you had me at hello: wide leg pants...

my one "want" for the upcoming fall season...wide leg pants in camel...this pair had me at hello...except for the $1,295 price tag...i'll keep looking...

do you have a "want" for the fall season?

blouse & pants by chloe
scanned by moi from harper's bazaar august 2010

fashion funnies: fashion victims...

happy saturday!

photo source

may your weekend be fabulous!

fall cleaning...

i have to tell you...perusing through my september fashion magazines is getting me pretty excited for fall...which...on the one hand...surprises me...because i tend to want to hold on to the warmer weather...but the fall clothes...they are calling out to me...almost...but not quite to the point that i'm wanting colder weather...

phew...did i just say that??

one of the things that i recommend to my clients during this time of year...is to do a fall cleaning...kind of like spring...but in the fall...everyone has heard of spring cleaning...but fall cleaning is just as important...

in the area that i live...our climate really doesn't change that drastically...there are days in the spring/summer that i'm needing my warmer clothes...and there are days in the fall/winter where i'm needing to pull out some of my lighter summer wear...sometimes...when i visit other places...i long for those "real" fall days...of all the leaves turning the most beautiful colors...driving along my neighborhood...there may be a tree or two that actually changes...in a "real" fall way...but most of the trees...remain the same with a colored leaf or two...

so back to the fall cleaning...for those is drastic climates...i recommend it because there really is no point in packing away clothes for another season that you have no intention of wearing...why even bother with the effort?

another thing is twice a year major sweep of the closet actually makes it a lot more bearable...because you get to the point that you have whittled out 6 months ago...and you have a lot less to whittle through...

think of it as before every major season change...so once for spring/summer and then again for fall/winter...

i've said it time and time again...but it is so much more fun to stand in front of a closet full of clothes that you can't wait to wear...instead of standing in front of a closet that has lots of clothes...but they don't fit...they don't go with anything...they need mending...etc...

oh...and while your whittling away those "not right for you" items...remember...you can then turn around and make some $$ for the new items you need to purchase...if you are local...let me know...and we will get them into the fabulous finds consignment boutique...and while you are at it...keep checking back...you may just find that perfect piece for yourself...that another client has already cleaned out...many...are new with tags...

if this task seems overwhelming to you...sometimes the best thing that you can do for yourself...is let a wardrobe consultant help you out...for those in my area...feel free to contact me...it is not about getting rid of clothes...it is about evaluating everything in your closet...what pieces are missing to create complete outfits with what you have...to put together outfits you may not have thought of...to get the most out of the pieces that you have...it really is a fun process...and i...would love to help!

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men's corner: stylish men...

there are men...just like women who are looking to define their style...when i meet with a client...i have them name off some looks that they may gravitate to...and from that starting point...we build their own unique style...

as i was perusing gq.com i came across this lovely article on "the 50 most stylish men of the past 50 years...and what you can learn from them..." take a peak at the slideshow...there are alot of different styles...but what holds true in all of the 50...is that they claimed their style...and made it their own...

do you have a favorite? one of mine is below...i mean...come on...it's sean connery...love love love it...well...i could do without the cig...but that is just me...

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what i love about this time of year...

...would be...mostly the gorgeous weather...but when it comes to fashion...this is the time that all the lovely thick september issues start arriving at my door...thank goodness my mailman likes me...because these babies are heavy! and he is getting an arm workout...

vogue 726+ pages
instyle 600+ pages
harper's bazaar 508+ pages
marie claire 296+ pages (wimpy wimpy wimpy is playing in my head)

still waiting on a few more...obviously...where's my elle??

point being...that my lovely mailman delivers these heavy thick mags (most of which won't fit in my mailbox) to my door...

and inside these beauties?? my favorite time of year for shopping...i am definately a summer girl for weather...and a fall girl for fashion...

and as so eloquently stated in "the september issue" - the documentary following vogue editor-in-chief anna wintour's preparation for the 2007 issue...
"september is the january of fashion"

and i'm lovin the fall fashions this year...

when things should be left alone...

back in january i posted an article "ugg teams up with jimmy choo" on my fabulous finds facebook page announcing the announcement of the collaboration of jimmy choo & uggs...i remember back then...i felt pretty much how i feel now...why? i have never hid my dislike for uggs...but again...it is just not for me...jimmy choo however...oh yeah...all over that...

so here we are in late august...and the big buzz is out...announced by nicky hilton...apparently she will be the first (and hopefully last) who will be sporting these...oh...and let's not forget the lovely price of $795...are you kidding me? who thought this was a good idea?

what are your thoughts?

how about clutching it?

so you've been running around all day...with your big handbag...on a side note...do you notice how they seem to get bigger and bigger?? which is great for lugging things around...but not so much on the back...if you know what i mean =) but back to my intro...so you're running around town...and then it's time to meet some friends for drinks and/or dinner...or perhaps you are off to a cocktail party...please tell me that you switch out your purse...it only takes a few moments...

and seriously...how much more chic do you look with your clutch...and not the big handbag full of everthing you have accumulated for the week?

what i love about clutches...well...their size for one...picture this...you are at the restauarant or bar...and your big shoulder bag...which i hope you don't place on the floor (so not good) and it ends up on your tired shoulder...getting heavier as the nite progresses...on the other hand...picture the clutch...safely tucked under your arm...freeing you to shake hands...hold a cocktail & appetizer plate with ease as you make your rounds in the room...

much.more.comfortable...no?

a clutch is also a great way to complete your outfit...need color? need texture? whatever your need is...it can be incorporated within your clutch...

some definate do's when looking at purchasing a clutch...make sure it fits your essentials...now essentials...does not mean...receipts, checkbook, wallet, sunglasses, make-up bag, and everything else you stuff in your big handbag...no! a clutch should hold essentials such as a lipstick, cell phone, identification, credit card, cash...etc...

here are my top 4 that i use the most...

of course i have one in leopard print (it's my neutral...you know) and black patent leather...
can't go wrong with this one

i adore this beauty with croc print & the "shining" crystal knob

the look of this one...i adore...but...it didn't fit all the essentials criteria...
the cell phone takes quite a bit of manuevering...sigh

and...when i need/want a pop of color...
nothing gives more pop then a red patent leather

do you clutch it?

hats off to you...

did you happen to catch last week's episode of project runway season 8? episode 4 to be exact...such a fun challenge for the designers...to design an outfit inspired by a philip treacy hat...i have to admit...i was in awe of the hats...the outfits...not so much...

click on season 4 up above to see the hats that were to inspire the designers...which is your favorite?

the hats? serious works of art...

here is a shot of sarah jessica parker at one of her premieres wearing a philip treacy hat...tre chic!
photo source

fashion funnies: shoes that make you go hmmm...part 4

this is it! the last installment of "shoes that make you go hmmm..."and i have to say...i think i saved the best for last...tell me what YOU think... =)

how short do you have to be to consider wearing these?

what...no goldfish?

i can't see you getting on a plane with these love...

painful comes to mind...

what the heck??

umm...ok?

enjoy your weekend lovelies...

guest post: pictures that make me smile...

she did it again...my very good friend...and business partner posted another note on her adenadesign facebook business page...and i of course...begged asked if i could post it on my blog...i keep nagging hinting she needs to start a blog...hopefully she will soon...until then...i'll just keep using some of her posts on facebook on my blog...oh...and be sure to "fan" her... =)

and here it is...LOVE the pictures...

When I opened the September issue of Food and Wine, on the third page was this fabulous photo of a Charleston garden party spread, along with a gentleman decked out in oh-so-stylish attire, including his great Fedora. This photo not only made me smile, but also prompted me to immediately turn to the featured story "Party at the Drop of a Hat" , which had more smile-inducing photos. I've always been a hat lover and these photos are encouraging me to jump back in and have some fun with hats. Does anyone else feel the urge to don a hat? Happy Weekend!






photo source: scanned by adena ditonno

men's corner: checkered out...

i don't know what it is about a colorful checkered shirt that makes me smile...it screams summer...comfort...fun...and coolness

gq listed some winners in my book...such an easy way to add that fun & pop of color to your wardrobe...just as easy to slip on as that old ratty t-shirt...seems like an easy choice for me...

gitman brothers vintage
available at bloomingdales

richard chai
available at odin

edward
available at odin

jack spade
available at jack spade

photo credit: elissa wiehn via gq.com

simplicity in white...

i have always been drawn to white...and in its simplistic beauty...how it stands out quite fabulously...

top & pants by calvin klein collection, hat by callanan legacy,
belt by 3.1 phillip lim, watches by burberry, cuff by sarah chloe
photo source: scanned by moi - marie claire september 2010

>wool cashmere dress, calfskin & metal boots, and alligator clutch
by calvin klein collection
photo source: scanned by moi - allure august 2010

both these pages were ripped out at different times...completely for the look itself...how funny that they are both from the calvin klein collection...is it calling my name?

top 3 do-not's of shopping...

so it does not matter if you are shopping high-end...thrifting...online...or at the mall...here are my top 3 "do-nots" while shopping...in the long run...it will save you a closet full of "nothing to wear" and a whole lot of money...trust me...

do not...buy an item because it is the latest trend...drives me crazy when i hear someone say "it is the latest 'in' thing"...if the latest "in" thing is a purple jumpsuit...and you don't look good in purple...well...most likely it will be the jumpsuit you don't look good in...but i digress...why would you buy one?? stick to what looks good on you and your body type...

do not...buy a size that doesn't fit you now...if you are a size 10...do not buy a size 8...or worse yet...a size 6...because you are planning on losing weight...buy the right size at the right time...besides...do you really want a "too-small" piece staring at you every time you enter your closet...reminding you that you haven't lost the weight you thought you were going to lose? why do that to yourself?

do not...buy something just because it is on sale...i agree...paying $125 for a dress that cost $300 is a fabulous deal...but if you don't need it...or really don't even know if you will wear it alot...that savings ends up being a lot more expensive than you realize...

bottom line...your closet should be full of items that look good on you...and make you feel good about yourself...

do you have some "do-not's" that you live by?

how to edit...

...your closet...

first and foremost...you.must.be.honest...with yourself...that being said...i am not one who gets rid of a piece because i haven't worn it in a year...or two...some pieces...i know i will eventually wear again...they just go through the clothing cycle less frequently...but...i am honest with myself in that...if i am a size 8...i do not have my sz 4 jeans from high school still hanging in my closet...thinking that maybe...just maybe one day...i may still wear them...not gonna happen...not in this lifetime...

so what do i mean when i say you must be honest? and this really is a good place to insert a good honest friend to be there with you...or a wardrobe consultant...who can gently lead you in the right path...

i hear of so many people (i once was one...) that stand in front of their bursting at the seams closet...and utter these words..."i have nothing to wear" i always say...i would rather have 5 pieces in my closet that i can't wait to wear...and be totally inspired by them...ok...as i'm writing this...i'm sure you know...that it would be very and i mean...very hard for me to live on 5 pieces...but the point i am trying to make...is that a scenario like that is better then having 40 pieces and 35 of them are unremarkable...

those 35 pieces are the ones you need to edit...does it mean throw them out? quite possibly yes...or figure out a way to wear them that they become part of the percentage of "can't wait to wear" items...

it doesn't matter if these 35 pieces are the latest trend or "must-have" item of the season...it doesn't matter if you spent a full month's rent on them...it doesn't matter if you wore it every day 15 years ago...and got so many compliments on it...

if it doesn't look good on you...or...it isn't your size...it should not be in your closet...

why are you holding on to those items from days long gone?

so...if your closet is bursting at the seams...be honest...ask yourself...how many of those items do i actually wear?

and then begin the process...edit edit edit...

source

on any budget...

i remember one time at church...an acquaintence complimented me on my outfit...and then made an odd statement "if i had your money...i'd look as good as you do too..."

my first reaction was...does she know something i don't? did i come into an inheritance that i wasn't aware of? where was this "money" she was referring to?

the thing was...that day i was wearing one of my favorite suede skirts that i had owned for about 10 years at that point...my blouse was about 3 yrs old...and my shoes...well...i'd had them for years as well...but in her eyes...i was always wearing the latest and greatest designers...sounds like a great concept and all...but couldn't be further from the truth...

i've often said that a person can look good at any budget...i have had clients that hired me...and on a very very limited budget...we were able to produce a pretty incredible stylish wardrobe...

style is not expensive...and honestly...i would have to say that some of the most stylish women i know...have done so on a very limited budget...how could this be? i am thinking that a lot of it has to do with being forced to be picky...when one doesn't have a lot of money to splurge on clothes...you can't buy every trend and whim that comes your way...in fact...you need to consider every purchase that you make...i would say...this is probably a blessing rather than a curse...

this is where creativity comes to play...how can i take this one piece and make it work in several different ways within my wardrobe? the key is knowing where to splurge and where to save...there is an art to mixing expensive pieces with cheaper finds...but the result can be pretty awesome...

drew barrymore was photographed this week wearing a dress she found while thrifting for $25...pairing it with a fabulous pair of tribs...i would say she is looking pretty chic...

do you like to mix a cheaper find with one of your expensive pieces?

fashion funnies: shoes that make you go hmmm...part 3

so...i guess last weeks "giraffe" shoe was a big hit with my readers...here are more of the lovely shoes that make you go hmmm...the last set will be featured next week...and yes...there are some uh...interesting pairs...have a lovely weekend!

i don't think i have a dress to match these...

you know...if you want to walk in the grass...just do so...ditch the flip flops...

do they come in a toyota camry?

no words...just...yeah...no words...

why yes...i would like an exotic bird planted on my foot

major thinking ahead needed for a bathroom break...just sayin

closet envy: tamara mellon

who doesn't love a jimmy shoe choo? the fabulousness behind the shoe is the lovely tamara mellon...such a beauty...her favorite color is "leopard print" i laughed when she said that...because i've said that...could she be my sister from another mother??

and then i saw her closet...insert opera like aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh...



envy...beyond envy...am i envious of the closet? or the shoes...or both?? hmmm...

photo source

men's corner: to match or not to match...

...that is the question...when it comes to socks...do they need to match the pants? many have debated over this time consuming question...ok...that might have been a slight exaggeration =) so here is my take on it...

when i was working in corporate america...taking the train into the city...admiring all the men in suits (if that doesn't date me...not much of that seen around here anymore) i would always notice socks & ties...why? because it was the one way that men were able to show a little of their personality & uniqueness...

so if that is any indication...i go for the socks with personality...does that mean bright colors? not necessarily...a subdued paisley sock would make me smile just as much as a bright colored stripe...

let's face it...men don't have as many options as women...so take advantage of the places you can be...uh...colorful...

now...of course...it matters what you are doing as well...if you are giving a speech in front of senators...and wearing a dark navy suit...red tie...and white shirt...i don't suggest "loud" socks...i would say...stick to navy socks...

but...live a little...when opportunity presents itself...add some color...some flair...add some personality...

about a month ago...i had a shopping trip with a client who is rather conservative in his work attire...the job demands it...but imagine my surprise when he picked up some rather vibrant colorful striped socks...i of course...gave it a big thumbs up...

do you venture out? or do you stick to solid socks that match your pants? think of it as art...what does your palette say?

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the perfect plain tee...

you would think that finding a simple white tee would be a no-brainer...but no...i have had some trouble...some swear by the hanes three-pack...have you tried them?

so what would a perfect plain tee look like? first & foremost...it must be soft soft soft...a v-neck would be fabulous...an almost barely there thin...

so is that asking too much? everytime i turn around...a new t-shirt has come out...but one of my preferences is always missing...

so i know...that when i find it...i will be buying several...don't they look sexy with a boyfriend jacket?

do you have a favorite that you swear by? please share!

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the speedy...revamped...

ok...i still remember the feeling when i got my very first louis vuitton "speedy"...given to me as a gift by a dear dear friend...i think he was a little taken back by my squeal... =) you know...it's the little things...i thought i would wear that thing out as much as i used it...but interestingly enough...the more it was used...the better it looked...isn't that just how it is with the lv's?

my second one came years and years later...wanted something a bit smaller...and found i great little find...but i found that through the years...it was a little too small...and didn't get as much use as my first...

then came my first trip to paris...and of course...i needed wanted to visit the louis vuitton store there...i wasn't prepared for the lovely treatment they give there customers...but i quickly got used to my very own concierge following me around answering my questions...and smiling at my happiness...i left that trip with a new and much loved (to this day) louis...

but...seriously...how many can you own of the very same type of bag...limited in difference only by the size? =)

well...i have to say...i was pretty excited when i saw the fall 2010 ad for louis vuitton...the speedy has been revamped! now...there is one that looks like a brocade...be still my heart...louis & brocade? it is actually sequined canvas and leather monogram flocage...not only that...but so many styles & sizes to choose from...even a gorgeous clutch with embellishments like sequins, metallic thread & fur!

i may just end up with a new louis!

but enough about me...take a look at these gorgeous pics with christy turlington, karen elson & natalia vodianova - the clothes, the bags...the overall look...such a beautiful era...sigh...












photo source

put together: mismatch your prints...

flipping through my august 2010 instyle magazine...got to page 248...and well...just stopped...and truly took a moment to admire this very well put together ensemble...

i know...i know...it's not for everyone...but it really does work...veronica etro, head of etro womenswear design...gives her tips to make the look work..."pair a bold, decorative pattern, such as loud florals, with a geometric one, like clean polka dots, that's smaller in scale, so they're not competing"

i say...yes yes! do you like mixing patterns?

l.l. bean signature rayon crepe blouse
etro acetate & wool skirt
nancy gonzalez crocodile belt
philip crangi rings

photo scanned by moi

do you crave a coat?

we've got what you need...in all shapes, lengths and colors...boiled merino wool pleats coat in berry, coal and avocado...wool zip sweater coat in evergreen, mocha and black (a great basic)...and our two vegan leather jackets in pewter and black, for starters...

take a look at a few that we photographed for you...this beautiful wool blend potpourri coat...



so you can clearly see the depth of colors in this fabric and the buttons...let's do a close-up...



maybe you're looking for something a little more playful...

leopard spots faux fur coat..

how about the rich beauty of our brandy lamb leather with it's beautiful zipper detailing...

brandy lamb leather asymmetrical zip-front jacket
camel sueded skirt (also available in berry and cola)
striped jersey turtleneck and cognac multi-strap belt

the zipper detail on the jacket back....

just had to show you a close-up of the brandy leather belt with multi straps alternating between antique brass studs and light colorado topaz rhinestones...antique belt buckle also features the topaz rhinestones

three more days available to come see the gorgeous collection...nothing like seeing it in person...call or email for your personal appointment...

jana kos fall 2010 collection
redwood shores, ca
thru august 11, 2010

morning, afternoon & evening appointments available...
415.577.6133

here are snapshots of the four color groups...
unique proposal - color group 1
enchanted dreams - color group 2
silent storm - color group 3
wild adventure - color group 4