the last day of 2010...

well here we are...the last day of 2010...and the last day of yet another decade...phew...time sure does fly...and my year ended with a "stylish blogger award" which i am SO excited about...and will write more about it next week...

this is the time of year...that most...are thinking back on the year...some are kissing it good-bye...others...well...just see it as another day...no big change...

for me...it is a time to think about what was done...the wonderful memories made...the new friends met...some friends from long ago...re-acquainted...and those that have remained steadfast in my life...for those...i am ever grateful...

and as a fashion consultant...it is also time to think about one of my favorite questions this time of year...what is your new year's "fashion" resolution? this is something that i will share later once i have some submissions...so tell me what your "new" addition will be this coming year...

will it be to wear more color? less black? more black? a new lisptick color? a full fashion over-haul? whatever "yours" will be...please share...it just might inspire others to take a step out of the comfortable...the mundane...and try something new...

but mostly today...i want to thank all my faithful readers...you have inspired me to keep writing about something i am so passionate about...thank you for your encouragement...your comments along the way...your emails...

wishing you a safe & fabulous new year...may it continue to be ever stylish!

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cheers to a fabulous 2011!

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men's corner: put on the shine...

in the midst of my day today...running errands...as i was standing in line...day dreaming...my eyes stopped at a very well dressed man...now before you start the teasing...may i just say...that i'm constantly looking at outfits...whether male or female...but as zz top so eloquently sang..."coz' every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man..."

well...i was "crazy" until i got down to his shoes...they were scuffed...all over the place...ok...maybe not as bad as the pic i've chosen below...but close enough...if you are going to go to all the trouble of dressing nicely...well...really it shouldn't be any trouble...but i digress...once again...at least have your shoes shined & polished...

not only will this enhance the look of your outfit...but it will prolong the life of your shoes...and hello...as much as you think people aren't looking at your feet...they are...so...whether you are going for a good first impression...or second...um...put on the shine...

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honeysuckle...

...is the color for 2011...

pantone's description reads: "A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it."

this is a great color for many...warms up the face...with a lovely glow about you...so will you be stocking up on some honeysuckle for 2011? whether it be in a blouse, dress, scarf...men...a nice honeysuckle tie? sounds so lovely...don't you think?

did you embrace last years color turqouise? and what will be the first "honeysuckle" item on your list?

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get your sparkle on...

...for new year's eve...

are you getting excited for the end of the year...and all the celebration that it entails? i am...and one thing that i truly enjoy...especially this time of year...is the sequins...or sparkle...or shimmer...truth be told...i enjoy it anytime of year...but especially during the holiday season...

i have clients asking me all the time if it is still on trend...and i say...yes! still very strong...although i also think that a little sparkle is always a necessity...

so for this new year's eve...whether you are going all out to a big celebration...or staying in with a few close friends...get your sparkle on...it could be in a luscious tank...a sparkly scarf...bling on shoes...or full out sequined dress...

i'm thinking my sparkle will be in my shoes...how about you?

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pajama jeans?

...there i am...hanging out with the family...and a commercial comes on...for...wait for it...

...pajama jeans...my initial groan of disgust made my family laugh...i mean...truth be told...i am completely judging these based on a commercial...which you can watch on the pajamajeans.com website...i just don't get it...probably about as much as i didn't get the whole jimmy choo & ugg collaberation...some things..."should be left alone"...people...please...stop the insanity...

so as i realize...and whole-heartedly admit that i am pre-judging these before actually seeing them...what are your thoughts? i mean...if you want to wear jeans...wear jeans...when it's time for pajama's...then by all means...wear the pajama's...but pajama jeans? what is the point?

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wishing you...

...the merriest christmas...and may it be stylish...

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put together: black & white...

there is something simple & complex...all in one...in an ensemble of black & white...and believe me...as much as i love wearing color...the combination of black & white...pulls me in...

these shots below were in the december issue of harpers bazaar...labeled as "strong solid sophistication..." i would have to agree...one of the simplest ways to look put together and ready for any occasion...

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whether white is the prominant color...or black...works both ways...

scanned by moi

when buying a winter coat...

...be picky...especially those that live in the "real" cold climates...if you think about the time that is spent wearing your winter coat...and because of the cold...your coat is the only thing people see you in...why why why would you skimp on style? it's first impression...once again...

and while we are on the topic of coats...it truly is essential for the grown-up wardrobe to have multiple coats...it makes no sense to be all dolled up for an evening out...only to cover yourself up with your everyday run around town coat...so how many should you have? =) wrong question for me to answer...i of course am obsessed with coats...but truly...eventually...you should strive for the following:
- a nicely tailored coat for work...i would opt for black or camel...
- a run around town doing errands coat...
- a glamorous cocktail coat...
- a faux or real (whatever your preference) fur coat for a dressy evening out...
and of course...as i write this...one or two of the options may not relate to your lifestyle...but if it does...have an appropriate coat for it...

now at the beginning of this post...i did say to be picky...and in picky...i am talking about the fabric...the cut...the length...scale...proportion...color...trim...basically everything you are picky about when choosing clothing...why be so meticulous about your wardrobe...and then skimp on a lumpy bumpy coat? as i've said before...a shoe can make or break an outfit...well...that same line works for coats...it can make or break your outfit...

so don't let a little...or a lot of cold...leave you with no personality...why be forgettable in a boring basic coat when you can "wow" everyone in a memorable coat loaded with personality? bring on the color...the shine...the pattern..the drama...when we are in the midst of a bleak dark & grey season...we definitely need some extra fashion fun...why not have it with your winter coat?


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tis the season...

...to be wearing a bit of red...i just got my nails done today...in official christmas red...whether it be something subtle...like a red lipstick...or painted nails...to a red clutch...or perhaps red shoes...or maybe you will be going all out...with a vibrant red dress...

i haven't quite decided on my christmas dinner outfit...i'm leaning towards a beautiful red taffeta skirt...so festive...indeed...but whatever i decide on...i will be sporting a little bit of red...

what will your red be?

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the perfect christmas window display...

one of the things i love about this time of year...is to venture out...and see all the fabulous window displays...last year...my favorite had to be...one that i unfortunately did not see in person...but thought it spectacular none the less...the perfect "accessorizing of the tree" at oscar de la renta...wasn't she a beauty?

this year was no different...i made my several trips out to union square in san francisco...saw my favorite tree inside the neiman marcus...tried to avoid the window displays at macy's...not because they aren't worth looking at...but because the windows are full of puppies & kittens waiting to be adopted...and believe me...i know me...and i'd be coming home with animals...not gifts...

but i digress...

this year...my favorite window display was at santana row in san jose...at ted baker london...how adorable is this santa?



think marilyn monroe on this number...for his skirt would hike up to reveal some sexy fishnets...on santa...ok...maybe not the traditional look for santa...but fabulous...none the less...

fashion funnies: santa...

and that would be a big fashion glamour "don't" for santa...

may your weekend be fabulous...

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sequins...

...are a fabulous way to glam up the drab old winter wardrobe...and ring in some holiday cheer...adding luster to your face...and brightening the eyes...and the best part...around this time of year...sequins are everywhere! and you don't need a whole heck of a lot to make a statement...

it can be in your accessories...a sequined belt...shoes or clutch...a little bit sprinkled on your top...or if you are being really adventurious...why not go all out...and skip the lbd this year for the holiday party...and opt for a gold or bronze sequined number...ooh la la!

in any event...sparkle sparkle sparkle...

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men's corner: a cardigan and the suit...

a client recently asked me what "more" he could do with his cardigans...i asked him if he wore them with his suits...and then...there was a long long pause...i knew the answer...and then he said..."well...i guess i never thought i could do that..."

oh...but you can...

my tips would be...when wearing a cardigan under a suit...or any cashmere sweater for that matter...it should be fairly thin...and not bulky...AND this is a great way to infuse a little color...like maybe a nice olive green? doesn't that sound nice?

depending on the jacket...you could even make it a bit sportier...if you are wearing a sports jacket...why not try wearing a nice thin hoodie for a more casual look...but by all means...wear the cardigans with your suit jackets...

especially in the colder climates...why not stay as warm as possible and still look quite dapper? and yes..i realize my picture below does not show a suit jacket with cardigan..but i just couldn't find the perfect picture...so you will have to use your imagination just a wee bit...

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twinkle twinkle...

i was very surprised to get several emails from readers wondering what my christmas tree was like...so...her it is...in all her glory...i opted for my faux tree...and although that is definately not my first choice...as i love the smell of a christmas tree...this year...with my schedule...it just didn't work out...but...my plan "b" is not too bad...because she still holds elements that i hold dear...the tree is gold...(love that) the lights still twinkle...and she stands 7 1/2 feet tall...and although for the longest time...when my cats would sit under the "real" tree...i thought it was because they were finally as close as they would get to the outdoor world...being in tune with nature and all that...i find...that they like sitting under the faux one...just as much...

here...chester is modeling for me...looks like i better get going with my christmas shopping...as the tree is looking pretty scarce...

the right to bare legs...

bare legs can be the sexiest look of all...as long as you're committed to keeping them in top form...and it probably is not fair that i am using megan fox as an example in this post...i mean...she has got serious leg...

so for those of us venturing out to holiday parties and such...i say bare leg it...if you can...i am not much for stockings...unless you do a very very sheer...or something fun like fishnets...

so...that being said...if you are going to go au natural....at least do the minimum...

- sunless tanning...when done correctly...self-tanner is a beautiful thing...i live by it with my pasty white legs...hmmm...too much information? if you are a bit gun shy...start slowly with a build-a-tan formulation...it is like putting on moisturizer...and gets darker and darker as you use it...jergens is a good one to try...if you can afford it...go and get sprayed by a professional...it will be even even even...which is of upmost importance...splotching would ruin the nicest of dresses...

- getting hair-free...seems like a no-brainer...but i have seen many an unshaven leg...just don't do it...unless you are wearing slacks...and are completely covered up...hairy legs are a turn-off...period...

- spray-on stockings...or better known as bronzing moisturizers...leave an opaque layer of color on the legs...hiding scars and spider veins..make sure you are using one that won't transfer onto clothing or come off on your hands...

if you have a product you swear by...please feel free to share in the comments...

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one is never enough...

if this little pictorial that i scanned from the december 2010 vogue issue is not proof enough...i don't know what is...les sigh...one is definately not enough...this shows how different styles of the same print offer up very unique & very very different styles...one of each...please...

don't you agree?

fashion funnies: grandma got made over by a reindeer...

wishing you a fabulous weekend...

the big three...

saw this little snippet in the allure december 2010 issue...of course i agree completely...and am happy to report i've got all three (not these three specifically...but same idea)...must be my romantic side?

"the big three"
by kate sullivan

when people talk about finding "the one," they usually mean a perfect partner...but finding a dream piece of jewelry - well, that can be a bit romantic, too...below...the best earrings, bracelet, or necklace to change your entire look.

1 - bracelet...when you're dancing or taking a sip of champagne, the hefty stones on this wide cuff catch the light - and let out a satisfing jingle...(roxanne assoulin for lee angel. crystal-and-brass cuff $345 leeangel.com)

2 - necklace...layering necklaces is cool, but figuring out what works together can be tricky...this piece solves the problem beautifully, weaving togther chunky crystals, slim quartz baguettes, and outside chain links to add an opulent touch to even a plain dress...(iradj moini. quartz-and-metal necklace, $1435 at bergdorf goodman)

3 - earrings...these hoops are perfectly designed to show off the irregularly shaped stones...(herve van der straeten. oxidized-metal-and-crystal earrings $610 neimanmarcus.com)

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men's corner: how to buy a tux...

tis the season for tux wearing...well for some...and if you are in that "some" group...as i tell my men clients...it is an investment worth making...instead of taking the "rent a tux" road...you will always be ready...it will be made to fit you perfectly...and...you won't be shelling out a few hundred bucks everytime you have an event to go to...

here is a great article from gq.com on "how to buy a tux" which is worth the read...and i figured i would include my post from last year..."luv a man in a tux"...which...still holds true...

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thursday nite shopping extravaganza...

calling all bay area shoppers...

Join Us
for Extended Holiday Shopping
and
Pick Up Some Free Goodies for Yourself!

L'Vian
Advanced Beauty Care
Savvy Chic Boutique
317 & 319 Primrose Rd
Burlingame, CA

For your shopping convenience, we are staying open until 8 p.m.
on
Thursday, December 9 and December 16.
We have lots of fun things to offer you so check out the details below!

Extended Holiday Shopping Extravaganza


Fabulous women's clothing...jewelry...
purses...personalized skin care from Paris...

AND

Free goodies from 4 - 8 pm to all visitors
(while supplies last, of course - come early!)

AND

A Raffle ticket for every item purchased...
You could win a gift basket valued at $750!
Drawing will be held December 17.

Free parking, hors d'ouevres & refreshments.

Tell your friends!

the most stylish time of year...

who doesn't love to receive a freebie? stylist is giving away every weekday this month...lovely designer goods...so go ahead...what have you got to lose? you may walk away with a handbag, jewelry...something stylish just for you!

yesterday they gave away "six" gucci bags...today it was "seven" david yurman necklaces...tomorrow is a surprise...but there will be "eight"...are you catching on...more chances to win...and no...i don't have anything to gain from this...other then some fabulous readers winning some fabulous designer stuff...

guest post: endless mixing and matching...

i was having a rather long dry spell of not having anything to write about...might be the headache...perhaps...i really shouldn't be that hard on myself...my dry spell consists of one day...but i digress...so i turned to my faithful business partner & friend...adena ditonno...and asked..."have you written anything lately that i could use as a guest post?" and she of course...sent this right over...and...it is on one of my favorite subjects...mixing & matching...

ENDLESS MIXING AND MATCHING
by: Adena DiTonno

The wise woman (and man) today is finding new ways to make her wardrobe work harder for her. One of the ways to do that is to mix and match the various components of her closet with a fresh eye.

So, you say, how do I do that?

First of all, take a look at new and interesting color combinations that you might not have tried before. For example, pair turquoise with chocolate brown or gray, or even camel. If turquoise isn't your color, try pink or maybe orange. (If you don't feel comfortable trying this on your own, give me a call. That's what image consultants do!)

Another way to shake up your closet is to try your hand at mixing patterns. The key is to make sure that the two prints are of the same scale and that they share a commonality in color. I just love a combination that Coach did in a recent ad, featuring a printed headscarf with a sweater in a different, but coordinating print. The prints were complementary in those two key parameters, taking two pieces that were beautiful on their own and turning them into an innovative and out-of-the-ordinary statement.

You can also take a fresh look at how you've categorized various items in your closet and pull them into a new category. For example, if you've always worn a certain skirt for more dressy occasions, try pairing it with a turtleneck sweater, tights and boots for a daytime look. Or change up your jeans with a white tee and a dressy jacket, statement jewelry and heels.

Break out of your fashion rut and rethink how you can change it up. Fashion should be fun, after all!


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fashion funnies: the painting projects...

it is saturday...and that means...fashion funnies! this one was in the sunday paper a few weeks back...had to clip & share it...

painting project #1. time spent: 3 hours

painting project #2. time spent: 4 minutes
"i hate painting! have i helped enough yet? this is SO boring. i'm no good at this"

it's all relative...right? enjoy your weekends!!

put together: with a pop of red...

what better way to look "holiday"ish...than with a nice pop of red...absolutely loved these shots from the lucky magazine december issue...try adding a red clutch or red gloves...red shoes maybe? ok...i'll stop...i can go on and on and on about a pop of color...especially when we are talking red...

will you be sporting red this holiday season?

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scanned by moi

featuring hallet sweater art...

and here is one more sneak peak to "the savvy chic event" starting tomorrow december 3rd thru december 12 in burlingame, ca...hallet sweater art...is...in a word...fabulous! here is a tiny sampling...although the boutique is fully stocked with lots of colors...and lots of styles...

if you are close to the avenue...pop in and see all the wonderful pieces...and yes...even these are at 40% off...great for those on your shopping list...and maybe...even one for yourself...that is...if you've been good this year... =)

the savvy chic event
319 primrose rd (upstairs)
12/3 - 12/12
10am to 6pm

featuring mara khodara...

so...this week is a busy busy time getting ready for our next "savvy chic event"...and seriously...one of the funnest parts of setting up...is opening up the boxes of treasures that have been sent to us from boutique shops & designers from all over the u.s...so i thought...why not give you a sneak peak?? the savvy chic event is taking place in the san francisco bay area & sarasota, fl...so if you are in either area...i highly recommend making a trip out to see all the fabulous pieces...and the best part?? everything is a nice big whopping 40% off...yep...you read right!

"more than you dreamed...
for less than you imagined..."

one of our newest designers to come on board...mara khodara...

mara khodara is an exclusive private showroom where you can shop and be styled with the finest imports from europe and private label reflecting the latest trends in fashion with an emphasis on timeless elegance... “classic with a twist”, mara khodara attracts customers from all over the world, for whom she is the “best secret in town” when they arrive in new york looking for exquisite pieces and professional advice in a friendly setting...

here are some of her pieces...that will be in the boutique...hope to see you there...check website link above for dates on each location...or follow us on facebook...