|
 |
Do
you have a drawer full of jewelry
you do not wear because is just
does not look right? Or a closet
full of shoes that just seem wrong,
or a wardrobe of clothes you do
not wear because they just don't
quite work? Lots of us have items
that just seem wrong. The trouble
is we do not know why.
|
I've
discovered that often the problem is the items
that don't work do not complement our face shape.
The shape of our face, whether curved or angular,
provides a clue to the shape of the accessories
and clothes lines that are most flattering. So,
if you have an oval or curved face shape, the
inside lines of your garments and accessories
should also be curved. Conversely when your face
shape is angular then the inside lines your clothing
and accessories should also be angular.
Curved
faces look best in curved details at the collar,
neckline, jacket bottom etc. Jackets lapels should
have rounded corners, necklines should have a
curved feel. Accessories, (shoes, jewelry, scarves,
watches) should also have a curved feel.
The
reverse is true for angular shaped faces. Collars,
necklines, jacket bottoms and other design details
should also be angular. Lapels should have pointed
corners and the neckline should have an angular
feel. The accessories too should have an angular
feel.
To
illustrate, whenever I (tall and angular) wear
a jacket with a shawl collar the jacket seemed
to be wearing me. Shawl collars have curved lines
do not match my angular face. I have learned that
I look best in jackets with angular lines. The
same goes for the shoes I choose. In the 80's,
when round toed pump were popular, I felt like
my feet looked like Olive Oyl's (Popeye's girlfriend.).
Now that I only buy shoes with angular lines,
I always get compliments.
So,
to start your new year with a great new look,
I challenge you to look at the accessories you
wear most often and compare them to the ones that
stay in your drawers. Do the ones you wear most
match your face shape?
|
With
the tax year 2006 closing soon, it's a good time
to think about ways to minimize your tax liability.
Some retirement plan contribution limits have
changed due to recent legislation. Maximum 401k
deferrals are $15,000 for 2006 and an additional
$5,000 for taxpayers over age 50. SIMPLE deferrals
are $10,000 and an additional $2,500 for over
age 50.
IRA
contributions are a common tax-saving strategy,
and the deductions limits have remained the same
as last year. The maximum deduction is $4,000
and an additional $1,000 catch up if you are over
age 50. There are certain income and participation
rules that may limit your deduction. You may also
qualify to contribute to a Roth IRA and the limits
are the same as regular IRA's. Remember all IRA
contributions must be made prior to April 16,
2007.
If
you use a vehicle for work or business, you may
be able to deduct certain costs of operation.
You may use a portion of the actual expenses or
the standard mileage rate, whichever produces
the larger deduction. The mileage rate for 2006
was 44.5 cents per eligible mile. Year 2007's
rate is 48.5 cents.
Year-end
charitable contributions are always popular, but
starting August 17, 2006, cash contributions will
require additional support before they qualify
for a deduction. The charitable organization must
be able to produce a receipt for the taxpayer
for any cash contributions. Keep this in mind
when making cash contributions to your house of
worship or other organizations. Non-cash contributions
need to be in "good, working condition"
before they will qualify for a deduction. Items
that are broken, damaged or soiled will not qualify.
Please
give us a call if you have any questions. Happy
Holidays!
Laurie
Miller, CPA
503-293-1040
|
