Cooler weather is officially here and it’s time to put away your summer cottons and don and more sophisticated look for fall. Here are my top 10 picks for fall.

1. High-heeled oxfords. Great with menswear or wider trousers. And ankel boots. I know that’s two, but hey, I love them both.

2. Fabulous coats. Short-sleeved (yes, you read right!), belted, ruffled, fitted…you name it. Coats are a major trend-setting piece this season.

3. Belts, belts and more belts. Update a turtleneck, coat or dress by adding a belt. Just remember to make sure the width fits your height. Wider belts work for girls over 5′8″, narrower belts for those under said height. If you no longer have a waist, forget this trend.

4. Don’t let the “in” color make you BLUE! Purple and red are hot too, but BLUE is the hottest color choice this season. Try it in a bold, structured bag!

5. Grey for night or day. Silvery to dark charcoal, grey takes center stage. Be careful. Grey can drain, so pick the right shade or wear a different color around your face.

6. Metallics. Silver and Gold, it doesn’t matter. Wear it subtly or in an all-over, sparkly short shift dress.

7. I love a hot stud! Think rock and roll, girls. Studs on shoes, bags, belts and jackets are hot.

8. Dark jeans. I love the dark jeans. They are slenderizing, lengthening and oh, so sophisticated.

9. Higher waisted pants. Okay, I’m not into bringing back the “mommy jean” but I am in favor of covering the cracks of one’s backside! And for those with tramp stamps…I mean lower back tatoos, cover them up. Gone are the days of the trailer trash look. Polish and sophistication is back. Thank God.

10. Wider legged pants. Yes, skinny jeans are still in too. But only about .1 percent of the population can wear them and look good. So opt for a bit wider leg to make you fashion forward. Again, it’s all about proportion.

11. I know I said ten, but I can’t leave the list without mentioning gloves. Try a pair of buttery leather gloves, in a beautiful, rich color. A great way to update with ease.

For more fabulous fall trends, go to:
www.instyle.com/instyle/package/falltrends/

Happy shopping,

Robin

Alexis & Miranda, poised and pretty!

Tonight I took 12 young ladies, ages 13 to 21, out to dinner. It was our Model Behavior lesson on dining etiquette.

The most difficult concept was eating Continental Style. Holding a fork in one’s left hand and knife in one’s right hand without changing once the cutting is complete, was tough. Tougher yet was bringing the fork to their mouth with tines DOWN! Keep practicing, ladies.

We had the typical reminders:
Hands in your lap, sit up straight, don’t start eating until everyone is served, wipe your mouth before taking a drink. And, oh yes, how to hold that fork again and again!

I think they’ll need to practice to make it comfortable. But I have confidence that they will prevail.

Kristin, Steph, Kecia, Alyce
Bryttie, Alexis & Miranda learn their dining manners!

Rachel, Nina, Liz,
Jessie, Sammy & Miranda listen to instructions.

Mrs. Nebraska, Michelle Strom & me!

Last night I attended a reception for Mrs. Nebraska, Michelle Strom. Thanks to Jan Wilcoxen, owner of Lee’s Chicken, for bringing together former Mrs. Nebraskans, friends and family to eat, drink and watch the 2008 Mrs. America Pageant.

Michelle was an early favorite and she did our state proud in her evening gown, swimsuit and interview competition. I do think she got the toughest question on-stage when asked, “What is it about your in-laws that annoys you most.” Is there a good answer? Yes, and Michelle pulled it off with ease and grace. She claimed that first, she has wonderful in-laws. Then she explained that if she had to pick one thing that could be annoying, it was their neatness. They are “everything in its place” people. Good for them. And good for Michelle for answering a question that could have put her in trouble both on-stage and off!

Congratulations Michelle for representing Nebraska so very well.

My mom and former Nancy Bounds Modeling School owner, Doris Oleson,
Terri Krolikowski, Exec. Dir., Mrs. Nebraska
& Deb Essex, former Mrs. NE

This is a place for people interested in personal development, etiquette and modeling. If these three interests seem a bit disjointed, stick with us and we’ll show you how they are more intertwined than not. Springboard is about helping you develop and succeed in whatever you choose to do tomorrow, next year or five years from now. Springboard equips you with the know-how to:

• dress to enhance your figure
• dine casually or formally with ease
• communicate with confidence
• get the interview and the job
• make lasting first impressions
• model professionally on the runway and in front of a camera
• how to secure an agent
• and so much more.

Check back often for tips and tricks that can enhance your personality, manners, career and life! If you have comments or questions, submit them here and I will answer them personally or in a future blog entry.

Go out and live passionately, purposefully & powerfully,
Robin