Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #8 Skirt

Sweet, snappy skirts will have you tween styling for success.  Skirts will give your wardrobe variety, fun and maturity.  I would check my school’s website dress code before purchases to verify lengths.  In my kids school district skirts cannot be worn more than 4 inches above the knee.  Warning: Don’t make the mistake of thinking that since your BFF’s skirt meets the school rules that that same skirt will meet school rules for you too.  Your legs may not be the same length as your BFF’s.  Try the skirt on and be sure to bring along a 6 inch ruler.  If you forget your measuring tool, use the lines on the inside of your middle finger as there is approximately an inch between each.  Warning: Don’t measure yourself because when you bend over to do so, the skirt will rise, and you won’t have an accurate measurement. So, be safe and take a 6 inch ruler and a friend with you… unless you like making returns or wasting money.

  

If chorus, band, and/or orchestra are in your future, check with the director, to see what kind of skirt is required for performances.  Usually you’ll need black, and the best choices are to get a midi (stops at the widest part of the calf) or a knee length skirt.  That way as you’re growing taller and not wider, as you should be for the most part, the skirt will last 2-3 years.

If you can only afford 1 skirt, and it has to be black, get one with some style and/or flare to it.  A pleated, ruffled, or kilt-like skirt will help add a little pizzazz and works great with any of my other Top 10 Tween Must Haves, especially the white cotton shirt and cropped jacket.  If you sew, use your imagination, and check out what some one did with their dad’s ties.

Probably the best skirt pick for growing tweens is a denim straight, A-line, or knee length (just under, at, or below the knee).  Again, this choice can be mixed and matched with everything on the Top 10 Tween Must Haves list and pretty much everything in your closet.  Secondly, an ankle length denim skirt is a great tween choice as well.  Don’t worry if it grazes the floor, since a great pair of wedge (1”) Mary-Janes will solve that problem, plus give that much needed growing room.  This gives you an age appropriate yet sophisticated mature look you seek.  If style is your passion, pleated school girl skirts, I absolutely adore.  For girls with long legs try one with a drop waist and mini pleats at the bottom.  Plaids is also hot right now, and pick one color in the skirt to pair a solid shirt, turtleneck, or sweater with it. 

The beauty of skirts is that they are event ready.  Whether it’s school, party, mall, church, dinner, or movies you’ll be ready.

If you like the look of a skirt but hate wearing them, opt for a split skirt as your solution (feels just like wearing pants) for fall and winter.  A skort (skirt made on top of shorts) will work during spring and summer.

Tips:   

1.      Accessorize your skirt with one of the following: double belt, scarf belt.

2.      To get a very different look wear it with ballerina flats, wedged Mary-Janes, and/or platform mules (1”) will carry you a long way each and every time.

3.      If your budget is tight or you have a great skirt from last year put a pendant/broach at the waist to snazzy it up a bit.

4.      For mini-skirt magic, I’d stay at a length of not more than 2-3 inches above the knee, so you won’t walk around look’n busted!

Advice:

            Lots of girls think the shorter the skirt the more mature you look.  Actually the shorter the skirt the more silly and sluttish you (adults too) look.  RMD tweens (rich mom & dad) it doesn’t matter if the skirt costs $1,000, if it’s too short, you just look like a high priced slut!  Oh, and too tight is just as bad.  Eeek!  Eeew!  And Ugh!!  Word to the wise, studies show the males don’t ask these girls to be girlfriends, just the opposite.  Even in 2011 boys still want their moms to meet nice respectable girls.  Better yet, work on loving yourself and when you’re ready the right boy will show up.  Just hope he recognizes you, cuz if you’re not acting like your true self, the RIGHT boy will walk right on by.

???'s = tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

L

Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #7 Cropped Jacket

If you don’t already have one of these, you’ve missed the trend by about 6 years.  Never fret, since this trend has become on of the newest staple items of every females wardrobe and a definite tween essential.  Simply sassy is how I would describe this Top 10 Tween Must Haves item.  The cropped jacket has been an evolution that I personally haven’t been able to embrace (it exaggerates my extremely long waist/short legs body type 1), but I’ve enjoyed watching the style mature, and love seeing how people will where it next.  The trend is still hot on the streets, and this is another one tweens can really embrace keeping it on the age appropriate tip.

Here in Georgia, it’s great during those nippy fall and spring mornings on the way to school (layering piece you can take off).  Denim is probably the best choice to carry you through all 4 seasons + 3 years of middle school if you’re going to 6^th grade this year.  It is also an inexpensive item to include in your budget.

For those on a super tight budget or just creative geniuses, hit the clearance racks, consignment, dollar, and/or Good Will stores to get a regular denim jacket and cut it to the desired length for a relaxed grunge vibe.  If you cut it too short, relax cuz the mini-cropped look is even hotter for tweens.  Don’t worry about the strings since the tattered/shabby chic/bo-ho look is in and will help you dress down more classy items and extend the life beyond special events.  Now that’s waz’up!

Do you sew?  Add a cute velvet ribbon trim of your color choice to customize yours and let you stand out.  Visit your local fabric store or arts and craft store to find all sorts of patches remnants you can attach.  Cheerleaders can add school patches for that letter mans jacket vibe.  Dance teams can tie dye with bleach, which is a look that’s always out in the creative arenas.  Artsy girls, get one of your artist friends to use it as a canvas to draw what ever you want on it.  Hip-Hop chic, add the fur stole on top of the mini cropped jacket to give depth and flair.  Fashionistas, look for velvet or corduroy cropped jacket with the puff (gathered) shoulders.  No matter what, just do you and think outside the triangle too sometimes.

Tips:

1. Roc the cropped jacket with everything on the Top 10 Tween Must Haves list and in place of the velour jogger jacket, blazer, and the cardigan, which are also on the list.
2. When shopping for your cropped jacket choose one of the fabrics on my Top 10 Fabrics list to ensure your fresh buy looks just bought 3 years from now.

???'s = tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

L

The Michelle Obama Look Book 2010

The Michelle Obama Look Book 2010

Michelle Obama is the epitome of style, grace, power, strength, elegance, love, living, life!
This is what great fashion can do for you too when you know your body type.

 

Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #6 Blazer

The blazer is the power puff girl armor for tweens.  Blazers and/or suit jackets always denote an appearance of power in our society.  For fall and Winter I love a great neutral colored corduroy blazer, but velvet is stunning this year.  My fashionistas and girlie girls may try and find one with puffed (gathered) sleeves at the shoulder.  This pick makes the Top 10 Tween Must Haves list for its versatility and its ability to give tweens an age appropriate mature look.  Your peers, BF's, rivals, teachers, and parents will all take you more serious in this hot look.

 

If you get a great denim suit like this one, then you can scratch off 2 of the items on my Top 10 Tween Must Haves list (jeans & blazer) and mix-n-match them with other things on your list, in your closet, and future buys.

Artsy girlz, tie a scarf at the neck, a T (1 you picked out with a pic or flashy wording), a banded full skirt, funky tights, and platform Mary Janes.  Hip-hop chic girls can go with jeans, rock star belt, pop your collar up on the white cotton shirt, and knee high Tim's with jeans tucked in.  Sporty girls can pair this blazer with jeans a double belt, white-T, and your favorite Chuck Taylor tennis shoes.  Techies... pair with a school girl plaid pleated skirt, tights, and loafers.  Fashionistas may try a ruffled topped dress with detailing on the cuffs that peek out of the blazer's sleeves, really funky geometric tights, and ballerina slip-ons.  Drama queens may go for a ruffled top, belted blazer at the waist with a skinny belt, culottes or a wide leg pant will give you that star has arrived look.



Plus size girls should look for a jacket with darts or seams at the waist.  If you have long arms, you may have a hard time finding sleeves that fit.  Try adding a decorative ribbon or trim at the cuff of the blazer so that it peaks out from underneath to give the appearance of extra length.  Petite girls... if it is not in your budget to have your sleeves tailored, be sure to shop for petite sizes. I also saw someone tie some interior design roped, tassels around the arm, just above the elbow.  Ribbon or an arm cuff may work as well to help shorten the length on the arms.  Short waisted? Try a cropped blazer.  Long waisted?  Belt your blazer.

Blazer tips:  

1. Throw on some nerd glasses or hang in the breast pocket for that all around snazzy smart girl vibe.
2. This is a great look when you have a class project or presentation to deliver.
3. Try to purchase a washable blazer, but if it needs dry cleaning, opt for dryell home cleaning system instead.  It works great, and I've used it for years on my daughter's required dry cleaning clothes.
4. Mix-n-match your blazer with the rest of the Top 10 Tween Must Haves items.
5. You can follow this Fall 09 trend from Lanvin, and put a fur stole/doughnut over the blazer too.
6. Blazer money not in your budget this year?  17 mag actually used a jogger jacket belted instead of a blazer.  Try it!
7. Keep a lint brush in your purse to stay fresh looking all day.

Let's take over our world!

L

???’s = tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #5 Velour Jogging Suit

Up until now you've probably never heard any stylist say anything about a jogging suit (outside of hip-hop anyway), but I keeps it real.  So, while most stylist bar this from their vocabulary, we all know joggers make life easy.  My love for velour jogging suits began when I bought one for my son, and figured out a quality grade of velour didn’t need to be ironed, and this fabric hold its color wash after wash after wash. So, if we forgot to check the weather and it's storming out, or we wake up late with no time to iron; this 60 second slip on option was always a great back up for my daughter and me.


 Even the richest and best dressed tween can add a little athletic swagger to their wardrobe and keep' um guessing, "What'll she wear next?"  May I suggest buying at least one, and if you're very athletic or in a dance group two.  For those who have no budget or can sew you may opt for a complete ensemble with a jacket, pant, short, skirt, dress, and top (great for cruises too).  This will keep the look fresh and unique every time you wear it.  Again you want to keep this look as plain as possible to get more wear as you mix-n-match it with current trends, with stuff in your closet, and with the other items on the Top 10 Tween Must Haves list.  If you buy more than 1, then you can mix-n-match the two colors together, or pick a second one with a little detailing at the collar and/or cuffs to liven it up a bit.  Warning:  Never buy too tight velour... just looks stank!

You can wear an array of tank's and T's with the jogger.  Be sure to pair with lots of necklaces or bangles for fun. Also, instead of tucking in the shirt, leave it out over the top of your bottoms, and add a skinny or double belt at the waist.  Now, I'm no fan of girlie shoes and/or heels with jogging suits (makes you look like you're trying way too hard).  It's also one of those video looks that doesn't look good on the street.  There are plenty of unique sneakers to choose from.  I prefer Tim's or K-Swiss myself, and my daughter likes Pastry's.

One rule of thumb I always try to live by is if you're dressing down, the hair must be absolutely on point.

???'s = tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

Bona fide groovy yet easy look!

L

Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #3 White Cotton Shirt

Whooopsi!  Forgot to load this blog B4 #3... Sorry!  Had to go find pics.

This is a staple for every wardrobe... male, female, young, old, skinny, wheel chair bound, fat, short, tall, and all races.  There is absolutely nothing more fashionably divine than seeing a girl in a clean crispy white cotton shirt (WCS), jeans, and cute shoes.  This is one of the freshest and easiest looks to achieve and has been looking great since denim went mainstream.

The cotton white shirt is one of the items you can buy trend crazy… rouged, ruffles, poet, tunic, tuxedo, wrapped, or plain.  Warning: remember YOU have to iron it!  My daughter and I have stood staring at each other in bewilderment trying to figure out how to iron WCS’s.  Since, it never goes out of style no matter what the trend is that season or year, you can wear it until you grow out of it.  Put this with some all white K-Swiss in spring, cute sandals in summer, a great platform Mary-Jane in fall, and a boot in winter.

 Now the trick here is to tweak it for your body type and style.  The way you complete your personal look is to pick a shirt that is complementary to your body type and fits your style.  For an inverted triangle shape, a poet shirt with the billowy sleeves will widen the narrow hip area.  A rectangular shape would do well with a cotton shirt with darts.  My daughter who has this shape had one with a front zipper instead of buttons.  Apple shaped girls try the ruffled tops that are every where right now.  Pear shaped girls look great in a simple Ralph Lauren style button down.  Hourglass girls have their choice of any of the above; however you might try to find a puffy, gathered at the shoulder style top.

Now, of course these are only suggestions and you should get what is available in your budget, makes you feel great, and is age appropriate.  As far as the body types I've described here please note that these are just basic and there are many other body shapes to consider... is your neck, arms, legs, torso long or short?  Are you plus size on the bottom and junior on the top or visa-versa?

???’s =  tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

Absolute MUST have!
L 

Top 10 Tween Must Haves: # 4 Black Turtleneck

A black turtleneck is a tweens best kept secret, and GOD’S gift to fashion.  Girls, no matter the style or fabric choice this buy is worth every penny.  Rich or poor, short or tall, fat or skinny, old or young, male or female, the black turtleneck is a Fall/Winter must have.  If you’re rich, it makes you look approachable.  If you’re broke, it makes you look rich.  Shorties get length.  Tall girlz instantly look modelesk.  Plus size for now?  This look is most slimming.  No matter what, the black turtleneck is effortlessly chic.  Best of all price ranges from budget conscious to budget free!

     

Can you guess who these two style icons are?

Now, let’s get down to style.  Let a black turtleneck be your canvas to create what ever look you want to convey.  President of the student council… put it with jeans and a blazer to exude a more intellectual look.  Drama queens can pair this with a split skirt and a scarf at the waist for flair.  My athletes can rock this with jeans, a rock star belt, and cool Timberland’s or sneakers.  More on the artsy tip… you know the sky’s the limit to what you’ll come up with on your own, but you may want to try colorful, long beaded necklaces or an arm filled with bangles.  Fashionistas may want to try knicker-bockers, knee high military boots and a cropped jacket for a fun military vibe.

Check the left side bar for tip #1 to keep cotton black turtlenecks black.

???'s = tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

Rock this one out ladies!

L



Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #2 T's

My homage to Tim Gunn continues with #2 = T's on the Top 10 Tween Must Haves list.

    



Anyone for T?  T-shirts that is.  Let's get right down to business.  I always approve of 1-2 T's that represent what ever my daughter is into at the time (presently artsy type designs on long fitted T’s).  The rest I've always made sure were solid colors or plain Janes.  Why?  Well it's easier to mix-and match different textures colors, prints, styles, accessories, and trends if you have that plain canvas to work on top of.
For instance, in Fall, a solid fuchsia long sleeve T can be worn quite simply with your favorite jean, rock star belt, sneakers, and an arm of bangles.  Next week switch your belt for a vibrant print scarf at the waist, a clunky necklace, and throw a blazer on top.  Week 3, put your spaghetti strap dress over the T, some thick leggings, Mary Janes, and a choker necklace.  Week 4, when you're running for school queen/or class president, revert back to look 1 but switch the sneakers for ballerina flats, a faux pearl necklace and one of the hottest trends, a faux fur stole or doughnut.  Next stop... White House!  Yeah!

T Trends

1. Zipper T's
2. T's over or under a summer strappy dress
3. Fitted T under a sheer ruffled top
4. T + Fur sleeves, gauntlets
5. Customized/homemade
6. T + Fur Stole/Doughnut
7. Vintage T's
8. Multi layered T’s
9. Off one shoulder T’s
10. T-shirt dresses

T Tips

• Iron inside out for meltable graphics
• Spritz with water for easier ironing
• Always wash in cold water to lesson shrinkage
• Purchase 1 - 2 sizes larger to allow for shrinkage and growth

Have a T-riffic time T shopping Tweenies!

???'s = tweenstylist@live.com or twitter.com/tweenstylist

Top 10 Tween Must Haves

This is my homage to the great Tim Gunn & his show Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style (TGG2S).

Let me explain why these 10 items are so important to have for the basic tween wardrobe.  Just as women have certain things that should be in their wardrobe, so should tweens.  This list of Top 10 Tween Must Haves was essentially the staple items of my daughter’s wardrobe throughout her middle school career.  Since, she didn’t have any enormous growth spurts, nearly everything purchased lasted at least 2 of the 3 years she was in middle school (allows you to build a dream wardrobe).  She has many things that will move on with her to high school as well.  This is very important for budget conscious moms, as it is difficult to have things last more than one season/year, since girlz are growing and developing.

Top 10 Tween Must Haves:

1. Denim
2. T’s
3. White Cotton Shirt
4. Black Turtleneck
5. Velour Jogging Suit
6. Blazer
7. Cropped Jacket
8. Skirt
9. Cardigan
10. Dress

What you will find if you get these 10 items is that they work with nearly everything you already have, things you’re buying now, and things you’ll buy in the future.  These purchases will give you the mature tween, fashion forward, and always style’n looks you’re after (You’ll still be you parents baby girl, so just get over it!!!).  However, we parents do understand that you’re leaving elementary school, and have many more responsibilities as a middle school student.  As such it’s only natural that you want to look the part.

Now, you need to be sure to consider your body shape when you make your purchases.  Never buy things too tight.  It just makes you look horrible, like you’re trying too hard, and have no idea of what style is.  Even if it is the last one on the rack, leave it.  It just means you’ll find something even better at the next store, and it will probably be on sale.  Sometimes you just have to let the fashion God’s lead.  Buying too tight clothes is simply a rookie style mistake.  Too big is just as wrong a move as too little.  Do try on 1-2 sizes larger than the perfect fit though, and if it still looks absolutely amazing, buy it.  This will give you the growing space you need, and allow you to begin to build on top of these 10 items.

B2S Shopping?  Tweens and Parents when you’re out shopping be sure to purchase double duty items.  First, you need to consider what activities your tween will be participating in.  If band, chorus, or orchestra, is in your future, the white cotton shirt (I found snazzy ones like this at Cititrends for $9.99) and skirt on the Top 10 Tween Must Haves list will probably be a must anyway, so be sure to get a color that will allow you to be in uniform when needed and mix and match with the rest of your clothes 4 tween chic living the rest of the time.

Graduating 8^th grade this school year?  Be on the look out for a white dress, since usually it’s required even if you have a cap and gown ceremony.  You can also start saving a dollar here and there if you sew and have the most unique dress there.  Save $5 to $10 and wait for the pattern to go on sale.  Also, ask what time of year the particular fabric you want will be on sale.  Be sure to check the pattern to see what extra’s you’ll need (buttons, zipper, boning).  Fabrics usually are cheaper during the off season.  These tips will work for 8^th grade prom too.

???’s = tweenstylist@live.com

Happy Shopping!

L

Top 10 Tween Must Haves: #1 Denim

Aaah Denim!  How do I love thee?  The reason denim is number one on the Top 10 Tween Must Haves is pretty much self explanatory.  Denim is 4 then, 4 now, and 4ever!  It can be dressed up or down and looks great if you've had it for years or just bought it.  Demin is spectacular for all ages, both genders, and every shape imaginable.  It is the public school uniform for tween's, and can be worn all four seasons of the year.  It comes in jeans, slacks, shirts, tops, halters, jackets, blazers, shorts, capri's, coats, dresses, dusters, skirts, leggings, suits, and well, you get the picture. 

The most important tip when it comes to denim on a budget is to purchase only 1 or 2 pairs of jeans that stand out, ie. have bling or some sort of design on them.  This task has become increasing difficult over the past 5 years, as retailers, who've gone bedazzle crazy, no you don't want to look outdated next year and will want to buy more.  Try to resist, since this just complicates things further for growing girls on a budjet.  The rest should be as plain as possible but fit great like Levi's or Calvin Klein are two great choices.  Now the reason you want plain jeans is so they'll mix and match with more tops and jackets and accessories.  I would say get at least 5 pairs of jeans, since you can wear them, usually, twice before washing.  That is enough for 2 weeks of bottoms.
So, for your shopping list here's what you'll be looking for:

1. Black
2. Darkest Blue you can find
3. Light Blue
4. Any shade of your choice not listed above
5. One blinged out pair

If you have a really serious budget, then skip the flashy jeans, and stick to the plainy ainys.  You can always add embellishments to bling them out later maybe with a brooch on one hip, or a short scarf on a belt loop at the waist to give them a totally different feel.  If you're on the creative side try buying a cheap pair for $5.00 at a dollar store, Salvation Army, ore Good Will and splash them with bleach in different spots and different sizes.  Are you or someone you know a seamstress?  The creative possibilites are endless for you and how you can alter used demin finds.  Word of caution: be sure you stay within your school's dress code.  You can also try to tie dye with bleach too.  It's an old style, but appears to stay fresh on the streets.

Check out the cool history of denim here:

http://kids.aol.com/KOL/2/Style/Photogallery/history-of-denim-blue-jeans

???’s = tweenstylist@live.com

Happy Denim Shopping!
L

African American Stylist Mario Wilson's Portfolio

ü      Out this stylist’s portfolio http://www.kenbarboza.com/stylists/mario_wilson/mario_wilson_frame.html

I wanna b like him when I grow up! 

    

Keep in mind the photos in his portfolio are targeted to adults, but this gives you a nice look at what stylist's can do as a career option.

???'s = tweenstylist@live.com

Rachelle Ferrell - Waiting (live) 1/3