They are every woman’s best kept secrets!
Studio 5 Beauty and Style Contributor Holly Stone shares wardrobe aids that
can turn a style snag into a style smash.
It comes in all shapes and sizes. It comes in all colors. It comes printed or
plain, old or new. It is a bargain or a splurge and we all have at least one
hidden in our closet. As our fingers skim the hangers, we are drawn to it yet
again. We pull it out just once more hoping it will have been magically
transformed by the Fashion Fairy. We think “today is the day” and then, we
look in the mirror. “Nope – another day!” So back into the closet it goes.
What is it? That item of clothing that called to us to buy it and take it home.
And while it is still in good condition, it has a weakness that makes us pull it
out, look at it and then put it back-EVERY TIME. Weakness such as sleeves
that are too short, a hemline that is too high, a waistline that you can a l m o
s t button, a faded buckle or rivet, a plunging neckline or simply a trend on
its way out. Time to toss? Not quite! Time to refresh—your memory that is.
As a new year reminder here is a bag of tricks to make up where your
wardrobe is lacking.
Hey, Who Shrunk My Pants?
If holiday treats are catching up and your pants are uncomfortably tight,
there is help in sight. For a mere $2.29 you can buy a button extender to see
you through your transition to a healthier you. Extends pants up to one full
size without altering the shape. Expansion can be easily camouflaged with
belt or blouse.
Holly’s Product Pick: Collins or Dritz Button Extender, $2.49 (found
in most
fabric stores)
Lacking Lustre
Fashion jewelry, shoes, belt or handbag hardware losing its metal appeal?
Draw it a fresh coat. Or change it all together. A metallic paint pen can
update or restore the look your buckle lost.
Holly’s Product Pick: Krylon or Sharpie Metallic Paint Pen for
Hardware
Touch-Ups (Bronze, Gold, Silver, and copper available), $4.99-5.69 (found at
arts or crafts stores)
The MUST Have
Fashion Tape performs like a super hero. Very strong and with all cuts of
shapes and sizes available, this wonder tool can transform a cardigan collar
into a tab collar or hold down a gap between buttons on your shirt placket.
Can be placed skin to skin or fabric to skin. Hold a bra strap or jewelry clasp
in place, can temporarily hold a loose hem. When placed in shoes, can grip
sock and hold foot more securely. It can even hold a wrap/pashmina closed
lying flat without bulk of pins or knots.
Holly’s Product Pick: Fashion Tape, $3.99-12, Dillard’s
Don’t Roll ‘Em Up
Shirt sleeves too short? Trick the eye with added visual length from a bracelet
cuff. The key is to create a continuation of the sleeve with a flexible cuff
bracelet in similar coloring. (Avoid a separation with a completely different
color). This inexpensive and very chic look can not only add length but
stylish flair. Be on the look-out for cuff bracelets in pairs on clearance racks.
Holly’s Product Pick: Cuff Bracelet, $3.29-9.99, Forever 21
Once Hip, Now Dated
A jacket is a very versatile wardrobe essential that can be manipulated with
accessories to refresh its look. Update by swapping out buttons or hardware
and then belt it to change its silhouette. Find buttons at thrift, antique or
consignment boutiques, fabric stores or even craft stores.
Release the Floods
Pant length dripping with faux pas? Cut them to crop slightly above the
ankle. From oops to intentional, this look is for a year-round flattering style
for any age and can even reveal more than a just a peek of your fabulous
boots.
Zipper Fix
Sticky zipper that catches in that 1 place? Take a piece of wax paper and rub
wax side over the zipper teeth. Zip, zip, zip, quick!
The most common thing that breaks on a zipper is the pull tab. Not a
disaster, but a design opportunity. Great for boots or jackets. Now, you can
add your personal flair.
Sassy Safety Pull
· Select decorative beads
· Thread onto a safety pin
· Attach safety pin to zipper base
· For better security, you can superglue pin closure
· Voila! Zip up in style
Extend Your Skirtline
If your skirt is “slightly” too short that it causes you to fidget when sitting,
add some security with a skirt extender. In the form of a slip, these versatile
pieces make up what your clothing lacks. In neutral colors, they can add up
to 5″ of additional fabric to any skirt. Next step, don’t match but add as a
design accent.
Plunge Stopper
To my maturing client who wants modesty without all the layers, I say “watch
TV”. The clip-on cami is an “as seen on TV” product that you simply must try
to believe it actually works. It clips to the bra and STAYS put, minimizing a
low plunge with support in a variety of colors or designs.
Or add a demi-cami. No bulky layers-just a beautiful compliment.
Holly’s Product Picks:
QVC 6 pack $16.97
Cami Secret 3 pack Walgreens $9.99
Holly Stone is no stranger to business and the beauty industry. Starting as a
model at the age of 14 she decided that she preferred to be behind the
scenes rather than in front of the camera. She choreographed fashion shows,
selected models for events and assisted her agency with make-up.
Her skill for make-up artistry quickly became recognized and the demand for
her talent launched a career that would take her all over the country. She
received a bachelor’s degree, and took a position as VP of Merchandising for
Overstock.com. There she learned the business skills of resourcing, buying,
marketing, and negotiating. She moved on to train in Los Angeles at AWARD,
a leading make-up artist school in the west.
Today, with her business skills and her passion for the art of make-up, she
manages a successful career as an educator and a veteran make-up artist of
16 years. She works in various media with actors/actresses, models, brides,
and photographers. She is a consultant to several cosmetic distributors, spas,
and salons where she teaches application and technique. She is a nationally
recognized educator of cosmetic application and is a personal image
consultant to people ranging from high position corporate figures to the
every day woman.
Holly is the owner of Re-Creation Studio, School of Media Make-up Artistry.
For information about her classes, visit www.learntodomakeup.com.
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