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Michelle King Robson at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013
When most people think about New York Fashion Week, they think of models, runways and cutting edge styles. For me, Fashion Week is a reminder of my most embarrassing moment that happened right on the runway.
First off, let me say that I have loved fashion ever since I was a little girl. I had a closet full of Barbie dolls and spent hours changing their clothes and dressing their hair to match. Now I’m proud to be a fashion collector and I’ve got a closet full of clothes, shoes and handbags to prove it!
So when I had a chance last year to attend New York Fashion Week, I was thrilled. And when the show organizers asked me to move from my third row seat into the front row, I jumped at the opportunity. To get to my new seat, I had to walk a short distance on the actual runway. As a former model, that wasn’t a problem for me, even though most of the attendees were in their seats waiting for the show to start.
Of course, I was dressed in my designer best right down to my favorite high heeled shoes – also not a problem since I spend most of my time in heels.
I stepped confidently onto the runway and headed for my new seat, then suddenly found myself flat on my face on the floor! I couldn’t understand it! What happened? Did I catch my heel? Did I miss a step? I couldn’t imagine what had gone wrong! Why was I lying on the runway in front of all those people!
I was completely humiliated and the only thing I could think to do was get up and keep going. So I did. I made it to my seat and the show got underway. I don’t think I saw much of the first part because I was still trying to figure out what had happened! But I’ll never forget looking across the runway to see model Molly Sims mouthing the words, “Are you okay?” She was so sweet!
After the show, a man appeared at my side to make sure I was all right. He confessed that he had not seen me step onto the runway. It was time for the show to start so he had pulled the protective plastic that covered the runway right out from under my feet! I can’t tell you how grateful I was that he confessed to me. Otherwise I’d still be wondering how I could have been so clumsy!
Despite my mishap, I still love Fashion Week and all it represents. I love seeing the new trends and getting a feel for the colors, lines and basic styles that will be in all the stores in the coming season. I also love watching the people who love fashion, including the models, designers, celebrities and fashion editors.
And that brings me to one of my pet peeves. As much as I love seeing the latest fashions, I hate seeing women who let themselves disappear behind poorly fitting or out-of-date clothes. Ladies, you deserve to wear something better!
I don’t mean everyone should be shopping for what we see on the runway. Most of those styles just won’t work for everyday life. But I do mean that we can all take a lesson from the vision of the designers for color, line and general style.
Looking at what is going to be hot this season gives each of us a chance to be creative in our own way. If green is going to be in and you know it’s a great color for you, that’s a trend you can include in your wardrobe to update your style.
If hot pink isn’t your color, look at the way the color is used or the general line of the clothing to find an element that suits you. Are skirts longer or shorter? Are they A-line or full? If you’re like most of us, you already have a variety of styles in your closet. So use the fashion trends to help you choose something that is more in style rather than sticking with the same old thing year after year.
I know some of you don’t want to hear this, but I believe change is a good thing. If you are stuck in a fashion rut, make a conscious decision to change something. At the same time, you have to recognize what looks good on you. If you have a personal style that gets you compliments, keep it. If not, start looking for it!
I think a second pair of eyes is crucial to shopping success. You need to take an unbiased friend or relative who knows what looks good on you and who won’t sugar-coat the truth. Does that color make your skin turn green? Does the fabric look cheap? And what about the fit? Even if you buy the most expensive item in the store, if it doesn’t fit I guarantee it will look cheap and you won’t want to wear it.
I absolutely hate to see women who won’t or don’t take care of their appearance. You can’t expect other people to take you seriously if you don’t take care of yourself. So please ladies, avoid my pet peeves and give yourself an update!
• Put on some makeup ... as long as it isn’t bright blue eye shadow! Ask for a free makeover at a department store to find out what lipstick color and eye shadow styles are trending now. At the very least, stop being lazy and put on some mascara and a tinted lip gloss. My favorite is Nivea’s A Kiss of Shimmer.
• Check your hair color. There are a lot of women who look great in gray hair. But I’m not one of them and I’m not alone. So take a good look at your hair color, especially if you have a more natural look. Don’t be afraid to color your hair, and add a few highlights while you’re at it. You may find that you look younger and the new hair may inspire you to update your wardrobe as well!
• Get out of the 80s. If you’re closet looks more like a fashion museum than a designer rack, it’s time to find a new look. You don’t have to shop designer labels to look good. Start with some timeless pieces like a white blouse and a pair of jeans that really look good on you. Then fill in with clothes that suit your body type and your personal style.
• Fix your nails. Nothing looks sloppier than chipped nail polish. If you don’t have time for a manicure, at least take the old polish off and keep your nails natural until you have time to do them right.
• Don’t forget your feet. As summer rolls around and we step back into sandals, don’t show off your cracked heels or callused toes. In my book, the most beautiful woman will turn ugly in an instant if she has bad feet. I love Heel Tastic Intensive Heel Therapy. You can find it at most drug stores.
It all comes down to the fact that time invested in you is some of the best time you can spend. You undermine your own self-worth when you don’t take care of yourself. Take the time to get rid of what doesn’t work and find something that does.
Don’t think other people don’t notice when you don’t take care of yourself. Stop undermining your accomplishments by projecting a negative self-image through your style. Looking your best will help you feel your best. And that will help you be the best that you can be.
I love fashion almost as much as I love helping women. And I’d love to hear from you about what you tried that was new or different and what worked or didn’t work for you.
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