New Year; New Fashion.  New Blogger-Justine Harman
The Spring season –of fashion, not necessarily weather– is upon us and editors are just now synthesizing all of the information we barely had enough time to absorb last Fall.  You may notice an influx of trend reports trying to sell you on the merits of flesh-toned hues, sporty separates or alien-inspired footwear.  As someone who works in the fashion industry I know how difficult it can be to apply runway fashion and magazine editorials to real life.  However, regardless of season, there are a few timeless rules that always hold true.

1) Do not pay attention to the red carpet. While a celebrity may look sensational in an ornate gown from the latest runway, what you aren’t seeing are the endless fittings that take place before the big event.  Hems are often shortened, dresses lined, seams ripped and body shapers employed in order to create a picture-perfect image.  While a one-shouldered masterpiece may look good on Cameron Diaz, there are very few instances in which any normal woman would wear this fussy of a silhouette.

2) Fit is function. Instead of buying something you will only wear on special occasions, splurge on something like an expertly tailored blazer, trouser or tee which will instantly change the compatibility quotient of your pieces.  A piece that fits perfectly will always be in style and will never look staid no matter how many times you wear it.

3) To thine own self be true. There is courage in conviction and only you can know what makes you feel good.  If a magazine tells you that Espadrilles are heinous and tacky, but you love them – wear them!  Life is too short to get caught up in fads because as this fashionista knows, a trend is likely to be over in a New York minute.  – Justine Harman

Justine Harman is a freelance fashion stylist and journalist who has worked with talent including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Debra Messing and Jessica Simpson.  She has also contributed to ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle magazines and writes her own fashion site, www.justineharman.com.