Saturday, October 31, 2009

i'm thinking of pumpkins...

not the real ones...but the color...pumpkin orange is one of my favorite colors to wear in the fall...our fall 09 collection offers a full color story around it...

and as always...i DO have my favorites...

on the right...the lovely boucle jacket...in beautiful pumpkin orange...topped with a fox fur collar with...a lovely pumpkin color ribbon...matched up with the acorn velveteen pant...adding more lusciousness to the mix...

to the left...soft like butter...the sienna leather jacket...so beautiful...so soft to the touch...


oh and since we have the fox fur collar with...a lovely pumpkin color ribbon...let's see how that looks on the leather...just as luscious...

so luscious in fact...that it would even look stunning over a sweater...talk about making a plain ole sweater "pop"


Friday, October 30, 2009

another reason...

ok...as if the clothes are not a big enough reason to come check out the trunk show...currently going on now...in redwood shores, ca...(personal one on one appts still available)

for the first time ever...we have a collection of stella page design handbags...

stella page handbags can be found exclusively at fine resorts and shops around the world...AND at the jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show now thru november 9th...

stella page collectors include angelina jolie, demi moore, goldie hawn, jada pinkett smith, california’s first lady maria shriver and salma hayek...and you could be one too!

each stella page design is a limited edition collectible numbered work of art, complete with a registered certificate of authenticity...

so...come on by...and check out these beautiful pieces...

jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show
redwood shores, ca
oct 28 thru nov 9












Wednesday, October 28, 2009

a sweet surprise...and in leopard...

ok...so yesterday our boxes full of luscious clothes were being delivered for the fall/winter jana kos collection trunk show...(going on now) my business partner (and wonderful friend) adena was flying back from a trip to the east coast...so...i was left to head on out to her home to greet the ups man...of course...ups...due to arrive anytime between 8am and noon...so much for a smaller window of time...=)

this meant i needed to be dressed and out the door...early...with time for a starbucks stop before...

got to adena's house...let myself in...set-up my laptop at her desk...and this was waiting for me there...


seriously...can she be any sweeter? i love surprises...who doesn't? especially when it is just a "thinking about you" or "thought you would like this" gift...
if you haven't figured out what it is...wait for it...wait for it...
a leopard print tape measure...can you stand it?
how stylish will i look while measuring my clients?

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

"no shopping zone" sign...

so we all know the market has been pretty chaotic...so how can you update your wardrobe without breaking the bank?

with the economy on everyone's mind, the first thought when it comes to your wardrobe might be to put up a "no shopping zone" sign...which is all well and good, except that you know you're going to do some shopping for the fall/winter season...the question is "what kind of shopping are you going to do?"

there are several ways to approach this...

first, spiff up your existing wardrobe with the addition of a few pertinent accessories or coordinating tops...this is an excellent strategy that will help your cardigans and coats tune in to the season - add a great belt, and possibly a scarf for a pop of color...likewise, a fabulous piece of chunky costume jewelry will spice up the necklines of your sweaters and tops. speaking of tops, adding a few layering pieces is an excellent way to extend the life of your existing jackets and pants...and of course, don't forget your textured and opaque stockings...

second...add one great statement piece that you LOVE (translation: you'll wear it over and over, and it will become a staple of your wardrobe.) whether it's a fabulous jacket, skirt, or coat - this is something that will become an integral part of your wardrobe for now and into the years to come. ..whenever i invest in one of these pieces, it's always a pleasure to wear it because i know it looks fabulous and i know i feel fabulous in it.

third...you may choose to add some basics to your wardrobe, such as a new neutral jacket and pant that will serve you for years to come...the basics that we wear over and over eventually need replacing - and this may be where you're at...if so, be sure to purchase the best quality you can afford...you need these pieces to work hard for you, so they need to be of a quality that will stand the test of time...

that last sentence is key - focus on quality rather than quantity...and only purchase those pieces you LOVE...when you love what you wear, and it is made to last, you'll wear it an infinite number of times - and that's a real buy!



Monday, October 26, 2009

men's corner: belt basics...

every man probably has the basic go-to black calfskin belt, perhaps even one in brown leather...

of course, the buckle should be clean and elegant, unless you work the rodeo, and then words and logos are okay. wider belts are fine with jeans for the western look...

for other casual options, try belts in suede, canvas, cloth or nylon... you can play with color in casual styles, just make sure not to go too wild or you'll look like a band member from the 80's...

the foregoing aside, the belt generally should match your shoes - black shoes, black belt; brown shoes, brown belt...

Saturday, October 24, 2009

republican first ladies from 1800 to 1933...fashion and facts...(part 4)

as we near the end of our journey on fashion and facts of the early history of republican women first ladies...

we continue with the year 1921...unfortunately, i have no pictures as there was no model present for the fashion show...but...i can share with you a little of the history...

As First Lady to President Warren Harding in 1921, Florence “Flossie” Mabel Kling Harding hosted elegant garden parties and mixed readily with guests.

Mrs. Harding embarked with her husband on his nationwide "Voyage of Understanding" in the summer of 1923. Unfortunately, the Hardings didn't have a full term in the White House. Flossie was at the President's side when he died of a stroke or a heart attack in San Francisco in August of 1923. Following the death of President Harding, Flossie became ill and within a year also succumbed.

After President Harding's death in 1923, Calvin Coolidge succeeded to the Presidency. As wife of the Vice President, Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge went from her housewife's routine into Washington society and quickly became the most popular woman in the capital, as First Lady. Grace Anna planned the new administration's social life as her husband wanted it: dignified.

Here she is in a Tangerine Cream Silk dress, in a simple pattern drafted from a pattern book on 20's style. It is as light as a cloud and soft as creamy butter. The scarf at Grace Anna's hip accents the asymmetrical design. Her long pearls are knotted in a way to draw attention to her long straight body. Grace’s wardrobe matched her demeanor...graceful.

The social highlight of the Coolidge years was the party for Charles Lindbergh following his transatlantic flight in 1927. Perhaps Grace wore such a dignified garment as this Tangerine Cream Silk.

For her "fine personal influence exerted as First Lady of the Land," Grace Coolidge received a gold medal from the National Institute of Social Science.

The Coolidges were in the White House from 1923-1929. Although Calvin Coolidge did not choose to seek a second term, Grace Coolidge was not forgotten. In 1931 she was voted one of America's twelve greatest living women.
Lou Henry Hoover, wife of President Herbert Hoover, was a freshman at Stanford University (in fact, the only female geology major), when she met Herbert Hoover, then a senior. Soon after their wedding, they sailed for China, and Hoover's new job. Lou was possessed with a natural ear for languages and became quite proficient in Chinese. In the White House, the Hoovers at times conversed in Chinese to foil eavesdroppers.
It was in China that Lou acquired this ceremonial robe. Underneath, Lou is dressed in a one piece Silk fabric. This outfit is Americanized for the late 1920s. It has only four seams - two are on the shoulders and two more down the sides, making a simple tube structure. The neckline is hand turned. Notice the bat-like wings with the design of peacock feathers. Peacocks and other exotic items were being used at this time as a reaction to the end of the Great War, the return of prosperity and the broader interest in the world.

The Lou Henry and Herbert Hoover House in the Palo Alto foothills is now the official residence of the President of Stanford University. It is located near the campus's Hoover Tower, home of the Hoover Institution, and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Lou was decorated by King Albert I of Belgium for her work with refugees. One of the brick dorms known as "The Classics" at San Jose State University is named "Hoover Hall" in her honor. The first Girl Scout house is in Palo Alto, California, and is called Lou Henry Hoover Girl Scout House. As late as 2005, buildings and schools are being named after this historically famous First Lady.

Of course, there have been subsequent Republican First Ladies, but our historical review ends here. Hope you have enjoyed our journey...
script by: Bobbi Parson Batchelder
vintage fashion by: Corinne Pleger (Trained at the Fashion Institute of Design in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Corinne has been making costumes for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Curious Collectors of Baker Street, various Victorian events and museums, as well as Union uniforms for Civil War re-enactments. She teaches at, and has been Dean of, the Costume College at the Costumer's Guild West, and her costumes have won many awards, including Best in Show at the Los Angeles County Fair)




Friday, October 23, 2009

republican first ladies from 1800 to 1933...fashion and facts...(part 3)

as we continue our journey on fashion and facts of the early history of the republican women first ladies...we slip in a non first lady...just to spice things up a bit...read on...

Ida Saxton McKinley was a vivacious young woman who met and married William McKinley in January 1871. She had been a pretty, fashionable leader of the younger set in Canton, Ohio, and worked in her broad-minded father’s bank.


The walking skirt that Ida is wearing maybe just the type of dress she would wear to work. This skirt, copied from an original silk skirt of two generations ago, is known as the Kick Pleated Walking skirt. It was just the fashion to provide for a lot of movement when you walk. In keeping with the custom of the time for persons working in banks, this outfit was probably originally made in black, rather than the vibrant red Ida has on.

Unfortunately, when the McKinleys moved into the White House in March 1897 there was no trace of that girl. Ida was close to being an invalid.

Contrary to protocol, Ida was always seated beside the President at state dinners and he always kept close watch for signs of impending seizures that plagued Ida. When he saw a seizure coming on he would cover her face with a large handkerchief for a moment. The First Lady and her devoted husband seemed oblivious to any social inadequacy. Guests were discreet and newspapers silent on the subject of her "fainting spells."

Although heavily medicated, Ida McKinley insisted on participating in White House life and refused to let any other female family member take over the role of official hostess. When not giving her opinions on matters of state Ida spent much of her time crocheting. It is estimated that she crocheted 3,500 pairs of house slippers.

When the President was shot by an assassin in September 1901, after his second inauguration, that ended both Ida and William McKinley's days in the White House.
Ida followed her husband in death six years later.

Coming up next we have...wait...You were never a Republican President's wife and what are you doing in that outfit?
Oh, you must be Alice Roosevelt, the daughter of Alice Hathaway, the child of the marriage between Alice Hathaway and Theodore Roosevelt, whose mother died in childbirth. Well, go ahead and show your costume and I'll tell the story.

This is the step daughter of the second Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, also known as Edith Carow Roosevelt. Edith’s husband, Theodore, was the Vice President and upon the assassination of William McKinley was elevated to the Presidency in 1901, and served until 1909.

Edith was described as a "gentle, high-bred hostess", who sometimes tactfully curtailed her husband's long-windedness by gently tapping on a tabletop. She was the first First Lady to put a social secretary on the payroll, and she arrange portraits of past First Ladies in a "First Ladies’ Gallery," where the paintings still hang. She was treated warmly by the press, but most of the media's fascination was with her vivacious and somewhat troublesome teenaged stepdaughter, Alice Roosevelt, or as she was usually called in news accounts, "Princess Alice".

This model is wearing a cancan outfit. Alice may have never actually worn it but she most likely went to places where they did. This Kelly green and goldenrod skirt accents a striped corset and black silk chemise. The many rows of ruffles swish as she walks, providing tantalizing glimpses of her striped stockings and perhaps a glimpse of her long under garment.
And next we have...

Republican William Taft became the 27th President, making his wife's dream come true. Helen Herron Taft, known as "Nellie", became First Lady.

Here Nellie is wearing a touring dress. This goes along with one of the accomplishments she brought to the White House, replacing the carriages with automobiles. Nellie's attractive outfit is made of a deep rust red linen and an olive green cotton. This combination is used to draw ones attention to the dress design, specifically the decorative olive tone stitching along the edge of the drapes on the skirt and hem. The hat is made with a peacock feather to match the garment.

All Nellie needs is a touring coat, goggles and veil and, of course the White House chauffeur, and she is ready to go touring. Nellie most likely will go check on another of her accomplishments. She was having a few Japanese cherry trees planted along the avenue. Upon finding out about this, a Japanese chemist and a consul facilitated the donation of an additional 3,020 Japanese cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo.

Take a look at the Nellie's dress again and notice the Japanese kimono style bodice.

Nellie was very well versed in politics, often sitting in on important political discussions and accompanying William on political trips and golf outings. Nellie was the first First Lady to attend the convention, where in 1912, the Republican Party was split between Taft and Roosevelt. This split nearly broke her heart and, long before the election, she began packing. She knew the split would mean a victory for the democratic candidate, Woodrow Wilson.

It is a good thing Nellie insisted on comparison shopping and reviewing every expenditure. She even managed the Taft's personal budget so well that, after four years, she had set aside $100,000 in the family bank account. Nellie could stay in fashion even when leaving the White House.
stayed tuned for part 4...
script by: Bobbi Parson Batchelder
vintage fashion by: Corinne Pleger (Trained at the Fashion Institue of Design in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Corinne has been making costumes for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Curious Collectors of Baker Street, various Victorian events and museums, as well as Union uniforms for Civil War re-enactments, She teaches at, and has been Dean of, the Costume College at the Costumer's Guild West, and her costumes have won many awards, including Best in Show at the Los Angeles County Fair)




















Thursday, October 22, 2009

republican first ladies from 1800 to 1933...fashion and facts...(part 2)

yesterday we started on a journey of fashion and facts of the early history of the republican women first ladies...today we start off with a lovely bathing suit...actually this was (to me) one of the favorites...i still can't get over the fact that this was a bathing suit...sunscreen not required =)
after all...no skin is showing...

Lucretia Rudolph-Garfield, wife of James A. Garfield, was First Lady of the United States in 1881. Here she is wearing a late 1800-1900 bathing suit. More about that in just a minute.

Her conscientious and genuine hospitality made her dinners and twice-weekly receptions enjoyable. But her time in the White House was short lived.

She became ill and resided at a seaside resort in New Jersey shortly after becoming “First Lady.” That's why the bathing suit. The bathing suit is made from green and white striped cotton. Typically the material for bathing suits of this era would be made of wool. This cotton one is made for comfort in the hotter weather here in California. The skirt wraps around a full jumpsuit to cover all the charms of this bathing beauty. What is amazing is the level of skill that women attained while swimming in all this fabric. Can you imagine the contrast of this suit with today's style? Notice not much skin showing, even without the skirt. Hmm, how about showing a little more without the stockings?

Lucretia Garfield had a short stay at the beach resort. She was brought back to Washington four months into her husband’s presidency, having received word that her husband was shot. The primitive facilities and the lack of surgeons washing their hands brought on the infection that claimed Major General President Garfield's life two months later.

Lucretia lived comfortably on a $350,000 trust fund raised for her and the Garfield children by financier Cyrus W. Field. She relocated to South Pasadena, where she built a home designed by the celebrated architects Greene and Greene to whom she was distantly related. She died at her home in South Pasadena, California on March 14, 1918. So the cotton bathing suit could have come in handy in the later part of her life. The men's bathing suits were a little skimpier. (sorry...do not have a pic of those...)
This lovely lady, in the mint green embroidered evening dress, is Mrs. Ellen Lewis Herndon Arthur. A talented soprano, Mrs. Arthur performed at benefits around New York. Her husband, Arthur, who was from rural Vermont, is said to have learned the ways of high society from her prominent family. The couple's parties in their Lexington Avenue townhouse in Manhattan were legendary.

Mrs. Arthur, a very fashionable dresser, has on a sheer organza silk embroidered, beaded and pearled gown. The embroidered flowers were appliqued on top of the seams so as to not interrupt the flow of the pattern. The front bodice is fitted with darts. This umbrella skirt style dress is called such because of the full sweeping train that unfolds and flows out back. The skirt has a dust ruffle to catch the dirt as it trains on the floor.

Mrs. Arthur is wearing a corset underneath her bodice, not because she needs it to hold her in, but to help carry the dress. The beading on the dress makes the dress very heavy and the skirt is attached to it.

Perhaps Mrs Ellen Lewis Herndon Authur was wearing such a fashion when she caught her "death of cold" while waiting for a carriage after the opera. Her husband was away on business so he never saw her alive after that. She slipped into a coma and died before he returned, September 1860.

Mrs. Authur had not been dead a year when Chester Author was thrust into the White House on the assassination of Major General James Garfield, 1881. Authur had only served as vice-president six months.

The president's sister Mary McElroy served as hostess and unofficial First Lady while agreeing to look after Chester and Ellen's children.

After taking office as president, Chester A. Arthur had a view of a church and had a stained glass window dedicated to Ellen where he could view it at night as the lights were kept on.

Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison, wife of the 23rd President Benjamin Harrison, was First Lady of the United States 1889 to 1893.

Here she is dressed in a white lawn garden party dress with umbrella. An insert of lace and pleats add more detail to this white on white satin striped gown. The petticoat worn under the dress that can be seen through the inserts was drafted from an original vintage petticoat of the period and also includes multiple rows of pin tucks and lace details.

In the White House Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison managed to assure an extensive renovation with up-to-date improvements. She established the collection of china associated with White House history. She worked for local charities as well. With other ladies of progressive views, she helped raise funds for the Johns Hopkins University medical school on condition that it admit women.

She gave elegant receptions and dinners. In 1891-1892, however, she had to battle illness as she tried to fulfill her social obligations. She died of tuberculosis at the White House in October 1892, and after services in the East Room, was buried from her own church in Indianapolis.

When official mourning ended, Mrs. McKee acted as hostess for her father, Benjamin Harrison, in the last months of his term.
(stayed tuned for part 3)
script by Bobbi Parson Batchelder
Vintage Fashion by Corinne Pleger (Trained at the Fashion Institute of Design in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Corinne has been making costumes for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Curious Collectors of Baker Street, various Victorian events and museums, as well as Union uniforms for Civil War re-enactments. She teaches at, and has been Dean of, the Costume College at the Costumer's Guild West, and her costumes have won many awards, including Best in Show at the Los Angeles County Fair)





Wednesday, October 21, 2009

republican first ladies from 1800 to 1933...fashion and facts (part 1)

With all of the issues that we are addressing today in our country, it is interesting to note that there is still a great deal of interest in what our First Lady is wearing – whether at the inauguration, on vacation, or accompanying her husband. This is nothing new – as a country we’ve always been interested in what our First Ladies are wearing – from Jackie Kennedy to Nancy Reagan to Barbara Bush and now, to Michelle Obama, who has certainly had her share of press. But let’s step back in time and take a look at what our early Republican First Ladies were wearing and doing…..

Today I attended a luncheon for the Mid-Peninsula Republican Women, Federated...during lunch we were treated to a fashion show of the styles of the early history of the Republican Party...worn by previous First Ladies...I tried to take pictures as best I could...boy...how the styles have changed...

Let’s step back in time and take a look at what our early Republican First Ladies were wearing and doing…..

Mary Todd, born 1818, was the child of a wealthy and prosperous family. She married at the age of 24 to, of course, the man who was to become the first Republican president, Abraham Lincoln. Mary, being an educated woman, was very helpful in supporting her husband in the bid for the White House and in talking with governors, members of the cabinet and other political dignitaries.

Here our Mary Todd Lincoln is wearing a tiered dress from the 1800’s. Most likely she bought the material in New York on one of her extravagant shopping tours. Flounced or gathered tiered skirts were very popular when Mary Todd became first lady in 1861. The cranberry trim on the edge of each flounce emphasizes the tiers.

The day bodice is made with modified pagoda sleeves finished at the cuff in the cranberry, which also is used in the center front to create a jacket effect. The white collar and white sleeves can be removed for laundering.

The dressmaker made the cranberry plaid bodice using elaborately smocked gold beads in the center panel and the sleeves. The beads are also scattered throughout the ribbed neck trim. The hand bag is also covered with these tiny beads.

Mary probably removed the jacket and used this bodice in her monthly social dinner dances at the White House.

It most likely took the dress maker 17 yards of material to create this dress and more than 100 hours of time. No wonder Mary was over budget on her wardrobe!

Our next First Lady, Julia Dent, became Mrs. Ulysses Grant at age 22. She was very political and wished to be involved in settling the Civil War by being an emissary on behalf of the Union to the Confederacy. But her husband General Ulysses Grant did not allow her to do so.

During Grant’s two terms of office (1869-1877), Julia Dent Grant was an active participant in presidential matters. Here she is wearing a stylish garment of the day. She may have worn such an outfit as she attended Senate hearings and when meeting with cabinet members, senators, justices, and diplomats.

Mrs. General Ulysses Grant's flowered cranberry overskirt is trimmed in peach fringe and turquoise pleated velvet ribbon. The underskirt has a series of cranberry colored ruffles. The bodice has a gathered and smocked false blouse front, with the flowered fabric jacket again trimmed in peach ruffle and turquoise pleated velvet ribbon. The hat was made to match.

By all accounts, in her role as hostess to the nation, she brought a warmth and homelike atmosphere to the White House. Indicative of this were her afternoon teas and public receptions open to the public.

Perhaps as kids you were tricked or tricked others with this question, "Who was buried in Grant's Tomb?” If you didn't say Grant, you were caught. But if you said Julia Dent Grant as well as General President Grant, you were one up on your friends. Julia died from heart and kidney complications at the age of 76, and is buried next to her husband in Grant’s Tomb.

And now we see Lucy Ware Webb Hayes, the wife of Republican Rutherford B. Hayes, the nineteenth president from 1877-1881. Lucy is wearing a blue walking suit, trimmed in black velvet. The skirt has a short train and has a very graceful flow. The shirtwaist is covered in small pin tucks some of which you can see above the pigeon front. Under the modified bolero style suit jacket, each sleeve of the shirtwaist has 24 rows of pin tucks with two lace insets. Again, the hat was made to match the suit. The Fashions of this period were becoming a little more practical, which was great for Lucy, who both as a President’s wife and for four terms as an Ohio Republican Governor's wife, was very active in community service.

Even after helping her husband win the presidency she continued to work for veterans' benefits, Native American welfare, and rehabilitation of the South. She did a considerable amount of work with young people at colleges, the National Deaf Mute College, and the Hampton Institute (where she sponsored a scholarship for Native American students). She contributed generously to Washington charities, and often sent servants on nightly errands delivering a note and money to someone in need.

Some of the accomplishments the Hayes are credited with for their only one term in the White House are: bathrooms with running water installed; a wall telephone added; finding and restoring furniture rather than undertaking extensive redecoration. Together, the Hayes committed themselves to finishing the Washington Monument.

Lucy also started what has become a tradition: the Easter egg roll. When children were banned from rolling eggs on the Capitol grounds, she invited them to use the White House lawn on the Monday after Easter.

We have been calling the first two Republican Presidential Women, "First Lady." This statement may have been premature. By the time the Hayes left Washington, Lucy was acclaimed the "most widely known and popular President's wife the country has known."

It was this conservative woman in this baby blue walking suit who was first called, "First Lady." "the first lady of the land."
(stayed tuned tomorrow for part 2)
Script written by Bobbi Parson Batchelder
Vintage Fashions by Corinne Pleger (Trained at the Fashion Institute of Design in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Corinne has been making costumes for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Curious Collectors of Baker Street, various Victorian events and museums, as well as Union uniforms for Civil War re-enactments...She teaches at, and has been Dean of, the Costume College at the Costumer's Guild West, and her costumes have won many awards, including Best in Show at the Los Angeles County Fair.)




Tuesday, October 20, 2009

black velvet...


what do you really need to get along in life? air, water, food, shelter, and some black velvet...yes, black velvet...along with a nice crisp white shirt...

it was a sultry actress and torch singer marlene dietrich's basic outfit - a ruffled white blouse and black velvet pants...

this go-anywhere, do-anything outfit has been reinterpreted every decade, from twiggy in the sixties to a new ralph lauren variation every season...

just years ago, sharon stone caused a sensation at the oscars when she put together a long black velvet skirt, her husband's white shirt, and a diamond-encrusted lizard pin on the back of the skirt's waistband...now that is a memorable look...

with black velvet pants or a black velvet skirt and a stark white shirt, you can go anywhere on a moment's notice...no need to fuss over what you are going to wear because, like the air you breath, it is already there...





Friday, October 16, 2009

the turtleneck...

katharine hepburn understood turtlenecks...

the sleek, contemporary silhouette...the remarkable ability to define a jawline (as if she needed help in that department). the sophisticated simplicity of revealing so much by showing so little...

was it for warmth, protection, or simply style? who cares? it looked great...

cat burglars, skiers, and a number of men with goatees have also appreciated them, but less for their aesthetic properties than for their ability to camouflage, warm, and impute intellectual hipness...

everything about a turtleneck depends on how it fits and what it's made-of...big, bulky hand-knits are about homespun charm, borrowing from your boyfriend's closet, and warm, cozy weekends...especially when paired with jeans or leggings...a tight, ribbed turtleneck with a slim neck defines the body in a sexier way...lying smoothly under a suit jacket, it creates a tailored, sporty look...

in the end, the turtleneck's form is simplicity itself, whether it's at the center of attention or part of a layered ensemble...



sale: saks fifth avenue...

ok fabulous fashionistas...

friends and family sale at saks fifth avenue...
25 % off (woo-hoo) or use code friends3 for online checkout...

don't say i didn't warn yah =)


Thursday, October 15, 2009

is it an alligator or a crocodile?

do you know the difference between an alligator and the crocodile??

many retailers often misidentify the two or use the terms interchangeably...

the alligator family includes the american alligator and the caimans (from south america.)
the crocodile includes the porosus (mostly from australia) and the nile (niloticus). these four are the only legal skins traded legally in the u.s.

the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is that crocodile has a dimple in each scale, whereas american alligator is totally smooth...caiman alligator has a varied texture and a more "savage" quality...

porosus crocodile is the most preferred skin (read: most expensive), while american alligator is used most often by designers because its skin is softer...however, the caiman alligator has its following and is certainly more affordable that the others...athough none of these skins are for the faint-of-pocketbook!

do you have an alligator or crocodile? (i'm talking handbags...of course) please share!



Wednesday, October 14, 2009

men's corner: love a man in jeans...

love a man in jeans...

that is, if they fit well! because there's no such thing as a perfect fit in jeans (some prefer a little looser fit and some prefer the tighter fit), it's important to make sure that you are wearing jeans that suit your body type...in all cases, just as we women do, you may have to try several different brands before finding the jeans that fit you best...

here are some helpful hints:

* don't try to hide extra weight with baggy jeans - they only make you look bigger...the relaxed-fit jean suits most body types best.
* jeans should sit securely on your hips, not below...
* for a great laid-back evening look...pair a dark-wash jean with a collared shirt, and roll up the cuffs. a pair of loafers completes the look...in cooler weather, just add a v-necked sweater...
* for the casual weekend look, you can wear those jeans as faded as you like...just make sure, as always...that the t-shirt or polo shirt and sneakers are spotless...

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

frequent flyer...

color group four - frequent flyer...

there is nothing more comfortable to travel in than knit...this group is a new concept for us in that it consists primarily of knit garments...black ponte double-knit is comfortable and polished...so you will not look ruffled even during the longest flight...true rich red and luscious cola (similar to vicuna from fall) punctuate the black...zebra jacquard twinsets, knit hounds-tooth biker jackets and other solid novelty tops, combine for easy and ultra comfortable dressing...for an alternate bottoms option we've added sweater knit pants in black and cola, red plush twill jeans and melange woven pants....this group will transition you through the winter months and into spring...travel in style around the world or around the corner...in relaxed, seasonless and refined fashion...
jana kos

jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show
october 28 - november 9
redwood shores, ca
by personal appointment only








Monday, October 12, 2009

midnight hour...

the jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show is slowly approaching...have you booked your personal private appointment?

october 28 - november 9
redwood shores, ca


more pics of the upcoming fall/winter jana kos collection trunk show

color group three - midnight hour...
you won't wait till midnight to wear these fun separates! in this upbeat group we feature plush and casual midnight navy pieces combined with vibrant chartreuse and kiwi...
dreamy...moody...jacquards filter the colors in unique ways...stretch indigo denim comes in a side button jean and updated shirt jacket...even the festive border skirt takes on new appeal in navy ground with chartreuse patterning...relax in stretch pants, soft sweaters and cotton shirtings...
don't let the stormy days of winter make you blue...
jana kos












Friday, October 9, 2009

polished reflections...

jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show
october 28 - november 9
by appointment only
redwood shores, ca
color group two - polished reflections

gray is the new black...so you would think from the fashion press and runway coverage...however you will not see any dull...mannish suiting in this group...feminine drape melange in charcoal has a fluid and graceful elegance...regal amethyst purple accents in leather, jacquard and silk make every outfit front page worthy...sequence patterned stretch jeans...snow leopard coat and mini and all the top trends of the season featured in one group...
jana kos








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