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Be-Coming Attractions

Well, I've finally come out of the closet - actually, hundreds of them! Since my original publication of Be-Coming Attractions in the mid-nineties, I've presented dozens of seminars from coast to coast, designed and manufactured my own knitwear in China (www.ultimatetwinset.com), appeared on national television and am a stylist for NBC's national news affiliates. I've rooted through your makeup, clothes and accessories, learning far more about you than I ever bargained for! In the process, I've found one thing that remains constant: looking our best (or even close) is an ongoing challenge.

Be-Coming Attractions will give you what you've asked for - tips, "must-have" updates and useful, practical information in a nut shell. I will also share some of my favorite hard-to-find sources for unique finds.

I'm very blessed to have a profession that enables me to travel this country and to make such wonderful friends. To each of you who have been so encouraging to me, thank you. I look forward to hearing from you and sincerely hope that "Be-Coming Attractions" is a perfect fit!

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   Spring has arrived and the new trends are fresh and irresistible, but there are some rules that we must always remember. If not, the price you'll pay is a lot - a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear!

Spring Cleaning
Before you have your spring fling at the mall, plan a day to go through your closet and edit! Look at store catalogues for the best ideas and examples of what's new and how to incorporate these styles into what you already own. Be honest and selective about those that are right for you. As you go through your closet, think about what you would like to add for a fresh update. Clean out what is old, tired, dated or doesnt fit anymore. (I know, I know. You're going to lose weight. Your clothes need to fit now!  Don't hold yourself back!)

Golden Rule:
Never purchase a trendy item (not even if it's almost free) unless you have a complete and functional wardrobe in your closet where everything works together giving you maximum diversity. Sometimes I ask myself during a wardrobe analysis, "What on earth is she
wearing? Nothing fits and nothing goes together! Usually, the items that are missing are the most basic.


When considering a new purchase, always ask yourself these questions:

"Will I wear it?"
"How many ways can I wear it?"
"What do I own that goes with it?"
"Will I get my moneys worth?"

Or:

Buy everything you need to complete the outfit while youre focused on it - don't buy just one piece. You think you'll come back and do it later, but youll never get to it. Life happens.

Top Add-in's for Spring 2007

- Dresses!
There are prints galore this year, so make sure you're wearing the dress and the print isn't wearing you!

·  The wrap dress remains strong. Just make sure you're not falling out of it.

·  The knits are incredibly comfortable - and flattering.

- Wide Belts!

·  Be careful of the width ·  Beware if you're busty

·  Can be too warm for summer wear

- Long Shorts!
Absolutely everyone can wear these and they are the newest look for spring.

·  If you have big knees (like me), make sure the length is long enough to cover them.

- Short Jackets! Not flattering for everyone. Know your best styles.

- Platform Shoes! I like the cork soles for more casual wear.

- Flat Shoes! Not comfortable for everyone, so try a low wedge.

- Metallics! I've always like metallic bags/shoes. They go with everything.

- Lucite! These accessories are great for summer. The shoes just go away - and also go with everything.

- Bangles! Stacked bangles are a big trend this year, but I find all that clanging and banging so annoying. Try wearing just one.  Tip! For beautiful wooden bangles that come in sizes S, M, L, go to www.bangle-dangles.com.

- Big sunglasses! Try to find polarized - better for your eyes. Kate Spade offers a few styles.


Some of My Favorite Things!
If you love strapless or off-the-shoulder looks, but have a hard
time wearing them because your bra (or your dress!) keeps slipping down, I've found a beautiful solution for you. Susan Ratcliff, founder of www.showoffstraps.com, has created the answer to the prayers for all busty women who still want to be sexy. The straps are custom made with a vast selection of Swarovski crystals. Not only will they make you feel secure, but they'll add a touch of glamour to your look.

My personal testimony: The dress I'm wearing in the photo was so heavy that it was practically a skirt by the end of the evening. Susan's straps saved my decency!



Cooler evenings and air conditioning require us to have a wrap handy at all times. Pashminas come in a plethora of colors and I always recommend that everyone own a black one - especially for travel. But if your outfit consists of solid colors, it's nice to add something more interesting and just a little fabulous. Susan Nappa Cocke, creator of www.proverbialknits.com, has the most beautiful hand-knitted shawls of exquisite yarns. Her silk chiffon shawls are a veil of elegance with lovely custom appliquis. They give any simple outfit instant panache.

( Note: I wouldn't drag it on the ground in real life, but it made a good photo!)


Confused about how to Spring Forward?

Has it been a while since you've updated? Need a tweak - or an overhaul? I would love to help.


 Contact me at susan@susanbigsby.com, or visit my website, www.susanbgsby.com.

Next issue: Summer - featuring "Pack and Fly" tips.
(My "Pack and Fly to Black Tie" is my most popular seminar!)