What a year of style and fashion in Southwest Virginia! It’s always hard to only pick a few, but here are my top 12 looks from 2012.

Have a favorite post that didn’t make my list? Tell me in the comments section. Happy New Year!

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January – Sarah Bishop

I think it’s important to have at least two coats in your closet for winter – a simple classic coat and one that makes a statement in a good way like Sarah’s blue bridge coat. It’s not over the top but still a good change from the ever-popular pea coat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February – James Heard

James was wearing a pair of raw selvedge denim jeans from Uniqlo. I’m a big proponent of raw jeans – you get some a cool wear or fade to the fabric depending on how you wear your jeans and what you do in them. If your not familiar with raw denim, basically it’s denim that wasn’t pre-washed. They are stiff and take some time to break in, not to mention you may have to deal with some dye rubbing off onto everything if you’re not careful. Just remember, once you get them really well broken in, let your jeans be the only well-worn item in your outfit. Shine your shoes, wear a crisp shirt and tie. Wearing faded jeans and a shirt full of holes looks awful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March – Lynda Scott

Lynda told me she had more than a few pairs of heels, but I think that every woman should have at least one pair of extremely well made, timeless-looking stiletto high heels. Learn how to walk in them like champ, and wear them at least once a year. Think black or red, round-toe pumps or peep toes, three to five inches tall. Avoid platforms, heels that are too chunky or scary small stiletto points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April – Alison Firich

Spring is always the season for color. Alison can probably pull off many bright colors, but if you don’t feel as confident, find one that is just the right amount of bold and wear the heck out of it when winter comes to an end in 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May – Julien Nicolas

I’m a strong believer that everyone should have a signature thing when it comes to their personal style, big or small. I wear the same shirt pretty much year around; for Julien it is studs and spikes. What’s your style trademark?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June – Bryauna Clark

Jean shorts for ladies are not a bad thing when done right. You shouldn’t be showing off any of your private bits, but go for a fairly short hemline, high waist and solid fit. Baggy isn’t an option. You should be able to pull this off comfortably well into your 30′s. Once you think you’ve hit your age cap for jean shorts, put them away forever and switch to any material but denim for your short wear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July – Lisa Cox

Do as Lisa did, wear patterns and mix them with other patterns often. Only rule: if one pattern has a lot of colors in it, the other pattern(s) you mix into your outfit should be neutral colors, two colors max. Think white and black, kind of like Lisa’s bag, that she mixed with the color pattern party she has going on with her dress.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August – Shirley Peterson

Don’t let age take away the fun in wearing clothes, as Shirley, 78, shows here. If you retire and never change what you wear again, you’re giving in to old age. Have fun, break some style rules, and dress like you’re still 50 well into your 70′s. Fashion from your teens and twenties are the only decades you get one chance at before you have to “grow up.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September – Vera Higgs

Vera was a great example of how to take your summer wardrobe and give it some use through fall. Add some warmth with tights and a cardigan. Men, you can follow similar rules by adding a cardigan or sweater to your summer attire in the fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October – Jason Ryan

I’m boring and settled into what I would call my personal style about six years ago. Jason is not like me and takes full advantage of the freedom fashion can give you, and his outfit was awesome because of it. Be like Jason, explore fashions extremes for a while just so you can say you tried. Then you can become sartorially predictable like me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November – Evan Hansen

Evan’s outfit was clean, slim and stylish. If you can learn anything from his outfit here, it’s that wearing clothes that fit makes you look good! Don’t confuse skinny or tight with clothes that fit. Baggy, relaxed or loose-fitting clothing can hide the real handsome self.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December – Maggie Morgan

This is the second consecutive year that the last photo I take of the year also ends up on my top pick list. Maggie is stunning and her outfit was awesome, no fluff or explanation needed.