Becca Z. Towery

 

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FLORIDA’S FALL FASHION FORECAST

How to Dress for Fall in Warm Climates

BY BECCA Z. TOWERY

REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE 

The Fall Fashion challenge has come once again for Florida fashionista’s. Dressing for fall in Florida can sometimes prove challenging with our hottest temperatures and highest humidity levels being in September and October. No need to sweat, Just because temps are warm, it doesn’t mean we need to miss out on the fun fall trends altogether.

For my readers, who live in Florida, where it will be a long time before the thermometer will dip, I wanted to share some tips and trends you can embrace this fall even though it is still hot. With a little creativity, you can embrace the best of fall without breaking a sweat (literally). It’s all about adapting the trends. Too hot to wear a leather jacket? Try a pair of leather shorts or a skirt instead. Flannel shirts got you “glistening”? Try tying one around your waist or finding a similar pattern in some material other than flannel.

If there’s one item I gravitate toward every time I go fall shopping, it’s sweaters. But sadly for me, my collection has been tucked away anxiously awaiting temps to drop. And so, I bring out my pullover. I love how this top has the pullover sweater feel without fully committing to long sleeves. To keep the look warm weather-appropriate, pair it with high-waisted cutoff jean shorts. Lastly, finish the look with the ever-popular fall ankle boot, and add key accessories like a pendant necklace, a snake ring, tortoiseshell sunnies, and a flannel-inspired backpack.

Being from a cold-weather climate, there’s one thing I don’t miss wearing now that I live in Florida – tights day in and day out. With that being said, why not go bare-legged while wearing a dress, especially one in a fall color scheme. Pair it with a jean vest that will add extra dimension to the look (like a jacket would) without adding on too much bulk and heat. Finish the look with dainty jewelry, a peep toe ankle boot and — my favorite fall beauty trend -a bright red lip.

The sporty look is another trend that has recently been gaining a lot of popularity this fall. With a baseball tee-inspired top, a baseball cap with leather details, and oxblood studded sneakers, you will be well on your way to emulating this trend for yourself. And if it’s too hot to wear a camouflage shirt, try tying it around your waist. (This is totally okay to do.) Bonus: if it does cool off after sunset, you’ll be prepared. Complete the look with some art deco-inspired statement earrings and a simple bracelet.

For another fall look, bring in a leather piece. I like the idea of choosing a leather skirt in place of shorts this fall because there is less skin-to-material contact. Pair the look with a top that demonstrates fall’s take on printed florals. Lastly, some dainty statement earrings, a stand-out cocktail ring, and burgundy loafers add feminine details to the look, while a metallic bag keeps that urban feel alive.

Real Style challenges you to putt some looks together that embrace an autumn attitude. Keep cool and look fashionable this fall!

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ACCESSORIZE . ACCESSORIZE . ACCESSORIZE . THE SENSORY INTUITION WAY

BY BECCA Z. TOWERY

REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE 

As we move into 2016 we are all wanting to freshen up our wardrobes. My REAL Style readers, I have just three words for you … “Accessorize, Accessorize, and Accessorize”!

Nothing updates a wardrobe or changes a look of an outfit more than a few chunky chains and bracelets, a hip belt, a colorful handbag or a pair of this season’s most fashionable shoes. Instead of spending a lot of money on outfits every season, you are better off buying some classic pieces, and then setting them off with some wow fashion accessories, which will say much more about your own personal style than clothes ever will. Accessories, far more than clothes, allow you to transform yourself and nurture your inner fashion chameleon. Our shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, belts and bags say much more about where we are in our lives or where we’d like to be. We accessorize to personalize our look, draw attention to ourselves, and to create an impact image. Accessories add interest, enables personal expression, and can further your figure flattery goals. They provide texture and polish to an outfit. With the right accessories an outfit will stand out.

A personal note to all you Fashionista’s who suffer with joint and back pain, like myself ── There are risk factors associated with long term use of heavy handbags, high heels and tight/heavy Jewelry. However, please take note ─ there are stylist accessories available that will help us all look fashionable without compromising our health in the New Year. I am so grateful for Fashionista’s like Kimberly Burns, Occupational Therapist and founder of Sensory Intuition.

While specializing in Wellness & Pain Management, Kim sees women every day who struggle with putting their health before their personal Style. I know this might sound strange to those of you who have never had to sacrifice your personal style/fashion for your personal health. I was surprised by how important my own Personal Style was to me following a fall in March that resulted in a multi – level cervical fusion leaving me feeling like the “Bionic Women” with 8 titanium screws & 4 plates holding my neck together. Now I find myself, “a Fashion Stylist who is having to sacrifice my LOVE for beautiful high heels, large statement jewelry and handbags for my health”.

REAL Style reader’s ── I’m here to tell you, Kimberly Burns has come to our rescue with jewelry & clothing modifications that will not sacrifice our personal style. She has combined STYLE, CREATIVITY and EROGONOMICS in the design of her fashionable posture purses and adjustable light weight jewelry, known as “KB Designs”. KB Design Lines Custom Jewelry creates and designs custom jewelry using quality beads and findings to bring you a beautiful piece that will accent any outfit. You can choose from a variety of chains and specialty findings that Kim has collected or she can design and hunt for that perfect charm or finding that’s just your style! And most importantly jewelry is light weight, expandable and the magnetic clasp is great for those of us who have chronic pain or arthritis in our fingers.

Kimberly Burns with her Posture Purse

I am most excited about Kim’s stylish “Posture Purses” (as shown here). The Posture Purses are going to help me update my existing wardrobe, personalize my look, add interest, enable my personal expression, and will reduce stress to my shoulders and posture by utilizing a light weight, around the waist design. By reducing what I carry and utilizing my core/center of gravity, I will have better posture and less pain without sacrificing my personal style. Thank You Kim for helping all “Fashionista’s” stay healthy & fashionable!

Kim Burns is making accessorizing easier! For your custom modification of your own personal stylish small posture purse or expandable magnetic clasp jewelry contact Kimberly Burns at (215) 499-0444.

 

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THE COLOR OF YOU

BY BECCA Z. TOWERY

REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE 

As a Fashion Stylist/Image Consultant I specialize in Personal Style Concepts. What is Personal Style? “It is the triumph of individual style. It’s all about you, the very special and unique you. It’s about finding your own natural style, the look that best compliments your personality and lifestyle.”

Personal Style is not just about what to where, but how to wear it. Style, Fit and Color is key for creating a personal style that best represents your qualities, attributes, and self-confidence.

In this REAL Style issue I would like to talk about the importance of COLOR, because identifying your true color palate is a very important aspect of defining your personal style. Did you know color has the power to enhance or detract from your personal appearance, to lift or depress the spirit, and to carry messages to others?

“Red Blooming Flower”

It’s true, color has a psychological impact on the person viewing it. RED – commands power and energy. It’s the color of creation and promotes vitality, passion, warm hearts, love and caution. BLUE – expresses serenity and peace. It’s the color of happiness. It manifests pleasure, joy, serenity and good fortune. YELLOW – radiates harmony and calmness. It symbolizes perfection and has a stimulating effect. GREEN – is resurrection and represents life, hope, renewal, pleasantness and peace. PURPLE – expresses power and creativity. It represents majesty. ORANGE – conveys a confident and outgoing nature. It represents health, wholeness and the heart meeting the mind in perfect balance. BLACK – is the absence of all colors. It prevails a sense of sinister, a certain mystery, the unknown and the unseen. It may provoke a depressive effect of sadness, while WHITE – is the color of light and conveys a pleasurable feeling of virginity, purity and heavenly peace.

“Riding Day”

Color awareness will definitely enhance your appearance. In the correct tone of color your eyes will sparkle and blemishes and wrinkles will seem less noticeable. You will look rested and assured of yourself. COLOR not only can change your look, it can change your outlook. Just ask Stacey Goes, the “Artist of Color”. No one knows more about COLOR than Stacey. The dominant force in Stacey’s work, no matter what the medium, is color, as shown here in her paintings titled “Red Blooming Flower & Riding Day.” Using a primary color palette, images appear organically through her delicate manipulation of paint and change with the natural light of day. Stacey paints with “Riding Day” passion. Words cannot describe her paintings; her paintings are an expression of what she may be feeling at the time and represented with color. Stacey states “color is something that you can sense, feel and appreciate in its true value.” Sparking Imaginations and inspiring creativity in others is Stacey’s greatest elation. She continues to teach color theory and mixing to aspiring artists of all ages. If a picture is worth a thousand words, Stacey has composed an epic novel through her work, which is currently showing at Collectors Wall Fine Art Galleries, 3800 South TamiamI Trail, Sarasota, FL.

Stacey Goes reminds us in her paintings to “surround ourselves with the colors we love.” Let’s all take Stacey’s advice and create a Personal Style with COLOR. I encourage you to take the first step toward creating your best image through the use of color. Contact me for a color analysis. The knowledge that you will gain will help you to enhance your natural good looks by selecting a wardrobe and makeup that harmonizes with your unique coloration. “Wearing the correct colors will change your appearance and simplify your life!

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Stacey Goes

 

 

 

 

 

THE FIT OF YOU

BY BECCA Z. TOWERY

REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE 

In the last REAL Style issue I shared a Personal Style Concept, “The COLOR of YOU”, specifically the importance of Color, as color has the power to enhance or detract from your personal appearance, to lift or depress the spirit, and to carry message to others.

This issue I would like to share Personal Style Concept, “The FIT of YOU”, specifically the importance of FIT, as it is not just about what to where, but how to wear it. Take note: Style, Fit and Color are all key elements for creating a personal style that best represents YOUR qualities, attributes, and self-confidence.

I want my REAL Style readers to know apparel that enhances and flatters you is vital to your having an adequate wardrobe. Keep in mind, few of us have a perfect, well-proportioned body, but clothing can help create that illusion. For problem figures, or figure problems, identifying the problem is the first step toward solving it. Basic measurements are helpful, but even more important are body proportions when compared to the standard or ideal.

Did you know? Figure types are usually categorized as tall/thin, tall/heavy, short/thin, short/heavy, and average, based on the cultural ideal for women of 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing between 120 to 135 pounds. The well-proportioned figure is visually balanced with half the body height above the hip and half below. Shoulder width should be the same or slightly wider than the hips; bust and hip circumferences measure the same, with waist 10″ smaller, and waistline should be slightly lower than halfway between shoulders and bottom of the derriere. Other proportions to check are neck length, bust size and location, thigh and arm sizes, shape of tummy, shoulders, and back, and head position. You can judge your proportions with nothing more than a full-length mirror and an open mind.

There are also five basic body types to consider. Triangular, hips are larger than shoulders; Inverted Triangular, shoulders are larger than hips; Rectangular, balanced hips and shoulders-lean; Apple Shaped, balanced hips and shoulders-round; Hourglass, this type on women is also called shapely (an example is Marilyn Monroe).In addition to shape height is also a consideration: Petite Height, under 5’3”; Medium Height, 5’3” – 5’7”; and Tall, above 5’7”. If you are petite choose the shortest, narrowest, and smallest styles. Wear monochromatic colors to give the illusion of one long line. If you are average, choose medium or classic styles. If tall choose the longest, widest styles. Shop for clothes that fit your proportions.

Let’s not forget the “Effects of Lines”, as well because lines are the key for creating an illusion of a nearly perfect body, though color and texture can also help. Lines in garments are created through silhouette, construction details, trim, color, accessories, or other means. In making these comparisons, remember that nobody is perfect. Your purpose is to identify where or whether you may need to create visual illusions through clothing design. Note the influence of lines on these figures:

Figure 1 – Lines that carry the eye up the figure without interruption will give a taller, thinner look.

Figure 2 – Lines that carry the eye horizontally or side to side across the figure will give a shorter, wider look.

Figure 3 – Lines that change directions cause the eyes to stop or pause and call attention to the point of change.

Figure 4 – The sooner the eye meets a horizontal line, the shorter the figure appears.

Figure 5 – Widely spaced vertical lines draw the eye across the body, adding width instead of height.

I encourage you to take the first step toward creating your best image through the proper fit of clothing. Contact me for a Wardrobe/Fit Consultation. The knowledge that you will gain will help you enhance your style by selecting a wardrobe that best fits your body type. Wearing the correct lines of clothing will change your appearance and give you the confidence to look your best!

I look forward to bringing you the next REAL Style issue: Personal Style Concept, “The STYLE of YOU”!

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RAZZLE – DAZZLE STYLE

Tis The Season To Be Glamorous!

BY BECCA Z. TOWERY

REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE 

Deck the Halls with party dresses and shoes Fa La La La La … La La La La! Are you ready REAL Style readers for continuing the festive Party Season? Trends are glamourous this season and you are going to shine bright. Sure, a Little Black Dress or Le Smoking Suit is always on par for the party scene, but who says party dressing has to be so cut and dry. I’ve got just the look for switching it up this season — getting glammed-up just got a whole lot more fun and festive.

Finally, the Most Figure-Flattering Party Dresses for every shape this season. There’s a chic cocktail look for every shape. Take a cue from the red-carpet style stars of 2015: from Sienna Miller, who never lets a pretty dress overwhelm her petite frame, to Serena Williams, whose toned form requires no extra frippery. Hourglass shapes who hold Beyoncé as their guiding light should follow suit with dresses that are body-con and figure-skimming, while those long-and-lean Taylor Swift types can rely on a column to highlight their height. Curves can be made dangerous or black-tie-dinner-ready if you follow Adele’s lead. Above, my favorite party dress.

I’m so excited about Party-Ready Shoes that Kick-Start our wardrobe. When it comes to your party–circuit wardrobe, building your look from the ground up has surprising sartorial benefits—not to mention the leg-lengthening advantages of certain vertiginous stilettos. Festive shoes are about sophistication, not snobbiness, and the most refreshing options for this season play with color, embellishment, and texture, injecting new life into the most tried-and-true party frock. Better still, you’ll be wearing the more versatile among these well after the holidays.

What do you say we ditch the clutch this season! I have opted for an evening bag with a strap instead. The long chain is essential when you want to go hands-free. Simply sling it over your shoulder or carry it cross-body style. Best of all, they go with everything from a velvet tuxedo to an evening gown.

Want to take your go-to party dress to the next level (I’m talking jaws on the floor)? Of course, you do. So, go ahead and add some Razzle – Dazzle pieces of jewelry, shoes, and bags. Before heading off to your party, add that festive sparkle and shine to your look.

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG

Look Fresh And Hopeful For The Spring Season Of 2017

BY BECCA Z. TOWERY

REAL EXCLUSIVE MAGAZINE 

IT’S officially spring and it is now time for rejuvenation and fresh-starts. I’m not saying that you should completely rehaul your wardrobe, but there is no better time to rejig your style and shed the weight of last year’s faux pas after 2016’s final curtain. All of your chunky knits, parkas, fluffy socks and darkest colours should be stored away to make room for the lighter pieces, both in weight and colour. Down with dull and drab, up with fresh and zesty!

Spring is the transitional period, the time of year where we have the opportunity to start anew and reinvent ourselves. Think light fabrics: cotton, poplin, merino, and other soft and supple materials. Patterns add much-needed colour to your outfit – think floral, paisley, camo, tattersall, flecked, and heathered, – but beware of overdose; no one wants to look like a peacock.

“REMEMBER THAT COLOUR IS A VITAL PART OF A SPRING WARDROBE;
IT’S A SEASON OF NEW LIFE AND VIBRANCY.”

Springtime in 2017 is all about that vibrancy and the colour! Your clothes can reflect this perfectly and correspond to the mood and shades of the season ahead. If all else fails pastels are your best friend. As spring is balanced on the edge of winter and summer, balance is the key to your outfits. Balance pastels with reliable neutrals like grey, beige, and stone. Khaki is seeing a resurgence, which is good news as it’s so versatile, viable for professional looks or more of a street style flavour.

It’s time to Shop for spring 2017 fashion trends There are tons of totally wearable—looks that you can get our hands on. Let’s take a peek at my three (3) favorite spring fashion trends for some outfit ideas, and start planning and plotting our style for spring 2017.

One Shoulder
The spring 2017 fashion trends have an answer to this summer’s off-the-shoulder phenomenon: the one-shoulder top or off -the-shoulder dress like shown here. The options range from ’80s-inspired to deconstructed shirting.

Vibrant Stripes
You’ll find stripes this spring season, but I remember the last time they were this bright and bold. They’re especially fresh in the form of a knit dress.

Romantic Patchwork
We saw florals for fall and we were convinced the look was anything but hippie dippy. Which is why I am very happy to see them return for spring in the form of floaty dresses at labels like No. 21 (with sequins no less) and Rag & Bone.

My REAL Style readers ── Spring has Sprung! Be bold and experiment with different styles and aesthetics. This is the season to look fresh and hopeful!