Thursday, September 30, 2010

the savvy chic event underway...

the grand opening of "the savvy chic event" took place today...many ladies came by and feasted their eyes on all the lovely items - and the best part?? all at 40% off...feast your eyes on the pics below...sking jewelry collection...is completely out of this world...kenneth jay lane...alexis bittar...and so much more...

there is still time to shop...so if you are in the burlingame area...stop by...lots of clothing...lots of cashmere...and lots of baubles...you will feel like a kid in a candy store...

oh...and did i mention...all 40% off...oh yes...i did mention it...but it needed repeating...who doesn't love a bargain??

"the savvy chic event"
thru wednesday october 6

319 primrose rd #1
1/2 block off of burlingame ave









Wednesday, September 29, 2010

sentimental reasons...

in all my years of helping clients make sense of their closet...i think the one reason for not letting go of something...that makes me smile...is...sentimental reasons...so you have a t-shirt from every concert you went to since 1978...you don't wear any of them...but you can't let them go because of sentimental reasons?

hmmm...i'm thinking...why?? why do you need to keep 50 of them...i get the memories bit...i mean i have feelings =) but is a t-shirt really going to help you remember?

so this got me thinking...what are other "great" (NOT!) reasons for not discarding those pieces in your closet that you don't wear...and probably never will wear...but you hold on to them...

- "i paid a lot of money for it"...ok...but it is just hanging in your closet...still not being worn...get over it...really...just let it go...

- "i hope to fit into it again"...worst case...at least remove these items from your closet and store them somewhere else...there is NO reason to look at these items day in and day out...and remind yourself what you don't fit into...

- "i keep these just in case i put the weight back on"...huh? if you have done the hard work...and lost the weight...keeping your "bigger" clothes is basically...giving yourself permission to get back to that size...

- "it is a beautiful piece...although it is not right for my body"...same as paying a lot of money for said item...just let it go...

repeat after me...just let them go! believe me...you will not miss them...you probably won't remember them after a few months...pass them along to someone who will enjoy them (well..except for the 50 t-shirts)

when it comes to your closet...make it full of ONLY pieces that look good on you...and most importantly...make you feel good about yourself...

ready...set...go...

photo source

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

experimenting with menswear...

who doesn't love clothing inspired by a guy's closet? pantsuits, pinstripes, strong shoulders...the key...of course...is not to look too masculine...we women need to pull out our arsenal when wearing men "inspired" clothing...

i absolutely love this picture of jessica alba...although i think she oozes sexiness in whatever she wears =) for some of us...it doesn't come that easy...so how can you keep the look feminine?

easy easy...try pairing your men inspired trousers with a silky blouse...if you are going out on the town...a little plunging neckline does the trick...you've got the heels...so use them...and add some accessories...whether it is your grandmothers pearls...or a statement necklace you are loving...

and of course...fit fit fit...is always important...your men inspired pieces should fit as curve hugging silhouettes...

with all this style arsenal at your fingertips...you are sure to add a feminine touch to a certain toughness...
photo source

Monday, September 27, 2010

guest post: 6 fall trends for 2010...

by adena ditonno (my good friend & business partner) & owner of adenadesign...

Yes, we’ve just experienced the Mark Twain-attributed quote “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco”, and many of us are looking forward to the warmer days of September and October. However, in the fashion world, Fall is here. If you haven’t thought about Fall yet, now would be a good time to think about packing away your summer clothes and preparing your closet for the coming season.

Fall Trend #1: Camel and Gray Neutrals. While many of us have a closet full of black as our ‘go to’ neutral, think about adding in some camel and gray. They both work beautifully with black and also with each other.

Fall Trend #2: Add a Pop of Color or a Rich Opulent Print to Those Neutrals. All three of the above-mentioned neutrals can handle a pop of color – whether purple, green, red or whatever. Pick one of ‘your’ colors and add it into the mix. Similarly, a rich brocade or metallic print accent will add depth and texture to a simple basic.

Fall Trend #3: Leopard Spots. Animal prints have been a long-time staple, but the leopard is taking the lead this year. It’s fun to wear leopard spots – on your handbag, or perhaps your shoes or a belt. Just remember to not overdo it – a little goes a long way.

Fall Trend #4: Fur and Feathers. Whether your fur is faux or real, you’ll be seeing it and feathers everywhere as accents. They are playful and available at all price points. Since a fur coat isn’t a necessity in our area to keep warm, think about incorporating it into a vest or handbag or some other accessory.

Fall Trend #5: Classic Shapes with Sharp Tailoring. This might be the time to reevaluate your wardrobe basics and replace those that are worn or damaged, or perhaps add in some new ones. You should find lots of choices now, so take advantage of the supply and stock up. (If you find this task daunting, a wardrobe consultant can help with the evaluation and shopping.)

Fall Trend #6: Longer, Fuller Skirts. For those who haven’t enjoyed the trend of shorter skirts, take heart. Now you should be able to find those longer skirts you’ve been waiting for. Again, take advantage of the supply and replenish your wardrobe while you can before the ‘fashion gods’ rule them gone.

When you’re incorporating trends into your wardrobe, buy quality for those items that you consider essential to your wardrobe going forward. Spend less on those items that you know you’ll only want to enjoy while they’re the current ‘hot thing.’


Sunday, September 26, 2010

the savvy chic event...in burlingame, ca...

this thursday...september 30th...grand opening of "the savvy chic event" will you be there?

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


we're pleased to invite you to the launch of "the savvy chic event" in the bay area. this exclusive one-week event will feature fabulous end-of-season merchandise from boutiques and designers from around the country - at end-of-season pricing...don't miss out - we'd love to see you!

september 30 - october 6
10 am - 6 pm


319 primrose rd, #1
burlingame, ca


merchandise available on a
first-come, first served basis


HUNDREDS OF ITEMS
FROM OUR
FEATURED VENDORS

Art-to-Wear
Barrier Reef Apparel
Imma Tissue Cashmere
L'Vian
My Artillerie
Naps & Nites Studio
S King Jewelry Collection(with selections from Alexis Bittar, Ben-Amun, Kenneth Jay Lane and others)

...and MORE!



Saturday, September 25, 2010

fashion funnies: crease or no crease...

sometimes...it just won't matter...



enjoy your weekend!

Friday, September 24, 2010

grey...

the color of fog and soldier's uniforms...grey can be militant or mysterious...it can be subtle...shadow grey...a sign that we don't want to be noticed...it can be conformist...like the 1950's businessman in his grey flannel suit...it can be non-committal...as in the misty qualities of heather grey...or strong...like gunmetal grey...as it darkens to charcoal...grey begins to take on some of the sophistication of black...it is wintry except in softest pearl or glittering silver...

but make no mistake...grey is big in fall 2010...whether you add a pop of color to your greys...or pair it with camel (currently my favorite combination)...you are sure to be a standout when wearing grey...

Thursday, September 23, 2010

men's corner: plaid for fall...

big fall trend for men this year is plaid plaid plaid...so many ways to incorporate a little plaid into your wardrobe...and SO many colors to choose from...honestly...this is a great way to bring in color...for those of you that are more subdued in your color choices...step out a bit...be bold...bring in some color for those dreary cold fall days...

how about a nice plaid tie?

billy reid


and with your jeans...try a nice plaid shirt...don't even need to tuck that baby in...

true religion

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

the leather jacket...

bikers wear it for protection...others are content to soak up its attitude without straddling a motorcycle...no matter how refined the design...in black the leather jacket signals rebellion...in brown...it is friendlier and reminiscent of the bomber jackets worn by aviators in both world wars...but either way...leather only gets better with age...so choose a classic cut you'll want to grow old with...

and seriously...why stop at black or brown?

this lovely number is part of the jana kos winter 2010 collection...in a scrumptious olive color...and soft like butter lamb leather...(and yes...YOU can order it through me!)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

what lies beneath...

just be glad you don't live in late-nineteenth-century england...you might be sporting the lemon-cup bust improver...an early bra that contained a "light" coiled spring in each cup packed with bleached horsehair...please don't ask me to explain that one...i can't =)

bras have come a long way...

women who burned them in their youth are now looking for support in unpreccedented numbers...thanks to body-conscious fashion...

you should demand four things from a bra....
- fit
- comfort
- support
and...
- good looks =)

easier said than done??

here are some basic pointers...

...know your size...and if you don't...or aren't sure...please please please consult with someone who can tell you what it is...now-a-days...many stores offer you an expert in the field to help you...take advantage...

...spend the time to find the right bra...then...if it works (especially if it was hard to find) buy lots of them, in different colors (white, black and nude)...

...if you're looking for something to wear every day...choose a bra that's well constructed rather than one that's too dainty...

ask yourself what you expect from your bra...do you want to look like jayne mansfield (who was an impressive 42dd) or are you trying to play things down a bit?

the good news...is that anything is possible...

photo source

Monday, September 20, 2010

introducing...fifi flowers...

it was a while back...one of my friends on facebook had posted some pictures of shoes...and asked everyone to pick their favorites...seems like an easy enough task...how fun to pick your favorite shoes...one person would get picked to win a selection of the shoes notecards...

i won! and i received them today...they are adorable!! fifi flowers is the artist of these lovely notecards...the best part? there is a bit of parisian flair in all she does...le sigh...in fact...she is described as "painter of whimsy and fun with a parisian flair...

take a look at her website which is artelierdefifi.com...check out her lovely etsy shop to see all the beautiful work she does...original paintings & commissioned art...

and here are MY beautiful notecards...can't wait to use them...i mean...it's all about the shoes...can you guess my favorites?


what is your favorite?



even the envelope has a tiny shoe...what can be better?



thank you fifi flowers!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

great inspiration from an editor's note...

for those of you that haven't seen the september 2010 issue of town and country...i wanted to share the opening remarks from stephen drucker, the editor in chief...

"the talk of the office this month has been...what does wearable mean to the t&c woman? do you want us to decide what is "appropriate" for a theoretical you? or do you want to see all the fashion possibilities this season and decide for yourself? we've debated the subject every which way...and i'm clear about it...i can't imagine limiting any woman's vision of herself thse days...no matter her age...no matter where or how she lives...so you're going to feel something stirring in these pages...the heels are a little higher...the dresses a little sexier...the accessories a little stronger...we've brought you the best of the best...certain that you'll know how to make it work for you...depending on where you live...how you live...and your own indefinable electrical charge...our cover says it all: color, comfort, a modern life and highly personal style point of view...but as strong as the clothes are...you still see the woman first...don't you just love tory burch?"

well said stephen drucker!! that is truly what it is all about...not "copying" exactly what you see on someone...or in a magazine...but taking inspiration from that...and making it your own style...and most importantly...don't let the clothes wear you...YOU wear the clothes...

photo source

Saturday, September 18, 2010

fashion funnies: clothing of the future...

this clip is pretty hilarious...various designers in the 1930's were asked what they thought fashion would look like in the year 2000...interesting how some of it is pretty spot on...

Friday, September 17, 2010

men's corner: the brown shoe...

i think i am pretty safe in saying that most men own a pair of black dress shoes...it is easy...and understated...and goes with pretty much everything in the closet...nuff said...

but...what about the brown shoe? my favorite! this kicks up the style factor just a wee bit...they are more noticable than your basic black...and the best part? they go perfectly with your grey's, khaki's & navy...

so men...venture out...if you haven't done so already...invest in a good pair of brown dress shoes...and kick up your style a notch!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

you had me at hello: sexy studs...

anyone who has been reading my blog for a while...knows that i have a pretty intense obsession with shoes...so it should probably come as no surprise...that as i was flipping through my marie claire september issue...page 230 definately made me have a...you had me at hello...moment...

feast your eyes on this sexy studded number...sigh...

scanned by moi
christian louboutin shoes

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

project runway & fashion week...

as i announced last week - my good friend margaret's hubby planned this incredible trip for her (and me!!!!) to fly to new york...attend the project runway finale fashion show...during fashion week...

what.a.fun.time.we.had...not only beng able to attend the finale of a show that i literally have watched since the first season it was on...but to be able to be close to where all the fashion shows take place...during the start of fashion week...

so...new york's weather did not disappoint - it was beautiful & sunny & perfect...we headed to the lincoln center (first year here for fashion week) and...the first person we bump into is nigel barker - photographer...and he begged to take a picture with me...and so i had to oblige...ok...maybe that isn't quite how it happened...but in any event...here is our pic together... =)



we were seriously so excited to be attending this event...here is our first official picture together at the memorable event...


once inside...loved seeing the infamous runway sign...that up until this point i had only seen on tv...year after year...



we found our seats...and could not contain our excitement...



the beautiful host of the show...heidi klum...she is SO beautiful...and moreso in person...imagine our excitement when she announced that we would be seeing the remainder 10 contestants and their lines...



we sat across from the judges...guest judge was jessica simpson...they did not give anything away...in fact...they did very little writing as we normally see on tv...but that is ok...the fashion show was unbelievable...

jessica simpson, nina garcia, michael kors, heidi klum

can you guess which designers look was coming down the runway when the judges had these lovely looks on their faces?? =) i cannot reveal...haha...actually this was not during the show...but i do wonder what caused such facial expressions...


and may i say...of the top three looks that i loved...one was already kicked off this last week...so the winner is a toss up...it is anyone's guess...

here was the contents of our gift bag...such fun items...and who doesn't love getting a gift?



my hope was to meet tim gunn...that would have made this trip that much more special...but alas...the closest i got to seeing him was his pic on his book in my gift bag...oh well...the trip was still pretty perfect...


but to ease my disappointment in not seeing him...the man i have SO much respect for...i headed out to central park...and my most favoite spot there...total serenity...

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

transitioning into fall...

one of the most difficult moments for a lot of my clients is the transitioning period between seasons...of course dependant on where you live...it varies...here in the san francisco bay area...we are just starting to have some really good summer weather...and it is mid september...and most likely we will continue to have beautiful sunny weather...sometimes through mid november...so it is not uncommon to see sandals, bare legs, and sleeveless looks being worn into those months...

so how do you transition from summer to fall in your wardrobe? obviously the rules have changed over the years as to what is and isn't acceptable after labor day...as i had written earlier about the whole "no white after labor day rule"...there are ways of transitioning...quite easily from one season to another...and it all boils down to fabric content and colors...

when transitioning into fall...it truly is all about layering...where the mornings & evenings may have that crispness that fall brings...the day could reach some pretty warm temperatures...this is where you bring out your lightweight blazers, sweaters and scarves to help ward off the morning cold...another great option to have is a lightweight trench coat without the heavy linings...

when it comes to sandals...yes...if the weather permits...keep wearing them...however...because we are heading into the fall months...opt for sandals in darker hues such as black or brown and save the white for next summer...

when it comes to your tops...white t-shirts are a staple...all year round...and they are great for layering...if you opt for color...start weaning out the light pastel colors...and bring in darker hues...still able to wear your pinks & oranges...but darker hues represent fall much better...

i take a lot of my color cues from the fall leaves...beautiful darker hues of my most favorite summer colors...

Monday, September 13, 2010

the savvy chic event...in sarasota, florida...

calling all fashionistas who want value without sacrificing luxury and quality!


so ladies...if you are anywhere near sarasota, florida...you are in for a treat! my good friend jamie (in florida) and my business partner & friend adena...and me...have partnered up to offer "the savvy chic event"

where?? you might ask? well...they will be offered 4 times a year in sarasota, florida as well as burlingame, ca...can you imagine a sample sale with fabulous clothes and accessories from boutiques across the U.S. at fabulously discounted prices? well...no more imagination needed...

so today kicks off the sarasota event...if you are in the area...make your appointment early! first come...means...first selections...

the savvy chic event in sarasota, fl - 9/13 - 9/19 Call 941.539.3987 or email jamiegrollman@aol.com to schedule your appointment...

oh...and be sure to follow us on facebook under "the savvy chic event" for all the upcoming events...and don't keep us a secret!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

a surprise trip...

so how crazy is this? i just found out friday...that i am flying out tuesday morning to new york city! one of my very very close friend's hubby surprised her and a friend (me!) to an all expense paid trip to new york city...but wait it gets better...it is during fashion week...and even better...we are going to the project runway finale...i have been smiling ear to ear since friday morning...

so...my fabulous readers...i will take lots of pics...report on all my shopping...and fun activities when i'm back...which means...blogging if any...will be very sporadic...

enjoy your week...and remember...stay chic!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

fashion funnies: back to school shopping & denial...

what happened to the days where school officially started after labor day weekend? most kids i know have already been back in school for 2 to 3 weeks...labor day was always the last summer splash event...before the dreaded exciting first day of school...

saw this comic strip in the sunday paper last week...made me smile...although i loved school...(especially the back to school shopping that was the start of it!) some don't...



(1st slide)mom: those colors look too christmasy

(2nd slide)mom: now you look like halloween

(3rd slide)mom: flag day

(4th slide)mom: thanksgiving

(5th slide)mom: easter. why do you keep picking clothes that say "holiday"?
child: i dunno. denial?

classic...

enjoy the long weekend! may it be safe, fun & fabulous!!

Friday, September 3, 2010

the "no white after labor day" rule...

well...first off...if i confess that i tend to like to break the rules...i'm sure that will let you know my stance on this rule...with labor day weekend approaching us...yay!...i thought i would give my two cents on this dumb lovely rule...

i have to say...this is a question that is often asked...and my answer?? of course you can wear white after labor day...not only because i love to break rules...but it is a rule that doesn't make sense...are you with me?

so yes to the white jeans...yes to the white summer dresses...yes to your white sandals...i mean...if it is mid september...even mid october...and where you live you are still in a hot climate...what are you supposed to do? put on your winter clothes?

as the weather transitions...put away your light white cottons and linens...but yes...you can still wear white...remember the lovely color "winter white? it is called "winter" for a reason...it is now about the fabrics...think heavier materials...

how stunning would a wool or cashmere coat be in winter white? or wool pants or skirt...a comfy white sweater?

as far as the white shoes? well...i have to admit...i am not a fan of white shoes...summer or winter...except for maybe some summer sandals...for a lighter tone...go with a nude color...much more chic...

and most of all...enjoy the long weekend...

photo source

Thursday, September 2, 2010

fashion's night out...

...is a week away...are you planning on participating? for those of you who don't know what that means...last year was the first time that we had fashion's night out...and it was a huge success...it is an event to celebrate fashion...restore consumer confidence...boost the industry's economy...and put the fun back into shopping...

the best description i have seen for this wonderful event is as follows:

from brooklyn to brazil to bombay, the fashion industry is already buzzing about the news that last year's globe-spanning, night-crawling, staggeringly successful shopping extravaganza fashion's night out, is back!

the 2010 edition of the biggest fashion party in history promises to be equally epic, splurge inspiring and full of even more stylish surprises.


lifted from the "fashion's night out" page... =) don't you just love the countdown on the website?

so of course...if i had a choice...i would want to be in new york...in the heart of it...but there are some activities going on here in san francisco as well...to help you out...here are some links to help forge you ahead...if you so choose to participate...

for those of us in san francisco...check out the participating stores...

and if you are wondering if there are events in your area...fno elsewhere should help...

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

one is never enough...



one of my fabulous friends on facebook (thank you sandra!) posted this pic today...with the caption "I would gladly receive any pair here, though two in particular are really appealing to my need today"...i asked if i could post the pic...and she so kindly said...of course!

i have heard so many times...mostly from husbands speaking to their wives..."don't you already have a pair of black shoes?" and it always makes me smile...one pair of black shoes is never enough...

just take a look at this pic...so many different personalities & styles are represented...yes...they are all black...but oh so different...granted...maybe you only need one pair in a pump...maybe two...one with a lower heel...one with a higher heel...a mary jane? of course...and don't forget a strappy pair...that already puts you at 3 to 4 pairs...

i won't even tell you how many pairs of black shoes i have... =)
Blog Widget by LinkWithin