I thought it was a great question, and I’ve decided to share my thoughts with you here. (She’s also posted them on her website: www.mindbeautyspirit.com)

1) Don’t be afraid of bright colors. The strong jewel tones and citrus brights are hot commodities this fall, and those colors do wonders to brighten up your face. (They are also easy to pair with dark pants or skirts for a sleek silhouette below the waist)
2) Dresses. The importance of the dress carries from summer on into fall this year and can offer a slenderizing physique. (Think 60’s style popularity featured on “Mad Men”) Just be careful with the pervasive wide belt. It can cut you right in two and exaggerate a wide waistline. Not all dresses look best belted (even the ones that COME with a belt!)
3) Denim. The jean jacket is back, and there are more popular jeans styles than ever (high-waisted, low-waisted, cuffed, boot-cut, boyfriend). Embrace denim, but be wary of the acid-washed, wholly variety. Always the most flattering, regardless of your size, is dark denim…. and it can be dressed up or down.
4) Jewelry. One of the easiest ways (especially on a tight budget) to update your wardrobe is with sterling silver. It’s affordable; it’s a long-lasting investment; and it’s bright and cheerful. You can layer your necklaces, or a multitude of cuff bracelets, without breaking the bank, and that trend looks great on every sized woman.
5) We’re starting to see an influx of patterns again for fall … argyle, plaid, floral, animal … and that can be scary regardless of your size. If you don’t want to be covered head to toe in leopard, choose interesting tone-on-tone “textures” instead. If you want to introduce patterns without too much commitment? Go with scarves. Tied at the neck or wrapped around the handle of a handbag, the look is chic.
6) The jacket is back! (Many of us who ditched them last year because they sat in our closet for too long are kicking ourselves.) Good news for those of us in that 12-14 size range is that they cover a multitude of sins. Look for the “boyfriend” jacket which has the longer silhouette. It covers the hips, gives us a waist and flatters the figure no matter what our shape.

Styling Your Full Potential ~ Judy

We’re having a love affair again with the jean jacket. (Yay!)

I, for one, was so sad when this useful, seasonless, go-anywhere staple ended up in magazines’ “LOSE,” “OUT” or “STORE” columns. I refused. I had accumulated them over many years, and appreciated each one for a different feature!  Beaded, plain, fitted, loose, gray, white, blue (of course) and even ones with fur and faux fur collars. I LOVE THEM! And, they’re back for Fall.

So, what’s new and updated about them? Wear your jean jacket over your …. well, your other jean jacket! (if you’re 30-something or younger anyway). And, check out the jean jacket on the cover of LUCKY Magazine over a shimmery cocktail dress! (And, we were told to let these precious things GO!) Here’s a thought. If you didn’t hang onto yours, run, don’t walk, to your nearest upscale consignment shop. There may still be a bargain out there somewhere on these denim delights.

Styling Your Full Potential ~ Judy

So, here’s this tool that they say is gentle enough to use twice a day, every day. (I’m not that disciplined) But, two to three times a week? Okay. I’ve decided to see if it’ll make a difference in the way my skin looks and feels. Soft, soft soft are the attachment brushes, so that’s a good thing making it a great massage, too.

I’ve turned into a total electronics junkie in the bathroom … electric toothbrush, electric mirror, electric blow dryer, electric flat iron …. I’m starting to horn in on my husband’s bathroom counter space just for his outlets! “Honey, do you think you could use the Guest Bathroom this morning? I’ve got this new Cleanser that needs charging ….. “

When it comes to those girly, feminine styles, baby doll tops are airy and cool. Combined with bermuda shorts or straight leg jeans, you’ll avoid looking as if you’re expecting. But, if you ARE expecting, it’s also the perfect, flattering silhouette.

Notice, too, the summer inspiration below borrowed from the trench. Shown sleeveless and short; belted and layered, this is safari style at its most stylish!

I just happened to purchase a top the other day with long ties in the front. It’s a bit bohemian, really. But, see how this same safari blouse is adorned with ties on the side. Look for that fun detail on clothes all summer long.

Yours in Good Taste ~ Judy

Just once a week, my 30-minute morning workout will be followed by: a 10-minute hair mask; a deep cleansing facial with gentle exfoliation; and a 30-minute teeth-whitening touch-up. (These cucumbers aren’t required, though they’re very good for you both internally and externally.)

Our daily intentions may be good….. thoroughly clean off our makeup every night; floss every day; brush our hair 100 strokes before bed (NOT!), but it’s easy to let things slide. THEN, if we don’t get enough sleep, and the stresses and frustrations of the week get us down, this lack of care really shows. And, the effects over time become harder and harder to undo.

Perhaps a goal of once-a-week “me time” is like Meditation. It’s good for the soul, and it puts us back in harmony (just like a good glass of wine!) I’ll let you know how it goes. I’ve already made my ‘appointment’ for next week.

Check out these “hotties” in their new hats!!!!  What a perfect choice for all those outdoor graduation ceremonies this month!

You, too, can buy one to ‘top off’ your summer. Just click on the SHOP tab at the top of this website. And then, click on the hat photo to watch the video.

If you know (or don’t know) your hat size, write to me on Facebook like Vicki did (she’s the one to the right with her four-legged friend, Jack) and I’ll help answer your questions.

Wear it while at a concert; on the beach; at a picnic; on vacation; at pool parties; at outdoor bar-b-ques; traveling in your RV or just because you’re having a bad hair day!!     P.S. Because of the height of the crown, the hat won’t mash down your hair …. that is, if you’re concerned about having volume later in the day. But, just remember…..

“…  you can leave your hat on!”  bah-da-bah bah bah

Yours in Good Taste ~ Judy

Perfect Summer Cowboy Hat

The start of Memorial Day Weekend has begun. Yeehah! That means that summer is nearly upon us… nice weather, outdoor parties, vacation plans, sun, sun and more sun.

Top off your sundress with the ultimate accessory… this western embellished cowboy hat from the Judy Crowell Collection. All hand-made, this one-size-fits-most fashion statement is picnic-perfect! And should your plans call for a beach day instead, don’t fret about your hair. Plop on your cowboy hat, and you’ll look wonderful knowing that it compliments your bathing suit.

The air flows through the top so you won’t get hot, making it the ideal choice for sitting in the stands watching the kids on the playing field. And, it’s obviously great for all ages. Doesn’t Mom look terrific?!

Click on the top photo to learn more about getting one for yourself! You can even watch a video presentation to get more of the fit and fabulous details. Ya’ll be safe this weekend; have fun; and go out there lookin’ good!

~ Judy

1) Try using belts differently… instead of always through the belt loops, put them on the outside of a tee or a sweater. Try even crisscrossing two thin belts over one another for added texture.
2) Layer two tanks together to wear underneath a blazer instead of just wearing one.
3) If you loved scarves for their warmth (and their look) last season, break out some of your lighter-weight ones and use them this season. Color up next to the face is always flattering. And,
4) Instead of that same ole’ (when all else fails) black blazer, treat yourself to a pretty sherbet pink or pistachio green one. Pastels are hot this season, and that will quickly update your look. See the Judy Crowell Collection on http://www.shopnbc.com for fresh new options.

Consider this, too. We seem to leave plenty of time to style our hair and put on makeup, but then we hear that clock ticking and panic sets in. “Aaah, what am I going to wear?” We grab the first thing we can find, throw it on, and we’re out the door.

Solution? If you give yourself back some of that “getting ready” time when selecting your clothes and accessories, you’ll find that you feel much better about yourself and your look all day long. It’s that “pulled together, in control” feeling that brings out the best in all of us.

Important, as always, are black and white. They’re as prevalent as ever this year. When all else fails, those ‘non-colors’ go with everything you own…. especially your dark jeans.

I’ll see you on ShopNBC next Tuesday, the 27th at 11 am and 10 pm eastern for great fashion tips and details about all the new styles. Which silhouette is best for your body?