"orange" you glad it's halloween?

...personally i could take it or leave it...but the color...that is a whole different subject...it just exudes happiness...don't you think? here are some ways to incorporate the beautiful color orange into your wardrobe...

nina ricci 'fantasy' tweed pencil skirt
nordstrom

michael kors hamilton n/s tote
neiman marcus

skinny leather belt
j. crew

giuseppe zanotti satin ankle-wrap peep-toe pump
neiman marcus

hacking jacket in herringbone
j. crew

what is your favorite "orange" piece in your wardrobe?

fashion funnies: bird fashion...

...is it really any different then us humans?



hope your weekend is fabulous!

100 unforgettable dresses for my coffee table...

have you heard of the newest fashion book out? perfect for a coffee table centerpiece...even more perfect for my ever growing library of fashion books...i'm thinking with my birthday & christmas coming up...i should put it on my wishlist...truth be told...i don't know if i can wait that long...

here is a little description of "100 unforgettable dresses" by hal rubenstein...

100 Unforgettable Dresses is filled with the stories, secrets, intrigue, and insights behind the most indelible dresses in our collective memories. Featuring looks from the runway, film, television, the red carpet, and the worlds of royalty and politics, this book celebrates the staying power of these gorgeous, sleek, sultry, and outrageous creations as well as the lasting impact they’ve had in fashion, popular culture, and our own lives. More than two hundred images, a witty, informative text, and exclusive interviews with the designers and the women who wore the dresses reveal the initial spark and captivating drama behind the making of each dress. Also featured throughout are extensive anecdotes and observations about great style makers—Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Cher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Cate Blanchett—highlighting the conception of their most spectacular looks and examining their lasting influence.

photo source

men's corner: the perfect boot...

you've heard me say...over and over that a pair of shoes can make or break an outfit...and men...that applies to your outfits as well...how many times have you seen a great outfit...only to end it at the feet with...oh...a pair of tennis shoes...pah-leeze! why even bother?

there are some great options for men...i have been on a mad search for one of my clients...a nice fall/winter addition to his casual wardrobe...when i saw this boot...i was smitten...but of course...i would not be wearing them...would my client be? so i sent a pic over to him...i was leaning towards the olive green or grey pair...both would be perfect for his wardrobe...

he chose the grey...with red shoelaces...we even added some nice striped socks...with accents of red...to show his fun side...

then...as an added bonus...i realized these have nike air technology in them...i know how much i love nike air in my cole haan high heels...but i'm thinking no one would say no to a bit more comfort...right?

so men...a boot may be just the way to go to add a little style to your casual wardrobe...guaranted to make you look that much more put together...


cole haan air colton layered chukka

you had me at hello: golden cluster...

usually my "you had me at hello" moments happen in a quiet setting...i'm sitting on my couch...relaxed...looking through fabulous fashion magazines...and as always...it happens...i turn that page...and there it is...whatever it is...at that moment...that gets me...that beautiful shoe or bauble or jacket or full on outfit...

today...well...was very chaotic...unloading my car of groceries...getting mail out of the mailbox with both hands full of grocery bags...may i pause a moment and say that i wasn't in a hurry...so what possessed me to do all this at once...well...i can see my mom shaking her head...

but back to the story...so as i'm trying to put all the mail on top of the grocery bags that are in both hands...everything topples over...i mean...EVERYTHING...now normally...i would be pretty upset...but as i looked down at the mess that was now everywhere...the november issue of harper's bazaar was open to this absolute lovely...well...it SO had me at hello...that i...for a moment...forgot about my tiny accident just moments before...

now the thing is...it is kind of like saying i need another pair of black shoes...although i can always justify why "this" pair is different from all my others...i have several gold clutch purses...but this one...is very different...and well...not really a clutch...and plus...it had me at hello during a very hectic moment...

coach bag
scanned by moi

beyond the basic pant...

it was just a few weeks ago...that i was chatting it up about the colored jean...and although i have not found my perfect pair...i am now looking for that AND the perfect colored pant...think bright...

yes...the basic pant can be fabulous as well...pairing it with the right top & shoes...you can pretty much make a very glamorous outfit...but how fun to add some color...when everyone is wearing black, grey, brown or blue pants...go beyond the basic...and add a splash of color...

when you find the perfect pair...keep in mind...less is more...with the bright colored pants...think quiet shades for the rest of your outfit...including the shoes & jewelry...

here are the top contenders so far...

diane von furstenberg naples pants, lipstick

gucci ankle-length pants, tabasco

robert rodriguez wide-leg pleated pants

one blouse...three ways...

one thing i really try and teach my clients...is to look at their pieces in the closet...individually...and then create at least three different outfits...this is sometimes easier with some pieces...and harder with others...but with practice...it becomes a natural way to look at your wardrobe...

so many of my readers have been asking for more examples...as in pictures...so i went back to my binder...and found this great example...using one blouse...a weekend look...to the office...and then a fabulous evening look...

it doesn't necessarily always need to be to different functions...meaning casual versus dressy...sometimes...it is about creating three different casual outfits out of one piece...

but another thing to notice...in the following pics...i pulled these from lucky magazine september issue 2009...2 years ago...and yet...these looks can still work today...which is the other rule i like to follow...when you buy classic and good pieces...they will definately last you several seasons...and years...






photos scanned by moi - lucky mag september 09 issue

fashion funnies: life is like a pair of jeans...

found another great comic from the sf chronicle a while back...leave it to mom to put it all in perspective...

daughter: i had a dream about quill last night. made me wonder if he's "the one." how do you know when you're in love, mom?

mom: love isn't an event. it's a process

daughter: ok. but how do you know who to spend your life with?

mom: life isn't one journey. it's many trips

daughter: meaning?

mom: what works today might break tomorrow

mom: life is like a pair of jeans. some work forever, others seem perfect but never quite fit. some are sturdy, others need a lot of care. some get too small, go out of style or just lose their appeal. some you get rid of then wish you hadn't, others you keep and wonder why

daughter: wow. you are just full of momisms today

mom: yeah, they're a lot easier than actual answers

photo source

enjoy your weekend...

pan am...for real...

one of my dearest and best friends...knows how obsessed i am with the 60's...and we were chit chatting about mad men...and the new show pan am...and her hubby decides to show me a pic...of his mom & dad...his dad...being a realtor...back in the day...and this was a trip that they were awarded...also part of a conference...in lovely hawaii...

of course...i love that it is pan am...but more then that...i love love love how everyone was so dressed up...for hawaii! you just don't see that much in travelers now a days...

thought i would share...pan am...for real...

one of each...please...

this week...i've been on the nordstrom website quite a few times...looking for items for the blog...for a client...for different reasons...how delightful...that everytime i would click on there...i would be shown this lovely pic...

ok...one of each please...not only do i love the styles...but how can these colors not put a smile on your face? of course...i already have purple suede shoes...which have always added a nice pop of color to many of my outfits...so not sure how i can convince myself that another pair is needed...but the pink & plum? yes please!

photo source

men's corner: step it up in the sock department...

one of the ways gentlemen can add a bit of fun to their corporate look...without going overboard...is through the socks...in fact...back in my corporate america days...when i would diligently take the train to work in the city...i would always make a point of noticing men's socks...i think it revealed a bit of their personality...

so why settle for boring black, brown or grey socks? add a bit of pizzazz...and fall trends...whether it be polka dots...plaid...stripes...maybe even an argyle...step it up a bit...

here are some favorite's i picked out on the nordstrom website...

tommy bahama 'shaken not stirred'

ted baker

hugo boss black wide stripe

polo ralph lauren 'mini neat'

a terrific coat...

ok...i know for a lot of you...you are not thinking about coats...at least not here in the bay area...as we are having some rather pretty perfect eighty degree weather kind of days...but coat season will be upon us soon...and the days will turn chilly...

and although we may not be thinking about coats...they are already filling up the stores...

as your most public piece of clothing...your coat has a lot to do not only with how warm you are but with your mood...if you feel good about how you look coming and going...you're likely to feel good when you're there...what counts as terrific is up to you...

for some women...only black will do...another woman says she'll never go through another winter without a bright coat to cheer her up...for still another it's the ultimate classic camel coat or navy polo...

a good coat is a steep investment...but keep in mind that you really do wear your coat nearly every day for maybe six months or so a year...and that a good coat should last three years minimum...that's about 350 to 400 wearings...so when you think cost per wear...a terrific one is well worth a dollar or two (or even more) per wear...

burberry brit double breasted peacoat
nordstrom.com

shopping 101...

ahhh...shopping...some love it...and some don't...whatever category you fall under...if you find yourself brnging home clothes you never wear...here are a few pointers...

- shop for who you are now...not who you will be five to ten pounds from now...

- buy something because it looks great on you...not because it looks great on a fashion model in a glossy spread...

- let your own legs (and body type) determine how long or how short your hem should be...

- sizes are relative...buy what size you are...not what size you thought you were...or what size you hope to be...(refer back to point one)

- before you buy...check yourself in the mirror in as many positions as you can...especially sitting down...

- put things on hold if you need more time...if you're going to a series of stores...maybe you'll come across something later that works better...thinking things over reduces the chances that you'll buy on impulse...

- beware of sales if you're prone to impulse buying...before you go out...reassess what you have and make a list of what you need...then try to stick to it...

- avoid pushy salespeople...and beware of those who flatter you too much...when you find a salesperson who speaks your language...stick with him or her...

and if all this just seems a bit overwhelming...seriously consider a wardrobe stylist...it just may save you alot of money...

photo source

fashion funnies: no outfit is complete...

my girlfriend sent me this pic...a day after i had spent some time in her home...holding her precious dog in my lap...while she got some stuff done...as i got up to leave...my black jeans were nicely coated in dog hair...of course i didn't mind...who can say no to a furry animal?



enjoy your weekend...

pretty in pink...

here we are...almost half way through the month of october...i don't know where the time is going...and of course...since the first...i've been meaning to do a post on october being national breast cancer awareness month...

wanted to share a few brands that are helping in contributing funds through their sales...to benefit organizations that are searching for a cure...

exclusively at saks: elie tahari "key to the cure" tee for $35...see pic below with the lovely jennifer hudson...a soft cotton tee with a key-filled heart...and "where there's love, there's life" printed on the front...the best part...100% of the sales of this tee go directly to breast cancer research...

photo source

and we have ralph lauren...where a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all pink pony products supports worldwide initiatives for cancer care and prevention...

if you have some favorite brands that have specific items picked out for national breast cancer month...please feel free to add them to the comments...

and most importantly...be sure to get your regular exam done ladies... =)

men's corner: a pop of color vs too much color...

one of the big fall trends this fall season is color...as in jewel tones...and this is easily something that can be incorporated into your "manly" wardrobe as well...

now while i cannot recommend this look...well to anyone really...think WAY too much color...



...there are ways of adding pops of color...for example in a tie...how fabulous is this burst of a jewel tone? if you are a bit more bold...i say...find a nice cashmere sweater...with a nice pop of color...doesn't have to be in the pink family...think vibrant blues...greens...orange...or have a pop of color & pattern in a shirt...peaking out from under a neutral sweater or jacket...



all photos scanned by moi: gq magazine october issue

black & white is always right...

has there ever been a more elegant pairing then black & white? seriously...you cannot go wrong...so...did you happen to catch this fabulous editorial in the september issue of "more" magazine? feast your eyes on these beauties...

the wonderful thing about black & white combinations...is a little goes a long way...and if you have been thinking about possibly taking a dip into the mixing of patterns world...i always say...black & white is where you should start...

salvatore ferragamo suede and crystal minaudiere

kate spade patent leather and lucite piano clutch
baubles by fred leighton, stephen webster, verdura, roberto coin

carolina amato microfiber gloves

chanel faux pearl, satin and sequin pumps

patricia underwood felt fedora

sergio rossi leather booties

sang a leather clutch

giambattista valli satin boots

all pics: scanned by moi

versatility...

...the ability to take a garment in your wardrobe...mix and match with a variety of wardrobe fundamentals...this then equals...value...and by mixing and matching a variety of wardrobe fundamentals...it doesn't mean you can use it to dry the dog and polish the silverware...but you may be able to wear a piece to the office and then on to a blind date that nite with just a change of jewelry and/or shoes...

always look for colors that fit into the basic palette of your wardrobe...look for classic design and style that is consistent with your own...look for fabrics that are seasonless...tropical wools and medium weight cottons...for example...seasonal fabrics...like linen or velvet...may be well worth the investment...but they won't necessarily be appropriate year round...

it almost becomes like a game...how many outfits can you prepare out of one piece of garment...try for a casual...then a work appropriate...and then an evening look...the more you do it...the easier it becomes...and then you really start maximizing your purchases...

photo source

jewel tones...

a big trend for fall this year is color...think jewel tones...and if you have been a reader of this blog for a while...you more then likely have picked up on the fact...that i am an avid lover of color...

jewel tones to me...are happy colors...rich & vibrant...the dilemma comes in choosing a color...but then...why should you stop at one?

the jewel tones really can work for anyone...whether you are an all out wear color kind of girl...give color blocking a try...mixing two or three vibrant colors together...and for those who are a bit less colorful...mixing in one of these luscious colors in the form of a shoe...or handbag...does the trick as well...pair it with your favorite neutral...and you are set...

and if this is still a bit too much color for you...go for a nice statement ring...with a nice vibrant jewel...

whether you go all out...or bring in tiny spurts of color...try this fall trend out...and let us know you did!

photo source

fashion funnies: global warning...

one of my friends had posted this on her facebook page...i had to share it for our saturday fashion funnies...my how time has changed...



hope you are enjoying your weekend!

you had me at hello: golden...

i'm finally making a point and looking back on all the pages in the september issue of vogue...and all the other september magazines frankly...that i had marked as the pages "to go back to"...there are lots =)

this beauty had me at hello...was it the gold? the texture? the combination of the two? who cares...all i know is that i absolutely love this dress...

are you thinking of bringing some metallic into your fall wardrobe?

stella mccartney gold-foil dress
scanned by moi

below the waist...

is there that one or two colors that you love...but feel you can't wear? perhaps it makes you look pale...washes you out...a bit too bright for around the face...if it is a color that you love...there are ways of incorporating it into your wardrobe...just work below the waist...

whether you find that favorite color in a skirt...pants...shoes...or even a belt or handbag...a color that you love can be worked in the wardrobe...even when it doesn't work close to the face...

speaking of color...i was shopping for a client at nordstrom today...and saw the most fabulous rack of pencil skirts...by halogen...i seriously think i need to pick up one or two...which color to choose though...they are all so fabulous! click on the link below to see all ten colors...it may be one of those "you can't have just one" moments...

halogen seamed pencil skirt
nordstrom.com

color block shoes in brights & muted...

so here it was...just last friday that i did a post on color blocking your shoes...thinking that was the end of that...

well imagine my excitement...when over the weekend i received two different pairs of shoes for the fabulous finds consignment boutique...and they just happen to have the lovely arrangement of color blocking...

so here they are...one in brights...and one in muted colors...but both showing a lovely example of color blocking your shoes...

sacha london

nine west

lanvin fall 2011 ad...

when i saw this lanvin ad in the september issue of vogue...i wanted to see more...and so as i was researching...i came across this video...that is just...in a word...genious...love creativity...and this surely has it...

photographed by steven meisel...the two lovelies are raquel zimmermann & karen elson...



scanned by moi

the colored jean...

one of the big trends out currently is the colored jean...let me tell you...there are some bright colors out there...really fun way of incorporating some pizzazz into your wardrobe...do you think you are game?

today i set out to do some shopping with my niece who is visiting from the east coast...somehow we got on the conversation about red jeans...and how they are so hot right now...and then she tells me...red is her school color...well...that for me is a no brainer for a young girl...

we set out to find the perfect pair of red jeans...and i'm happy to report...we did! they look adorable on her...and bless her heart...she was a little excited about stepping out of her comfort zone...

while shopping...i spotted some fabulous colors in jeans...everything from bright reds, royal blues, purples, greens to a little more subdued coloring...the point being...there is a shade out there for everyone...

j brand mid rise flare leg stretch jeans

kut from the kloth skinny corduroy jeans

fire skinny stretch denim jeans

all photos: nordstrom.com

fashion funnies: getting the point across...

...oh the things a parent will do...when words aren't enough...i guess the next best thing is embarrassing your child to submission...

tim whyatt - cartoonist
enjoy your weekend...