and the blog award goes to...

me?? awww... fabulous karen over at bobbins and bombshells awarded me with my very first blog award...i actually had a choice to choose between two award logos...the sunshine award or...hello...bogart? you know which one i'm pickin!

you're going places, baby!

so...needless to say...i'm so excited to accept this...my first award...i would like to thank...haha...no...i do not have a speech prepared...this award is an honor though...because it was given to those blogs that inspire...and that to me...is pretty fabulous!

so...here are the instructions...in receiving this award...

post the logo within your post & on your blog...

pass the award on to 10 bloggers that inspire you in that post with links...

of course, let them know...

and don't forget to link back to who you received the award from...oh, that would be me...



my fabulous 10 are.....(in no particular order)

40 is the new fabulous
taffetadarlings
the swelle life
of a certain age
lola b's one girl talks
fashionable interiors
a la parisienne
princess dominique
the city sage
what the fog?

congratulations fabulous bloggers...keep inspiring...

dear fashion advisor...

every once in a while...i get a question or two from my fabulous readers...it may be a question as to what to wear to a certain event...or possibly what to wear with a specific jacket, shoes etc...you get the idea ;)

so with a little urging from my friends...i have decided to add the "dear fashion advisor" to my blog...which basically means...ask me a question...and i will answer...i'm figuring your question may be one that several are thinking about...and are too shy to ask...the answers will be posted on the blog...

the consensus from those subscribed to my monthly newsletter is...one of the favorite articles seems to be "dear fashion advisor"...so if you come to a point where you need a question answered...ask away!

i have included a direct link on the side bar of the blog...or...you can go to http://formspring.me/fabulousfinds

i look forward to your questions/comments...

dresses...

can be fun...flattering...and a no-brainer on days when you don't want to think about coordinating an outfit...they can be ultra-casual...such as a sundress or beach cover-up...or make the most formal of statements such as when heading down the aisle to say..."i do..."

dresses can work as professional attire as long as they are not too frilly or send the message that you'd rather be at a party...work dresses are actually a nice change from suits and can be a simple choice in the morning...like skirt lengths...it's best not to wear them shorter than three inches above the knee if you're concerned about setting a business tone...

because dresses are not the easiest garment to fit if your proportions are different on the top and bottom...you need to pay particular attention to the styles that will fit and flatter you best...

here are some common styles and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe...especially if looking for the quick, feminine fix that a dress can often provide...

the wrap dress - diane von furstenburg first introduced this style dress in the 1970's...and it's hard to think about them without connecting them to the colorful printed fabrics she first made them in...selected in a solid color (or more muted print), they are ideal for year-round social activities...those made of matte jersey define the waist...flatter a variety of bustlines...and hug the body instead of clinging to it...the deep v-neck elongates the neck...and the slanted vertical line created by the wrap can slim the body...

love that quote!
classic sheath - this (to me) is the most simple style dress you can own...paired with a jacket, (or cardigan) it is a welcome change for women tired of skirt and pantsuits at the office...it is also an excellent office-to-dinner garment and looks fabulous with pearls...think jackie o...


a-line dress - this is a flattering silhouette if you are bigger on the bottom than on the top...it is fitted on top and then gently floats away from the hips...creating an a-line shape on the bottom...wearing it with a slight heel will balance out heavier legs best...


sundress - this type of dress works as daywear or beachwear and is easy to care for...you can fit a t-shirt under some of them...especially if the one you select has adjustable straps...sundresses with the most simple lines and detailing tend to last for years...making them a true investment...


so...which do you gravitate towards?

charmed...i'm sure...

there is something so nostalgic about a charm bracelet...not sure if it is the jingle jangle when it moves around...or most likely..the fact that you have to get up close and personal to ogle over each quirky litte charm...a charm bracelet shows a woman's history on her wrist...

i even have a book about charm bracelets...and yes...there are some beauties inside...


i have two bracelets that i absolutely love love love...this first one...i asked my fabulous friend adena to pick up for me at the club monaco store when she was in ny...she not only picked it up...but gifted it to me...yes...i was very surprised...i love how big and clunky it is...and of course...it has my favorite...the fluer de lys...

i did make the mistake of wearing it to church one day...not a good move...as this bracelet does a little more than a soft jingle jangle...isn't it a beauty?


this next one took years of collecting to get it just right...my fabulous friend margaret had bought for my birthday...the wonderful link bracelet to get me started...at that time i had just a few charms...but over the years...i kept adding as i found just the right charms...the ones that represented me...and of course...i got several as gifts...at this point...i couldn't fit another charm on there if i wanted to...here it is...the representation of me and all my loves...


lots of shoes & handbags...(big surprise),
passport...for my love of travel...
eiffel tower...my most favorite place one earth...
hersheys kiss...for my love of chocolate...
ballerina slippers...for my love of the ballet...
baby grand piano & musical notes...for my love of music...
beach chair & umbrella...for my love of the ocean...or poolside... =)
baseball bat...yes...this girlie girl loves baseball...
red lipstick...every girl should find her perfect shade...
rings...for my love of bling bling...
champagne bottle in ice bucket...for my love of bubbly...
and a heart...which of course...signifies love...

it has been years since that bracelet has been complete...and lately...i've been thinking of starting up a new one...all with beautiful cameos...of course...i only have one right now...and no link bracelet...wouldn't this look pretty as a charm bracelet?


actually...maybe i have two...if i decide to take this one off of a necklace...


do you have a charm bracelet? if so...what are your favorite charms?

fashion funnies: one pair of shoes...

this little plaque (given to me by my two gorgeous nieces) sits on my desk...and yes...makes me smile...

in the case of cinderella...i guess one pair of shoes did change her life...me...not so much...but i'll keep buying them until it does... =) that is my excuse for my shoe buying...and i'm sticking to it...

actually...who needs an excuse? not me...

dressing up in a down economy...

i thought i would post an excerpt from my monthly newsletter last year...still applies... =)

let's face it - no one is interested in making unnecessary purchases in our current economy...the key word here is "unnecessary", because we all know that we will be making some fashion purchases...we just want to make smart purchases...

this is one of the reasons i enjoy holding trunk shows for the jana kos collection...it works well in this economy...women who have shopped the collection for years have told me the items they purchased from jana kos (previously "juliana collezione") years ago are still "go-to" items in their wardrobes...

(side note: summer show to be held may 5 - 17 in san francisco bay area)

a number of articles have been written recently about this very subject...one of my favorite magazines, MORE (a favorite of women over 40), recently noted:

"For women over 40, appearance is far from inconsequential. A 20-year old will look great and job-worthy wearing a paper bag; for us, it's not that simple. ....Push your boundaries a bit and buy something challenging and fabulous this year; switch quantity for quality - and wear what you buy to death."

whether you're concerned about being "job-worthy" or not...looking fabulous in your own personal style will do wonders for the spirit, yours and those around you...

Anna Wintour, editor of VOGUE for more than 20 years, was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal. "What's going to work is something their customer doesn't have in her closet and that has a real intrinsic sense of value. ...I do feel an emphasis on quality and longevity and things that really last. I think what she buys is going to give her more pleasure because it's going to last longer, mean more."

And in HARPER'S BAZAAR: "...sleek and chic covetable pieces that strike a balance between simple and simply fabulous. People are thinking more about how they're spending their money, but that doesn't change their appreciation of quality, beauty, and pleasure."


you don't have to spend a fortune to look fabulous, but looking fabulous is valuable currency in your self-confidence bank, regardless of outer circumstances...

men's corner: the schlumpy jacket...

there is nothing modern or "cool" about a leather jacket that fits like a rain poncho...really...any jacket...the same rules apply for men as they do for women...

fit fit fit...makes a difference...


when trying on a new leather jacket...keep going down a size until you can’t get it on...then buy the next size up...it should feel snug as a wetsuit but will take your body’s shape over time...the coolest style right now? the bomber you see here...


for a suit jacket fit...try on as many jackets as it takes for you to find the right one...there are many options out there...which means...lots to choose from...

coat length - general rule is for the jacket to just cover your entire seat...the hem of the jacket should end near the tip of your thumb when your arm is relaxed...

sleeves - should allow 1/2 inch of shirt to show at the wrist when the arm is relaxed...

armhole - should allow considerable range of motion...

shoulders - the shoulders are the base of the garment...if it doesn't fit you point to point...it's not the right jacket...

chest and waist - jacket should be easy to button...vents should lie flat...allow 3 to 5 inches of play between your body and the jacket's top button...

collar and neck - jacket collar should hug your neck about halfway up your shirt collar and lie smoothly across your upper back without any bubbling or rippling...

you can't beat a white classic shirt...

think of marlene dietrich, katharine hepburn, marilyn monroe, jackie o, and audrey hepburn...all embraced the cool, crisp elegance of the classic white shirt and made it their own...today, fashion icons like sharon stone, uma thurman, gwyneth paltrow and angelina jolie continue to honor the timeless chic of the classic white shirt...

some favorite ways to wear a classic white shirt...

*with a pencil skirt and a pair of statement heels...

*with a pair of tailored pants, a wide belt, stilettos and an animal print scarf...

*under a navy blazer, dark jeans, a belt and fun loafers...

*loosely over a pair of capri pants and ballet flats...

*tucked into a pair of wide legged pants, skinny belt and brightly colored scarf...

*tucked into a pair of tuxedo pants, collar up, and black satin stilettos...

remember...if you don't like white against your face, make sure the jewelry or scarf you add at the neck is in your color...you can opt for a "white" shirt in "your white" to achieve the same classic look...

are you a fan of the classic white shirt?

wool in the spring...

as winter winds down...it's always good to get a few more wears out of all your heaviest woolens before packing them away for spring...or maybe...you are at the point that you've seen enough of them...and just want to pack them away...many wools (depending on where you live) can be worn year-round...so it's also time to start thinking about sprucing up your "lighter-weight" wools for warmer weather...

there are many different types of wool used by designers to make clothing...it's handy to know a few definitions about each along with how they will work for you from season to season...

crepe - this is a very lightweight wool with a slightly pebbled surface...commonly used in dresses, suits, and separates...crepe has day to dinner flexibility...many crepe separates can be worn ten months of the year...they do need to go away in really hot weather...

merino - this thin...woolen...twilled cloth was developed during the nineteenth century from the wool of the merino sheep...although it was intended primarily for outer garments...today...merino is most often used for sweaters...this wool tends to be very warm...and can cause itching for women with sensitive skin...merino is usually more affordable than many other wools...

lambswool - shorn from lambs up to eight months old...lambswool is a very soft fabric primarily used in sweaters...because it sheds a lot...i recommend keeping it away from black pants and skirts...

gabardine - commonly used in separates and trench coats...gabardine is a highly woven, smooth, and strong wool...also referred to as worsted...this is a great transitional fabric...

cashmere - cashmere is more expensive than both lambswool and merino but worth the cost...(in my humble opinion) =) classic style that will last a lifetime...click here...for cashmere care...

boucle - a soft and thickly textured wool that is knit or woven to produce a looped or knotted look...boucle is commonly found in tailored jackets and dressier suits...because the look is bulky...be aware that boucle can add pounds to your frame if it is not coordinated well...many boucle suits in soft pastel colors are available in the spring...

i thought i would share two of my favorite boucle jackets...

this first one...i have paired with cream slacks to jeans...i love the versatility of dressing up or dressing down this look...



and here is one of my favorite suits...i have had this for about 5 years now...and still wear it quite often...i opted in buying the three pieces that it came with...for fun & versatility...


this lovely suit has accompianed me to a spring wedding, a sunday brunch, an afternoon tea party, a spring fashion show...

and several outings with the pieces separated...
the jacket with jeans & a white tee...
the skirt with a blouse...
the bustier with white jeans...

now do you see why buying a complete suit gives you many options?



not to mention the fact that i love all the spring colors...here is a close-up...

did i just lose ten pounds?

although it might be a little more challenging to feel your personal best when you have extra weight on your frame...i truly believe that anybody can be well dressed by learning a few slimming techniques...

so...if you are feeling like your figure is a little less-than-perfect...here are some slimming strategies...

first...and most important...make sure all your clothes fit properly...clothes that are too big or too small can add weight to your frame...you may think you are "hiding" something...but...well...you probably are not...so get the best fit possible...it really does make a difference...

sleeve length matters...pay attention to wear your sleeve ends...when sleeves have not been properly shortened...they can cause a distraction at your hip line...and speaking from experience...many women would rather not call attention to the hips...

start with a monochromatic base...this easily creates a vertical...as opposed to horizontal...silhouette...which is typically more slimming than an outfit with several contrasting colors...

look how well it works on madeleine albright...


dark colors such as black, chocolate brown, navy and dark grey are "minimizers"...wear these shades to camouflage the areas of your body where you are least confident...

light and bright colors are "maximizers"...so for example...women who are self-conscious about their weight like to wear dark base pieces (pants, skirts, and jackets) and wear light colors near their face to draw the eye up and away from the rest of the body...

select pants with a bootleg cut to balance hips, thighs...and mid-sections...pants that fit closer at the ankle or knee can cause your midsection to balloon out more than it needs to...

things that make me happy...

a new pair of shoes? most definately...but...something that not only makes me happy...but truly warms my heart...is a hand-written note...maybe it is the old-fashioned girl in me...maybe it is the fact that someone took the time to sit down...with me in mind...and pen a lovely note...all i know...is that it truly touches me...everytime...and i hope it never ends...

this week...i received two such notes...so...suffice to say...my heart was truly feeling warm all over...

the first arrived all the way from the uk...from the fabulous denise of "the swelle life"...we have never met face to face...but we call each other friend...as we speak quite frequently...and have very similar loves...read: fashion & sweets =)

i was one of the fortunate winners on her blog recently...click here to read all about the announcement that i had won...and let me just say...on a side note...her blog is fabulous...make a point of checking in with her stylish writing on fashion...and...cupcake mondays! yes...the pictures alone will have you hooked...i have caught myself drooling several times over the tasty sweet numbers that she has shared...

so here is my lovely journal...arriving all the way from the uk...i haven't quite decided what to pen in this lovely notebook...thoughts?


so...of course...i am thrilled that my package has arrived...if that wasn't excitement enough...there is included...a beautiful notecard...matching my new notebook...isn't it lovely?


and a beautiful "hand-written note"...i can't wait for denise to visit!


a few days later...i received this card from one of my clients...how appropriate is the card itself?


but it was the contents of the card...the "hand-written" part...that really warmed my heart...thanks mindy!

fashion funnies: first day of spring...

happy first day of spring! hopefully...wherever you are...the birds are chirping...the flowers are a-blooming...and the sun is shining...can you tell i love this time of year? obviously...maxine & i have different "tudes" towards spring...but...it brought a smile to my face...none-the-less...

yesterday...on a road trip with my girlfriend...i was the unfortunate poor soul that the seagulls flying above decided to target...well...not me...but my windshield...nothing that a little stop at the gas station can't fix...i chose to focus on the lovely sunny fabulous spring like day...

enjoy your weekend!

guest post: be stylish in comfort...

guest blogger: the fabulous dana lynch...

visit her over at "elementsofimage.com"

Recently someone commented on my blog asking for more tips on being gorgeous and stylish without sacrificing comfort. As a personal, fashion consultant, I can’t say enough about the importance of being comfortable at work or personal pursuits. Truly, it’s practically impossible to concentrate on anything other than your waistline when your pants are too tight. Here are a couple of tips in regard to comfort.

1. Clothes that fit well are comfortable. I know this might sound trite, but I have so many clients who tell me their professional clothes are uncomfortable. Typically, what we find out is that those clothes aren’t fitting well. Obviously, things that are too tight bind. On the other hand, clothes that are too large can also be uncomfortable. Skirts that are too big twist and move around all day long, creating a lot of friction. Likewise, tops and jackets that are too large can make you feel like you’re carrying around a lot of extra fabric that sometimes gets in the way or creates bulk.

Go through your closet. Try on your clothes, specifically focusing on fit. If something is too big or too small and can’t be altered, get rid of it. It doesn’t make sense to have “just in case” clothes if you’re not comfortable and they don’t look great on you.

When you shop, be sure to try on plenty of clothes to find a fabulous fit. Sit down in the dressing room to make sure pants aren’t too tight, short in the rise or too tight in the thighs. (Always remember, alterations are usually required for a perfect fit.) Don’t compromise on fit if comfort is important to you.

2. Look for soft, comfortable fabrics. I’m not talking about sweats or knits pants here, (unless you’re a personal trainer or professional athlete,) but fabrics that are comfortable both physically and psychologically to you. While a worsted wool suit jacket or pant may never feel soft to you, some are softer and more pliable than others.

Get familiar with fabrics you like and those you don’t. For example, I think silk dupioni is absolutely beautiful, but I learned from both trying it on and examining my personal style that it is just too stiff for me. Pay attention to the fabrics you like in your closet, and also pay close attention to the fabrics when you’re shopping. No matter how fabulous a garment may be, if it doesn’t feel good, you won’t be apt to wear it.

men's corner: winter to spring update...

when spring is in the air...there’s a new season of fashion to prepare for...as the winter months come to a close...spring fashion begins to pop up all over...from storefront windows to magazine pages...the latest trends in shorts, lightweight outerwear and other post-winter must-haves are everywhere...yes...spring as a season represents growth and, to some extent, rebirth...that’s definitely the underlying idea to all of spring fashion...

as our apparel options start to change with the change of the seasons...we're looking for all things lighter, brighter and cheerier...spring fashion brings us back to the outdoors and back to life...

garment-wise...spring fashion means more polo shirts, khakis, cardigans, raincoats and blazers...these are the key pieces that you should look to refresh each spring...just to ensure that you're spring isn't sprung on outdated styles and lifeless garments...

had to include this pic...doesn't he look ready for spring?
maybe opt for a brightly colored outerwear vest as a transition piece...it's an easy way to add color during these months when we're still dealing with cooler mornings and evenings...like i tell the women...wear the colors that look best on you and you can't go wrong...


it’s time to shed those extra layers...ensure that the man you reveal beneath is looking sharp, not sloppy...

green green green...

in honor of st. patty's day...or perhaps...just because...i love the color green...so much in fact...that when i am shopping with my best friend & sister-in-law...when i pick up an item...(something i don't seem to notice...but she points out...)and i say..."isn't this cute?" and her response...probably 8 out of 10 times is "oh look...it's green..." so...i guess i am safe in declaring...that green is a dominant color in my wardrobe...

it is a happy color for me...and as a neutral...yes...another neutral...it really does go with just about anything...so...where do i draw my inspiration for color combinations? everywhere! i spot these luscious combinations in pictures...in nature...in movies...in fabric prints...


notice the spotting of yellow & blue? perfect combinations...


green & coral...although this pic does not show emerald green...in the movie "bonjour tristesse", elsa wears an emerald green dress with a coral sash when she dances the merengue through the streets of saint-tropez...simply stunning...


my favorite combination of all...when i wear yellow & green together...i can't help but smile...such happy colors...


a fireworks display shows the beauty of green with black & pink or purple...


green & turquoise...always a good match...


nothing says crisp & clean like green & white...


a different hue of green with yellow & peach...

so...where do you draw your inspiration from?

my favorite neutral...

i know for some of you...this might be a stretch...but yes...i view leopard print as a neutral...it really does go with everything...and adds just the right amount of animalistic spice...

i saw a quote the other day by the fabulous jackie collins..."my weakness is wearing too much leopard print"...let me just say...joan darling...that is not a weakness...well...maybe if you decide to wear leopard head to toe...which i have seen on the street...sometimes...too much of a good thing...is...well...too much of a good thing...

i have to say though...i have come across two incredible pics recently that stopped me dead in my tracks...they were a fabulous combination of leopard prints...the first was from the sartorialist...click here to see this amazing outfit...it works...the outfit is spot on...excuse the pun...and the next was an interview done by fashionindie of the ever fabulous jane aldridge...scroll down and feast your eyes on her 5th outfit...that is truly knowing how to put an incredible outfit together...it doesn't hurt that she is just absolutely adorable...AND...she loves shoes! you can also follow her wonderful blog posts on sea of shoes...

when i look at my own closet of leopard print loves...it definately does not stop on one item...i have shoes with leopard print glory...i have blouses, a skirt, coats...and i wear them...year after year after year...is it any wonder why this is my favorite neutral? click here to see my favorite coat & blouse...in leopard print...of course...

nude pumps...

nothing elongates your leg faster...

basically by creating one fluid line...this clean...classic style is a trendproof basic that works with just about everything...

nude heels can work for every skin tone...the key...of course...is that they have to match...think along the lines of when you are looking for a foundation color for your face...like makeup...you just have to find a shade that works for you...don’t be afraid to try on many different colors to find the best hue...nude isn’t one size fits all...



if you have darker skin...opt for a chocolate...camel...or tan pair instead of basic beige for a complementary match...and as always...if you want to spice things up...animal prints or patent is always a nice touch...



remember...nude is a nuetral...therefore it goes with everything...kind of along the same lines as your basic black pump...the difference...though...is that nude heels with lengthen your legs like no other...and who wouldn't want that?

spring awakening...

this time of year...i definately start feeling a little restless...i'm ready for winter to be over...i crave more sunlight...everything in my home and wardrobe seems blah to me...i can't bear to wear the same grey or black or "wintery" colored turtleneck and pants again...

for me...daylight savings time is the "step" into spring moment...although officially the first day of spring is a week away...this is the start...and i'm starting to see it...

this last week i had to do a little shopping for a client...and every store i walked into...welcomed me with bright beautiful vibrant spring colors...no wonder i was smiling all day...colors have an incredible affect on me...as does the sun...



this last week on my facebook business page and twitter i posted the question of the day...

"what is that one spring item that you can't wait to wear?"

skirts and sundresses...were the top contenders...and i can see why...as they are usually very colorful...and springy...whatever that item is...it is clear...that majority of readers are ready to say goodbye to the winter months...and welcome spring with open arms...

fashion funnies: redistribution...

this lovely comic strip came to me from my fabulous sister-in-law...

haven't we all been there...trying to get on that lovely pair of "slightly" tight jeans?

i think you can click on the pic to enlarge it...but the last frame reads..."why lose weight when you can redistribute it?"

hope you are enjoying your saturday!



note: if you have some fashion funnies...please email them to me...i would love to share them with all the readers...thank you!

bulletproof...

the effects are remarkable...no dieting...no exercise...no liposuction...just an amazing combination of lycra and good tailoring...and we can nip, tuck, and smooth with the best of the scalpel-wielding plastic surgeons...things that used to jiggle or flop or bulge just don't anymore...

we can look back at the women of crete - who bound their middles in iron to achieve twelve-inch waists (quite a shame...i must say) with pity as we pull on our stretchy polyester sausage-casings...so...if you've always wanted a bustline like gina lollobrigida...or hips like a ballet dancer...or a stomach that's as flat as a pool table...body-sculpting underwear will get you close...if not all the way there...

look for dress slips that slim your hips and your tummy...panties that uplift your buttocks...shorts that hide your hips...thighs...and underwear lines under tight-fitting pants and skirts...

it's about making the best of what you have...and who knows? once you've stuffed and sculpted and shaped to your heart's content on the inside...maybe you'll feel confident enough to try a new style on the outside...

so what is your favorite body shaper?

men's corner: to catch the right break...

virtually every day there is one clothing item that a man puts on every single day of his life...the infamous pant...and in the illustration below...we are specifically talking about trousers...not your jeans or khakis...

so...you go out to buy a suit...a very cool suit...let me just say...however...that it just isn't cool if your pants stack up at your ankles like baggy jeans...


first..to cover the basics...the break is where your pants fall on your shoes...creating a horizontal crease in the fabric across the front of your pant leg...it is simply a result of the length of your pants...a good break is not only visually appealing...but it also lets you know if you’re wearing your pants too short...or too long...

the result? fabulous!


ill-fitting pants are a look that will never be fashionable...let alone excusable...so...to help you catch the right break...here are the three types available to you...

full break - covers almost the whole top of the shoe...the full break ramps it up on the fashion scale...since it gives the pant leg a deep crease along the front...the full break is a trendier style for the more daring dresser...

medium break - most popular option and stops at the highest point of the instep...it is the classic look for all men’s dress pants...preferred by more conservative dressers...the medium break is the look of the buttoned-up, put-together, professional executive...it puts a nice, clean, semi-deep break across the pant leg...

short break - covers just the top quarter inch of the shoe and can produce a bit of a growth-spurt effect...to be sure...this look is not for the faint of heart...throwing caution to the wind...the short break gives little to no crease in the pant leg...making for a very precise...tailored look...so it's only for the fashion-forward

you want me to buy a suit?

of course...your base wardrobe doesn't have to include suits at all...some of my clients don't want to look too "suity"...but more creative and daring with their clothes...

if you don't consider yourself a "suit person"...i urge you to give it some more thought before you write them off altogether...a suit can be a lifesaver for those occasions when nothing else will do...and even if you rarely have cause to wear one...the separate pieces of a suit will lend versatility to the rest of your wardrobe...

when looking at suits...the same rules apply as buying separates...the fit is key...and...bonus points...if the suit comes with a skirt & a trouser...i say grab all three pieces...some also come with a dress...more options for you to work with in your closet...

it was on sale...

as a wardrobe consultant...i would have to say that the statement i hear more often then any other...is..."it was on sale"...now don't get me wrong...i am not saying that one cannot find some exceptional items on the sale rack...but...to buy an item just because it is on sale...is just not a good habit to get into...

it is seldom possible to recognize a bargain at the time you buy it...because the true cost of a garment is not necessarily the sum that is marked on the price tag...in order to figure out how much it really cost you...you would have to take this price and divide it by the number of times you wear the article in question...and then...and only then...accord generous bonus points for the pleasure...self confidence...and elegance it may have given you...

a dress marked down to half price and worn only once is sheer extravagence...while a perfect little custom-made suit costing six times as much and worn with confidence day in and day out during eight months a year for several years is an outstanding bargain!

there are no handy rules to guide a woman in her quest for bargains...but personal experience has taught me that love at first sight is usually more successful than a marriage of reason...at any rate...each time that i have bought something because it was a sensible purchase...i have worn it very little...whereas my irresistible impulses...which seemed sheer folly at the time...have usually been amortized very rapidly...

so what item in your closet is the best amoritized bargain?

meant to be together...

this week i ventured out to see one of my favorite vintage jewelry vendors...i usually only visit her once a year...but she was having a "blow-out" sale...and i had to see what she was essentially "blowing out"

i realized as i was buying my picks from her...that i tend to buy vintage to be worn in combination with...such as my birthday vintage purchase that i got last year...i have worn these bracelets several times...and only once where it was not together...i just think it has more of a dramatic look...and who doesn't want a bit of drama?

so...here is my latest combo purchase...love love love...the one bracelet caught my eye because it is like little charms...and they slide...which is so unique & different from anything else i have...and the other...well...i just loved the colors...and together...well...it was just meant to be...how could i buy one and not the other?

so...do you combine your vintage jewelry?