happy new year...

can you believe it is the last day of the year? for me...this year has seriously flown by...but...i am truly looking forward to all that 2012 has in store...

to my wonderful clients...thank you for a fabulous year of styling...shopping...and doing what i so love to do...helping in making YOU look the best that you can...

to my readers...thank you for sharing along with me in my passion for all that is fashion...

may 2012 bring you much joy & happiness...and where ever your path may lead...may you arrive looking stylish!

happy new year!

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30 things to stop doing to yourself...

i came across this incredible blog post about a week or two ago...and wanted to save it for the end of the year...to share it with all of you...the blog is called marc and angel hack life...which is practical tips for productive living...i highly recommend perusing back to this blog...some incredible posts...

in my line of work...clothes is really not the whole picture...sure you can find an incredible outfit for someone...but depending on what they are feeling on the inside...or carrying around on the inside...will have a huge impact on the overall appearance...i have had my share of both men & women clients...who pick apart all that is wrong with them...form the too big hips...to the "not tall enough" to the "wishing i was a size 2"...we need to start embracing the good that is within all of us...and focus on what can be changed...

one of my favorite quotes reads..."be yourself, everyone else is taken..." ~ oscar wilde

so to all my readers...take delight in how authentically beautiful you can be...

this list from the blog mentioned above...was something that i think all of us can take to heart...and start the new year off right...with a nice list of 3o things to stop doing to yourself...here is to an incredible 2012...

30 things to stop doing to yourself...written by marc

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1.Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

2.Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

3.Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.

4.Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5.Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6.Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

7.Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

8.Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

9.Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.

10.Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.

11.Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.

12.Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

13.Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

14.Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

15.Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

16.Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”

17.Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

18.Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

19.Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.

20.Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.

21.Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.

22.Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

23.Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.

24.Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.

25.Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

26.Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

27.Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.

28.Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.

29.Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

30.Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

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step out in some sparkle...

what better time then news years eve to put a little sparkle in your step...although...truth be told...personally...i think a little sparkle all year round is necessary...

shoes & sparkle...here are some beauties to inspire you...

jimmy choo
crystal-heel suede pumps
saks fifth avenue

marc by marc jacobs
zappos

miu miu glitter open toe platform pump
nordstrom

michael antonio anderson glitter
zappos

jimmy choo whirl glitter-toe suede ballerina
neiman marcus

men's corner: why not tux it?

so...if your plans are to wear a tuxedo more then just on your wedding day...i always suggest investing in one that fits you right...which means...don't rent...but buy...

this month in gq magazine "the best tuxedo jackets under $400" had some great finds...be sure to check them out...

most think of a tuxedo for a formal event...while that is absolutely the item of choice when going to a black tie event...the tuxedo jacket can be worn with a pair of jeans...why not look stylish...even in your jeans...

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what are your fashion resolutions for 2012?

it's that time of year again...at least for me...i'm not quite sure why the whole "resolutions" thing has such a bad rap...maybe it is the actual word...i really see resolutions as a goal...and at the end of the year...just as i spent time on my business & personal plan for 2012...i see it as a beginning...to see what worked...what didn't...what changes need to be made...and how to implement them...

so for this reason...i ask every year of my readers...to dig deep and let me know what their beauty/fashion resolutions are...personally i enjoy looking back at prior years and seeing how i implemented the new goals/resolutions...

so think of it as a step in the right direction...not as a resolution...if that word bothers you...what changes would you like to make? what would you like to do more of?

perhaps you are in a job...looking for a promotion...and you know you need to step up your wardrobe...or maybe you want to add more color...perhaps you want to streamline your closet...maybe you want to try a new look that you have been loving...

please share...and in january...i will compile all the submissions i get via this blog, twitter, facebook & email...and let you know what everyone is focusing on...who knows...maybe the one thing you list will inspire someone else to make that change...

25 ways to wear a scarf...

so...did you happen to get a beautiful scarf for christmas? or maybe that is something you don't ask for...because you've already got a stack of them...and have no idea what to do with them...

well...here is one of the best tutorials i have found...if you have got 4.5 minutes...25 great ideas...



why don't you try a new one out...and let us know which one was your favorite...

merry christmas...

wishing you a very stylish christmas...

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men's corner: the non-boring blazer...

the blazer is truly a magical piece of clothing...it can literally take an outfit (for both men & women) and pretty much make it look "put-together" in a minutes time...it can take the most casual...or blah outfit...and spruce it up a bit...

but understand...there are blazers...and then there are fabulous blazers...and for me...the key is fit...first and foremost...but also...in the fabric...and color...so instead of going for a plain ole blue, brown or black blazer...although at least one of those is good to have around...go for some color...such as in the beautiful corduroy blazer below...with a button down shirt, t-shirt or sweater...jeans...a well put together outfit is created...without trying really hard...

other options to spice it up from the solid color blazers...look for a nice tweed...or if you are a bit bolder...how about a nice herringbone or houndstooth? with an outfit like this...tell me you won't get a second or third look...

façonnable corduroy blazer
nordstrom

the holiday dress...

a client that i have been working with for most of this year...who has made amazing strides in her wardrobe...when we first met...she told me she wanted to work on having her own personal style...she wanted to wear things that her friends would say "that is so you"...she didn't want trendy...she didn't want "out there"...she wanted herself...the real person that she knew she was...but wasn't being reflected in her clothes...

so we started on this incredible journey...and at the beginning...mostly what she would say when asked to try something on...was..."that won't work on my body"...now we laugh about it...but back then...it took a while till there was a trust...a trust that she knew what i was doing...and that i was truly there to make her look her absolute best...

so...she called me a few weeks back...her gift to herself was to get a new "wow" holiday dress...she at this point does not question what i give her to try on...but the moment that this dress went on her...and she blurted out "oh my god...i never thought i could look this good..." we both knew it was the right dress...

when figuring out what works for you...and your body...you need to do the work...you need to try on many different styles...until you find the ones that work for you...and know that when something doesn't work...it isn't that something is wrong with you...but that the style is not right...

nicole miller open back jersey sheath dress
nordstrom

how to get the holiday blues...

...the "right" kind of holiday blues...

whether you start small...like a little sparkle on your nails...

sephora midnight mambo by opi
sephora

or make it so that everyone is noticing your shoes...

nine west frederika
zappos

being blue...but still being warm...

st. john collection sequined cardigan & sleeveless shell
neiman marcus

dazzle in a dress...

aidan mattox bloused cold shoulder sequin dress
nordstrom

or go back in time...for my vintage lovers...check out this lovely (the lovely cherie posted 3 blue beauties...be sure to check them all out here...

1950s blue dot silk taffeta dance dress
shrimpton couture

the christmas blues never seemed so inviting...

creating a look book...

let's face it..how can one remember all the fabulous outfits that we have thought of putting together...or put together...and then forgot how fabulous we felt...looked...and got complimented on?

one of the services that i offer my clients...once we have gone through the closets...poured over each item...decided on what works...and what doesn't...and what might...with a few tweaks...done the shopping...and created outfits...is to present them with their very own look book...

but if you don't have a stylist...for whatever reasons...you too can create your very own look book...what will one need? a digital camera...a beautiful photo album...and time...

a digital camera just makes it easy...you can look through the pictures as you are taking them to make sure that the items are coming out clear...

a beautiful photo album...treat yourself...make it personal...whether you buy an actual photo album or use a binder...personalize it and make it your own...

and time...you need to get into the mindset of looking at your items of clothing and creatively thinking outside the box...items can easily be mixed and matched to create wonderful new outfits...

and this is key...you photograph the whole outfit...meaning...clothes...shoes & accessories...

once your look book is done...i guarantee you will save yourself standing in front of the closet wondering what to wear...instead...you can quickly flip through your look book and get re-inspired from outfits you may have forgotten about...

make it fun...spend a weekend afternoon trying on and mixing and matching clothes...and take photographs of yourself in each one...put together tons and tons of outfits from casual to workday to evening...

and if this seems overwhelming to try on your own...invite over a stylish friend...or better yet...hire a stylist to come on in your closet...and give your clothing new life...

fashion funnies: casual friday...

enjoy the weekend...

put together: three color combo...

when it comes to getting enveloped in color...two stores always stand out for me...trina turk & j crew...i will walk in and literally smile at all the color surrounding me...

and one of THE best color combinations...is orange, pink & green...so when i saw this ad...i wasn't surprised that it was j crew...i mean...they know how to work color in the most delicious ways...no?

and is this not the easiest outfit to put together? what would your three color combo be?

scanned by moi

men's corner: get your shine on...

let's face it...women have an abundance of choices when it comes to putting a little bit of spark to an outfit...especially for the holidays...but men...this is the perfect time to put a little "shine" to your outfit as well...

what better way then a nice pair of patent leather shoes? the look is polished, clean & sensible...whether you choose a loafer...or a lace-up...these fabulous choices are sure to stand the test of time...

lace-up shoe with tassels
gucci


bond 2 patent leather moccasins
salvatore ferragamo

what's new at fabulous finds consignment boutique...

...have you taken a look lately? items are always being added...currently we have about 625 items...yep...625...and all that means is that there is something for everyone...so what's your poison? thought it would be nice to link by department...for your shopping convenience...

shoes

accesssories

dresses

tops

skirts

pants

sweaters

jackets

coats

plus size

vintage

men's corner

happy shopping!

fashion funnies: hoarding vs collecting...

the lovely jody from couture allure vintage fashion sent me this lovely...on a side note...she sells some fabulous vintage...be sure to take a peak...

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may your weekend be fabulous!

tangerine tango...

it's official...tangerine tango is the color of 2012...

pantone's description reads: "Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

the name alone got me...being part argentinian...and loving the argentinian tango...how can i not?

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but beyond that...the color is superb! from nail polish...to lipstick...to handbags...to a fabulous dress...this color will be a great addition to your current wardrobe...while adding a little bit of sizzle...

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same day...same drink...same card...

my very dear friend...and business partner with the savvy chic event...adena...share the same birth day...so every year...we pick a day to celebrate...this year...with both of our busy schedules...we didn't get to celebrate until 3 weeks after our birthday...which is kind of nice...just stretches out the birthday celebrations...

and every year...we celebrate at the same place...and this year was no different...

of course...we got a laugh out of the fact that we got each other the same card...i don't even think that surprised us...



but had to take a picture...



we always celebrate at the same spot...because we start our celebrations with fabulous pomegranate martinis...with a splash of champagne...don't they look festive?



and look what i got to add to my growing library...thanks adena!

what not to wear to court...

i have to admit...you know those walmart emails that go around? with all the lovely outfits people are caught wearing at walmart? yeah...i cringe...the thing is...whether these individuals were photographed at walmart...or home depot...or the grocery store...the point is...they were obviously wearing the items they were photographed in...and my question would be...do you own a mirror?

today i had the lovely duty pleasure of going to the court house for jury duty...i almost thought i was off the hook...as i was on stand-by for 2 times...but alas...the third time i called in...i was summoned to come on in...

i really don't mind the whole jury process...i mean...it needs to be done...and i have to say...there was one time...i really wanted to be chosen...for a "hire for murder" trial...but i wasn't...and i was bummed...yes...bummed...

but that was then...and this is now...and as the jury selection continues...i will be back in tomorrow morning...

but...that is not what this post is about...it is about what not to wear to court...do you need to don a suit? of course not...although both female lawyers looked quite put togther in their suits...

i'm a people watcher...i enjoy looking to see how people put together outfits...different personal styles...etc...today...i wish i had my camera...although i'm wondering if i would have been able to take pics...

the thing is...when the judge...along with his statements about all the "law" stuff we need to pay attention to...also has to go in detail of what not to wear to court...i really begin to wonder what people are thinking...

today we had...one who came in her slippers...matching beautifully to her pajama bottoms...you guessed it...i cringed...

we had an individual who showed enough cleavage to take the focus off other matters...and looking like she mis-read the jury duty summons to mean...dance club...

and last but certainly not least...we had a nice young man...who managed to show off his lovely patterned boxer short...and his pants somehow hanging on to dear life...about half way down his buttocks...i still wonder how he walks without his pants falling down...

the judge addressed proper attire...and i'm left to wonder...is it really hard to figure out what would be appropiate to wear to a court of law? somthing that i think is common sense...is it?

what are your thoughts?

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black & white 101...

when all else fails...and you feel you have nothing to wear...one of the easiest ways to create an outfit...is to work with a black & white palette...as was the case...when i got a frantic call from a client...needing some guidance for a casual slightly dressy cocktail gathering with co-workers...

on a side note...the dress codes have really gotten out of hand lately...don't you think? i say...where what you feel comfortable in...and feel fabulous at the same time...

so...back to my client...as this was a very last minute frantic call...and there was no time for me to head on over to her place...i walked her through a simple tutorial of black & white 101...

although...i tend to encourage women to wear color...this is a very easy and effective way to get some great outfits together...

start with a tweed skirt...or houndstooth...herringbone...if none available...go for a solid black skirt...

add a black or white tank top...or striped...or polka dots...

add a jacket or a sweater...

black tights...

add animal print flats...ankle booties...or heels...every one of these looks is just great...

basically...you can't go wrong...

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fashion funnies: the constant dilemma...

have you uttered these words? "i don't have anything to wear..."



hope you are enjoying the first weekend in december...

would love to give photo credit where photo credit is due...but alas...i do not know from where this came...if you do...please let me know!

the peplum...

i have been telling clients and friends for a while that the peplum was starting to show back up on the runway...and on many celebrities...some laughed...thought i was off my rocker...personally...i have always loved the peplum...it just looks so lady-like...but for some...could be hard to wear...for me...it is a tough one...so for us girls with hips...it can still be done...just in moderation...

for example...the dress below that kerry washington is wearing is a peplum...but not so defined...and therefore doesn't attract all the attention to the hip area...

want a new way to define your waist? tired of the belt doing all the work? this definately is a great way to define that waist...and look lady-like all in one...be sure to click on the link below...for the small snippet harpers bazaar put out on the peplum...

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you had me at hello: dot love...

if someone were to ask me what appeals to me more...leopard or polka dots or stripes...i would have to say..."how can you choose?" if would be like asking me which cat i love more...although i have two beauties...both so different from the other...i just couldn't choose...

now...i know i know...we are comparing...in this case...handbags to cats...worse would be people...but i'm just trying to make a point...as much as i love leopard...stripes and polka dots are right on up there as well...

so...as i was perusing my december issue of vogue...i feasted my eyes on these beauties...well...the polka dots had me at hello...but look closer...these are polka dot hair calf...be still my beating heart...is this not a classic one needs in their arsenal? brahmin...redefining timeless style...i would say so...

tyler polka dot hair calf
scanned by moi

here is a smaller version...both are gorgeous...i'm liking the one that is a tad bit bigger...for some reason...

olivia rose polka dot hari calf
scanned by moi

filoli - part 3...

my tour of filoli...most known as the carrington mansion in "dynasty"...ended in the beautiful grand ballroom...of course i envisioned all the fabulous parties that must have taken place at one time...truly truly magnificent...

and with no shortage of christmas trees...the sparkle & shine of the decor could not help but get everyone in the mood for the holidays...















and the icing on top...being serenaded by the all men's choir...pure bliss...

filoli - part 2...

my tour of filoli continues...known to many as the carrington mansion in the show dynasty...

looks like my obsession with mannequins continues as well...



the dining roon was one of my favorites...with the beautiful piano being played in the background...to the lovely animal in its holiday tux...gotta love it...right?
the table was amazing...






beautiful doves that live on the grounds year round...don't you love the bird cage?



the massive fire places were extraordinary...decorated just right...although i would have loved to see it all lit up with a crackling fire...curled up with a good book...



upstairs were off limits...but the child in me wanted to sneak on up...just to take a peak at some of the massive bedrooms...but i refrained... =)






tomorrow...the last of the tour...the best room in the mansion by far...the grand ballroom...