Brian Maynor December 19, 2013

December 18, 2013
By Brian Maynor
December 19,
 2013


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Everyone loves to get dressed up for a party with the perfect dress and hair and makeup styled ever so carefullyl, but it is possible to go overboard.  Even though this is the season of entertaining and events you need tomoderate the glam.   

It is easy to get caught up in theexcitement of the event and let the desire to impress lead you down thepath of ‘more is better’.   Even though it is a party, more skin, morejewelry, more hairspray or makeup often leads to disaster not success.  Here are a few reminders of things to avoid when prepping for your nextevent:  

1.    Overexposed.  We have all seen the cutoutdress that has more fabric removed than remaining.  It should go without saying that those are ‘too much’, but they are not the only dressesthat go too far.  With plunging necklines, backless, strapless andmicro-mini options it can be difficult to know when to draw the line.  Showing skin is a good thing, but choose only one area to feature.  Forexample, if the dress is short to show a lot of leg keep the armscovered and neckline modest, or if you choose a plunging neckline takethe length to the knee, again keeping the arms covered.

2.    Disco Balling.  While the holidays are a time for glitter, sequins and all thingssparkly without moderation you could end up looking like a disco ball.  Just like exposing skin, chose one item to over embellish and keep theothers plain.  Whether you choose a blazer, pants, shoes or scarf youonly want one thing to twinkle in the light.

3.    Too Tight. 
Blame Hervé Léger and the infamous bandage dress for this trend of body conscious dresses.  While I do think being able to see your shape isthe key to looking smaller, you still need to be able to perform basicbodily functions like breathe; walk; sit and eat.  You are going to besurrounded with scrumptious holiday treats.  Loosen up the dress and you can enjoy more than their lovely aroma and presentation.

4.    Pageant Hair.  We live in the South, which means big hair is a fact of life, butduring the holidays things tend to be taken to extremes.  Instead ofgoing for the backcombed and teased look try one of these trendingstyles: the loop, side sweep with waves or sleek ponytail.

5.    Over Accessorized.  While accessories can definitely elevate and complete an outfit theycan also wreck it.  Whether you are layering necklaces are creating anarm party it never fails to remember Coco Chanel’s famous advice:“Before leaving the house you should look in the mirror and remove oneaccessory.”   Sometimes more is just more.

Everyone wants to look their best at a party, but make sure you have people talking about youfor the right reasons.  Leave a little to the imagination and avoidleaving a trail of feathers, glitter, sequins and eyelashes wheneverpossible.

Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

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Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
 
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches inthe Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com