fashion funnies: when shopping has gone too far...

...poor little bird nest...wonder if it is the male or female bird squawking "no more garage sales!"

tundra by chad carpenter

hope you are enjoying your weekend...

invest in yourself...

so as i had mentioned...i had the wonderful opportunity to speak at a ladies luncheon a few weeks back...with the theme being "invest in yourself..." it was a wonderful event...actually any event in celebration of women is a good event...don't you agree?

so i found out today...that a reporter that was at the event...wrote up a little article in the san mateo daily journal about the luncheon...thought i would share...thank you to yvette borja for a great piece...

click below to read the article...

"teaching women to invest in themselves..."

photo source

if you are looking for a speaker for your next event...let me know! i am always flexible in working out a speaking topic that works for your audience...

fashion history: answers to...match the quote to the person...

a few days ago...i listed ten quotes to see how well you could match the face to the quote...i only got 6 of them right...how do you think you did?

find the answers below:

scanned by moi

so...to the 10 faces shown above...and listed here:

isaac mizrahi
karl lagerfeld
coco chanel
roberto cavalli
diane von furstenberg
anna wintour
ralph lauren
tom ford
alber elbaz
calvin klein

how well did you match them to the following quotes? and just so you know...the original article was called "match the quote to the drama queen"

1. "sometimes...i sit in front of my computer and ask myself, 'does the daytime have to be boring and gray?'" ~ alber elbaz

2. "i don't design clothes; i design dreams." ~ ralph lauren

3. "now is the time to become a myth." ~ diane von furstenberg

4. "i'm so involved in melancholy." ~ isaac mizrahi

5. "i don't do fashion. i am fashion." ~ coco chanel

6. "i read in the times that i'm an ice queen, i'm the sun king, i'm an alien fleeing from district 9." ~ anna wintour

7. "i have the reputation of being easygoing, but inside, i'm like nails. i will kill." ~ calvin klein

8. "i wish [ines de la fressange] all the luck in the world, just so long as i don't have to see her anymore or hear her spoken about." ~ karl lagerfeld

9. "yves saint laurent doesn't exist for me." ~ tom ford

10. "i can't walk down 5th avenue without being treated like a rock star. many times i've walked down 5th avenue with rock stars, and nobody pays attention to them." ~ roberto cavalli

fashion history: match the quote to the person...

scanned by moi

the last time i was in new york...i had picked up a page from i think the "daily front row"...and as some papers do...it got lost in the shuffle that is my office...as i was cleaning up some piles...i came across it...and decided to post it as a little quiz for all my readers...

i will be on a road trip tomorrow (all day) and won't be returning till late tomorrow evening...which will be when i post the answers...

so...to the 10 faces shown above...and listed here:
isaac mizrahi
karl lagerfeld
coco chanel
roberto cavalli
diane von furstenberg
anna wintour
ralph lauren
tom ford
alber elbaz
calvin klein

match them to the following quotes: and just so you know...the original article was called "match the quote to the drama queen"

1. "sometimes...i sit in front of my computer and ask myself, 'does the daytime have to be boring and gray?'"

2. "i don't design clothes; i design dreams."

3. "now is the time to become a myth."

4. "i'm so involved in melancholy."

5. "i don't do fashion. i am fashion."

6. "i read in the times that i'm an ice queen, i'm the sun king, i'm an alien fleeing from district 9."

7. "i have the reputation of being easygoing, but inside, i'm like nails. i will kill."

8. "i wish [ines de la fressange] all the luck in the world, just so long as i don't have to see her anymore or hear her spoken about."

9. "yves saint laurent doesn't exist for me."

10. "i can't walk down 5th avenue without being treated like a rock star. many times i've walked down 5th avenue with rock stars, and nobody pays attention to them."

have fun...answers revealed in tomorrows post

change the way you look at it...

...your clothes...that is...

one of the things i hear the most from clients & friends...is the boredom that is felt when one looks at the items in their closets...why do you think that is?

recently...i spoke at a ladies luncheon...and the title of my presentation was..."the abc's of shopping in your closet..." in this presentation...i brought some of my own clothes...and showed the women...how i take one jacket...and change the look of it...by...

...changing the jewelry...
...changing the tops i wear with it...
...changing the shoes...
...changing the jeans/skirts/pants...

what more could be done?

...adding a scarf...
...mixing patterns...
...and repeating all these steps...over and over again...

so why do i like this procedure? dreaming up new combinations can be so much fun...your wardrobe grows...and grows...and grows...and the best part? how can you get bored when you are wearing a piece of clothing 5+ new ways?

bottom line...not everyone can afford to go out and buy new clothes all of the time...although just thinking about it makes me all giddy...but back to reality...you most likely...already have everything you need right in front of you...

you just have to change the way you look at it...so start with one piece...a favorite piece...go through your closet...and really think outside the box...how many outfits can you make for that one piece? i think you will be amazed at the possibilities...

and if this is difficult....hire a wardrobe stylist...it could be the best money you spend...

and then...when you have mastered some grand combo's...share them in the comment section...and inspire some other women...

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fashion funnies: shoes that make you go hmmm...part 6

...just when you thought there could be no more...here comes part 6...















enjoy your weekend!

pattern play at its best...

did anyone happen to see the fabulous section in the august issue of lucky? be still my heart...pattern play!! you know how much i love me some mix of patterns...and although this is already all about fall...i couldn't help but swoon over the lovely mixes...

i know for some...this is a bit out there...but remember...you can always do a smaller dose...the key is...have fun! here are my two absolute favorites...

what do you think??

scanned by moi
shirt by vionnet, pants by piazza sempione

did you notice the small touch of an animal print belt? genious! very suttle...but oh so perfect...this is what i call true color blocking...

and then this demure number...don't you love how the shoes match the blouse ever so perfectly?? the belt adds some funk...and a touch of pink is always a nice touch...

scanned by moi
blouse by bill blass, skirt by marni, shoes by sergio rossi, belt by vionnet

be fashionable - support american design...

...and you can start with just $5...more in a bit...

aside from shoes...and chocolate...two of my favorite things are little surprises...and handwritten notes...and i got the combo deal this last week from the fabulous stacy lomman...i opened up the package to pull out this fabulous tee (in a color that i gravitate to...olive green...thank you very much) here it is...



and this lovely note...xoxo



close-up of the tee...



and the back...with an important message...

"be fashionable - support american design"



i had the privilage of helping stacy lomman in her 2nd collection...and let me just say...it was a fabulous collection...she is now on to her third...and could use your help! the thing is...even if it is only $5...it helps! so...won't you give up that one latte...and help out an american designer?

not only is stacy talented as heck...but she is as sweet as sweet can be...meaning...she is as real as they come...click on the logo above...and let's help get this 3rd collection off the ground...and seen by people that need to see it...

of course...my dream...to one day be sporting one of her fabulous pieces...not just the tee...

one day...

jackie jones collection...

jackie jones is a local jewelry designer here in the san francisco bay area...i am fortunate enough to have two of her exquisite pieces...i'll do a separate post on my own personal pieces in the next few days...

what do i love the most about jackie jones collection? that they are one-of-a-kind pieces...

"made from the finest semi-precious gemstones and sterling silver, hand-crafted into works of artistic adornment. they are sold to fine boutiques, galleries and gift stores across the u.s. and overseas."

and the best story of all...is the late elizabeth taylor was a huge fan...here is the story of how the jewels got around to liz...

jackie herself...has got to be...one of the sweetest women i have ever had the pleasure of knowing...besides being talented...each of her pieces are a true work of art...

we currently are featuring some of her lovelies at "the savvy chic boutique" in burlingame, ca...(319 primrose rd - upstairs) only this week thursday thru saturday (july 21 - 23)...if you are in the area...i highly suggest you come on by...jackie has been kind enough to offer us these beautiful pieces at her wholesale price...but only for this limited time...

if you would like to see more of the pieces...we have listed several on our savvy chic event facebook page...feel free to visit us there...and see what other fabulous items we are showing for this 3 day event...

here is a sampling of some of jackie's pieces in the boutique...

packing tips...

i just got off the phone with a client who is planning her vacation...a short one...the hubby has told her...one suitcase...no more...so she called me and asked if i could come over and help her figure out the wardrobe...and pack it all in one suitcase...

no problema!!

of course...i wish it was me going on the vacation...it seems like it has been forever and a day...les sigh...

packing light can be done...personally...i love having lots of choices...as i tend to change my mind on what to wear pretty much based on my mood, the alignment of the sun...what i ate for breakfast...you get my drift...right? i like having lots of options...which doesn't make for comfortable traveling...when you are left to lug around lots of luggage...

the first time i really had to think about packing light...was my trip to greece...it was going to be for several weeks...and since we were going to go from one island to another...mostly via little boats...i needed to be able to carry my suitcase with ease...many times...up and down narrow stairs...never in a million years did i think i would survive...but i did...although my girlfriend and i still laugh to this day...because by the end of that trip...we were so sick of looking at each other's same outfits...we swore we would get home and burn them...

so...here are some easy steps for hassle-free packing...

- jot down each day you'll be gone and the number of outfits you'll need...keep in mind the different activities you are planning on participating in...the image you want to project...and the climate of the area you will be visiting...

- once you have this list...use it as your guide...go through each day...assemble complete outfits on single hangers...include all accessories to each outfit...this includes belts, scarves, jewelry and shoes...

- at this point - assess all the outfits...are there too many different shoes, bags, etc? start to eliminate pieces that are not versatile...replace the outfits that need that pair of odd shoes that don't go with anything else with shoes you are already planning to bring...

- once you have all the outfits complete...pack it all up...the key here is that you have identified and laid out the clothing you would like to bring with you when traveling...you can then use your luggage space most efficiently...rather then stuffing things in as you go...

whether you will be heading out of town in the next few weeks to savor the long...hot days of summer or are looking to master the art of packing for social and business trips year-round...this system offers some excellent strategies...

if you don't think your closet contains the necessary pieces to give you the style and confidence you want on the road (or at home for that matter)...follow the above system...jotting down the key missing pieces...schedule a shopping trip to pick up these missing items before you leave so you can relax and enjoy your trip without being disappointed with your wardrobe...

or...you can do like my client did...and call me (if you are local) or a wardrobe stylist in your area =)

photo source

what to do with the clothes that don't fit...

i was speaking to one of my clients recently...and she was telling me about the best part of the closet assessment that we had worked on together...client "c" had some clothes that did not fit...but...she was not willing to get rid of them...so i had suggested that we at least move them on to another closet...she was aggreable to this...so we started shifting around the clothes that needed to be moved out to the other closet...and re-arranged her main closet to only house the clothes that fit her perfectly...

why did i suggest the clothing be moved?

i am a firm believer that getting dressed in the morning...well it shouldn't be some long excruciating exercise...so why set yourself up each morning to stare blankly at the clothes that don't fit you...it sure is not going to make you feel good about yourself...and...the mere fact that the clothes don't fit...they will not be an option...so why have them hanging with the clothes that are an option...

but...i also believe that each individual needs to be honest & realistic with themselves...if you are watching what you eat...and exercising...truly working on a goal that is achievable...then by all means...save the clothes...

if...on the other hand...you are looking at a range of about 5 to 6 dress sizes...chances are...it would be best to start letting go of that size you were once at...

wouldn't it be better to be looking your best at your current weight? it is just a number...and when an outfit fits...no matter what size it is...it is a fabulous outfit...

photo source

fashion funnies: shoes that make you go hmmm...part 5

back in july and august of 2010...i did a four part series on "shoes that make you go hmmm"...never thinking that one day...i would add to it...but alas...my aunt sent me an email this week...and i would say...these apply...so i'm continuing with part 5...part 6 will follow next week...(bet you can't wait!)

add a leg anyone?


oops...what did i step in?


hmmm...is all i can up with


the slingshot!


no words...

have yourself a fabulous weekend!

bagging it in white...

nothing says summer more to me than the color white...and yes...the "rule-followers" would know that now is the time to wear white...but i'm not a rule follower...and i think...having a fabulous white tote is very much needed to complete my white summer obsession...and move right on in to fall...

i'm a bit worried about how it would keep...but seriously...it is not like i'll be dragging it along the ground...so i'm thinking...i need to start looking...

i'm loving the style below...very classic...very white...and oh so chic...

so...do you sport a lot of white in the summer? where do you wear your white? in clothes or accessories?

jason wu crossbody tote
neiman marcus

you had me at hello: a sheer thing...

ok...forget the fact that this dress is the most gorgeous shade of green...and usually that will stop me dead in my tracks...when i turned the page in my summer issue of california style...and saw this pic...well...you had me at hello...there is something about the sheer feminine look of this dress...actually it is a top & skirt...so romantic...so flirty...so fabulous!

scanned by moi
yves saint laurent top, skirt & belt

it's all about the accessories...

...at the savvy chic boutique...just finished setting up for our next big opening...starting tomorrow July 14...all the details are below...if you are not local...and see something you like...let me know...we can always ship!

and...if you would like to see more of the wonderful items in the boutique...visit us on facebook...where pics are being added daily...

hand woven silk scarves - so many colors!


jackie jones collection

plus...we have a full line of jewelry from designers that are shown in saks & neiman...so if you buy your costume jewelry at high end department stores...you may want to come in and take a look...as all of ours will be at 60% off...alexis bittar, ben-amun, fonsi roma, kenneth jay lane, kotur, mesi jilly...to name a few...


grab a bag is back...
any size, any color $35

Savvy Chic Boutique
ACCESSORY SALE...

jewelry, scarves & purses


all at a minimum 40-60% off!

July 14-16

and

July 21-23

11am to 5:30pm
(open till 7pm on Thursdays)

319 Primrose Rd, (upstairs)
Burlingame, Ca

pulling strings...

you would think with my vast collection of handbags...that i would already have one...maybe two of these drawstring handbags...but alas...i don't...and lately...i'm really loving all the ones that are currently out...

i saw this nice collection in the june issue of allure...the one on the bottom left is seriously calling out my name...the bally...what would make it pretty much perfect would be if that blue...was green...les sigh...so i will keep searching...ok...the tory burch in the top right is kind of calling out to me as well...decisions...decisions...

do you have a favorite?

scanned by moi

client praise: colleen...

the reason why i love what i do...

"Elena removed my wardrobe anxieties! I didn't have to go shopping, I just invited her into my closet. Her tips, advice, and counseling (without any overhauls) have given me 100% confidence each time I need to decide what to wear. I didn't realize how much stress this was causing me until after our session when I discovered what it felt like NOT to have stress about it! She is a treasure!"

fashion funnies: cleaning out for summer...

love luann comics by greg evans...spotted this one a while back in the san francisco chronicle...this would not be my suggestion as to how to do a closet clean-up...

mom: what are you doing?

daughter: getting out my summer clothes from last year...

mom: ah. weather's warming up so it's time to...uh...

daughter: go to goodwill then hit the mall...



enjoy your weekend!

what does the designer label mean to you?

this morning i read a very interesting article in the wall street journal entitled "how can jeans cost $300?"...truth be told...i have never spent $300 on a pair of jeans...but...if i tried on a pair of jeans that fit unbelievably perfect...would i then spend $300 on them? tough question...because for me...it is all about the fit...it doesn't matter the price or the brand...if the fit is poor...the jeans won't look good...no matter what name is on them...

this really boils down to any garment...i remember years ago...watching a show...i have tried to research to find it...but i honestly cannot remember the name of the show...who was on it...all i remember is that the premise of the show...some people that were trying to get the coveted spot of an internship...

the one scene that i so vividly remember...all the contestants were in a room...and the head person in charge...decided to critique them on what they were wearing...one girl in particular...who would constantly boast of the "labels" she wore...thought she was a shoe-in to be chosen...as her outfit that day was gucci...again...nothing wrong with gucci...i wouldn't mind sporting some fabulous gucci pieces...

but i digress...

one girl was there...she was a bit larger then the other girls...didn't have a lot of money...but she was chosen...she looked fabulous...and the key? her clothing fit her so well...and so perfectly for her body...it was a no brainer...no well known labels was she sporting that day...

moral of the story...it doesn't matter what you spend...what matters...is the fit...

curious as to what your go-to brand is...and why?

photo source

fashion history: the single line...

nothing is more sexy then the stocking with seams...paired with a perfectly fit pencil skirt...and meow! although they aren't worn often...as they were at one time...

during world war II...women found inventive ways to create the look...due to war rationing...stockings were hard to come by because nylon was needed to make parachutes...women used leg makeup (or cold tea) to darken their calves...then...using an eyebrow pencil...drew a line down the back to resemble a seam...

now that is what i call...being creative...

photo source

bold in stripes...

yes...my obsession with stripes lives on...the thing is though...in the fashion world...and the stack of magazines ready for my perusing...are so beyond summer already...but with this fabulous weather...and only the start of summer...i had to go back...way back to april for some inspiration...

feasting my eyes on this burst of striped fabulousness...i have been looking for new ways to incorporate stripes into my life...besides the over abundance i seem to have in striped tops...and what caught my eye in these glorious pics...were the lovely stacked colorful bracelets...making their own striped effect...don't you just love? such a great way to add stripes and color to an outfit...

on a side note...those shoes in the first pic are calling out to me...striped shoes...i don't have those either...the striped opportunities are endless...

would you try this stacked colored bangle look?









all pics scanned by moi - april issue harper's bazaar
original photographs by: richard burbridge

linked in...

have you ever had those moments where you find something in a magazine...or on someone...that catches your eye...and you realize...that you have the components to make up that look? it happens...but for me...it usually means needing one piece to complete it...the outfit...

so as i was perusing the june issue of allure...the fashion extras section had "linked in" as the title...a gorgeous array of chain bracelets...and what is nice about these...there is no bulk...so for someone like me...who has very tiny wrists...this is a great idea...of course the one that caught my eye is the verdura...gold and black jade...it is only $14,750...a little bit of a stretch for me...ok...who am i kidding...a big stretch for me...

scanned by moi

but then i thought...i think i have something like this from years and years ago...so i started looking through lots of forgotten jewelry...some from the 80's...my corporate america days...and i not only found one...i found three! so i'm pretty excited to bring these babies out...and give them new life...

from left to right...
black/gold - don't know who this is
gold link chain - anne klein
red/gold - kenneth jay lane

do you have some forgotten chain bracelets?

happy 4th of july weekend...

got big plans for the long weekend? this weekend makes me think of picnics...hotdogs...fireworks...family...fun in the sun...and the red white & blue...

happy 4th to all my fabulous readers...stay safe...have fun...take a moment to be thankful for the fabulous country we live in...for our freedom...

and wherever this weekend takes you...keep it stylish...

photo source