe leopard pump, Forever 21 suede pump, Halogen zip-around wallet
Head-to-Toe Accessory Sets Stumped on how to mix and match accessories for maximum impact? Here are some ideas, grouped together for easy reference. As a rule, a bold pop of color should only show up 2-3 times in an outfit, and keep accessory zones in mind when getting dressed. For example, a statement necklace or earrings not both. A cuff or a bracelet, unless they are on different hands. Sometimes the chicest statements come from that one, or maybe two, pops of color on an otherwise neutral palette. SHOWN: (1 st group) Vince Camuto macramé necklace, Juicy Couture cuff, Miss Unique Sabile ballet flats, Monsoon clutch; (2 nd group) Vince Camuto fringe necklace, Humble Chic Alhambra bracelet, Fossil leopard cuff, Shoe Cult pumps; (3 rd group) LadiesFashionSense.com green necklace, Accessorize clutch; (4 th group) BCBGeneration pink pumps, Shourouk earrings, Max & Chloe necklace, Tory Burch clutch; (5 th group) Zara red pump, Hugssy necklace; (6 th group) SwellCaroline cobalt Bamboo necklace, JewelIQ bow bracelet, Danielle Nicole Mia clutch, Charlotte Russe pump; (7 th group) Steve Madden Vyperr pump, OutfitAdditions.com necklace, Diane Von Furstenberg envelope clutch; (8 th group) Loft Ashlyn sandals, Dorothy Perkins clutch, TopShop necklace
Infinite Combinations for Instant Outfits With a core wardrobe of amazing essentials, you can mix and match with abandon to create outfits that suit your style and the occasion. Update your look each season with a few, ultraaffordable trendy tops and accessories and you ll always look current, without a lot of effort. SHOWN: Shown, River Island scuba tux blazer, Zara black jeans, Dorothy Perkins blouse, Givenchy bag, Mulberry cuff, Guess booties, Zara ballet slippers
This represents a small sampling of the resources available to you in the Closet Tool Kit. Go to www.beautymommy.com to get the full version! As you can see, the Closet ToolKit is not just another list of wardrobe classics. It s a tool designed to help you dress in a way that fits and flatters your unique shape, every single day. Like your closet, a work-inprogress, a resource you will refer to and add to for years. This is not the kind of book you read and put on a shelf; this is the kind of book you use. In it, you will find: Pictorials solving common fashion dilemmas, from tying a scarf to choosing a necklace to selecting the perfect pair of shoes Outfit planners and guides Packing lists and guides Tools for budgeting for, buying and caring for your wardrobe Accessorizing tips and tricks Plus, ongoing access to a private Pinterest board of regularly updated outfit ideas, trend inspiration, and tutorials tailored just for you and your lifestyle. For access to more fashion finds for the busiest people in the world moms subscribe to my email updates at: www.beautymommy.com. Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nadamanleybeautymommy And follow me on Pinterest: pinterest.com/nadamanley And on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nadamanley Feel free to forward this to other busy Moms!