Wear This Not That

Join us this week as we shine our DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT on a rising star fashion designer, Mimi Prober.

This episode is a FASCINATING deep dive into one designer's passion for fabric, vintage textiles, sustainable fashion, and creating a brand with a purpose.

Mimi Prober has dedicated herself to "the sustainable practices of natural dyeing and design with a focus on textile narratives, preservation, and process - honoring those involved in the creation, from farm to fiber."

She is celebrated for her decorative and unique beading, embroidery, and lace designs. "Integrating the artistry of the past and establishing a sustainable future through the reuse of antique materials to create modern handcrafted heirlooms."

Founding her namesake label in 2014, Mimi has become known for creations using "forgotten textiles with documented stories to tell from a previous time."

So of course, her designs are GORGEOUS and highly regarded! Her collection has been worn by industry icons Chloë Sevigny, Misty Copeland, Erykah Badu, and Rihanna, just to name a few. #JUSSAYIN!

And this year, she was just named one of fashion's "Rising Stars" by the Fashion Group International – a BFD, friends!

Mimi's bio is vast: she is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, the creator of her own clothing brand, a lover of vintage textiles and fashion (especially rock T-shirts!) and has been a designer-in-residence at the Jill Stuart Gallery at Cornell University.

If that is not fabulous enough: Mimi's work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum at FIT, where a collection piece was on view for the exhibition 'Fashion Unraveled.'

AND, her creations are now on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for the Costume Institute's "In America: A Lexicon Of Fashion" through September 5, 2022.

"Intricate hand embroidery, hand spinning, weaving, and knits in organic natural fibers, antique textiles, and local luxury wools. Created with artisan and women owned natural dye houses, fiber farms, and mills with the commitment to ethical production and preservation. Signature silhouettes include hand knits, motorcycle jackets, draped details, and 19th century inspired workwear reimagined into modern heirlooms."

Mimi has long had a passion for finding and preserving fragments that were discarded at some point because they no longer had a use.

She sources heirloom antique fabrics from the 18th to early 20th centuries at auctions and markets, and sometimes individuals reach out to her when they've inherited something that holds meaning for them, but they don't know what to do with it.

Her philosophy is based on a desire to create mindful pieces and bring to life the stories embedded in them, sharing them with the next generation.

"There's so much work that goes into making a garment, consumers don't always realize that it's not automated."

"We live in a society where it's so easy to forget about where we came from," Mimi says. "So much is mass produced these days, and it's a whole different mindset. I appreciate the detail from the past."

Her company has invested in community engagement, and she has partnered with a female-founded, all-women-run natural dye house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a women's lace guild in Kollam, India. A certified sustainable and organic factory in India that makes materials for her ready-to-wear line also provides full funding to all the female employees and their children to attend school.

On this episode, Mimi shares her love for sustainable luxury fashion and a deep appreciation for history and handcraft, while your hostess with the most-est Holly Katz masterfully asks all the great questions:

• Where does Mimi get her inspiration and passion for vintage textiles and the repurposing of materials?

• How did she get started?

• How does she source her materials and create her designs?

• Why is sustainable fashion important to her – and to all of us?

• Who are the artisans and creators she works with? Where does she find them?

• What does Mimi herself wear every day? What are her favorite fashion pieces?

• What is next for the Mimi Prober brand?

• What is her point of view of the fashion industry?

• Where can everyone find and purchase her designs?

We don't want to give you all the answers here – you need to hear Mimi's voice to feel her passion as an artist and a designer. Her ideas are big and creative, and she gives us so much to imagine and think about.

This is one podcast episode you will want to immerse yourself in for a minute and learn about a myriad of philosophies and ideas that you just may not have ever heard before!

Mimi Prober's ethereal designs are evergreen, collectible pieces. And her ideas and concepts are intentional and thoughtful.

Join us for this refreshing point of view on fashion and the fashion industry. Mimi Prober is an inspiration, and we are so pleased to introduce you!

Learn more about Mimi Prober at www.mimiprober.com or find her on Instagram.

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

"The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

What is better than a fashion podcast episode with "Your Favorite Personal Stylist" Holly Katz? A podcast with TWO fabulous personal stylists discussing the 2022 Top Summer Wardrobe Must-Haves!

Join us this week as our BFF of the podcast and style expert Soneca Guadara sits with Holly to discuss the top summer wardrobe must haves and how to wear them.

It's hot as balls everywhere this summer, but that is no reason to not look great - no matter what the temperature, or your erratic hormones.

HOT OFF THE PRESS, GET THIS EPISODE HERE.

Soneca Guadara is a personal stylist and fashion expert extraordinaire, who like Holly, has built her career helping women feel beautiful, confident and fabulous at any age.

Soneca is the creator of Style by Soneca. She is lifestyle blogger, fashion stylist, proud Latina, and mom to four kids. Hailing from Miami and the burbs of New Jersey (yes, you can say she is a Real Housewife of New Jersey) this fabulous fashionista not only has a keen eye for fashion, but she has amazing taste for interior decor and fashionable entertaining.

Soneca is a certified Fashion Stylist from NYC's world-renowned Fashion Institute of Technology, has worked backstage at various fashion shows for NYFW, has her own fashion column for BCthemagazine, is an on-air fashion and lifestyle expert on Unimas for Viernes y Mas, and stays current working with various photographers and stylists where her work has been published in magazines... not mention working with clients helping them with their fashion needs.

So, Soneca knows style.

First Fashion Tip: First day of Fall is July 5th on the Fashion Calendar

Yes, it is the end of July and 95 degrees in literally every town in America (and Europe) right now. But, after July 4th the retail fashion industry switches gears and starts promoting fall fashions. WHHHHUT??

It's true. While you still have boob sweat, the fashion industry has put their summer styles on sale to make room for back-to-school fall styles. It doesn't matter where you live, or how hot it is, you have now entered the fall season. #youarewelcome

So, if you are not ready for angora sweaters, leather pants and thigh-boots right now, then you need to be shopping for this summer's hottest sales. Now.

Also? Europe is not so fancy in the summer.

Soneca starts out telling us about her fabulous travels to Europe this summer. First, it was unbearably hot. Second, even the Europeans take a break from over-the-top fashion so they can simply survive the heat.

So, what are the fashionistas wearing in Italy, London, Paris and beyond? They are keeping in SUPER casual and low key. Think livable fashion. Elevated loungewear. Effortless dressing This means styles that can beat the heat and take you from day into night.

FASHION TIP:

Go to Holly's Pinterest Board now to see many of the styles discussed on this episode.

Dresses, comfortable shoes, hats, and handbags that are functional, affordable and appropriate.

Helpful Hints:

1. If you are of a certain age, do not wear silk slip dresses, strapless tops, super short-shorts, uncomfortable shoes or go braless. We can't believe we have to say these things, but the heat can make you forget your common sense. #truthbomb
2. Choose wedges or slides to keep from looking like a slob all summer. Just a note: slides are not the rubber athletic sandals that teen-aged boys wear. They are cute flats with embellished tops that help elevate your summer style.
3. Find a summer tote bag that works for travel, the beach and for carrying all of your summer accessories. Do not invest in a leather or high-priced handbag for the summer. You need a workhorse that will get sand, sunscreen, travel grime, snacks and hopefully, wine, all over it. #facts
4. Get yourself a stylish sun-protecting hat. You need to be super cute all summer, but as we've said before, there is no greater fashion crime that sun-damaged, wrinkly skin. #TruthBomb
5. And finally, you CAN wear jeans in the summer! Get yourself some great-fitting white jeans, cropped jeans, colored jeans or just some good old-fashioned blue jeans. Pick your favorite fit and pair them with a fabulous summer top, sandals, accessories and a statement summer bag. DONE. Jeans are to be worn year round.

We are so grateful for Soneca's fabulous style tips! There is absolutely NO way you won't be ready to rock the summer fashion scene after hearing all of their fun and easy fashion secrets!

Please be sure to look Soneca up on all of the social channels. Look for Style by Soneca or Soneca Guadara on all platforms!

Take it from these two fashion besties; less is more when it comes to looking stylish in the ungodly heat. Stick with these must haves and you will have a cohesive wardrobe that will take you right into transition fall. You heard it here first, folks from the hostess with the mostest, your favorite personal stylist and as always, the only Holly you need to know!

Mixing High-Low Fashion: what it is and how to do it?

This week, we are giving you the 411 on mixing High-Low Fashion: what is it and how do pull it off – and, in addition - our Fairy Gay Mother, Nolan Meader, is back to help us!

GET THE NEW EPISODE HERE!

A Disclaimer: Holly starts off by saying this is not her usual "Fashion Over 40" style rant. This is a fashion topic for anyone of any age or budget. Most anyone can pull this off!

Also: be sure to head over to Holly's Pinterest Board to follow along as you listen.

So, this isn't as simple as one might think. There is a way to pull this off that looks seamless and classic; not trendy or tacky. This is something that people started to do then got creative and made how-to videos about it. I will say creating a high/low look is really broken down into two buckets.

1. How to buy it.
2. How to style it.

If the words "I hate to shop' are in your frequent vocab, this isn't for you.

In addition to the advice and style info that we are about to give:

This really isn't for a beginner or someone who has just started a style journey. This is for someone who already has great style who is trying to EVOLVE their style. Your style should be evolving with your age.

If your style isn't evolving or you're stuck in a style rut, this will be great motivation for you to get that fashion energy moving back in your life. It's kinda like your furniture and your tchotchkes. If you don't move them around occasionally, the energy in the room gets stale.

So, let's start there and break it down.

Let's first talk about the difference between high-end and low-end fashion items.

It might seem obvi, but we want to make sure we are all on the same page. What personal stylists might consider a high-ticket item would be something that starts probably at $500-600 dollar range and up.

Low-end would be $100 or less. Anything in the middle say over $150 would be considered moderately priced. This isn't written in stone, it's just what we consider high and low.

How to Buy It:

If you love to shop but don't know what to shop for, then start here. Designer, high-end pieces can be acquired from stores at full price, or second hand.

In the market for a fabulous designer bag? Shop around a little at places like The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective and try to purchase second hand.

We've talked about this before, how you can go to secondhand luxury websites and buy something even with the tags still attached.

People who want to regularly rotate their wardrobe will buy and sell second hand. It's a great resource for the fashionably fickle person who always wants something new and it's even better for the environment. So that's a great reason right there to shop second hand.

When you shop high-end, the best place to put that money is going to be in the accessories. Accessories usually means, bags, shoes, jewelry, belts, scarves, hats, etc. These are the items that you can tell are high-end. You don't want to waste a 'high-end' piece on say like a pair of black pants. You want the high-end pieces to be subtle but recognizable and the low-end pieces to blend with a sense of ease in conjunction with the rest of your look.

A person who achieves this look correctly will have someone look at them and not be able to tell which pieces are low end.

That's how you pull off a High/Low look! Yay!

Buying high-ticket items can be intimidating and daunting, but once you shop around and research what you are looking for, then you will feel better about spending the money. Most people with a financial block around clothes don't see the value of why things cost what they do.

There is a reason that things cost what they do, and clothes are no different. Everything from the stitching to the fabric to the actual pattern it takes to make the garment makes a huge difference. This is the reason why we are constantly talking about shopping for fit first instead of for color or for price.

When you shop for fit, you will have a better product that you can wear longer. Things that fit better on your body will probably cost you more.

Let's use Holly as an example. She has never, ever been a person who cares about bags or purses. She bought what she though was cute at a cheaper price and never gave it a second thought.

Once she met Nolan, who is a terrible influence, btw, he taught her why her bags didn't work and how it cheapened the rest of her look. She started to buy higher-priced bags and then really got it.

Carrying a nicer bag can make you look much more polished and professional. #truthbomb

The next high-end statement pieces are shoes. No matter what your high or low pieces are, shoes are the most telling statement you can make. Fine, high-quality shoes say "high" no matter how "low" you go. #seewhatididthere

So, how low should you go?

Notice we didn't say how low you can go; we said how low should you go.

When you see something cool and trendy, like a T-shirt, that can be low-end. If you are into T-shirts or like wearing them, a great way to shop for them on the cheap is to shop vintage.

For example, Rock-n-Roll, authentic tees can be pricey, but something similar like a knock-off band tee is something you can do on the cheap. You can look at vintage stores in your area or look at websites like ThreadUp and Etsy, or even Urban Outfitters has a vintage section. This is a great way to mix it up.

"You could put a vintage Rock-n-Roll tee under a blazer with designer jeans and shoes, and a moderately priced bag with costume jewelry. That's a great way to mix high and low."

Another way to shop low-end is with denim. Levi's are a perfect way to get a great jean at a great price. There are other companies like Good American and Madewell that have jeans that are priced moderately and have a great product for less.

Once you have great basics on the lower end its super easy to mix with high end to create a perfect high/low mix.

See my Pinterest board here for more ideas! DOOO ITTTT.

Nolan's Note of Week:

High needs to be "high" to pull off the High/Low look. Take your best pieces and combine them with a trendy low piece. The focus needs to be on the High. Not the Low.

Or he'll beat you with a menu from Cipriani. And we aren't kidding. He was very passionate about this.

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

"The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

#fashion #fashionpodcast #highlowfashion

Weeelllllll, Fashion Friends – we did it! We made it to our 100th Episode of the Fashion Crimes Podcast!

We are so grateful to all our listeners who have cheered us on, downloaded our podcasts and have been such great fans of the show!

But enough about that. The real news of the week is our BFD Super-Duper Special Celebrity Guest: Ms. Melissa Rivers!

GET THE FULL EPISODE HERE.

THE AMAZING MELISSA RIVERS!

As co-creator, executive producer, and co-host of E!'s wildly successful "Fashion Police," Melissa shared with viewers her candor, quick wit and meticulous eye for fashion, which she honed throughout her years covering the Red Carpet. Melissa also starred opposite her mother, Joan Rivers, during four seasons of WEtv's hit reality series, "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?"

Melissa is now a New York Times bestselling author, a podcaster, an award-winning producer, an entertainment journalist and correspondent, an equestrian, an Ivy League graduate, an accomplished public speaker, and an animal advocate. While her professional achievements are plentiful, it is her role as a single parent to her son Cooper that Melissa calls her greatest accomplishment.

This week, Melissa joins Holly to celebrate our 100th episode and to update us on her life since the crazy days of the Fashion Police on the Red Carpet with her comedian mother.

We also discuss Melissa's newest book, "Lies My Mother Told Me" and her podcast, "Melissa Rivers' Group Text!"

As women of a "certain age," Melissa and Holly trade lots of hilarious #facts about fashion and life over 40 (and we mean, wayyyyy over 40). From not giving a "blank" anymore about most things, to what fashion trends one can really wear at this age, you will be enlightened by their fun and witty banter.

THE BOOK:

"Lies My Mother Told Me. Tall Tales from a Short Woman" was written by Melissa during COVID in response to the crazy times we were in. She was constantly asked, "What would your mother say…" about the state of insanity that thus ensued for 2 years. This is not a biography by any stretch of the imagination. This book is purely satire and a delightful read.

Holly shared her 3 favorite parts of Melissa's book:

1. The time Melissa lined up all her Barbies on the side of the bathtub, and her mom said they all looked like hookers.
2. The story of Joan pushing Melissa to get married – starting at the age of nine-what like that's weird?
3. The wish that if only Joan had married Kermit the Frog, Melissa would have gotten his long and shapely legs.

"My mother once said: No man has ever put his hand up a woman's dress looking for a library card." – Melissa Rivers, remembering stellar parenting advice from her mom, Joan Rivers.

THE PODCAST:

Also, during the pandemic, like most of us, we were venting and sharing stupid pandemic memes in group texts a simple a way to survive. Melissa turned that same idea into a fabulous new podcast called "Melissa Rivers' Group Text Podcast" where she hosts her celebrity friends, and they talk all the crap they text about – with humor – of course! We are so happy to have Melissa as a fellow podcaster – and Holly invited herself to be on the show at least 1,000 times. I mmeeaan....at least.

Check out Melissa's new podcast here.

LIFE and FASHION OVER 40:

What advice does Melissa have for women over 40? What is a 'yassss' and a 'um, girl no'? What is the best part of getting older? To be blunt, her list was short.

Her views on fashion are clear:

1. Women after 40 get stuck. Holly has been saying this FOR YEARS. You need to clean out your closet, you need to evolve, you need to dress for your body type.
2. You are allowed to wear "Trend Lite" – a version of the latest trends that don't show your stomach or other body parts. Holly FINALLY gets permission to wear her crop tops, as long as they at least touch the top of her pants or belt.
3. Get your clothes tailored. Expensive clothing will look cheap if it doesn't fit well. Just a small nip up or out can make a huge difference!
4. Your feet grow. This happens whether you have babies or not. Just like you cannot wear shoes that are too small, don't wear clothing that no longer fits well. Not breathing IS NOT optional!

CAN THE FASHION POLICE EVER COME BACK?

Melissa and her mother Joan, along with others, were part of different entertainment generation. Covering the Red Carpet with a critical eye is from days gone past. While the intent was to not hurt anyone, comedy, humor, and criticism has a very small margin of tolerance, and rightly so. It is the end of that chapter, and time to channel that energy into new project!

We are so grateful to have Melissa with us this week – you will just LOVE HER! Download the episode here.

And, new this week! You can WATCH the entire episode on video on YouTube!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

"The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Okay, guess what folks? It's summer. You either love getting into a bathing suit, or you absolutely despise it. We hear you. We see you. We acknowledge you.

(And for those about to rock a bathing suit, we salute you!)

Who doesn't have reservations about what looks good on a body this time of year?

• What can you get away with now that you are over 40?
• What styles should you NOT EVEN be thinking about?
• Are you mad about the styles you CANNOT wear anymore?

Well, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz is here to let you know one specific thing: You CAN get away with a lot more than you think these days.

If you have not been bathing suit shopping in a while, the technology of a well-constructed bathing suit will be a very pleasant surprise!

GET THIS NEW EPISODE HERE!

Holly is here for you this week with a good old-fashion Summer Pep-Talk. For those of us of a "certain age," there are A TON of new bathing suit options that will have you on the beach, in the pool and feeling confident and cool!

This episode will not hurt, we promise. And to make it even more fun, be sure to follow along on Holly's Pinterest Board to see all of the styles she will be discussing today. DO. IT.

Bathing Suits 101

If you are a regular listener of the podcast, you will know by now that FIT is the most important place to start. Shopping for your body type is mandatory, and Holly has literally told you that 99 times. (Most recently in Episode 97!)

But just as a refresher: your body type is simply determined by where you carry most of the weight in your body. You either carry most of your weight on your top, your middle, or your bottom half.

Do not get caught up in what you think you should be wearing, what you used to be wearing, or what bathing suit you are aspiring to be wearing. Mkay? You should be grateful for all your body does for you. And to stop the negative thoughts.

Sidebar: Holly says she must take her own advice on this. She likes to practice what she preaches. So, she is not over here trying to pump you up, and then over there saying that she has a perfect body. Those days are over. Waaayyyy over.

So, she has readjusted her priorities when she looks in the mirror. As we get older, we get wiser. Trust this style tip.

Bathing Suits for Your Body Type:

Your body type is determined by three specific measurements, your bust, your waist, and your hip measurement.

1. If you carry the majority of your weight on the top half, this means your chest, shoulder, or back measurement is larger than your bust or your waist. You want to minimize your top half and we want to give you a waist.

For a one-piece suit, try a one-shoulder or halter that like ties around the neck. This draws attention to your face, and the lines will make you look longer and leaner. Holly's favorites for this body type come from www.swimsuitsforall.com.

Favorite swimsuits for this body type:

• Surplice One-Piece
• High Neck Wrap One-Piece in Red Floral from Swimsuits for All
• Chlorine-Resistant High Neck One-Piece Mesh Suit in black from Swimsuits for All
• One Shoulder One-Piece from Swimsuits for All
• Hollywood Color Block 2-Piece Wrap Bikini Top and Bottom
• Tie-Front Cup-Size Cap-Sleeve Underwire Bikini Top in White with the High-Waisted Pipe Swim Brief in Purple Dot
• O-Ring Long-Sleeve Bikini Top with Side Ring Bikini Bottom

1. If you carry the majority of your weight in the middle, this means your waist measurement is larger than your bust or bottom measurement.

For this type of figure, Holly's absolute go-to bathing suit company recommendation is www.miraclesuit.com.

• 2023 Miraclesuit Rock Solid Aphrodite
• Paillette Odyssey One-Piece
• Tigress Drew One-Piece
• Casablanca Temptation One-Piece
• Amoressa Lunar Eclipse Crescent
• Miraclesuit Raya De Sol Love Knot Top

1. If you carry the majority of your weight on your bottom half, so your hip measurement is bigger than your bust or your waist.

Holly's favorite brand for this body type is www.summersalt.com.

• The Bow-Shoulder Ruched Sidestroke. One-piece or 2-piece
• The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
• The Split Bikini Top and High-Rise Bikini Bottom in Hibiscus
• The Belted Classic High-Rise Bottoms

Now you know the secret to summer swimsuit success!! NOTE: this episode requires a bit more visual participation than normal. So again, go to Holly's Pinterest Board to see all of these style suggestions.

Want to know another secret??

Next week is our 100th Episode. To celebrate, we have a BFD (big fucking deal) super duper secret special guest with us: Melissa Rivers!

As part of the original Fashion Police mother-daughter duo, we could not be more excited for you to meet her. DO NOT MISS IT!

Got questions? Suggestions for our next episode topic? DM Holly on IG or email at [email protected].

Happy Summer!!

FASHION CRIMES PODACST

"The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

#swimsuit #bathingsuit #fashion

OMG: Our "Very Best Gay of the Podcast," Mr. Nolan Meader, is BACK this week!

Since it's summer and everyone is sending us "Out of Office" replies (RUDE!), Holly and Nolan decided to shoot the shit about what they have been up to lately, what fashion adventures they will be having next – and for the first time ever – a list of Holly and Nolan's Personal Fashion Crimes!!

Yes, it can happen to even the best of us.

As Nolan loves to say: "Style is a journey. We are constantly evolving our style and tastes, and that is OK. However, it is still fun to make fun the of dumb stuff we do sometimes."

This week's episode starts with a recap of Nolan's fabulous fashion life. He is a busy working gal about town (NYC), styling people near and far (Milan), managing fashion events, eating desserts… you know, important stuff!

LISTEN HERE!!

Of course, along the way, they do get a bit side-tracked here (look, a squirrel!) with a story about a trip to one of Nolan's favorite designer showrooms: Markarian.

This designer combines timeless design with modern grace, and her clothes are TO.DIE.FOR. They are very dressy designs, and once Holly was in the door, it was game-over shopping!

Other fun events of recent weeks include celebrating up-and-coming designers at the NYC Fashion Group International (FGI) annual "Rising Stars" event. One of our Podcast Besties and past guests, Julie Lamb, was awarded the Rising Star Award for Jewelry Design.

(If you missed that episode, jump over to EP 93 | Julie Lamb NY.)

This daytime event, and dinner afterward with Fashion super stars like Global Fashion Ambassador Ken Downing and more, was a spectacular celebration with the true fashion insiders of NYC!

Finally, Holly and Nolan finally move on to their own Personal Fashion Crimes of late, poking a lot of fun at themselves. What are Fairy Gay Mothers for anyway?? Amiright??

In the words of the legendary Joan Rivers: "When you can laugh at yourself no one can ever make a fool of you."

Nolan's Top Personal Fashion Crimes:

1. A bronze/rust colored silk trench coat with crystal trim embellishments.
2. Drinking 8 glasses of cognac when you don't drink cognac and have an 8:00 a.m. styling appointment the next day. Shopping drunk resulted in a very expensive purchase. As a reminder for fans of the podcast, Nolan has a "Coat Problem." (Not a Coke Problem!)

"The moral of the story is: do not irresponsibly spend money while you're still drunk from the night before unnecessarily on a distressed leather trench coat, because how many times am I really going to wear that?" – Nolan Meader, Coat Addict

1. Splitting the crotch out of some very expensive pants at a fashion show, and having to continue on to other events afterward, literally with his ass hanging out.
2. Buying something that everyone has - and that you think you must have - but it looks like shit on you. His crime was a Marine Serre Half-Moon turtleneck.
3. Holly also tried multiple times to call Nolan out on his favorite green sequin turtleneck which might or might not make him look like Aquaman, but he would not have it. At all.
4. Constantly buying new dress shoes when he only wears his one favorite pair. Don't buy shit you will never wear, or do not need… Like his "Eiffel Tower" rhinestone black blazer, maybe!?

Holly's Personal Fashion Crimes:

1. Wearing an amazing sequin trench coat combined with too many other statement pieces: she wore it with a patterned dress from Japan, printed Gucci boots AND a fringe leather piece all at the same time. TOO MUCH.
2. A hot pink and black bandage dress (a style from the 80s) with a cut out detail reimagined by Proenza Schouler. Damn- hate to see this go. Nolan insists it will be sold on The RealReal asap.
3. Gucci Horsebit Clogs. Nolan says: "You look like a Mennonite working on a farm." No.
4. Her ostrich feather BCBG eggplant purple vest. We can't even find an example of that one. Nolan said it was too chicken-esque.
5. Her honeymoon travel outfit: a bright pink Lilly Pulitzer suit with gold lame trim. It had so much gold thread that she couldn't even get through the metal detector at the airport. (TBH: Nolan was only in the 7th grade at the time, and Holly didn't have a stylist yet.)

Lessons learned today? Everyone has their own style. What we wear in fashion. A fashion crime occurs when your individual style has a trainwreck with fashion.

(We know that feels like a math equation. Try to keep up.)

So, what is next for our favorite personal stylists? A lot of fashion events, and a lot of travel to Europe: London and Paris to start.

Stay tuned for these adventures and more!! And don't forget: our 100th episode is coming up and we have a mind-blowing special guest. NOT KIDDING!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

"The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"

Hosted by your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz, with guest host Nolan Meader.

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Welcome to Episode 97 of the Fashion Crimes Podcast! We cannot believe we are almost to our 100th Episode - and just you wait until you hear who our Mystery Special Guest will be.

You. Will. Die.

But THIS WEEK, Holly is bringing us back to reality. Time for some real talk and fashion truth bombs, because NONE (zero, zilch, etc.) of her fashion advice is of any help unless you understand Fashion 101:

FIT IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING YOUR STYLE POTENTIAL. – Holly Katz, your favorite personal stylist.

Does it seem like we are screaming right there? Well, we are. Holly has LITERALLY talked about proper fit and dressing for your body type for at least 96 episodes (and on her YouTube videos, and throughout her 20 YEARS as a personal stylist…).

So, if by chance you have missed this memo along the way, this episode is all about HOW TO DRESS RIGHT FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.

First: Click over to Holly's Pinterest to see her latest board to see examples of what she is discussing in this episode.

What are body types and why do we care?

A body type means refers to your shape, based on the area you carry the majority of your weight. The goal and getting dressed is to look proportionate.

What does proportionate mean? It means that your top half should match your bottom half - or come very close to it. Some people are proportionate already. But please understand, trust, and believe most people are not!

You create the illusion of being proportionate with clothes. That's what clothes are made for. That is why wearing clothes that actually fit your body is key. So again, and with extra meaning:

"Fit is key to unlocking your style potential. Once you have clothes that fit properly, your style only goes up from there."

Fit is everything. Holly teaches fit first to her clients before anything else. "Fit Before Style."

You can wear clothes from the most inexpensive store on the planet and if they fit well, they look expensive. You can also wear clothes from the most expensive store, but if they don't fit well, they look cheap.

^ This is fashion universal law.

Four Body Types for Women: As Defined and Measured by Your Bust, Waist and Hip

1.) Carrying the bulk of your weight on the top half of your body (big bust, wide back, little butt and hips).

What to Wear:

• One shoulder tops, asymmetrical tops and hems, strapless tops and dresses.
• Show off your shoulders or create a wider neckline
• Column and sheath dresses can make your look taller
• Always wear a heel for height if you can
• Don't camouflage the top half of your body or big boobs

2.) Carrying most of your weight in the middle, aka, The Tummy. This is when your waist measurement is bigger than your bust or your hip measurement.

What to Wear:

• Create a waistline with high-waisted pants, shorts or skirts.
• Try a wide belt to emphasize your middle.
• Wear a shorter top or cropped jacket that skims above the waist. Keep it above the butt!

Style Tip:

The biggest mistake people make with this kind of body type, is to try to hide your middle. Instead, define your waist. You do have one! Wearing loose and flowy tops over a big tummy just makes you look even bigger.

3.) Carrying most of your weight in the bottom half of your body. Your hip measurement is actually bigger than your bust and your waist. Also known as "Little in the Middle, but I've Got Much Back."

What to Wear:

• A structured blazer or a wild-printed top with a strong shoulder is going to give you the volume that you need to balance the bottom and make your waist look even smaller.
• A-line dresses and skirts
• Flared or wide-leg jeans. Stretch denim is your only option - and we mean - your ONLY option

Style Tip:

Your legs will never look skinnier than when you wear a flared jean or pant.

4.) And finally, the no curve body type. Yes, that is a thing for women over 40, and yes it needs to be addressed. You have no butt, you have no boobs, you have no hips, you have no waist.

What to Wear:

• Create the illusion of curves with great fitting clothing
• Cinch a belt on a dress
• Wear dresses with details like ruching, pin-tucking or some type of tie around the waist that will seriously help create those curves where they're lacking.

Style Tip:

Whatever you are wearing, do the "Sit-Down Test." Low-waist jeans? Sit down at home first and see if your crack is out. Short or mini dress? Sit down at home first and make sure crotch is not hanging out. JUSSAYIN.

And for this week's final bit of best advice – as a reminder:

Go Get Fitted for a Bra

Regardless of what body type you have, you must, must, must get a bra fitting every two to three years. Do not guess at your size, and make sure you're fitted by a professional.

This is the most important thing you can do for yourself regardless of how big or how small you are. This changes how you look in your clothes, regardless of your weight or your size.

- If you are large and you want to look smaller, be fitted for a minimizer bra.

- If you are really, really small, this does not give you an excuse not to wear a bra, or not to get fitted.

Bra Fashion Crime:

You want to know when you need to be wearing a sports bra?

When you are doing work around the house or doing sports, or working out. That is the only time when a sports bra is acceptable. Okay? It's called a SPORTS BRA for a reason, because your ass is doing sports. The ultimate fashion crime? So glad you asked: Wearing a sports bra when you're not doing sports, trying to pass it off as a regular bra. Don't. Do. It.

Holly lays out very specific details about why a bra fitting matters, how a bra should fit you and why which bra you wear matters.

…

Ok! That's it for this week! You are now ready to shop for your body type, clean out the crap in your closet that doesn't work for your body type AND wear outfits that fit your body type perfectly – no matter what type it is.

"It's not about hiding what you don't like about your body, it's about embracing it. If you get comfortable with what you're uncomfortable with, then your style is going to start to evolve and your style blocks will start to recede."

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST | www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

#fashion #bodytype #style

Welcome to Episode 96! This isn't our typical area of expertise, this is why we called in a PRO. This all falls under the same umbrella of self-image, so read on!

In the world of fashion, everyone has their own way of achieving their style goals.

This week, Holly explores the world of non-invasive cosmetic procedures with Dr. Tanya Lawson of Inbloom Health + Medispa in New Hampshire.

What's the latest? Is it right for you? Does it have to hurt?

See? We also apply these same questions to fashion! #AmIright?

LISTEN TO THE NEW EPISODE here!

First, some background:

Dr. Lawson specializes in aesthetic, anti-aging, and functional medicine. Her personalized approach allows her to combine the best in cutting-edge wellness treatments and aesthetics, positioning her to provide her patients the very best care to meet their goals.

(Just a disclaimer: the information in this newsletter is NOT medical advice, it is for your information only!!)

"Whether it's fashion or medical esthetics, we're really trying to help clients or patients care for themselves so that they can feel their best.

It's about empowering patients. It's not about making people feel bad because they look a certain way." – Dr. Tanya Lawson, M.D.

Dr. Tanya's Top Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments (zero Fashion Crimes here):

BOTOX: What is it, how does it work

Botox is the top injectable treatment of its kind. It's FDA-approved to minimize the look of moderate to severe frown lines, forehead lines, and crow's feet for about 3-4 months.

Um, what are you shooting in my face? Botox uses purified botulinum toxin to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for these common wrinkles. With Botox treatment, wrinkles become less apparent.

For some patients (like HOLLY), there is a fear of pain, a fear of the medication, and the dread of trying to keep up with it every 3 months.

Dr. Tanya dispels the misconceptions of this treatment, and even SPILLS THE TEA on all of the uses of Botox that you may not be aware of: those neck bands, your veiny hands - even your booty!!! #YAASSGURL

Dr. Tanya and Holly review all of the "Dos and Don'ts of Botox" so you need to listen up!

NOTE: At this point in the podcast, Holly and Dr. Tanya fantasize about having a "Free Styling and Botox Advice" booth in the airport for all the fashion and face crimes they see. It's so easy to ask an expert! Just do it - they are not judging!!

Anyway...

FILLERS: What's new? What do they do?

Over time, skin loses volume. Loss of collagen, sun damage, and more can leave you with a sunken look that impacts your confidence. If you notice that your skin has lost its volume and smoothness, dermal fillers can help.

Dr. Tanya explains that fillers have come a long way since the early days of collagen fillers, and primarily now they use hyaluronic acid.

Um, what are you shooting in my face? Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar that exists in our skin that loves water. When you think of fillers, you want to think about it to add volume in areas of volume loss to plump tissue. Typically, you use fillers in lips, cheeks, and jaw lines.

Why do we love them? If administered correctly by a professional (ahem, take note), they have an instant result. Patients love them for that immediate gratification. AND, fillers typically last - depending on the product used - 12 months on average.

LASERS for Hair Removal

Shaving, waxing, and tweezing aren't just time-consuming; they don't reliably give you the silky smooth, hair-free look and feel you want.

These days, new laser hair removal procedures are safe and permanent - and less painful - when administered by aesthetic and medical professionals.

Ok, so laser hair removal is still not pain-free. But the new generation of hair removal is more comfortable and more effective.

Dr. Tanya's Tip: just remember, hair removal procedures are not for those with red, blonde, or white hair. Rrrruuudddeee.

WTF ABOUT CELLULITE?

Cellulite is often genetic. It's hormonal. There are different treatments on the market that can help reduce the appearance.

Dr. Tanya is a fan of using radiofrequency micro-needling. This can help smooth and tighten the skin. It also has certain settings that can help melt fat essentially.

When we have cellulite, we have bulging fat cells with fibrous septums that bring it down and creates a rippled appearance. By decreasing fat in the area, you can get more smoothing.

Some good news? There is a new injectable treatment on the market that is in its early stages, so be on the lookout!

HOW TO LOOK NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL

Most of the age-old science is still relevant (no pun intended):

1.) Get enough sleep

2.) Hydrate

3.) Avoid sun exposure

4.) Avoid unhealthy foods and alcohol

5.) Exercise, including building muscle with weights.

Bottom line? Listen to this episode, live a healthy lifestyle, be happy, wear appropriate clothing, keep your face out of sun, blah, blah. blah, AND listen to this podcast.

Also: Please download, follow, share, write a review, and DM us your style questions!!

We are "The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed" and we want to hear from you!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

This week, Your Favorite Stylist Holly Katz talks hats - and how to style all types for summer.

Get the new episode now!

Let's keep it real: It is the worst time of year to add something extra to wear as temperatures are at an all-time high. However, a hat is a really fun way to add an extra zhuzh to any outfit. Even if you feel like you might spontaneously combust at any moment. #fire

Here's a nice truth bomb for you:

Nothing is more in style than keeping the sun off your face, and nothing ages you more than alcohol and the sun. We know. We hate it too. But dammit, if you're going to be drinking in the sun, then do it under an umbrella and wear a fabulous hat. That's all we are asking. It's not a lot to ask!

When to wear a hat, what kind of hat, what do you do with your hair, when NOT to wear a hat! The hat game can be a confusing one. So, let's start at the beginning:

"Remember, the hat is the star. So don't upstage it with some crazy ass complicated outfit.

– Holly Katz, personal stylist.

Holly's Top Hats for Summer (no fashion crimes here):

1. The Fedora
2. The Trilby
3. The Baseball Cap
4. The Wide Brim
5. The Bucket

(Style Tip: go to Holly's Pinterest board to see all these hats and styling ideas!)

FEDORA:

The classic Fedora is Holly's favorite for summer. It can be made of straw for keeping you cool, and you can dress them up with a grosgrain ribbon or leather hatband around the crown – and even add a brightly-colored feather or sparkly hat pin!

She recommends wearing your Fedora by the pool or at the beach with a flowy, sheer kimono over your swimsuit or even over a tank top and shorts. Top it all off with statement earrings, chunky jewelry and a high wedge sandal – PERFECTION!

TRILBY:

The Trilby hat, which looks like a Fedora, has the same crown, but a very narrow brim. The crown is the shape of a teardrop if that helps. To be more specific, it's the hat Jason Mraz and Bruno Mars wear, and they are both Holly's boyfriends. #truth #duh

Since the Trilby is like the Fedora, Holly recommends styling it in a similar way. One chic idea is to wear the Trilby with a crop top (not too short!), a long maxi skirt, and a heeled-mule.

BASEBALL CAP:

We know what you are thinking: a baseball cap MUST be a Fashion Crime! For sure! But actually, it's not, in this instance. This is a hat that can be dressed up or down. It never goes out of style. When you wear it the right way it looks super chic and fashion-forward.

We've seen it styled in so many different ways - from a dress - and we mean a nice dress, like a cocktail dress - and sneakers, to a bright-colored suit and a chunky dad sneaker.

Baseball caps can be plain, they can have cute sayings or fun logos on them, and even Trucker hats are back. If you don't dress like a slob, you can pull this off!

WIDE BRIM HAT:

If you go to the beach, you've seen wide-brimmed hat (which are PERFECT to protect you from the sun. Or, if you've attended the Kentucky Derby or Derby parties, those large, decorated hats are wide brim hats. There are many variations, but mainly they can be floppy or structured.

Holly prefers a structured brim. You want it to keep its shape when you are wearing it. The floppy one is more casual, and best for the beach or the pool. For styling, she recommends pairing a hat like this with a crisp white cotton buttoned down for a really cute play on menswear with a high-waisted colorful maxi skirt, and a crossbody bag which we think is a great travel outfit or a day outfit, and you can even wear this into the night.

BUCKET HAT:

The Bucket Hat was super popular when 'some of us' (ahem) were in high school in the 90s. It's back again and worn by men and women alike. It has been seen all over the runway and beyond for the past few seasons. We are seeing it every turn! It's been shown by Prada and Gucci. And some of the more high-end streetwear brands like Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton.

This is probably Holly's least favorite style of hat (#sorrynotsorry), but she will agree that it looks great with the right outfit on the right person! She recommends pairing with denim frayed shorts, a fitted top with a blazer or a jeweled cardigan, maybe a high-top sneaker…. something to make it a little bit more street!

Hat Brands We Love:

Goorin Brothers

Eugenia Kim

Gigi Burris Millinery

Kangol

Aland

Get Episode 95 here!

So now you are ready to be super stylish this summer AND protect your skin and face. We are dying to know how you are styling YOUR summer hats – DM us a photo on social, and we just might feature you!

Download, follow, share, write a review, DM us your fashion questions!! We are The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed, and we want to hear from you!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Hosted by Holly Katz, your favorite personal stylist.

This week, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz shares some serious STYLE TRUTH BOMBS to help us understand that going back to work after the pandemic means we need to get our office outfit game on!

Get this new episode wherever you get your podcasts or listen here.

While some of us may have loved the days of working at home and spending extra time with family, others may have felt depressed and secluded. Regardless, many of us slipped into a new lifestyle that helped us feel better – and frankly – who didn't love the new normal of no pants?

But now that companies are slowly getting back to work this summer, the everlasting question still hangs over our heads like a sad saggy rain cloud is: What do we wear now?

Before you hit the panic button, let's keep it real. Know that you are not alone.

Rule #1:

The summer dress code requires one thing: Professional attire without looking like you're counting down the minutes to happy hour.

You can never go wrong being the best-dressed in your office (or anywhere, FYI)!

Rule #2:

Is your image holding you back?

"It is your responsibility to have a wardrobe that supports your lifestyle at work, at home, that fits your age and your life phase. Whether you're just starting out after college or grad school, or you've been in your career for a minute, your style should be evolving with your age."

And, if you're not? You are stuck.

The Top 5 Style Blocks:

1. Financial: Afraid to spend money, always looking for sale items and cheapest styles
2. Closet Chaos: If you don't know what is in your closet, you don't know what fits, what to wear, or what is out of style. You have so much stuff, you don't know what you have.
3. Emotional or Guilt: Feeling like you need to invest in other things for your home, your family, and your finances.
4. Stuck In a Style Rut: You have not evolved your style. If your age, weight or decade has changed, you need to update your style to look and feel your best!
5. Putting Yourself at the Bottom of the List: When you put yourself last, you have less to give to your family, your job, and your friends.

"When you deplete from you, you deplete from them, because you are the shining example that they see every single day." – Holly Katz

So now that we know we need to wear pants every day, and how to break free of the style blocks that cause us fashion anxiety, here are some style tips for what to wear to the workplace this summer. (Before we get started, head over to Holly's latest Pinterest Board to see all these recommendations):

1. Try a front-slit ankle pant. They pair well with sandals and low heels, and make sure whichever pant you purchase, stretch rules. At a certain age, a pant with a little bit of stretch will change your life.
2. Color is in! Color blocking with bright-colored blazers, a neutral pant and a little top is a sure conversation starter – and completely classy.
3. The Midi-Skirt is a skirt that hits under the knee, and halfway down your shin. Wear this skirt with a super cute pattern and then rock it with some sneakers and a vintage T-shirt, and then throw on a beaded or jeweled denim jacket or cardi, so when they crank up the A/C they can't freeze you out of your workspace.
4. Puff-sleeve dresses are the perfect fit for many of us. This dress can be easily dressed up to go from office to dinner out with just a quick change to a strappy shoe and a fun clutch!

• And finally, the summer weight sweater! This is style perfection and great for summer when you need a step up from your favorite tee and then you can layer it under a lightweight jacket or a printed scarf for fall. Wear them with a chunky necklace or statement earring. They also go great with a colored jean and platform sandals. Amazeballs!

Again, there are plenty of ideas on our Pinterest board for your perusing pleasure. And please let Holly know if you have any questions or if you need to go a little bit deeper into what to wear at work for the summer!

Listen to the new podcast episode now!

Cheers to summer!!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

"The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!

www.hollykatzstyling.com

Pinterest: https://pin.it/59tzTKO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashioncrimespodcast/