Many close to the BusyB Herself have deemed her the "What Not To Wear" stylist for Northern Virginia and let's face it, she is almost brutal when it comes to those who are just not treating themselves right by wearing the wrong colors and styles. In fact witnesses have seen her tell someone to "put that down" in the middle of a department store. However, there is no TV show here and she works with just about everyone. If you are confused about what to wear for the spring and summer season, don't delay! Call in the experts.

Have a suggestion for a future article? Have a burning fashion or decorating question? Send an email and we will publish the answer to your question in the next issue.

In This Issue:

• Spring Fashion
• Design Tips by Suzanne Copenhaver
• Outdoor Dining
• Flatter Your Shape

Next Month:
Summer Will Be Here Before You Know It

Last Month's Issue

Well you definitely need a compass for this year's Spring and Summer fashions. While flirty and fun is "in," don't forget tailored and chic. In fact, it is ok to mix the two. Here are the Spring's fashion trends:

• Spring dresses are definitely the item to have this season. Very much inspired by the 50's and early 60's, you can find vintage or new fashions right on the rack in every major clothing store. Look for little ruffles, flowing fabrics, big buttons and belts.
• White is everywhere. Be careful with this one as some complexions are not cut out for stark white. If you are nearing middle age, try using white in your accessories instead of brilliant white jackets or skirts. Everyone should be cautious about what we call Minnie Mouse shoes and please don't break out the white pants, skirts and shoes until after Memorial Day. I don't care what anyone says. Some rules are not meant to be broken.
• Chunky shoes and platform sandals are still the rage this season. Be careful when pairing with your 50's inspired dress or you will look like you came straight from a rummage sale and not the fashionable trendy shops.
• Chunky necklaces are still in this season as well. Natural woods and brighter colors play a part in the spring continuation of this fall trend.
• A line and tulip skirts are all over the spring fashion scene. Watch the length and the belting. A line skirts are great camouflage for larger hips.
• Tops are flirty with ruffles, cinching under the bust, and belting or gathers at the waist. These looks are great with jeans, loose fitting trouser style pants, and skirts but can also be paired with a tailored jacket and skirt or pants for work to add a little femininity to your tailored work attire.
• Although many chiropractors and doctors may protest, the handbags are available in big and bigger. As always though there has to be balance between what you are wearing and the size and style of bag you are carrying.
  
  Read more about how to create a basic wardrobe.

   

Spring is here and so are the colors of spring and summer. It’s always nice to bring some of these colors into our homes to brighten things for the warmer season. This can be done without doing a major make over if you just apply a few simple rules.

Be aware that natural light in spring and summer is not only more abundant, it is different in quality. Colors that might look harsh or garish in the colder months when light is cooler, come alive in the brighter light of summer. When mixing the summer shades in with your existing rooms the most important thing is to use your eyes first. Do you have clear strong blues, blacks, reds or yellows in your home? Do you have muted or faded colors; soft beiges, golds and browns, sage greens and plums?

If you have the clear colors you can accent with white, red, turquoise, bright yellow, lime green marine blue, whichever colors complement your color scheme. Stay away from the softer summer shades, they will fade with the stronger light and disappear in your brightly colored room. If your rooms are the more subdued and softer shades, go with light coral, buttery yellow, aqua, lavender and celadon.

There is a good selection of colors this year, available in sheer draperies, curtains, pillows, accessories and accent pieces and will blend with your existing color scheme. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on temporary items to spruce up your rooms, you can enjoy hunting for them at the outdoor flea markets and yard sales which abound this time of year.

Hot Colors for Spring: Spring Green, Sky Blue, Violet and Bright Yellow

Now for those of you who know the BusyB Herself, you know that there is never a right time for just using plain white 500 count for $.99 paperplates. For those of you who don't, hold on to your hat because here we go with this month's entertaining tips for the not so faint of heart.

Your outdoor dining space should be an extension of your indoor space. Afterall, most of us can see our outdoor space from the windows/doors of our home. Now I can already hear the skeptics saying "who has time for this?" but let me ask you this important question. Does it take anymore time to buy matching outdoor wear than the plain white plates? The answer is no. If you insist on using paper, then do it with style. Choose plates and napkins that match your decor just like you would do with your indoor dining ware. For the more adventurous, there are all kinds of outdoor dining sets that you can buy that come in a variety of spring and summer colors. There is bound to be a set that fits in with your decor.

The bottom line is no matter where you are dining or who you are entertaining, including your own family, you should always set the table accordingly.