Meet Bridgette

Bridgette Raes brings out the styles of celebrities, CEO’s and regular women everyday.  She is the president of Bridgette Raes Style Group and author of the book Have to Create the Body You Want. Her witty, down-to-earth advice has made her a sought-after writer, spokesperson and style expert for countless media outlets worldwide.

Bridgette’s style expertise is regularly featured in People StyleWatch, Real Simple Magazine, The Boston Globe, StyleList.com, MSN.com, iVillage.com, and more. Her television appearances regularly include CNN, The Daily Buzz, Good Morning America and well as over 100 appearances on local networks from coast to coast.

In her 20 years in fashion, Bridgette has worked in every area of the industry. She worked in retail fashion while getting her design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology and spent nearly a decade designing every type of clothing price point and product. In 2002, she decided that her expertise would be put to better use showing women how to wear clothing that brings out their own unique style, rather than simply designing it. It was this revelation that inspired her to start Bridgette Raes Style Group.

Bridgette’s book, Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want (Perigee/Penguin 2008) was written to relate to the “everyday woman”, including realistic advice and over 250 photos of real women with real bodies, not professional models.

In addition to her own book,Bridgette has contributed her expertise on image, style and wardrobe management to many other books, including Some Nerve: Lessons Learned While Becoming Brave, by Patty Chang Anker, Tweak It: Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day, by Cali Yost, and Big Career in the Big City: Land a Job and Get a Life in New York, by Vicki Salemi.

As a writer in addition to her daily blog, Bridgette is the current accessories expert guide and writer for About.com and a regular blog writer on the topic of accessories for Wantable.com.  She spent a year as the Fashion Category Expert Writer for Answers.com, worked as the Style Contributor for Vogue Patterns Magazine and  writes regularly for many other print and online publications.

Bridgette lives in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn with her husband, New York City real estate professional Frank Mazzola, and their two rescue cats, Clementine Buttons and Titus Sexyface.

Is Your Style in Crisis Mode

It's so easy to get into a rut with your look. If you've gained weight or gone through a major life situation, or had the kid's schedules to deal with before your own, it can happen faster than you can say frumpy. People often think no one is looking at them, and it doesn't matter how they look. The common thinking seems to be that it's easier to throw on a big t-shirt and some jean shorts and flip flops and walk out the door, than to take the time to look pulled together.

Lack of attention to what you wear and how you put yourself together will age you faster than almost anything. On the other hand, a little attention to yourstyle will take the years off and up the "hot" factor faster and less painfully than anything else available, if you address the key areas. Do you need to update your look? Let's find out.

• Does everything in your wardrobe match perfectly?
• Is extreme comfort the driving force in your look?
• Have you worn the same foundation for years?
• Do you still outline your lips with dark liner or your eyes with cobalt blue?
• Do you wear stockings with sandals or flesh colored pantyhose.
• Have you ever had your teeth whitened?
• Are your skirts too long, covering your great legs?
• Do you wear mostly black, white and beige or just black?
• Do you feel color and pattern are NOT for you?
• Do you hide your curves in shapeless clothing, or wear your clothes too big?
• Do you wear only flats and or man sandals?
• Do you have eyeglass frames from 5-10 years ago or longer?

As you can see there are many things that you may be unaware you're doing that need a little tweaking. So what to do if you recognize yourself on the list? Or if you just know you need to do something but don't know where to start? Let me offer a few suggestions. Decide your highest priority first. Would it be your work attire, or your dating style or your casual off work look that is calling for the most attention? If it's everything then still just pick one focus at first. It's a process.

Once you decide where to start, you have to commit to revamping all the way. A few new outfits won't look right if your hair is still in a ponytail and a scrunchy. So get your most stylish friend to recommend the best hairstylist and colorist he or she knows, book a consultation and let them do what they do best. Read some style books, I like "How Not to Look Old, by Charla Krupp and Style Rx by Bridgette Raes. And there are plenty for men to choose from as well. I like Details for men, from the Magazine Details. These books are invaluable for their inspiration and ideas.

Finally, invite your friends to help you try on clothes in front of a full length mirror (this is a must have) and move out anything that doesn't work well on you any longer. If you think this would be like the blind leading the blind, hire a personal stylist to guide you. If you find the right stylist for you, it will be right up there with the best investment you ever made in yourself. Because you can go from fair to fabulous right before your very own eyes, and look better than you ever thought you could, right now. Style rut? Not anymore

How to Dress and What to Wear For Small Shoulder Or Slope Shoulder

Defined shoulders always make a lady's arms look sexy. The shape of your shoulders can affect the overall appearance of an outfit and they seldom catch the attention that they deserve. Clothing that fits poorly upon your shoulders can destroy a chic silhouette . You might know your body shape, but did you know that your shoulders are the next most substantial aspect to silhouette proportion? Listed below are some guidelines that can help to address your narrow shoulders body shape, once you know how to dress a narrow shoulder, your self-confidence will growth and your inner beauty and personality will come shining through.

The ideal shoulder line balances the hips and create a proportion body shape so choose the most flattering sleeve, collar, neckline, color, fabrics and seaming detail to help balance your entire body shape.

Sleeve

•             Selecttops with the following kind of sleeve such as cap sleeve, puff sleeve, leg-of-mutton-sleeves, gathered sleeves, sleeves that draw up with ruching or fluted angel sleeves. They will deliver the effect of broadening your shoulders in a beautiful and feminine way. But be sure that the shoulder seam of the sleeve fit your shoulders perfectly and in the right position. You will not get that elongated lean line if the shoulder seams drops off your shoulder and appears too big.

•             you can also try out tops with draping off the shoulder sleeves, it also work well at broadening the upper body.

•             Sleevelessclothes that are cut in at the shoulder should be avoided as they tend to make the shoulder appear even narrower. If you want to wear sleeveless tops, opt for wider straps.

•             be sure to avoid raglan, kimono and dolman sleeves since all these sleeves make your shoulder look smaller.

Neckline

•             When it comes to the neckline, make sure to select a neckline that is wide and shallow which delivers a horizontally widening effect such as Boat necks, Sabrina necklines, sweetheart necklines" or "Cowl necklines, Off the shoulder, a wide "V" neckline, wide scoop neckline, crew necks and so on. Avoid choosing those necklines that is narrow and plunging such as narrow deep V, U or square shapes. As it is narrow and deep, it will draw the eye inwards and diminish your shoulders even further thus projecting a triangular body shape.

•             wrap tops are anther good alternative as it will likewise create the illusion of heavier shoulders.

•             if you like straps dresses or tops, avoid thin spaghetti straps, choose a wide strap, the wider the strap the broader the shoulder look.

•             halter necklines should be avoided as they tend to make shoulders appear narrower

Collar

•             Choose tops with large collars, extended collars with over sized lapels bring wonders upon narrow shoulders.

•             Polo-necks and turtle-necks are also good alternatives.

•             Sailor collars or peaked lapels is likewise another selection.

•             avoid collarless shirts and jackets, these styles tend to make your shoulders appear even narrower.

Color

•             choose a lighter color or prints for the tops since light colors will assist to bring visual width to your upper body. For the better effect in shoulder widening, look for a apparel that features horizontal stripes in the upper torso.

•             a metallic color like gold will also serve to extend your shoulders since it reflects light.

•             avoid vertical stripes or dark color tops because these will make your shoulders look narrower. Vertical stripes or dark color should be worn at the lower body to give you a long lean and elongated silhouette. With a taller figure, the shoulder will look wider and your body shape will appear more proportionate.

Fabrics

•             a jacket or cardigan sweater, casually draped around the shoulders also makes them appear wider and tends to equalize the hip and shoulders.

•             a stiff, thicker and structured fabric can help add some volume to your shoulder area, you may try fabric that bears some texture such as tweeds, boucle and angora blend knits.

•             If you like to wear T-Shirts, try to look for T-shirt styles in fabrics that are of a decent weight, as these will add much subtle volume to your upper body. Knit styles T-shirts made from cashmere and angora could actually help soften the visual aspect of boney shoulders.

•             avoid thin and soft fabrics that cling to the body since they will give away your body shape.

Detailing

•             another option you have is to look for big designs on your tops as that will make your upper torso appear broader.

•             try tops with detailing such as frills, epaulettes, horizontal seam lines like yokes, and pockets across the chest.

Accessories

•             try using fashion jewelries to divert the attention of people away from the shoulders.

•             scarf worn over the shoulders will also have a horizontal effects to produce a broadening illusion.

•             try wearing waistline cinching belts or any other accessories that can make your waist look smaller thus giving you a more proportional silhouette.

Dress

•             it is best to wear rather structured apparel such as suit jackets and tailor-made shirts with nipped-in waistlines.

•             Shift dresses are generally a very flattering choice, especially if they have a boat neckline.

•             try dress shirts that have got darts round the shoulders and are placed at an angle rather than straight over

•             layering on the tops such as a loose shirt over a body suit, jacket or cardigan over tops will help to add volume to your shoulders.

•             Military style design clothing is also a effective alternative.

•             try to avoid wide skirt or dresses that have a wide bottom as it will give you a triangle silhouette which make the shoulders look narrow.

•             also avoid skin tight T-shirt because these can highlight the difference between your upper and lower body. But if you like wear skin tight T-shirt, get one that drapes a little through the shoulder area.

Others

•             start wearing high heels shoes as they will help you increase your height, giving you a long lean and elongated silhouette making your body shape look more proportion.

•             it is also recommended to cut your hair to elbow length so that sometime you can use it to cover your shoulder.

•             shoulder pads are always good to have to elevate sloping and narrow shoulders. Soft rounded shoulder pads are more natural when placed under clothes as it give your shoulders a nicely tapered look.

•             you can also try clothing that can zipped at mid-waist to create a wide V, or tie a sweater over your shoulders for extra broadening.

•             shoulder exercises such military press, front raise and lateral raise will help to developed your shoulders.

Clothing techniques

Clothing technology involves the manufacturing, materials, and design innovations that have been developed and used. The timeline of clothing and textiles technology includes major changes in the manufacture and distribution of clothing.

From clothing in the ancient world into modernity the use of technology has dramatically influenced clothing and fashion in the modern age. Industrialization brought changes in the manufacture of goods. In many nations, homemade goods crafted by hand have largely been replaced factory produced goods on assembly lines purchased in a by consumer culture. Innovations include man-made materials such as polyester, nylon, and vinyl as well as features like zippers and velcro. The advent of advanced electronics has resulted in wearable technology being developed and popularized since the 1980s.

Design is an important part of the industry beyond utilitarian concerns and the fashion and glamour industries have developed in relation to clothing marketing and retail. Environmental and human rights issues have also become considerations for clothing and spurred the promotion and use of some natural materials such as bamboo that are considered environmentally friendly.

The advent of industrialization included factories, specialized and technologically advanced equipment, and production lines for the mass production of textiles. Globalization and advances in trade increased sourcing of metrials and competition for wares across borders. 

Clothing lines based on famous designers have been featured and advertised in magazines and other media. Branding and marketing are features of the advertising age. Some designers have also become television and media personalities. In recent years fashion and design has also been the subject of television shows.

Bridgette Raes

When I first met my friend Bridgette Raes 3 years ago, I told her I was a lost cause when it came to fashion- no matter that she’s a sought-after NYC style expert, with a popular blog, YouTube channel, books and TV credits -I thought I was beyond help. When I was in my formative years I once got trailed by a gang of mean teens who siren called: “AWOOOOOGAH, AWOOOOGAH – call the fashion POlice, there’s fashion CRIMES going on here!”  In my 20s and 30s, when I wasn’t actually a fashion ‘Don’t’ I was a fashion ‘Didn’t’ – as in, so scared to go wrong I just threw something on and said I didn’t care, or put on an Ann Taylor Loft dress and called it a day, or dressed all in black.
It turns out though, the old saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained” which I say all the time in facing fears, applies just as well in fashion.  “Style takes a certain level of confidence…of boldness…of risk taking and of not knowing what the end result will be,” Bridgette says in her recent YouTube video “Do You Have a Fear of Being Stylish?” “Expressing yourself with your clothing is no different than expressing yourself with your words.” As a writer, it’s clear how a mess of words, saddled by fear, gets in the way of communicating anything meaningfully.  “If you’re not trying because you’re afraid,” Bridgette continues in the video (you must watch this video!) what is that about? “Are you afraid to be you? Are you afraid of what people think? Is it easier to blend in?” What was I hiding behind clothes that didn’t quite fit, that didn’t say anything about who I am that’s different from anyone else?
One of my all-time favorite, life-changing, pieces of Bridgette wisdom is in my book Some Nerve, and I hope you’ll take a look (it’s in the fear of public speaking chapter – which is really all about the fear of being seen and the fear of rejection). And I love her guest post  “How to Beat the Wardrobe Blahs” here and our discussion on the Blogtalk Radio show “Where Are You Going in That?” that she hosted a while back. Keeping up with her on any (and all!) of her channels is a constant reminder to be proud of who I am, to take a stand in how I dress.
None of us is beyond help, in anything, but especially in fashion. You can even hire Bridgette to help you, in person or via Skype. Take a look at what she concocted for me out of my own closet:

How to Dress & Flatter Woman Body Types

Woman body types is treated clearly and concisely in Style Rx by Bridgette Raes.  The book covers two dozen diagnoses and prescriptions for short and long necks, narrow and broad shoulder, chests, arms, waists, fannies, thighs, legs, tummies and even feet.
This is almost the perfect companion book to Mary Lou Andres’ Ready to Wear.
Andres writes that we must try on every outfit in our closet – in a three-way mirror – to see what looks best. Raes focuses on the guidelines for making decisions about what works by effectively explaining how to draw attention away from body type problems and focus on assets.

This book is lavishly illustrated with photographs of ordinary women that compare and contrast outfits that flatter and detract from appearance.

Intensity Enhances Color Compatability

A shorter but fascinating part of the book discusses four elements of “Balance and Harmony: intensity, texture, movement and necklines.”
I doubt that most of us make much effort to consider intensity – the quality of our skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
Photos reveal how colors that are too bold can wash out the appearance of a woman with low intensity, lighter features or darker features that are low intensity because they are too similar.

I am not sure that I fully agree with Raes’ suggestions in every instance. In one case, for example, I thought that the dark suit and white shirt was more flattering on a dark-haired, African-American female than a suit and lighter, grayed-out suit and blouse.

Three Reasons to Like Style Rx

I recommend this book for three reasons. First, Raes and Berkowitz use ordinary women. This provides more realistic images of how these style suggestions will look on us. Second, the section about color intensity provides a fresh perspective when building a wardrobe. This book exemplifies the philosophy of Fashion after 50: Every woman can look her best with a bit of effort and imagination.