It's time again for BlogHer's Life Well Lived Looking Your Best. I love these posts, they get me thinking about style in ways I doesn't normally jump to. So this weeks questions is:
Have you ever asked for or given style advice to a friend or family member? How did it go? What are your best tips for having this delicate style conversation without creating hurt feelings?
Let's break this puppy down into two parts. First off I have asked and given style advice to people and received it from people. Honestly I ask probably more than I give. If I see someone wearing something I like I have no problem asking where they shop. Heck if I thought I could get away with it I would probably ask the person to go shopping with me. It usually goes well, I have occasionally run into people who get a little offended that I asked them a personal question. I've noticed some ladies don't like to give up style secrets due to it being a vague money discussion in a way. I know, weird.
Now as far as handing out advice, if someone asks I am more than happy to talk clothing. I am careful about dishing out advice, because some may think they look really good when in reality I can see lump, bumps, and quite possibly their unborn-not-even-conceived-yet future children. Those people rarely take it well, don't offer it up. Now I'll quickly tell my mom and sister whatever, or even Jeremy. They don't get mad. Now sometimes my sister doesn't take it quite well, but sisters are that way. We love each other one minute and despise each other the next.
Oooh now for the kicker question...giving out style advice in a delicate way.
For one, the easiest way is to go shopping with the person and just suggest clothing options in a friendly "oh this would look amazing on you" sort of way. Now seeing a girl in church wearing something terrible that combines colors a two year old wouldn't even put together is not the time and place to tell said girl she looks worse than a hooker after a long night. It will end badly. Badly.
Telling someone they would look great in a dress you saw, or a specific color is always easy. It is pretty easy to use a compliment to give style advice. You can always start a convo about whats new fashion wise or about a new blog you found with great style.
Other than that it is kind of hard to give style advice without hurting feelings. Just be delicate. You know your friends best and really just have to judge how that person will react. Just know that you shouldn't dish what you cant' take.
Don't forget to visit Blogher's main post for Looking Your Best this week!
Be sure to enter the current Life Well Lived sweepstakes to win an iPod touch!
