[Turtleheadfred]

Well my Fashion Mavens... I thought I'd give you some fashion tips to get you through the hot, humid days of summer!

I have a book, "Tim Gunn's Guide To Fashion" (not that any of you are surprised) and his tips are almost identical to some shared on Oprah today...

10 Basics for Every Wardrobe - As Seen on OPRAH
(meaning: every woman needs these 10 things in her closet)

1. A Classic Trench Coat
(You can use this over other piece, pack it easily, and wear it over dresses, pants, everything! Buy the best you can in a great color you love! Great alternative to a heavy coat.)

2. A Turtleneck (black or white)
(This is a basic for everyone... and hides or neck wrinkles as we get older! Perfect with suits, skirts, jeans - everything!)

3. A Pair of Trousers (black)
(A perfectly tailored pair of black slacks is essential. If you're petite, get something with a narrower leg - but if you're curvey like most of us, something with a wider leg is going to be best. And a tip from Auntie Susan... FLAT FRONT!!! Pleats make us look bigger - unless you're a stick - so flat front and if possible, just stitch those side pockets shut! I SWEAR it makes you look thinner! Try it!)

4. Tunic
(This was from today's show... a tunic top can dress almost anything up and it's very easy to wear. Nothing too fancy - and when in doubt... go with black or white - you can add colors later as accessories.)

5. White Jeans
(Also from today's show - I wasn't expecting this one. A nice pair - trouser cut - of white jeans can really make you look good... I'll have to get back to everyone on this one... they make my already large rear look even LARGER!)

6. Dark Jeans
(I totally agree! Nothing too tight - just a nice pair of dark jeans can be worn with flats, heels, boots - almost anything and go anywhere.)

7. Black Dress
(Not a "little" black dress - but just one, well made black dress that fits you well and makes you feel great! You can wear it over jeans to look mod - or with heels to dress up. Add a scarf or jacket - again it's different. Find one you LOVE!)

8. White Denim Jacket (or Dark, DARK blue)
(This looks great on pretty much everyone! But get a nice cut - not the old 80's Springsteen look - not that I don't love The Boss - but you don't want to "date" yourself. And it can be a shorter cut with the right top under it. Try LOTS on!)

9. Black Skirt
(Full, a-line, pencil, whatever looks best for you. Every woman needs one in their wardrobe as their "go to" piece. You can wear it forever!)

10. A Cashmere Sweater
(It feels SOOOO good! It can be crew neck, short sleeved, whatever - but you owe it to yourself to have one to layer. And if you hunt - you can find them on-sale at the end of the season!)

Accessories: purses and shoes. You really DON'T need tons - though I tend to disagree , but if you have a medium to large purse and at least a pair of ballet flats and a pair of dress pumps, that's all you REALLY have to have!

Those are the basics! Hope it helps... and I'll go look at the book and see how we compare!!!