happy labor day...

wishing you a safe, fun-filled weekend...keep it stylish!

photo source

stepping up the preppy...

do you remember the preppy look?  the polo shirts and cable knit sweaters?  if you have still got some...laying around the back of your drawer...why don't you pull them out...and revive the look?  

while the whole preppy look is rather sporty and casual...nothing says that you can't mix it up a bit...so why not pair that polo shirt with a flirty skirt and heels?  talk about revving up an old polo shirt...right?  

same kind of deal with that comfy cable knit sweater...how about pairing it with a nice skinny jean...but add a bit of glamour with a sexy pair of metallic sandals... or satin flats...

those pearls?  inter-twine them with some of your favorite gold chains...or other statement necklaces...adding a little bit of the unexpected to the classic pearl necklace...

when it comes to stepping up the preppy...it is about taking that sporty casual look and adding a nice combination of modern with classic...taking the casual and adding some upscale pieces...and all of a sudden...that polo shirt...that has been sitting in that drawer...feels new again...

big pony tropic purple polo
ralph lauren

men's corner: lacing up the right way...

as simple as it sounds...there is a right way to lace up those shoes of yours...saw this helpful video "lace your shoes like a man" on gq.com...happy lacing...

photo source

from work to play...

while there are fewer and fewer professions...where women or men for that matter are wearing suits...they have been slowly trickling back in as a strong trend...and even more so for the fall season...while i think everyone should own a good suit or two...how do you make it look less like work...and more feminine when meeting friends or that someone special...for dinner...

to take that suit from the boardroom...to a sexy look for dinner...start with a nice suit...menswear inspired...which means...clean lines and sophisticated fabrics...

next...add some feminine underpinnings...how about an embellished camisole...a blouse (think vibrant jewel tone colors) or better yet...how about a sexy bustier...peaking out from underneath your suit jacket...like this lovely item...

photo source

next...time to swap out the pumps you wore all day..nothing wrong with them...but how about putting on some strappy heels?  instantly changes the look of your suit...

and while we are at it...put away the big handbag...yes...you know the one that carries all your belongings?  how about replacing that with a lovely clutch...

add some sparkle in the way of dangling earrings...a cocktail ring...and looks like you are ready to paint the town red...

everything in its place...

let's face it...sometimes with the accumulation of some fabulous items...organization becomes a bit of a challenge...so when i find creative ways to display or better organize items...i like to share...

came across this lovely "little black dress jewelry organizer"  talk about a space saver...and no more knots in the long chains...right?  if you have some clever ways that you store your jewelry - please feel free to share in the comments section...your great idea may be the answer someone is looking for...

little black dress jewelry organizer
umbra

fashion funnies: did someone say exercise?

enjoy the weekend!

stepping up your weekend accessories...

when it comes to your weekend wear...or anytime casual wear...ditch the classic work accessories that you use day in and day out for work...i mean...weekend is fun...so your accessories should be too...think of your casual or weekend wear as fun...playful...bold and alluring...which means...your accessories should match that...

if your weekend outfit is real simple...then layer on the necklaces and/or bracelets...you might consider big dramatic earrings...if your outfit is colorful and full of pattern...wear simple long necklaces in your favorite metallic colors...

but by all means...change out your work handbag and reach for one that is colorful or softly structured...crossbody bags are great for weekend activities...

while weekend is more casual...there is no reason why you still shouldn't look put together...but in a less structured outfit...accessories are the easiest way to bring some fun & spice to a rather casual outfit...

signature spade quilted tenley
kate spade

jewel tones...

when it comes to jewel tones...
start with your favorite colors...

sapphire blue...
emerald green...
ruby red...

then...the skies the limit...

whether you choose to go
for one all over piece...

like a fabulous sheath dress...

or bits of color...
here and there...

a blouse...a pair of jeans...
some jewels...

or a stand-out bag...

these luscious rich tones...
mix well with other neutrals...

think black, camel or grey...

perfect for fall...no?

jewel tones by fabufinds featuring a short sleeve dress

put together: in a simple dress...

this pic just goes to show...it really can be quite simple to look put together...as in this lovely dress...one piece...no frills...but looking fabulous...

scanned by moi
dkny - harper's bazaar (august issue)

men's corner: the tired suit...

let's face it...a man's suit is not something you replace every few months...but after a bit of wear...that suit begins to feel...and look a bit tired...what to do?

this last weekend...a client was thinking he needed a spruce up in his work attire...but didn't want to spend loads of money...meaning...he didn't really want to buy new suits...so we ventured out...and picked up some nice colorful shirts (other then the colors he is used to wearing) and print dress shirts...mixed in some nice new ties...did a bit of mixing of patterns...and voila...a tired suit...no more...

so skip the plain white shirt...go a little crazy...add some color...some print...and liven up that tired old suit...oh...and don't forget some fun print socks!

1901 trim fit dress shirt
nordstrom

fashion funnies: do you need shoes...

enjoy the weekend...

drawing inspiration from...

a refreshing pic of popsicles...while reading an article about frozen fruit pops...in the august issue of vogue...yes...in vogue...i mean...what could be better on a nice hot summer day...like today...

but i also loved the colors in the pic...which got my juices flowing...these two colors would look fabulous together in an outfit...although for my own complexion...i would do more pink and less yellow...these two colors just look so happy together...

i always tell my clients...be on the lookout for color combinations that make you happy...and then go to your closet...find those colors...and start creating new outfits you may have never thought of...

what have you drawn inspiration from lately?  care to share?

scanned by moi

brooch it up...

the piece that at one time...seemed to be in every ladies jewelry box...now...can be found in so many wonderful places...whether you are looking for a new piece...which many stores carry...or opt for something older...whether found in your own grandmothers jewelry box...an estate sale...thrift stores...or flea markets...the nice thing...is that you can really find some that suit your style...

so if you are all about color...go for the gusto...find it in a beautiful favorite color...or bursts of colors in one piece...is metallic more your speed?  gold, silver or bronze...take your pick...perhaps you are a pearl girl at heart...look for something like the picture below...

and what to do with these lovely pieces?  while a jeweled or metallic brooch can add instant glamour to a simple black top...don't stop there...add it to your coat...or dress...pin it to a simple clutch purse...for an instant update...

if you are already a brooch girl...share the way you wear them in the comments section...inspire others...

photo source

you had me at hello: in perfect pink...

sometimes...the most simple can be the most sublime...although...in simple i mean...not a lot of additions...because truly...this dress is anything but simple...spotted in the september issue of elle magazine...how gorgeous does katy perry look?  

of course...the dress...the beautiful dress...embroidered crepe dress by bottega veneta...well...it had me at hello...right from the start...is it the vibrant pink?  or the added embellishments?  not sure...but this dress...i love...don't you?

scanned by moi

top it off...

...with a great accessory!  thanks in part to the british royals...to whom we can tip our hats...who helped remind us of how much a hat can add that panache to any outfit...so many styles to choose from...just that one doesn't work...doesn't mean all of them won't...try a few different styles...perhaps a bowler is more your style...or maybe a cloche...a wide brimmed hat...

adding a favorite hat to a dress..skirt suit...or a dressy trouser will make any outfit more ladylike...

vintage 50's hat

and if you are not one for hats...how about a subtler look with a headband?  they can be simple or fun with feathers...beadwork...or a fabric flower...be sure to check out the accessories department...lots to choose from...

nina 'mariel' swarovski crystal headband
nordstrom

it is a great way to bring attention to your face...
will you be topping it off this season?

going for the silver...

in the spirit of the olympics...i give you...
silver...

bottom line...as in my two previous posts...

whether you are a gold...bronze or silver
...the options are limitless...

going for the silver by fabufinds featuring a straight jacket

going for the bronze...

of course all strive for the gold...

although getting the bronze 

is just as wonderful 

a feat...

and another wonderful addition 

to your wardrobe...

here...some beautiful 

bronze ideas...

not all at once!

going for the bronze... by fabufinds featuring a metallic jacket

going for the gold...

while most of us...well...pretty much all of us won't be
sporting any olympic gold medals...we can sure get in
the spirit...and go for the gold...so many ways to
incorporate it into your wardrobe...

here are some fun ideas...of course...
not all at once!

going for the gold... by fabufinds featuring long maxi skirts

stepping up the jean quotient...

do you have that pair of the perfect jeans?  while they can be hard to shop for...being patient...can be oh so rewarding...if you haven't bought a new pair of jeans in the last two years...grab your wallet...it's time to go shopping...

finding a pair (or two) of jeans that fit and flatter your body...and in a current style...not only will make you look and feel fabulous...but it will make getting dressed a whole lot easier...for those clients that live in both heels and flats...i always encourage them to have a pair long enough for heels...with another pair of jeans...hemmed perfectly for adorable flats...

wearing those perfect pair of jeans...you can go from the most casual outfit (yet still looking chic)...roll up the jeans to your ankles...add a great fitting t-shirt...or fun blouse...and a cute sandal...you are ready to go...

take that same pair of jeans...dress it up by adding some cute wedges...or heels...add in a silky top...and you are set...

loving the jeans shown below...animal print in a subdued print...wowzer!  or go for the color...colored jeans are still a very strong trend...which will be part of fall as well...so step up your jean quotient...you will be glad you did!

and don't forget to add the extra wow factor by adding in some accessories...the idea of looking put together seems quite easy...

not your daughter's jeans
nordstrom

put together: a subdued mix...

want a casual but chic way to meet up with some friends...or even a client?  perhaps you are just running a bit of errands...no matter the occasion...opt for looking put together...this outfit is just as easy to put on as a plain ole pair of jeans and a t-shirt...but you will be looking oh so chic...

still thinking about giving a mix of patterns a try?  how about an array of subdued colors...still gets your point across...but in a subtle kind of way...add in some chunky accessories...and your look speaks volumes without you saying a word...

scanned by moi
more magazine july/august issue

inspiration: a woman with good shoes...

enjoy the weekend...

source:  unknown

fabulous finds consignment boutique...

every once in a while...i like to send out a reminder...to check out the fabulous items in the fabulous finds consignment boutique...have you taken a peak lately?

currently...we have many spring/summer items...still available for you...many of which have just recently been added...and if your frame of mind is already geared towards fall...we've got some beautiful fall pieces already  in...

as i sit currently...i am staring at about 100 items...that will be posted today and thru the weekend...so the key is to always keep checking...that perfect for you item may pop up at any time...

so have fun shopping...and feel free to share with your friends...we've always got fabulous clothing & accessories for both men & women...in every size and color...

and if you are cleaning out that closet of yours...and have some pieces that you think should be in the boutique...let me know...you just may be surprised at the nice check that shows up in your mailbox when your items have sold...