October 16th Guest of Honor – Susan Kanoff, Fashion Coach!
Who doesn’t love clothes?
Who doesn’t love shopping?
Who doesn’t love SHOES?
Who doesn’t love looking her best in jeans or a cocktail dress?
Ladies – I am so pleased to introduce you to my friend, sister stepmom, and Fashion Coach, Susan Kanoff!
About Susan
With a passion for fashion and a natural flair for style, Susan has the innate ability to create fabulous outfits for women of all shapes and sizes. In addition to her work wardrobing private clients, Susan participates in fashion events for women’s clothing stores and boutiques and frequently runs fashion clinics for local groups and organizations. Susan also styles for television including New England Cable News (NECN) and PBS. Susan’s background in social work provides her with an in-depth understanding of women’s issues relating to self-esteem and body image. Her warmth, sensitivity, and positive energy make her the perfect partner for a wardrobe make-over.
Susan recently branched out to also work with men on their wardrobes and is a Style Advisor for J. Hilburn Men’s Clothier, custom made luxury shirts and apparel.
“Susan Kanoff will change your life. Change the way you feel about yourself, the way people see you and think about you, and you’ll feel lucky to have her.” ~ Author and Television Personality — Vicki Constantine Croke
Here’s your chance to ask Susan what to wear, what not to wear, and if that purse goes with those shoes. Or, just talk to Susan about being a stepmom! One lucky stepmom who shares her biggest fashion oops will receive a little something special from me – it’s a surprise!
Grab your coffee or your tea and let’s talk FASHION!
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Good morning Susan!
Here’s my question – what would you say to the stepmom who won’t think about fashion because she’s not the size she wants to be? What advice do you have?
Good morning Peggy & everyone! First of all thanks for having me as a guest on SM’s Toolbox! I’m so happy to be blogging with you today.
For those women who don’t think about fashion because they are not at their target weight, my advice is to dress & love the body you have NOT the body you want! The main thing is to know your body shape and which styles are the most flattering on you. Looking great really isn’t about being fashionable or trendy. it’s about how your clothes make YOU look & feel. Looking great is about dressing YOUR body, not a mannequin’s or a runway model’s. It’s also about boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem. I know for myself, when I love what I’m wearing, I carry myself differently & I feel more confident and assured. There is a huge connection between what we wear and how we feel so take the extra time and invest in yourself!
One last thing, there is also a connection between dressing well and staying motivated to lose weight. So for those of you who are on a weight loss plan DON’T hide your body in big/baggy clothes which will end up making you feel sloppy and unmotivated. Instead, wear flattering styles that show your shape–you may end up shedding the pounds more quickly
—
Good Morning Susan!
How do I know if a color looks good/bad on me?
Shirley Cress Dudley
Hi Shirley!
Thanks for your question!
Some wardrobe stylists use the “seasons” method of figuring out flattering colors, but I don’t happen to like it because I feel it limits us to certain color palettes. Many of my clients think that they can’t wear a color because they’ve been told it’s not in their season. However subtly different shades of that color may actually work for them! So, my method is this–put the color up to your face, or better yet, on you. Ask yourself these questions: 1. Does this color wash me out or make me glow? 2. Does the color compliment my eyes, hair and skin tone? 3. Is the color so bright that is distracting? (not good!)
Also keep in mind that if you’re trying to downplay a part of your body it’s best to go with a darker or more muted color as it will draw less attention to that area. For example, if you are very big busted, softer or darker colors will minimize your bust–chocolate brown, black, charcoal gray, cranberry, teal etc. are great vs. fuchsia, orange, bright red, etc. It’s the same on the bottom. If you’re a little bottom heavy (or pear-shaped) darker pants will minimize your hips and thighs.
Use color to your advantage not to your disadvantage. I’ve seen some fabulous outfits on women but because the colors were not flattering on them, the whole look was ruined. If you’re determined to wear a certain color but you know it’s not one of your best, add it as an accessory. Yellow is a difficult color for most women to wear, but a yellow handbag can work for just about everyone.
Have fun and experiment with color!
Great tip! Thanks Susan.
Hi Sue,
I’ve lost weight over the past two years and need to update my wardrobe. My old wardrobe had a lot of blacks and grays. I’m now more drawn to browns and greens. How do I integrate these new colors? Do I start with slacks or tops first? Thanks!
Ginny
Hi Ginny,
Great question! First of all you should make sure that your clothes are the right style and size for your new shape! I find that many women who lose weight still tend to gravitate towards their old styles & buy their clothes on the big side since they’re used to wearing looser clothing.
I love that you’re adding color to your wardrobe! Browns and greens are great but explore other colors too—shades or purple, blues, turquoise, etc. Always start with pants in neutral colors to build off of since they’ll go with everything. Best pant colors are charcoal, brown, beige, black, and of course great jeans!
Add color in your tops or in jackets & cardigans. I also love the concept of color blocking which is
layering different shades of the same color. For example a tank or tee in lighter shade of purple with a darker plum cardigan over it. Don’t forget that you can take a monotone outfit (say black pants and a charcoal gray top) and punch some color in with shoes, a great handbag, a scarf or jewelry.
Congrats on your weight loss and have fun with your clothes!
Susan
Fantastic suggestions…thank you, Sue!
Hi Susan,
I am an over 30 year old woman, mom to a 12 year old, stepmom to a 13 year old and a soon-to-be mom to another child, but there’s a problem…I look 16! The braces that I recently go don’t seem to be helping much. I am not a fashion whiz by any means and wonder if I am choosing clothes that make me look younger. I am very thin and admittedly shop in the junior department, but am in search of a more sophisticated style. Can you help me figure out what that is??? I really need some help!
*Kela*
Hey Susan: I keep seeing all these great sweater coats, but because I’m petite I think maybe they’ll just swallow me up. Are sweater coats just for tall women?
Vicki
Hi Susan,
I need revamp my wardrobe but I’m on a very limited budget. Do you have any tips? I get very intimidated by clothes shopping and tend to buy the wrong things, just to get out of the store!
Thank you,
Nicole
Hi Kela,
Thanks for the question. I share your fashion frustration as I am also very thin and it does make shopping for clothes challenging!
First of all, let’s figure out your personal style. What kinds of clothes do you need and what type of look do you want to project? Are you a stay-at-home mom or a businesswoman? This will determine the stores you should shop in and what you need to have in your closet. Let’s say that for the most part you need fairly casual clothes. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Since you are thin, choose clothes that are form-fitting since anything too big and baggy will make you look lost.
2. Learn to layer pieces to get a more “adult” sophisticated (but still young)look.
Cardigans and jackets will add polish to even a simple tee shirt and jeans.
3. Once in a while, you can find a cute top in the junior department but for the most part, you should be shopping in a “womens” store. Check out Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, J. Crew, Tristan and New York & Co.
All of these stores have smaller sizes starting a size 0 (00 can even be ordered on-line at Loft).
4. Pants: Go with a straight leg or slight bootcut pant. Stay away from wide legs or bell bottoms.
5. Skirt and dress length for the most part should be to the knee or above. Skirts that are too long will overwhelm you.
5. Think proportions! Look for clothes that have structure, simple lines and watch patterns. When you are thin you have to be careful of clothes that have too much going on—too many ruffles, too much big pattern etc. Without seeing a picture of you, I think that you will be better off going with more simple/structured clothing that doesn’t overwhelm your small frame. Here are some links for ideas. Notice all the outfits are cut close to the body.
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=4556&N=1200024&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=246&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_246&loc=TN
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/outfit.jsp?ensembleId=4514&N=1200024&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=246&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_246&loc=TN
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=22043&N=1200059&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=1720&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_1720&loc=TN&defaultColor=Medium%20Brown%20Melange&defaultSizeType=Regular
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~20379/20379.jsp
http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/WomenBrowse/Women_Feature_Assortment/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR~20633/20633.jsp
One more suggestion…try leggins with a longer belted sweater and boots. Very cute!
Have a wonderful day!
Susan
Hi Vicki!
Great to see you on! There are lots of sweater coats and cardigans in the stores this season, however not all of them are the right lenth for petite women. As I mentioned to Kela, think proportions when you shop for clothes. You can pull off a slightly longer sweater coat as long as it’s form fitting and you wear a little heel (boots would be great). Also, look for sweater coats in the petite section—they will be cut a little shorter and should fit better.
Here are some great sweaters for you:
Not a sweater coat but a great sweater for petites!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3060998/0~2376776~2374327~6002273~2382143?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2382143&P=1
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3036745/0~2376776~2374327~6002273~2382143?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2382143&P=1
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3026893/0~2376776~2374327~6002273~2382143?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2382143&P=1
Susan
Hi Nicole,
A great looking wardrobe does not have to be expensive! Here are some tips for you:
•Check out consignment shops: You can often find “barely worn” or even new pieces of clothing at a thrift shop (including Goodwill!).
•Don’t be a clothes snob—there are many great discount stores that have fabulous clothes and accessories. Target is a great place to shop—the Isaac Mizrahi and Mossimo lines have both fashionable and affordable pieces.
•Take stock of your closet. What can you add to your current wardrobe to update it? Perhaps a scarf or funky necklace will give your plain black dress a new look.
•Have a clothing swap. Ruster up a group of friends who wear a similar size and have a clothes exchange. If your friends vey in size, have an accessory exchange and swap handbags, scarves and jewelry.
•Buy basic pieces of clothing in neutral colors for versatility.
•Barter! Don’t be afraid to ask for a markdown if there is a stain, tear, or some other slight defect. Also, at stores like Marshall’s and TJ Max, check to make sure clearance items have been properly marked down. On several occasions I have double checked the mark down only to find out that the salesperson didn’t price the item correctly.
•Sell your clothes. Bring your old clothes and accessories to a consignment shop and make some money off of what you’re not wearing.
•Return anything that you’re not wearing that you have the tags and/or receipts for. Many stores will give store credit for unworn items.
•Don’t buy anything that you don’t love or isn’t the correct size. It’s a waste of money.
•Bargain shop. The stores are also hurting right now and sales are everywhere. Scour the clearance racks for great deals (remember, only if you love it though!). Ask the salesperson if she/he has any coupons that might apply to your purchase.
•Get on your favorite store’s e-mail list to receive coupons and notifications of sales.
•Don’t buy on a whim!
WOW!!! Thank you very much, Susan! That information was super helpful. Now I know what to look for. I love all the stores that you mentioned, but just never really knew/know what to get when I go in. Now I do.
Thanks again for your help!
*Kela*
You’re very welcome Kela! Good luck with your wardrobe and let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Hi Susan – I was just reading your blog. How I get in touch with you for custom Tailor shirts for my husband?
Hi Yem…thanks for asking! I am also a style advisor for J. Hilburn, a new men’s clothier.
You can visit the website at http://www.jhilburn.com and also contact me at susan.kanoff@jhilburn.com
to set up a fitting or to order a gift certificate (GREAT gift idea!)
Have a great weekend!
Susan
Hi Susan,
I’m a curvy woman and often have a hard time fitting into jeans. I’m not a size 10 because those are too small but I’m not a size 12 because those are too loose. I’m also fairly short, so the jeans I have always seem to be so long. SOS!
-Margret
I am so clueless I don’t even know what question to ask – thanks for being on here – I am learning a lot reading the questions of others and your answers.
Hi Margaret!
You are not alone–so many women struggle with jeans! When you’re in between sizes it can be even more challenging to find the right fit. Because you are curvy the most important place for your jeans to fit well is in the hips and thighs…waist and length are easy alterations. You should look for mid-rise jeans with either a straight (but not pencil straight) leg or a bootcut. Here are some of my favorite jeans for curvy ladies:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=393784002&tid=onfr1r
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3031697/0~2376776~2374325~6023266?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6023266&P=1
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3063709/0~2376776~2374325~6004986?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6004986&P=1
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3062837/0~2376780~6009391~6014956~6014960~6017962?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6017962&P=1
Not Your Daughter’s Jeans have fabulous tummy control and come in petites sizes!
Susan – thanks SO much for sailing the ship today! I’m home for an hour before the next event today…
My question: Do you know where I can bring my “fancy” dresses for consignment? Do you know anyone? These are dresses that have been worn once – and will most likely never be worn again…
Hi Jamie,
Tell me a little about your body shape and lifestyle and I will be happy to pass along some advice to you
Susan
Hi Peggy,
This has been a blast! What a great group of women!
Yes, I know of several consignment shops in the area. There is a new one in
Andover called Chic Consigment on Main Street that takes designer clothing (also brands like Ann Taylor & Banana Republic too).
There is also The Mercantile in Andover and Second Time Around at the Burlington Mall (2nd floor near Sears).
Hope you’re having a great day!
Susan
Susan – I LOVE all the tips and advice..particularly about jeans, being short and curvy and not quite this size or that size! I’m like a perfect size 8 1/5…or a 9.75…or sometimes a 10. Just depends on the cut.
Peg–a tailor will be your best friend. Let me know if you need a recommendation.
Thank you for having me on today. I really enjoyed blogging with everyone.
Visit my website at http://www.agreatnewlook.com to learn more about my services.
Tomorrow I will be at Thirty Petals 34 Leonard Street in Belmont, MA from 10-3
for a fashion event. Come visit and I will help you select clothes!
Monday night 10/19 at 7:00 p.m. launches my new radio show The Clothes-Line on Diva Toolbox
http://www.divatoolbox.com/diva-toolbox-radio-/hosts/1978-susan-and-dayanne-the-clothesline-.html
You can call in for more fashion advice! Hope to hear from you!
Have a wonderful weekend and happy shopping
Susan
Thank you Susan!!
Ladies – check back in on Monday when I announce today’s winner and don’t forget – we have Jacquelyn Fletcher, author of “Becoming a Stepmom” as our Guest of Honor!