When we have one or two days of fantastic weather we start getting Spring fever, but  the second blast of cold air inside of two weeks (which is super rare here in Austin) along with some ice, our wardrobes enter in the state of “crazy”.

I thought I would re-post an article I posted on Fashionably Austin back in October because I it’s a great visual tool on some Fall/Winter trends and ones we can actually use as some great transitional pieces.  Enjoy!

The last time Clinton Kelly was in Austin, it was 2009 and what a pleasure to have him return in September.    On a personal note I have soft place in my heart for Clinton because he was so gracious to grant me an interview that would eventually be part of my original content to launch Fashionably Austin.  It created that much-needed credibility for me as a reporter and I am so grateful.   Thanks Clinton!

When Clinton was in town, it was for his Make Over America tour with Macy’s making over women and helping them look their best, which is the same format Clinton and Stacy London did as hosts of TLC’s What Not To Wear did for ten years.

Clinton returned to Austin  and entertained a sold-out crowd of Austin fashion-minded gals at the Austin Macy’s.   Attendees were treated to passed bites and fruity drinks along with complimentary Estee Lauder makeovers and of course, discounts on shopping.   I took advantage of the shopping because I didn’t have a thing to wear to host the Project Pink Fashion Show  and sales Associate Ruth Ann helped me put together a fab outfit for the event in record time.

Clinton’s presentation was not only entertaining…(he is as funny in person as on tv) but it was educational.  In between his quips about where tops should hit on your “tush” or where your “boobies” should be,  he featured four top fall trends using three models of different sizes and ages.    It was a brilliant way for the crowd to engage with each fashion trend and relate to how they could wear it.

Clinton also fielded questions from the audience which ranged from how to accessorize various necklines to how can a 40 something transition from not looking like your daughter but being stylish too.  Clinton rattled off his four “rules”  1.  Does the outfit show too much cleavage?  2.  Does it show too much leg?  3.  Does it show your belly?  4.  Is this a trend a hooker would wear to get more business?  The crowd roared but he was spot on!  He said that “appropriate style” for a “40 something” is the most asked question he gets at his seminars and after seeing the presentation it was easy for each attendee to figure out how to appropriately put together a great look.   Take a look at the pictures below and you’ll realize it is not that hard to dress fashionably even if you’re a little older, curvy, young and hip.

If you follow Clinton’s motto, which was printed on a bags given out to the crowd,   “Dress Cute and Don’t Take Any Crap”.  Ok Clinton, we can do that!  We also wish Clinton much success after the long run of What Not To Wear , (on TLC for 10 years) and you’ll be able to read his second book Freakin’ Fabulous on a Budget available now.  You can continue to see him as one of the hosts of The Chew and just please don’t take five more years to come back to Austin…and that’s no crap!

Picture trends:

1.  Trend layers  2.  Trend Prints  3.  Trend Layers  4.  Trend Skater Skirt

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