you had me at hello: when a good pair of shoes is all you need...

yes...i do love sam edelman shoes...most of my flats are by sam edelman...they are comfortable...chic...a little bit of that something extra special thrown in...and voila...a great flat...

so as i was perusing my march issue of town & country...i knew when i turned the page and saw this...that something good was going to follow...

scanned by moi

but i had NO idea that what i saw...would have me at hello...when all you need is a good pair of shoes...obviously these shoes spoke to me...it took me a while to realize the model had nothing else on...but what else does she need? she has got the perfect pair of shoes...

and yes...they will be mine...

scanned by moi

instant travel...

your suitcase is your closet when you travel...and at times...i must admit...i have packed like i truly did bring my whole closet...only to bring it all back home unworn...add to that an achy back...when i started traveling for business in my corporate america days...i literally was on the road three weeks out of the month...and being that i had my suitcase to contend with...and all my "work" stuff...ie: laptop, brochures etc...i learned to be creative with my packing...

so here are a few things to think about when choosing clothes to pack...
- how much room does it take up?

- does it match with other pieces you're bringing?

- will it go day and evening?

- can you wear it more than once?

- does it wrinkle easily?

for example...my corporate america days...i pretty much lived in suits...i usually looked for suit fabric that was seasonless...like a lightweight wool...that made it possible for the suit to work both warm and cool climates...a dark suit with matching pants and skirt could be deconstructed to create a variety of looks with few accessories...i would pack a top that could stand on its own without the suit jacket...i would also pack a dressier pant and fun chic shoes to pair with my suit jacket out for a nite on the town... business dinner with clients...

all in all this works with casual wear as well...pair a few tops with that flouncy skirt...etc...

ideal travel fabrics bounce back after being crushed...who wants to spend time ironing clothes when you get to your destination? or worse yet...looking like a crumpled mess...if you so choose not to iron =)

do you have some great travel tips to share? please do...

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baggage...

...it's the stuff of life...both literally and emotionally...do you set out each morning with enough gear in your tote to run a fortune 500 company from your taxicab? or do you pare things down to the barest survival-kit essentials...wallet, agenda, keys, lipstick, and a packet of kleenex?

so today...as i was having breakfast with my dad...a woman walked into the restaurant...looking absolutely fabulous...great business suit...polished shoes...hair & make-up flawless...and then i saw it...the horror...her version of...i'm guessing a "business" briefcase...or maybe she thought no one would notice...and maybe they wouldn't have...except for...the fact that she walked in...met two other people...it was obvious that it was an important meeting...which she was leading...and the 4th chair...she put her lovely eye-sore version of a briefcase for all to see...it was a very discolored back-pack...had a tear or two in it...and she proceeded to remove folders from it...as she started her meeting...

i caught both the other people with her...looking at the back-pack...several times...so...did she blow the meeting? not sure...i mean...i give her credit...she looked very well put together...but...every piece needs to be thought out...and your briefcase should not be an after thought..unless it stays in the car...and doesn't see the outside world...or potential clients...

so what would have been a better option? i thought you'd never ask...because...really...there are so many options out there...when i worked in corporate america...and the briefcase was pretty much attached to me throughout the day...it was a purchase that i thought long and hard over...what look was i trying to go with...and most importantly...what was i going to be carrying around?

here are some great options...

- shoulder bag...the reliable shoulder bag with a handle...just in case...clean lines outside...lots of pockets inside...durable and practical...made from sturdy leather in a neutral color...a bag that can travel as easily to the office as to the stadum...

- tote...the ultimate traveling office...with room for your laptop...agenda...makeup kit...and assorted papers...it's bound to get heavy...make sure it has a shoulder strap that's comfortable long and allows your hands to be free...

- large envelope...sleek and minimalist...this bag is a good one for important documents...and is a feminine...lighter alternative to the traditional briefcase your father may have carried...the style is neat...tailored...and elegant...the only drawback? no handles or strap means it leaves you one-handed...

what i found helps as well...if you are in need of carrying around a briefcase...carry a small cluth...a great small bag to throw in your tote during office hours and use on its own at night or for important lunches...the clutch is a classic...so invest in quality and good design..it should last you for years...no need to be carrying around two large bags...right??

great options out there at so many price points...so leave your kid's backpack alone...make sure you are top notch for that next big meeting...

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advanced style...

one of my most favorite blogs to read is...advanced style...ari seth cohen (the creator of the blog) roams the streets of new york...looking for stylish older "folks"...and stylish they are! the blog is full of great pics...great video's of some of these stylish folk...

to me...there is nothing better then a passion for fashion at any age...but really...what it boils down to...is having enough respect for oneself to care about the way you look...no matter what age...

take a peak...great representation of unique style...color & flair...

last week...a short film was posted that had a nice array of several of the participants...i watched it over and over...such style...such fun...such expression of oneself...

fashion should be fun...and this video shows that ever so clearly...enjoy!



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fashion funnies: the right shade of lipstick...

this lovely was sent to me by my fabulous aunt...
enjoy your weekend!!

no...i haven't seen your lipstick...



why would you even ask me that?
i am so insulted!
every time something goes missing around here...
everybody looks at me...

color blocking with your separates...

the march issue cover of elle magazine was...in a word...fabulous! did you happen to see it? if not...i scanned it for you below...i have to say...i am really loving this whole color blocking that has been showing up on the runways as well as fashion magazines...

there is something about the intensity in pure...undiluted color...worn alone...the shock value of a bright...even moreso when fearlessly mixed...

so how to mix?

it depends on your bravery level... =) i've written before about wearing different tones of the same color...this would be a great first step...

if you want to venture out further...a great way to pick corresponding colors is by looking at the color wheel...opposite colors on the color wheel make for great color combo's...

but ultimately...all we need to do is look at nature...or pictures...or...well...all that is around us...for example...when you look at a bed of flowers...and you love the different color combinations...why not incorporate that same color combo into an outfit...

here are some wonderful color blocking combinations to inspire you...

what colors have you put together to form a color blocking outfit with your separates?

love all the colors!


my favorite color combo


actually anything with green...i love...

great gucci ad

photo credit: all scanned by moi...elle magazine

window display: a mannequin of cards...

sunday...while walking down the ave...sipping my skinny hazelnut latte...chatting it up with my oldest niece...we came across this lovely window display...at the papyrus store...now...i have always loved papyrus cards...especially the "fashionista" ones...but who would have thought that they would go all out and have a maanequin made of cards...

fabulous!

photo taken by moi

men's corner: anything but blue...

as it is true that men do not have as many options as women in the dressing department...there are always some nice options...as in the pic below...seen in the march issue of esquire magazine...when it comes to denim...anything but blue will do...well...i would never say to ditch the blue jeans...but why not try a few other options?

such as...grey? or even white? sporting it with a nice blazer...quite the chic look...don't you think?

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untangling the tangled webs we weave...

so yesterday...the question was asked...do you know what lurks in the tiniest corners of your closet? do you? are you preparing to start in on that massive spring cleaning? i had also mentioned that this should also cover your drawers...leaving no drawers unturned...and if that wasn't enough...there is another area that is often forgotten...but needs that "cleaning" as well...

where might this be? i thought you'd never ask!

your accessories go by the same rules...if it was not a quality treasure when it first came into your life...and all it is doing is cluttering up your jewelry box...i say...toss it...

but we can't quite stop there...accessories include shoes...belts...scarves...you know those old platform shoes...the ones you know that you know that you will never be wearing again? um...why are they taking up room in your closet? that vinyl-trimmed handbag...that flimsy leather belt...that chipped costume jewelry that you never pick up to wear...because of the big ole honking chip...um...why are they taking up room in your closet...in your drawers?

now...i'm not saying to get rid of items that you love...that maybe aren't quite "in" right now...these always have rerun possibilities...and should be considered for storing...

i am specifically talking about all those items that do not complement your image...the one you have worked so hard at...or maybe not...maybe it came naturally to you...i know for me...there are items that are still in great condition...but they are items that i know are not me...anymore...so i choose to get rid of them...and make room for only the things that i know are...

now i have worked with enough clients to know...that...well...unloading friendly old clothes may prove to be somewhat traumatic...for it seems the older the clothes the more sentimental attachment is involved...but be brave...and put sentiment aside...it is actually quite a comfortable feeling to look in your closet and see only wearable clothing..even if that closet is only half full...

photo credit

do you know what lurks...

...in the tiniest corner of your closet? those items that you haven't even pulled out for months...years...decades? could there be forgotten treasures? or perhaps...pieces of the past that need to be let go?

we would be at cross purposes to let our enthusiasm for creating a new spring wardrobe either divert our attention from the potential chic of some of the garments in our current wardrobe...or cause us to overlook the possibility of long-forgotten treasures hidden away in the back recesses of our closets...or crated and stored in the attic...

and since today...is the 2nd day of spring...what better time to talk about spring cleaning? before you activate your new spring wardrobe plan...it is a good idea to go through every last stitch of clothing you already own...yes...every one...and that includes...leaving no drawers unturned...and try to assess the value and serviceability of each item...it is highly probable that you own some clothes that can be successfuly integrated...as is...into your new spring wardrobe and others that can be altered...restyled...reaccessorized and generally renovated to accommodate your current style...

the probability...of course...is even higher that during your thorough investigation you will come across other old clothes that have simply outlived their usefulness...and that is really ok...these items should be immediately removed from the closet and/or drawers and donated to your favorite charitable organization...there is no sense in keeping them around and deluding yourself that you have a full working wordrobe when in fact...none of it is wearable...

so are you ready to begin your operation spring cleaning?

photo source

it's official...

...first day of spring! nothing makes me more happy...and although we had one of the worst storms last nite...that's ok...because the first day of spring brings a sense of "new"...of hope...of re-birth...of change...

flowers are a-blooming...colors are appearing...sun will be here soon too =) and to all of you i say..."happy first day of spring!"

fashion funnies: dress codes...

black tie...white tie...cocktail...casual chic...business casual...the list goes on and on for party dress codes...so what would maxine choose for a party labeled..."come as you are"?



enjoy your weekend...
keep japan in your prayers...

put together: white on white...

there is no simpler outfit...yet more put together then...well...simply white on white...have you tried it? this is anything but boring...and you will be sure to stand out...looking stylish and chic...

scanned by moi
self march issue

fashion bloggers helping japan...

it has been almost a week since the devastation hit japan...tsunami...earthquake...radiation...for me...it was that feeling of helplessness...same feeling i had when 9.11 happened...and even though i was far enough removed from it...i wasn't...for 9.11...i lost many friends...clients on that devastating day...for japan...although i had friends that were there...i know now they are safe...

so where does that leave us? is it because we are so far removed...that we just keep going on with life? in one respect...we need to...but on a human level...having compassion for another human being...whether they are in our backyard or not...seems the right thing to do...

and for this...i felt prompted to write this post...nothing about fashion...nothing about trends...just about people...people in need...people desperately needing our help...the thing with the devastation in japan...it is not something that can be fixed in a day...a week...a month...this will take years and years...and although we are safely tucked away in our every day lives...we cannot forget what the poor people in japan are going through...

wendy brandes...a jewelry designer...who i admire tremendously...wrote it far better then i ever could...in her march 17th post...i hope that you click on over and read it...

fashion bloggers are uniting...to help in any way we can...to realize that although we love fashion...we love the business...sometimes...there are just more important things to discuss...and today...for me...it is all about japan...

my thoughts and prayers are with the people of japan every day...as much as they need our prayers...they need supplies...food...shelter...etc...if you are able to help...click here...which will take you to a great list of links to charity and news sources that wendy brandes put together...

fellow fashion bloggers: wendy has also given permission for us to use this image...so if you feel in your heart...to share...and encourage others to get involved in any way that they can...

you had me at hello...green with envy...

the magazines are full of colors...bright bold colors...makes me smile...how can it not? and my wish list? my wish list that forever is growing...just got an additional item added...

feast your eyes on this beauty...how appropriate with st. patty's day being tomorrow...it was one of those "you had me at hello" moments the minute i laid eyes on her...yes please...

scanned by moi
cole haan
vogue march 2011 issue

print print...everywhere a print print...

in case you didn't know...prints are big for this spring season...everything from dresses...to shoes...to bags...to...well...just about everything...

as i was in the boutique yesterday...setting up for our big "spring fling" sample sale...i caught myself smiling as i was unpacking all the lovely silk scarves we have...just look at all these fun prints!

prints are not for everyone...but there are always small ways you can incorporate a trend in your wardrobe...without it overwhelming you...for example...prints...if the thought of wearing a dress in bold print terrifies you...how about a fun scarf? you still have the print theme going on...just in smaller scale...

i already have my eye on one of these...i keep telling myself "if it doesn't sell"...but i have a feeling...it may never hit the floor...

you can follow the dates and fabulous items in the savvy chic boutique on our facebook page...or website...and by all means...if you are local...(meaning the san francisco bay area) stop by and say hello!

so...are you going to give prints a try?

dear fashion advisor...

Q. I'm seeing all of these bright colors out there for Spring, and they remind me of the 80's (you know, been there...done that?) How can I incorporate them into my wardrobe in a current way?

A. ah yes...i know what you mean...the old saying is something to the effect: if you remember the trend from the first time around...you probably don't want to jump on board the second time around...but...if you're wanting to give a nod to the current trend...there are a few ways to do it (courtesy of british vogue...thank you very much!)

pair your favorite bright with a neutral - the calming effect of nudes, caffe latte, mushroom and silver grey help diffuse some of the 'pop'...

try a band of black to anchor the neon - whether it's a literal bank of black or a tie-dye effect or even black lace...


go conservative in styling - a prim suit and sensible skirt length will counterbalance the daring of the bright color...



if that's too much for you...try a neon accessory...it'll add an element of surprise to an otherwise neutral outfit...

of course...if you're the dramatic type...you may want to try the head-to-toe column of color...all you need is a brave state of mind...

fashion funnies: ancient attic clothes..

being a vintage collector...i had to smile when i saw this comic strip a few weeks back in the san francisco chronicle...

daughter: wow! look at you two, all trendy in the latest hot fashions! where are you off to?

the parents look at each other confused...

dad: an old fogey "remember the 60's" party...

mom: these are ancient attic clothes...

daughter: were...

enjoy the weekend!

chocolate high heel shoes...

seriously...how fabulous are these? i came across them while searching for something or other...well...no...let's be honest...i was searching for chocolates... =) who would not want to receive these? great gift idea...no?

gayle's chocolates...for the love of chocolate...several cute shoes to choose from...these just happened to be my favorites...and yes...if you want...you may send me some =)

photo source

spring cleaning...

anytime is a good time for a good spring cleaning...whether it be july...november...or the month of march...the "official" (if there is such a thing) month for spring cleaning...perhaps it is the bursting of new blooms...the "1st" day of spring...daylight savings time...march is truly a good time to start thinking or already doing the infamous "spring cleaning"

let's face it...fashion is ever changing...and so are we...whether you realize it or not...everywhere you go and everything that you experience becomes imprinted and stored into your emotional and intellectual closet...

and although constant change usually does not mesh with our everyday comfort zones...it actually shakes them up...so with that...i always say...embrace change...give into it...

fashion may not be your number one priority...in fact...you may be kicking and screaming in opposition...either way...you are expending energy...so why not make it a positive experience?

building and maintaining a wardrobe is not about running the trends and striving to fit in...fashion shouldn't be a source of stress...it exists to make your everyday life more enjoyable and fun...

so...find the clothing that looks great on you and makes you feel great and you've conquered the fashion beast...

and if the thought of examining...purging...and revamping your wardrobe and closet space puts you in a fetal position...ok...maybe i'm being dramatic...maybe not (for some)...by all means...get help! whether it be a trusted friend whose fashion sense you trust...or bite the bullet and hire a wardrobe consultant...it could be the best money you've ever spent...or close to it...

i can list email after email...card after card from clients...who were skeptical...scared...thought it was a waste of money...on and on with the excuses...but when they took the plunge...what they were left with...was a fully functioning wardrobe...that fit into every area of their life...

now who wouldn't want that? if you are in the san francisco bay area...i am currently taking appointments...let's start off this season...with a "spring" in your step...more time for the fun activites...and less time...standing in front of a closet trying to figure out what to wear...

mad about color...

for those that have been reading my blog for a while...you may have picked up on the things that i am pretty obsessed with...leopard...shoes...vintage...and color...i have to say...i have been pretty excited about all the color on the runways...on the red carpet...so...when i quickly flipped through my march issue of instyle magazine...my heart did a double flip for an article entitled "mad about color"...the pictures just popped with vibrant bold colors...these scanned pics by "moi" do not do them justice...

modeled by the lovely liya kebede...styled by the sweetie pie brad goreski...photographed by giampaolo sgura...raf simons's collection for jil sander..well...it does not disappoint this color loving girl...as the opening remarks state "proving simplicity can dazzle when lit by a rainbow"

take for example this silk blouse, peplum & wool-blend pants...but it doesn't stop there...the color...



goes all the way down to the shoes...giuseppe zanotti design suede wedges...um...yeah...i want them...



and this gorgeous color? i have been obsessed...is it emerald green? kelly green? whatever you choose to call it...the green & coral...what a lovely combination...no?



"bold color is always easier when you see it in a recognizable shape...it takes courage to wear...but what an exciting challenge"
~ raf simons

men's corner: the sport coat...

whether you are wearing khaki's...jeans...or trousers...one of the easiest ways to still be casual...but look put together is with a sport coat...the great thing about a sport coat...is that the possibilities are endless...so many wonderful fabric choices to choose from...

so which to choose? cashmere or velvet? wool or corduroy? i say...this is the way to pull some fun into your wardrobe...go for texture...prints...a striped...checked or houndstooth...and my all time favorite...a glen plaid...

sport coats should be fun...so look for details that you might not necessarily want in a suit jacket...an elbow patch...how about some embossed buttons?

when we are talking about closet staples...a sport coat should be on the list...it is a great investment...the sport coat can take you from the office to dinner...and...i don't know...but i'm thinking...when a man is traveling...if you've got one in jeans and a t-shirt...and the other in jeans with a sport coat...the latter will probably be getting more upgrade offerings...

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fashion funnies: red carpet accessories...

although the award shows are behind us once again...i had to post this comic strip that my girlfriend sent me...the red carpet jewelry...are you curious as to where it comes from?



enjoy your weekend!

about a thread count...

j.crew has done a series of small video's entitled "made in italy" - the first one was "about a shoe"...this is the second in the series..."made in italy - about a thread count"...truly amazing as jenna lyons...creative director and president of j.crew...and frank muytjens...men's designer go to italy...visiting several fabric mills...to see how the highest quality materials are produced from start to finish...



truly amazing...no? can you almost feel the softness of the fabrics? the next video will be out in about a month entitled "about a print"...stay tuned...

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about a shoe...

photo source

seriously...can you stand this fabulous display of shoes?? les sigh...belongs to jenna lyons..the president and executive creative director of j.crew...decided to post the pic...since this little post is all about shoes...and j.crew...

about a month ago...j.crew launched a "made in italy" series...and for some reason...i thought i had done a post on it...but alas...when i did my little search...i came up empty handed...there are now two...which i'll post the second one tomorrow...the first in the series was "about a shoe"...

take a look...pretty fascinating...just increases my love for shoes that much more...how about you?