fashion funnies: it's all about the fabric content...

=)



make it a fabulous weekend!

you had me at hello: down to there...

so what could stop me dead in my tracks? an awesome pair of shoes...a stylish handbag...throw in some vintage...or...some nice long dangling earrings...down to there...les sigh...

as i was perusing my april issue (yes...i'm behind) of california style...after all...i am a california girl through and through...this page...stopped me dead in my tracks...i mean really...how can you choose just one??

my favorite is the top right...after all diamonds are a girl's best friend...bulgari high jewelry earrings...i can tell you right now...without knowing the price...i know they are out of my budget...but a girl can dream...right?

second choice...the bottom right...ca & lou earrings...at saks fifth avenue
and third...for my running around town pair...i'm loving the bottom left...david yurman earrings...

scanned by moi

formspring.me

do you have a fashion question? http://formspring.me/fabulousfinds

the signs all point to orange...

so this morning i saw this cute little article in the wsj "classics with a twist" which i posted to my fabulous finds facebook page...(feel free to follow me)...

the article line that caught my eye was "a splash of citrus, a flash of orange to brighten everyday essentials"...which got me to thinking...that i should probably pull out my little orange handbag that i got years and years ago...it truly is such a happy color...don't you think?



fast forward about 6 hours...i showed up at my parents house...and there on the kitchen counter...be still my beating heart...peeps! and orange ones! apparently...my mom had bought them for me (gotta love her) and forgot to give them to me at easter...now you know about my love for peeps in color...but i had never seen them in orange...aren't they the cutest?



so all signs are pointing to orange...what do you think that means?

men's corner: art in a shirt...

photo source

i recently introduced robert graham shirts to one of my clients...a very conservative dresser...he had left corporate america...and wanted to "update" his look...i knew he needed a bit of "funkiness" to his wardrobe...but knew that i needed to tread lightly...

so as we walked into the local nordstrom...i picked one up that wasn't too "out there" for him to check out...the high lights of the robert graham shirts are the interesting patterns...and the wonderful knack of mixing patterns with the upturned sleeve...the mix of patterns is also seen in the collar...surprisingly he loved it...and we ended up picking up a few shirts for him...one of which was pretty "wild" for him...but he felt comfortable in it...and that is what mattered...

i have always loved these shirts...each one is truly like a piece of art...the carefully selected fabrics...it is always a surprise to see what mix of colors and patterns make up each shirt...

if you are looking for a bit of whimsy...or funky...or just plain brilliance to add to your wardrobe...check out the robert graham shirts...you can't just stop at one..as they are all so wildly different...

photo source

smooth operator...

obviously i am a big supporter (no pun intended) of full length mirrors...as i wrote a while back...sometime last year "mirror mirror on the wall" stated many reasons for owning at least one...none of which was or is for vanity purposes...

so...before you head out for the interview...date...dinner with friends...make a point of checking your outfit in a full-length mirror for fashion felonies...yes...they exist...and here they are in no particular order...

bra bulge
muffin top
visible panty lines

i know...i know...it is not like you will actually be arrested for not having the perfect figure...honestly...who really has one? we though...can be thankful for the abundance of shapewear on the market...and because of it...most everyone can look as smoothly turned out as a celebrity...(side note: most of them live by their shapewear...no matter what their size)

call it your ammunition...call it cheating...call it whatever you want...but shapewear...truly is a woman's best friend...actually it is a man's best friend too...did you know they have "spanx for men"?

the thing is...some are still stuck on that whole image of being squeezed into an uncomfortably tight, dreary looking beige-hued girdle...like momma used to wear...but today's shapewear is made to be more comfortable than ever....and shapewear today comes in more styles than ever...and in a vast price range...

so whether you find yours at target (assets line) or sears (dr. rey shapewear)...victoria's secret or nordstrom...the point is...to find it...and own it...

and...if you have one...or two that you swear by...please share!

photo source

the 12 most stylish tv housewives...

...of all time? hmmm...what do you think? came across this article in instyle.com...of course of the 12...if i had to pick a favorite...it would have to be the lovely betty draper of mad men...here are the 12 that instyle.com listed...do you agree? or is there someone you think should be on the list? click on the intyle.com link above to see all the pics and descriptions...

lucy ricardo, i love lucy
donna stone, the donna reed show
laura petrie, the dick van dyke show
lisa douglas, green acres
marge simpson, the simpsons
vivian banks, the fresh prince of bel-air
charlotte york goldenblatt, sex and the city
gabrielle solis, desperate housewives
mrs. ari, entourage
betty draper, mad men
gloria delgado-pritchett, modern family
kyle richards, the real housewives of beverly hills

photo source

fashion funnies: bunny slippers...

photo source

wishing you a fabulous easter weekend...

peeps in color...

to say i love these little critters is the understatement of the year...honestly...i'm glad they only come around once a year...my mom has already given me a little box of "yellow" peeps...but have you noticed all the colors? i'm thinking i need to try each one =) just to be fair...

photo source

did you know that the washington post holds a "peeps diorama" contest?

"Since 2007, we've combed through thousands of sweet, sticky entries in search of the true masters of the marshmallow medium. To enter, create a diorama of a famous event, scene or pop-culture reference using Peeps as your characters"

be sure to click on the washington post link above...there are some incredible entries...which is your favorite?

i was hoping to post a few of my favorite's...but wasn't able to copy the images here...and as i was frantically searching...i came across this lovely video...appropriately titled "project peepway"

and i thought i was the only one loving the peeps...



enjoy your easter weekend...be sure to have a peep...or two...

the date has been set...

...fashion's night out
september 8, 2011...

"from manhattan to milan, atlanta to australia...the after-hours shopping extravaganza fashion's night out is back! for the third year in a row!!"

check out the "fashion's night out" website for more details...i just love the real-time countdown they show...doesn't it get you excited?

photo source

dear fashion advisor: those heavy sneakers...

Q. I like to keep up with my workouts when I'm traveling, but my sneakers take up SO much room. I don't want to substitute my hot heels for my sneakers, so what's my solution?

a. i hear you!! this becomes even more of a problem if you're taking only a carry-on on your travels...the solution is to choose a lightweight...packable shoe that can do double-duty - at the gym and for casual wear...

merrell has some great options...like the barefoot pure glove shown below...it's only 4.4 ounces...so it won't add weight to your suitcase...which is another consideration these days since airlines are charging not only for checked baggage...but even more for overweight bags...

i'm always looking for a good looking casual shoe for travel and these suit the bill...merrell has a wide range of styles to choose from...so you should find something that works for you...

merrell's barefoot pure glove

travel = shopping...

for the most part...i shop wherever i travel...i see it as an essential part of any trip...and although i did my fill of shopping this last weekend in houston, texas...it was all for a client...i'm talking about shopping for myself...and i couldn't believe that i ended up having no time for that...i would have liked to have found some vintage shops...or boutique shops...but alas...it was not meant to be...

which made me think of a conversation i had with some of my girlfriends a few weeks back...same subject...shopping while traveling...i was surprised that it didn't seem to be the "norm"...at least in this group...

now when i would travel out of the country...it was always a given that i would get something to bring back with me as a remembrance of my trip...when i told them the story of my trip to australia...where i brought back not one...but two pairs of the most incredible stiletto's...and i still have them today...while most (i guess) would be picking up something that was specific to australia...i opted for shoes...which seems like such a normal thing to do...

i think one of the reasons i love to shop while traveling...is the ability to find unique items...but much more than that...it's finding the things you never knew you needed...maybe that is a stretch for some...but while some grab snow globes...or shot glasses...i'll continue to opt for a new pair of shoes...perhaps a blouse...whatever that item will be that is oh so perfect for me...

do you make shopping a part of your travels?

photo source

fashion funnies: smiley face...

although i am sure that she made a lot of people smile that day...just another reason why a last minute check in the full length mirror is of upmost importance...


enjoy your weekend!

window display: dress of sales tags...

you know me...love a fabulous window display...this one was taken by my good friend adena while she was shopping in new york...she can't quite remember what store it was...although the reflection in the window shows bloomingdales...so...any fellow new yorkers care to take a guess at what lovely establishment this might be?

photo taken by adena ditonno

discarded to divine...

it always amazes me when designers come up with an amazing new collection...but even moreso...when a designer can take a piece of discarded clothing...and make something beautiful out of it...and that is what "discarded to divine" is all about...

Discarded to Divine features a collection of one-of-a-kind fashion creations and exquisite home décor created from discarded clothing and materials, benefitting the St. Vincent de Paul Society's services to people battling poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.

if you would like to read more about the start of this charitable event...click here to read the story...

this friday april 15th - there is a free preview of the collection at the de young museum starting at 6pm...i truly wish i wasn't out of town...cause i would definately be there...if you have the chance...i highly recommend checking it out...

and the main event is scheduled for thursday april 28th from 6 - 10pm at the hall at st. mary's cathedral...with a live auction...

not only is this a very green event...but it is also for a great cause...

photo source

shopping in houston...

i am heading out to lovely houston, texas tomorrow morning...i will be performing a full closet re-vamp...and lots of shopping...my client told me today that he is nervous...i wonder why? this is going to be nothing but fun...

of course...as in any place i go...there is always room for a little bit of shopping for myself...i mean...it only makes sense...and i know some wonder...since my job consists of shopping...why oh why would i then want to do that in my free time? but shopping for and with clients...is a whole lot different then shopping for myself...and the two...i do not mix =)

and although houston isn't some far away place...i still want to find those tiny boutiques...that only locals know about...and of course...i have to squeeze in some vintage shopping...but i've been having a hard time narrowing down my list...since...like i mentioned before...this is a "work" trip...not a fun trip...and i won't have a whole lot of time...

so...if any of my readers know of some great places for me to check out...please let me know in the comment section...otherwise...i guess i am on my own...

dear fashion advisor...

Q. I'm so confused! A number of my friends are getting married this year in many different settings. When I read the invitations and it gets to the part about the 'dress', I feel like tossing in the towel. Can you help me decode wedding dress codes?

a. i can totally understand that you may be feeling a bit intimidated about making the right choice in what to wear...but here are some basic guidelines to help you be a well-dressed guest...if no particular dress is indicated...your attire is determined to a large degree by the time of day...

now...from the most formal to the least:

black tie
as the most formal attire...women usually dress in floor length styles although that doesn't mean you can't get creative with convention...when in doubt...err in the direction of overdressing a little - in fact it's hard to overdress in this circumstance so pull out the stops...

black tie optional
though black-tie optional events necessitate a certain level of formality...don't feel compelled to wear a sweeping gown...a flirty mini or a knee-length style punctuated by luxe accessories feels modern and fits this sort of occasion...

totally traditional
while this look should err on the side of understated (and not show an excess of skin)...it doesn't mean you're limited to dowdy silhouettes in stiff neutrals...jewel tones are sophisticated yet subtle...while inspired accessorizing showcases your personal style...a simple elegant dress in a rich color is chic without being too showy...

in the city
treat this type of wedding as you would an art opening (especially if it happens to be at a gallery) or a fancy party...feel free to define "dressed-up" on your own terms-while being mindful of the sensibility of the couple...of course...a city setting means you can get a little edgier...go for graphics or cutout styles...

morning/afternoon wedding
depending on the season...your attire is likely to be lighter colored and a bit more casual than you might wear for an evening wedding...opt for a nice dress skirt or suit and something comparatively colorful or floral...

laid-back locale
outdoor or so-called "casual" weddings can be the most confusing of all...keep the look playful and festive as opposed to overly formal or out-and-out glam...airy fabrics accented by natural accessories fit the bill perfectly...choose a feminine whimsical print...it's fun and fits the lighter mood...

tropical destination
more than just a great excuse to drink mojitos poolside...a wedding in the tropics is the ideal occasion to break out of the basics with a bold flower print...neutral accessories provide balance and suit laid-back island style...tropical weddings call for something sassy...make a statement with a splashy floral...

photo source

balenciaga and spain...

yesterday i had the opportunity to view the absolutely fabulous exhibit of balenciaga and spain at the de young museum in san francisco...absolutely breath-taking...if you have a chance to see it...i highly recommend it...showing until july 4th...

the dapper cristobal balenciaga

here are some of my favorites...(please excuse the "flash"...a photographer i am not...obvi)

evening ensemble of black silk organza and white cotton pique, summer 1951


dorian leigh wearing evening dress of black wool jersey, brown tulle and ivory silk flower, winter 1952


sue murray wearing evening dress of black silk crepe with "chou" wrap of black silk gazar, winter 1967


lisa fonssagrives wearing coat of fawn wool duvetyn, winter 1950
loved every coat there...this was my fave, though...


evening dress of black velvet with thinestone and bead embroidery, winter 1967


evening bolero jacket of blood-red velvet with jet and passementarie embroidery, winter 1946


cocktail dress of fuchsia silk shantung and black lace with black silk satin ribbons, summer 1966


evening dress of black silk crepe, winter 1967


new addition to my collection of coffee table books

fashion funnies: bathing beauties...

cocktail napkins say the darndest things...



enjoy your weekend...

put together: prints and stripes...

would you take a look at this fabulous outfit? i know...it is not for everybody...but...for those brave enough to try a little mixing of patterns...what can be funner then throwing in some stripes with a printed skirt? i love the mix of a casual looking top with a dressy skirt...

have you tried mixing patterns? what combinations?

sweater & skirt by jason wu
belt by d&g
faux fur stole by a by adrienne landau
scanned by moi - marie claire april issue

bill cunningham new york...

to say i adore the fabulous bill cunningham would be an understatement...such an eye for fashion...love his commentary...and his laugh...well it always makes me smile...so imagine my delight...when i heard that a documentary of him was coming out...i figured i would need to wait it out...and see it hopefully one day on netflix...but alas...it is hitting san francisco tomorrow...april 8th...can you feel my excitement?

here's the trailer...and if it wets your appetite to go out and see it...you can click on the link above...and there is a tab of all the places the film is playing...



"the best fashion show is on the street...always has been...always will be..."
~ bill cunningham

photo source

men's corner: dressing up - it doesn't have to be complicated...

some of you will be glad to hear this...if you're more comfortable in your khaki's and polo shirts...or jeans and t-shirts...you'll be glad to know that when you do have the occasion to spiff it up a bit...it's not necessarily a black or navy suit that you need to turn to...(big sigh of relief here?)

the march issue of esquire magazine had a great suggestion on how to mix the high-end part of your wardrobe with the low-end..."the high-low theory of fashion affordability"...while they are talking essentially about the dollar amount invested...this theory can also be applied to the style aspect as well...pair the high-end items (blazer and vest) with a low-end (jeans) and a mid-range item or two (belt, tie, maybe even try sporting a pocket square?) and you can achieve a dressed-up casual look that can pass muster for many occasions...

of course...for the truly "important" occasions of life...i.e. job interviews...weddings...etc., you'll still want to keep a suit handy in the closet...but just knowing that you have options might make dressing up a bit more fun...

(excerpt from march newsletter)

photo source
illustrations by joe mckendry

about a print...

part three of j.crew's video series "made in italy" is all about a print...(and the last of the series) i have to say...when it comes to prints...j.crew does not disappoint...the video shows jenna lyons (creative director and president of j.crew) and her team while they tour the ratti and canepa factories in lake como, italy...both of which are italian factories j.crew uses for its prints...

how amazing to watch the artist at work...each pattern...hand drawn and hand painted...a process that takes weeks...



by far...my favorite of the three videos...if you missed the first two video series...here they are..."about a shoe" and "about a thread count"...

photo source

the dream closet...

photo source

i don't know who this closet belongs to...but i am having a major closet envy moment...even moreso...since my girlfriend who has lived in the same house for a long long time...and is now moving...and this move...is going to produce a huge closet for her...for that...i am so happy for her...because for years...she literally had a very very tiny closet...

and now...well...she is getting the dream closet that i that she always wanted...she has been happily perusing pictures of closets to help her "create" her own...taking all of which she loves...and creating her very own perfect closet...

she is going to have a place for everything...and the best part...she says...she feels that when everything is in its place...it will be so much easier for her to get dressed in the morning...everything will be in front of her eyes...

but...with or without a closet makeover...we all need to find time to edit...and edit ruthlessly...and this is where you make the decision...if you need to hire a stylist to show you how to use what you have in different ways and to let go of things you still think you might wear one day...do so! it is worth the investment...and i'm not saying that because i am a stylist...but because my clients have told me it was the best money they ever spent...

if you would rather bring one of your girlfriends over (or guy friend) and have a brutally honest truth session...do that...but make sure you trust that friend's taste...and above all...have fun with it...

isn't that what clothes are supposed to be about? having fun while showing off your sense of style?

fashion funnies: matching the soup to your suit...

...a new concept in matching...



have yourself a wonderful weekend...

inspiration in color...

one of my dearest friends (who is SO not into fashion) challenged me this week...her words exactly were..."all this talk about color...show me how you would find inspiration if you didn't have your fashion magazines"

all i can say is...i wish my homework was this easy when i was back in school...this...was a no-brainer...it took me all of 3 minutes to find my top 4 pics of inspiration...and of course...i looked at the two areas that i have a passion for...that doesn't include fashion...

sweets & flowers... =)

first...the french macaroons...i'm mean really...just looking at a picture makes my mouth water...so delicious...but...since we are talking about color...this is where i look...the colors don't match...but they go together...it is pleasing to the eye...so many variations can be taken from this one pic...don't you agree?

photo source

ok...so onward with the sweets...i've always loved jelly beans...but one vivid memory is actually in a local restaurant not very far from my home...they have a huge decanter full of jelly beans for all the guests to grab on the way out...i mean i guess you could grab some on the way in...but i digress...the point is...look at all the colors...makes my heart skip a beat...and although i'm not saying to wear every color you see...but what jumps out at you? my eye goes directly to the orange and pink...so then my mind starts going through my closet...what do i have in those colors...that i could put together?

photo source

i have always loved pink and green combination together...but look how wonderful the yellow pops against the pink...and this is pure nature...no made up stuff...so if nature deems it colors that go together...then who am i to argue?

photo source

and i end with my all time favorite flowers...the tulips...i mean...really...look at the vibrant bold colors...screaming to be worn...ok...maybe that was a slight exaggeration...but color does that to me...

photo source

so when you are ready to wear color...where does your inspiration come from?