Doubtless I’m taking this “styling game” too seriously, but the idea that there is always a “right” way to style is annoying and potentially stifling to your creative impulses. (If you don’t want to click over, it’s a game in which you choose the right piece from multiple choices to complement an outfit.)

Would it surprise you to know that I got the “wrong” answer about half the time? It shouldn’t. You shouldn’t think there is one solution to every look. When I got an answer wrong, it was because I preferred my choice over the “correct” option. My taste is different from that of whoever designed the game–not wrong.

How do you develop your own taste and an eye for what works for you? Experiment. Try different combinations at home. Build up your confidence. Wear them to work, on errands, out to dinner. You’re not a celebrity, I’m guessing, so if you do miscalculate a little, it’s not going to be splashed on TMZ. (On the other hand, it can be helpful to pay attention to reactions—but you have to sift out the sincere from the insincer,e, the knowledgeable from the clueless.)

And always keep some perspective: They’re just clothes, after all!

A potential styling client recently asked me, “Could you describe your philosophy?” And it occurred to me that it might be a good idea to post it here.

It feels odd for me to be a stylist and a fashion writer sometimes, because I am not a huge fan of our consumerist society, and in many ways fashion has been taken over by that mindset. I sometimes worry that potential clients expect me to waltz in like Rachel Zoe with big sunglasses and a vintage Halston dress, tossing out mots like “I DIE” every ten seconds while a small army of assistants do my bidding. I do wear big sunglasses, but otherwise, my mode is much more down to earth. After all, I’m not dressing celebrities. I’m dressing real women who have busy lives and are lacking an endless supply disposable income to devote to turning their wardrobe around.

This is not me.

My approach to styling is to identify the client’s lifestyle, preferences, coloring/body shape, and budget and to let that drive my recommendations. I am all about style and not necessarily “fashion”; I think personal style is more important than following trends and that less can be more. I believe in investing in certain pieces where appropriate and i hate cheap-looking clothes, but I do also occasionally find stuff at H&M, Forever 21, etc. I think it’s important to have a plan and a vision before you start shopping. I don’t care about celebrities, brand names, etc. For me it is all about knowing what works for you and picking and choosing accordingly. For most of my clients, rehauling their wardrobe might mean tracking down 6 to 10 key pieces.

I’m not a bargain-hunter. I believe in spending a lot of money on a dress or shoes if you adore them and know you will wear them for years. I think it’s worth it to pay more for quality in items that are going to get a lot of use. I don’t think you should let anyone make you feel guilty about spending money (wisely of course) on clothes and accessories. However, I do keep clients’ budgets in mind, and I like shopping at places like H&M and Zara for cute tops, accessories, and super-trendy items to round out your closet and keep it updated.

Most of all, I think it’s important to have a plan and a vision before you ever set foot in a store.  For me it is all about knowing what works for you and picking and choosing accordingly. You wouldn’t go into a grocery store, browse the aisles, pick out what appeals to you at that moment and then go home and expect to make a delicious meal out of your purchases. You have a list, you have some meals in mind. Planning your wardrobe is the same. These days, there probably isn’t one store where you can find everything. Sizes are all over the place. Therefore, everyone has to be their own stylist in a way, casting a critical eye at the offerings, figuring out what will work for you, and acting accordingly. It takes time and effort, introspection, research, and discipline–but it’s worth it in the end.

Here’s the clip from today’s WGN Midday Morning News of the segment I hosted featuring some fall looks from Avenue, including a new denim line. Not sure why I can’t embed it but here’s the link:

WGN News clip

This week I went on Chicago Public Radio’s Eight Forty-Eight to talk about the state of fashion in Chicago–including trends, whether Chicago is really a fashion capital (no, not yet), and more. You can listen to the segment here.

I was also interviewed by AOL’s StyleList about whether it’s OK to wear white after Labor Day, and if so, how? (Hint: don’t wear white linen.) My thoughts are in this article, along with tips from Charla Krupp, author of How to Never Look Fat Again.

What’s the deal with pantyhose? Is it still a must in the office–or anywhere else?

As it’s skirt-wearing season, this questions comes up a lot–especially since hose seems to be making a little bit of a comeback, especially patterned stockings. I’m not a big fan of pantyhose, although men seem to like it (and occasionally wear it themselves, apparently). However, what men don’t understand is that women usually dress either to please themselves or to impress other women–not for men.

I really think in this day and age are unnecessary. Unless you are older and/or prefer to have more coverage on your legs, skip ‘em.  As for the office, some workplaces are more formal than others. You may be stuck with them if you work in a conservative field such as finance (in which case I suppose having to wear hose is a small price to pay for still having a job) or the law. Hose should be either sheer (no horrible suntan shades, please), black, or navy, and you should spend a bit more for quality, i.e., don’t buy the stuff in the plastic eggs at the drugstore. I hate the fact that hose are so fragile and expensive. If I worked in an office where they were part of the dress code, I would demand that the company reimburse me. After all, men don’t have to wear items of clothing that cost at least $20 a pair and last two wearings if they’re lucky.

I am planning a trip to Paris this spring. I really want to make sure I fit in with the stylish Parisians, but comfort is an important consideration, since we’re going to be running around sightseeing. I also can’t bring a ton of clothes. Any suggestions?

Ahh, Paris! Je suis tres jalouse. I think the main thing to remember when you’re packing for a vacation, especially a destination with as much of a reputation for stylish inhabitants as Paris has, is not to try to compete with them. Unless you are Anna Wintour, you will lose. After all, they have hundreds of years of history as the center the fashion industry behind them, not to mention their entire closets at hand. Rather, you want to blend in. Please note that in Paris and other stylish capitals of the world, blending in does not mean “looking boring.” It means adding those tweaks and details that make everyday dressing so much fun.

Anyway, one of the biggest traps women get caught in when they go to Paris is wearing things they would never wear at home. You want to look like yourself, after all, not like you’re wearing a costume that’s your version of what you think French people wear. And vacation is no time to find out that the skirt you bought for the trip tends to ride up while you’re walking or that the wide-brimmed hat makes your hair sweaty and stick to your scalp. You want to be psychically and physically comfortable.

Here are some essentials that will help you blend with the natives:

1. A smart trench coat (read: not something a Wall Street banker would wear—or used to wear, when they had money). Also necessary because it can be rainy and cool in spring. Neutral colors are OK, something colorful could also be cute. You can wear it over nice dark-wash jeans, cute flats, and a scarf, et voila! Speaking of the scarf…

2. A pretty scarf or two. Maybe a long pashmina-type thing, which you also can wear over your shoulders with a sleeveless dress. An Hermes scarf can be fun to wear, either hanging loose under a trench or wound around the neck and knotted over a sweater. Don’t get too wrapped up (sorry) in how to tie them if you haven’t mastered a technique. You can always use your lack of knowledge as an excuse to ask a stylish French person for help and maybe make a new friend.

3. Good shoes. Unless you’re some sort of fashion superhero, you will probably prefer to walk around in flats. You’ll need something chic, such as a contemporary penny-loafer style or a ballet-type flat—NOT beat-up sneakers or any sort of athletic shoe. Trust me, you will be marked as a tourist immediately if you wear Keds.

4. Dark-wash, basic “dressy” jeans. Your faded 501s will not work for you here, unless you are a 22-year-old man with a two-day scruff, full lips, and a way with rolling cigarettes. It is no longer true that no one wears jeans in Paris. You will be hard-pressed to find people over 55 wearing jeans, however, and jeans worn at a nice restaurant are still a no-no. Even if French people do occasionally do this, we are under the “Ugly American” burden and so must have higher standards for ourselves.

5. A fashionable handbag, preferably leather. No cute quilted or appliqueed totes, nobackpacks, no fanny packs. This should go without saying.

If you are looking for ideas or even just the flavor of what people are wearing, take a look at the street-style blog the Sartorialist and look at the photos taken in Paris. They’ll help familiarize you with shapes and silhouettes.  One note: the photographer tends to shoot a lot of fashion people who are all decked out in short skirts and heels, but remember they most likely have a car service.

Bon voyage!