By: Katrina Kinney
Do you have a memory of something your grandparents said often to you? For me, I can still hear my Nema saying, “never leave home without putting on lipstick, earrings, and clean underwear.” To this day I still laugh at the last one. I had two grandmothers, and both were fashionistas in their day. Both had a classic style with a flare of their own. One wore nothing but dresses made from printed fabric with button-down tops, and elastic at the waist; both belt and buttons were covered in the same fabric as the dress. The other, Nema- she was all about her solid suits that consisted mostly of ¾ length sleeves with matching skirts and pants, or petal pushers as she called them. She also had sheath dresses and tank tops of various colors and fabric types, which she intermixed on a daily basis. Her shoes hung on the inside of her closet doors, necklaces hung on the wall by her full-length mirror, and jewelry boxes held her earrings and bracelets. Unless Nema was sick, she was always dressed and ready for the day, even if it was a day at home.
Classic style with dramatic flare describes my style perfectly. My flare often comes from the pop of bold color, either in my styling piece or my accessories. However, I like to suggest that you too have a classic style. Open the doors to any women’s closet, and you will find black, white, and blue. All are considered classic colors, and they play well with other colors and/or prints. Do you have these colors in pants, skirts, dresses, tops or jackets? I see you nodding your head. Yes, we all do.
Let’s talk about skirts for all styles. The pencil or straight skirts will be replacing some of our favorite pants this spring. They tend to emphasize the best parts of your body while being comfortable and ladylike. Pencil skirts have a tailored cut with a timeless look, making it, too, a classic piece. The fabric in which they are made will determine the flare, either by being dramatic, casual, boho or romantic. You can wear them for work, dress them up for a special occasion or date night; and dress them down for a casual look.
Looking to add color for your flare this year? Consider incorporating the Pantone color, Living Coral. She will play well with your classic colors while mixing well with turquoise, tan and gray.
Statics say that going around frumpy makes you grumpy! Be like Nema- get up, get dressed, and put on your lipstick and earrings. Now look in the mirror and smile, for that is your best accessory!
Katrina Kinney is Personal Fashion Stylist and Wardrobe Consultant since 2000. She attended St. Johns River Community College, and has taken courses in both business and fashion design. In 2008, she started coordinating spring fashion shows informing audiences of upcoming styles.
Katrina transplanted to Goose Creek, SC from in 1993 with her husband David and 3 children. She married her high-school sweetheart in 1983, raised 3 children and is currently a proud “MaMaw” of 6 grandchildren. Contact her at: katrinadavid.mypremierdesigns.com or katrinalovnherjewels@gmail.com