31 Rules of Fashion

Hi.  My name is Allison.  I am an overwhelmed, under-slept thirtysomething.  During any given day, I work as a wife, mother, counselor, short-order cook, secretary, veterinarian, maid, cab driver, doctor and, on a good day, a fashion stylist.  Given all these facts, let me start over.  Hi.  My name is Allison.  I am an (almost) everyday dress-wearer.

It was three summers ago when I first fell in love with dresses.  I’d never been much of a dress wearer before….the 90’s styles never really seemed to fit my J.Lo-esque (I say that loosely) body.  But, once the easy shapes and baby-doll dresses came in, I was in love.  I mean, really, does it get any easier?!  A top and bottom in one piece.  So many colors, so many fabrics, so many styles.  In the right fabric they can even be so many seasonal.  And the best part, they cover up under-exercised legs with such ease and comfort.   If you don’t already, you should get to know your new best friend…

 Forever 21, H81  Mixed Print Chiffon Dress, $26.90

It’s been a weird week in our house. I usually pride myself on being able to roll with the punches of life, just take what I’m dealt. But, for some reason, this week was really tough and surprisingly emotional. You would’ve thought that I was wrestling with some eternal decision or deep theological thoughts on life, but all it was about was my hair color. Yes, I said it. I admit it. I was in a serious “funk” over the color of my hair.

I’ve felt that this was coming for awhile now. Jerod, my husband, has never understood why women pay $150 just to get their hair bleached and aluminum foiled. He thinks it crazy. Which is why when an opportunity to spend 10 days traveling Ireland this summer came my way, I knew the blonde was going to be the first thing to go. I told him that I was willing to sacrifice anything to make it to the land of U2 and Guinness…(10 days with girlfriends and no kids, do you want my first born?) But, after the plane ticket was booked and the bill came, reality set in, and I could tell I was no where near ready to be a brunette again. I was a brunette for the first 27 years of my life, so why was this turning out to be so hard?

Does hair color really affect who you are or how you act or what people think of you? Well, the last we know if true. It was the first two questions that I thought would be interesting to find out the answer to. I felt like I was a blonde through and through now. I was the fun girl, the simple one of the group, the one who you went shopping with and who made you laugh so hard you spewed your drink. When you’re a brunette don’t you have to work in a library and wear glasses and think deep thoughts all the time?

I went to a friends house with a box of color last Monday. I figured that it would be good to have support if I had a total breakdown. I sat with the color on for 25 minutes and then quietly walked to the shower. I was really bummed about what I was about to see. I dried my hair, rounded the corner back to the kitchen and I got a “Well, it’s not terrible.” I think we were both in shock more than anything, like Allison had disappeared forever in a 25 minute “developing” time.

I woke up the next morning dreading the look in the mirror. I went through my usual routine and started putting on my makeup. And somewhere about halfway through my mascara application a glimmer of hope flashed before me…I liked my eyes with brown hair! They really popped! Then I got dressed and I really started to feel the brunette coming out again. I felt more mysterious and kind of rebellious. I’d like to compare myself to Angelina Jolie, but I think that may be stretching it. Every day that has passed though, I have liked it more and more. And what’s funny, is that most other people have liked the brunette me better than the blonde me.

So, my “fashion” point is, why not take a risk! Maybe it’s hair color. Think about how much fun Ashley Simpson-Wentz and Rachel McAdams have changing their hair. Maybe you need a push to wear that awesome pant suit to the black tie event. Pants can be super-chic and very fashion forward. Always wanted to own some stilettos? Go buy a pair and vow to wear them at least once this month. I don’t know what your “risky” thing is, but try it! Who knows, you may even like it better.

Who knew the 80’s would be back so soon! Its spring 2009 shouldn’t fashion be blazing new runway trails? But, if you’re like me and swore you would never go back to the Units wearing, Milli Vanilli singing, White Rain spraying days again, all I can say is “Welcome back.” This spring is painted with candy colored jumpsuits, bright patent shoes and over sized, baubled jewelry. Hoping the second rendition is better than the first, I’m willing to give this a try.

Below is my list of “Favorite Things for Spring.” I hope that no one is too disappointed that parachute pants didn’t make the list. The good news is that a little bit of color goes a long way, so a few key pieces could be all you need for spring.

1.) The Jumpsuit – LOVE IT! I first saw the jumpsuit about nine months in Vogue. It was a bright pink Louis Vuitton that had the price tag of around $1,200. I thought it was so different and casual cool, but not at that cost. But, my long wait is over and thanks to Express we too can own a fabulous jumpsuit for between $59 and $79 dollars. What I love is they are effortlessly stylish and so very comfortable. Just remember to pair with wedges (beware of pumps! The heel can get caught in the wide leg hem and you will end up the object of many laughs.)

2.) The Candy Colored Cardigan – Take your pick of colors here. Really, anything goes: lime green, canary yellow, bubble gum pink. Add to your black winter shift dress or your favorite jeans and white tank and you have instant spring style.

3.) The Short Short – This is a tough one for me to write about because two years ago I banned shorts from my wardrobe. The reality of my “older” life had set in, and, quite honestly, shorts did my thirty year old legs no favors. BUT, they’re back, I’m back, we’re all back into shorts. The good news is that this season’s shorts are much better than the past. Look for silky fabrics with a more tailored, sophisticated cut.
WARNING: Please keep your tops loose when you are wearing short shorts.

4.) The Maxi Dress – Could fashion be any easier?! These dresses have been around for a few seasons and they are back again. Look for them in Boho chic fabrics or bright preppie colors….whatever makes you happy.

5.) The Tall Sandal – I’m loving the very cool wedge gladiators and bright colored sandals that are out this spring. My Haviana’s will still be a staple, but these shoes give you lots of fun options. Pair them with shorts, maxi dresses, and skinny pants.

6.) The “GOSMILE All Out” Kit – Okay, so it’s not exactly fashion, but don’t your teeth deserve some attention too. I’ve had the professional whitening trays made and suffered through three days of hurting gums and sensitive teeth. And still have nothing to show for the pain at the end. At last, I’ve found something that whitens and still lets me drink my latte without wincing. It’s more expensive than most over the counter whitening systems, but strip free and applied in less than two minutes, it’s so worth it! Go to Sephora and get it!!!!

7.) The NuBra – If you don’t have one your life is about to change! This sticky, strapless bra is the must have for the spring and summer. NuBra keeps everything in place and goes under all your strapless tanks and spaghetti strap jumpsuits. Saks carries them and often you can find them at Steinmart for half the price.

Really, the best word that I know to describe spring fashion is “quirky.” Don’t try to be too matchy-matchy. Experiment with colors and textures and large accessories. We’re in an anything goes time, so try to have fun with your wardrobe and branch out a bit. If nothing else, let the sherbet colored hues of spring make you and the world around you a more fabulous place.

For more information about Allison Sinclair and ThirtyOne, visit her online at www.thirtyonestyle.com.