Oh, you know I’m joking. After more than a year of virtual meetings, you might be thinking about getting your wardrobe prepped for fall.

Clients I have talked to say the dress code has changed in recent months, and a less formal look is needed. I say this new look should be refined and comfortable. Make it look easy and relaxed with a bit of structure somewhere in the outfit.

When you are meeting in person your personality and style can be easily detected. When you are behind a computer screen, things get magnified and not always in the best light, so purchase a good desktop ring light. If you have a window in the room that you are working in, be sure the light is coming from in front of your computer, shining natural light on you. You don’t want the light coming from behind you.

Virtual calls require a mostly solid look. Wearing a stripe can be too distracting, as is a large bold print. A little contrast is good, but keep it simple. Just as if you were in person, wear what best represents you. Your clothing should not detract from what you are saying.

When you have meetings in front of a computer all day it can be draining. The good news is you only have to dress half of your body. When considering what to wear, think about it as if it were a headshot photo shoot.  The color you wear and accessories do make a difference. Putting a little thought into what you wear shows that you care. It can be a balancing act between a relaxed, yet professional outfit.

For women, try wearing denim on top. This denim dress is a great choice. The modified puff sleeve is on trend and looks sharp for work or going out.

A pop of color and some fun texture in this little top make it perfect for a Zoom meeting.

This navy knit has just the right amount of ribbing to make it interesting.

Buying the basics is not always as exciting as buying statement pieces – a solid collared shirt is timeless and seasonless.

A simple look with this vest will transition into fall.

For the men a 1/4 zip seems to be the new norm for replacing a shirt and tie. If a dress shirt feels a bit too formal in these more casual times, try a performance dress shirt, it will provide the comfort without being too casual. Vests are making a comeback for both men and women. Throw one over any long sleeve tee or dress shirt to elevate the whole look.

Creating a professional look that shows off your individual style can be fun. Just look at this knit blazer; it’s all about comfort. A solid tee shirt would also be great under this jacket. How easy is that?

If you really must wear a hoodie, wear a bold, not muted color.

Wearing a shirt under the hoodie makes a statement – no tie needed.

A refined sweater jacket is a classy, yet casual look.

Many of us are dusting off things and quickly finding out that some of the outfits you thought you liked, feel somehow, not right? A bit too formal?  Too loose? Too tight? “Looking good and feeling comfortable” is what clients are looking for. Dressing more casually can mean many things, depending on your work environment. That said, dressing for success will never go out of style.

Fashion is fun, and sometimes a risk-taking adventure. Try something new. Maybe a tie and hoodie are in your future!

Let me help you get your game plan set for fall!

Lynnekehne.com

Lynne@LynneKehne.com

612-708-2244

** Click on Images for Link to Products **

We have all found some comfort in wearing stretchy pants this last year, and “dressing up” has been mostly abandoned. That said, I’m convinced the pendulum will swing back. But how we shop and how we produce fashion in the future, will be forever changed. The large fashion houses are not making as many collections to push out to consumers. They are listening to their customers about how they are shopping and what they are shopping for.

Designers and manufactures are having to be more sustainable and work in a direct-to-consumer market. Gone are the days of designers creating unnecessary pieces and falling under the pressure of retail buyers. The fast-paced fast fashion cycle might be broken. The upside is that we will all benefit as seasonal demands will lessen, therefore making way for designers to go back to designing for body shapes and lifestyle, rather than for an unrealistic demand and over the top runway shows. I guess you could say maybe we’re getting back to basics.

The fashion industry has battled the surplus problem for a number of years, and this last year, thanks to COVID-19, the problem has not improved. Even deep discounting hasn’t helped with the surplus of unwanted inventories. Somehow, manufacturers must find a way to absorb the excess volume through upcycling in creative ways (meaning turning unsaleable mountains of clothing into treasures).

You may have heard the story in 2018 of Burberry burning unsold clothing in order to keep their brand “pure” – or prevent their products from being discounted and possibly cheapening the Burberry brand. Burberry has since joined the Make Fashion Circular Initiative that aims to prevent waste in the industry and support sustainable alternatives to throw-away fashion. Many notable retailers like Nordstrom have signed on to make the fashion world accountable.

Many retailers have gone out of business due to the pandemic in part due to reduced mall traffic and the rise in people working from home. Authentic Brands Group is a company that buys up struggling Iconic retailers including Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, Forever 21, and Barneys New York. ABG brokers deals to license their intellectual property out to other firms for big profits. It will be interesting to watch where these clothing lines will be in the years to come.

So, what is the future of fashion and how will we dress?

First off, I am hoping that malls make a comeback, as that is where I have spent the better part of the last decade!

I do not have a crystal ball and I won’t pretend I can predict what you might be wearing this season. Well ok, I can’t resist! Here are my picks… Tie-dye 2pc loungewear, wider-leg high-waisted crop pants, boxy cardigans, and hands-free fanny packs.

Let’s talk about trends. Have you been listening to the chatter about skinny jeans? Are they on their way out? Trends are often made up by the clothing designers and manufacturers to force a shift in our focus and make us covet a new look. Let’s face it, if something becomes too popular, we grow weary of it and want something new. Being part of a trend gives us a sense of belonging, especially in our social media driven society.

True confession; I wear joggers to fit in. I would much prefer to wear a black fitted ankle pant and a cute sweater. That would be my uniform pre-COVID-19. And as long as I am confessing, I still think that leggings should be saved for yoga classes and Peloton bike rides!

I say trends are just that – trends! Not something to get crazy over, especially in these uncertain times. Some trends are lasting and some flit in and out so fast it makes your head spin. That said, a fine line can be drawn between being fashionable, and wearing outdated looks. Trends are also tied to how we see our place in society; fitting in and feeling like we are a part of something. The good news about trends is that they can become new classics – that’s why it’s important to pay attention, remembering to wear what’s true to your own personal style.

Will we go back to the old days of buying clothing for their good quality and lasting style? Will we want to stop buying disposable fads and count on our own good taste to dictate what we purchase?

It’s hard to believe that we are coming up on a year of wearing sweatpants. I do believe we will go back to dressing up. My husband stumbled upon a pair of dress shoes in his closet, noting that they hadn’t been worn in a year! He was thrilled! I guess it’s hard to tell how quickly we will get back to the office and to our social lives again, but, one thing for sure is I can’t wait!

You might find this story about how department stores can change the landscape of a city interesting:

Macy’s Windy City blues

The department store is closing its Magnificent Mile location in Chicago. Some who remember Marshall Field’s wish it had never arrived.

https://www.retaildive.com/news/macys-windy-city-blues/595578/

Finally, here is a bit of inspiration for those of you heading out of town on a spring break soon!

–Click on images for link–

There is no better time than the present to embrace the outdoors

Well, this time of year I would normally be writing about fall colors and trends. Not this year. I’ve been on my own personal quest to find clothing that will help me to withstand Minnesota temps below 70 degrees. You might think I’m joking, but anyone that knows me can understand how much I hate cold weather. I bet many are tired of hearing me complain that I am cold all of the time. Yes, I’ve had my thyroid checked! I can thank my grandfather for this trait. He would work in his garden on hot, muggy afternoons, in his long pants and a flannel shirt, loving every moment of it, with the rest of the family asking him “aren’t you hot?”

It’s all about wearing layers. I’ve been hearing that for years and evidently not listening. My advice to my clients has always been that comfort is not the key; Come on, we want to look good! I would get a chuckle when I would see my very fashionable Italian neighbor coming out of her house wearing a down jacket in May, as I thought to myself, “Wow, doesn’t she know it’s spring for gosh sakes?”

All of you skiers already know this, you dress for the weather not the season. Call me late to the party, but now I get it!

Here we go, winter gear for the hardy and not so hardy.

Heated Vest

This vest from Ororo has a rechargeable battery that slides into an inside pocket. It will keep you warm hours out on the trail! I bought this last winter and it’s my saving grace for winter walks.

Base layer

Layering is the key to staying warm, and merino wool is the best base fabric; it’s non-itch and breathable. Smartwool is my favorite.

Outerwear

I find a windproof jacket keeps me the most comfortable. If you tend to run hot this might not be the best for you. In that case, choose a down jacket for its flexibility and breathability. New to me is the Killtec brand of ski apparel.

Boots

Bos. & Company boots have ice grip technology soles with a Primaloft and wool lining that keep your feet toasty.

Ice Grippers

This item is not to keep you warm, but safe. These are lightweight, and pull over your tennis shoes or boots for a little extra traction. Who knew I shopped at Fleet Farm? Desperate times call for desperate measures! Truth be told, I shop at Fleet Farm once a year around the holidays to find ice fishing lures for my fishing-obsessed son, and I always seem to find some other useful items as well.

Visit Fleet farm for pull on traction for tennis shoes or boots.

Tights

Hanes footless tights are easy to throw on under jeans, dress pants or sweatpants.

Sweatshirts

Just for fun, try this Vuori sweatshirt from The Foursome. They now are carrying women’s sportswear for the outdoors. Perfect timing, I would say!

Resources:

Smartwool

Bos & Co Boots

Ororo

Fleet Farm

The Foursome

Killtec

Sun Ski and Slope Wayzata

Wishing you all a memorable Thanksgiving! I know I have more blessings in my life than I can count, including all of you!

Do you have your family photo all picked out for your holiday card yet? Did that just send a chill down your spine? If you do have a photo ready, I’m guessing you had a professional photo shoot done recently.

This fall I had the opportunity to connect with Jeannine Marie at Block Portrait Studios. Jeannine had just completed an outdoor photo shoot for my client to use for a magazine cover to be published in December. I had styled the family of five for the wintery shoot in September. Jeannine contacted me about my styling business in hopes that in the future I can team up with her and her photography clients to guide them on how best to prepare for business portraits.

Here is the guest blog I wrote for her website about how to look your best for a business portrait. Of course, Jeannine can help with any type of photography. She will even help you decide what setting is best, depending on where you will display your beautiful portraits in your home. From kids & family to business headshots and branding, Jeannine can help you achieve your portrait goals.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR BUSINESS PORTRAITS | TIPS FROM A TWIN CITIES STYLIST

• BLOCKSTUDIOS2
• SEPTEMBER 29, 2020

We are very excited to welcome Lynne Kehne of Wardrobe Solutions on our blog today! Lynne is a personal stylist in the Twin Cities who helps both men and women look great, save time and money, and conquer closet clutter. Her experience managing retail clothing stores and being a personal shopper led her to launch her own personal shopping and closet consulting business in 2008.

Today, Lynne is sharing with us her best tips for styling your professional business portraits and choosing what to wear.

Lynne’s Tips for What to Wear for Professional Portraits

First off, when selecting an outfit for a headshot or a professional video, keep things understated. The goal is for the viewer to be looking at you and not be distracted by what you are wearing.

With that being said, what you wear is important.

Here are a few guidelines to follow for a stress-free shoot:

·  Wear something you feel your best in. If you feel good, you look good – and that will shine through your portraits. 

·  Wear a rich, solid color that compliments your skin tone. A little contrast is good when deciding what color to wear. A muted or muddy color may wash you out.

·  Wear clothing that fits properly – not too loose or too tight.

Ladies…

·  Avoid front pockets on your blouse.

·  Keep jewelry to a minimum – it must be classic and timeless.

·  For long hair, have a professional blow-out done beforehand.

Men…

· Be sure to have a crisp, collared shirt.

· If wearing a white shirt, be sure to contrast it with a navy, black, or dark charcoal blazer.

· Ties should be a classic with a small pattern that isn’t too bold. 

Now that you know the secrets, we hope these tips will help you as you go through your closet and select your outfit. If you are still struggling to find the perfect outfit, Lynne would be more than happy to help! Visit her website or email her at lynne@lynnekehne.com to learn more about her styling services and closet consultations.

Ready to book your business portraits with Block Portrait Studios?

SCHEDULE YOUR DISCOVERY CALL

We are probably all in the same spot; we need to change things up before fall. Some of us are working from home, some not. A few of you are in the throes of helping someone move to a college campus or a new apartment (as in my case). Whatever is happening, it’s for sure much different than a year ago. Let’s plan for the next season, peek in your closet beyond the 3 outfits you have been wearing since March.

August brings the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – Better late than never!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access

If you haven’t shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, I highly recommend it. You can hop on the Nordstrom website and pre-shop the sale anytime before the sale opens to the general public in stores and online August 13th . Your Nordy Club status determines when you can start purchasing, just add things you want to buy into your wishlist. it’s that easy!

Ok, if that doesn’t sound easy, just fill me in on what you have planned. I know you all have important Zoom meetings, social distancing BBQ’s, nights out at a brewery, or boat rides on Lake Minnetonka this summer. Out of ideas? No problem; I’m working with clients in a new way for the sale. Kinda like a mystery shopper, only I know you all so well. I will shop for 1 hour online and send you my picks and you can decide what to purchase. I provide styling ideas and take care of the returns too!

Here are few things I like from the sale:

These throws are so soft. The perfect pop of color for a chair, sofa or bed!

The best towels money can buy!

Hey guys, are you in need of a new 3/4 zip for a Zoom meeting?

And one final favorite of mine that isn’t at Nordstrom:

Since summer is far from over here is the real deal, no pleather (synthetic leather) here. This Michael Kors leather jacket comes in a few colors, that can be part of your fall wardrobe as well.

Click on photos for link to website

Lynne

612-708-2244