Wardrobe Goals

Is it finally time to shed those layers? Can we really pack-away the parkas? I have to say I’m usually the last one to ditch my turtlenecks this time of year.

Springtime can be iffy in the weather department, so our wardrobes must to be ready for whatever mother nature throws our way. Getting through April looking springy without freezing to death can be tricky. But, with a little planning, you won’t be caught off guard. Just like the weather, spring to summer dressing can be a slow transition. Here are a few simple steps to follow:

1. Make a list of spring/summer events; graduation parties, weddings, showers, weekend getaways

2. Remove heavy sweaters, wool pants and coats from your closet and dry clean them, I highly recommend Mulberry’s Dry Cleaners

3. Move all “spring to summer” and “fall to winter” transitional pieces front and center in your closet and make it a priority to wear them now      

4. Take a bootie, shoe and sandal inventory

5. Keep light colored suede jackets and boots in the rotation for early spring wearing

6. Take out all darker accessories including heavy winter handbags, think lighter and brighter moving forward

Must haves for your Spring wardrobe

Bring on the florals for spring. From active wear to formal wear floral prints continue to be an obsession.

Snakeskin Prints

My personal favorites

This is a gradual tan facial serum that can be used every day to give a little glow to your skin or to keep-up the glow after a beach vacation.

AGOLDE Jeans – frayed hem ankle

This is the perfect time of year to try something new! Instead of making the same old New Year’s resolutions that are oh so tough to keep, how about a new mindset as we start another year.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking in a new way in 2019.

               Cut the Clutter

Declutter a room, entryway, closet, drawer, or cabinet. Having too much “stuff’ can be stressful. If you never take inventory of what you own, it’s hard to see what really makes you happy. Paring down your belongings, and keeping organized spaces in your house can be one of the biggest time savers. Living in less clutter and having designated spots for things can have a calming effect on your mood.

Vow to take 10-20 items out of your wardrobe that you haven’t worn in 2 years. The goal here is to be mindful of what you own and to try and understand the emotions behind why you hold on to things. It can be a literal tug of war if you happen to be a “clothes horse”, yet so want to be a minimalist. Owning fewer items that you cherish can be accomplished.

Marie Kondo has a new Netflix series (I highly recommend) that mirrors her book about cleaning up and decluttering your living spaces. While working with a family that was overwhelmed with too much “stuff” Marie asked, “are these the items that you want to take into your future?” That is such a great question. Buying new things and not getting rid of anything just adds to the confusion. Take a step back and consider wearing and keeping what you love the most.

My philosophy has always been that your closet is a valuable piece of real estate, so what you put in it must justify the space that it takes up.

                  Something New

Post-holiday is a good time to ponder trying something new.

Try a new beauty product; it’s amazing the variety of cosmetics and body lotions you can find that are natural and sustainable. Check out the environmental working group’s site where the group lists and rates hundreds of skincare & beauty products based on toxicity levels. You can look-up what you are currently using and see how it rates. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

I found a body lotion and face cream from “Just the Goods” that are truly natural and very affordable. I highly recommend The vegan lipstick in Sweetheart Rose.

https://justthegoods.net/

https://justthegoods.net/products/vegan-lipstick-by-the-all-natural-face-in-sweetheart

If you love fashion and can’t wait to wear the latest trends (me!!) try Rent the Runway. It isn’t just for special occasion dressing; they offer many work and weekend options too! Explore top designers, newest colors, and hottest styles, your pocketbook and the landfills will thank you.

“Buy less, live more – Inspiration for women ahead of the curve.”

tps://www.renttherunway.com/plans?act_type=top_nav_anon_gated_t3

Proud to be a Pink Partner! This is a cause close to my heart. My mother passed away in 2010 at the age of 70 after a two year battle with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.

 

 

I’m partnering with Park Nicollet Foundation and Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Center to help ensure local women in need access to breast cancer screening. Throughout October, I will donate $25.00 for every “Closet Consultation” appointment booked and the proceeds will benefit the Jane Brattain Breast Center Mammo a-go-go Community Outreach Program. This initiative brings breast health education and no-fee mammogram screening and no-fee diagnostic follow-up into our community.

 

Click here to learn more about the Jane Brattain Breast Center, the Be Pink initiative, or to make a direct contribution: https://www.parknicollet.com/specialtycenters/jane-brattain-breast-center/be-pink

 

Click here to book your closet appointment: LynneKehne.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the latest trends? Where should I shop?

 

These two questions are what clients ask most often, especially while in the midst of a season change. My answers depend on who is asking and what their personal style is. Perusing online Refinery 29 or the Zoe Report online is an excellent way to explore the extreme examples of the current fashion trends. My advice is stay true to yourself while taking cues from new fall trends. Tweak things and incorporate bits and pieces into your wardrobe as each new season hits. Think about trends as inspirations!

 

Crazy color combinations are flooding the fall runways. Watch for chestnut neutral tones paired with neon oranges, yellows and pink. Gotta love Sara Jessica Parker in the neon pink trend…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry, bell sleeves and cold shoulders… As Heidi Klum says, “One day you’re in & the next day you’re OUT!” Seriously, it was a great two year run for these trends. If you already own them, wear them. There is no shame in extending the wearability of a post-trend piece like the cold shoulder, preferably if it’s a print. In regard to sleeves, the hot tip here is look for a subtle puff sleeve as a replacement for the bell.

 

The faux fur trend is on the rise. Remember the teddy bear coat that was everywhere last fall? This faux fur beauty I found from Apparis, and you can see it in person at Melly in the Galleria. I’m obsessed with the animal print coat!

 

Trends:

Animal prints

Plaid blazers

Adidas

 

 

Side stripe track pants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puff sleeve tops – replacing the bell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Graphic vintage tees

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White tops

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorful faux-fur topper -Camel was last year’s color

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handbags in Chestnut

 

 

 

 

Where I Like to Shop

 

Galleria

Melly- Lily Pulitzer, Ecru

H.O.B.O- Cashmere sweaters

Marmi Shoes- Specializes in narrows and extended sizes
InVision- Eyewear (Robert Marc frames)

 

50^th & France

Equation Boutique- Just for fun

Nani Nalu- Beachwear

Luxury Garage Sale- luxury consignment

 

Wayzata

Anthropologie-Statement Tops

Merilou- Tess & Tricia jewelry

North 44- Veronica Beard

Fashion Avenue- Consignment

 

MOA

Nordstrom- Everything

 

North Loop

Statement Boutique- West Coast casual

Lole- Montreal-based casual lifestyle brand cool workout and travel clothes
 

Grethen House- SEA clothing
Key North Boutique- Sustainable fair trade and local
 

Martin Patrick 3-Men’s clothing – If you haven’t been to this awesome men’s clothing and home décor store, you need to run there now! (More on this gem next time.)

 

But don’t go it alone. It’s a wild, exciting fashion world out there and you have me to be your guide!

 

Booking time now for fall appointments.
Click here to book an appointment: LynneKehne.com

 

(Click on pictures for link to products)

 

 

 

 

Can the clothing you wear make you feel more or less confident? Does looking good make you feel good? I believe the answer to both of these questions is yes.

 

Dressing a certain way can boost your attitude and performance. Whether you are leading an important work meeting or spending time out on the golf course, the clothing you choose does matter. When you dress in your “best uniforms” you know you look good and therefore you feel empowered and exude a confidence in the way you carry yourself throughout the day.

 

(Best uniforms are those outfits in your wardrobe that if no one was looking you would wear again and again because you feel your best in them.)

 

We have all had those moments when an unexpected social situation sends you running for cover. The thought that stops you in your tracks is, “why did I wear this today?” Ugh! My advice is to only have your “best looks” hanging in your closet. If it doesn’t make you feel confident, out it goes. So whatever you are holding onto that doesn’t make you feel proud to wear; it’s time to send it back out into the world. It could quite possibly become someone else’s best uniform!

 

I think there is a reason we shop and have the desire to have new clothing. It’s because putting on the right outfit makes you feel like you can do anything!

 

Dawnn Karen is the youngest professor at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. She is a self-described “fashion psychologist”. She defines fashion psychology as, “the study of how color, image and fashion affects human behavior”. Karen is not the first to explore this blending of fashion and psychology. The University of Delaware offers a course called “Social Psychological Aspects of Clothing”, and The London College of Fashion added an undergraduate major in the psychology of fashion last year.

 

In my experience of dressing clients over the years, I have come to realize that some things just don’t change. Clients want to fit into the social norms of dressing and to feel like themselves. My job is to incorporate the current styles with the client’s needs depending on their tolerance for color, trends, social status, and personality. This is where I think the psychology comes in. We are all individuals and carry our own biases whether we heard a negative comment from a mother, father, friend, co-worker or fashion expert. It doesn’t matter who said “you can’t wear that color”, it can stick with us.

 

I think all of this psychology about what we wear and how it affects us does matter. Colors you wear affect how you feel and how others feel about you. Check these insights on the psychology of color, do you have similar feelings when it applies to you?

 

Black is the power color if you need to exude confidence and control. The negative side of wearing black is you can seem too serious or unapproachable.

 

Blue is a color of trust. Most people like blue tones and feel comfortable wearing shades from navy to teal. But, if the tone is too pale it can come across as weak.

 

Red is a color of intensity and it can trigger emotions. If worn during a large group presentation where you need to be the focus, it can be a great color to be the center of attention. At other times its best in small doses if you are in a corporate environment.

 

Wearing high contrast clothing is a sign that you are very comfortable with yourself. Low contrast or wearing muted colors, depending on the situation, can make you appear to be more approachable.

 

I have a vivid memory of my own relating to color from early on in my career. While working as a wardrobe consultant, I was interviewing my potential new client proudly in my chartreuse green linen suit and the client (confidently, in her black suit) says “I hate that color green, no one should wear that hideous color, and I hope you are not thinking of putting that color on me!” Of course I convinced her that not every color or style looks good on everyone and that I knew the chartreuse would definitely be the wrong color for her skin tone, and the rest is history.

 

The bottom line is to wear what makes you feel good in any situation. I’m here to help you find your own personal “best outfits” that are just right for you.

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainable clothing: What is it, and should we care? Can I make an impact?

 

I ask myself this as I scroll through my e-mails from Athleta and Patagonia. What these companies do that’s different, is that they get us consumers to think about our relationship with clothing, and the contrast between fast fashion and purchasing with sustainability in mind; Which at times, seems like an oxymoron.

 

Sustainable clothing refers to fabrics derived from eco-friendly resources, such as sustainably grown fiber crops or recycled materials. It also refers to how these fabrics are made.

 

Sustainable fashion is a “trend” that encourages environmental awareness around the production of clothing to lessen those impacts on the environment. This includes the use of pesticides in growing cotton, the dyes used for various colors, water and waste treatment, and sometimes even packaging. More and more companies are making a commitment to offering sustainable fabrics within their lines of clothing.

 

The average US citizen throws away 70 pounds of clothing each year. The production of new textiles does have an environmental cost. Reusing and recycling can be part of the answer. Many closets have usable, but no longer wanted clothing.  This unwanted apparel could be put back into circulation again by donating, consigning, passing to a friend, or to “Dress for Success”, an organization that provides professional attire for women getting into the workforce. https://twincities.dressforsuccess.org/

These are ways to help with the social sustainability question of what to do with items that are no longer useful to you, and to dispose of them in an ethical way.

 

Patagonia will repair any worn clothing, to keep you in your well-loved jackets and vests longer. The “worn wear’” team can fix about 40 garments a day. Last year they had a truck that toured the country hitting college campuses and engaging students in learning how to fix their own clothing.

 

Fair trade guarantees that the products produced in certain factories take into consideration the well-being of the employees along with the environmental conditions. Companies that commit to these fair trade standards pay a premium to the workers and the workers themselves get to decide how the extra monies are spent. Every worker gets a vote. Some decide to build daycare centers within the factories, set-up scholarship funds or evenly distribute profits to the workers themselves.

 

There are 40 million workers globally that work in the garment industry. It’s a very small percentage of garment producers that are certified fair trade factories. But companies promoting more environmentally, socially, and ethically conscious production and consumption are starting to get attention. One of the companies that are working on changing that is Patagonia. In 2014 Patagonia had only 11 certified fair trade styles to offer its customers, and in 2017 they had over 300 certified fair trade products.

 

Some would say that sustainability and fashion are not compatible considering the fashion industry is known for its churning out “mountains” of the latest trends. The great thing is we all get to make our own decisions. So, take a little time to treasure what you already own and pass on what no longer serves you!

 

To answer my own question; yes, we can be more mindful about how we approach fashion and sustainability. I think awareness is the first step, and change is good even for fashionistas.

 

On that note – check out these cute vegan handbags by Matt & Nat the company name stands for MAT(t)erial  + NATure each lining is made from recycled plastic bags.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegan bag from Melie Bianco!

 

 

 

Nothing welcomes winter and the holiday season like a cozy sweater. This winter it’s all about the sweater!

 

 

 

Its the one item that never goes out of style. A sweater in a layered look is essential for our cold climate. A colorful chenille says you are in for a cozy night at home, while a rich berry wool says its holiday party time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear your “ugly holiday sweater to work” days are more exciting if you put a little thought into it. Of  course, you can always head to Ragstock. But if you want to up your game, Nordstrom has just the look to impress your co-workers at this year’s party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Men – pay attention; this is for you too! There is nothing like a “sharp dressed man” in a sweater (Wait, isn’t that a ZZ Top song?!?). What I’m trying to say, is that a man dressed in a sleek sweater worn alone or with a dress shirt popped under it, looks fabulous!

 

 

 

St. Croix men’s sweaters are handcrafted in the USA. If you are going to grab one sweater and wear it for years, this is the one to get.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The embellished sleeve adds a fresh look to a black sweater. I love black, as it goes with everything… even dark navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping is easy with such a wide variety of styles and price points out there to choose from.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you noticed the ribbed turtleneck is back too? I know, heavy sigh… Here’s the thing, the old ribbed turtleneck sweaters of yesterday were constructed of a heavy cotton fabric that was stiff, especially after a few washings. The natural non-synthetic fabrics of today are mostly made of pima cottons, rayon, and modal (which is made from bamboo). These sweaters claim top spot with their superior softness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wrapping yourself in a beautiful cashmere poncho isn’t a bad choice with a cool cropped wool pant.

 

Let’s be realistic; it gets darn cold in Minnesota in the winter! Go buy yourself a couple nice sweaters to keep warm and enjoy the season! Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the first signs of fall here you may be thinking, “Oh no, I have nothing to wear!” We all tend to cling to our black & grey staples that have been hanging around in our closets for the last few seasons. This fall dressing is a mix of rich colors patterns and fabrics.

 

Top Fall Trends:

 

Velvet          

This year it’s all about velvet; from purses and boots, to dresses and double breasted blazers. Velvet has always been a very traditional fabric, mostly worn in black. But, this season velvet is a day-to-evening staple, modernized this fall by its rich bold colors, and soft, pink hues. So, no excuses, this is the year for velvet!

 

 

 

 

Pattern Boots and Shoes 

If you make one purchase for fall, it should be a pattern bootie or pump. Picking suede for sure says its fall, and you will be right on trend.

 

 

 

 –CLICK ON PICTURES FOR LINKS TO PRODUCTS —

 

 

 

 

Bell Sleeve 

 

Bell sleeves come in many shapes. It can be as subtle or dramatic as you want it to be. Put a bell sleeve sweater or blouse over a fitted pant, and no jacket needed.

 

 

 

 

 

Plaid 

 

Something about plaid screams, “it’s fall!” Add a choker neck detail to make the look more feminine.

 

 

 

 

Plaid pairs with jeans of course, and to dress it up even more, throw on a cashmere cape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seasonless Stripes

If you own a stripe blouse, keep wearing it into the season. A good crisp blouse always looks cool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The “It” Color is Cherry Red

The one color that seems to be everywhere this fall is every shade of red. Wearing red isn’t complicated, so don’t be afraid to add this pop of color into your wardrobe.

 

 

 

Racing Stripe Jeans & High Low Hems 

If you’re tired of your straight skinny’s, the new twists on jeans for the fall are a wide leg crop, the high-low frayed hem, or the racing stripe side seam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With so many new and exciting fall trends, this is the year to put a little more style back in your fall wardrobe. Whether we add a velvet piece, a patterned shoe, or a frayed leg jean, let’s get shopping together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer party season has arrived. Is your “dress wardrobe” ready?

 

The Floral Dress

Floral dresses are here for at least another season, and paying attention to the size of the floral pattern matters.  If you have a smaller frame and are under 5’ 5”, stick with a pattern no larger than the size of your fist.  For those of you with a bit more height, go for it!  A large statement flower is for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark neutral is the perfect backdrop to pulling off any floral on the body. The contrast color against the skin grounds the pattern, so as to not overpower your body shape.

 

 

Remember, the cut and proportion are the most important factors to looking your best. Sometimes a print can get overwhelming even if you are very tall.  If a flower print is just too sweet, think about a dress style that incorporates other just as worthy trends, like the bell sleeve, choker neck, or halter.

 

 

The Lace Dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We all thought that the lace trend had run its course, but think again. Lace dresses in every color are still hot.  The updated style for this season includes a flutter sleeve or the new midi length.  By the way, the midi dress is perfect length (not too long and not too short) to wear with a square heel, ankle strap sandal.

 

Going Bold

 

 

 

Being dramatic means you pick one aspect of the dress that draws attention for fashion sake; and it need not necessarily be body flattering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you pick a solid color it can be a big A-line cut, with a scalloped hem and sleeves.  Or a fitted dress with an extra neck or sleeve detail.

 

The Kimono

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tired of the standard shawl or shrug to slip over your shoulders on a chilly night or in the air conditioning?  Add a silk kimono for a new look that is right on trend. I love these!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Black Dress

Not much needs to be said for the little black dress… everyone needs one!

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Leg

Achieve a smooth sleek leg that is pantyhose free with Sally Hansen. The cream in the tube has a bit more coverage without the smell of a self-tanner. The spray has a little lighter coverage with a pretty shimmer. Bare legs with confidence.   https://www.sallyhansen.com/skin-body/airbrush-legs

 

News

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pre-sale starts July 13^th for cardholders book your appointment with me now.  Sale opens to the general public on July 21^st.

 

 

 

 –CLICK ON PICTURES FOR LINKS TO PRODUCTS —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the comfort of wearing your yoga pants everyday, but don’t always want to look like you are headed to the gym? Having a good mix of athletic clothing and everyday street wear in your wardrobe, and knowing how to style it, is the key.

 

Historically, it hasn’t been cool to wear a tennis shoe with jeans. Trending now is to wear a casual leather or canvas rubber-sole shoe paired with jeans, leggings, or a skirt. It will be obvious you are heading somewhere other than the gym. Adidas, Lululemon, and Alo, are just a few popular athleisure brands to check out.

 

 

Denim on Denim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, denim can be worn with your Adidas. And with all of the embellished jeans, with rips, tears and embroidery, try the denim on denim look; as long as somewhere in the outfit you have lots of texture and color variation. The denims should not match. Dark on the bottom will be the most slimming.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For even more contrast, throw on a colored belt and a bold statement necklace. For a night out, add a bomber jacket and switch out the Adidas for your highest heels.

 

 

 

Bomber Jackets

 

 

Any Members Only fans out there?

 

 

I remember my father-in-law wore a peach Members Only jacket proudly into the 21^st century – Wait! I think he still has it!

 

Admittedly, the bomber jacket has had its ups and downs over the years, but its back with a few new twists. Bomber jackets, if not made of leather, must have a shiny or metallic finish, or some fabulous embroidery, and a wider shoulder (welcome back 1980!). The bomber can be worn with a legging and a feminine blouse, so you get the athleisure comfort but with the cool look of an updated bomber.

 

 

 

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