'The Shopping Diva' Cathi Aycock makes a fashion point at Thursday's Women in Business holiday luncheon.

Women in Business celebrate holiday with fashion
By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
Best fashion line of 2011: “Only Demi Moore can afford to have her knees lifted.”

The Tennessean's Shopping Diva Cathi Aycock told Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber’s Women in Business members that showing a little bare leg between the hem of a dress and the top of a boot is a great look – “before you lose your knees and everybody will.”

Too late? Don't worry; a pair of tights do the trick to cover them up, she says.

Aycock, a lifetime shopper and talker, has parlayed those to gifts into a successful career as a fashion writer and commentator. She kept the women gathered Dec. 1 at the Embassy Suites in Cool Springs laughing while simultaneously writing down the “real woman” tips she shared for holiday wear and going into spring 2012.

Here are her top tips:

Faux fur rules: Put away that mink, ladies; faux fur rules this year. “And yes, some of it does look like Muppets,” Aycock said.  A faux-fur collar is a must have (“wear it to the office if you can stand the heat”).

Boots come in pairs: This year, don’t have one pair of boots, have a “wardrobe of boots,” the diva suggests. Boots can be worn by women of any age, and in so many ways. Boots with wedge heels are by far the most comfortable. If you only make one fashion purchase this year, “investing in a great boot is a fun way to add some fun to your wardrobe,” she said.

Red, red, red: Red pants are just for Santa this year, as evidenced by the fact that “lines sold out instantly” this fall when introduced, Aycock said. The key to pulling off the bold luck is to keep everything else neutral.

Big sweaters are back: Mad Men-inspired sweater sets will be pushed aside for bigger, longer sweaters. “It feels a little boho,” she said.

“The personal shopper is your friend”: Aycock started her professional fashion career as a personal shopper after her two children began school. Personal shoppers can save women – and men – time and money in addition to help them look their best by buying pieces that suit their style, body and budget. Many department stores and boutiques offer the service for free, she added.

Double D? Maybe, maybe not: “Before you go shop for anything, go get yourself a professional bra fitting,” Aycock stressed. “You can look like you’ve lost 10 pounds when you’re wearing the right bra.”

Women in Business is the chamber’s networking group for women professionals and business owners.