by Shai Thompson, House of Lily Koi –
October Style Tip:
For me, style is more than what you wear: it’s how you walk, talk and chew gum. It’s how you treat others, especially those that are in service to you within your community. I have paid witness to so many kind and unkind experiences that have blown me away. There is definitely more good than bad, but as humans we tend to hang onto the negative and somehow the great experiences that happened minutes before disappear. When one person treats another poorly, it preys on our sense of fairness. It brings a person down and leaves them low to serve the next customer with less enthusiasm because they are getting over being unfairly treated. I know we all get frustrated, impatient and familiar, especially in a small community. What I am asking of you readers is to be mindful of how you treat all those serving you today: nurses; teachers; those working in the retail, restaurant and hotel sectors; and the new clerk on the till at the grocery store.
In closing, please think about this: we live in a small community and you never know who is going to be the one who is going to give you a hand up. It could be that kid who made you an Americano that morning who is putting himself through university to be a doctor. Mother nature does not discriminate against race, age, or what’s in your bank account. We are all vulnerable. So please be kind; it’s the best style to wear.
xoShai
Q: I have a AAA narrow foot and I can never find shoes. Suggestions? Understand which brand works best for your foot. Even hard-to-fit feet want fashion! My top three go-to shoes with style for a AAA size foot are Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman, and, for a killer price point, Naturalizer. The size of your feet should never dictate your style. Call shoe stores and tell them what you’re looking for. If you call five stores and don’t get the answer you are looking for, come se me. I want to see which stores you call, who you talk with and what their answers are. Go!
Q: I’ve just lost 40 lbs and I am unsure where to start – help! Yippee I am so happy for your loss. I love saying that when it’s about generating good health. With your new shape you may start to develop a new kind of style. Get a magazine to gain concepts of clothes you like. Find a store where you connect with the staff. Start with a realistic budget. Your body may shift more and your style may redirect as well. Ask yourself questions like: “what colours do I love, and what are my favorite patterns and fabrics?” Most importantly, have fun with fashion because you deserve to look and feel your best!
Q: I am petite and have a difficult time knowing what style of blazer I should wear? There are a few rules of thumb for body balance for all body shapes. For petites I suggest a blazer length of mid-hip. This will make your legs look longer. If you have shorter legs than torso keep to this rule. If you have longer legs than torso length this is where you could try on a longer blazer. Place your arms straight – where your middle finger lands on your thigh is in theory your car coat, long blazer or long cardigan length. Unfortunately, shopping from a petite store will always give you short arms. Get a great tailor to fit all your blazers and factor in this cost when purchasing the garment. They will do what is called a collar roll to remove the excess fabric. Buying quality will last and the investment will return in your favour for years.
