Turbans and scarves are a glamorous and inexpensive way to add pizzaz to your outfits this spring. A throwback to the 1940’s, women used scarves to hide a bad hair day, or to keep their hair back when they were working in factories during the war. Wearing a turban today must be done with the right attitude and unapologetically; try putting silk flowers in your turban or tying it closed in a bow.

I just completed a week at the Birch Creek retreat weight loss and detox center. I lost 5lb in 6 days!  I thought I knew all about the latest on food and health. At Birchcreek I learned so much more, it was fascinating. Their program is well run and tailored for each guest. I did the 6 day juicing cleanse along with the boot camp program. The exercise training was challenging and educational, but not an over kill.  Birchcreek Retreat is not a fancy spa but a cozy shabby chic inn with about 12 guests and a lot of personal attention. I highly recommend it regardless if you have a lot of weight to lose or a little. The key to long term weight loss is making a fundamental change in your eating habits at Birch Creek they help you do just that.

It’s in New York’s Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains. Contact them at  www.birchcreekretreat.com or Julie Odato info@birchcreekretreat.com phone 877.254.0070 They are offering a 20% discount if you mention New York Image Consultant.

Birch Creek Hike to Ruins

Birch Creek Retreat 2010 Spring Specials!

That floral dress reminds you of blissful walks in the park with your ex, but its hemline is totally wrong. He’s history- it should be too.

Maybe those skinny leg jeans fit you circa ’99- but you have to admit they haven’t zipped up in years.

That fluoro top was so cute a few seasons ago- but now the trend is done and dusted and it just looks tacky.

So why are they all still in your wardrobe?

It’s time to cast sentiment aside and cull, cull, cull!

Carrie Bradshaw's Closet

Why?

1. De-cluttering gives you a cleaner aesthetic to work with- no more dud duds stopping you from seeing the true winners in your wardrobe.
2. An opportunity to make some money- if the pieces are in good condition or a designer brand you should try luck selling them on eBay.
3. Exchange- one woman’s ‘fat jeans’ is another woman’s fabulous.  Get your friends to do a ruthless wardrobe attack then gather together- you’ll be amazed your friend is throwing out that bag you’ve been jealous of for so long, and baffled by someone’s unprecedented eagerness at your discarded dress.
4. Up your karma- donate unwanted items to charity stores and feel good that your clothes will be going to people who will actually wear them.
5. All that empty wardrobe space means that there’s no better excuse to do some shopping! Need I say more..?

Being on a tight budget might mean you have to work a little harder for awesome style- but it’s likely to pay off and your results can outshine a top-to-toe designer ensemble. Think: eclectic, creative, innovative.

1. Get thrifty- trawl op shops, vintage boutiques and markets for one-off finds.  Not only will you save money, you can guarantee that you won’t be mincing in the corner when two other girls at the party have your same handbag.
2. Customize- everyone’s got a needle and thread! It’s easy to update old pieces with a few quick snips, a bit of hemming or by adding embellishments such as sequins or tassels. This is also good to do with op-shop finds that may have amazing patterns or detailing but an out-dated cut.
3.  Be inspired- if you are not confident in pulling together an outfit by yourself, look to some photos of celebrities or street style blogs such as The Sartorialist or Facehunter. You can get a good idea of what proportions work and which garments look good together, then go searching for inexpensive replicas.
4.  Rattle your chains - Even women who can afford unlimited designer clothes are shopping at chain stores nowadays (Kate Moss and her undying devotion to TopShop is the perfect example).  The quality and style-quotient of many chains have skyrocketed lately while the affordable prices have stayed the same. It is a good idea to buy all the current- but-unlikely-to-endure trends from les chains.
   
5.   Invest in classics- by the same token, if you want to buy designer, buy items that won’t date.  Cashmere sweaters, black shoulder bags, trenches, the fabled LBT, black Mercedes sedans to match … you know the usual.
6.  Dress for your body and yourself- at the end of the day, if you’re wearing something that fits you and that you love, you’re always going to look beautiful. OK, almost always.

The poster girl for budget fashion: Kate Moss in her TopShop campaign

Scholastic Aptitude

The rounded collar is a big trend to watch out for in Fall 2010. Seen at Celine, YSL and Miu Miu, the look is prim and pretty. Wear with a low ponytail and natural makeup for true schoolgirl style.

Miu Miu Fall 2010 RTW

Animal Magnetism

Big bold leopard spots were featured heavily in the Emanuel Ungaro, Balmain, Rochas and Dries van Voten shows; think 70s glamazon.  Pile on the gold for a big kick of kitsch-worthy extravagance. 

Balmain Fall 2010 RTW

Fur Stole the Show

PETA activists, be warned, fur will be everywhere this Fall. The big news wasn’t which designers showcased this look; it was which didn’t. Don’t think of fur as formal or heaven help us fusty anymore. This is not your great-grandmothers mothball-scented fox stole. Today’s fur doesn’t sit home waiting for an event to happen – wear it any time, for any occasion.

Chloe Fall 2010 RTW

Christopher Kane worked the sense of irony and revelation he is famous for in his Fall collection, juxtaposing elements of naughty and nice.

Black lace, patent leather and dominatrix-style lace up shoes were teamed with girlish silhouettes and quaint floral embroidery for a quirky look: think Gothic schoolgirl with tongue firmly in cheek.

Capped sleeves, collars and shift dresses informed the main silhouettes while texture was key with peek-a-boo lace panels, embroidery and crystal embellishments.

At Michael Kors, comfort and sophistication reigned, with relaxed pieces that could take you from the woods to Manhattan.

A restrained palette of olive, khaki, taupe and charcoal complemented the relaxed draping and knitted layers.  Extreme cowl neck sweaters and fur coats and clutches lent a touch of Dr. Zhivago while military influence was noted with khaki and gunmental shades.

Winter accessories were layered with zeal but the neutral palette kept them from being  overbearing.

 The show took a futuristic turn with gravity-defying silver puff jackets, metallic and sparkles for nighttime wear.