The weather is shifting and jeans wardrobes are on their way back into heavy rotation. This ultra-flexible wardrobe staple can make you look casually chic or dreadfully dull, depending on the fit, finish and flare.

Navigating the trends of finish alone is treacherous. So here are three terms you need to remember on your next hunt for jeans: mid-rise, dark rinse and a slight flare.

Let’s break it down.

1. Forget the torture device known as the size on the tag and fit your curves instead, opting for mid-rise jeans (about two finger widths below your belly button) that skim your curves and highlight your assets. Then plan to tailor the waist, length and even the flare for the perfect fit.

2. Regardless of what the denim trends are, a dark finish looks best. This is often referred to as a “rinse” color. No bleaching, blasting, whiskering or anything else that acts like a spotlight on your thighs and butt. Embellishments and other sparkles on your jeans have the same effect. So if you like decoration, make sure you’re highlighting something you want everyone to notice.

3. Making sure there is some flare at the bottom of your jeans gives visual balance to hips, which is why it’s so flattering. Make sure your jeans are tailored to a half an inch off the floor with your shoes on. This usually equates to having one pair of shorter, straighter leg jeans for flats and another pair of longer jeans with more flare for heels.

Rachael Shayne is a Boulder-based style coach. Need a fashion fix? Contact Shayne at rachael@rachaelshayne.com or www.rachaelshayne.com.

Every month, we feature a different shop in town, asking five questions: the do’s and don’ts; the superlative; the “Seinfeld” question everyone wonders but doesn’t dare ask; the so-what; and the heart.

Meet two vivacious and community-minded women who are passionate about recycled fashion, new styles, design school, a local mentoring program and, of course, shopping. Here’s the rundown on Common Threads owners Libby Alexander and Mae Martin’s modern approach to a consignment store.

1. The do’s and don’ts: What’s the best way to shop your store?

Don’t be in a hurry. Instead, plan to explore. Ask for help. Workers here know their inventory well and are happy to help you navigate the choices and even put together entire outfits. Plan to try everything on — no returns. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, let them know and they’ll call you if it comes in.

2. The superlative: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve sold or bought for the store?

It wasn’t only the items; it was also their delivery. As the Subaru hatchback approached, both Martin and Alexander expected the basics. They got a reminder not to judge a book by the cover. The client brought in a bounty of Louboutins and Manolos: 20-plus pairs in near-new condition.

3. The “Seinfeld” question: Why doesn’t your store smell like a vintage/consignment store?

After laughing, Martin and Alexander admit that they set out to make sure the store was bright and fresh in both approach — and smell. They are choosy when it comes to consignments and don’t accept things that are dirty or dusty because it contaminates the whole store. That, and Febreze.

4. The so what: Why is Common Threads different than other consignment stores?

More than an outlet for their ideas about recycled fashion, artisanal skills in the “creative lab” (where design workshops are held) and local jewelry designers, Common Threads is a place where Martin can ensure a safe and real work experience for the young adults at Aim House, a Boulder-based residential mentoring program. Common Threads is a community-minded, eco-conscious destination where your stylish spirit can have a little fun.

5. The heart: What inspires your own style?

The Aim House workers and the creative lab students. The earthy Martin and the chic Alexander are both equally inspired by their sense of making and owning color combinations, re-purposing pieces and coming up with creative approaches to outfits. They agree that this kind of inspiration is far superior to any glossy magazine spread.

— By Rachael Shayne, stylist, www.rachelshayne.com, rachel@rachelshayne.com

Formal parties are easy to prepare for since you can glean useful cues from the invitation itself as to what to wear. Holiday parties at your friends’ or parents’ houses are a more complicated matter.

But one piece of advice always works: Give it a little effort. Over-dressed is better than under-dressed for two key reasons:

1. It shows your host respect for the time and energy they put into creating the gathering, and

2. It makes you feel better and can leave you prepared for an impromptu stop or multi-party path in one evening.

After planning for weeks and cooking for days, having guests show up looking fresh and a bit festive shows that they were looking forward to the party as much as you were. Plus, with instant-uploads to Facebook and photo albums, it never hurts to look pressed and presentable.

One caveat on festive, however. It does not mean green and red or blue and silver ensembles. It means chic and seasonal. Think: great dress pants and a beautiful, simple sweater with a statement piece of jewelry, or a printed dress with tights and boots or flats. On him: Updated cords with a dress shirt and jacket does the trick.

Classic, comfortable and easy to put together, just reach into your stable of business-casual and put together a new combination. Lay outfit ideas onto the bed and then try on your favorites in advance so you have a few go-to combos. Find pictures of outfits you like in a catalog or magazine, and then create similar looks with pieces you already own.

For a party, you can experiment with fresh color combinations that are less sedate than corporate casual. Then, make them party-worthy by changing your footwear and/or jewelry to set the stage, plus an extra pop of blush and a soft lip gloss that’s easily re-applied.

If you insert jeans into the equation, it just doesn’t send the same polished message of “I care enough and am happy to be here. Thank you.”

Regardless of who’s hosting, show your friends and family equal love and respect by arriving camera-ready and enviably chic.

Plus — a dress or wool pants leave you more wiggle room for dessert.

Shayne is a style coach. Need a fashion fix? Contact Shayne at rachael@rachaelshayne.com or www.rachaelshayne.com.

Every month, we feature a different shop in town, asking five questions, including those questions you have always wondered but never dared to ask. This month’s target:

Chelsea, 935 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-447-3760, www.chelseabella.com

Chelsea is where the stylists go for their clients and for themselves, which is usually a good indication that it’s a treasure trove of good finds.

Owner Jessica Anderson and her crew know how to curate a beautiful mix of on-trend and classic style, mixed with personal attention. Sample well known, as well as up-and-coming designers. Spritz on some delectable perfume, And peruse unique jewelry at price points that run the gamut from affordable to seasonal investment splurge.

Clothes are a personal story, and Anderson enjoys getting to know every author.

1. Why did you open Chelsea?

Fashion is my passion, as they say. I made it not only my dream, but also my goal, by studying the industry and working in boutique settings in all capacities, from shop girl to multi-store manager. Then kismet struck: The space and fixtures became available, and the timing was right. Ninety days later in September 2000, my notebook filled with 10 years’ worth of dreams and ideas was put to the test when Chelsea’s doors opened for business.

2. What is your best customer like?

Since everyone who works at Chelsea has an enviable eye for detail and personal style, we really enjoy the clients who say, “Help me build an outfit.” That outfit could be from scratch, designed around jewelry or a piece the client brought in from her closet.

We like to understand someone’s needs, from both a style and a budget perspective, and then find the right mix to make them smile.

3. Who is your favorite designer?

Rebecca Taylor, even though it is tough to pick just one. Taylor’s sophisticated, feminine and detailed pieces keep me coming back every season. It’s important to know which brands’ cuts are right for your body and which designs match your taste so you have a reliable place to start when you want to find with something new.

4. The economy is tight these days. What two pieces should people look for this fall and winter?

There are two clear winners (but you should also know that Chelsea’s seasonal sales are in January and June).

One: A good pair of boots. They should not only look amazing on you and work with a variety of outfits, but they should also last at least five-plus years. Feel free to give the ladies at Chelsea the opportunity to create style vignettes for you when you’re considering a purchase. You’ll leave knowing how to get the maximum mileage out of that purchase.

Two: A sophisticated blouse. It can be worked into both casual and career ensembles, under jackets, vests and sweaters, and with pants and skirts and alone in warmer months.

5. Is Chelsea only for skinny, young women?

No way. We have customers ranging from just-out-of-college to just-retired, and we carry a full size run. If designers would get with the program and make larger sizes, we’d carry those too.

Shayne is a style coach. Need a fashion fix? Contact Shayne at rachael@rachaelshayne.com or www.rachaelshayne.com.

Every month, we feature a different shop in town, asking five questions, including those questions you have always wondered but never dared to ask. This month’s target: one of our favorite shoe shops.

Two Sole Sisters, 1703 Pearl St., Boulder, 303-442-0404, www.2SoleSisters.net

This boutique-inspired shop on the east end of the Pearl Street walking mall is a delight to shop at, with dual surfaces to try out your heels, great seating and a worldly music mix. It also carries a great selection of comfortable yet chic shoes from brands not found anywhere else in our area.

Sisters Laurel and Lindsey Tate dreamed about opening a shoe store where they could convince buyers it’s possible to walk in style at an affordable price. After 10 years of dreaming, they took the leap and left behind mundane jobs to walk the walk, if you will.

1. How did you decide on the current selection of little known brands?

A great pair of shoes is addictive, but shoes with a story are something really special. Every brand we carry, be it shoes, handbags, belts or jewelry, has a fair-trade, start-up or far-away cobbler story. We know the details of every story and every brand and are happy to share them with you so you really understand what you’re purchasing. We also try on every pair we carry, so the decision is highly informed and personal.

2. What do you look for in a pair of shoes?

Nice details, like wrapped heels and shanks, vegan materials, low-emission manufacturing and the overall shape and weight of a shoe or boot are what really gets us going.

3. Do you check out people’s shoes and feet whether you’re working or not?

Reluctantly, we admit, we compulsively look at people’s feet. We can spot a good pedicure or an ill-fitting pair of shoes a block away. However, we’ve seen it all and nothing surprises us anymore.

Tate: Also, I have extreme compassion for those who have less than perfect feet because I have had a myriad foot problems.

4. How should people shop for shoes and boots?

Keep four main things in mind when shopping for footwear:

A. Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time and try on as many pairs as you need to. The right ones should be comfortable right away, requiring no break-in time.

B. Ask questions about the designer, construction and materials used.

C. If you have athletic calves, wide feet, narrow feet or any other special needs, don’t hesitate to ask if something can be special ordered or if a certain style or line is better suited for you.

D. Know what the return and exchange policy is. At Two Sole Sisters, it’s seven days for store credit if the shoes are unworn and in the original box. If an item is defective, we’ll work with you to make sure you’re satisfied.

5. What’s your favorite “shoe” word?

Shootie. A relatively new word describing the cross between a shoe and a low boot. Great for those ladies with athletic calves that still want a boot look under pants and fun for everyone. It’s a look that’s here to stay for a while.

– By Rachael Shayne

How to love your boots

With Two Sole Sisters stocking more than 20 styles of boots for fall, we compared tips on how to take care of them and make them last. We agreed that the following three tips were the keys to getting your boots to last at least five years:

1. Keep them in good shape, free from mag-chloride, salt and other winter chemicals. Wipe off any of these as soon as you can. Use a waterproofing spray, fabric or leather conditioners and cleaners.

2. Store them upright with the toes stuffed and the long shanks kept round with material, foam or a boot form.

3. At the end of every season take them to a reputable shoe repair shop for a tune up on the material, toes, heel points and soles so next season they’re ready for you as soon as you are ready to put them into rotation.

Like any great outfit, your makeup works the same way: Let one thing be the focal point for a sophisticated look.

For fall, a beautiful point of focus is lips. During the darker mornings, sleep in a little and rely on well-prepped and colored lips to give you a finished look in a flash.

Before you figure out what color you can rely on, prep that pucker. Mix a little olive oil with plain white sugar to make a gentle scrub. Apply liberally to your lips and let it sit for at least a minute. Next, take a soft toothbrush and gently massage the mixture into your lips. Rinse well and repeat one to two times per week.

Now you’re ready for some color. Let’s cover the basics:

Smaller lips? Stick to neutral and lighter colors with a nice sheen to maximize your natural shape. Dark colors will make your lips look smaller.

Fuller lips? Avoid all-over super-gloss. No one will be able to hear anything you say because your lips will be bouncing around.

Lip liner? Not necessary until you’re in your late 40s-ish and never darker than your natural lip color.

Lip Plumpers? They’re temporary and some of them sting, but they can give you some extra oomph for a few hours.

Long lasting? Nothing really is; it’s an enduring beauty myth. Keep lips prepped with a weekly exfoliating regimen, use a lip balm as a base and slick the color over the top. Be prepared to re-apply lipstick and glosses every few hours.

Lip colors matching your clothes? Um, no. When you’re wearing reds and oranges, use beige-y nudes on your lips. For everything else, shades of natural pink are universally flattering.

Matte versus shiny? The trendanistas will try to convince you there’s a better version every season. The best trend to follow, though, is the one that looks best on you. That way you’re sure to wear it like you mean it — which always looks amazing.

In your 20s: Experiment and have some fun. Try lots of glittery glosses, pinks, reds, plums and find something that suits your personality.

In your 30s: Don’t go lighter than the color of your gums and look at the inside of your lips—match their brownish-pink color for your best shade. Pare down on the glitter and instead look for shimmer and use it sparingly. Tinted balms are your best friends, and you can layer gloss over them for an evening look.

In your 40s-plus: Rely on fresh, creamy shades. No shimmers. Ripe, warm berry shades are usually the best. Find them in emollient-packed lipstick formulas to restore moisture and find subtle, colored glosses to give you a polished, radiant look. Try a lip liner in the same color as your lips if you find that the lipstick feathers outside of your natural lip line.

Shayne is a Boulder-based style coach. Need a fashion fix? Contact Shayne at rachael@rachaelshayne.com or www.rachaelshayne.com. 

Once you succeed in getting to the in-person interview you’ve already checked the box on the essential job qualifications. Now the interviewer is thinking, “Does this person fit in? Do I like her?”

Your appearance has a lot to do with how those questions are answered, and they’ve been answered before you even sit down to talk. So don’t let grubby shoes be the thing that gets you bounced.

THE BASICS

Today’s economic climate results in a pullback to more formal interview rules for attire. Do your homework first (ask the recruiter, the receptionist, check for employees’ blogs) and get a feel for what everyday attire is for the office where you’re interviewing. Now, take it up a notch and that’s how you should dress for your interview. It shows your respect and enthusiasm to the team and hiring manager. One word of caution, don’t show up in a black power-pantsuit if the environment is casual. Stay in the same zone as the company operates within, but on a more polished and concise scale.

Creative Environment:

You have more stylistic license here. Chic dress or skirt plus more subdued jacket or cardigan with simple, but unique accessories leave a polished impression. Add personal-style items like great shoes or a belt in an unexpected and interesting color, as long as it’s a sophisticated pairing. Just be sure to stick to the style rule of one focal point per outfit.

Corporate Environment:

The suit rules, but it can be assembled using separates, too. Depending on the position, you can choose a simple or slightly ruffled or patterned blouse. Keep it straightforward enough, but still flattering and updated nicely. No cleavage, oodles of lace, sporty watches, open toe or mile-high heels. Critical to the success of a pantsuit is making sure your hems are long enough. Know which shoe(s) work. They work if your pants fall all the way down to about 1/2″ -3/4″ from the floor/up the heel of your shoe when worn together. This is critical: emphasize hips and make your overall silhouette look lean. In addition, no pleats and no cuffs, but a crease is definitely okay. If you’re updating an older suit, have the pleats tailored out of the pants and update suit jackets by having them shortened and changing the buttons to modernize the look.

Overall, your outfit should be clean, pressed, lint-free and fit you impeccably. Wear colors that complement your eyes and use them to keep attention and focus on your face.

GROOMING

Your hair should be freshly cut (but not on that day). Your hairstyle shouldn’t be elaborate, but it should be neat.

Your skin should look fresh, clean and lightly moisturized. Use makeup and perfume sparingly.

Nails should be neatly trimmed and manicured and your hands should be very clean and lightly moisturized. Your nail polish color should be a pinkies-beige and re-consider fake nails — they are very much out of style at this point (sorry, who else is going to tell you?).

ACCESSORIES

Clean, polished shoes matter. As do nice, new socks if you’re wearing them. Accessories should not jangle as that can be a distraction. Earrings, necklaces and bracelets should be classic and simple. Carry a small, tidy purse and a small, non-cutest pen to take notes. Keep some breath mints or strips on-hand for a quick refresher.

Now, wear it like you mean it and go land that job!

Visit Rachael the Style Coach’s blog for weekly style advice and ideas at rachaelshaynestyle.blogspot.com

It’s the month of lace and love, or so they say. I say it’s the season to assess your lingerie and maybe pick out a few new pieces to spruce up your assets.

While romantic lingerie is a fun idea to entertain, underthings that fit you well are comfortable and produce a beautiful silhouette all day long, offering you a year-round lift.

Let’s assess your lingerie drawer:

1. Have you gained or lost 10 percent of your body weight? Time for a new bra.

2. If you lift your bra strap up and your whole breast moves up, too, your bra is probably small. Time for a new bra or two.

3. If it’s been more than three years since you bought a bra, yep, time for a new one.

4. Panties. Do they fit? Do they bunch up? Have holes?

Where to shop?

Local specialty lingerie retailers and reputable department stores are good bets for figuring out which styles, brands and sizes suit you best. Just as clothing sizes vary from brand to brand, so does lingerie sizing. You will find that the fabric and detail quality, the cut and the fit varies from lingerie brand to brand, and there are some that will most definitely fit you better than others. A knowledgeable salesperson will be able to guide you to some that make sense for your size and shape. Plan to invest in a few perfect pieces and then take care of them as you would expensive jewelry by cleaning them carefully and storing them gently.

On top

Get fitted for a bra at a reputable store. Don’t worry about the sales lady seeing your private bits; she is a consummate professional.

A right bra does three key things: It gives you a youthful silhouette, helps support your back and makes your clothes look even better.

With the tight economy, you might not be doing much shopping. But a great bra can make you look so much better that it will seem as if you have a new wardrobe. Ultimately, you should have enough bras that you’re not reliant on the same two.

Try to secure: smooth in black and beige; lacy in black and a fun color; and a strapless one.

On bottom

Your panties should also fit well and offer you a little secret confidence. Try a few different styles in different colors by multiple designers to discover your favorites, and have an array to handle all of the different outfit scenarios: office, tight jeans, dress, shorts, low-rise, mid-rise, etc.

Proper TLC

Caring for all that stretchy fabric and lace means taking a few precautions so they last and keep working. Just say “no” to machine-washing, unless you have a front-loader with an excellent delicate cycle. A special detergent is also a good idea.

In regards to those festive, lacy choices? Have some fun and remember to arch your back slightly, draw your chin down and in slightly (making a “c” with your neck), tighten up your abs and twist slightly — instant super-model pose!

– By Rachael Shayne

Shayne is a style coach from Boulder who now lives in California. Need a fashion fix? Contact Shayne at rachael@rachaelshayne.com or www.rachaelshayne.com.

Rachel Shayne

At a time when acceptable cocktail conversation includes gas prices and how to go an extra few weeks between haircuts in an effort to trim costs, it’s the perfect time to make your current wardrobe (as in not buying anything new) work harder for you.

Fashion can be bought, and it’s fun. But style? Ah, that’s what most women are really after. Style doesn’t cost a thing and it can be learned. It’s all in the way you approach your wardrobe and finish a look. Your own ingenuity and confidence can make any ensemble sing.

Assuming the clothes you have fit and you have some basics to work with, here are the top five ways to create style in your look:

1. Re-organize your wardrobe by color. Either white to black regardless of clothing type, or by tops, pants/skirts, jackets/cardigans from white to black. Now you can start seeing your pieces in a new light and be open to trying on new combinations.

2. Literally, a new light. Can you see in your closet? Be sure there’s enough wattage (a bright eco-energy saver bulb, of course) so you can see what you have to work with. If it’s too dark or too jam-packed you’ll never want to experiment with new combinations. Make it a place you like to visit since most of us dip into our closet a few times every day.

3. Look at your favorite style Web sites, magazines, catalogs, celebs and heroes for ideas. Peruse them for interesting color, texture, pattern mixing and pairings that inspire you. Scrutinize the way they’ve used accessories, shoes and color. Study the hairstyles and makeup. Rip and print your favorites and pin them up in or near your closet for reference. Re-work your pieces to incorporate these ideas into your everyday look.

4. Try out some new combos by putting together similar elements from your inspiration outfits on your bed or floor. Swap out jewelry, accessories, shoes and handbags to see how they can really change a look fast. Experiment with interesting and different uses of color in an outfit.

Some trend-right color combinations right now are: olive and berry; gold and cream; royal blue and black. You probably have those colors in your closet already but you may not have worn them together. Be prepared to break some rules (your own and the fashion police’s), and see if it opens new doors.

For example:

Mix up your suiting pieces by wearing a tank top with a suit jacket, skirt and a great necklace.

Wear your favorite boots with tights, a summer dress and cardigan.

Try heels with your cords and top with a blouse.

5. Now, the hardest part. You absolutely must believe that you look beautiful. Style doesn’t start and end with how you prepare outfits, your hair and makeup. It is only complete when you believe in yourself. Stand up straighter, shoulders back, walk tall and wear it like you mean it.

Shayne is a style coach from Boulder who now lives in California. Need a fashion fix? Contact Shayne at rachael@rachaelshayne.com or www.rachaelshayne.com.