Hello my name is Fabulous! This laid back outfit is not only comfortable, it’s stylish. To get this look, pair your sleekest skinny jeans with a loose-fitting tank top and a bright colored oversized cardigan. Top of the look with two long pendant necklaces, bangles and hoop earrings; and your most ladyike Tory Burch ballet flats. The Burberry tote bag is large enough to fit your morning paper, iPad and favorite beauty products!

Get your cheetah on without anyone getting hurt this fall. If you’re bold enough, go for the cheetah trench coat. Prefer a little glamour but don’t want to be too trendy? Try a pair of Cheetah printed pumps or a sleek handbag. For a more conservative look, go for the cheetah pencil skirt with a peplum top. Whatever your style, a dose of cheetah will give your wardrobe a nice little roar!

When it comes to having a stellar wardrobe, the look and fit are critical. Taking the time to have alterations done will make even the slightest ill fitting garment fit perfectly. How many times have you seen someone with clothes that don’t fit? This makes me cringe! Every time I see a person with clothes that simply just don’t look right, I am reminded that I need to always look my best. If you aren’t sure where you can get alterations, here’s a few places to start.

1. Your local tailor or seamstress. Tailors are usually the priciest for alterations, however a good tailor will make your clothes fit as if they were made just for you. Tailoring is really great for suits and formal wear, but a good tailor  or seamstress will make anything fit.  Don’t be the person who gets talked about because your clothes are hanging off and your sleeves come down to your knuckles. You know that fine brutha you’ve seen around town with those nice suits that he wears well, ask him for his tailor’s number because I can bet you he has one. And please, please for the love of good fashion, don’t let your man buy a suit, wear it and leave that little tag that comes on the sleeve on. Those are NOT supposed to stay on there!

2. The department store. Nordstrom has a great alterations apartment and most of the services if not all are complimentary when you purchase a garment there. Just because that size 6 doesn’t fit right, doesn’t mean you can’t leave the store with it. Talk to a store sales associate about alterations. They can usually be completed within a matter of days.

3. Your local dry cleaners. Ah, my personal favorite. I’ve had alterations to skirts, blazers, pants and even a few dresses at my local dry cleaners. The most I’ve paid for a garment to be altered is $35 for a BCBG blazer that had to be cut up the middle and sewn together. It fits perfect may I add and it was worth the investment because I can wear it for a long time. If your local cleaners doesn’t do alterations, find one who does.

Make it fit, accessorize right, own the scene.

Fall is just around the corner and there’s a few staples you won’t be able to live without. The LBD a.k.a little black dress, one of the most versatile items a fashionista can have. It can take you to work or out for happy hour cocktails. The white shirt is perfect for an interview or business meeting. Bottom line: versatile. A sleek black skirt can be worn with a shirt or cool cardigan sweaters. Choose cardigans in versatile colors like amethyst and black or gray. The black blazer of course goes with well just about anything including boot cut jeans and a tee. The pearl necklace diamond (or CZ) studs and essential black pumps no fashionista can live without, and to top it all off, the black bag will tote all your belongings while the classic trench will keep you dry and cool at the same time.

Does it take you too long to get dressed because you can’t find anything in your closet? Here’s a few tips on getting your closet in order!

1. Think boutique. Imagine that your closet is a fashion boutique. Think of the feeling you get when you  can walk into a store and can immediately go to the section you want because everything is organized. Hang your clothes on thin, fun luxurious hangers to avoid bulkiness. Bebe and Louis Vuitton are great examples of boutique stores that makes things easy to find.

2. Categorize. My walk-in closet is separated by style in sections. Skirts to the left, tops, dresses, jeans then blazers. If you don’t have a walk in closet, or enough space, consider closet organizers that are easy to install. They will help you get a better view of things. During off season consider storing items you are not wearing and create more space in your closet. An over the rack shelf can make storing sweaters a breeze. Store purses on shelves by type. Multi-tier pants hangers can also save you some space. I personally recommend the hot pink Joy Mangano hangers that are available at target.com

3. Separate by Color. Color coding your clothes is one of the greatest things you can do for your closet! Color coding makes it easy to find items when you need them. You can go to one section of your closet instead of sifting through several racks trying to find what you’re looking for. This is particularly helpful if you wear a bunch of neutral shades like black, gray, tan or white. It makes things simple when you are piecing outfits together.

4. Organize your accessories accordingly. I use tie hangers purchased from target.com to hang my necklaces on tie hangers and belts on belt hangers! Hanging your necklaces also keeps them from getting tangled and if they’re close by it will be easy to coordinate them with outfits.

5. Put your shoes in clear boxes or on shelves if you have the space. Or if you prefer, take pictures of your shoes with your camera phone , print them with a cool app like Stickygram and tape them to outside of your shoebox for easy viewing. The Container Store has great clear boxes that are quite inexpensive when you buy them in bulk. Keep boots stuffed with old socks or newspaper to help them maintain their stiffness.

If you need more information about styling your closet email us at tcfb@thechocolatefashionblog.com.

Fall is almost here, it’s time to get your wardrobe ready.

Building a fall wardrobe requires a little bit of skill, a little bit of cash and a little bit of style. Here’s a few things you need to do to build an awesome fall wardrobe.

Figure out your personal style. Are you a romantic who loves flowly dresses and lots of lace? Are the fashionista that prefers minimal wardrobe appliques, no frills and simplicity? Your style will determine how you build your wardrobe. I personally consider myself a Glamazon who loves dresses, pleated dresses, shift dresses, print dresses, bold jewelry and heels. Take stock of your wardrobe to get an idea of what you like most.

Determine your budget. Are you able to spend $250, $500 , $1000 or $5000 on a new fall wardrobe? Whatever your capabilities, there are clothes perfect for you. Money is never a reason to go without style. If you are a savvy shopper, you can pretty much determine on your own what you need to add to build your wardrobe. Whether you’re shopping at Target, Macy’s Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, you can always find something in your budget, particularly wardrobe staples.

Clean your closet.  The rule is if you haven’t worn it in 2-3 years, it’s time to give it away.  Some things just go out of style and we no longer need them. Consider donating clothes to your local Salvation Army or dropping them into one of those clothing collection bins that you often see around town. They may help someone less fortunate.

After you clean your closet, separate your clothes by color then by style. My closet is color-coded and style-coded. For example all of my dresses hang on an entire rack and go from light to dark. It’s easier for me to find what I want to wear when I know what color it is. Wear colors that complement your shape and complexion. Determine if you’re cool/warm and choose your color palette that way.

Spend more money on basics, less on trends. Basics are pieces you will have a lifetime. I have 5 pair of basic slacks in various colors from Zara that I have had for about five years now. Thanks to a great tailor (at my local dry cleaners), I can have the pants altered to fit if necessary. Your basics are things like pants, blazers, shift dresses, skirts. Go for black, gray or navy for business attire. You can add pops of color with your trendy items. Trends can range from a simple accessory to a particular trim or style. Keep trends to a minimum and balance your outfits with the perfect accessory.

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