in honor of orange...

such a happy color...no?  so today being so fitting to honor this color...whether it be for halloween...or even more so...for the wonderful san francisco giants world series parade today...let me tell you...the city was full of orange and black today...

orange has always been one of my favorite colors...and because of that...i am always looking for some new "orange" to add to my wardrobe...here are some of my current wish list items...

snakeskin in a flat...and orange...with a nice little pick me up heel...so so chic...

collection janey snakeskin flats
j crew

cashmere anyone?  i will never have enough...loved this take on a colorblock design...so cozy...

collection cashmere waffle colorblock sweater
j crew

and don't get me started on this oh so feminine dress...loving the ombre affect from purple to orange...

js collections ombre chiffon gown
nordstrom

is orange a color you gravatate to?

bangle away...

bangle away... by fabufinds featuring a bangle bracelet

bangle away...

when it comes to bangles...the sky is the limit...bangles were an "it" accessory last season...and they continue to be a strong go-to piece...the fun part...is how YOU choose to stack them...

for an understated elegant look...go for leather bracelets in the same color...but in different sizes...

want something a little bolder?  bangles come in every shape, size and color...and a perfect way to introduce some of the fall trends...for example...color-blocking too much for you in the way of clothing?  try color-blocking in a stack of bangles...or perhaps you want to try your hand at mixing textures...a simple way to start would be in bangles...choose from artsy design to embellished goodness...

the most important part is to have fun...bangles are a great way to add color...texture...definition...and "wow" to your outfit...mix modern with vintage...pearls with chains...etc...and if you've come up with a winning combination...please do share!  one of my personal favorites continues to be a cluster of my vintage bracelets that i stack on one arm...adds the right amount of glamour to any of my outfits...

bangle away... by fabufinds featuring stella & dot

orange is the new black...

at least here in the san francisco bay area...

congratulations to the san francisco giants...
another world series...
and in a sweep!

photo source

sometimes...

...all a girl needs is a little sun and relaxation...so my bags are packed with my summer brights...books for reading...and the anticipation of a much needed rest...my biggest decision will be...

poolside or ocean today...

see you when i get back!

photo source

put together: in a mash-up sort of way...

as i had mentioned last month...one of the big fall trends is a "texture mash-up"...basically a blend of textures and patterns in one single outfit...here is a wonderful example of just that...the caption reads:

"fall is all about mixing textures and patterns in a single outfit - plaids, stripes, tweeds, you name it.  you won't look like you dressed in the dark if you find one similar tone, like the orange in the pants and scarf, to tie it together"

looks so put together for a nice fall day...what do you think?  is it something you would try?

scanned by moi...
unsure of which magazine i pulled from...

fancy pants...

think iridescent...think silk...think shiny...think fancy...what once was considered a possible item to wear for evening...is now part of day wear...making a casual look...oh so special...

think you can't pull it off?  the nice thing is that the patterns come bold...such as these fabulous 7 for all mankind jeans...while i realize this look is not for everyone...you have to admit...it is pretty fabulous...no?

7 for all mankind jeans 'the skinny' foil print jeans 
nordstrom

if you like the idea of wearing some fancy pants...but the pic above scares you...go for something a little tamer...like the jade jacquard capri's...

collection cafe capri in jade jacquard
j crew

as with any trend or style...there are ways of incorporating a little or a lot of it into your outfit...and in that...if it is something you like...and want to try...go for it!

put some peplum in your dress...

peplum is still a strong trend this season...and many...seem to have a hard time figuring out what to wear with a peplum top or jacket...the key is to keep it simple in your pants...or skirt...but the easiest solution?  go for a piece that already has the peplum in the outfit...like a dress...so instantly feminine...

there are so many choices out there right now...big peplum...little peplum...medium peplum...you get the idea...so if you want to start out small...you can...and...it is a great way to visually shrink that waist...

here are some examples...do you like?

topshop peplum dress
nordstrom

tracy reese leather peplum dress
nordstrom

men's corner: a gentleman's boot...

fall is all about boots...at least for us women...but men...this is an accessory that should be added to your shoe collection as well...and currently...there are some fabulous styles to choose from...like the one below by cole haan...or click here to see all the styles available with cole haan...

they can jazz up any pair of jeans or corduroy pants...or wear them with a suit...and your suit isn't as stuffy...adding a nice contemporary feel to your look...

air harrison laced boot
cole haan

aici september kick-off event...

a few weeks back...i attended the aici (association of image consultants international) san francisco chapter september kick-off event...the event was held at one of my favorite places...bloomingdales in san francisco...thought i would share some of the highlights...like our lovely centerpieces...courtesy of bloomingdales...these were my favorites that i was lusting after...

and of course...how appropriate that the pair at my welcome table...was a polka dot dream...here i am preparing to welcome the guests...and doing my other "treasurer" duties...while admiring said shoes...everyone was convinced that they would be mine by the end of the evening...but alas...they are still at the store...

the evening was all about fall trends...and some of us were coerced volunteered to share our favorite fall trends...i decided on three...at one time...but it worked...without being a trend over load...
i chose fur...which you see on my vintage 80's jacket...sleeves trimmed with a luscious fox fur...a cluster of brooches on my jacket...and my "oxblood" booties...

most of the "models" like me...had pulled items out of their closets...which is always fun...when you can see what trends are coming out...what will work for your specific body and life style...and then have it already available in your closet...

the jacket i purchased about 2 years ago...great find at a church rummage sale...the brooches...i've had forever...picked up at flea markets...and my fun ankle booties...i purchased 3 years ago...so...look in your closet for those forgotten pieces that may be "just right"...right now!

and here i am with our lovely speaker...brenda kinsel...whom i love and adore...

fashion funnies: when i get tired...

the solution to a long day of shopping...

enjoy the weekend...

it's all about the pink...

october is national breast cancer awareness month...

so remember to...

photo source

fall/winter 2012 trend: coats...

when it comes to the coats of this upcoming season...think big...think voluminous...think architecture...

but as in any trend...the advice i give my clients and friends...is that it needs to be a trend that works for you...your body...and your life style...the worst thing anyone can do...is to wear a piece of something or other...that the magazines dictate as the "in" thing...and in or not...if it is wrong for you...what good is it?

i loved seeing this spread in the october issue of vogue...the coats were photographed by craig mcdean...i mean...it looks like art...doesn't it?  and although i can appreciate the trend...and how lovely it is...this lovely trend will not work for some women...like me...for sure!

i have hips...and drawing this much attention to them...is not something i plan to do...but again...i can appreciate them...in pictures...in stores...and on others...just not me...

and as with any trend...if you look hard enough...you should be able to find something that is suitable for you...and only you...these next two...i am loving...although i have a huge coat collection currently residing in my closet...i never say no to a new coat...if it speaks to me...right?

are you planning on investing in a new coat this year?  obviously depending on where you live...the heavier the better...in california...that is a bit hard to justify...if you are looking...think of expanding from what you already have...a classic camel color is always classy...but think of adding some color...perhaps a fur collar...

if you are thinking you need to stick to your current coats...try adding a belt to an existing coat...to show a new look...change out the buttons...instant update...mix in different scarves...gloves...little changes can make an otherwise old coat...look new again...

(all photos scanned by moi)

inspiration: style is a way...

men's corner: go out blazing...

as in...topping off that fabulous pair of jeans...khaki's or dress slacks with a nice blazer...it is truly an instant way of making yourself look "put together"...let's face it...anyone can put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt...but how seriously will people take you?  whether we like it or not...first impressions are made...and if something simple...like putting on a nice casual blazer...makes all the difference...why not?

one of the nice things that nordstrom.com is doing now...having the whole look on one link...if you like it...you shop the look...nice for those of you that don't think you can do it on your own...but better yet...get a trusted friend to help you out (someone whose style you admire) or a wardrobe consultant...who will be able to look through your closet...and most likely put together some fabulous looks...with what you already own...

here are some of my favorites...to get you inspired...the next time you are in line at starbucks...or boarding a plane...looking sharp...who knows who will be approaching you...it could be your next big client...or a new job opportunity...or a new life-long friend... 

love this first look...casual & sharp...all at the same time...

dockers wool blazer
nordstrom.com

  a little more dressy...hat not a requirement...but fun...

wallin & bros. sportscoat
nordstrom.com

  and of course...nothing wrong with adding some color...

ted baker london
nordstrom.com