If you've been shopping recently you've probably noticed the colors on the racks getting darker and the lengths getting longer. Fall is in the air! Well, maybe not outside, but in the stores. August is the pre-fall delivery in stores and as much as I would like to put it off, the arrival of cooler temperatures is on the horizon. The forecast for this Friday is 77° during the day (awesome) and 55° at night (not awesome). That being said, it is not yet time to pack away the summer clothes and bring out the heavy sweaters. So the question is, what among all those new items in the stores should you buy? Hint: layers are great, not only on cake. Here are a couple of ideas to start you off. The Blazer The supreme layering piece: looks good as a suit, with a skirt, over dresses, with jeans... shall I go on? A great fitting blazer is a piece worth spending more on. Look for cottons, lightweight wools, poly/rayon/spandex or other medium weight fabrics to start the season.

The Cardigan

Less serious than the blazer, the cardigan has become a major staple in every woman's wardrobe. It's the perfect piece to layer over your sleevless tops and take them from summer to early fall. Like the blazer, no need to bulk up yet, look for lightweight cardigans, made from super fine-gauge cashmere, silk, cotton and blends thereof. Since they're lightweight, later in the season you can even layer these under jackets.

Got some style questions? You've come the right place, I'm just the person to answer them.

By the way, if you haven't become a fan on my Facebook Fan Page yet (shame on you! click the Facebook link to the right immediately!) you might have missed the link to the recent article in the Flint Journal and mlive.com all about shorts. You might know one of the stylists quoted in the article.

Have a wonderful week! Jodi

If you are an avid HGTV viewer or have ever contemplated what color to paint a room, you might be familiar with the theory that color affects mood. For example, green and blue are colors that soothe and so are often used in spas, bedrooms and medical facilities. Red and orange encourage appetite and are great for dining rooms (unless you’re on a diet). But have you ever thought to apply this same color theory to your wardrobe? The colors you wear can have an effect on the people you meet physiologically and via association. For example, what do you think when you see the color neon orange? For most people it means, "ATTENTION! " the physiological response, and "road construction", the association. (For some of us there is also a secondary 80's reference, but that's another story.) Here are a few tips on how to use color to your advantage to communicate the message you want.

You will respect my authoritah! To convey authority and strength choose a structured suit in a dark color like navy, black or charcoal grey.

For a softer, more approachable appeal, choose light grey or tan

Bright and Center Red, Orange, Yellow and Purple are energetic colors that leave an impression. To impart a memorable message of positive energy incorporate these colors in your look in small doses… they can be too much of a good thing.

The muted versions of these colors, Pink, Peach, Light Yellow and Lilac respectively, are relaxing and nurturing colors.

No Affiliation Steer clear of color combinations that have definite associations in people’s minds since this will distract from your desired focus… you.

Examples: Green + Red = Christmas; Orange + Black = Halloween

Use other color associations to your advantage. For example:

Blue = stable, loyal, trustworthy

Purple = luxurious, wise, creative

Orange = warm, enthusiastic, energetic

You Look a Little Green The color worn closest to your face will reflect onto your skin, so it’s important to choose colors that are complimentary to your skin tone. Choosing the right color can actually make you look healthier and younger. The wrong color can have the exact opposite effect. As a general rule I would recommend staying away from a lot of green next to the face.

Playing it Safe When all else fails and you need a sure thing, go with cornflower blue. It looks great on just about everyone and has all the stability of blue but the energy of a bright color.