Wear This Not That

Do you ever wonder what might be blocking your style and holding you back from fashion happiness?  Almost everyone makes the same ONE major fashion mistake, and it’s called Closet Chaos. There is literally a name for it. This week, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz holds your hand and guides you through “How to Clean Out Your Closet” (without crying). This episode is fabulously fun and informative, and is just the pep talk we all need! These are the ULTIMATE Fashion Crimes:  Disorganization The number one reason your closet looks crazy is disorganization. If you think you are an organized person, but you can't find anything to wear or it's taking you too long to get dressed, guess what? You are not organized. Clothes are energy. What you wear and how you feel in your clothes all starts with how they are presented to you every day.  You need your clothes to be organized so they make sense to your eye and your brain. If they are hanging in a way where you can’t recognize what is what, then you either aren't going to take the time to figure it out, or you will take too much time trying to decide what to wear.  Are your clothes in piles on the floor? Stuffed into a tiny closet? Shoved inside your drawers?  Messy closets will make your morning dressing routine chaotic, and leave you stressed out before your day even gets started!  “Here is an analogy: ‘Eat this eat, not that.’ Holly heard this on her favorite TikTok feed (where everyone goes for important info). And she had an epiphany! You know what?  We all need to be an adult at some point and eat vegetables with every meal.”   Same goes for keeping your closet organized. Be an adult.  2. Inconsistent Laundry Practices You need a laundry plan: start it, finish it, put it away. Do you forget to put your clean clothes in the dryer?  Do you leave your clothes in the dryer for days to get wrinkled? Do you have piles of clean clothes in laundry baskets? Do you send everything, or nothing, to the dry cleaner?   If you answered yes to any of the above, you have inconsistent laundry practices. You need to know HOW to do your laundry: read the care labels, know what to send to the dry cleaner, put your clothes back where they belong, and remember to always iron/steam when needed.  3. Over-shopping Do you know what you have in your closet?  News Flash: You do not need to buy a new outfit every time you have an event or occasion.  Repeat that to yourself at least once a day. You most likely have what you need in your closet right this very minute! But you can’t even see any of it, because of your chaotic closet.  Yes, shopping is thrilling! And it often seems easier to just buy something new than deal with issues like a chaotic closet, or the real reasons why you are shopping too much, or spending money you do not have.  Do not shop to fill a void.  “It could be something as small as a pair of earrings. If you have 78,000 pairs of earrings that are all over the house, and you can't find them, you are just going to buy more because you don't want to deal with finding them.” You can stop this madness.  And try going shopping in your closet first. More ‘stuff’ only adds to the chaos.  You now know the reasons why your closet needs help and why it could be holding you back on your style evolution. We've identified the reasons why, now let's talk about the solutions. SIDEBAR: If we were to look back at pictures of you from 15 years ago, and you look the same in the exact same clothing, you are stuck in a style rut and you need to clean out your closet. Jussayin, boo! So, how do you clean out your closet on your own?    Change all your hangers.  We swear to God, Holly could scream this from the mountaintops for the next 20 years. You need to change all your hangers. Right the second. Right now. Not yesterday, not in two weeks, not tomorrow.  And, you must change all your hangers to velvet, slimline hangers. If you have shitty-ass plastic hangers, hangers from dry cleaners, or plastic tube hangers or wooden, this is your first issue. Please understand that this is the most common issue. And the easiest one to fix!! No matter how you hang your clothes, when you use these types of hangers, they take up the minimum amount of space. You're not only going to save room, your space is going to look so much more organized.    2. Make 3 Piles.  Keep.  Giveaway/Sell.  Throw Away. To start, everything comes out of your closet, and then your drawers. Everything. Make it look like you're about to move. Keep:  Put on a velvet hanger or back in your drawers...(not overstuffed) Giveaway:  Put these items in a bag, put them in your car, and drive them to the donation center. DO NOT leave them sitting around in your home...you will be temped to go back through the bags! Trust me, we've witnessed this..... Sidebar:  Please consider people who are coming back into the workforce after jail time, homelessness or poverty, places like battered women's shelters, local churches or religious programs that provide support for refugees just arriving in this country, or anyone who needs aid. Drop off your items at your local community services, and always consider the programs in local your community first. Here's a list of others you might want to consider! Dress For Success American Red Cross One Warm Coat Soles4Souls Vientam Veterans of America American Kidney Fund The Salvation Army Goodwill Sell:  Post on a resale app like Poshmark, The RealReal, or THREDup or you can take them to a consignment store locally. It’s super easy and you can make good money.  Did we mention that if you leave these items in your trunk or backseat, or in your closet, we will find out? You do not want a visit from the fashion police. Trust us.  Throw Away:  Do not give items you do not want to someone who has not asked for them. A trash bag of clothing dropped off at your sister-in-law’s house just made a bag of junk her problem.  This is a major fashion crime. We can hear the sirens from where we are. Do not do it. “Just so you know, before you throw things away, please remember that somebody else can really benefit from bras, socks, underwear, or pajamas. As long as the item is clean, gently used and in good condition.” How to Organize Your Closet and Drawers You must put your clothes back into your drawers and closet in a way that makes sense to YOU. Not to Holly, not to your husband or your partner, or your sister or your kids. YOU. REMEMBER: When hanging things back up...like goes with like. All short sleeve tops, long sleeve tops, short dresses, long dresses, etc.  When putting things back into your drawers, store like, with like. Bathing suits and underwear together. Some like socks, sports bras and pajamas together. Even more like workout pants with workout shirts together. Or, sweaters with sweatshirts.  Regardless: try to get as much as you can in one drawer - but do not overstuff it.  Don't forget...... Get your shoes off of the floor, for the love of GOD! If you have shoe overflow, this means you have run out of shelf space if you have shelf space for shoes. It also means you most likely have too many pairs of shoes. However, here is the fashion crime: Do not, do not, do not, do not, do not keep your shoes in shoe boxes. Did we say DO NOT? Here's why it doesn't look neater, and it does not save space: Boxes actually take up more room. Do yourself a favor, get rid of the shoe boxes and put your shoes out.  Bonus: you can actually see them so you know what shoes you have.  You can donate shoes boxes to a preschool for art projects, or please recycle them.    2. PLEASE do not use your closet for a dumping ground. Nothing should be in your closet that does not belong to you. No Halloween baskets, no Easter baskets, no kids’ stuff, no diapers, no toys for Christmas.  Nothing should be in there that you do not wear. This is a sacred space for YOU. Your closet is not a storage room.  So now the rest is up to you! Clean out, clear out, keep it clean. Your brain with thank us, we promise.   Want to really join in on the fun? Holly has a challenge: Whoever has the most garbage bags full of items to give away, send us a pic at holly@fashioncrimespodcast.com Please send a description of what you're giving away, the number of bags you're donating, and the name of the charity where you're donating to.   The winner will win an exclusive phone interview with Holly, LIVE on the show, to tell all of our fashion crimes podcast insider besties about your closet clean out experience.    YOU CAN DOOO IT!! FASHION CRIMES PODCAST www.fashioncrimespodcast.com   Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz. www.hollykatzstyling.com

Ladies and Gentlemen, we are BEYOND honored to present the one and only, one of America’s MOST iconic fashion designers, the legend: NICOLE MILLER! Join us this week as your favorite personal stylist and the hostess with the mostest, Holly Katz, sits down for an exclusive interview with Nicole Miller, who is celebrating 40 years as a fashion industry trailblazer and innovator this year! Nicole is here to share it all: from her historic rise in the fashion industry to what inspires her renowned designs, and her current views on the fashion industry today.  This is a fashion design-lovers episode, y’all, and we are here for all of it.  So buckle up! Get Episode 105 here.  As always, follow us along on Holly Katz Styling Pinterest boards, and this week, be sure to see the entire interview on the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST YouTube channel.  ABOUT NICOLE MILLER: Nicole Miller is an American fashion designer (with a French mother and an engineer father) and a businesswoman who was born in Texas and then grew up in Lenox, Massachusetts. Her iconic designs are elegant with a hint of rebellion. The result is a look is both sophisticated and sexy, with the drape and cut of gorgeous fabrics that always look fresh.  In this episode, she tells our Holly that her creations stem from art, her travels, and popular culture combine in unique prints and imaginative uses of color throughout her designs.  Innovation, too, finds its way into her work; she has often been the first to popularize a new technique or fabric, including sustainable fabrics such as denim made from recycled bottle caps and plant-based materials.  Nicole attended the Rhode Island School of Design and earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts degree in Apparel Design. For a year, she studied at L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne.  There she learned the art of fabric drapery and classical method of dressmaking. She has previously described the training sessions as “intense,” but the course gave much help in fabric manipulation, which soon became her signature style in her designs. Her outfits have been worn by Beyoncé Knowles, Angelica Huston, LeAnn Rimes, Jennifer Stone, Eva Longoria, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Angelina Jolie, Lauren Hutton, Cindi Lauper and Sheryl Crow, among others. “Nicole’s vision is to create sustainable, accessible luxury and premium fashion and lifestyle products for eco-conscious, empowered women and their families who want to look their best, feel good about their consumer choices, and participate in making the world a better place.” THE BRAND: The Nicole Miller brand is a global fashion and lifestyle brand headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1982, the iconic brand has grown to be one of the premier names in American fashion.  “With an emphasis on signature graphic prints, luxe fabrics and innovative silhouettes, the womenswear collection cultivates a look of elegance with a hint of rebellion while bringing accessible luxury to the modern woman. Known for her skillful draping and unique detailing, Nicole Miller designs every piece for the woman who wants to look and feel her best.” In addition to its contemporary womenswear lines, the company has partnered with leading licensees in numerous lifestyle categories including handbags, shoes, jewelry, eyewear, denim, activewear, sleepwear, kids, fragrance and beauty, and home, among others, and can now be found online and in over 1500 specialty and department stores worldwide. The Interview: Fresh off Hamptons Fashion Week 2022, where she was celebrated and honored as one of America’s most highly regarded fashion icons for 40 years, Nicole Miller graces our podcast with her wit and wisdom regarding all things fashion! From her deep American roots, to earning her degree at the Rhode Island Institute of Design and studying design in Paris, Holly uncovers all sorts of fascinating facts and insights about Nicole that most people would never know – all of which have blended to be Nicole’s secret to fashion design success. She is a force to be reckoned with; her signature style has traditionally been bold colors or black – with interesting cuts on clothes.  Her key concern has always been necklines, curves and proportion, with designs that are considered classic and sexy at the same time.  She creates cocktail dresses, lounge wear, wedding clothes and form-flattering gowns. She draws inspiration from a number of sources including contemporary art, cinema, 20th century cultures and architecture. Nicole is first and foremost an artist and designer; she is also a skiier both on snow and the water. This outdoorsy and slightly competitive element is perhaps just one of the millions of layers that feed her enormous creativity. She also loves to cook and, of course, travel. Listen to this episode to learn more: From her start in the fashion industry to today, how has she been able to successfully manage and evolve her brand for 40 years?  What is Nicole Miller working on now? What does she see trending now? What fashion trend does she enjoy? What annoys her?  From owning brick-and-mortar stores all over the country to conducting online sales, how has she navigated running her company and kept up with sales trends? How was she able to expand to her brand into eyewear, jewelry, shoes, makeup, perfume, home goods - and now - a Rose’?  What is her favorite thing to wear? What does she do for fun? For inspiration?  What is next for Nicole Miller the brand?  For those of us who grew up with Nicole Miller, to anyone just discovering this marketing maven here, this intimate conversation is a fun and fascinating insider’s look at the world of fashion and a legendary designer.  And you can only get it here. FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed” Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz. www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Wardrobe maintenance and clothing care might not be the most exciting topic out there (THAT would be shoe shopping, just FYI…), but nevertheless, we are sure no one needs Holly to point out that there’s not much point in buying nice clothes if you’re not going to look after them, are we right?    (*She is going to point it out anyway. You’re welcome.)   As with any investment, taking the time to properly care for your wardrobe will ensure its value. Beautiful clothes are worth the extra time and care needed to keep them preserved.    So, this week, we are sharing some TRUTH BOMBS and handy tips to help you on your way to crafting a well-maintained wardrobe.   Listen to this new episode here. Follow along on Pinterest and on Social.   And, please: Don’t forget to LIKE, REVIEW and SHARE our podcast as much as you can! Thank you!   Anywho…     Here is the goal: Everything in your closet should be: 1. stuff you like 2. stuff that fits you well, AND 3. you know where it is    There are a few different buckets when taking care of your clothes:   No. 1:   Organization No. 2:  Care and Cleaning No. 3:  Maintenance and Repair   NUMBER ONE: Organization   So, let's start with #1- organization. How you store your clothes is part of taking care of your wardrobe. Clothes are energy. How they present themselves to you is very, very important.    So, here's the deal; if you have a shitshow going on in your closet when you open your door, and you don't know where anything is, this isn't taking proper care of your clothes. It will also make you crazy.    No one wants to shuffle through stuff until you find something that's clean or trying on a bunch of shit because you have 12 different sizes to go through. It's not a great start to your day. That is ridiculous.  PS: This is where we rant and rave about the value of a professional closet clean-out. Also available in Episode 60. If you need help with what to wear and cleaning out your closet: hire a professional personal stylist. If you need help organizing your kitchen, do not. Hire a professional organizer.   KEY POINTS:   Hangers:  Get yourself some non-slip, slimline velvet-covered hangers. Remember Mommie Dearest? Not kidding.   If you have shitty-ass plastic tube hangers, plastic hangers from Target, or wire hangers - or if you're lazy and you leave your stuff in the dry-cleaning poly bags until you wear it – you need to need to stop it right now. All your hangers must be changed to the velvet slimline hangers.   We know exactly what you're thinking, and why you're cussing Holly out right now: What is so wrong with putting the dry cleaning up in the polybag on the wire hanger?    Number 1, it looks terrible.  Number 2, you need to welcome the item back and put it on its appropriate hanger where it lives in your closet.    You will also avoid like hanger and shoulder bumps, and it will get it back in its proper place so you can find it again.  ‘ Drawers: If you go through your drawers to get rid of old stuff or the things that you've worn to death, you're going to feel a lot better. If you know what's in your drawers and they aren't over stuffed, this is really going to help you tremendously.    Shoes: Let go of any shoes that are worn to death, or are old or dogged out. Only keep the shoes that you are actively currently wearing. If you haven't worn them in three years, they gotta go.   Another thing: Keep your shoes organized in your closet so you can see what you have, so you can find them, and so that you don’t impulse buy new shoes you do not need.    You probably have a pair of rain boots. So no, Boo, you do not need the ones you found on sale with pink duckies. YOU HAVE A PAIR ALREADY. #preach   Final shoe tip: Find yourself a shoe repair guy. Call him a cobbler if you are fancy. But just like clothing, you can repair shoes (and handbags, fyi) and extend the life of the things you love the most. If you take care of your investments, you can enjoy them again and again.  NUMBER TWO: Cleaning Your Clothes   This is simple. You either wash your clothes or you have them dry-cleaned.    When you wash your clothes, you need to do it properly, and then fold and promptly return them to their spots. Over-washing and not reading the care labels can lead to problems and issues. If you want the longest life out of your clothes, and you need to read the care labels.   Do you have a dry cleaner? If yes, are you going weekly? Are you going biweekly, or are you stubborn and you don't go at all? Some people over dry clean to avoid laundry. They just send everything to the dry cleaners. That's a BIG NO-NO. And some just don't go to the cleaners ever, which is not good either. Don’t be either one extreme or the other.   Washing vs. Dry Cleaning: Cotton, cotton-poly blends, jeans, workout clothes, unders, socks, pajamas and your kids’ stuff should be washed at home as needed. Anything outside of these categories - slacks, dressy dresses, blouses, button-down shirts, jackets, blazers - all these things need to go to the dry cleaner.   Regardless of your method, just know that pressing your clothing is important. Get Holly’s favorite steamer, or use the iron in your hotel room. Just don’t be wrinkled. Ever.   How often you wash your clothes, the type of laundry products you use, how you dry them – these all add up in the condition and longevity of your items. Knowing how to treat your laundry can be your superpower! NUMBER THREE: Alterations and Repair   Holly is on her soap box again, so please get the memo this time, because we can’t say it enough. If your clothes fit you perfectly, you will always feel better and look better. Find yourself a place for alterations and clothing repair so that everything fits you well – no matter what body stage you are in.   Did you pop a button? Keep it! Does your favorite dressy winter jacket need repairs or buttons before the cold weather hits, or before you go on a trip. Get yourself organized here.    You can find talented alteration people at your dry cleaner, local tailors shops, or at department stores like Nordstrom’s.    To conclude: Take pride of ownership in your clothes. It really makes a difference on how you feel about yourself and your clothing. And that really is the point is it not?    You're supposed to feel fabulous in what you're wearing. Why would you wear something that you don't feel good in or that doesn't fit properly? Give your clothes the long life they deserve by taking care of them.    And you know what? Dammit, they're gonna take care of you.   Love,  Holly Katz, your favorite personal stylist and the best friend you never knew you needed in fashion. FASHION CRIMES PODCAST | www.fashioncrimespodcast.com   Podcast: https://apple.co/2XXKHfC Instagram: www.instagram.com/fashioncrimespodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashioncrimespodcast YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSbw7VOQhPmQwmYbnJmIwQ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hollykatzstyle TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@hollykatzstyling Twitter: https://twitter.com/fashioncrimesp

Join us this week as we shine our DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT on a rising star fashion designer, Mimi Prober. This episode is a FASCINATING deep dive into one designer’s passion for fabric, vintage textiles, sustainable fashion, and creating a brand with a purpose. Mimi Prober has dedicated herself to “the sustainable practices of natural dyeing and design with a focus on textile narratives, preservation, and process - honoring those involved in the creation, from farm to fiber.” She is celebrated for her decorative and unique beading, embroidery, and lace designs. “Integrating the artistry of the past and establishing a sustainable future through the reuse of antique materials to create modern handcrafted heirlooms.” Founding her namesake label in 2014, Mimi has become known for creations using “forgotten textiles with documented stories to tell from a previous time.”   So of course, her designs are GORGEOUS and highly regarded! Her collection has been worn by industry icons Chloë Sevigny, Misty Copeland, Erykah Badu, and Rihanna, just to name a few. #JUSSAYIN! And this year, she was just named one of fashion’s “Rising Stars” by the Fashion Group International – a BFD, friends! Mimi’s bio is vast: she is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, the creator of her own clothing brand, a lover of vintage textiles and fashion (especially rock T-shirts!) and has been a designer-in-residence at the Jill Stuart Gallery at Cornell University. If that is not fabulous enough: Mimi’s work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum at FIT, where a collection piece was on view for the exhibition ‘Fashion Unraveled.’  AND, her creations are now on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the Costume Institute’s “In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion” through September 5, 2022. “Intricate hand embroidery, hand spinning, weaving, and knits in organic natural fibers, antique textiles, and local luxury wools. Created with artisan and women owned natural dye houses, fiber farms, and mills with the commitment to ethical production and preservation. Signature silhouettes include hand knits, motorcycle jackets, draped details, and 19th century inspired workwear reimagined into modern heirlooms.” Mimi has long had a passion for finding and preserving fragments that were discarded at some point because they no longer had a use.  She sources heirloom antique fabrics from the 18th to early 20th centuries at auctions and markets, and sometimes individuals reach out to her when they’ve inherited something that holds meaning for them, but they don’t know what to do with it. Her philosophy is based on a desire to create mindful pieces and bring to life the stories embedded in them, sharing them with the next generation.  “There’s so much work that goes into making a garment, consumers don’t always realize that it’s not automated.” “We live in a society where it’s so easy to forget about where we came from,” Mimi says. “So much is mass produced these days, and it’s a whole different mindset. I appreciate the detail from the past.” Her company has invested in community engagement, and she has partnered with a female-founded, all-women-run natural dye house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a women’s lace guild in Kollam, India. A certified sustainable and organic factory in India that makes materials for her ready-to-wear line also provides full funding to all the female employees and their children to attend school. On this episode, Mimi shares her love for sustainable luxury fashion and a deep appreciation for history and handcraft, while your hostess with the most-est Holly Katz masterfully asks all the great questions: Where does Mimi get her inspiration and passion for vintage textiles and the repurposing of materials?    How did she get started?   How does she source her materials and create her designs?    Why is sustainable fashion important to her – and to all of us?    Who are the artisans and creators she works with? Where does she find them?   What does Mimi herself wear every day? What are her favorite fashion pieces?    What is next for the Mimi Prober brand?    What is her point of view of the fashion industry?   Where can everyone find and purchase her designs?   We don’t want to give you all the answers here – you need to hear Mimi’s voice to feel her passion as an artist and a designer. Her ideas are big and creative, and she gives us so much to imagine and think about.  This is one podcast episode you will want to immerse yourself in for a minute and learn about a myriad of philosophies and ideas that you just may not have ever heard before!  Mimi Prober’s ethereal designs are evergreen, collectible pieces. And her ideas and concepts are intentional and thoughtful. Join us for this refreshing point of view on fashion and the fashion industry. Mimi Prober is an inspiration, and we are so pleased to introduce you! Learn more about Mimi Prober at www.mimiprober.com or find her on Instagram. FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!” www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

What is better than a fashion podcast episode with “Your Favorite Personal Stylist” Holly Katz? A podcast with TWO fabulous personal stylists discussing the 2022 Top Summer Wardrobe Must-Haves!   Join us this week as our BFF of the podcast and style expert Soneca Guadara sits with Holly to discuss the top summer wardrobe must haves and how to wear them.   It’s hot as balls everywhere this summer, but that is no reason to not look great - no matter what the temperature, or your erratic hormones.  HOT OFF THE PRESS, GET THIS EPISODE HERE. Soneca Guadara is a personal stylist and fashion expert extraordinaire, who like Holly, has built her career helping women feel beautiful, confident and fabulous at any age.  Soneca is the creator of Style by Soneca. She is lifestyle blogger, fashion stylist, proud Latina, and mom to four kids. Hailing from Miami and the burbs of New Jersey (yes, you can say she is a Real Housewife of New Jersey) this fabulous fashionista not only has a keen eye for fashion, but she has amazing taste for interior decor and fashionable entertaining.  Soneca is a certified Fashion Stylist from NYC's world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, has worked backstage at various fashion shows for NYFW, has her own fashion column for BCthemagazine, is an on-air fashion and lifestyle expert on Unimas for Viernes y Mas, and stays current working with various photographers and stylists where her work has been published in magazines... not mention working with clients helping them with their fashion needs. So, Soneca knows style.  First Fashion Tip: First day of Fall is July 5th on the Fashion Calendar Yes, it is the end of July and 95 degrees in literally every town in America (and Europe) right now. But, after July 4th the retail fashion industry switches gears and starts promoting fall fashions. WHHHHUT?? It’s true. While you still have boob sweat, the fashion industry has put their summer styles on sale to make room for back-to-school fall styles. It doesn’t matter where you live, or how hot it is, you have now entered the fall season. #youarewelcome So, if you are not ready for angora sweaters, leather pants and thigh-boots right now, then you need to be shopping for this summer’s hottest sales. Now.  Also? Europe is not so fancy in the summer. Soneca starts out telling us about her fabulous travels to Europe this summer. First, it was unbearably hot. Second, even the Europeans take a break from over-the-top fashion so they can simply survive the heat.  So, what are the fashionistas wearing in Italy, London, Paris and beyond? They are keeping in SUPER casual and low key. Think livable fashion. Elevated loungewear. Effortless dressing This means styles that can beat the heat and take you from day into night.  FASHION TIP:   Go to Holly’s Pinterest Board now to see many of the styles discussed on this episode. Dresses, comfortable shoes, hats, and handbags that are functional, affordable and appropriate.  Helpful Hints: If you are of a certain age, do not wear silk slip dresses, strapless tops, super short-shorts, uncomfortable shoes or go braless. We can’t believe we have to say these things, but the heat can make you forget your common sense. #truthbomb Choose wedges or slides to keep from looking like a slob all summer. Just a note: slides are not the rubber athletic sandals that teen-aged boys wear. They are cute flats with embellished tops that help elevate your summer style.  Find a summer tote bag that works for travel, the beach and for carrying all of your summer accessories. Do not invest in a leather or high-priced handbag for the summer. You need a workhorse that will get sand, sunscreen, travel grime, snacks and hopefully, wine, all over it. #facts Get yourself a stylish sun-protecting hat. You need to be super cute all summer, but as we’ve said before, there is no greater fashion crime that sun-damaged, wrinkly skin.  #TruthBomb And finally, you CAN wear jeans in the summer! Get yourself some great-fitting white jeans, cropped jeans, colored jeans or just some good old-fashioned blue jeans. Pick your favorite fit and pair them with a fabulous summer top, sandals, accessories and a statement summer bag. DONE. Jeans are to be worn year round.  We are so grateful for Soneca’s fabulous style tips! There is absolutely NO way you won’t be ready to rock the summer fashion scene after hearing all of their fun and easy fashion secrets! Please be sure to look Soneca up on all of the social channels. Look for Style by Soneca or Soneca Guadara on all platforms!  Take it from these two fashion besties; less is more when it comes to looking stylish in the ungodly heat. Stick with these must haves and you will have a cohesive wardrobe that will take you right into transition fall. You heard it here first, folks from the hostess with the mostest, your favorite personal stylist and as always, the only Holly you need to know! 

Mixing High-Low Fashion: what it is and how to do it?  This week, we are giving you the 411 on mixing High-Low Fashion: what is it and how do pull it off – and, in addition - our Fairy Gay Mother, Nolan Meader, is back to help us!  GET THE NEW EPISODE HERE!  A Disclaimer: Holly starts off by saying this is not her usual “Fashion Over 40” style rant. This is a fashion topic for anyone of any age or budget. Most anyone can pull this off!  Also: be sure to head over to Holly’s Pinterest Board to follow along as you listen.  So, this isn’t as simple as one might think. There is a way to pull this off that looks seamless and classic; not trendy or tacky. This is something that people started to do then got creative and made how-to videos about it. I will say creating a high/low look is really broken down into two buckets.     How to buy it.    How to style it.    If the words “I hate to shop’ are in your frequent vocab, this isn’t for you.   In addition to the advice and style info that we are about to give:   This really isn’t for a beginner or someone who has just started a style journey. This is for someone who already has great style who is trying to EVOLVE their style. Your style should be evolving with your age. If your style isn’t evolving or you’re stuck in a style rut, this will be great motivation for you to get that fashion energy moving back in your life. It’s kinda like your furniture and your tchotchkes. If you don’t move them around occasionally, the energy in the room gets stale.   So, let’s start there and break it down.    Let’s first talk about the difference between high-end and low-end fashion items.  It might seem obvi, but we want to make sure we are all on the same page. What personal stylists might consider a high-ticket item would be something that starts probably at $500-600 dollar range and up.   Low-end would be $100 or less. Anything in the middle say over $150 would be considered moderately priced. This isn’t written in stone, it’s just what we consider high and low.      How to Buy It:   If you love to shop but don’t know what to shop for, then start here. Designer, high-end pieces can be acquired from stores at full price, or second hand.   In the market for a fabulous designer bag? Shop around a little at places like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective and try to purchase second hand.   We’ve talked about this before, how you can go to secondhand luxury websites and buy something even with the tags still attached. People who want to regularly rotate their wardrobe will buy and sell second hand. It's a great resource for the fashionably fickle person who always wants something new and it’s even better for the environment. So that’s a great reason right there to shop second hand.   When you shop high-end, the best place to put that money is going to be in the accessories. Accessories usually means, bags, shoes, jewelry, belts, scarves, hats, etc. These are the items that you can tell are high-end. You don’t want to waste a ‘high-end’ piece on say like a pair of black pants. You want the high-end pieces to be subtle but recognizable and the low-end pieces to blend with a sense of ease in conjunction with the rest of your look. A person who achieves this look correctly will have someone look at them and not be able to tell which pieces are low end.   That’s how you pull off a High/Low look! Yay! Buying high-ticket items can be intimidating and daunting, but once you shop around and research what you are looking for, then you will feel better about spending the money. Most people with a financial block around clothes don’t see the value of why things cost what they do.   There is a reason that things cost what they do, and clothes are no different. Everything from the stitching to the fabric to the actual pattern it takes to make the garment makes a huge difference. This is the reason why we are constantly talking about shopping for  fit first  instead of for color or for price.   When you shop for fit, you will have a better product that you can wear longer. Things that fit better on your body will probably cost you more.   Let’s use Holly as an example. She has never, ever been a person who cares about bags or purses. She bought what she though was cute at a cheaper price and never gave it a second thought.    Once she met Nolan, who is a terrible influence, btw, he taught her why her bags didn’t work and how it cheapened the rest of her look. She started to buy higher-priced bags and then really got it.   Carrying a nicer bag can make you look much more polished and professional.  #truthbomb The next high-end statement pieces are shoes. No matter what your high or low pieces are, shoes are the most telling statement you can make. Fine, high-quality shoes say “high” no matter how “low” you go.  #seewhatididthere So, how low should you go?  Notice we didn’t say how low you  can  go; we said how low should you go.   When you see something cool and trendy, like a T-shirt, that can be low-end. If you are into T-shirts or like wearing them, a great way to shop for them on the cheap is to shop vintage.   For example, Rock-n-Roll, authentic tees can be pricey, but something similar like a knock-off band tee is something you can do on the cheap. You can look at vintage stores in your area or look at websites like ThreadUp and Etsy, or even Urban Outfitters has a vintage section. This is a great way to mix it up.   “You could put a vintage Rock-n-Roll tee under a blazer with designer jeans and shoes, and a moderately priced bag with costume jewelry. That’s a great way to mix high and low.”      Another way to shop low-end is with denim. Levi’s are a perfect way to get a great jean at a great price. There are other companies like Good American and Madewell that have jeans that are priced moderately and have a great product for less. Once you have great basics on the lower end its super easy to mix with high end to create a perfect high/low mix.    See my Pinterest board here for more ideas!  DOOO ITTTT. Nolan’s Note of Week: High needs to be “high” to pull off the High/Low look. Take your best pieces and combine them with a trendy low piece. The focus needs to be on the High. Not the Low.   Or he’ll beat you with a menu from Cipriani. And we aren’t kidding. He was very passionate about this. FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com  #fashion #fashionpodcast #highlowfashion

Weeelllllll, Fashion Friends – we did it! We made it to our 100th Episode of the Fashion Crimes Podcast!  We are so grateful to all our listeners who have cheered us on, downloaded our podcasts and have been such great fans of the show! But enough about that. The real news of the week is our BFD Super-Duper Special Celebrity Guest: Ms. Melissa Rivers!   GET THE FULL EPISODE HERE. THE AMAZING MELISSA RIVERS! As co-creator, executive producer, and co-host of E!’s wildly successful “Fashion Police,” Melissa shared with viewers her candor, quick wit and meticulous eye for fashion, which she honed throughout her years covering the Red Carpet. Melissa also starred opposite her mother, Joan Rivers, during four seasons of WEtv’s hit reality series, “Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?” Melissa is now a New York Times bestselling author, a podcaster, an award-winning producer, an entertainment journalist and correspondent, an equestrian, an Ivy League graduate, an accomplished public speaker, and an animal advocate. While her professional achievements are plentiful, it is her role as a single parent to her son Cooper that Melissa calls her greatest accomplishment.  This week, Melissa joins Holly to celebrate our 100th episode and to update us on her life since the crazy days of the Fashion Police on the Red Carpet with her comedian mother.  We also discuss Melissa’s newest book, “Lies My Mother Told Me” and her podcast, “Melissa Rivers’ Group Text!” As women of a “certain age,” Melissa and Holly trade lots of hilarious #facts about fashion and life over 40 (and we mean, wayyyyy over 40). From not giving a “blank” anymore about most things, to what fashion trends one can really wear at this age, you will be enlightened by their fun and witty banter. THE BOOK: “Lies My Mother Told Me. Tall Tales from a Short Woman” was written by Melissa during COVID in response to the crazy times we were in. She was constantly asked, “What would your mother say…” about the state of insanity that thus ensued for 2 years. This is not a biography by any stretch of the imagination. This book is purely satire and a delightful read.  Holly shared her 3 favorite parts of Melissa’s book: The time Melissa lined up all her Barbies on the side of the bathtub, and her mom said they all looked like hookers. The story of Joan pushing Melissa to get married – starting at the age of nine-what like that's weird? The wish that if only Joan had married Kermit the Frog, Melissa would have gotten his long and shapely legs.  “My mother once said: No man has ever put his hand up a woman’s dress looking for a library card.” – Melissa Rivers, remembering stellar parenting advice from her mom, Joan Rivers.  THE PODCAST: Also, during the pandemic, like most of us, we were venting and sharing stupid pandemic memes in group texts a simple a way to survive. Melissa turned that same idea into a fabulous new podcast called “Melissa Rivers’ Group Text Podcast” where she hosts her celebrity friends, and they talk all the crap they text about – with humor – of course! We are so happy to have Melissa as a fellow podcaster – and Holly invited herself to be on the show at least 1,000 times. I mmeeaan....at least. Check out Melissa’s new podcast here. LIFE and FASHION OVER 40: What advice does Melissa have for women over 40? What is a 'yassss' and a 'um, girl no'? What is the best part of getting older? To be blunt, her list was short. Her views on fashion are clear: Women after 40 get stuck. Holly has been saying this FOR YEARS. You need to clean out your closet, you need to evolve, you need to dress for your body type. You are allowed to wear “Trend Lite” – a version of the latest trends that don’t show your stomach or other body parts. Holly FINALLY gets permission to wear her crop tops, as long as they at least touch the top of her pants or belt.  Get your clothes tailored. Expensive clothing will look cheap if it doesn’t fit well. Just a small nip up or out can make a huge difference! Your feet grow. This happens whether you have babies or not. Just like you cannot wear shoes that are too small, don’t wear clothing that no longer fits well. Not breathing IS NOT optional! CAN THE FASHION POLICE EVER COME BACK? Melissa and her mother Joan, along with others, were part of different entertainment generation. Covering the Red Carpet with a critical eye is from days gone past. While the intent was to not hurt anyone, comedy, humor, and criticism has a very small margin of tolerance, and rightly so. It is the end of that chapter, and time to channel that energy into new project! We are so grateful to have Melissa with us this week – you will just LOVE HER! Download the episode here. And, new this week! You can WATCH the entire episode on video on YouTube!  FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!” www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Okay, guess what folks? It's summer. You either love getting into a bathing suit, or you absolutely despise it. We hear you. We see you. We acknowledge you. (And for those about to rock a bathing suit, we salute you!) Who doesn’t have reservations about what looks good on a body this time of year?   What can you get away with now that you are over 40?  What styles should you NOT EVEN be thinking about?  Are you mad about the styles you CANNOT wear anymore? Well, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz is here to let you know one specific thing:  You CAN get away with a lot more than you think these days.  If you have not been bathing suit shopping in a while, the technology of a well-constructed bathing suit will be a very pleasant surprise! GET THIS NEW EPISODE HERE! Holly is here for you this week with a good old-fashion Summer Pep-Talk.  For those of us of a “certain age,” there are A TON of new bathing suit options that will have you on the beach, in the pool and feeling confident and cool! This episode will not hurt, we promise. And to make it even more fun, be sure to follow along on Holly’s Pinterest Board to see all of the styles she will be discussing today. DO. IT.  Bathing Suits 101 If you are a regular listener of the podcast, you will know by now that FIT is the most important place to start. Shopping for your body type is mandatory, and Holly has literally told you that 99 times. (Most recently in Episode 97!) But just as a refresher: your body type is simply determined by where you carry most of the weight in your body. You either carry most of your weight on your top, your middle, or your bottom half. Do not get caught up in what you think you should be wearing, what you used to be wearing, or what bathing suit you are aspiring to be wearing. Mkay? You should be grateful for all your body does for you. And to stop the negative thoughts. Sidebar: Holly says she must take her own advice on this. She likes to practice what she preaches. So, she is not over here trying to pump you up, and then over there saying that she has a perfect body. Those days are over. Waaayyyy over.  So, she has readjusted her priorities when she looks in the mirror. As we get older, we get wiser. Trust this style tip. Bathing Suits for Your Body Type: Your body type is determined by three specific measurements, your bust, your waist, and your hip measurement. If you carry the majority of your weight on the top half, this means your chest, shoulder, or back measurement is larger than your bust or your waist. You want to minimize your top half and we want to give you a waist. For a one-piece suit, try a one-shoulder or halter that like ties around the neck. This draws attention to your face, and the lines will make you look longer and leaner. Holly’s favorites for this body type come from www.swimsuitsforall.com. Favorite swimsuits for this body type: Surplice One-Piece High Neck Wrap One-Piece in Red Floral from Swimsuits for All Chlorine-Resistant High Neck One-Piece Mesh Suit in black from Swimsuits for All One Shoulder One-Piece from Swimsuits for All Hollywood Color Block 2-Piece Wrap Bikini Top and Bottom Tie-Front Cup-Size Cap-Sleeve Underwire Bikini Top in White with the High-Waisted Pipe Swim Brief in Purple Dot O-Ring Long-Sleeve Bikini Top with Side Ring Bikini Bottom If you carry the majority of your weight in the middle, this means your waist measurement is larger than your bust or bottom measurement. For this type of figure, Holly’s absolute go-to bathing suit company recommendation is www.miraclesuit.com. 2023 Miraclesuit Rock Solid Aphrodite Paillette Odyssey One-Piece Tigress Drew One-Piece Casablanca Temptation One-Piece Amoressa Lunar Eclipse Crescent Miraclesuit Raya De Sol Love Knot Top If you carry the majority of your weight on your bottom half, so your hip measurement is bigger than your bust or your waist. Holly’s favorite brand for this body type is www.summersalt.com. The Bow-Shoulder Ruched Sidestroke. One-piece or 2-piece The Perfect Wrap One-Piece The Split Bikini Top and High-Rise Bikini Bottom in Hibiscus The Belted Classic High-Rise Bottoms Now you know the secret to summer swimsuit success!!  NOTE: this episode requires a bit more visual participation than normal. So again, go to Holly’s Pinterest Board to see all of these style suggestions. Want to know another secret??   Next week is our 100th Episode. To celebrate, we have a BFD (big fucking deal) super duper secret special guest with us: Melissa Rivers!  As part of the original Fashion Police mother-daughter duo, we could not be more excited for you to meet her. DO NOT MISS IT! Got questions? Suggestions for our next episode topic? DM Holly on IG or email at holly@fashioncrimespodcast.com. Happy Summer!! FASHION CRIMES PODACST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”   www.fashioncrimespodcast.com   #swimsuit #bathingsuit #fashion

OMG: Our “Very Best Gay of the Podcast,” Mr. Nolan Meader, is BACK this week!    Since it’s summer and everyone is sending us “Out of Office” replies (RUDE!), Holly and Nolan decided to shoot the shit about what they have been up to lately, what fashion adventures they will be having next – and for the first time ever – a list of Holly and Nolan’s Personal Fashion Crimes!!   Yes, it can happen to even the best of us.    As Nolan loves to say: “Style is a journey. We are constantly evolving our style and tastes, and that is OK. However, it is still fun to make fun the of dumb stuff we do sometimes.”   This week’s episode starts with a recap of Nolan’s fabulous fashion life. He is a busy working gal about town (NYC), styling people near and far (Milan), managing fashion events, eating desserts… you know, important stuff!   LISTEN HERE!!    Of course, along the way, they do get a bit side-tracked here (look, a squirrel!) with a story about a trip to one of Nolan’s favorite designer showrooms: Markarian.    This designer combines timeless design with modern grace, and her clothes are TO.DIE.FOR. They are very dressy designs, and once Holly was in the door, it was game-over shopping!   Other fun events of recent weeks include celebrating up-and-coming designers at the NYC Fashion Group International (FGI) annual “Rising Stars” event. One of our Podcast Besties and past guests, Julie Lamb, was awarded the Rising Star Award for Jewelry Design.    (If you missed that episode, jump over to EP 93 | Julie Lamb NY.)    This daytime event, and dinner afterward with Fashion super stars like Global Fashion Ambassador Ken Downing and more, was a spectacular celebration with the true fashion insiders of NYC!    Finally, Holly and Nolan finally move on to their own Personal Fashion Crimes of late, poking a lot of fun at themselves. What are Fairy Gay Mothers for anyway?? Amiright??   In the words of the legendary Joan Rivers: “When you can laugh at yourself no one can ever make a fool of you.”   Nolan’s Top Personal Fashion Crimes:   A bronze/rust colored silk trench coat with crystal trim embellishments. Drinking 8 glasses of cognac when you don’t drink cognac and have an 8:00 a.m. styling appointment the next day. Shopping drunk resulted in a very expensive purchase. As a reminder for fans of the podcast, Nolan has a “Coat Problem.” (Not a Coke Problem!)   “The moral of the story is: do not irresponsibly spend money while you're still drunk from the night before unnecessarily on a distressed leather trench coat, because how many times am I really going to wear that?” – Nolan Meader, Coat Addict   Splitting the crotch out of some very expensive pants at a fashion show, and having to continue on to other events afterward, literally with his ass hanging out. Buying something that everyone has - and that you think you must have - but it looks like shit on you. His crime was a Marine Serre Half-Moon turtleneck. Holly also tried multiple times to call Nolan out on his favorite green sequin turtleneck which might or might not make him look like Aquaman, but he would not have it. At all.  Constantly buying new dress shoes when he only wears his one favorite pair. Don’t buy shit you will never wear, or do not need… Like his “Eiffel Tower” rhinestone black blazer, maybe!?   Holly’s Personal Fashion Crimes:   Wearing an amazing sequin trench coat combined with too many other statement pieces: she wore it with a patterned dress from Japan, printed Gucci boots AND a fringe leather piece all at the same time. TOO MUCH. A hot pink and black bandage dress (a style from the 80s) with a cut out detail reimagined by Proenza Schouler. Damn- hate to see this go. Nolan insists it will be sold on The RealReal asap.  Gucci Horsebit Clogs. Nolan says: “You look like a Mennonite working on a farm.” No. Her ostrich feather BCBG eggplant purple vest. We can’t even find an example of that one. Nolan said it was too chicken-esque. Her honeymoon travel outfit: a bright pink Lilly Pulitzer suit with gold lame trim. It had so much gold thread that she couldn’t even get through the metal detector at the airport. (TBH: Nolan was only in the 7th grade at the time, and Holly didn’t have a stylist yet.)   Lessons learned today? Everyone has their own style. What we wear in fashion. A fashion crime occurs when your individual style has a trainwreck with fashion.    (We know that feels like a math equation. Try to keep up.)   So, what is next for our favorite personal stylists? A lot of fashion events, and a lot of travel to Europe: London and Paris to start.    Stay tuned for these adventures and more!! And don’t forget: our 100th episode is coming up and we have a mind-blowing special guest. NOT KIDDING!   FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”   Hosted by your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz, with guest host Nolan Meader. www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Welcome to Episode 97 of the Fashion Crimes Podcast! We cannot believe we are almost to our 100th Episode - and just you wait until you hear who our Mystery Special Guest will be.  You. Will. Die.    But THIS WEEK, Holly is bringing us back to reality. Time for some real talk and fashion truth bombs, because NONE (zero, zilch, etc.) of her fashion advice is of any help unless you understand Fashion 101:    FIT IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING YOUR STYLE POTENTIAL. – Holly Katz, your favorite personal stylist.   Does it seem like we are screaming right there? Well, we are. Holly has LITERALLY talked about proper fit and dressing for your body type for at least 96 episodes (and on her YouTube videos, and throughout her 20 YEARS as a personal stylist…).   So, if by chance you have missed this memo along the way, this episode is all about HOW TO DRESS RIGHT FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.    First: Click over to Holly’s Pinterest to see her latest board to see examples of what she is discussing in this episode.   What are body types and why do we care?    A body type means refers to your shape, based on the area you carry the majority of your weight. The goal and getting dressed is to look proportionate.   What does proportionate mean? It means that your top half should match your bottom half - or come very close to it. Some people are proportionate already. But please understand, trust, and believe most people are not!   You create the illusion of being proportionate with clothes. That's what clothes are made for. That is why wearing clothes that actually fit your body is key. So again, and with extra meaning:   “Fit is key to unlocking your style potential. Once you have clothes that fit properly, your style only goes up from there.”   Fit is everything. Holly teaches fit first to her clients before anything else. “Fit Before Style.”    You can wear clothes from the most inexpensive store on the planet and if they fit well, they look expensive. You can also wear clothes from the most expensive store, but if they don't fit well, they look cheap.    ^ This is fashion universal law.   Four Body Types for Women:   As Defined and Measured by Your Bust, Waist and Hip   1.) Carrying the bulk of your weight on the top half of your body (big bust, wide back, little butt and hips).   What to Wear:  One shoulder tops, asymmetrical tops and hems, strapless tops and dresses.  Show off your shoulders or create a wider neckline Column and sheath dresses can make your look taller Always wear a heel for height if you can Don’t camouflage the top half of your body or big boobs    2.) Carrying most of your weight in the middle, aka, The Tummy. This is when your waist measurement is bigger than your bust or your hip measurement.   What to Wear:  Create a waistline with high-waisted pants, shorts or skirts. Try a wide belt to emphasize your middle.  Wear a shorter top or cropped jacket that skims above the waist.  Keep it above the butt!   Style Tip:  The biggest mistake people make with this kind of body type, is to try to hide your middle. Instead, define your waist. You do have one! Wearing loose and flowy tops over a big tummy just makes you look even bigger.    3.) Carrying most of your weight in the bottom half of your body. Your hip measurement is actually bigger than your bust and your waist. Also known as “Little in the Middle, but I’ve Got Much Back.”    What to Wear: A structured blazer or a wild-printed top with a strong shoulder is going to give you the volume that you need to balance the bottom and make your waist look even smaller. A-line dresses and skirts Flared or wide-leg jeans. Stretch denim is your only option - and we mean - your ONLY option   Style Tip:  Your legs will never look skinnier than when you wear a flared jean or pant.   4.) And finally, the no curve body type. Yes, that is a thing for women over 40, and yes it needs to be addressed. You have no butt, you have no boobs, you have no hips, you have no waist.    What to Wear:  Create the illusion of curves with great fitting clothing Cinch a belt on a dress Wear dresses with details like ruching, pin-tucking or some type of tie around the waist that will seriously help create those curves where they're lacking.   Style Tip:  Whatever you are wearing, do the “Sit-Down Test.” Low-waist jeans? Sit down at home first and see if your crack is out. Short or mini dress? Sit down at home first and make sure crotch is not hanging out. JUSSAYIN.     And for this week’s final bit of best advice – as a reminder:   Go Get Fitted for a Bra   Regardless of what body type you have, you must, must, must get a bra fitting every two to three years. Do not guess at your size, and make sure you're fitted by a professional.   This is the most important thing you can do for yourself regardless of how big or how small you are. This changes how you look in your clothes, regardless of your weight or your size.   -       If you are large and you want to look smaller, be fitted for a minimizer bra. -       If you are really, really small, this does not give you an excuse not to wear a bra, or not to get fitted.   Bra Fashion Crime: You want to know when you need to be wearing a sports bra? When you are doing work around the house or doing sports, or working out. That is the only time when a sports bra is acceptable. Okay? It's called a SPORTS BRA for a reason, because your ass is doing sports. The ultimate fashion crime? So glad you asked: Wearing a sports bra when you’re not doing sports,  trying to pass it off as a regular bra. Don’t. Do. It.    Holly lays out very specific details about why a bra fitting matters, how a bra should fit you and why which bra you wear matters.   … Ok! That’s it for this week! You are now ready to shop for your body type, clean out the crap in your closet that doesn’t work for your body type AND wear outfits that fit your body type perfectly – no matter what type it is.   “It’s not about hiding what you don't like about your body, it's about embracing it. If you get comfortable with what you're uncomfortable with, then your style is going to start to evolve and your style blocks will start to recede.”     FASHION CRIMES PODCAST | www.fashioncrimespodcast.com   #fashion #bodytype #style