Joyce Neave style group


Joyce styles both women and men and is a consultant for several media companies, associations, newspapers, and online magazines. Joyce and her team keep clients current with fashion trends while maintaining a classic, timeless look.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Inspiration

Q. From Diane- I have been looking for a handbag for the summer, but all the ones I see are so expensive. Can you suggest a stylish inexpensive handbag?

A. From Joyce- Just think of that high priced bag as your inspiration piece. Then look in discount stores and also try Target for good looking current styles that wont break your bank. You really don’t have to spend a lot to look great.

These two bags have quite a different price point , and both are fabulous.


Jill Sander $1850 http://www.barneys.com/

















Angie and Lola $34.99 http://www.target.com/

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

All Aboard


I found a great fitting pair of capri denims. They are by Red Engine and super soft!

Red Engine's clean two-button straight leg capri with a slightly higher rise and two-button closure.
As I have said before I really do not like wearing shorts, so these are perfect!
If there is something you do not like to wear or a trend that you just know will be dreadful on you, just say NO. It’s okay.

For me, I will fill my closet with dresses and capris, and I will have a pair or two of shorts for summer bike rides.

I found these at my favorite place to buy jeans-
BSCENE in Potomac, Maryland 301-299-0194


They can also be purchased online at Emily Grace-
http://www.shopemilygrace.com/

Monday, March 17, 2008

Supporting women

The fourth anniversary of the Women’s Dress for Success Professional Group mentoring program is just around the corner. Girls Gone Glam III is March 27th from 6:30pm-9:00pm at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Washington DC.
(http://www.hotelpalomar-dc.com/)

At this year’s Girls Gone Glam event you will be able to check out some of the areas hippest boutiques, get makeovers and hairstyling tips from area salons, bid on silent auction items and enjoy appetizers, wine and cocktails throughout the evening courtesy of our sponsors Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar and Diageo Spirits!

Also, they will be selling a limited supply of our Sean Combs designed Dress for Success scarves at the event (please see attached ad which is also featured in the March editions of Vanity Fair and Instyle Magazines). The scarf will be a must have for spring and another great way to support Dress for Success Washington DC!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online for $60. Visit http://www.dfswashingtondc.org/ to purchase your tickets on-line or you can contact Melissa Frazier at (202) 544-3373; ext. 264 to purchase your tickets with check or with cash. Tickets will also be on sale the night of the event. (Please note that a portion of the ticket sales is tax deductible and tax donation receipts for the sale of tickets and auction items will be provided the night of the event).

Thursday March 27, 2008 6:30PM to 9:00PM
Hotel Palomar Washington DC 2121 P Street NW
Dress for Success helps promote the economic independence of
disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and
the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Gather your girlfriends for a glamorous night on the town!

Featuring
Sangaree Queen Bee Designs Bailey Handbags
Lettie Gooch On Lokation TaylorMade Gems Piaf’s Day Salon
Relax & Rejuvenate Beauty in DC And More!
PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT DRESS FOR SUCCESS WASHINGTON DC


Friday, March 14, 2008

Hello Tide




Why I like this dress:

1. This spring is all about the florals
2. The neck line is flattering for both large and small busted
3. You can wear your bra with this dress
4. The banded waist will accent your shape, creating a slim waistline
5. This dress is machine washable!
6. It comes in women's and plus sizes


Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The long and short about shorts


I have received several emails this week asking me about shorts, which length are appropriate for moms and which lengths will look good on them.

First of all, avoid short shorts and tight shorts, leave them for the teens .
Then look for shorts with clean lines. Too many pockets will create bulk.

As far as length,
It really depends on how long your legs are in proportion to your torso, you always want to keep balance from head to toe balance.

If you have short legs: Try to keep shorts above the knee, mid thigh will be best. Longer shorts just at or above the knee will look nice with a little wedge heeled shoe.

If you have longer legs : You will have more options. Mid thigh shorts are nice for day.
Longer to the knee and just below the knee will also look good with flats and higher heels .

If your legs are on the heavier side: Avoid shorts that hug your legs. They should be slightly loose but definitely not baggie.
Baggie shorts actually make you look heavier and a bit sloppy.

If you have very thin legs: Don’t EVEN complain to us. But truth be told, baggier shorts will make your super thin legs look even thinner. Try a more fitted pair to create balance.


In order to find the right shorts for you: You will need to try on many different lengths from different designers/stores. Just because one store’s knee length don’t look good on you does not mean you should give up on knee length, just keep trying.
Once you find the right ones, I recommend buying several pairs.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Cool dress, not Hot mess


Yesterday I took inventory of my closet. I used a pad of paper and made a list of what I would need to have a working wardrobe for the spring and summer. I am personally not a big shorts wearer, I feel more comfortable in dresses. I do have three kids and will need to be comfy and cool in what will be a long hot summer. I began searching on line for cute dresses. I know the designers that I like and that fit me well, including Cynthia Steffe. I found this adorable dress at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/. I have several of her pieces, some of which I have found at discount stores including Loehmann’s. I can definitely see myself throwing this dress on and running out the door with my kids to where ever our hot summer day takes us. All the while staying cool and looking fabulous.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Look who's finally coming to town...

Nanette Lepore!

Yes, Nanette's first DC store is finally opening! After months of strolling by the construction, wistfully trying to peek inside, I'm pleased to report that her new boutique will be opening in the Collections at Chevy Chase on April 1.

Her style is classic yet fun and exciting--good for moms with flair (and a favorite of mine for the past few seasons!). Several stores in the area already carry pieces from her line, but having her store here will bring more variety and an opportunity for personal fittings and style. With clean lines and open spaces her store will be a welcome addition to our ever growing array of hot fashion spots in the DC area.

If you cannot wait until April, you can go to New York or go online to http://www.nanettelepore.com/

Friday, March 7, 2008

Spring Break


There are less than two weeks until Spring break.
That does not give me much time to prepare.
Three growing children, one husband and one growing me. Don’t congratulate me-it was the girl scout cookies that expanded my waist line.
So, here’s my plan:
First I will assess what we already have-try on is a must. Then what does not fit will either be donated or taken to the consignment shops.
While I am there I will look for clothes for the kids. Then off to Target to fill in the gaps for my kids, where I can also pick up sunblock and other sundries. The children grow so quickly-by summer these clothes may not fit, so I will only buy what they need right now.
For me, I will hit the discount stores looking for tops, bathing suits and sandals.
For cropped pants and shorts I don’t mess around. They seem to be the most difficult -so I will be going to my favorite shops to find good fitting bottoms that will last the summer.
As far as size-I will get what looks good now, if I lose the cookie weight I will have them taken in. This is an issue many of my clients have. The conflict between what they weigh now and what they want to weigh.
Here is my advice:
Embrace the size you are right now. You don’t have to love it, just respect it. Get clothes that fit you well and complement your shape now. Trust me, you will feel better if you look good and that will motivate you to lose a pound or two more than punishing yourself by dressing shlumpy. As far as my husband’s spring break wardrobe-he’s on his own.
And, oh-This adorable dress from JCrew $88, is my treat to myself for working so hard!