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Designer Style for Less

Styled by Margaret Batting, with clothing from Crosswynds Traders

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“For me, it’s about developing your own unique style and keeping it simple,” says Margaret Batting of Image Communications. “I always ask my clients what they want their clothes, look and image to say about them. It’s about starting on the inside and then communicating it on the outside. I love helping my clients create a closet filled with only the clothes they love and make them feel their absolute best.” She has studied couture fashion in Paris and trained with image and etiquette experts in New York, Atlanta and Vermont. “Everything in your closet needs to support your lifestyle and your career,” Margaret says. “It needs to reflect the real you.” MargaretBatting.com.

What did you have in mind putting together this outfit?
I wanted an outfit that could do double duty. I like to pick pieces that can be worn during more than one season or serve multiple purposes. When building a wardrobe or shopping for a new season, I look for high quality, well constructed, classic pieces that include some sort of twist or interesting detail. The white sleeveless top is a simple, classic style yet has such interest at the top and back.

The army green poncho/scarf can be worn eight different ways and is one of the big color trends for fall. The jeans, blouse and necklace can be worn now with a sandal instead of a bootie and then later with the booties and poncho when the weather starts to get cooler. I love versatility. I always want to maximize my wardrobe budget and my clients’. I prefer fewer, well made pieces, tailored to fit perfectly than a closet filled with clothes I don’t love.


What trends are you looking forward to this fall?
I love brocade, crushed velvet, leather and the color nude. I’m planning to add either a brocade jacket or pant, definitely something in crushed velvet, a leather skirt and I’ve already purchased a fantastic pair of nude suede pumps from JCrew. They are a must have. I recommend adding one or two trends to update your wardrobe quickly. The key is selecting the trend that is true to you. Not all trends work for everyone. You don’t want to end up looking like a fashion victim.

Give us some free style advice.
Buy clothes that fit your body shape and size.
Tailoring is a must.
Don’t buy just because it’s on sale.
Buy pieces that go with two or more items you already have in your closet.
Always shop with a list.
Love every piece you buy. Otherwise, you’ll never wear it.

Crosswynds Traders: 1175 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett. 782-1110, CrosswyndsTraders.com

Get This Look
American Eagle Jeans, $16
Miss Albright Booties, $36
Kerisma Poncho, $32
Necklace, $14
Kerisma Knit, $38
M Rena, $24

crosswynd traders, Margaret Batting, Image Communications, fall fashion, so rhode island, narragansett, julie tremaine, american eagle, miss albright, kerisma, m rena

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