Wear This Not That

Holly Katz, a personal stylist known for transforming clients’ wardrobes, joins the conversation to discuss the essential undergarments everyone should have. She emphasizes how the right-fit bras and shapewear can elevate your outfit and boost confidence. Holly shares tips on refreshing your underwear drawer and the importance of maintaining your lingerie for longevity. Discover must-have items for various occasions, from seamless underwear to backless bras, ensuring you look and feel your best in every outfit.

We are back this week to talk about swimsuits. And not just any suits, but Swimsuits for All! #slayallday Shopping for swimsuits can be a stressful, vulnerable, and frustrating experience. It's doubly so when your favorite store doesn't carry a cute style in your size, or when all the ones in your size were clearly treated as afterthoughts. #rude  As the online swimwear leader since 2005, Swimsuits For All is known for swimsuits with superior construction, expert fit and innovative designs.  Today they continue to push the boundaries of style and size in the women's swimwear space. The brand makes stylish, size-inclusive women's swimwear in sizes 4 through 44. Yes, you read that right.   Your favorite personal stylist – Holly Katz - has been a fan, a customer, and a big promoter of Swimsuits for All for many years.   Its lineup includes one-pieces, bikinis, swim dresses, tankinis, and cover-ups, and most of its suits cost less than $100. #amazeballs Even for the ones that cost more, you can usually get them at a generous discount during one of the brand's many online sale events. Through perfect-fitting swimwear catered to EVERY BODY, Swimsuits For All inspires women of all ages, shapes and sizes to be confident and carefree in the swim they’re in. Join Holly for an exclusive interview at the NYC headquarters of Swimsuits For All with their Director of Design, Kristina Guilmain and VP, Brand Manager Bryan Bance. MEET KRISTINA AND BRYAN: As the Director of Design, Kristina and her team create swimwear that fits well, looks beautiful and encourage confidence through masterful design and construction, cutting edge fabric technologies and size inclusivity.   Kristina is a swimwear expert and is a passionate swimwear lifestyle person who, she says, was basically born on the beach.   Bryan serves as VP, Brand Manager, and comes to the brand from Levi’s (did you listen to our last episode??). Bryan brings his experience of understanding the personal fit issues of jeans to the very personal fit issues of a swimsuit. Both are fashion areas that are hard to fit and require a deep understanding of how the customer feels about their body.  Knowing their core customer and learning about their “pain points” when considering swimsuits is key to the brand’s success. Once they understand the issues or concerns of their customers, the real design and construction work begins.   THE ANATOMY OF A SWIMSUIT: #veryimportant  Interior Components: The interior of the suit is what gives your body the support it needs.  Swimsuits for All uses a power mesh layer that firmly holds you in from the inside. This lining lets the fabric on the outside be bump-free and smooth while supporting, slimming, or lifting from the inside.   “The support of the swimsuit is within.”   Other Key Elements: Underwire is your friend, especially when it is wrapped and made to be comfortable. Added to this support area is the “bust band.” The straps are not what hold your boobs up it's the band. Truthbomb: One size does not fit all. Customers often need different bra cup sizes for each swimsuit size, and adjustable back clasps.  Adjustable shoulder straps are the last line of defense for support. They should never dig into your shoulders, and they are not meant to hold the full weight of your breasts.   BUTT COVERAGE: Depending on when and where you are wearing a swimsuit, your desired butt coverage may vary. Swimsuits for All offers 3 main coverage options:  Cheeky Cut: shows your cheeks! Full Coverage: covers your cheeks! Modern Coverage: in-between full and cheeky and offers a cut that is still sexy and modern.  SIZE RANGE: Inclusivity sizing means just that: sizes for everyone. They offer swimsuits in sizes from 4-44. But not every suit is for every body. So, providing a multitude of styles is critical to offering a wide range of sizes.    IN CONCLUSION: The success of Swimsuits for All is based on meeting their customer’s needs in the swimsuit category: Bust support: they offer the most options.  They serve a segment in the market for women who cannot find the fit or the product they are looking for.  They offer a wide range of real sizes (XL at a box store is not Plus Size), inclusive sizing and mix-and-match sizing.   STYLE MANTRAS: Designer Kristina:  “Swimwear is not a “throw-away” piece. It can be an investment piece. Buy something that serves more than one purpose. We achieve that with the versatility of our pieces.” Marketer Bryan:  “We want to give you the gift of confidence. We want to make sure that, when you are out and about in a swimsuit, you don’t care what someone thinks about you. You are not thinking about what others think because you love the way you look and feel" Connect and support brands the brands we love, starting with Swimsuits for All.  Swimsuits for All is at https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/   Order the catalog: https://www.swimsuitsforall.com/quick-order   And find them on all the socials at @swimsuitsforall. Share this podcast with someone you love who may need fashion help or anyone who is looking to elevate and improve their style.  Write us a review on Apple podcasts (or wherever you listen!) because that makes us so happy and helps to make us super-popular.   #yyaaass  You can find us on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fashion-crimes-podcast/id1523111704   Also, please follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest too!  #DOIT  Join us for new episode drops EVERY. FRIDAY. You'll look better at it. We hope you have a fabulous fashionable week ahead!   Xoxo,   Holly Katz  - Your Favorite Personal Stylist, the Hostess with the Mostest, and the ONLY Holly you need to know.    www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Did you know that it’s the 150th Anniversary of Levi’s 501 jeans? We are betting that no matter how old you are right now as you listen to this podcast, you probably went through an era of wearing the iconic 5-button-fly, unisex classic style. AMIRITE!? These jeans date all the way back to 1873. The original 501 jeans by Levi's have stayed true and timeless for well over 150 years. And they're not stopping anytime soon. From rebels to rockstars to factory and millworkers and farmers alike, 501 jeans have been a staple for everyone.  In fact, 501 jeans just get cooler and hipper, the older and more worn they appear.  Throughout their history, there was no social class, gender, religion, or creed that 501’s did not fit. So, when you wear 501s, you are not pigeonholed into any demographic other than being part of Levi's revolution - and what a revolution it is.  The style is still true today to the original 501 core values of price, craftsmanship, and durability. And it's now coupled with Levi's modern sustainability efforts. We mean, you literally cannot destroy these things! THE HISTORY: 501 jeans are the oldest style of the Levi's brand. Back in the late 19th century miners and factory workers needed a pant that was sustainable enough to withstand the harsh elements, in addition to keeping their shape and durability over time.  Levi Strauss was a Jewish immigrant who sailed to New York City in pursuit of the American dream from Bavaria, Germany. He joined his family in the dry goods business where he was selling what was called “waist overalls,” which was the name for denim pants. He then worked with a tailor from Reno, NV who added copper rivets to reinforcement to the pocket corners. From there, they were awarded a patent for the process of adding the rivets and started to manufacture them in San Francisco, where Strauss was living.  Eventually, ladies and children’s styles followed, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that baby boomers adopted the name “jeans.” LEVI’s TODAY: Today, the company boasts a collection of over 400 styles and rinses (colors). The Levi's company is using its birthday to bring forth its efforts on becoming more sustainable and use less energy and water to produce and dye their products. Expect to hear about the release of the plant-based 501s that are made from 97% renewable resources. Now, we don't even know what that means, but we're gonna find out because Holly is gonna get a pair and we are going to learn about this company and its practices! #Yay! HOT TIP:  Please look up all of the work Levi’s has done to help make the planet a better place! We didn’t know how extensive it has been, and now that we do, we love them even more.  WHAT JEANS ARE BEST FOR YOU? Obviously: FIT IS FIRST. Not a price point.  The 5 Factors: the rise, stretch factor, support, rinse, and price. Don’t go by inseam. Most of the time, jeans will be too long. (Note: check out Holly’s Pinterest board for all of the recommendations on this episode at: https://pin.it/7fyf8ip)   THE RISE: The rise is the distance from your crotch up through your seat to the top of your waistband. So, if you go in between your legs, it is at that point where all of the panels connect. The rise determines where the pants sit on your body and can create, or alter, where your perceived waistline is.  You will see “high rise,” “low rise” and everything in between. Based on your body type, the “rise” you choose depends on the fit you are looking for.  The Brands Holly Recommends:  Mother:  https://www.motherdenim.com/collections/denim  L’Agence:  https://lagence.com/collections/denim Frame:  https://frame-store.com/collections/denim-women Paige:  https://www.paige.com/women?filters=%7B%22PRODUCT%20TYPE%22:%5B%22DENIM%22%5D%7D&page=1 Rag and Bone: https://www.rag-bone.com/womens/jeans/  Guess:  https://www.guess.com/us/en/women/apparel/jeans-and-denim/view-all/  NYDJ:  https://nydj.com/collections/nydjs-women-jeans  Wranglers: https://www.wrangler.com/shop/women-jeans Levi’s:  https://www.levi.com/US/en_US/clothing/women/jeans/c/levi_clothing_women_jeans HOT TIP:  Do not get hung up on what style is in style. If skinny jeans are your best fit, wear them forever. What jean fit your body best never go out of style.  WHAT TO WEAR WITH JEANS:  Any. Thing.  Jeans are the new black. They are high fashion. They are low fashion. They are high-low fashion. That is what makes them fabulous and acceptable in most places these days.   And, you can never have too many, or too few. But they are a staple, and you need to have some.  Style them with everything from cowboy boots to sandals. Dress them up with a nice top and jacket or be fun with a rock-n-roll T-shirt.   BOTTOM LINE: Style your jeans up: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorizes. A nice handbag, killer shoes, and statement jewelry can transform any jean into a stylish outfit.   Go forth and have fun with your jeans- send us a pic of how you styled them so you can get a shout-out! VOTE FOR US!  In other fashion news, we have been nominated for the People's Choice Podcast Awards honoring podcasters since 2005, and we would love for you to vote for us. Please vote via this three-step process:      Go to https://www.podcastawards.com/ and create an account.    Verify your account via your confirmation email.    Then you can vote for us in the People's Choice Award and in the Arts Category.    We know this is a big ask. But they do this multi-step process to make sure the voting is authentic, and people don't rig the system.  THANK YYOOOUUUU!   Share this podcast with someone you love who may need fashion help. #DOIT Write us a review on Apple podcasts (or wherever you listen!) because that makes us so happy and helps to make us super-popular.     (You can find us on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fashion-crimes-podcast/id1523111704)  Also, please follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, too!   Join us. EVERY. FRIDAY. You'll look better for it. We hope you have a fabulous fashionable week ahead!  Xoxo,   Holly Katz  - Your Favorite Personal Stylist, the Hostess with the Mostest, and, the ONLY Holly you need to know.  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

We are so honored and thrilled to have our Fashion Bestie, Supermodel EMME, back with us on the podcast this week! She is here to share her favorite summer fashion picks and give us a short recap from our last show where we interviewed the winner of her “Fashion Without Limits” competition, Nina Chen.     Go back to EP 152 and have a listen!      EMME’s Favorite Summer Fashion Picks:  Our BFFF (best fashion friend forever), EMME spent some time in Mexico this summer at Rancho La Puerta, a wellness resort in Tecata on the Mexican border - and as you can imagine - it was HOT and SUNNY!     So, what are her secrets for beating the heat while staying in style?     A large reed beach bag that she cannot leave home without.  A large sun hat, long sleeves and clean-ingredient sunscreens!  Anything linen. She says breathability is key, so go with the wrinkles if you are hot!   Smocked Tops (you may even be able to go without a bra if you do it right).  Any sort of tunic which will provide cool and stylish coverage – think Morocco.  NYDJ skinny jeans.  Gladiator sandals.  Fresh pedicures (due to a “hiking toe”).  Bathing suits that will stay on her body because she likes to move around in the water. Favorite swimwear brands include Anne Cole and Nautica – whose designs bridge the gap between coverage and style.     Hot Tip: check out Swimsuits for All* for the best selection of women’s swimwear!    *As we speak, Holly is wrapping up an interview at the SWIMSUITS FOR ALL headquarters in NYC. Stay tuned for that episode!     EMME’s vision for Fashion Without Limits Design Competition  To recap: Supermodel Emme is a Division 1 college athlete who put “athletic curvy” on the map and rose to fame in the mid-1990’s as the world’s first plus-size Supermodel, and is once again shedding light on size inclusivity in the fashion industry.     After beating cancer a few years ago, EMME felt strongly about creating a legacy project. The result of this vision was the creation of the Fashion Without Limits Design Initiative.     Teaming up with her alma mater Syracuse University and online plus-size retailer OneStopPlus (OSP), the nationally recognized advocate for body positivity, health and wellness is promoting fashion inclusivity in the classroom with the 8th Annual Fashion Without Limits (FWL) Design Competition.      Emme enlisted the help of fellow advocate and veteran plus-size fashion designer Zahir Babvani, head of design & style for OneStopPlus, to inspire a new generation of up-and-coming fashion designers to put their talents to work for the silent majority -- the estimated 70 percent of American women who wear sizes 12 and up! #FACTS    Emme says that she created this competition to galvanize the design school community around the exciting career opportunities in one of the fastest growing, yet most under-served, segments of the fashion industry.      The 1985 Syracuse University grad, athletic Hall of Famer, and Fashion Without Limits founder says, “Learning from successful designers like Zahir Babvani shows young designers that this is a rewarding career path. Syracuse University is at the forefront of making inclusive design an exciting area of concentration, giving tomorrow's designers the skills, and ability, to enact real change on the fashion landscape. We hope this program will become a template for other schools moving forward.”    According to Emme, curvy women are professionals, celebrities, mothers, daughters and sisters.     “All women want to feel special, confident, and secure in their clothes.  At Fashion Without Limits, we believe that love, happiness, and success have no size limits. Our goal is to offer fashion design students an inclusive curriculum that enables them to provide women of all shapes and sizes with the apparel they want and deserve.” – EMME    It has been so fun catching up with the delightful EMME. We will continue to follow her Fashion Without Limits program, and her mission to change fashion for the better with size-inclusive styles.  #YAAASSSS!    Thank you, EMME!       VOTE FOR US!  In other fashion news, we have been nominated for the People's Choice Podcast Awards honoring podcasters since 2005, and we would love for you to vote for us.    Please vote via this three-step process:      Go to https://www.podcastawards.com/ and create an account.    Please verify your account via your confirmation email.    Then you can vote for us in the People's Choice Award, and in the Arts Category.       We know this is a big ask. But they do this multi-step process to make sure the voting is authentic, and people don't rig the system.  THANK YOU!      Ok that’s it for this week!  We hope you share this podcast with somebody you love who may need fashion help. Write us a review on Apple podcasts (or wherever you listen!) because that makes us so happy and helps to make us super-popular.       Find us on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fashion-crimes-podcast/id1523111704    Also, please follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, too!     We are the best fashion friend you never you needed. We hope you have a fabulous fashion week ahead!    Xoxo,  Holly Katz - Your Favorite Personal Stylist, the Hostess with the Mostest, and, the ONLY Holly you need to know.    www.fashioncrimespodcast.com 

If you’ve listened to our podcast before, you will know that in a previous episode (EP 126), we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Supermodel and Life Coach, EMME, who disrupted the fashion and beauty industries three decades ago by advocating for inclusive beauty ideals and body acceptance - a cause that has only gained even more significant ground today.   EMME, the Division 1 college athlete who put “athletic curvy” on the map and rose to fame in the mid-1990’s as the world’s first plus-size supermodel, is once again shedding light on size inclusivity in the fashion industry.    Fast Forward: She is now teaming up with her alma mater Syracuse University and online plus-size retailer OneStopPlus (OSP), the nationally recognized advocate for body positivity, health and wellness. OneStopPlus is promoting fashion inclusivity in the classroom with the 8th annual Fashion Without Limits (FWL) design competition where our new bestie, Zahir, was a judge.   (Put a sticky-note on that, because will be having EMME back on the podcast very soon.)   But for now, we are here this week to celebrate her efforts to inspire a new generation of up-and-coming fashion designers – by welcoming this year’s winner of the Fashion Without Limits competition – Nina Chen, and introducing Zahir Babvani, head of design for OneStopPlus.   Emme enlisted the help of fellow advocate and veteran plus-size fashion designer Zahir Babvani to inspire a new generation of up-and-coming fashion designers to put their talents to work for the silent majority -- the estimated 70 percent of American women who wear sizes 12 and up. #DAMNSTRAIGHT   As head designer at OSP, he is responsible for the company’s growing roster of popular plus-size brands, including Woman Within, Jessica London, June+Vie, Roaman’s, Catherines, and Eloquii. Babvani held a rousing virtual masterclass on plus-size design and style for the University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Fashion Design class of 2024. #lovingthisjourney   Offering essential business insights and tips for designing clothes plus-size women want to wear, Babvani challenged the group of future designers to create the next “it” style for curvy women, keeping in mind today’s inflation-weary shoppers, the heightened demand for versatility, and the customer’s need for a superhero multi-tasker piece to serve all her style needs, from casual to work to dressy.    More than 20 students competed for the chance to have their original designs manufactured and brought to market for fall 2023. #OMGGG   The winning designer, Nina Chen, found inspiration for her “Tulip Dress” in nature’s bountiful curves. Chen’s modern-classic black dress, which is made of Ponte knit fabric, is tailored to flatter all body shapes. The “Tulip Dress” is slated to debut on the OneStopPlus marketplace this fall as part of an exclusive collaboration between OneStopPlus and Emme’s Fashion Without Limits groundbreaking partnership with Syracuse University.    The winning garment will feature special hangtags giving Nina, the student designer name recognition and a taste of fashion designer fame, all while also bolstering the FWL program.   “I came into fashion so passionate about many issues in the industry, but inclusive design was not on my radar,” says Chen.    “Through my journey working on the competition and now interning with OneStopPlus, I’m learning that, with the right approach and mindset, inclusive design can and should be a part of every fashion designer’s portfolio.”    Chen adds that the competition has inspired her to think more about the end user of her designs. “Emerging designers tend to focus on ‘cool’ fashions that we would wear. Emme and Zahir really helped me to understand the importance of making fashion accessible to all women, and I look forward to being more inclusive with my designs throughout my career.”   In this episode, Zahir and Nina each share their fascinating fashion journeys with Holly – from Zahir’s esteemed career to Nina’s baby beginnings.    Holly helps us explore how creative thinking and passion can really make a positive impact on the lives of others through the art of fashion, as we all explore the many definitions of “beauty.”    Please join us this week for a very important conversation. The future of fashion is here with rising stars like Nina, and visionaries like Zahir and EMME!   We are the best fashion friend you never knew you needed, so please, please send us your fashion questions via email or on our social DMs. Holly WILL answer and most likely, will give you a shout out on our next episode. #YAASSSSS   Have a fabulous fashion week!   Love,  - Holly   PS: Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts because all that does is push me up. Go to our YouTube channel. Sign up for our email list. Send me to someone you love, care about or someone who needs fashion help.    Find us at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.

After a spectacular week of celebrating our 150th Episode last week, we are back this week to brag about the publication of Holly’s fashion advice recently featured on The Today Show website:    Best Linen Pants for Summer!   READ IT HERE: https://www.today.com/shop/best-linen-pants-rcna91136   #yyyaasasssss Believe it or not, Holly has not previously owned linen pants. #ummno This is not surprising for those of us that live in Southern states – because - linen gets wrinkly before you can even start THINKING about wearing it. #Facts #Ugh   However, in doing research for this article, Holly was happy to find ‘linen-blend” options that she has totally warmed up to, and is now recommending.     And, in the spirit of summer fashion, we are throwing in summer T-shirts, and even recommending appropriate summer flip flops on this episode (even though your favorite personal stylist may or may not have totally bashed this shoe option in a previous episode)! #Weeeeeee #LookNoHands!    Summer Linens:  Every summer, your social feeds are flooded with dreamy linen clothing options: White linen pants, linen shirt dresses, linen button-down shirts, etc.     It all looks super cool, refreshing, flowy and fun - until you buy something and dare to try it on, let alone wear it somewhere and try not to get wrinkled.   You can hand-steam all you want, besties. This stuff will look like you’ve been sleeping in it for week the second you get dressed. #damn   So, if you want the linen look, and not the sloppy, lived-in look, Holly has your summer style tips all lined up for you here!    HOT TIP:   Please go to the HOLLY KATZ STYLING Pinterest board to follow along visually:   https://www.pinterest.com/hollykatzstyling/top-t-shirts-flip-flop-linen-pants-for-2023/    LINEN PANTS  Repeat after Holly: Linen-blend is your summer friend, not your enemy. You can wear linen pants!   Regular linen is made of untreated, natural fibers that have not been bleached, colored, or treated in some way. So, there is nothing to keep it from wrinkling or to help it keep its shape. By finding a linen-blend, you will have a fabric that supports the linen look and feel, with minimal wrinkles.     HOT TIP:   Linen pants, especially white linen pants, can tend to be sheer and see through. Make sure your pants fit well, (the linen look is loose-fitting), and please do not tell us you are wearing a thong panty without telling us you are wearing a thong panty, because your pants are see through. #Pleasecheck   Holly recommends sizing up when trying linen pants. Also, be careful how you clean your linen – an easy fabric to shrink!   Choose your linens wisely-here are the linen pant brands Holly recommends: All on the pinterest board! Mill & Moss    Posse  Banana Republic  Vince  Free People  Frank & Eileen  & Other Stories  A.L.C.     T-SHIRTS  Holly likes to classify T-shirts into these 3 categories:    1.) Solids:   You do not need a T-shirt in every color. However, a crisp white T is always in style. Then you can add to your collection from there with a pop of color, or a muted neutral.     Solid T-shirts are the FOUNDATION of your summer outfits. You will want to accessorize and dress it up from there.     2.) Vintage and Graphic:   It is always on trend to wear any sort of vintage T-shirt, as long as it is in good condition- (think concert T-shirts, vintage brand or team shirts). This is a great option for collectors, or for those on a budget. Good condition means no rips, tears, smells, or stains.  We can’t believe we need to say that, but you'd be shocked. All 2nd hand and vintage tees need to be washed before wearing.   3.) College and Sport Teams:  These types of casual T-shirts are a Fashion Crime - UNLESS you are attending or participating in “said” event.  This is where you can wear your swag, fly your flag and sport your team socks-but at the game and the game only.   It's not chic to wear college alumni shirts, sorority and fraternity letters, your high school baseball team shirt, etc. when you're not at the specified function that supports this type clothing.   #thankyou T-shirt brands Holly recommends: Groceries Apparel  JCrew  Harvest & Mill  Neococo  Katla  Oldschooltees  Generation Cool    How to wear:    Accessorize your T-shirts with statement jewelry, a great handbag, a detachable collar, or just fabulous glam sunglasses. Wear under a jacket, blazer, jumpsuit, or sundress – anything sleeveless!  Wearing a vintage tee with a maxi skirt is Holly's go-to look.   Do not go cheap on T-shirts. There is a huge difference in fit and quality if you purchase in a ‘Box Store” vs. a higher-level brand.     Be honest with yourself – if this is an item you wear constantly in your wardrobe, do yourself a favor and spend some money on quality fabric and fit. You won't regret it! T-shirts should be snug and not oversized. Make sure the fabric isn't too sheer! If we see nipplige or problem areas, the fit is too tight. #FashionOver40    FLIP FLOPS:  Okay, you didn't hear it from Holly, but flip-flops are something she grew up with like the rest of us.   What was once a $2 piece of rubber that you put on your feet, has now turned into items that luxury brands can sell for hundreds of dollars.   Please take note that there are two kinds of flip flops: the ones that are rubber and cheap that you throw into your car when you need to get a pedicure and nice leather or designer ones that you wear in the summer.    How to wear Flip Flops:  We would like to explain, with your permission, the do's and don'ts of flip flops.  Please do not, under any circumstances or for any reason, OR at any time or place on this planet, in this point of your life, wear flip flops with arch support.  #oldladyflipflops This is a Fashion Crime: you are too fabulous at this point to walk around or stand all day in platform flip-flops. You know this, we know this, tell your friends this.     Cheap, flat, rubber flip-flops are for the pool and the beach. That’s it.     However, you can find lovely slip-ons and other sandals that will keep you cool in the dead of summer without looking sloppy or cheap. Dressy slip-on shoes and designer flip-flps go perfectly with shorts, short skirts, sundresses and dressy white jeans.     Holly Favorite Flip Flop Brands:  tkees  kate spade  havianas  rainbows  gucci  valentino  sophia webster    If you do it right, your go-to summer outfit can be as easy as flowy linen-blend pants paired with a classy T-shirt, accessories, and fabulous slip-on sandals or designer flops.   PINTEREST NOTE:  Thank you to a Fashion Bestie Jennifer on Instagram who wrote in to ask about how to find us on PINTEREST.    To be honest, we refer you to the HOLLY KATZ STYLING Pinterest boards because she has been building and curating those fashion boards for her clients for many, many years.    It is the best way to experience Holly’s talent for personal styling, as you can see her work in action for real clients – and for all the content on our episodes.     Please find this episode’s board on the HOLLY KATZ STYLING Pinterest profile: https://www.pinterest.com/hollykatzstyling/top-t-shirts-flip-flop-linen-pants-for-2023/    AND FINALLY, PLEASE VOTE FOR OUR PODCAST!  In other fashion news, we have been nominated for the People's Choice Podcast Awards honoring podcasters since 2005, and we would love for you to vote for us!    So, if you would please vote for us, this is a three-step process:    Go to https://www.podcastawards.com/ and create an account.   Please verify your account via your confirmation email.   Then you can vote for us in the People's Choice Award, and in the Arts Category.     We know this is a big ask. But they do this multi-step process to make sure the voting is authentic, and people don't rig the system.      Please keep in touch to let us know how we are doing, what you want to hear, and how Holly can help you.    We really hope you share this podcast with somebody you love who may need fashion help. Holly would love for you to write us a review on Apple podcasts (or wherever you listen!) because that just makes us so happy, and helps to make us super popular.     Find us on Apple Podcasts at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fashion-crimes-podcast/id1523111704    Also, please follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and now THREADS!     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSbw7VOQhPmQwmYbnJmIwQ  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashioncrimespodcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollykatzstyle/  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@fashioncrimespodcast    We are the best fashion friend you never you needed. We hope you have a fabulous fashion week ahead!     Xoxo – Holly Katz  You favorite personal stylist, the hostess with the mostess, AND the only Holly you need to know.  

Do you hate shopping? How many times have you said this in your life? Are you overwhelmed by the mere thought of finding the time to spend an afternoon shopping for new clothing and accessories? Does it make you want to move to a foreign land where you never have to shop ever again?   Also: Do you need outfits that fit you well, are current with the times, AND are age appropriate?     Then you need to go shopping. #sorrynotsorry   This is a very special occasion, as we are celebrating our ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH EPISODE! YYAAAYYY!   Holly is here to reflect back on some of our VITAL styling episodes - and she surprises us with a VERY SPECIAL SURPRISE GUEST – to help us overcome all the hurdles and blocks we put in our minds about shopping.    Key Information:    If you have closet chaos, then you may be shopping for things you that you already have, or for crap you don’t need. Do not head out on a shopping excursion until you know what is in your closet – and what pieces you may need to add to your wardrobe.  #FACTS   FASHION CRIME: Having clothing in your closest with store tags still attached, having piles or hangers full of clothing you don’t wear because they don’t fit anymore, or not knowing what is in your closet.     If you need a refresher, please go back and listen to Episode 106 | How to Clean Out Your Closet    Figure out what is holding you back from your fashion future! Do you hate shopping, or do you hate the way you feel when you are shopping?  Hmmmmmm, interesting point our "lady about town" brought up.   Trying on bathing suits and jeans are the absolutely HARDEST shopping projects you will ever find, and often, the most disappointing. HOWEVER, it is important to TRY ON items before you purchase, because if things do no FIT you correctly, you will not feel good wearing them. #liveitlearnitloveit   If you need a refresher, go back and listen to Episode 97 | How to Dress Right for Your Body Type    Also see Episode 66 | Stop Making These Common Shopping Mistakes!  Oooooo yaassss. Good one.   Do you worry about the COST of shopping? This is not a bad thing. One of the greatest joys of shopping is THE DEAL, People!  Once you know what you need to add to your wardrobe, what FITS you well and the things you want to buy – go find the deal! Every department store has annual sales, and most department stores of now have “racks” or “off” stores.  #youcandoit   And please, please consider second-hand, thrift or resale shopping whether it is at your favorite consignment store, or online at The Real Real, Poshmark, Ebay, or others. You will find brands you love and discounted prices and that is a WIN. A win is a win, honey.   It’s also fun as all get-out, and a major shot of serotonin, when you get more than you paid for!     Oooo, listen to this one toooooo for inspo: Episode 88 | Earth Day and Sustainable Fashion    Do you even know what you need to shop for? Holly has spent her career helping people organize their wardrobe to make their lives easier.     Get her exclusive Wardrobe Check-List before you step foot in a store or shop online! #fabulous   See Episode 118 | The Only Wardrobe Checklist You Will Ever Need    Do not PANIC SHOP!  Do you have a summer wedding coming up? Starting a new job? Need a new handbag? Attending a funeral? And the big one: Going to Your Class Reunion? I mean, who doesn't want to hang out with us after 30 years?!?!   We have the solutions for painless shopping – but you must plan for these purchases!    Episode 92 | Best-Dressed Wedding Guest, Part 2    Episode 129 | What to Wear to Work Now    Episode 70 | How to Buy a Handbag    Episode 74 | What to Wear to a Funeral    Episode 112 | What to Wear to Your Class Reunion      If you haven’t guessed by now, our fairy gaymother, Nolan Meader, was back this week, because we cannot celebrate our 150th episode without our Best Fashion Friend Forever!    As you can see, if you have a need to go shopping, we have a podcast episode for that. You do not need to let fear hold you back. Do not let your body type hold you back. Do not let low self esteem hold you back.    And do you know why? Because we have 150 episodes to help you learn to love fashion.  #LISTENNOW  And, because we are the best fashion friend you never knew you needed.     Still not sure?     Please send us your fashion questions via email or via our social DMs. Holly WILL answer you, and most likely, will give you a shout out on our next episode.      Have a fabulous fashion week!     Love,   Holly!    PS:  Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts because all that does is push me up. Please go to our YouTube channel and share! Sign up for our email list. Send me to someone you love, care about or someone who needs fashion help.      I am your favorite Holly, the hostess with the mostest, and as always, your favorite personal stylist. Y'all have a fabulous, fashionable week!     

Jenny McClendon, a fitness expert known for her YouTube channel catering to seniors and beginners, shares invaluable insights on workout wear. She emphasizes the importance of maximum support sports bras for women, especially as they age. Jenny also discusses choosing attire based on activity type, from yoga to gym workouts. Comfort and style are key, as well as selecting the perfect footwear to enhance performance. The conversation highlights community support in fitness and promotes women-owned businesses in the industry.

This week, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz is defining the areas of Pajamas, Loungewear, and other “house clothing” you need to know to avoid committing one of the worst Fashion Crimes: Pajamas worn in public, ratty sleepwear, and inappropriate loungewear.     What you wear during your down time matters for a myriad of reasons, but mainly, because you deserve to look and feel your best, especially when you are relaxing!   NOTE: We have a TON of Fashion Bestie shout-outs this week, so do not cut this episode short! We have gotten SO MUCH fan mail and so many fashion questions – and this makes us SO HAPPY!   Also, as always, be sure to follow along on Holly’s curated Pinterest Boards to see all of her suggestions in this episode.   First of all: Pajama sets are not loungewear.   You cannot go outside or run errands in anything that starts with the word “pajama.” Pajamas, pajama pants and pajama sets are for sleeping. The literal definition of pajamas is “something you wear to bed,” and something you sleep in. Period. End of Story.   Loungewear is a step-up from sleepwear. You “lounge around” in it and could possibly run an errand or walk the dog in it - if you are covered in the appropriate areas and don’t look like you just rolled out of bed. Pajama Fashion Crimes:   Be aware of these critical issues that can lead you down the road to committing pajama crimes - sometimes without even noticing:   Buying cheap pajamas at box stores that don’t hold their shape or are made of cheap fabric. Wearing your significant other’s oversized T-shirts, or old sports, concert, etc. T-shirts that you feel badly about giving away. Mixing your pajama pants and shorts with your assortment of crappy sweatpants in the same drawer.    If you mindlessly wear PJs or Loungewear, you will walk by a mirror one day and not recognize the person staring back at you. You need to get your pajama game in order!   Hot Tip: We spend time and money on our wardrobe, and even on our workout clothes, so don’t skimp on your pajamas and loungewear! This is part of your wardrobe.   You need to get your act together and get 2-3 pajamas and loungewear outfits that you can wear on your down time, without being too skimpy. (We are not talking about lingerie in this episode. That is another subject entirely.)   Why? Because if you have friends, family, kids, or teens around the house, then their friends are around the house. You need to have some self-awareness about who sees you in your PJs and loungewear. If the Amazon guy rings your doorbell, and needs you to sign for something, you can’t open the door half-dressed.   Types of Pajamas:   You should have some really nice pajamas that are currently in style and fit you correctly. Not 10-year-old pajamas or Christmas-themed pajama pants in May. Okay? #notchic.   And just a word to the wise: If y'all do the holiday, dress-up, greeting card with matching outfits thing, or matching pajamas, whatever your tradition is, it’s none of our business. We are just telling you that outside the month of December, is a non-negosh. Don't. Do. It.   Holly’s Favorite Pajama Brands:   Eberjay PJ Salvage Casa Bella Natori La Perla Olivia van Halle Barefoot Dreams Yawn Luxurious Organic Nightwear Holly’s Favorite Loungewear Brands:   Kiya Tomlin | Go to EP 125 Dayo Women | Go to EP 134 Paridaez |Go to EP 26 Carbon 38 Luxury Activewear Alo Yoga Cotton Citizen Pangaia   Side Bar: “House Clothes”   There are times when you need to do some serious housekeeping, clean out your garage, paint your fence, do a little yardwork, etc. You need clothes that you can get dirty in. So, please dedicate a few items for this area of your life and wear them only for this purpose. Include in this area some shoes, jackets, etc., that can get gross, but which you are not going to wear for anything else. Keep this section of your closet separate.   Side Bar: “Sweats” We are not banning sweat outfits. We are banning old, out of style, ratty, beat down sweatpants.   Hot Tip:   Get yourself a personal gift list. Start a Google Doc. Plan ahead for Mother’s Day, your Birthday, Hannukah and Christmas! You know what you want. Your family does not, UNLESS you tell them. Pick out your favorite PJs and loungewear, put them on a list, and COMMUNICATE  to your fam and friends what you’d like. If you're the gift giver, always include a gift receipt.    In summary, take care of you so you can take care of others. Buy yourself some comfy, silky, pretty PJs! You’ll feel better, you’ll look better, and you will sleep better – so you can can feel great about what you're wearing, event when you go to bedd.    We are the best fashion friend you never knew you needed, so please, please send us your fashion questions via email or on our social DMs. Holly WILL answer and most likely, will give you a shout out on our next episode.    Have a fabulous fashion week!   Love,  Holly! PS: Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts because all that does is push me up. Go to our YouTube channel. Sign up for our email list. Send me to someone you love, care about or someone who needs fashion help.    I am your favorite Holly, the hostess with the mostest, and as always, your favorite personal stylist. Y'all have a fabulous, fashionable week!  

We are so honored to have a very special guest for our Designer Spotlight series this week! Introducing Marrisa Wilson, of Marrisa Wison NY - an up-and-coming fashion designer you need to know - and the recent winner of the 2023 Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, Ready-to-Wear Category. #YYYAAAAASSSS   As you know, one of Holly’s passions is supporting new designers, small businesses, and especially women entrepreneurs that are changing the fashion industry for the better.   This series in our podcast gives us the opportunity to learn about how fashion is created, and to peek behind the seams (pun, get it? ha!) to learn about the art of fashion and the artists who create it.   Have you ever wondered how someone becomes a fashion designer? A painter? Or any sort of creative producer?    Of course, it takes raw talent. And it usually presents from an early age. We hear this often, as is the case with Marrisa.   But it takes an extra spark. And grit. And courage. And, of course, hard work. If anyone tells they got lucky in the fashion business, don’t believe them.    ABOUT MARRISA WILSON NY:   Marissa Wilson, New York is a contemporary women's wear brand based out of New York. The idea behind this brand is that they want their customers to “wear their soul.”    Marrisa, the creator and designer, is a first-generation Guyanese-American who uses the natural influences and inspiration of her Caribbean home as she hand-draws and hand-paints the prints that are eventually transformed into her unique designs.    She puts a lot of love into each print she develops, as she really wants the wearer to be able to bring out their own personality through her bold colors and soft, easy silhouettes.   Her company first launched in 2016. But in 2021, they started to show at New York Fashion Week and things really started to really evolve.  HOW IT STARTED: Marissa wanted to be a fashion designer from a really young age. Her mom is a creative person, and she comes from an entrepreneurial family.    She was raised in a family-owned business growing up. So, it didn't seem crazy to get out of school and start a business right away.    When she was in the second grade, her mom was upholstering the cushions and curtains around their house, so there were little scraps of fabric all around and she started playing with them. Surrounded by her Barbies, she started draping and pinning and that's when her mom first taught her how to hand sew.   She eventually went to school to study fashion, majoring in fashion design with a double minor in fashion merchandising and product development.   She then went on to study under some of the best in the business, doing internships and undergrad work in the industry and gaining a lot of experience as she was building the idea of her business.    She worked for companies such as J. Mendel and Oscar de la Renta, and has the affiliate experience, as well, with mass brands like DKNY, Calvin Klein, and hip brands like Rag and Bone. Having all these experiences in her back pocket, she made a point to take in everything that she could learn along the way for her own business. This really put her on the path to entrepreneurship.    From being present in the design room, the fabric rooms and onto product development, she was able to really understand the entire supply chain process. “So, going from that process from how do you take a concept that you've developed into a design? How do you bring it to life, not just in that first sample, but also how to make it production-friendly, and how to make it so that other people can actually wear those clothes? This is what I learned early.” – Marissa Wison THE TARGET AUDIENCE:   The MARRISA WILSOIN NY client is anyone who feels like they want to push the bounds of what they add to their wardrobe. This woman wants to wear something different, but they don't want it to be fussy, or have difficulty figuring out how to do that.   Marrisa likes to make sure that the wearer feels they can be themselves and bring out their own shine and their own light through her clothes.    She is intentional to design without ego. It's not about her creating a perfect archetype of who she wants to wear her clothes. What she really enjoys is when someone is trying on an interesting color or print they might not have tried before, and then there's a sort of ease when they think: Hmmm, this kind of thing works for me!   The art is really through the textiles, she feels. Marissa loves interesting prints, embroidery techniques and beading. You might have a favorite pair of jeans or a favorite blazer that you might be able to pair her designs with.    She hopes her clients can incorporate Marrisa Wilson NY into their existing wardrobes by allowing people to have the freedom to step outside the box by adding something really special, without the fear of going too far.    DOWN TO BUSINESS:   As an artist, Marrisa can always create spectacular print designs. But as a business-owner, she must consider production, supply and demand, and what customers are looking for.    Issues like sizing, style trends, manufacturers, textile suppliers, sustainability, buyer demand, and buyer purchasing habits all factor into each and every creation.    Marrisa credits a Made-to-Order business model on a part of her success. By allowing customers to choose which designs they want before they are manufactured allows her to collect information what her clients want. Why produce an entire season of styles without knowing what customers will buy? Instead, she puts her designs out there, and produces what her customers are indicating they want via pre-orders.    Through this process she has learned things like the importance of deep sizing options. Her buyers have indicated size trends and demand well before production, so she knows exactly the size range she needs to produce.    They have partnered with an agent overseas, who makes sure that all their brand values are carried throughout the product development. MARRISA WILSON NY works with factories that do small batches. These not massive factories. They work with mills that can take their smaller batch runs.    Marrisa loves these relationships, because these are partners who are looking to grow with them, and who are doing it in a small, controlled, and sustainable way.    WHAT ELSE?   Marrisa and Holly spend the rest of this episode discussing her latest collection, with influences from her Guyanese heritage: think of tropical trees and palm trees, and an easy-breezy lifestyle.    She is also planning her upcoming wedding (in Seville) and she in is NOT designing her own dress. #YASSSGURL   And finally, Marrisa is already working on her 2024 collection, and consider what Fashion Week might bring. We cannot wait!   In her final thoughts, Marrisa shares her truth bomb, and that is to “Dress for Your Soul.” We couldn’t agree more. That's what we preach. Wear what you love and make sure it's Holly-approved..(duh).   Please follow and support our new Fashion Bestie Marrisa Wilson NY on Instagram and on their website at www.marrisawilsonny.com.    Thank you for joining us on the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST!   Don’t forget to submit your fashion questions to Holly on our social. We may just pick your topic for our next episode and get a shout out!   Please listen, love, follow, share and subscribe to our FREE PODCAST! Find us wherever you get your podcasts or at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.   Xoxo –  Holly Katz,  Your Hostess with the Mostest, and, the ONLY Holly you need to know.