wardrobe 911 | solving life's fashion emergencies

growing out gray: the 2nd month mark

If you're growing out your gray, here are some tips from the trenches.

It's been 9 weeks since I last colored my hair and the platinum outgrowth is about 1-1/2" long. As I've remarked to my husband, I'm definitely sporting a nice skunk streak. But it seems to have stopped growing altogether.  I guess that's what happens -- when I don't want it to grow fast, it does and when I do want it to grow fast, it doesn't. 

About a month ago I went to see my hairstylist, Mary Amen.  I figured the first step to embrace the "growing out phase" was to chop it off.  "Go ahead, Mary.  Cut it off.  Do whatever you want with it."  Have you ever said this to a hairstylist?  Typically their eyes gleam as you hear a big whoop come from their mouths -- they love to cut hair short!  What does mine do?  She looks at me perplexed and asks, "Is everything okay at home Teresa?"  After her initial shock and my reassurance that life couldn't be better, she clipped and styled.  Still auburn.

"It's going to take about a year for your platinum to fully grow out," Mary reassured.  Okay.  I can handle it.  Everything was fairly easy to cover for the first month with the ColorMark wand but it has slowly lost its efficacy.  At the 6-week mark, I moved on to magical hair-covering accessory number two: stylish scarves.  Very w-i-d-e, stylish scarves.

The best are the small pocket square styles (love the Hermes ones!) because they're easiest to tie and keep on.  I also like the long and narrow scarves because you can double wrap them for more coverage.  Just pin them down so they don't fall off.  I haven't tried the latest diamond-shaped scarf by Alexander McQueen but it looks like the perfect option. Another good trick is wearing a super-wide headwrap -- tres chic! 

I figure at the rate I'm going (1/2" every 3 weeks) I'll be at 2" by end of month and the scarves won't be able to cover the white anymore.  Since I can only go 2 values lighter than my auburn, I can't go platinum blond (don't think I begged!) So, I'm out looking for other viable options.  For my research I'm visiting a very reputable hair clinic here in San Francisco that does wig fittings.  Now that will be a fun post because you're going to discover a rather silly side of me.

Until then, I don't leave the house without covering up...and I now fear the wind.

what to wear: to university

Happy Monday everyone. It's time to start thinking about our Fall wardrobes.  Back-to-school shopping is also on some of our minds and so this is for all our young college readers.  Enjoy!

A Wardrobe 911 Reader Asks:
I know this site is more for mature/working/more affordable women/mothers, but I am wondering if you can do a few posts on what to wear to university? I'm currently a year 1 engineering student. Some of my female classmates are very fashionable while some are not. I always wear Tees and cargo/jeans. I feel like doing a slight change but refused to become a "copy cat" of the fashionable ones. I'm also busy with studies and assignments, I cannot afford to spend more than half an hour thinking what to wear and what are the matching shoes/accessories. Do you have any suggestions?

Wardrobe 911's Style Solution:
Between studying for midterms and making assignment deadlines, sometimes your clothing is the first thing to go. Just because you're a busy college student doesn't mean you must forego style, or spend hours to craft a great outfit.  Here are a few basic wardrobe staples, which can easily be mixed and matched for a quick, put-together look.

A great pair of denim jeans goes a long way.  This flattering pair can easily be combined with a basic blouse or a neutral tank, which are essential pieces to building a great wardrobe.  When the temperatures drop, layer with a cardigan or henley for a pop of color and extra warmth.  Another great alternative to jeans are a dark shade straight leg pant, an a-line skirt, or cotton shorts. 

A dress that serves for both day and night is a wonderful addition to a college wardrobe.  This beautiful ruched shift can be worn with some cute flats for daytime, or dressed up with a sassy heel for a night out with friends. 

Add some great footwear and fun accessories, and you'll be on your way to a more polished and pain-free college wardrobe!

fall trend: violet

It is so refreshing to see the color violet back in the graces of fashion.  I love it because it looks good on almost every individual.  Whether you have cool temperatured coloring or warm, there are lots of options in cool blue-violets or warm red-violets this fall season.

Violet indicates royalty and strength and I think it's a much easier color to wear than red.  If you're shy about wearing it, try it in your accessories first.  It looks great with greens, yellows, black, grays, teals, and browns.  I can't wait to add some to my wardrobe.  What about you?

As Shown Left to Right:

Patent drawstring tote, Hobo clutch in amethyst, Silk dot scarf, Patent leather belt, Chunky ombre necklace, 3Dots cowl neck tee, DvF silk wrap, Knit dress, Sofft aubergine suede heel, Taryn by Taryn Rose grape peeptoes, Nine West mary janes

what to wear: wine tasting

You're headed out this weekend for some wine tasting in Sonoma County and want to look great (yet appropriate) for the various tasting rooms you'll be visiting. If you're really into wine and want to enjoy the finer things Sonoma and Napa have to offer, dressing smart casual is best.

You can certainly wear some cute jeans to the wineries but since it gets rather hot this time of year, try Theory's wide-leg, cool linen blend, dark colored just-in-case-you-spill-no-one-will-notice pant.  Pair it with a fitted, wine-colored cotton blouse that can take you through Fall and some great pewter sandals.  Add a fun Marc by Marc Jacobs tote that's large enough to stash some Silver Oak and you're set for a fun day of vino.

what to wear: second date

A Reader Asks:

I was wondering about choices to wear for the second date. The first date is always big, but I’m just as nervous about the second! I wore jeans and black shirt and heels for the first. Should I wear a dress for this one? Or jeans again? Since its summer, what about white pants? We are going to dinner for the date – probably grab a drink after.

Wardrobe 911 Style Solution:

Since you've passed the nerve-wracking first date, no need to worry too much about the second. You've obviously charmed him (or her) and made it to a second date, so now is the time to try and get to know the other person better, let your true colors shine, and hopefully let the sparks fly. When deciding what to wear on the follow up date, here are a few tips to keep it interesting.

Jeans and heels are safe, but turn it up a notch and show your sexy side by wearing a gathered soft knit dress like this one by Bailey 44. With it's waist cinching detail and fluid feel, you can be sultry and comfortable at the same time. Try and find a shade similar to the color tones in your eyes to make them pop and twinkle when you look into your date's eyes.

Wear a fashion forward patent leather sling back sandal for added style and height. The extra few inches will create a slimming line, which we all appreciate. Take along a complementing clutch to carry the essentials. Complete the look with a simple bangle and let the rest of your body language do all the talking. 

what to wear: meeting the parents - triangle

You've been dating your significant other for awhile now, and the time has come for you to finally meet his (or her!) parents. This can be a very daunting event, but just like any other important occasion, the right outfit can soothe your worries. You'll want to feel confident, yet at the same time come across as charming and put-together. Here is a fool-proof inspiration outfit for those of you who are triangles as well as hourglasses who don't have broad shoulders.

Since your top priority is to make a good first impression, you may want to steer clear of wearing denim, something too dressy or something overly trendy. Instead, go for a sophisticated look that is comfortable and chic.  Wear a light colored top like this one by Corey Lynn Calter with soft ruffles, puff sleeves and a split neck detail to draw the eye up. Slightly sheer (yes, it's a trend!), this feminine top has enough sass and lady-like qualities to win the parents over.

Color choices are also important. The flesh-tone color may cause some of you to steer clear but this color makes you much more approachable so even though the outfit altogether is sleek, utilize a muted or skin-toned color on top to soften your look.

Tuck your top into a dark colored skirt to de-emphasize your bottom half and wear a timeless open toe pump like this one by Marc by Marc Jacobs to complete the look.  Accessorize with a simple earring and great tote by Chloe and you're ready to let your wonderful self shine through. Good Luck!

8/7/08:  Non-working links have been fixed!

at work: does dressing feminine hurt you?

One of my favorite style reporters, Christina Binkley from the WSJ, always hits on various wardrobe controversies in the workplace from wearing hose to the latest: the shifting of the power dress code for female executives.

The financial services and healthcare industries certainly have stricter dress codes and most female executives wear dark neutral suits, hose and heels.  Nothing to show that they are feminine.  Maybe a scarf.  But, that has been changing over the last ten years and more and more women are agreeing with the women featured in Binkley's article, "Do not be afraid to be a woman."

In fact, we live in what I call a "double-edged sword world" when it comes to workplace fashion.  Research has shown that dressing too feminine can make a woman less credible in the workplace but on the contrary, if women dress too masculinely, research shows that they are held back.  Discouraged?

Don't be. Women are making in-roads here and it is slowly changing. I have lots of clients who are doctors and financial executives who used to wear the simple and understated suit because they didn't want to be seen as the secretary.  My advice is that a jacket or well-structured cardigan is always going to be necessary but add some color, wear separates and add one bit of fun that shows your personal style. 

Some of my clients literally gasp when I separate their suits and show them that they can wear the skirt separately with another jacket or structured cardigan. But every single one of them who has ventured out and started wearing color (OMG!) and separates, finds that their credibility is still in tact and that somehow, the "playing field has been leveled."

What do you wear to work?  If you dress a little more feminine, do you think it hurts your chances for promotion?

Image by: Brian Harkin/WSJ

beauty tip: banning dark circles and frown lines

For those of you that use a light concealer to hide your dark circles, you may want to reconsider your approach.  Eve Pearl, Emmy-award winning makeup artist and author of "Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery" shows us that it's really a salmon concealer we want to use.  Check out her fabulous application tips.

what to wear: in the kitchen

You've invited a few friends over for a pizza making night at your house.  Knowing that you'll be entertaining and cooking at the same time, you'll want to look chic yet have something that's easily washable in case you spill tomato sauce on yourself.

Here's the perfect dress to wear when it's hot in the kitchen:  a knit shift in the perfect shade of tomato red - ideal for hiding any spills. It's festive and hostess perfect.

Wear a green and yellow striped apron to complete the pizza theme and channel your inner Marcella Hazan.

Try some gladiator-inspired silver sandals and add a silver cuff to complete your look.  Buono appetito!!

what to wear: urban window shopping

If you have great legs or are under 30ish and want to look stylish for a day of window shopping or sight-seeing in an urban setting, then this outfit is for you.

The mini dress has been all over and looks chic when the rest of you is covered appropriately.  My philosophy for dressing sexy is to show off just one part of your assets and keep the rest covered.  If you have great legs, then this is the perfect dress for you! Made out of summery cotton voile, it also comes in black or white.

Wear a double wrap belt to give the dress some shape.  Gladiator sandals create a fashion forward look.  In the heat, the last thing we want to do is carry anything so sport a cute black messenger bag so you can stay hands-free. 

And don't forget to wear some over-sized black shades like these yummy Ballerina sunglasses by Oliver Peoples.