Wear This Not That

It’s summer dress season! Are you ready? Your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz is back this week with what o wear this summer for our fashion besties over 40 – and we mean – wayyyy over 40!     First and foremost, let’s go back to Holly’s #1 Fashion Rule:   Shop for Fit. Not for Price.     When you shop for price, you can run into the danger of sacrificing fit for price, which is a huge fashion crime. #howboutno   Thank you to our faithful listeners and followers for asking Holly about summer dresses (and summer festival wear).  The options for summer dresses are completely endless, but Holly has picked some that she has been wearing herself, that are comfortable yet stylish.    Let’s talk about body issues, as summer weather begs for less clothing which may expose areas you may not be comfortable having on display. Some of our listeners tell us they are worried about showing their arms and/or legs. Other listeners have tummy issues.  #TAKEANUMBER   Summer-weight clothing simply lends itself to exposing these areas, so it’s best to have a game plan if you are worried about showing off some of your body parts.     HOT TIP:  No one sees your body as critically as you do. Your arms and legs ARE JUST FINE!  There are solutions for blemishes, veins, and whatever else you are overly critical of.  Don’t give up too easily!  Ever heard of DermaBlend? It’s make-up for those places on your body you may want to cover or hide.  It's a miracle product.   So, if you have veins on your shins, or varicose veins or spider veins, it's okay. You can get a dress that's at the knee, or below. And use the DermaBlend. It's not that serious. You will thank me later.     As for hiding the tops of your arms that may not be in perfect shape, no one is asking you to go totally sleeveless or wear a strapless top. You CAN find short sleeves or a flutter sleeve that offer a bit more coverage. There is no reason to schvitz in 90 degree weather. Your arms don’t need to be the most favorite part of your body. Work around them!    “When you let your body issues come before your style, then we've got a real problem, then you're stuck, you get stuck. So let's get you unstuck.” - Holly Katz, Personal Stylist   SUMMER-WEIGHT RUNNING AROUND DRESSES:  If you're running errands, playing chauffeur or hanging in your own backyard outside something obviously more casual and less expensive is the way to go here.     Brands Holly Loves:    Nicole Miller (friend of the podcast) Ramy Brook  Rails  Poupette NYC  Marissa Webb  Dress the Population    They have a ton of selections that are great for activities. Also, when you have a dress that you end up wearing, for like around the house activities are chores, these are things that are usually too casual for a night out that you can demote them to a more casual section of your closet.     HOT TIP: Try a kimono! Wear over a tank top and jean shorts! Or over jeans. It’s a great non-dress, dressy look!     THE DAY DRESS:    The next level up in dresses is a daytime dress, of course, which is considered a nicer dress, say that you would wear to a lunch, day party, baby shower, etc. Not something that you would wear just kicking around or going to carpool. Something that you would want to show off and look dressed and put together.    Hot TIP: Remember, just because you're dressed, it does not mean you are dressed up - you're just dressed. Also, you need to have a bag and shoes, you cannot carry your everyday tote bag or shopping bag.  #UMNO   Don’t forget about dress codes: a day dress is lightweight. It can be cute and dressy, but it is for daytime. Evening dresses are heavier weight, or embellished, or made from finer fabrics.    SPECIAL EVENT DRESSES:    Now, if you don't have a variety of dresses to choose from the minute you get invited to something fun, you feel unprepared and you panic and run out and then you get something new, grasping at straws, hoping that you made the right choice. Take the time to BUILD YOUR WARDROBE over time when you can find dresses for fit, not occasion and certainly not for price.   So this is why building and elevating your style is so important.      Brands Holly Loves:    AMUR  Meg  Derek Lamb 10 Crosby  Jason Wu  Rosetta Getty  MILLY  Frame  Ba&sh    HOT TIP: If you find a dress style or brand you love, and it doesn’t fit well, don’t forget you can have items altered. Don’t pass up on a quality dress or fit, just because it is too long or not fitted in the areas you need. Most dry cleaners or tailors can make quick fixes that are game changers!    EVENING DRESSES:    If you have an evening dress that you wore 20 years ago, it needs to go. #sorrynotsorry They will and do go out of style. Even it is black-it's irrelevant.  Black tie dresses don't last forever. And if you keep something for that long, that means it's life in the spotlight is probably over. It's okay. It had a great life.   Brands Holly Loves:    Sara Roka  Alexander McQueen  Naeem Khan  Pamella Roland  Markarian  Chiani Boni  Rickie Freeman for Teri John  Lela Rose  Kika Vargas    Special occasion dresses are an investment. Period. End of statement. So plan for that. You don't buy them often. So go for quality over quantity.   PS:  Do not forget to go to Holly’s Pinterest Board for more summer dress ideas and links to purchase. Check out our youtube channel! We cute, we cute.   Be sure to listen for all our FASHION BESTIE Shout-Outs this week – because there are a TON!    Don’t forget to submit your fashion questions to Holly on our social, and we may just pick your topic for our next episode!     Listen, love, follow, share and subscribe to our FREE PODCAST! Find us wherever you get your podcasts or at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.   

This week on the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST - new to our Designer Spotlight series: Hila Weinberg, creator of @biliblond swimwear. Hila is the owner and head designer behind the label BILIBLOND. BILIBLOND’s vision is to make women feel beautiful and comfortable when they are most exposed. Hila creates swimwear for the real woman, styles that sculpt and flatter a range of body types. As a native of the Mediterranean city of Tel Aviv, Hila and her design team draw huge inspiration from the city’s ethnic mixture and its warm and sunny climate. “We make luxury, high-quality swimwear that shapes, tones, and compliments your body without compromising on our edgy look.” You are going to LOVE this body-positive conversation with your favorite personal stylist, the hostess with the mostest, and the ONLY Holly you need to know: @hollykatzstyling. Be sure to watch the video of the interview on our youtube channel here!   About Hila and the beginnings of Biliblond: After the birth of her second child, Hila Weinberg was looking for swim styles that would suit her as a mom, but she still wanted to look and feel cool.  Like many women, she had a new body to navigate after pregnancy. Many of her body areas had changed, and she found she needed more support in the bust, the stomach… you know, everywhere!   When it came to a swimsuit, she wanted something that looked great, accentuated the curves of her new shape, but wasn’t matronly. And, she was not willing to compromise on design.     So, like many entrepreneurs, she founded her business by fulfilling a need in the marketplace – primarily her own! She soon found she was not the only woman who was looking for quality fabrics, fit and style when it came to women’s swimsuits.  “Sometimes you are lucky to find the right niche. You think you are creating for yourself, to solve your own problem. But then I found a whole segment of women who couldn’t find the right swimsuits, especially online. They were just like me!”  - Hila Weinberg Hila thinks of her design like it is architecture – she loves angles and straight cuts. Although our bodies very fluid and round, the goal of architecture is to frame things. Her designs are cut to frame as well, in a way that is very flattering to the body, with shapes that frame the curves.   And when it comes to fabric for her designs, Hila looks for sustainable recycled fabrics. She works with several companies that make recycled fabrics, and always looks for a fabric that is heavier than the usual swimsuit fabric.    Sometimes she will use double the fabric, although that is often more expensive, but it really does the job. Hila tells us that there is so much technology now for swimsuit fabric, she can use a wide variety to support her designs and her customer’s body shape.    So, what about fit? What sizes does she design for? Of course, Biliblond designs the usual sizes, but Hila found that she can easily adapt her designs to fit today’s women in larger sizes, too.    “I never want someone to be embarrassed, to feel badly, when they shop for my product and can’t find their size. We create styles for every size.” – Hila Weinberg   Biliblond’s suits run in the price range of $100-200. Hila stresses that when she younger, and without a lot of money, that was the goal she set in her mind for spending on fashion. She still feels you can have nice style in that price range. It is important to her to give this access to more women.    Biliblond designs are created in Tel Aviv, Israel, where Hila is from.  The factory she uses is in the north of Israel, and while she says it is not a very big village, it is like a family to her. Even though her own business is not extremely large, the factory has great capacity, and they work together all year long.    They produce together all year long because it is important to Hila. She is their biggest customer, so she feels the need to take care of them and to make sure they have enough business to keep them in business.    In this episode, Hila shares some of her favorite designs, as well as some fresh, new designs to the line! She and Holly discuss sun protection for your skin, and how to extend the life of your swimsuits through proper care and laundry practices.    And of course, Holly sneaks in some FABULOUS ideas on how to expand on a swimsuit investment by wearing a gorgeous Biliblond suit beyond the beach!    Love a certain swim top? Wear it under a jean jacket or blazer! Think beyond the beach!   Bililblond has not hit the fashion runways yet, but we think this is a rising star! The design and fabric choices are perfect for ANY body, and can give you the confidence to enjoy wearing a swimsuit, even when you aren’t sure you want to. #YouCanDoIT   Please support this small business and female-owned designer! We love to highlight the talent of new designers that can problem-solve fashion for the over 40 gang – and we mean – wayyyyy over 40!   Thank you to Hila for being our guest this week! Please visit BILIBLOND at www.biliblond.com and on Instagram here.    That’s it for this week! Got fashion questions? Send them to Holly!   Then, join us, follow us, and hang with us every Friday! What are your faves?!? Send us a DM to let us know!   Xoxo,  Holly Katz - Your Favorite Personal Stylist, the Hostess with the Mostest, and, the ONLY Holly you need to know.   www.fashioncrimespodcast.com  

Are you in the market for a new bathing suit?  Swim season is just around the corner, so if you are starting to think about a new suit this year, then you are in luck!  #yourewelcome   Holly has been on the lookout for the what’s new for 2023 – and as always – how to shop for swimsuits that are CORRECT FOR YOUR BODY TYPE, not just for the latest fad.     During this style recon, not only did Holly check out her tried and true brands (Miracle Suit), but she has taken all the work and fear out of finding new bathing suits brands that you need to know (Biliblond)! Designer Spotlight: Hila, founder of Biliblond coming up next week!   HOT TIP:    Go to Holly’s curated Pinterest board for this episode. #facts    This week, Holly starts out with a big fat truth bomb: ACCEPT YOUR BODY FOR WHO YOU ARE TODAY; not 10 lbs from now, not 20 lbs from yesterday. Let's not focus on how to be skinnier, or how to be more in shape. We need to thank our bodies for everything it does for us each day. Let's celebrate it instead of shaming it.     Take a good look, folks. This right here. This is as good as it gets. Okay? This is it. This is the way my body looks. AND THAT IS OKAY!    What you ARE going to do is embrace your body type, and where you are in the moment. You do not need to be perfect to find the perfect-fitting swimsuit.  #fashionfact   So, instead of missing out on family vacation time, or girls’ trips, or just some fun in the sun, EMBRACE who you are and what you’ve got. Because there IS a swimsuit for that.  #fashionforeveryone     “This will bring you to better bathing suit karma, and help you find what you are looking for.” - Holly Katz       HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT BATHING SUIT  If there is something you don’t like about your body, or don’t like wearing a bathing suit – we can work on that.     Problem areas: Do you like to hide your stomach? Do you need more coverage on your backside? Big boobs? No boobs? This is where you start.     If you know your problem areas, then you can find solutions. But this doesn’t come easy. You must try on swimsuits. You can even go to specialty shops and be FITTED FOR A SWIMSUIT. Just like your foundational pieces, like a bra, go get professional help if you can, to help you learn about the right fit.     HOT TIP:   The only people who can shop for swimsuits at Target or other big box stores are 14-year-olds who don’t have body and fit issues. The styles in those stores are not for women who need to manage their body type. #PERIOD!    On the flip side of that, don’t give up and end up in your Grandmother’s Swimming Outfit. Matronly-fitting suits are not the answer to finding a swimsuit that helps you with your body type. More fabric is not fashion. Just like clothing, don't hide behind a suit that's "safe" because its the only one that you will be seen in public in.    Shop for fit first. Get a bathing suit that fits and gives you the support you need and solves your problem areas. Even if you have to look a little longer, or a little harder.  Buy the suit that FITS, regardless of the color. If it fits well, the color doesn’t matter.  You aren't shopping for price or color. You are shopping for fit first. Don't take the easy way out.  Look for quality fabric. If you can see through the fabric, it’s a No-Go. Is it stretchy? Are the seams reinforeced and durable?  Are the straps adjustable? Will it compliment your figure? Is this something you can feel confident in?   Holly’s favorite swimsuit brands:    Norma Kamali  Dolce & Gabbana   Johanna Ortiz  Miracle Suit Trina Turk  Biliblond   DO NOT SKIMP ON PRICE FOR SWIMSUITS #sorrynotsorry Please do not skimp on a bathing suit because of price. Don't do it. You can fight Holly on this if you wish.     People often want something quick and cheap because they don't wear a bathing suit very often, or they're only in a bathing suit once a year. A quality bathing suit can last several years. If you take care of them properly, maybe 3-4 years!     If you go on vacation once every few years, please get a decent bathing suit for around $150 to $200. You will love the way you feel in it!    HOT TIP:   If you splurge on a bathing suit that looks amazing for your body type, you're going to want to wear a bathing suit more. Just like clothes. The better you feel, your self-esteem only goes up from zero. #facts    DON’T FORGET A COVER UP AND ACCESSORIES!  A cover up provides you with sun protection and allows you to walk around in public without any body parts hanging out. You need a transitional fashion item to get you around until you are pool or beach side.  You don't have to be matchy-matchy, but your bathing suit and cover up should coordinate somewhat.   Holly LOVES a kimono or a knit dress – something that allows your fabulous-fitting swimsuit to be seen, but with a bit of mystery.  #yyyaassss   HOT TIP:  An oversized T-shirt from your kid’s school carnival is NOT a cover up. #nogirl You want to think about putting an outfit together when you're going to the beach!     Part of the cover-up area is a stylish hat! A big sun hat just makes you look more fabulous.     In addition, you need a fun tote bag. This is your ‘handbag’ for the beach. Don’t skimp here and walk around with plastic bags, book bags, canvas bags  - and god-forbid – the rubber CROCS tote bag. Make your husband carry the over-loaded beach bag. Get yourself something chic and super cute for your sunglasses, sunscreen, and beach read! This does not need to break the bank.      CARE FOR YOUR SUITS  For the care and maintenance of your bathing suits, you can wash them with your regular wash - but do not dry them in the dryer. There are specialty or delicate detergents you can use, if you like, too.     Lay your suits flat or hang them to dry. Bathing suits should not lose their color. They should not get stretched out. With the right care, your swimsuit should last for a few years!    Ok, that is it for this week fashion besties. Don't let your body issues stand in the way of looking fabulous this summer. We believe in yooouuuuuu!      Shout Outs of The Week!  Thank you to Beth who asked about clogs (uhm, no.), and to Vickie and Jenny who wrote in this week! New Fashion Bestie Alert~     Please Follow Us on Social! Subscribe to our Podcast FOR FRRREEEEE! Write us a review on Google! And share our podcast and newsletters with your friends and family. PLEASE subscribe to our youtube channel here.   See you on the beach!  Love, Holly Katz  The Hostest with the Mostest, Your Favorite Personal Stylists – AND – the ONLY Holly you need to Know.     FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com 

Holly Katz, known as The Hostess with the Mostest, is a personal stylist who shares her expert tips on vacation packing. From essential wardrobe items to how to avoid overpacking, she helps listeners master the art of stylish travel. Holly explains the importance of packing for different occasions—even for a beach trip! She also offers insights into current fashion trends like sneakers and midi dresses, and provides a free Travel Wardrobe Checklist exclusively for listeners. Say goodbye to packing stress and hello to seamless style!

The 2023 Met Gala red carpet was back again last Sunday night at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year, the annual affair celebrated the exhibition “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”    Now, before y’all decide that the Met Gala may not be your cup of tea, listen long enough to indulge as Holly and our LADY ABOUT TOWN, Nolan, give us their rundown of the best and worst dressed candidates, and of course, some hilarious (and possibly inappropriate) commentary!   This gala honored the legacy of Karl Lagerfeld—the late designer who helmed fashion houses such as Chanel, Fendi, Chloé, and his own eponymous line—and raised funds for The Met’s Costume Institute.   Just as important as the exhibition, of course, is the star-studded red-carpet spectacle that took place as guests made their way up the famous Met steps.    After all, the Met Gala—often dubbed the “Super Bowl of fashion”—has created some of the most memorable (and viral) celebrity red carpet looks from the past decade.   OVERALL THOUGHTS: This year’s theme lent itself to all things Karl Lagerfeld, which in most cases focused on his years as the Creative Director at Chanel.     Translation: we saw a lot of black-and-white dressing, as well as Chanel’s trademark tweed, quilting, pearls...lots of pearls, golden chains, and fabric Camellia flowers.   By the way, the craziest part of the night was the 3, count them, THREE people who dressed as Lagerfeld’s beloved cat, Choupette.    BEST DRESSED Not that your favorite personal stylists always agree, here were the top outfits:   Dua Lupa (in vintage FW92 Chanel wedding couture, and a Tiffany diamond the size of the Moon) Giselle in vintage Chanel SS07 wedding couture Maude Apatow in Chloé Vanessa Hudgens in Michael Kors Florence Pugh in Valentino (but not the head-dress...um, no.) Kim Kardashian in custom Schiaparelli (in 50,000 freshwater pearls-I wonder what that's like?) Kylie Jenner in Jean Paul Guiltier  Paris Hilton in Marc Jacobs Kerry Washington in Michael Kors  Jenne Ortega in custom Thom Browne Jessica Chastain in Gucci Halle Bailey in Gucci Ashley Graham by designer Harris Reed (YYYAASSSS) Viola Davis custom hot pink Valentino Jennifer Lopez in custom Ralph Lauren Sidney Sweeney in custom Miu Miu  Anne Hathaway in white tweed Atelier Versace gown Amanda Seyfried in Oscar De La Renta gorgeous dress, but dressed as a Taylor Swift wanna be, so, Nolan said MEH.) Lea Michele in Michael Kors Anok Yai in Prabal Gurung Bad Bunny in Jacquemus (best Male according to Nolan) Rihanna in custom Valentino Lily Collins in Vera Wang Olivia WIld in custom Chloe WORST DRESSED Again, not always in agreement, but chosen with passion:   Cardi B in a grey wig and Richard Quinn pink and grey outfit-(after party look) Gigi Hadid with her entire ass was out in Givenchy Kendall Jenner in Marc Jacobs (how 'bout some pants? Hated the boots that made her 6’4”.) Lizzo in a custom black silk crêpe Chanel dress with a glass pearls harness, inspired by a look from the 1991/92 ready-to-wear collection-Solid effort but eeehhhhh? Mary J Blige in custom Burberry a plunging floral dress & matching thigh-high boots Margo Robbie in a black silk chiffon gown with plastic and gold chain detailing at the waist, first worn by Cindy Crawford as part of Chanel’s haute couture spring 1993 Doja Kat was lovely in Oscar, if you cut her head off Erykah Badu in Marni-Looked like a puppet from Sesame Street Kristen Stewart in Chanel-Don't understand   For our besties of the podcast, we bring you this commentary on the Met Gala not because you are going to dress as Karl Lagerfeld’s cat at a $300,000-per-person event in NYC, but because fashion is fun, whimsical and always keeps us guessing.  This late designer is iconic in every sense of the word, from his stint at Chloé to his long-standing tenures at Fendi, Chanel, and his eponymous brand to his unmissable uniform comprised of a white button-down shirt, black sunglasses, and a tailored black jacket, making him the perfect fashion figure to be honored at this year’s Met Gala for the accompanying Costume Institute exhibit, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”   Be sure to follow along with Holly’s Pinterest Board to see each and every one of these styles!   Don’t forget, we are the best fashion friend you never knew you needed! Join us, follow us and hang with us every Friday!  What are your faves?!? Write us in to let us know! xoxo The Only Holly You need to know  

Dive into the world of must-have shoe styles, where you'll learn about essential trends like flats, mules, and loafers. Discover how to stylishly navigate footwear choices for different occasions, balancing comfort with chic designs. Hear tips on maintaining a polished shoe collection and the importance of organization. Plus, find out why wearing the wrong shoes can lead to a fashion crime! It's all about stepping out in style without sacrificing comfort or practicality.

Holly, a fashion expert known for her savvy Kentucky Derby outfit advice, shares stylish tips for the upcoming Derby. She dives into the rich history of Derby attire, emphasizing the timeless elegance of flamboyant hats and colorful dresses. Listeners learn essential outfit must-haves, like comfortable shoes and oversized sunglasses. Holly also discusses the evolution of Derby fashion, encouraging everyone to embrace boldness and creativity in their choices. It's a celebration of style that's both luxurious and fun!

Spring must be here because the pollen sure as heck is. Ugh! And, while it is getting warmer during the daytime hours, be careful, as it can still be colder at night. That means you might want to layer a few things. If you don't live in Florida, don't start dressing like it's the dead of summer - because it isn't.   Did you know that dressing for spring is actually very easy? If the temperature starts to get above 50 degrees and it's sunny where you are, you have Holly’s permission to start wearing your favorite spring clothing!   The name of the game is lighter, layered, effortless dressing with pieces that you can mix and match without a ton of effort.   This week, we have a comprehensive list of things that will benefit you to have in your wardrobe this spring.   But First!  A short refresher on being the best-dressed wedding guest this wedding season, because we’ve had a lot of emails about that again. Two things to remember: Go back and listen to Episode 84 and Episode 92. We have you covered in every single way possible, so you can be “The Best-Dressed Wedding Guest” on Parts 1 and 2.  Shoes. Plan accordingly so that you can wear your shoes FOR HOURS, dance FOR HOURS, and not be hobbling in pain by 9 p.m. Wear a lower heel, break in new shoes around the house first, and NEVER, EVER, take your shoes off at a wedding. If your feet hurt that badly, Holly recommends taking 2 extra shots of booze to dull the pain rather than showing up on the dancefloor with no shoes. Girl, no. FASHION CRIME ALERT! All of the suggestions on the podcast and the correlating Pinterest Boards are still completely relevant, so always refer back to that! OK, back to the Spring Wardrobe Essentials List. (Be sure to follow along on Holly’s Pinterest Board for this episode!)   JEANS Timeless, seasonless, a must-have in your closet at all times! Baggy, stove-pipe leg jeans are very hot right now. This has been a trend for a while but it's also not going anywhere. Lighter washes and weights, cropped lengths, flares, and colored jeans are perfect for spring dressing.   PRO TIP: Don’t let anyone ever tell you that a certain jean style is out of style. If a pair of jeans fit you well, guess what? They're in style. Period.   BRANDS HOLLY LOVES: Mother Denim L’ Agence Rag and Bone Good American Magali Pascal from Anthropologie COLORED and TAILORED SLACKS Loose and comfortable without looking over-dressed, lightweight slacks in a variety of colors are certainly a spring essential. Dress them down with flat sandals or tennis shoes - or slip on heels to dress up! These are super versatile and a great transition option for spring weather.    BRANDS HOLLY LOVES: Proenza Schouler Serigo Hudson   MAXI SKIRTS There are several styles of skirts: pleated, sheer, tiered, ruffled, and so on. We love love, love, love a maxi skirt. It's the easiest thing in the world to put on. It's great for all seasons and can be paired with flip-flops at the beach, or with tall boots and sweater or jacket.    Skirt lengths are a personal preference. It depends on your body type. Holly prefers an A-line skirt to hide a couple of little things. The only rule here is NOT TOO SHORT!  SHORTS Shorts, much like skirts, are about the length. For women of a certain age, Hollys prefers eight- or nine-inch shorts because obviously, when you sit down, they are shorter. Holly recommends high-waisted or belted shorts worn with a heel, cute sandals, or fashion sneakers. Dressy shorts like this are very versatile for day or night: They come in a variety of fabrics and can be worn with a jacket, a super dressy blouse, and a high heel or high heel sandal.  Look for them in a brocade fabric for extra dressy! Also available in leather or pleather shorts. NOT ALLOWED: Shorts that are too short or made of cheap fabric that can show VPL. (Visible Panty Lines). And make double-sure that your jeans shorts are so tight they look like spandex shorts. They should not be to the knee and tight around the leg.   PRO TIP: If you're new to the Fashion Crimes Podcast and want to know more about “How to Style Shorts,” please go back and listen to Episode 83! SPRING TOPS It's so chic to move to a lightweight sweater, instead of just a regular top: Layer a lightweight sweater or duster layered over a sleeveless mock turtleneck or bodysuit. Try a pullover or cardigan because they are back on-trend with stove-pipe jeans. And even though it pains some of us to say it, you can try a sweater vest - as they are back, too! Just keep it understated and monochrome. Don’t get a Grandma sweater vest. We're watching you.  PRO TIP: Holly prefers sweaters that come to the top of the waist, which will help create a waistline! JACKETS The number one spring wardrobe essential is a jean jacket. They come in every variation and style:  white  all varieties of washes or colored denim fitted and more formal over-size and casual cropped or longer   Denim jackets can be worn with anything: a dress, skirt, pants, and shorts. And it's the perfect weight for spring. Put a fun brooch on one!  SPRING SHOES Plain white fashion sneakers (not workout sneakers). Go back and listen to Episode 128 on “How to Style Sneakers.” Flat mules are easy to slip on, always look elegant and still cover your toes as the weather changes.  Up your sandal game with color! While neutrals are always on the essential list, spring is the perfect time to add a pop of hot pink, green, purple, and yellow for fun!   SPRING BAGS Again, color! Accent any outfit with a small statement handbag or crossbody bag in an unexpected color. Fringe bags are really fun and unexpected.   PRO TIP: When changing purses, make sure you have your critical things in a cardholder. Don’t forget to transfer the essentials when you change your bag! No one wants to pay for your dinner because you forgot your damn credit card. #facts   Ok! You are now ready to jump into spring in style. There are so many more things to list, and not enough time. This is just the beginning. These are just the MAIN essentials. We're not done here yet.    Thank you so much for all your emails and DMs – and great questions and suggestions. Speaking of, we will be covering Kentucky Derby style soon based on a great DM from a fabulous listener.   Listen, download, share, and love the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST!  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com xoxox The Only Holly You Need To Know

Nolan Meader, a personal stylist renowned for his travel fashion expertise, tackles the pressing question: why do people choose comfort over style when flying? He shares amusing anecdotes about distasteful airport outfits, emphasizing that comfort shouldn't mean wearing pajamas or sweats in public. Instead, Nolan encourages travelers to opt for chic alternatives that allow them to look fabulous upon arrival. The discussion offers tips on balancing stylishness with comfort and highlights the importance of making a positive impression—because who doesn't want to feel their best while jet-setting?

Do you have burning fashion questions? Have you been slipping into Holly’s social DMs to ask your deepest, darkest style questions? Well – you are not alone, because we get a TON of questions.    So, we only thought it was fair to share one simple fact: Everyone has questions about ‘what to wear.” Every. Body.    And Fun Fact: Holly LOVES to answer your fashion questions. So, if you have ever sent her a message then you already know this: HOLLY ANSWERS!    It’s shocking. We know. But WE ARE THE BEST FASHION FRIEND YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED, remember? And we mean it. You are our Fashion Besties, and we are here to help.   This week, Holly does some shout-outs to listeners who have shared their own fashion concerns – which also just happen to be the type of questions many women “of a certain age” might have.   LISTEN HERE NOW   Question from Christine:  How to shop for clothes when vertically-challenged (aka, short)?   Answers from Holly: If you are 5’ 3” tall or less, you are in the Petite category of sizing. This should not come as a surprise to you. You have always needed to make clothes work for you. So, no newsflash there.    The only rule you need to know is this: Buy only for fit. Not for fad. And certainly not on the wish that you were taller. Not. Happening.    What IS happening is called alterations. Go to your local dry cleaner and make a new BFF with the tailor at your cleaners. Hemming a dress, skirt or pants is not rocket science! If your clothes fit you perfectly, it does not matter how tall you are. Or are not.    This may mean one extra step when purchasing something new to wear, but you can do it. And it is worth the minimal cost and time it takes.   From Lisa:  What are the rules for mixing prints, and can I really do it?    Answers from Holly: First, some key points. It takes a lot of confidence to pull off this look. It is advised that this style may be for seasoned and experienced shoppers!   Next: but anyone can do it.    Holly suggests concocting a highly curated mix for this look. Stay in the same color family, to start. If you are trying this look for the first time, do this:   Start with nice jeans as your foundation. Pick a nice jacket or blazer with a pattern. Layer a printed shirt in the same color family - and maybe with a smaller pattern - under the jacket.    From afar, you will look well-dressed in a jacket and pants. But closer up, the ‘Wow Factor’ pops out from under the jacket.    LESS IS MORE, PEOPLE!!!  Do not try this look for the first time with flower-patterned pants and a polka-dot top. Most humans cannot pull this look off - and shouldn’t try.   You CAN try a patterned bag or shoe, or other accessories with prints and patterns, as less risky alternatives.  From Sticky Bakery in Toronto:  What the heck does “dressing age-appropriate” actually mean?  (And yes, this question is from a bakery!! LOVE IT)   Answers from Holly: While this topic is something Holly talks about EVERY SINGLE EPISODE, the term ‘age-appropriate’ can actually be confusing depending on how old you are and where you are in your life at any age.    As an example: Holly is 49 years old. But 49 for one person is not the same for another. If you are 49 years old with no children and are a fashion professional, your style needs may be different than someone else who is 49 and enjoying her days helping to take care of her new grandbaby.     Dressing age-appropriate simply means not giving up-putting in some effort and wearing clothes that fit. Not dressing too old or dressing only to be comfortable. It also means not dressing too young. If your clothes are too tight, you are dressing too young. If your clothes are baggy, you are dressing for comfort. THESE ARE MAJOR FASHION CRIMES.   We don’t care how old you are, your clothes need to fit you well and you need to dress with intention. Meaning: Don’t give up. Don’t slob-out.    Holly encourages people to dress a little out of their comfort zone and be a little unpredictable. Do not dress “safe.” Take a small risk and get yourself in a place that makes people question your age.    Because that's what great style is: When people have no idea how old you are. Suggested ways to combat dressing too old:   Buy nice jeans that have stretch in them. Not high-waisted, Mom jeans. Not your old 501 Levi’s. Shop for jeans that fit well and hold you in. If you need new evening shoes, and you are worried your feet will hurt, take the extra time to shop for style and comfort. Not just comfort. No old lady shoes with padding and low heels, or no heels. You CAN find a beautiful shoe with a lower heel that is still dressy and fun.  If you are ready to let your hair color go grey (which is fine), have a plan. Go to your hairstylist and learn how to transition your color. But more importantly, you must still have a hair STYLE. Just because you go grey does not mean that you don’t need a current haircut or you stop blowing out your hair. Long, wiry, non-styled hair is not OK.  You need to keep it looking sharp.  From Linda:  How can I dress better without breaking the bank when I work in a corporate job supporting higher-level executives?     Answers from Holly: When you shop for brands that fit your body best, you won't have to spend a lot to get a great look. Wearing the best-fitting slacks and dresses will automatically elevate your style. Then add fabulous accessories to pull it all together.    Understand what your body needs. If shapewear or support is needed underneath, get fitted for a great bra and wear the shapewear.    Keep your shoes in great shape and buy yourself a freaking nice handbag. Shoes and bags do not need to be high-end designer brands, but they do need to look nice and be made of quality materials. Pick a color and style that is not trendy. And honestly, if your bag costs a little bit more, consider it as an investment in your career. You can easily use a nice bag for 10 years!   And the secret sauce? Gift yourself with a Jiffy steamer. Crisply ironed clothes go a long way in making your style look elevated.    From Maryann at Cape Wishes: What is your favorite bra brand for someone over 50, and I mean, wayyyy over 50?   Answers from Holly: Holly has 3 go-to’s for bras:   Marie-Jo    Prima Donna   Rigby & Peller A great fitting bra changes your perspective on how you look in clothing. Just because you're a Size A does not mean you opt out of getting fitted for a bra. Period. Exclamation point!   If you are extra large, you need to get a minimizer or something that really fits. This means a bra that holds your breast tissue up and on the inside frame of your body - not down, not out, not up to your chin - to define your waist. Y’all know we’ve talked about this before. Go. Get. Fitted. For. A. Damn. Bra.   Anyway, that’s it for this week. I cannot thank my new Fashion Besties Lisa, Christine, Linda, Sticky Bakery Toronto and Maryann for writing in!   Do you have fashion questions for Holly? Go to her Instagram and leave her a DM, and don’t be shocked when she answers you.    If she does not, by chance, see your message the first time, you have our permission to send the following message in all caps: I WILL NOT BE IGNORED, HOLLY! And then she will answer, we promise.    Please subscribe, like, download, share, etc. the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST as much as you can! We just want to share the fashion love.     www.fashioncrimespodcast.com