discarded to divine event - part 1 - the silent auction...

last week i had the extreme pleasure of attending the "discarded to divine" fundraiser to support st. vincent de paul society...started in 2005 - where help desk director sally rosen looked at a pile of unusable donated clothing...and thought..."how can these be transformed to divine creations..."

upon arriving and checking in...each guest received their very own little "bidpal" - gotta love technology today...no?  at any point...you can bid...see if you've been outbid...etc...etc...

the first part of the evening was the silent auction...so while sipping on some "divine" concoction...we perused about the san francisco design center galleria...fabulous appetizers throughout the event...so...nibbling & sipping away...we made our way through all the unbelievable creations...

of course...my heart stopped at this lovely green vest dress...was it the color?  hmmm...

of all the silent auction numbers...this next one was definitely my favorite...the construction was amazing...a black bodysuit with a braided crinoline bubble skirt...

when you take a closer look...it is inter-looped by denim inseams from 60 pairs of jeans...and then loops from the jean waistbands were used to accent the bustier...

and of course i was hoping that my raffle tickets would make me the proud owner of this pair of his and her bicycles...a green one!  unfortunately...my name was not called...

along with fabulous dresses, jackets and such...there were end tables & pillows made out of discarded items...which just goes to show...with a creative mind...pretty amazing what could transpire...

tomorrow...i will share the live auction portion of the evening...stay tuned...

fashion funnies: after months of no sun...

enjoy the weekend...and don't forget your sunscreen!

luann by greg evans

guy:  crystal!  check this out!

guy:  so it's springtime, right?  flowers, butterflies, warm breezes, sunny days...

crystal:  why am i not liking where this is going?

guy:  just saying' - it's the time of year that i cast off my drab winter coat, and - ta da!

guy:  and you should stash your vampire cloak in the back of your bat closet and bring on the shortie tops and mini skirts!  we could get tans together!   huh?  huh?

crystal:  do you mind?  i have an allergic reaction to extreme glare

men's corner: the not so serious tie...

while most associate a tie with work...think suit...crisp white shirt...and tie...there are ways to incorporate the "not so serious" tie with a casual look...

there might be a sports jacket involved...perhaps just a shirt and vest...the tie doesn't even have to be completely knotted tight...and what you get is a very put together casual look...you won't look like you put no thought into what you are wearing...still looking hip without being too structured...

the point is...make it fun...with a "not so serious" print...here are some great examples...

classic gingham tie
j crew

yacht seersucker tie
j crew

closet envy: dita von teese...

just when you think you have a lot of shoes...a video comes along that lets you know...well...that you aren't even close...

the lovely cherie over at fabulous girls wear vintage blog shared this a few days ago...i have to admit...i am having a big dose of closet envy...to be more specific...a big dose of shoe envy...even her hat collection got my attention...vintage always gets my attention...but then...so does shelves and shelves of christian louboutins...just sayin...

you had me at hello: the perfect bucket bag...

be still my beating heart...the perfect bucket bag...and in the most incredible shade of kelly green...you had me at hello...very few things i lust after...but this...just might be my next purchase...although...i already have a green handbag...do i need two? they are so different from each other...

 yes...this is how i justify a purchase...work with me...

bcbg maxazria bucket bag scanned by moi

spring/summer 2012 trend: prints...

this spring & summer season has really brought a lot of different options for individuals...bold color is in...but so are pastels...i like when there are choices...

as in the hot trend of prints...and it is not one particular print...just pick your poison...

do you like florals? go at it...perhaps in a flowing floral maxi dress...or cardigan...

florals aren't your thing? how about a tribal print? or possibly a graphic print?

the thing to remember - don't get scared off by big bold prints...if that isn't your thing...or perhaps you love it...but know that it won't quite work with your body type...there are always different ways of bringing items into your wardrobe...if it be something you really want...

for example...i am loving the printed pants...as in the capri pants below...but as much as i would love to buy these...they don't work for me...but it is inspiring me to get something in a cool polka dot print...perhaps in a fun summer scarf?

cafe capri in pop art polka dot
j crew

are you a prints lover? if so...how are you planning to incorporate it into your spring/summer wardrobe?

inspiration: being powerful...

enjoy the weekend...

men's corner: check me out...

when it comes to adding a few basics to your spring/summer wardrobe...a few gingham shirts should be on the list...so many colors to choose from...why stop at just one?

these great gingham shirts can be paired with jeans, shorts...with just enough of a splash of color...

and...you can even pull this off at the office...i would not go for to bright a color...but pair it with a solid tie...and a nice casual sports coat...

voila...you are set for the office...and dinner afterwards...

secret wash lightweight shirt in gabel gingham
j crew

you had me at hello: blue suede shoes...

while blue doesn't usually catch my attention...and i've never really thought about owning a pair...if i loved anything about them...well...it would have to be that handsome elvis sang about them...

that was until...i laid eyes on these babies..."you had me at hello" definitely applies here...and if i was wearing these beauties...i wouldn't want anyone stepping on my blue suede shoes either...

giuseppe zanotti
scanned by moi

april showers...taxes & your closet...

this is an excerpt from my april monthly newsletter...enjoy!

what do you think of when you think of april?

spring? april showers? taxes?

while we have had an abundance of april showers these last few weeks...actually more like storms =) i keep thinking about how good my yard is looking...and then i don't mind it so much...

a few weeks back i finally met with my tax guy...while this is usually not a thrilling exercise for me...it feels good when its done...and my tax guy loves how prepared i am...truth be told...the days when my life was consumed with accounting...and the world of finance...ends up helping my tax guy...because he loves how complete my spreadsheets are that i present to him...

while preparing these lovely spreadsheets...of income & expenses...of assets and liabilities...of hoping and praying that i am once again...not in the red...

makes me think about your closet...yes...there is a correlation...how is your closet looking...are there assets or liabilities hanging behind those doors...

read on...to find out the five checkpoints to assess YOUR fashion equity...

when it comes to assessing your "fashion" equity...the goal is to maximize your assets...and minimize your liabilities...let's face it...we all want a nice portfolio...or in this case...a nice wardrobe...one that will take us through every area of our life...whether we are at work...being the soccer mom...or on a date...

here is a five-point checklist...to get you started...

1. are you utilizing your assets? think about your most valuable assets...the thing that makes you...you...is it your curves? perhaps your long legs...a tiny waist...great cheekbones...once you know what your assets are...you are then able to make sound purchases that naturally highlight what your assets are...just remember...assets do change over time...so be sure you're focused on what's working for you now...rather than what has worked for you in the past...


2. is your inventory low? it is nearly impossible to be able to put great outfits together if your inventory is low. so before each season begins...whether it is spring/summer or fall/winter - do an inventory count. and be honest with yourself! do your clothes fit and flatter you? if the answer is no...then it is time to get rid of these items...and restock your inventory. set aside some time for a thorough edit and create of a list of what you need. and while you are at it...take a look at your basics...for example...tees only look good for so long...replenish them when needed...and if there is inventory in your closet that is not currently working for you...cut your losses...it is time to write them off
(on a side note: think about consigning these items to re-coop some of your loss...fabulous finds consignment boutique was started because i wanted to help clients get back some of the money they had spent on items that weren't right for them)

3. are your liabilities handicapping you? sometimes we get into a buying rut...an end up purchasing items that are wrong for us...here are some helpful tips...
- shopping for a lifestyle that's no longer yours.
- giving up on shopping because there are too many choices and it's overwhelming.
- inaccurate or out-of-date self-image.
- getting all your fashion advice from an opinionated friend or family member but never finding your personal style.
- investing in high-end fashion without a wardrobe plan.
- using shopping to fill an emotional void and never feeling satisfied.
- buying too many novelty pieces that don't go with anything else you have.

4. is your fashion portfolio diverse enough? when you take a look at a smart investor...they have a nice diversified portfolio...smart dressers have clothes for every part of their life...what does a diverse fashion portfolio look like? it would include outfits that touch on every area of your life...the perfect dress for a party...informal social gatherings...work clothes...weekend clothes...exercise clothes...and great travel capsules...just to name a few off the top of my head...if your wardrobe is not meeting your needs...there is help available...

5. are your fashion choices accruing interest? your clothes should be a shining example of your personal style...they tell the story of who you are...and you should be getting results from investing time and money into your wardrobe. and...there should be results...whether it be a confidence boost...compliments...or just plain feeling good about yourself...it could also result in a promotion...a new job offer...new opportunities...that is the accrued interest you are looking for...

another way of looking at accruing interest...is what i call good ole fashioned "fashion accounting 101..."

so...what did the checklist reveal about your fashion equity? are you feeling like you are in a fashion fog? whether you need to maximize your assets...or minimize your liabilities...by taking note of those liabilities and taking responsibility for them...get out of your liability debt by getting help...making a plan...and breaking out of habits that aren't benefiting you...perhaps you need to diversify...or accrue more interest...hopefully the check-list will help discover where your strengths and weaknesses are...and if you fell short on any of the checkpoints...don't fret...they are easy fixes...and i am here to help...don't let any more time go by...call me for an appointment so that we could start working towards getting the most out of your fashion investment...

fabulous finds
elena daciuk
wardrobe stylist
fabulous.finds@yahoo.com
415.577.6133


photo source

fashion funnies: the ultimate chick flick...

enjoy the weekend...

men's corner: it's all about the accessories...

great pic from gq.com this month "it's all about the accessories" click on the link to see the full photo...the comments made me smile...as most are saying something along the lines of "too much"

what do you think? my whole thing is that pics are for inspiration...while the whole look may be a bit much for some...it gives great ideas in working in accessories into an outfit...personally...loving the look...although not everyone can pull this off...

why not start with a funky pair of socks? and graduate on up to add more visual interest...what are you willing to try?

photograph by eric ray davidson
gq.com

all pleated out...

one of the big spring/summer trends for 2012 is pleats...as i had posted on a few weeks back...click here to read the original post...

for fun...i did a little search in the fabulous finds consignment boutique to see what would come up...with almost 900 items...it is hard to keep track...so the search functionality really comes in handy...hint hint...if you are looking for something specific...use the search!

any-hoo...i came up with quite a few lovely items with the current pleat trend...including...this fabulous pair of pleated pants...SO wish they were my size...but alas...they are not...

joseph ribkoff black pleated palazzo pants - sz 8

this beautiful vintage pleated cloche hat...

vintage 50s 60s pleated ivory cream cloche hat

found several pleated skirts...and gorgeous pleated black dresses...

so if you are looking for pleats...check out fabulous finds consignment boutique...or to fill in the void with other trends that are hot this season...

you had me at hello: bright and lady like shoes...

"with the click of a heel...spring is here..." this is the first line in an email i receive...and i would have to say...with these lovely oscar de la renta shoes...i would have to agree...they had me at hello...

oscar de la renta

spring/summer 2012 trend: bright colors...

a big trend for this spring & summer season is bright colors...with my clients...i usually see it split down the middle...those who love bright colors...and those who don't...and truth be told...some just can't pull of the full on bright color look...

but...if you are wanting to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe...there are definately ways to bring it in full force...or in tiny bites...

so let's get started...

- bring in a pop of color in a fabulous flat (such as the one listed below) or a fun pair of wedges...

- how about a burst of color in a fun bright handbag?

- scarves - so many choices in bright colors...and a very easy way to adapt a bit of bright color...

- an arm full of fun colorful bangles...have fun with this...mix & match your favorite bright colors...

- sun dresses - oh the bright color choices...how about something in the color of the year? tangerine tango...

- add in a bright pop of color with the seasons colored jeans...so many colors to choose from...how can you stop at one?

- try out a new fun bright lipstick...go for a bold bright color on your toes...

as you can see...the ideas are limitless...you just decide how little or how bold you want to go...is this a trend you are trying out this year? share your ideas...

alice + olivia daphney flat
nordstrom

got my peeps...

love the pretty colors...i'm ready for the easter weekend...

happy easter! may your weekend be fabulous!

fashion funnies: geological periods...

beware of wearing something from the wrong geological period =)

enjoy the easter weekend!



*not sure where this comic strip is from - if you know...please leave it in the comments - so that i may give proper credit*

discarded to divine 2012...

i have always loved the concept behind "discarded to divine"...which was started by st vincent de paul society...with a simple goal..."recycled fashions...renewed lives..."

the story behind "discarded to divine"

It began in 2005, when St. Vincent de Paul Society Help Desk Director Sally Rosen found herself facing a pile of unusable donated clothing, torn and stained. Sally thought, "While working at the Help Desk, I realized our discards were waiting to be transformed into divine creations." She began to think of recycling, imagining how these discarded garments could be remade into something new and useful. She decided to invite designers to take the discarded clothing and create wearable works of art and exquisite home décor, thus Discarded to Divine was created.

Discarded to Divine is a charitable event showcasing the talents of professional and aspiring designers who transform discarded, donated clothing into one-of-a-kind couture creations and exquisite home décor which are auctioned to benefit those overcoming poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.
(taken from website)

this years gala event will be held thursday, april 26...at the san francisco design center galleria...tickets can be purchased here...plus a preview nite will be held at the de young museum friday, april 13...

photo credit: gabriel harber

men's corner: the ease of a sportcoat...

while helping out a client of mine...to spruce up his casual attire...we are on the lookout for some fabulous casual sportcoats...we are thinking plaid...checks...these are the two pics i sent him to inspire him...

he is obviously loving the look...so now we are working on the finished outfit...when you really break apart these looks...there is not much to it...which brings in the ease of looking put together with very little work...

coming off my little rant from yesterday on casual work attire in san francisco...i would be thrilled to see a little more of this...wouldn't you?

glen plaid silk-linen sportcoat
j crew


corded cotton sportcoat
j crew

the land of schlumpy...

...in my own backyard...

so here is the deal...my friend who i spent many years working together with...in corporate america...called and asked if i would be available to help out with a huge conversion that her company is doing...something we are both very familiar with...

part time...and how exciting...i'm a commuter again...well...2 to 3 days a week...

but imagine my horror...yes horror...at what people are deeming appropriate attire for the work place...in san francisco!

i really need to pack my camera...i'd have a whole new blog topic to contribute...but alas...i currently just wonder how i can get these people to hire me...or for that matter...any wardrobe stylist will do...

what happened to corporate america? it has changed since the last time i ventured into it...


photo source

lovin iris...

i can never get enough about iris...her unique style...her love of life...so i was thrilled to see her featured on one of my very favorite blogs "advanced style" by ari seth cohen...

and i quote the fabulous iris apfel..."i'm not just some empty-headed fashionista..." amen iris...click on the link above to hear her speak of this and what life is truly about...giving back...

photo source