we have moved...

after over a month of not blogging...we are finally ready to reveal our new home...and of course...we hope you follow us on over to our new home...for those of you that have lived through a blog transfer...i'm sure you know it comes with its challenges...and while we still have a few tweaks to work out...we are ready for the big reveal...

but first...and most importantly...a sincere thanks to all those who have read this blog...daily...thank you for the support through emails...comments on the blog...we don't want to lose you!  and for those lovely bloggers who showed support by adding this blog to their blog roll...thank you SO much!  it has meant the world...we hope that we get another chance to be in that reserved role!

so...we will see you on the new blog...with more of the same...fashion tips...events...and everything in between...

oh...and just in case you didn't notice...we even changed our name...to protect the innocent... we felt it had a better sound for what we are all about...we are now officially "styling fabulous" and the "styling fabulous consignment boutique"

see you on the new blog!

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aici installation dinner & melissa fleis...

last nite aici (association of image consultants international) san francisco chapter held their annual installation dinner...it honestly was such a fun & stylish evening...it was a wonderful nite of seeing colleagues...

here is adena...our president (and wonderful friend) thanking me for my service on the board as treasurer...don't we look all serious?

obviously...there was fun involved...adena and i have been friends for many years...AND share the same birthday...and of course...we both have our love of fashion...here we are a little less serious...

and thanks were given to the board who served 2012-2013...we welcomed the new board for 2013-2014...and here we are...being sworn in...looking forward to working with this wonderful group of women...
 
                                      

the evening honored some members who more then deserved the awards they received...lots of mingling...and then we had a wonderful guest speaker...the lovely melissa fleis...project runway season 10 finalist...and although she did not win...she was always my favorite...so it was quite a delight to meet her in person...

she talked to us about her time on project runway...and yes...tim gunn is really that wonderful...upcoming trends...showed some of her fabulous designs...

her leather work is amazing!  

all in all...quite the fun evening...

fashion funnies: put on your big girl panties...

enjoy the weekend...and keep it stylish!

photo source unknown

men's corner: sprucing up your summer shorts...

while i have met some men who love to shop...ok...maybe love is a bit strong of a word to use...but men who don't mind shopping...but then there are those who absolutely hate to shop...don't want to be near a mall...store...or anything closely resembling retail...come to think of it...i even know a few women who do...

not loving to shop...is not an excuse to still be wearing shorts that you wore 8 years ago...time to update update update...and if you can't seem to get yourself to a store...get a friend to help...or...get a wardrobe stylist to shop for you...you would be amazed at what can be created for you (in way of a new wardrobe) in no time at all...

but if you plan on venturing out there...let's update to some new shorts...and while it is SO easy to go for basic black, brown, navy blue or khaki...let's step out a bit more...isn't summer all about fun in the sun?  your wardrobe should reflect some of that...

so...try a pattern...doesn't have to be bold...but it sure gives some interest...don't you think?

madras plaid short
banana republic

 how about adding some shorts in a vibrant color...

linen short
banana republic

if going bold is too much...go for a lighter color...but do go for color...

solid short
banana republic

any of these can be paired with a button down or t-shirt...and you are ready to go...and those old shorts that have seen better days?  toss them!

a nite of fashion with melissa fleis...

won't you join us?

aici (association of image consultants international) 

san francisco chapter 

is pleased to announce...

a nite of fashion 

with the lovely 

melissa fleis...project runway season 10 finalist...

NOT YOUR MOTHER'S LITTLE BLACK DRESS: AN EVENING OF FASHION WITH AN EDGE - BY SF DESIGNER MELISSA FLEIS, SPONSORED BY AICI 
HELD AT BLOOMINGDALE'S

(San Francisco, CA) The little black dress is newly reinvented for today's confident woman who knows her strengths and isn't afraid to show both confidence and charisma.

AICI SFBA presents a night of fashion on the fast track with Bay Area designer Melissa Fleis, a Project Runway Season 10 finalist, who casts her design magic with an emphasis on supple black leather clothing and accessories. The evening begins with a private members-only installation-of- officers' ceremony followed by an exclusive fashion event open to the public. The fashion-filled evening, Wednesday, July 17, begins with a champagne reception at 6:30 p.m. and followed by the fashion presentation at 7:00 p.m. at Bloomingdale's, 845 Market Street, San Francisco (Mission View Room, 3rd floor) 

   Cost: $45 Registration 

Fleis, a young designer on the move, recently signed an exclusive with her custom leather fashions and accessories at NWBLK, a fashion, South-of-Market design incubator. "I create for the self-assured woman in her 20s to 50s who seeks the simple sophistication of black leather designs,' says the slender couturier, who received her Masters of Fine Arts degree from Academy of Art University.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 

$45.00 per person.

Check in and champagne at 6:30 pm.
Program 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

click here to register

hope to see you there!

you had me at hello: simple really can stand out...

sometimes...it feels good to get all guzzied up...but i am finding...that sometimes...the most simplistic of looks can be such "wow" factors...as in this gorgeous dress shown in vogue may 2013...bottega veneta petal-pink front-zip japanese-crepe dress...to say it had me at hello...is the understatement of the week...

simple really can stand out...don't you agree?

scanned by moi
vogue may 2013

how does your workout wear look?

whenever i am working with a client...i am looking at the whole picture of their lifestyle...meaning everything from work...to social events...to soccer games...to date nite...to working out... i feel that every area of your life should be covered when it comes to your wardrobe...

and one piece where i see the most non thought about area...would be the workout wear...i think...if you look good...you feel good...and who doesn't want to look & feel good while working out?  why should you just plop on an old ratty t-shirt and bottoms?  think of your workout gear as being your coach & cheerleader...

so take a look at what you currently wear to workout...has your sports bra lost its elastic give?  are your yoga pants so low cut that when you go to do your downward dog...you're showing more of your anatomy than you'd like?  do your running shoes have any tread left?  are there armpit stains on your t-shirts?

time to go shopping!

so what to look for?  one of the most important things is to look at fabric content...fabric that pulls moisture away from your skin...this will keep you comfortable during your workouts...and as always...look for a good fit...

and remember...workout clothes do not need to be boring...try some fun colors...prints or fun textures...just as there is interest in your everyday clothing...bring it into your workout wear to express your style...

layering is key...when weather is unpredictable...and you need to shed clothes or add clothes...this is the easiest way...a hat...a vest...a thin layer long sleeved t-shirt...and a windbreaker are some great layering pieces...

on one of our shopping trips...a colleague had raved about her lucy perfect core knee pant...shown below...while it was a bit pricey for me...i gave them a try...and have to admit...they are pretty comfortable...and wear really well...

i am here to help you and support your efforts...we can shop for your workout wardrobe and put together great outfits that will make you feel confident and eager to work up a sweat...

do you have some faves to share? 

perfect core knee pant
lucy

how to wear red, white & blue...

as america gets ready to celebrate 4th of july...i thought i would share a few ways to dress in the red, white & blue...without looking like...well...a flag!  depending on where you live...based on the level of heat in your area...these ideas can be modified...

i saw this look on pinterest...and thought it was a perfect example of how to wear red, white & blue...she looks chic...put together...patriotic...and ready to have some 4th of july fun...now for some of you...who are not into wearing shorts anymore...no problem...this look can look just as great with a pair of pants...or skirt...

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the 4th of july is about spending time with family and friends...there will most likely be bbq's, picnics & fun...why not add a cute dress into the mix?  how adorable is this halter dress?  a little bit of blue & white...and if you are keen into adding that last element of red...try some red flats...or a red cardigan for when the evening coolness sets in...

j crew
styling fabulous consignment boutique

it is all about being cool & comfortable...a simple red pant & white tank top or t-shirt will do the trick...it can be a variation of two of the colors...and you will still stand out as patriotic & chic...

anthropologie
styling fabulous consignment boutique

it can be as simple as adding a fun scarf...with stripes and/or stars...a simple tee...so go on...be festive...be fun...be stylish this 4th of july weekend...

the event that needs a dress...

it is always bound to happen...you get the invite in the mail...dressy event...and you start pondering that age old question...what will i wear?  now most of us head out shopping for a special occasion dress...but there is added pressure...as the event is looming near...and we have yet to find a dress...

a better way...or i should say...another strategy...shopping for those evening dresses when there are no invitations in the mail...at least not yet...now keep in mind...you know your lifestyle...if you don't go to fancy events...then this is a no brainer...and really...no reason to stock up your closet with special occasion dresses...

i always tell my clients (and girlfriends) to be on the lookout when they are shopping...the best time of course is post holiday sales...but let's face it...dresses are always going on sale...but most don't think about it...because there is no event looming in the horizon...but wouldn't it be much better to stumble upon a dress that it pretty much perfect...and looks fabulous on you...and possibly on sale??

always have an eye out for a great evening dress...i would stick to more classic shape, style and color...because wouldn't it be great to have that dress hanging in the closet...tailored and ready to wear...when the invitation arrives?

when you open up that invite...your question won't be...what will i wear...as you will already be prepared...

georgio studio
styling fabulous consignment boutique

fashion funnies: style analysis by miss piggy...

may your weekend be fabulous!

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7 ways to add color to your summer wardrobe...

when we think of summer...we think of sun...fun...and color...but many still have a hard time figuring out how to incorporate color into their summer wardrobe...now for those that for whatever reason...don't like color...no problem...i have several clients who prefer to stay in their neutrals...and that is ok...

but for those wanting to have a little bit of a colorful impact on their wardrobe this season...here are some simple solutions for you...and the great thing...is you can just add one of these items...and have instant color success...

1.  how about adding a vibrant colorful handbag for this season...this one below is the one i got myself...but in a neon pink...the tangerine was my second choice...and believe me...it goes with almost everything i wear...i literally have been using it for months...and get lots of compliments on it...which color to pick?  whichever one speaks to you...the pink was screaming my name...so i went for it...

michael kors "jet set" tote
nordstrom

2  a big trend that has been staying strong for quite some time...is the colored jeans...or in this case...a nice cool cropped pant...and yes...i have a similar pair...and i love them...wear them often...with so much...i've paired them with a black & white graphic summer coat...a simple tee...a floral blouse...on and on....add a blazer - wear it to the office...

nordstrom.com

3.  same as above - but in a skirt...depending on what you are looking for...as far as casual or business...the colored skirt can be incorporated in either setting...this one is a casual cotton skirt...perfect for running around town...going to the movies with friends...or meeting up with the gal pals for drinks...add a fun white tee...cute espadrilles and you are set...

banana republic
styling fabulous consignment boutique

4.  add a little color to your shoes...there are such fun loafers out now...flats...in vibrant colors...or pastels...such an easy way to add color when wearing a skirt or your jeans...

cole haan
styling fabulous consignment boutique

but of course...don't just think of your flats...how about a fun color in a pair of pumps...a yellow?  blue?  how fun to wear with your jeans...can't go wrong with a fun colorful pair of espadrilles...or for something a little dressier...lovely mint green slingbacks...for those that want a little color...not to bright...

paolo
styling fabulous consignment boutique

5.  adding a fun flirty top when going out for the evening...yes...skip the black for an evening...believe me...people gravitate towards color...you will be surprised...all you need?  a fun pair of white jeans or skirt and you are set for a summer evening...

max studio
styling fabulous consignment boutique

6.  add a colorful cardigan...for those cool summer nites...or depending on where you live...here in san francisco bay area...summer nites can get pretty cool...so a fun leather jacket in a great summer color...how chic is this?

lucien piccard
styling fabulous consignment boutique

7.  and last...but certainly not least...a simple add of a colorful scarf...add that to your neutrals...your blacks...or your all whites...and you are fabulously set for a wardrobe with a splash of color...

now i realize that all my examples are showing solids...but don't stop there...there are amazing colorful prints out there...that would do wonders in adding color to your summer wardrobe as well...

which of these would you try?

come meet melissa fleis (project runway season 10 finalist)

aici (association of image consultants international) san francisco chapter is pleased to announce a fabulous event that is taking place next month...and you are welcome to join us!  for those avid project runway fans...you may remember the lovely melissa fleis from season 10...she was the runner up...and yes...she was my top choice for that season...i absolutely loved her style of design...

melissa will be our guest at an exclusive event...and we are opening it up to the public...just know...space is limited...so if you are interested in attending...click here...and register...

here are the details:

Join the Association of Image Consultants International-San Francisco Bay Area (AICI SFBA)

and Bloomingdale's for a very special evening with

MELISSA FLEIS, 

 finalist from Project Runway Season 10. 

 Melissa will talk about her experiences on the show, 

as well as share and show us her latest designs

Wednesday, July 17, 2013
$45.00 per person.

Check in and champagne at 6:30 pm.
Program 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

register here

space is limited...

let me know if you plan on being there...

would love to meet you as well!

styling fabulous while going green...

i'm a firm believer that change is good...while it can be difficult...and time consuming...the end result can be fabulous!  now i'm not talking about some big life change for me here...just a new name...new website and new facebook page...all for my online consignment boutique...

so first...the name...since 2005 the fabulous finds consignment boutique had beautiful treasures shipped to many homes across the united states...that will not change...however...fabulous finds is now styling fabulous consignment boutique...

while the old website served its purpose...it wasn't very...um...user friendly...and that just can't be...so what will you find with the new site?  lots of great drop down menu's...great search engines...so you can find exactly what you want...faster...

so please do check out the new website...stylingfabulousconsignmentboutique.com  and take a peak...the next few weeks will be spent filling up the boutique with fabulous treasures...straight from my clients closets...so keep checking back often!

and please do "like" us on facebook...that is where most of the updates will be as far as sales...new items listed etc...

if you see items you like...please feel free to pin, share, like...and if you are ever on the hunt for something specific...let me know...i may be able to find it for you!  until then...happy shopping!

it's official...first day of summer has arrived...

i still remember the feeling as a kid...school is out...summer is in...back then...of course...summer started when school ended...now i go by the "official" day...which happens to be today!

so...happy first day of summer!

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put together: in sheer feminine glory...

a big trend this season is wearing sheer garments...and believe me...i've seen some winners...and then some questionable ones...going sheer doesn't mean you need to show all your goods ladies...let's leave something to the imagination...right?

stylelist did a great piece "the trend report:  sheer is here!" be sure to click on the link to see some great examples of wearing sheer this summer...of all of them...this really got my attention...how chic is this outfit?  it screams feminine...lady like...and just 100% put together...

is this a look you would try?  how do you wear sheer pieces?

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loving my new hugh hefner slippers...

i have been wanting my very own pair of hugh hefner like slippers for quite some time now...wasn't sure what i wanted...stripes?  solid color?  leopard print (my neutral)...decisions decisions...what i did know...was that when i saw them...i would know...

so while shopping at nordstrom's last week...my search ended...so loving my new hugh hefner slippers...especially the unexpected gold toe...les sigh...today was their first day out...

color inspiration: all in a rose...

aahhh roses...who doesn't love them?  while i love the ones that are in my front yard...they have no scent...so i go over to my mom & dad's house...their roses have the most incredible scent...much nicer...but you can't beat the colors...whether scented or not...

as in this lovely pic...to say i am slightly obsessed with this color would be an understatement...it just makes me so happy...so i am determined to find a few fun summer pieces in this color...

what color has you feeling chipper these days?

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men's corner: happy father's day...

wishing all the dad's out there a fabulous day...and to my very own papacito...i love you with all my heart!

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fashion funnies: beware of booby traps...

wishing all of you a stylish and fabulous weekend...

photo source - unknown

christian louboutin & saks fifth avenue...

painting nyc red...for the opening of the new boutique on eighth...

cole haan + nike air...

to me...this has got to be one of THE best collaborations...ever!  and while these shoes have been in existence for quite some time...i am still amazed when i bring them up...and people haven't heard...just the other day...i was wearing one of my pairs...for many many hours...and some of the women remarked "how can you stand in those all day"...and i said..."because of nike air..."  all i got were blank stares...so i am now sharing with all of you...some may already know...but for those that don't...

you need to know!  the collaboration started when cole haan shoes were made with the comfort of nike shoes...cole haan has every heel height...with this hidden nike air technology...pure genius...

so next time you are shopping for some "high-heeled" shoes...check out all the wonderful styles that cole haan offers...and then look for the "nike air"...i have several pairs in different heights...and i tell you...i feel like i am walking on pillows...so so comfortable...the nike air padding is concealed inside the platform portion of the shoe under the ball of the foot and in the heels...and while i show a pic of a cute summer sandal...it doesn't stop there...you can find cole haan nike air in dressy shoes too...

have you tried cole haan with nike air technology?

cole haan 'paley' wedge sandal
nordstrom

inside the walls of bergdorf goodman...

back in may...i wrote about a movie that was coming out...scatter my ashes at bergdorf's...actually it is a documentary...a very well done documentary...today, my good friend adena & i headed out to the city to see it...showing at the opera plaza cinemas...not sure how much longer it will be showing...but if you have a chance...and are in the city...i highly recommend it (locals...of course)...all others...check to see if it is playing somewhere in a theatre near you...

this film covers so much of life within the walls of bergdorf goodman...the new up & coming designers trying to get in to a coveted spot...the work it takes to do up the magnificent window displays...to the personal stylists who cater to their clientele...the background of how it all began...interviews with so many of the designers who have been accepted into the elite group...a truly incredible documentary...

i give it 5 stars!  a must see for all fashion loving peeps...

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when it comes to shopping...

the best advice to take with you...is buy only what you truly love...

having been through my share of closets...what i usually find are racks full of clothes of items that should never have been purchased...

"it was a great deal"

"but look at the designer name"

"i still hope to fit into it"

"i'm sure i will find something to wear with it"

believe me...i've made the same mistakes...and cleaning out my closet is no fun task...but as i have been purging and purging...i can see the items that should have never made there way home to my closet as well...

first things first...it just doesn't matter whose name is on that label...and it surely doesn't matter what the price of the item was...even if it was marked down 10 times...

what matters...

do you love this piece?  does it flatter you...now...does it make you feel confident...powerful...beautiful...thinner...(fill in the blank)...

that's what matters...

when it comes to shopping...buy what you truly love...buy what truly fits you...buy less...buy better...be picky about your selections...in the end...you will have a closet full of endless potential...trust me...

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fashion funnies: when it just doesn't fit...

enjoy the weekend!  =)

men's corner: men in tights...

did the title get your attention?  an article written in the telegraph.co.uk...posted back in december...quite an article title:  men in tights: how 'meggings" are taking fashion by storm"...written by tom teodorczuk...click on the title if you'd like to read the whole article...i have to say...the only thing that sort of got my attention was the word "megging"...kinda catchy really...

but serious?  meggings?  maybe for some young artsy guy...i could see it...but i truly do not think that this "trend" is anywhere near "taking off"...at least not in my neck of the woods...

leggings in general...are not pants...now before i get a backlash from some readers on this statement...let me clarify...while they do work for some...the general public should not be in leggings...and definitely not wearing them as pants...makes no sense...while i have seen some great looks in leggings...the list is not very long...

so back to meggings...or better yet...let's not get back to meggings...my vote is a definite NO!  for most...if not all men...

what are your thoughts? 

men...does this look do it for you?

women...do you want to see men in meggings?

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closet clean out 101...

call it what you want...closet clean out...closet audit...purging session...the thought of cleaning out the closet...or a chest of drawers...for a lot of people is not a fun event...and for many...it can be overwhelming...but if you are not ready for a professional wardrobe consultant to come in and help you...here are some easy steps to get you started...

believe me...sometimes the hardest of tasks are easier when they are broken into manageable steps...when it comes to your closet...think of how you want to start...by categories?  for example...just your pants...then your tops...etc...whatever method you choose...here are three easy questions to ask yourself on every piece...and if the task seems huge...which it might be...scale it down to baby steps...

how about looking at 5 items a day...or work on the closet for an hour a week...you choose how you'd like to proceed...i think you will be amazed at the progress that is made..even in baby steps...

so...closet clean out 101...pick an item...and ask yourself these 3 questions...

1.  would i buy this if i saw it in a store today?

2.  does this article of clothing fit my life today?

3.  is it helping me in the image i'm trying to portray?

if you answered no to any of these questions...do not put the item back in your closet...

simple closet clean out 101...try it...purging can be SO freeing....

and if even taking these simple baby steps seems too much to bear...consider calling a wardrobe consultant that can walk you through these steps...and help you get your closet in tip top shape...it will be some of the best money you've spent...really!

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saying no to old rules...

while working with clients...or even in chatting it up with friends...it still amazes me how many "fashion rules" are still stuck in people's heads...rules that have no validity...nor make any sense...do you have some fashion rules that possibly were passed on down from your mother or grandmother?  or possibly a sales person told you a fashion rule...that you have repeated over and over in your shopping adventures...

sometimes...we just need to put a stop to some of the old rules we have been reciting for much too long...

one that i still hear quite often is...

 - no white after labor day...in fact i devoted a whole blog post to that rule...click here to read it...yes...you can wear white after labor day...and let's switch it the other way around...you can even wear black in the summer...it really boils down to the texture and weight of the fabric...so based on what season you are in...the weights of the fabric and texture will play a role in the items you choose...

here are some others...

 - do not mix metallics...why?  they look fabulous together...so go ahead...mix your gold with your silver...add in color to the mix if you'd like...be adventurous...and most of all...chuck this rule out the window...

 - don't wear blue & black together...i say DO wear blue and black together...such a gorgeous combination...have you tried it?

 - always match your handbag to your shoes...only if you want to look dated...the fun in creating interesting outfits...is finding pieces that "go-together" but don't look matchy-matchy...find details or colors that compliment each other...

 - sequins/embellishments in your clothing...and/or your dressier glitzy accessories should only be worn in the evening...they are truly perfect for your day wear...of course you don't want to look like you are headed to a disco (am i showing my age?)...but pairing a fabulous sequined top with your jeans...or wearing your rhinestone necklace with a classic white shirt is a rule you want to definitely incorporate into your wardrobe ensembles...

any other rules you have stuck in your head that i might have missed?  list them in the comment section below...let's help each other dissolve these rules that need to be broken...

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the classics with a twist...

when i think of the classics...one that comes to mind is the lovely jackie o...jacqueline kennedy onassis...was always picture perfect in her classic looks...she looked chic...and more importantly...effortlessly chic...some may find the classics "boring"...but when you add a twist to your classics...they will be anything but boring...

so when we think classics...what comes to mind?  cardigans...sheath dresses...trench coats...turtlenecks...fitted tweed pants...these classic shapes have been around for a long long time...but there are ways of adding a new detail that can up the anty on these classics...

take the sheath dress...in this pic...you can see that a different belt is added to each dress...such an easy way to add dome new detail to a sheath dress...but don't go for basic black...how about a fun gold belt?  or any metallic...a bit more adventurous?  add a vibrant colored belt...the options are limitless...and so will your sheath dress then take on several new personalities...nothing better then wearing a plain ole sheath dress...and it looks like a new one everytime you put it on...just by changing up your belt...

accessories are another way to add a twist to your plain old sheath dress...whether you add a nice statement necklace...or add a range of different lengths of necklaces...you can change it up so many different ways...and once again...the dress looks different every time...

talk about cost per wear!  and if you are shopping for a sheath dress...go for some color...while the piece will be classic in its look...the color will be fresh...vibrant and new...and then...even with color...you can still play around with the belts and/or accessories...

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if you are shopping for a new trench coat...how about skipping on the khaki standard...and go for a rich color...want to take it up a few more notches?  how about a trench in a black patent leather?? how edgy will that trench coat be?

when looking at cardigans...or twin sets...again...look for the unexpected details...and if you are working with items already in your closet...repeat repeat repeat...add a new belt...add a scarf...add new accessories...

classic with a twist...coming right up!

fashion funnies: a shoe sale...

enjoy the weekend!

how to freshen up that suit...

while it is not as common as it used to be...believe it or not...there are still women that do wear suits to work...as in several of my clients...so if you are in the elite group...i realize that wearing that same old suit...can get old...but with the hefty price tags...it's not likely that these are items that you continue to buy over and over...

so what needs to happen...is to work with what you've got...while the suit on its own can be...shall we say...yawn...boring...there are some easy ways to freshen up the look...and "revive" those suits you are wearing...

if you've been wearing a basic button down shirt with your suits...how about opting for a nice bright blouse?  if you like ruffles...this is a great accent to an otherwise boring blouse...the combination of the ruffles & color cascading down the suit jacket will instantly pump up the volume...want to be a bit more daring?  go for a fun print...when looking for new blouses to add...think color...texture...detail...the smallest of which could make a huge impact...

add in some fun accessories...if you have been wearing your standard pearls or chain necklace...try adding one with a bolt of color...or adding several necklaces together to create new interest...add a fun brooch to the jacket...no one will notice your basic suit anymore...

belts are another way to update or freshen up an old suit...go for a belt that matches for a conservative approach or add some fun with one in a contrasting color...not only does this bring a great new detail to your suit...but it will instantly cinch in that waist for a flattering silhouette...

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mixing high and low...

one of the fashion tidbits that i post on my facebook and twitter pages is:  'don't be afraid to match high end & low end clothing & accessories...the trick is picking low end that looks high end...' i would say that the best description i can give of this was at the oscars...remember when sharon stone paired a valentino skirt with a black gap t-shirt?  the next day...it was the talk of the town...and she made it look effortless...actually come to think of it...she did it again...when she paired a beautiful lilac vera wang skirt with a gap button down shirt...tre chic...no?

which it can be...the cost of an item is really not that important...what is important is that the garment looks great on you...fit fit fit...don't i always get back to fit?  so what i usually tell my clients...spend the money on the classic pieces...the ones you know you will have in your closet for years to come...you want to get what you can most afford...and then the fill ins...this is where you get creative...

pair a fabulous jacket with a t-shirt from your favorite low-end store...mix your grandmothers pearls with a few less expensive necklaces...are you getting the idea?  after all...a label is a label...besides...who really sees the label?  if a garment looks good on you...it is a keeper...

when shopping at low-end stores...do take a look at the stitching and such...while the garments won't be as intricate as a higher designer garment may be (although i've seen some that could be questioned...) if the garment looks "cheap" pass on it...you can find less expensive items that still look like you paid a little something for them...

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how to mix patterns...

one of the easiest & funnest ways to make your style unique...is by mixing patterns...i have seen some great combinations on the light side...as well as full on bold mixing of patterns...you pick what suits you best...if you've stocked up on some classic shapes in your wardrobe...and want to kick it up a notch or two...mixing of patterns may be just right for you...

when it comes to the art of mixing patterns...whether it be like patterns...such as stripes with stripes...or going bolder...for example...as different as florals and stripes...here are some steps to help you in navigating...

 - any pattern can be mixed...plaids...polka dots...florals...stripes...houndstooth...although when it comes to animal print...it gets a little hazy when you start adding too much of it...the rule for me myself...is one animal print per outfit...

 - there should be one unifying color palette within the prints...

 - when mixing the same type of print...for example...houndstooth with houndstooth...or floral with floral...they should be drastically different in scales...

 - have a solid piece somewhere in your outfit...a t-shirt...shoes...jeans...this will help anchor the mixed prints...

have fun with it...for ideas...i highly suggest taking a peak at magazines...or if you are on pinterest...you can get some great ideas for mixing of patterns...and feel free to follow my board "style:  mixing patterns" for inspiration...

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happy memorial day...

wishing all my readers a fabulous memorial day weekend...

may it be safe & stylish...

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a nation of slobs...

cbs news did a segment called "dressing down a culture for refusing to dress up"...in it...professor linda przybyszewski talks about a class she teaches at the university of notre dame called "a nation of slobs"...in discussing how there was a time that people got dressed up for social occasions...but also...just to have dinner...

very interesting take of what some of her students say in the video...they dress up for her class...and it is encouraging to hear some younger students say that when they see someone in pajama bottoms for breakfast...there is a chuckle there...because truly...how long would it take to put on a pair of pants?  especially if you took the time to put on make-up..right?

watch the video below...some fun segments from old movies and tv shows...a definite nostalgic piece...who else remembers beaver of 'leave it to beaver' telling his mom..."boy mom, you sure look expensive"...or did i just date myself?  =)

while i don't think we need to go back to wearing hats and gloves (although, personally i would love that...) there is something about putting a little thought in your dress...

aici international conference 2013...

the last post of mine was titled "packing anxiety"...written right before my trip out to arizona for the aici international conference...once i started focusing...i was able to complete the packing...and make my flight...phew!  

arriving in arizona...there were 5 of us from different areas meeting up to drive over to the hotel...here is our rental car...5 women...a few tries...and we finally loaded up the rental...we were pretty proud of ourselves...

the week was full of many great classes...meeting colleagues from all around the world...and sharing ideas with each other...there is always new things to learn...we must keep ourselves fully trained...fully updated with the latest & greatest in presentations...applications...tech devices...etc...and i'm no different...i want to be the best i can be when working with my clients...

and the packing anxiety...what packing anxiety?  i packed what i needed...and being that it was a conference of image consultants from around the world...i needed my options...so here is a fun pic we took in our hotel room...1 conference...3 image consultants...6 days in arizona = 20 pairs of shoes!