The Colors Of Spring

Pick up any fashion magazine or pop into any mall, and you'll see a rainbow of colors ahead for this Spring! Bright primary colors are abound- red, yellow, green, blue. Also, some beautiful, deeper shades of pruple, pink, green and blue. Ivories, crisp whites and neutrals remain popular and showcase a very feminine look. And of course, one of my favorite staples for the warmer seasons - coral. 

Fabric options are also looking great for Spring! Beautiful silks and soft ponte fabrics in both solids and prints are a great compliment to your bold, solid pieces. So take a peek at your color chart before you head out shopping! 

Not sure which trendy colors or prints are best for your skin tone? Contact Chica Guapa for a seasonal color and wardrobe analysis! 

Preparing Your Winter Wardrobe For Storage

For those of us here in the North East, the mild winter weather may have you ready to start to transition to your Spring wardrobe! Use these tips to reduce time and spending on caring for your Winter wardrobe and be sure to treat it with love before you pack it away in storage.

• Make sure your clothes are clean before hanging up or packing away for storage. Bugs and moths that come inside during colder months are attracted to food, perspiration and soil on your clothes. 
• Avoid storing leathers and suedes in closed plastic bags or in damp places to avoid mold and fabric deterioration.
• Allow furs more room to breath by storing in a spare closet that is less crowded.
• For festive and special occasion garments with beading, turn garment inside before hanging in closet or storing to protect any beads from getting pulled off or other garments getting pulls.
• Always fold your sweaters, never hang. Keep light and dark knits separate to avoid lint from grabbing on to one another, or layer with tissue paper. 
• Read care instructions for special velvet and silk garments. Be mindful of deodorant on these fabrics which may cause permanent staining. 

Need  help with a closet clearing or seasonal transition? Contact Chica Guapa today! 

Loving this beach wrap dress from Victoria Secret! It's so cute, and so easy to put on. If you're planning a tropical escape, place your online order now before they sell out!

ATTENTION LADIES....SAVE THE DATE!!

THIRD ANNUAL CLOTHING SWAP EVENT

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012

Come enjoy a night of guilt free "shopping" and contribute to two great causes!

Hosted by Alicia Valentino, Chica Guapa Image Consulting and Laura Malangone of StudioElle Salon.

THE DETAILS:

Date: Monday, April 30, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

*Arrive by 6:30 p.m. for a smooth swap set up!

Place: Eli's on Whitney, 2392 Whitney Ave - Hamden. Event will be held downstairs.

Tickets: $20.00 in advance. ($25.00 at the door).

*Purchase directly from Alicia Valentino -call 646-296-3480 or email alicia@chicaguapaimage; or Laura Malangone at Studio Elle - 203-288-7017.

A FUN GIRL'S NIGHT OUT!

Food & Drink: Enjoy snacks and Eli's famous stuffed breads to help keep your swapping energy high! All drinks can be purchased from the bar.

Raffle Prizes & Giveaways: Once again, we will have fabulous raffle prizes and giveaways! Raffle tickets are only $1.00 or a book of 15 for $10.00. A portion of all proceeds donated to this year's charity!

Fashion & Beauty Tips: Chica Guapa will share some makeover ideas and wardrobe tips! Studio Elle will share hair trends for the upcoming seasons. Receive expert advice from other beauty vendors!

HELP US DONATE: Once again, a portion of our event's proceeds will be donated to two charitable organizations. More details will provided regarding this year's chosen charities prior to the event.  

SPREAD THE WORD: Each year, we have increased our attendance at the event, and each attendee has left saying how much fun they had, how many great swap items they got and how many new people they met. Please help us to spread the word and forward on to your family, friends and co-workers. We would love to have this be our best year yet and for us to be able to surpass our donation goals!

WHAT IS A CLOTHING SWAP?

A clothing swap is a great way for us to put our new, nearly new or gently used wardrobe items, that we no longer wear, to good use!

THE RULES OF THE SWAP:

1. Please bring a maximum of 5 clothing swap items, as detailed below, to the event with the intention that someone else will take them home and wear them. Please bring clothing items on hangers! 

*Optional Items:  

*Maximum of 2 Pairs of Jeans for the "Jean Swap"

*Maximum of 3 childrens clothing items- new or like new, for girls or boys sizes 2-14. 

2. Take the time to go through your closet and determine which items are not right for your color tone or body shape. Be sure the item is worthy to pass along to any one of our fabulous attendees! If you need help, contact Chica Guapa for a full service closet organizing session!

3.All items must be new, like new or gently worn. Should be clean and pressed and on hangers. We want to simulate a true shopping experience! Items can be for any season.

4. Five Clothing Items: *Not required, but helpful if you bring the 5 items as suggested below. If you do not have 5 items, you can bring less.

· Bring 3 clothing items in any of these categories -Chic, Moderate, Expensive

Chic – inexpensive items, less than $50.00, costume jewelry.
Moderate- any clothing items priced between $50.00 - $150.00. Moderately priced jewelry. Clothes from the Gap, JCrew.
Expensive- any clothing items or accessories valued over $150.00 - $300.00. Designer.

· Bring 2 accessories: -purses, jewelry, hats, belts or shoes.

5. How it works: You will be given a color coded ticket for each category item you bring, and one Jean Swap ticket if you bring a pair of jeans, and corresponding kids swap tickets. You will "shop" in each category “boutique” and select an item for yourself. If you bring 2 chic items and 3 expensive then, in turn, you can shop for 2 chic and 3 expensive items. Continue shopping each boutique until your tickets are gone! Last year everyone walked away with something they loved, and I'm sure this year will have the same results!

Heading out tonight for Valentine's Day, but still not sure what to wear? Here are some last minute outfit inspirations that will surely put anyone that sees you in the mood for some love!

Stop in Express to pick up a pair of their classic Editor pant in  Mars Red!

Pop in to your local Target and pick up this classic cross front ponte dress in  Stadium Red. 

Red or pink not your color? No problem! This adorable blue and red dotted dress from H&M is the perfect pop of  Valentine's color!

Pick up this adorable pleated skirt in "heart throb", from J. Crew

And last, but certainly not least, be sure to visit my favorite lingerie boutique in Clinton,  Beneath The Gown, to pick up some lotions and lingerie to make tonight extra special! 

Wishing you and all your true loves a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?

OK Ladies....are you tired of seeing the men in the office strut around in their snazzy suits, flashing their one of a kind jacket lining, and looking so finely tailored?  Well let's get the best dressed competition going, as you too can now design your very own custom suit with Valentino Tailors! Our partners at H. Freeman are the masterminds behind this service. After getting expertly measured by yours truly, the skilled craftsmen at H. Freeman will then produce your custom suit out of their factory in West Minster, MD. A consultation with me; a custom suit that is made in America; and alterations done by your favorite local tailor....it just can't get any better than that! 

Contact me if you would like to have a consultation to review your custom suiting options. (Just plan to block out some time, as there are over 400 style, fabric and detail options to choose from!!)