fabulous finds

save the date...

2012-02-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

fabulous finds online consignment boutique

will be having its "first ever" local opening...

in lovely san mateo, ca

so if you live in the bay area...mark your calendars...

"new with tags" & gently used clothing, shoes & accessories

sizes 0 to 28

thursday, february 23 thru sunday, february 26

check out the fabulous finds consignment boutique link

with over 700 items...there is something for everyone...

(items will be reduced from their listed price at this special sale.)

stay tuned for more info...

the master cleanse...

2012-02-08T16:47:00.001-08:00

the other day i was reading a rather thought provoking article "the master cleanse" by annette tapert in the wall street journal...the top caption caught my attention...

If you lost your entire wardrobe, how would you rebuild it? Annette Tapert ponders the minimalist's ultimate fantasy with designers and style arbiters

we have all had the occasional blurting of "i have nothing to wear" while staring into a closet jam packed with clothes...ok...most of us have...if we are really honest...but for me that changed...when i started taking a serious look at my closet...and getting rid of the items that i knew i didn't wear...and most likely wouldn't wear...that is when you start looking at your clothes differently...loving the pieces that are in your closet...

and then there are the few people that i've met...when they hear what it is i do...have this vision that hiring me is going to be some real life episode of "what not to wear"...where i will come in...throw every piece of clothing out that they own...(for the record...that has never happened...and most likely won't...)

this article however made me think about...a "what if" situation...what if..for whatever reason...my clothes were all gone? how would i start rebuilding my clothing? would i buy a lot of what i had before? would i stick to a more classic approach? what would be the first ten pieces that i buy?

this article has several designers answering some of these very questions...

do you think that you would shop differently to replace your current items?

photo source

you had me at hello: in a spring sort of way...

2012-02-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

don't these shoes just make you yearn for spring? bright orange...such a happy color...such a fabulous shoe...

scanned by moi
harper's bazaar - february issue

how to update that old coat of yours...

2012-02-06T17:05:00.000-08:00

just like shoes...i feel one can never have too many coats...but that is just me...i happen to really love coats...but whether you have one or two...or like me...too many to mention...they are a big investment...and not one that you get rid of year after year...

so if you've got some old coats hanging in your closet...and they happen to be in great condition...but maybe...you are just a tad bit bored with them...why not update them? make them "new" again...

one of my favorite fashion tidbits: want to spruce up an old coat? add a fabulous big belt or some new buttons to create a brand new piece...

those are two very easy ways to update an old coat...sometimes the belt might not work...it really depends on how thick your coat is...but the buttons? the options are limitless...have you ever taken a look at the rows and rows of buttons offered? you can go vintage...modern...and everything in between...

i thought i would offer up a few more options...sometimes what worked before...may seem dated now...for example...sometimes...the sleeves can be changed...how about making the sleeves 3/4? and then style this with some long leather gloves? or work with the length of the coat...perhaps shortening it will give you more options...

depending on the style of the coat...sometimes (with the help of a tailor) the collar can be re-shaped...or be adventurous...hunt through a local antique, vintage or thrift store for a fur collar...it can easily be attached to the current collar...

small embellishments work wonders as well...sometimes...something as simple as adding a vintage brooch to your coat...or step out of the box...and add a cluster of three...tre chic!

most recent update that i saw...by a fellow image consultant...one of her clients had an old boxy jacket (more of a blazer jacket)...so they cut of the sleeves...tapered in the sides...and made a very classy vest...added a nice thick belt...and voila! a whole new piece to a current wardrobe...

while i am an advocate for getting rid of items in your closet that you know in your heart of hearts you will never wear again...there are those items that may not be right as they are...but can be "fixed" to be one of your favorite pieces...

have you ever updated an old coat? what tricks did you use?

photo source

fashion funnies: the difference...

2012-02-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

...between men and women...

enjoy the weekend!

*no photo credit available...if you know of who i could credit...please let me know*

oh prada...how i love thee...

2012-02-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

um...yeah...have you seen the prada spring/summer 2012 campaign? les sigh...

we've been having some incredible weather here in the bay area...think 70's...yes...almost all winter...not that i'm complaining...so of course...as much as i'd love to be wearing all my thick sweaters...tweed jackets...the weather is not permitting me to...so i dream of spring/summer...

i first saw this video over at fabulous girls wear vintage blog...the lovely cherie who is the owner of this blog and fabulous vintage at shrimpton couture...if you are a vintage lover...collector...you need to check out her site...she's got some absolute lovelies...trust me...

i think cherie said it best...and i quote her from her blog...

"I want every single piece and then I want to hunt down every single vintage piece that looks even remotely like every single piece in this video. And then I want to drive a vintage pastel colored convertible with vintage hard sided luggage stacked on the back, filled with all my new and old treasures and sing out loud in the sunshine in my car till I can't sing no more."

kind of like a thelma and louise moment...except the last part...you know...going off the cliff...

enjoy the video...the absolutely "die-for" clothes...(and cars)...
and have a fabulous weekend!

the long awaited purse...

2012-02-02T16:49:00.001-08:00

two things that i don't mind spending some money on...are shoes & handbags...i want good quality...good leather...well made...and with this criteria...i have shoes & handbags that last a really really long time...in fact...most times when i get complimented on my shoes or handbags...the next question is...who are they by...and did i purchase them recently...and i usually need to say...that i got them years and years ago...

so...about six months ago...i was having coffee with a girlfriend of mine...and she was commenting on my handbag...and how she just couldn't afford a good handbag...but yet...she would spend little to no money on bags...that well...didn't look to hold up well...and usually didn't...nothing wrong with that...if you don't mind continually buying new handbags...

as we talked further...she seemed to think that a good handbags cost in the thousands...which i then let her know that there were plenty of great handbags to choose from without spending thousands of dollars...but still getting a good quality leather classic handbag...

so i challenged her...as she was not able to "just run out and spend money on a good handbag"...but i knew that she was an extensive coffee drinker...put aside your daily $4 for a latte in an envelope marked "handbag"...i mean...let's do the math...$4 multiplied by 5 days...multiplied by 4 weeks equals $80...times 5 months equals $400

guess what we went out to purchase today? isn't it a beauty? she is over the moon excited...

michael kors large bedford bowling satchel
neiman marcus

my faves at the sag awards...

2012-02-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

truth be told...i watch the award shows simply for the fashion...and sunday nite had me flipping channels constantly...as nothing was really grabbing my attention...

although i loved the "color" on the red carpet...from the luscious green on emily blunt...to the gorgeous rose on sofia vergara...all that to say...the color was more spectacular then the actual dress itself...i also really took notice to the out of the box jumpsuit on rose byrne...i loved that it was so different...a junpsuit...on the red carpet...it worked...but it wasn't an absolute fave of mine...

so i was left with two favorites...this is where i take everything into account...from the hair..to the make-up...to the dress...to the shoes...it all matters people! i mean have you ever seen a fabulous outfit put together...and then your eyes fall on the shoes...and the outfit is suddenly not so spectacular? i have...or the hair...or the _________ (fill in the blank)

so...here they are...my absolute favorite was ashlee simpson...she truly surprised me...looking all grown up and stunning...i would kill for that dress...to have in my own closet...but i digress...back to ashlee...she looked amazing...from head to toe...

ashlee simpson in jenny packham
photo source

and emma stone...loved that the dress was short...loved the shoes..and the clutch? no words...

emma stone in alexander mcqueen
photo source

who was your fave?

you had me at hello: sporting some green leather...

2012-01-31T15:50:00.000-08:00

something my close friends always tease me about...the color green...and stripes...because most times when i am out shopping...i tend to gravitate towards anything green...and stripes...many other things as well...but when i have items in my hands...my girlfriends will usually have the opportunity to say to me "oh look...green...what a surprise"...or "stripes? shocker"

but yet...i feel i am still unpredictable in my dress...even with green & stripes...guiding my way...

so can you imagine my delight when i was perusing my february issue of vogue...and saw this lovely? the color had me at hello...but then...when i inspected it closely...i realized this gorgeous top is leather!

is that not the most perfect shade of green? celine leather top...only $4,850...uh yeah...this "had me at hello" will remain in my dreams...

scanned by moi

is the iron lady on to something?

2012-01-30T16:13:00.000-08:00

i read an interesting article this morning...that a fellow image consultant had posted on facebook...entitled "lessons from the iron lady" written by vivia chen in the careerist...

the article spoke of margaret thatchers "uniform" and what about it worked...how wearing a skirt vs a pant may help you in how you are perceived in the work place...

the whole conundrum of career dressing...needless to say...has really changed over the years...and sometimes...when i read articles such as this...i wonder...just how far along we have really come...

back in the day...when i was completely saturated in corporate america...my wardrobe of choice...every day...was a business suit...but even then...some 15 to 20 years ago...i never wore the basic black, brown or navy blue suit...did i have them? yes...but there was always color in my dress...and many times...my suits would be brighter colors...then the standard navy blue or black...this was my personal style...and it did not deter my climb up the corporate ladder...

but what is standard? and what makes it standard?

when i am working with career women...there is that fine line of not being "too sexy"...all at the same time of not being "too manly"...or worse...looking dowdy...personally...seems like there are too many "too's" to follow...but ultimately...i believe it is about finding your own personal style...and not conforming...to one way of dressing...

many will argue that clothes don't make the man (or woman)...but first impressions do exist...whether we like it or not...

what are your thoughts? do you think women today need to dress like a margaret thatcher look alike to get ahead? do you think women need to hide their feminine side? just asking these questions makes me feel like we are going backwards in time...

photo source

fashion funnies: stylists to the old masters...

2012-01-28T15:22:00.000-08:00

a clip from french & saunders...and you thought this work was easy... =)

hope you are enjoying the weekend...

the challenge...

2012-01-27T17:04:00.001-08:00

i've been talking about wanting to try my hand at sewing for quite some time...truth be told...i've been nervous to start...as the last time i sewed something...well...it was back in high school...and that was many many many years ago...although...at that time...i remember sewing a pantsuit...a pantsuit that fit me very well...

i wonder where that went? wish i still had it...but i digress...

one of my closest friends...has sewn occasionally...curtains...things like that...and one of the complaints that her & i always have...is finding that "oh so perfect" skirt in that "oh so perfect" fabric...that only exists in our head...so for the longest time we have been saying just that...we should make it ourselves...

well...saying it and doing it are two completely different things...at least for me...but...my girlfriend also knows that i am very competitive...and so...she in her brilliance...presented to me the challenge...

and of course...she knew i wouldn't say no...

so...we have decided to start with a pencil skirt...i think the judge will be my own mamacita...since she has been a seamstress her whole life...of course...i won't tell my mamacita that one of the participants is me...just to keep it fair...although i know in my heart of hearts that she would be fair...

so i am posting it on the blog...i guess to keep me accountable...

we have decided on the item...i guess next step will be finding a pattern that we both agree on...although i'm thinking...i need to start with the basics...like threading the sewing machine...although...i have been told...over and over...that it is like riding a bike...once i start...it will all come back to me...well...we shall see...

i'm super nervous...but excited for the challenge...any tips for me?

photo source

styling in the kitchen...

2012-01-26T18:09:00.000-08:00

check out the lovely i received under my christmas tree this last year...i have to say...i have been feeling very stylish in the kitchen as of late...and it has to do with my new apron...

i had been looking for months...yes months...to find the "right" apron...that would go with my kitchen...but more then that...that would go with my style...many of the ones i was seeing...were...well...not me...

well...my dear friend had been on several shopping trips where i would check out aprons...and critique why each one was just not right...well...she listened... =)
black & white...AND polka dots...pure heaven...

do you put much thought into your apron? do you even use one?

come to think of it...i've got some vintage ones stored away somewhere...maybe i should pull those out...

"modern world" stacy lomman new york...

2012-01-25T15:05:00.000-08:00

the lovely stacy lomman is feverishly working on her fall 2012 collection...and we can help in being a part of this fabulous collection...personally...i have loved (and coveted) pieces from each collection that she has done so far...but this takes the cake...as seen below...feast your eyes on the long faux ostrich vest which will be seen in this fall 2012 collection...i mean really...the sketch alone is already making me drool...can you imagine the real thing?

so...stacy has been busy busy busy...

"Over the past year and a half, amazing things have happened. I've been featured in WWD, Dstripped magazine, LIFE.com, and interviewed by the Huffington Post, CBS News and Tenacity Radio's, "Got Style?". I am also a finalist in the women's ready-to-wear category for the Fashion Group International's, 2012 Rising Star Awards (winner to be announced on Jan. 26th)"

i was going to go into an explanation of how hard it is to get a collection out these days...or for that matter...to run any small business...but wendy brandes did a most wonderful write-up in the huffington post..."the agony and ecstasy of a small business" let's do our part and support stacy...support "made in the u.s.a."...every little bit helps...can you imagine if we all gave up one or two lattes...how easy is that?

when you are ready...here is stacy's kickstarter link...we only have until sunday january 29th...every little bit helps!

photo source

banana republic & trina turk...

2012-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

...are collaborating together for a summer 2012 collection...

the news came out yesterday: banana republic to debut limited-edition collection with designer trina turk summer 2012

i usually don't get too excited about collaborations...but...trina turk brings in the lovely bright colors that banana republic hasn't had too much of...will you be checking it out?

photo source

the fashion world of jean paul gaultier...

2012-01-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

here is something to look forward to..."the fashion world of jean paul gaultier: from the sidewalk to the catwalk" will be shown at the san francisco de young museum...starting march 24th through august 19, 2012...this will be a must see for me...

the de young museum website describes the exhibit as such...

"Dubbed fashion’s enfant terrible, Jean Paul Gaultier launched his first prêt-à-porter collection in 1976 and founded his own couture house in 1997. Emerging as a designer in the 1980s, he developed his own dress codes that reflected the changing world around him. The openly gay Gaultier uses his designs to tackle gender and transgender issues through androgynous, gender-bending styles, meanwhile delving even further into some of the darker areas of the sexual revolution. Always provocative, he addresses issues of multiculturalism by bringing ethnic diversity to the Paris runway. Despite the gritty and sometimes controversial context of his collections, the clothes remain beautiful, superbly crafted with the finest dressmaking and detailing skills.

This dynamic, multimedia exhibition will include 120 haute couture and prêt-à-porter designs created between the early 1970s and 2010, along with numerous sketches, archival documents, fashion photographs, and video clips that spotlight Gaultier’s collaborations with filmmakers, choreographers, and musicians, most notably Madonna. For this presentation, Gaultier partnered with the Montreal-based theater company Ubu Compagnie de Création in the design of 30 animated mannequins who talk and sing in playful and poetic vignettes."

will you be planning to see this exhibit?

photo credit

shopping for that difficult item...

2012-01-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

do you have that one thing (or two or three) that you absolutely hate shopping for? it's not that you hate the item...but the torture of going through the exercise of finding the right one...

for me...that item is jeans...i've always had a hard time finding jeans that fit right...so for this example...i will use "jeans" as the difficult item...

so whatever that item is...and if you are still on the hunt for it...devote a day to going from store to store and trying on every pair of jeans...just jeans...nothing else...you can look at dresses another day...or hunt for shoes at yet another time...

the key is to really focus in on this one item...and only that...and trying them on doesn't mean just slipping into a pair...looking over your shoulder at your tush...and saying they're fine...trying them on means standing...walking...and sitting in them...as well as looking at them from every possible angle...

a pattern of what looks best on you will eventually emerge...most important...which jeans make you feel good? which ones make you shudder in horror? (that would be low-rise for me) the ones that make you smile and feel just right are the ones to buy...

use this shopping trick for everything...dresses, tops, sweaters, pants and bras...if you stay focused on shopping for that one difficult item...you will be successful...

what is your difficult item to shop for?

client praise: why i love what i do...

2012-01-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

so at the end of last year...my girlfriend was having a family dinner...i'm thinking it was thanksgiving...but not sure...her family during dinner...decided to go around the table and say something that they were wanting for the new year...when it got to her brother...he mentioned that he would like to start dating...

so my girlfriend...being the lovely sister that she is...decided to gift my services to him...to help assess his wardrobe and help in any way i can...

her brother is an extremely smart young man...and the reason i bring that up...is the fact that he has aspergers...and i have such respect for people that fight the odds...the obstacles...and make a wonderful life for themselves...he is successful in every area of his life...graduated from a very prominent university...holds a great job that allows him to travel outside of the country...

the only thing missing was a fun dating life...and i...was so excited to be part in helping him with his wardrobe...

so i went over and met with him for the first time...he was shy...but so excited for this new adventure...i did several shopping trips for him and was ready to show him what i had come up with...and once we picked out the pieces that would work...created his very own look book...and he was set to go...

fast forward about three months...and his sister tells me that he now has a girlfriend...i cannot tell you how this warmed my heart...let's be honest...clothes aren't the whole piece to a puzzle...but when one is dressed right...meaning clothes that fit...and clothes that are put together...there is a confidence in that...and confidence is a pretty powerful force...at least i think so...

and the golden globe goes to...

2012-01-17T14:40:00.001-08:00

as many of you know...this past sunday evening marked the 69th annual golden globes awards...and while i try and stay interested for most of the awards show...i'll be honest...it is all about the dress for me...

so here are my favorites for this year...

simple & oh so classic...

claire danes
j. mendel

stunning charlize...

charlize theron
dior couture

who would think matching lips, bag & a swoosh on the dress would be so right...

angelina jolie
atelier versace

perfect for nicole...

nicole ritchie
julien macdonald

love the embellishments on this gown...

jessica alba
gucci

it is all about the fit...and this dress fits her to perfection...

reese witherspoon
zac posen

this style works on kate...every time...

kate beckinsale
roberto cavalli

in the fashion twitter world...this dress was either loved or hated...no in-between...i thought it was fabulous...cinderella like...and perfect for the red carpet...

piper perabo
theyskens theory

octavia shows us that it doesn't matter what size you are...if the fit of the dress is right...you will look sensational...

octavia spencer
tadashi shoji

and the lovely helen mirren never disappoints...dressed classy and age approprate...proving that showing skin is not necessary to look absolutely stunning...and sexy!

helen mirren
badgley mischka

so who were your favorites?

photo source: octavia spencer, angelina jolie - marie claire
photo source: all others - harper's bazaar

fashion funnies: calories...

2012-01-14T16:40:00.001-08:00

for those times you wondered what was happening to the clothes in your closet... =)

happy weekend! may it be fabulous!

photo source

the unrealistic views of beauty...

2012-01-13T15:54:00.000-08:00

"A magazine dedicated to plus-size fashion and models has sparked controversy with a feature claiming that most runway models meet the Body Mass Index criteria for anorexia."

as i was reading this article...i thought of all the friends...clients...even myself at times...verbalize what one wished was different about them...the thing is...i hear this from women that are size 0 to women who are size 18...the average woman is a size 14 and our plus size models are a size 6-12? does this make sense? i have even heard some in the industry call a person that wears a size 12...a plus size...let me just say it now...being a size 12...is not plus size...but that could be a whole separate post...we are bombarded with magazines...television...all sorts of media mode that "tell us" what beauty is...and what an "ideal" weight or size is...and well...most buy into it...

the article went on to say..."Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less."

and if you still aren't convinced that the pictures we see...are so far from reality...take a look at this clip...although it pokes fun at it...reality is...that even those beautiful size 0 models are photo-shopped...

true perfection is embracing the "you" that you are...wearing clothing that suit your personality...that is the right fit...and walking with confidence...my friend posted this on her wall the other day...and when i read it...i thought...exactly!

"You see the woman across the room, and you think, she's so poised; she's so together. But she looks at you and you are the woman across the room for her." Diane von Furstenberg. So true! Be confident - be that woman. And know that everyone is dealing with some sort of insecurity - it's all in HOW you deal with it.

photo source

men's corner: statement shoes...

2012-01-12T17:10:00.001-08:00

i read an interesting article this morning in the wall street journal..."spring shoes for men step brightly"...apparently...there are a lot of ~~crazy~~...err...different options coming out this spring...my question is...who will take the bait? (do go to the article and watch the slide show to see all the designs...)

the shoe listed below...i can think of maybe one of my men clients who might consider these...and that is a HUGE "might"...as for the rest of my clients...although i am always trying to get them to step out of the box a little...you know...find their own personal style...but shoes that have metal spikes spurting out of them...not so much...christian louboutin or not...(watch the video to see these...)

while i love the idea of giving men more options...personally...i may be wrong...but i don't see this as a trend that will take off...the article compared the shoes to that of the shoe craze from "sex and the city"...women...are always more adventurous...shall i say? with trying out new trends...

so what say you men? am i off my rocker? would you try these out? and to the ladies...would you buy these for your significant other? would love to hear your thoughts!

photo source: f. martin ramin for the wall street journal

you had me at hello: in a striped kind of way...

2012-01-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

we have been having some incredible weather here in northern california...tomorrow is estimated to be a nice 65 degrees...while i'm all for warm weather...i'm missing out on wearing any of my winter clothes...all those wool tweeds...heavy sweaters...

even the magazines are boasting of warmer weather...such as this lovely..i'm almost thinking my obsession with stripes...is almost as big as my obsession for anything leopard print...it hasn't died down yet...stripes get my attention...

can you imagine wearing this lovely striped number in spring? it had me at hello from the first moment my eyes saw it...i'm thinking not only would it be lovely in spring...but lovely on me in spring...

giorgio armani
neiman marcus
scanned by moi - vogue - january issue

my personal fashion resolutions for 2012...

2012-01-10T15:06:00.001-08:00

last week when i set out to write my annual post on fashion resolutions...where i ask my readers to submit their own changes that they are looking to make for the new year...i do this for two main reasons...i think there is something powerful about making a statement of what your intentions are...even in your wardrobe...and also...i think that sometimes...the changes one decides to make...then inspires others to make changes as well...

which to me...is not a bad thing...at all...although it seems as each year...there is less participation...whether that be the stigma that the word "resolution" has for some...or maybe it is for a whole set of other reasons...i will still continue to ask the question...every year...

so while i was preparing the post...i of course took a look back on my own fashion resolutions...the first year...in 2010 this is what i wrote...

as for me...my fashion resolution is to really think about each purchase...and buy only what i truly love...and really to work within my own closet...shop in my closet...and rework items i have currently in a new way...and continue to buy vintage...and shoes!

kind of a no-brainer...especially the shoe part...the easiest thing for me to do is to justify why i need a new pair of shoes...and why "this" pair is different from all the others...so basically i did what i said i would do...

then came 2011 fashion resolutions...and here is what i wrote:

my resolution is to REALLY clean out my closet...yes...even i get lazy...get rid of the items that i know i won't be wearing...continue with my resolution from last year...because...i tell you...when you buy what you truly love...not just what is "a good deal" or "it'll do"...it makes a huge difference in the morning...when you are getting ready...trust me! and...i could use a few more vintage pieces...and shoes...

when i first read this...i thought to myself..."wow...i didn't do what i said i was going to do" but the more i thought about it...i realized that i needed to cut myself some slack...is my closet where i would like it to be? uh...no...

confession...i...just like my clients...sometimes have a hard time getting rid of things...i would almost call myself a clothes hoarder...almost...so...no...my closet is not the "cleaned out" version i see in my head...but it is getting there...

part of what has made it easier...is the fact that i truly do not buy an item unless i absolutely love it...and incorporate it into my wardrobe in several different ways...something that i am always telling my clients...something that i didn't always do...hence...my very packed...3 closets =)

in 2011...i started looking at the pieces in my closet in new ways...different ways of wearing items that just hung there...for a long time...and i did get rid of a lot of clothes...but i still have a lot of clothes...

my point being...resolutions...like goals...are something to work towards...so even if you have made baby steps...pat yourself on the back...because each change that you make...leads you one step closer to your goal...

so as i continue in 2012 to "clean" out the closet...and being very particular at what i bring in...every day...i am one step closer to my ultimate goal of my dream closet...it is just taking a little bit longer then i had anticipated...but each new small step...that has become a habit...is helping me keep it manageable...

put together: in black & white...

2012-01-09T17:13:00.001-08:00

one of the easiest ways to put an outfit together...and look very well put together...is the lovely combination of black & white...so simple...yet always chic...always classic...always right...

top and pants - ralph lauren black label
bag - valentino garavani

blouse, pants & shoes - dolce & gabbana
belt - salvatore ferragamo

photos scanned by moi
harpers bazaar - november 11 issue

fashion funnies: belt heights...

2012-01-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

enjoy the weekend...

dan reynolds comics

fashion resolutions 2012...

2012-01-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

ok...i have to say...not a lot of participation this year...again...i am not sure if it is the word "resolutions" that makes many cringe...i don't necessarily love the word...but i do love what it represents...at least for me...it is a goal...a target...a new habit to form...which for me constitutes a good thing...but...i'm starting to think i'm the minority...

but for those who participated...i thank you...not only for putting it out there...because then i feel it is a step toward accountability...but also...what a great way to inspire someone else who is wanting to make a change...and by hearing yours...takes that first step...

so here are some of the fashion resolutions that some of my readers are making...in no particular order...(these were submitted via twitter, facebook, blog, email...AND i even asked some random people while i was out and about...enjoy and be inspired...

@thestyleconfess - "I need to put more dresses in my wardrobe and find a blouse or two that I love"

janice - "Get rid of things that don't make me feel GREAT!"

matt - "Replace my tennis shoes with nice casual shoes"

deedee - "Style my hair differently"

déjà pseu - "Replace my black business wear with taupe and grey (and color accents)"

rosalinda - "Know that Not every fashion trend must be purchased."

creighton - "To wear something besides Reeboks and New Balance on my feet. I've even resorted to having our HR Goddess help me choose."

thomas - "Retire my old pair of jeans for something a little bit more updated"

laurie - "Weed, weed, weed.out.the.stuff.that.i.don't.wear"

jolie - "Very little black, lots of color, more prints, more skirts with boots."

rebecca - "To get a proper bra fitting!"

angie - "Wear more accessories"

**update**
rec'd a few more fashion resolutions on my newsletter...thought i would add them here as well

kerry - "My fashion new year's resolution is to get stylish work outfits for my staging jobs. Need a good looking athletic shoe and clothing."

karen - "my new year's resolution is to track down and buy those essential pieces that Elena suggested to pull together my client-interview wardrobe."

sara - "My promise to myself for this year is to be on time, if not a bit early, for everything, every day! This is fairly new and so far not as successful as I'd like! I also would like to put together more elegant yet comfortable outfits for work and play!"

aren't these great? i'm thinking i may add some of these to my own list...had some fun looking over the last two years of these posts...especially my own resolutions...the first year i kept it to the letter...last year...well...i think i will reveal my thoughts on a separate post...and also let you know what my personal fashion resolutions are...

if you want to get in and add yours...just leave it in the comments...the resolution part is never too late to start...in fact...any day is a good day to start making positive changes...the key is to do it...even if it takes baby steps...

men's corner: make a statement with your socks...

2012-01-05T16:04:00.001-08:00

you read it in all the fashion magazines...see it in the stores...all this talk about statement pieces...for women...that could range from a statement ring...to a statement necklace...you get the idea...

so men...let's make a statement...with our socks...yes...you may have the occasional subtle stripe or paisley print on your socks...but why not take it up a notch? with some bold colors and pattern...such a fun way to put a little kick in your wardrobe...

and for added kick...do a little mixing and matching of patterns with your dress shirt and/or tie...when done right...it is quite the chic look...

lorenzo uomo 'thick stripe' socks

ted baker repeated spot calf length socks

lorenzo uomo 'rugby argyle' socks

all photos: nordstrom.com

guest post: re-inventing your accessories...

2012-01-04T16:06:00.001-08:00

my lovely friend and fellow stylist...dana lynch...had a wonderful article in her monthly newsletter...so i asked if she wouldn't mind sharing it on my blog as a guest post...and being the lovely that she is...she of course said yes...be sure to check out her website elements of image and follow her on twitter as well...she is located in denver, colorado...so if you are in that area and looking for a fabulous image consultant...look no further!

Do you always wear your accessories the same way? To change your look and get more mileage out of your jewelry, scarves, gloves, etc., I encourage you to look at your accessories in a new way. Here are a few ideas to get you started. You DIY types (you know who you are,) can go crazy with this!

Antique brooches strung on a gold or silver chain creates a whole new necklace.

The same pin can be attached to a long strand of faux pearls gives the everyday pearls a bit of sparkle. Or why not pin a scarf?

Do you have large button earrings left from the '80's? Try them on the collar of a casual shirt for a funky vibe.

Combine dressy scarves with casual clothes. Have fun mixing patterns!

Incorporate colorful gloves into your outfit for an outing when there's a tiny chill in the air.

Layer your necklaces. Get creative and go for combinations you normally wouldn't. The only hard, fast rule is for your necklaces to be varied lengths.

These are just a few ideas. Take even just a half hour; pull out all of your accessories and let your imagination run wild! You'll freshen up your wardrobe and you won't have spent a dime!

the long and the short of it...

2012-01-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

it cracks me up when i suggest to a friend or client...when shopping...that a skirt might look better if it was longer or shorter...depending on the skirt and person of course...and then i walk over and show them...by adjusting the length on the skirt a bit...and the person is amazed at the difference...

alterations to me...can be the difference between an ok look...and a fabulous look...when you start thinking that that skirt is made...and then tried on by say...a woman who is 5'4" and another who is 5'8"...how can that skirt stay the same length...and look good on both?

when trying on looks...like skirts...even dresses...get in the habit of going into the dressing room and playing with the lengths...this means...lifting and lowering the hemline until you find the right length for you...

and while we are at it...shoes then play a big role in this as well...when trying to decide as to which shoes to wear with a skirt or dress of a particular length...the general rule is flats for long skirts...heels for short...but you know how i feel about rules...

train your eye to look for the right hem/shoe combination...and if you aren't sure...ask a stylist and/or tailor...

photo source

we are starting the year off...

2012-01-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

with a sale...i mean...why not? currently...fabulous finds consignment boutique is bursting at the seams with lovelies in all shapes, sizes and colors...and i thought...why not offer a sale exclusively to my twitter, facebook & blog followers...

so...starting today (actually yesterday) through sunday january 8...everything in the boutique is 25% off...so...if you have been eyeing something for a while...now is your time to jump on it...

oh...and even better...use it as much as you like...buy 2 items...they are both 25% off...and so on...and so on...and for an added bonus...if you spend over $50.00...shipping will be free... =)

now...it requires a little bit of work on your side...sorry...the way for you to get your item with your discount is to send me an email...so...once you are looking at an actual item that you want...click on the button that says "ask seller a question" and send me a note stating that "this is the item"...i will then adjust the listing for you...and voila...we will be ready for some serious shopping...

click on the link below...and it will take you right to the boutique...keep in mind...that all the categories do not show up on the main page...but if you click on the top right "categories" it will give you a drop down menu to see all that is in the boutique...for example...men's corner & plus size...

so...happy shopping!

fabulous finds consignment boutique

happy new year...

2011-12-31T12:11:00.000-08:00

can you believe it is the last day of the year? for me...this year has seriously flown by...but...i am truly looking forward to all that 2012 has in store...

to my wonderful clients...thank you for a fabulous year of styling...shopping...and doing what i so love to do...helping in making YOU look the best that you can...

to my readers...thank you for sharing along with me in my passion for all that is fashion...

may 2012 bring you much joy & happiness...and where ever your path may lead...may you arrive looking stylish!

happy new year!

photo source

30 things to stop doing to yourself...

2011-12-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

i came across this incredible blog post about a week or two ago...and wanted to save it for the end of the year...to share it with all of you...the blog is called marc and angel hack life...which is practical tips for productive living...i highly recommend perusing back to this blog...some incredible posts...

in my line of work...clothes is really not the whole picture...sure you can find an incredible outfit for someone...but depending on what they are feeling on the inside...or carrying around on the inside...will have a huge impact on the overall appearance...i have had my share of both men & women clients...who pick apart all that is wrong with them...form the too big hips...to the "not tall enough" to the "wishing i was a size 2"...we need to start embracing the good that is within all of us...and focus on what can be changed...

one of my favorite quotes reads..."be yourself, everyone else is taken..." ~ oscar wilde

so to all my readers...take delight in how authentically beautiful you can be...

this list from the blog mentioned above...was something that i think all of us can take to heart...and start the new year off right...with a nice list of 3o things to stop doing to yourself...here is to an incredible 2012...

30 things to stop doing to yourself...written by marc

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Nothing could be closer to the truth. But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1.Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

2.Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

3.Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.

4.Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5.Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be prettier, someone will always be smarter, someone will always be younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6.Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one.

7.Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did.

8.Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come.

9.Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, laughter and working on our passions.

10.Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.

11.Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first.

12.Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first.

13.Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

14.Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

15.Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

16.Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”

17.Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curveballs are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curveballs thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be.

18.Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, move on and try to do better next time.

19.Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs.

20.Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right.

21.Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly.

22.Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

23.Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.

24.Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.

25.Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

26.Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

27.Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.

28.Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about.

29.Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. – Focus on what you do want to happen. Positive thinking is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right.

30.Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing.

photo source

step out in some sparkle...

2011-12-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

what better time then news years eve to put a little sparkle in your step...although...truth be told...personally...i think a little sparkle all year round is necessary...

shoes & sparkle...here are some beauties to inspire you...

jimmy choo
crystal-heel suede pumps
saks fifth avenue

marc by marc jacobs
zappos

miu miu glitter open toe platform pump
nordstrom

michael antonio anderson glitter
zappos

jimmy choo whirl glitter-toe suede ballerina
neiman marcus

men's corner: why not tux it?

2011-12-28T13:28:00.001-08:00

so...if your plans are to wear a tuxedo more then just on your wedding day...i always suggest investing in one that fits you right...which means...don't rent...but buy...

this month in gq magazine "the best tuxedo jackets under $400" had some great finds...be sure to check them out...

most think of a tuxedo for a formal event...while that is absolutely the item of choice when going to a black tie event...the tuxedo jacket can be worn with a pair of jeans...why not look stylish...even in your jeans...

photo source

what are your fashion resolutions for 2012?

2011-12-27T16:07:00.000-08:00

it's that time of year again...at least for me...i'm not quite sure why the whole "resolutions" thing has such a bad rap...maybe it is the actual word...i really see resolutions as a goal...and at the end of the year...just as i spent time on my business & personal plan for 2012...i see it as a beginning...to see what worked...what didn't...what changes need to be made...and how to implement them...

so for this reason...i ask every year of my readers...to dig deep and let me know what their beauty/fashion resolutions are...personally i enjoy looking back at prior years and seeing how i implemented the new goals/resolutions...

so think of it as a step in the right direction...not as a resolution...if that word bothers you...what changes would you like to make? what would you like to do more of?

perhaps you are in a job...looking for a promotion...and you know you need to step up your wardrobe...or maybe you want to add more color...perhaps you want to streamline your closet...maybe you want to try a new look that you have been loving...

please share...and in january...i will compile all the submissions i get via this blog, twitter, facebook & email...and let you know what everyone is focusing on...who knows...maybe the one thing you list will inspire someone else to make that change...

25 ways to wear a scarf...

2011-12-26T14:02:00.001-08:00

so...did you happen to get a beautiful scarf for christmas? or maybe that is something you don't ask for...because you've already got a stack of them...and have no idea what to do with them...

well...here is one of the best tutorials i have found...if you have got 4.5 minutes...25 great ideas...

why don't you try a new one out...and let us know which one was your favorite...

merry christmas...

2011-12-23T14:54:00.001-08:00

wishing you a very stylish christmas...

photo source

men's corner: the non-boring blazer...

2011-12-22T18:12:00.001-08:00

the blazer is truly a magical piece of clothing...it can literally take an outfit (for both men & women) and pretty much make it look "put-together" in a minutes time...it can take the most casual...or blah outfit...and spruce it up a bit...

but understand...there are blazers...and then there are fabulous blazers...and for me...the key is fit...first and foremost...but also...in the fabric...and color...so instead of going for a plain ole blue, brown or black blazer...although at least one of those is good to have around...go for some color...such as in the beautiful corduroy blazer below...with a button down shirt, t-shirt or sweater...jeans...a well put together outfit is created...without trying really hard...

other options to spice it up from the solid color blazers...look for a nice tweed...or if you are a bit bolder...how about a nice herringbone or houndstooth? with an outfit like this...tell me you won't get a second or third look...

façonnable corduroy blazer
nordstrom

the holiday dress...

2011-12-21T17:04:00.001-08:00

a client that i have been working with for most of this year...who has made amazing strides in her wardrobe...when we first met...she told me she wanted to work on having her own personal style...she wanted to wear things that her friends would say "that is so you"...she didn't want trendy...she didn't want "out there"...she wanted herself...the real person that she knew she was...but wasn't being reflected in her clothes...

so we started on this incredible journey...and at the beginning...mostly what she would say when asked to try something on...was..."that won't work on my body"...now we laugh about it...but back then...it took a while till there was a trust...a trust that she knew what i was doing...and that i was truly there to make her look her absolute best...

so...she called me a few weeks back...her gift to herself was to get a new "wow" holiday dress...she at this point does not question what i give her to try on...but the moment that this dress went on her...and she blurted out "oh my god...i never thought i could look this good..." we both knew it was the right dress...

when figuring out what works for you...and your body...you need to do the work...you need to try on many different styles...until you find the ones that work for you...and know that when something doesn't work...it isn't that something is wrong with you...but that the style is not right...

nicole miller open back jersey sheath dress
nordstrom

how to get the holiday blues...

2011-12-20T09:53:00.001-08:00

...the "right" kind of holiday blues...

whether you start small...like a little sparkle on your nails...

sephora midnight mambo by opi
sephora

or make it so that everyone is noticing your shoes...

nine west frederika
zappos

being blue...but still being warm...

st. john collection sequined cardigan & sleeveless shell
neiman marcus

dazzle in a dress...

aidan mattox bloused cold shoulder sequin dress
nordstrom

or go back in time...for my vintage lovers...check out this lovely (the lovely cherie posted 3 blue beauties...be sure to check them all out here...

1950s blue dot silk taffeta dance dress
shrimpton couture

the christmas blues never seemed so inviting...

creating a look book...

2011-12-19T16:16:00.001-08:00

let's face it..how can one remember all the fabulous outfits that we have thought of putting together...or put together...and then forgot how fabulous we felt...looked...and got complimented on?

one of the services that i offer my clients...once we have gone through the closets...poured over each item...decided on what works...and what doesn't...and what might...with a few tweaks...done the shopping...and created outfits...is to present them with their very own look book...

but if you don't have a stylist...for whatever reasons...you too can create your very own look book...what will one need? a digital camera...a beautiful photo album...and time...

a digital camera just makes it easy...you can look through the pictures as you are taking them to make sure that the items are coming out clear...

a beautiful photo album...treat yourself...make it personal...whether you buy an actual photo album or use a binder...personalize it and make it your own...

and time...you need to get into the mindset of looking at your items of clothing and creatively thinking outside the box...items can easily be mixed and matched to create wonderful new outfits...

and this is key...you photograph the whole outfit...meaning...clothes...shoes & accessories...

once your look book is done...i guarantee you will save yourself standing in front of the closet wondering what to wear...instead...you can quickly flip through your look book and get re-inspired from outfits you may have forgotten about...

make it fun...spend a weekend afternoon trying on and mixing and matching clothes...and take photographs of yourself in each one...put together tons and tons of outfits from casual to workday to evening...

and if this seems overwhelming to try on your own...invite over a stylish friend...or better yet...hire a stylist to come on in your closet...and give your clothing new life...

fashion funnies: casual friday...

2011-12-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

enjoy the weekend...

put together: three color combo...

2011-12-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

when it comes to getting enveloped in color...two stores always stand out for me...trina turk & j crew...i will walk in and literally smile at all the color surrounding me...

and one of THE best color combinations...is orange, pink & green...so when i saw this ad...i wasn't surprised that it was j crew...i mean...they know how to work color in the most delicious ways...no?

and is this not the easiest outfit to put together? what would your three color combo be?

scanned by moi

men's corner: get your shine on...

2011-12-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

let's face it...women have an abundance of choices when it comes to putting a little bit of spark to an outfit...especially for the holidays...but men...this is the perfect time to put a little "shine" to your outfit as well...

what better way then a nice pair of patent leather shoes? the look is polished, clean & sensible...whether you choose a loafer...or a lace-up...these fabulous choices are sure to stand the test of time...

lace-up shoe with tassels
gucci

bond 2 patent leather moccasins
salvatore ferragamo

what's new at fabulous finds consignment boutique...

2011-12-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

...have you taken a look lately? items are always being added...currently we have about 625 items...yep...625...and all that means is that there is something for everyone...so what's your poison? thought it would be nice to link by department...for your shopping convenience...

shoes

accesssories

dresses

tops

skirts

pants

sweaters

jackets

coats

plus size

vintage

men's corner

happy shopping!

fashion funnies: hoarding vs collecting...

2011-12-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

the lovely jody from couture allure vintage fashion sent me this lovely...on a side note...she sells some fabulous vintage...be sure to take a peak...

photo credit

may your weekend be fabulous!

tangerine tango...

2011-12-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

it's official...tangerine tango is the color of 2012...

pantone's description reads: "Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

the name alone got me...being part argentinian...and loving the argentinian tango...how can i not?

photo source

but beyond that...the color is superb! from nail polish...to lipstick...to handbags...to a fabulous dress...this color will be a great addition to your current wardrobe...while adding a little bit of sizzle...

photo source

same day...same drink...same card...

2011-12-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

my very dear friend...and business partner with the savvy chic event...adena...share the same birth day...so every year...we pick a day to celebrate...this year...with both of our busy schedules...we didn't get to celebrate until 3 weeks after our birthday...which is kind of nice...just stretches out the birthday celebrations...

and every year...we celebrate at the same place...and this year was no different...

of course...we got a laugh out of the fact that we got each other the same card...i don't even think that surprised us...

but had to take a picture...

we always celebrate at the same spot...because we start our celebrations with fabulous pomegranate martinis...with a splash of champagne...don't they look festive?

and look what i got to add to my growing library...thanks adena!

what not to wear to court...

2011-12-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

i have to admit...you know those walmart emails that go around? with all the lovely outfits people are caught wearing at walmart? yeah...i cringe...the thing is...whether these individuals were photographed at walmart...or home depot...or the grocery store...the point is...they were obviously wearing the items they were photographed in...and my question would be...do you own a mirror?

today i had the lovely ~~duty~~ pleasure of going to the court house for jury duty...i almost thought i was off the hook...as i was on stand-by for 2 times...but alas...the third time i called in...i was summoned to come on in...

i really don't mind the whole jury process...i mean...it needs to be done...and i have to say...there was one time...i really wanted to be chosen...for a "hire for murder" trial...but i wasn't...and i was bummed...yes...bummed...

but that was then...and this is now...and as the jury selection continues...i will be back in tomorrow morning...

but...that is not what this post is about...it is about what not to wear to court...do you need to don a suit? of course not...although both female lawyers looked quite put togther in their suits...

i'm a people watcher...i enjoy looking to see how people put together outfits...different personal styles...etc...today...i wish i had my camera...although i'm wondering if i would have been able to take pics...

the thing is...when the judge...along with his statements about all the "law" stuff we need to pay attention to...also has to go in detail of what not to wear to court...i really begin to wonder what people are thinking...

today we had...one who came in her slippers...matching beautifully to her pajama bottoms...you guessed it...i cringed...

we had an individual who showed enough cleavage to take the focus off other matters...and looking like she mis-read the jury duty summons to mean...dance club...

and last but certainly not least...we had a nice young man...who managed to show off his lovely patterned boxer short...and his pants somehow hanging on to dear life...about half way down his buttocks...i still wonder how he walks without his pants falling down...

the judge addressed proper attire...and i'm left to wonder...is it really hard to figure out what would be appropiate to wear to a court of law? somthing that i think is common sense...is it?

what are your thoughts?

photo source

black & white 101...

2011-12-05T17:37:00.001-08:00

when all else fails...and you feel you have nothing to wear...one of the easiest ways to create an outfit...is to work with a black & white palette...as was the case...when i got a frantic call from a client...needing some guidance for a casual slightly dressy cocktail gathering with co-workers...

on a side note...the dress codes have really gotten out of hand lately...don't you think? i say...where what you feel comfortable in...and feel fabulous at the same time...

so...back to my client...as this was a very last minute frantic call...and there was no time for me to head on over to her place...i walked her through a simple tutorial of black & white 101...

although...i tend to encourage women to wear color...this is a very easy and effective way to get some great outfits together...

start with a tweed skirt...or houndstooth...herringbone...if none available...go for a solid black skirt...

add a black or white tank top...or striped...or polka dots...

add a jacket or a sweater...

black tights...

add animal print flats...ankle booties...or heels...every one of these looks is just great...

basically...you can't go wrong...

photo source

fashion funnies: the constant dilemma...

2011-12-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

have you uttered these words? "i don't have anything to wear..."

hope you are enjoying the first weekend in december...

would love to give photo credit where photo credit is due...but alas...i do not know from where this came...if you do...please let me know!

the peplum...

2011-12-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

i have been telling clients and friends for a while that the peplum was starting to show back up on the runway...and on many celebrities...some laughed...thought i was off my rocker...personally...i have always loved the peplum...it just looks so lady-like...but for some...could be hard to wear...for me...it is a tough one...so for us girls with hips...it can still be done...just in moderation...

for example...the dress below that kerry washington is wearing is a peplum...but not so defined...and therefore doesn't attract all the attention to the hip area...

want a new way to define your waist? tired of the belt doing all the work? this definately is a great way to define that waist...and look lady-like all in one...be sure to click on the link below...for the small snippet harpers bazaar put out on the peplum...

photo credit

you had me at hello: dot love...

2011-12-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

if someone were to ask me what appeals to me more...leopard or polka dots or stripes...i would have to say..."how can you choose?" if would be like asking me which cat i love more...although i have two beauties...both so different from the other...i just couldn't choose...

now...i know i know...we are comparing...in this case...handbags to cats...worse would be people...but i'm just trying to make a point...as much as i love leopard...stripes and polka dots are right on up there as well...

so...as i was perusing my december issue of vogue...i feasted my eyes on these beauties...well...the polka dots had me at hello...but look closer...these are polka dot hair calf...be still my beating heart...is this not a classic one needs in their arsenal? brahmin...redefining timeless style...i would say so...

tyler polka dot hair calf
scanned by moi

here is a smaller version...both are gorgeous...i'm liking the one that is a tad bit bigger...for some reason...

olivia rose polka dot hari calf
scanned by moi

filoli - part 3...

2011-11-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

my tour of filoli...most known as the carrington mansion in "dynasty"...ended in the beautiful grand ballroom...of course i envisioned all the fabulous parties that must have taken place at one time...truly truly magnificent...

and with no shortage of christmas trees...the sparkle & shine of the decor could not help but get everyone in the mood for the holidays...

and the icing on top...being serenaded by the all men's choir...pure bliss...

filoli - part 2...

2011-11-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

my tour of filoli continues...known to many as the carrington mansion in the show dynasty...

looks like my obsession with mannequins continues as well...

the dining roon was one of my favorites...with the beautiful piano being played in the background...to the lovely animal in its holiday tux...gotta love it...right?
the table was amazing...

beautiful doves that live on the grounds year round...don't you love the bird cage?

the massive fire places were extraordinary...decorated just right...although i would have loved to see it all lit up with a crackling fire...curled up with a good book...

upstairs were off limits...but the child in me wanted to sneak on up...just to take a peak at some of the massive bedrooms...but i refrained... =)

tomorrow...the last of the tour...the best room in the mansion by far...the grand ballroom...

filoli - part 1...

2011-11-28T15:58:00.001-08:00

yesterday...i was able to go and see the beautiful filoli...located in woodside, ca...it is the official site of the "carrington mansion" that what used in the filming of the show...dynasty...

during this time of year...the mansion is decorated in holiday decor...and this year's theme featured the wise old owl...it is a great way to get into the holiday spirit...and what i love...is to always pick up a new decorating idea or two...

i often get asked where i draw from for inspiration...sometimes a magazine...sometimes an outfit someone has so beautifully put together...but most times...i see colors in nature that so incredibly go together...such as the fall leaves...is it any wonder this is my favorite time of year?

although we here in lovely northern california get excited about our 1 in every 10 trees that turns colors...i will take it where i can find it...as in these lovely pics...

front of the mansion entering in...love the bears...and signs...

i always get a kick out of mannequins being dressed in unique ways...this was the entrance to the kitchen...black & white always works...although i think i was more thrilled with the "pail" in place of a head...ok...truth be told...it was the message...my motto...for sure...

stay tuned...tomorrow i will post more pics of some of the rooms...and how beautifully decorated they were...

fashion funnies: turkey fashion...

2011-11-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

in the spirit of thanksgiving weekend...

enjoy the weekend...

**friend sent this to me...but have no source for it...if you know...please let me know so that i may give credit where credit is due...**

happy thanksgiving...

2011-11-23T16:27:00.000-08:00

as i sit here on the eve of thanksgiving day...anticipating taking a few days off to spend with family and friends...i wanted to take a moment and let you know...my dear readers...how thankful i am for you...

from every comment...every email...every little encouragement that i have received from you...my readers...and even those that have never commented...but keep coming back to read some more...i am thankful for all of you...

social media has been an interesting ride...from this blog...to my facebook business page...to twitter...i have had some incredible interactions with some pretty wonderful people...and most surprisingly...some that have become good friends...who would have thunk it?

wishing for all of you...an incredible thanksgiving...may you be surrounded by family...friends...and love this year...and may it be nothing short of stylish...

photo source

tips for thrifting and vintage shopping...

2011-11-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

yesterday i blogged about shopping for the best of what's old...and as i had mentioned...shopping in vintage or thrift stores takes on a whole new strategy...so i thought i would share some tips...

- buy quality...educate yourself on sniffing out top quality as well as spotting poor quality....always look at labels...for words like "hand-made" or "hand-woven"...for designer or brand names...for fabric content (cashmere, silk...etc...) check to see how seams are finished...how hems are sewn...how linings are made...all clues to quality...value...and durability...

- know what you can fix/what you can't...don't expect to wash or dry-clean stains out of vintage clothing...it may come out...most-likely...it won't...you are taking a chance there...on the other hand...don't reject something you love just because it's got a defect...buttons can be replaced...pockets can be relined...beads can be resewn...

- check for trouble...always examine fabrics closely for moth holes...small tears...wear at the collar or cuffs...and pulling or shredding at the seams or in the lining...check buttons and buttonholes...look for stains...especially on cuffs and lapels...instead of assuming the garment is perfect...as you would when buying something new...assume it's not...and then decide...depending on price and how often you'll wear it...whether you can live with its flaws...

- reconsider fit...when buying vintage clothing...try everything on...size standards have changed throughout the years...so you can't count on wearing a size 8 in a 1940's dress...even if you always wear a size 8 in modern clothes...if you love something that doesn't fit quite right...consider alterations...they may cost more than the item itself...but can make a thrift store special look like an expensive hand-tailored prize...side note...even if the garment is not vintage...get in the habit of trying it on...you never know if the previous owner had it altered...

- reconsider price...you have to readjust the way you think about prices at most vintage clothing stores...at expensive...top-quality ones...don't compare value to other used clothing but to what a similar piece would cost new...while $150 might seem steep for a fifty-year-old evening dress...for example...consider that you couldn't buy anything like it new...a great quality piece would easily be triple that price...and the fact that the piece would truly be a one-of-a-kind...and at thrift stores...beware of lowering your price standards too far...when most things are priced for a few dollars...an item for $20 can start to seem outrageous...remind yourself...what the item is...and how much it would cost you at the department store...

- don't skip the men's section...men tend to hang on to clothing longer...so items are apt to be older...more classic or appealingly funky...and better quality...great finds would be anything from great tweed sports coats...raincoats...and slouchy cardigans straight from "father knows best..."

although this isn't everything...these tips are a great way to get started...if you are a thrifter...please feel free to share your tips in the comments section...

photo source

shopping for the best of what's old...

2011-11-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

you love bargains...you love quality...you love distinctive clothes...even if you hate anything retro...even if you've always turned up your nose at secondhand clothes...vintage clothing or thrift stores may be worth exploring on your next shopping trip...

vintage clothing stores are the tonier half of this category...often...they're set up like sophisticated boutiques...offering the most interesting styles of old clothing and accessories...the owners of these shops usually have a passion for vintage clothing and an educated eye...which is passed on to you in the form of a well-edited group of merchandise as well as higher prices...

thrift stores...on the other hand...make no pretentions to style or quality...they're simply places that sell..usually for charity...anything that anybody gives them...thrift stores offer the ultimate shopping adventure and the ultimate payoff...if you know your stuff and paw assiduously through the racks...you can come up with some pretty sweet "quality" pieces...at $2 to $10 a piece...

if you've never shopped at a vintage clothing store...don't reject them out of hand...you can find pieces there that work perfectly well with a modern wardrobe...but you also have to have a good eye...you don't want to walk out looking like a picture of your mother in 1949...head-to-toe vintage "costumes" don't work...but mixing a few interesting old pieces with your new clothes can be a sensible way to dress and shop...

at thrift stores...you can find items that no one would ever guess were old...never mind that they cost little to nothing..but it takes a lot more work and a much keener eye...they can be great fun...however...as well as an educational experience...and if you buy somthing that's a mistake...you're out only a few bucks...

keep in mind...thrift stores are always best in those out-of-the-way places...thrift stores in bigger and trendier cities have usually been picked through by those in the know...who snap up all the "good" stuff the minute it hits the racks...

any vintage or thrift store shopping has to be approached from the viewpoint of fun...you're not going to buy your winter wardrobe or complete an outfit...but you might chance on one wonderful something that will make you feel great whenever you wear it...and remember how little you spent for it...

and...because the nature of the clothing and the stores themselves differ so markedly from any kind of store selling new clothing...your shopping strategy has to be different...too...tomorrow i will post some tips...

so...are you a thrifter? if so...share one or two of your treasures that you've found...

photo source

fashion funnies: too high...and too low...

2011-11-19T11:19:00.000-08:00

...both can be just so so wrong...

jason love

enjoy your weekend!

birthdays & tiaras...

2011-11-18T15:50:00.001-08:00

november is my birthday month...and i make it a point to celebrate all month...with time-off for thanksgiving...as my actual day is slowly approaching (sunday) i've already had some fun birthday adventure...

last nite was no exception...about every three months or so...a group of high school friends get together to catch up with each other...some of these wonderful friends i have known since grade school...so we are talking 30 and 40 years...

it just so happens that three of my friends and i have our birthdays within a week of each other...so last nite...we received a delish birthday cake...and our very own tiaras...and of course...the beautiful singing of about 30 friends...

can't wait for the next celebration...

seeing dots...

2011-11-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

who doesn't love a bit of polka dots in their life? whether you go all out...all over dots in a dress perhaps...or go for something a bit demure...like swiss dot stockings...

and if you opt for the demure look of stockings...can you imagine the combination of swiss dots with spanx? no imagining needed...here they are!

so you get the sheer leg with intricate design...but along with that...

the panty slims the tummy, hips and thighs...who wouldn't want that? and...non-binding waistband allows for comfort all day...plus plus!

just a little bit of chicness to your outfit...

sheer fashion pantyhose - swiss dot
spanx

have you been lately?

2011-11-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

...to the fabulous finds consignment boutique? i received an email from a customer the other day...

"i swear it was only 2 weeks that i didn't check your boutique...i can't believe all the new items"

well...believe it...i am usually adding items daily...so for those who have forgotten...for those who never knew...for those who haven't taken a peak in a while...

we carry new or almost new items...and currently have approximately 600 items in the boutique...yep...600! there is something for everyone...from shoes...to accessories...to ladies clothing...we even have a plus size section...and a men's corner...and of course...no boutique of mine would be complete without a smattering of vintage pieces...

so...what are you waiting for? shop shop shop...and go green!

men's corner: why settle for just a black scarf?

2011-11-15T16:50:00.000-08:00

while helping a friend shop for some winter basics...he turned to me and said he wanted more then just a black plain scarf...aahhh...music to my ears...since he tends to wear solids most of the time...we decided to go for a patterned cashmere number...and here were the top contenders...he decided on two...so i got him to go with one patterned...and one solid...but in a beautiful hunter green...simply fabulous...

burberry check print cashmere scarf
nordstrom

color block border stripe scarf
brooks brothers

burberry check print cashmere scarf
nordstrom

if you tend to wear basic neutral colors...this is a great way to incoporate some color into your wardrobe...and pattern as well...and best of all...sure to brighten up any old grey day...

hello clutch...

2011-11-14T14:40:00.001-08:00

"how about clutching it?" was one of my posts back in 2010...click on the link if you'd like to see my top clutch purses...that i use quite frequently...

seems they haven't gone away yet...and although i will never be completely ready to say goodbye to my purse...clutches are they way to go...when you don't want the bulk or worrying about the extra weight...what i love is that the newer ones are definately made big enough to actually hold your things...

when you've got a busy day...and carrying alot...sometimes a clutch is just what you need...especially when you are already carrying a briefcase or laptop case...a clutch can nicely fit in...and save you some shoulder pain as well...

the key is knowing what your essentials are...when finding the perfect clutch...make sure those essentials fit..be it your favorite lipstick, phone, car keys...

and then as always...have fun with color...texture...and size...see if you can stop at just one...

diane von furstenberg 'tonda' printed cotton clutch
nordstrom

fashion funnies: ready for the holidays...

2011-11-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

maxine by john wagner

hope your weekend is fabulous...

you had me at hello: i'm feelin' kinda blue...

2011-11-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

my name is elena...and i have a coat addiction...but i'm wondering...is it an addiction or just a love of beautiful coats? hmmm...

while i was flipping through a bloomingdales catalog...my eyes feasted on this lovely...i've never really gravitated towards blue...but this sweet maxi coat...had me at hello...a blue double -breasted maxi coat by nanette lepore...doesn't every coat collector need a blue one as well?

did you notice i went from having an addiction to being a collector of coats? has a nicer ring to it...either way...i'm not ashamed...the only problem is...i don't see this on the bloomingdales website...maybe i'm too late...

i wonder what started my love for blue?

the maxi coat by nanette lepore
scanned by moi

beadjoux at the triton museum of art...

2011-11-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

the fabulous shelley bond of beadjoux will be showing her one-of-a-kind pieces at the triton museum of art...so if you are a local...get thee over there...this weekend...

i last wrote about shelley back in december 2009...when i had attended a reception in her honor...baubles and art...shelley and i go way back...i don't quite remember when we first met...but we instantly bonded...over our love of unique jewelry...handbags and shoes...

what i love about the pieces that shelley makes...is that there are no two alike...so i know that when i purchase one of them...no one else will have it...which is a pretty big deal for me...

feel free to stop by this weekend...i'm excited as i've never been to the triton museum of art either...and there will be other vendors to view...hopefully i can get some christmas shopping done...

Triton Museum of Art's 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Fair
Saturday & Sunday - October 12 & 13
10am to 5pm

1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95050

this is a small and very beautiful museum in santa clara and the vendor tables will be set up right in the galleries...they happen to have a current exhibition by heather wilcoxon...it's being held in the main gallery, just as you walk into the museum...there will be vendors showing and selling ceramics, glass, miniatures, jewelry and more...

you can read more about her work on www.shelleybond.com...also...feel free to follow her on her new facebook page as well...i'm still trying to talk her into selling her pieces online...for those of you that are not near...know that i'll keep suggesting that... =)

here are some of her great pieces...

the high heeled loafer...

2011-11-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

when i first saw pictures of the high heeled loafer with trends for fall...my first thought was...ok...that was my staple shoe in the late 80's...early 90's...during my corporate america days...truth be told...they were probably the most comfortable style...for me...as i was constantly traveling...or heading off to client appointments...basically my feet were not aching...

so...with that in mind...i didn't really gravitate to this "new" old trend...quickly...but now that i've seen it around a bit...i'm seeing some that i actually want...who knew? of course...my corporate america days are far behind me...but i could easily see these working in my current wardrobe...

like this perfect pair...swoon!

stuart weitzman "tassup" moc pumps
bloomingdales

i've even got a beautiful pair in the fabulous finds consignment boutique...if they were only my size...if you are a size 8 and love green...these are pretty fabulous...

via spiga green suede high heeled loafers
fabulous finds consignment boutique

men's corner: spruce up the sweater...

2011-11-08T16:00:00.001-08:00

fall is definately the start of the season where we pull out the cozy sweaters...and for men...well...this should be no exception...but...if you are one who always falls back on the solid black, grey or navy blue sweater...come on...let's spruce it up a bit this year...

stripes are always fun...as in this lovely piece...still grey...but with some interest...

dolce & gabbana turtleneck sweater
nordstrom

if you see those stripes...and think...a bit too much for me...go for a smaller version of stripes...still with some great interest...don't you think?

cashmere v-neck sweater in jetty stripe
j. crew

they say "it's all in the details..." as this lovely sweater (cardigan) shows...not your old boring sweater...how easily put together this sweater looks...

toggle shawl-collar cardigan
j. crew

and if all these stripes & toggles make you dizzy...then at least go for one or two sweaters in this years lovely jewel tones...plenty to choose from...

merino v-neck sweater
gap

the keep pile...

2011-11-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

about a month ago...i was going through the closet of one of my new clients...once we were done...she told me that she was surprised at some of the items that i told her to hold on to...

i don't know if it is the whole "what not to wear" fear...that a wardrobe stylist will come in and get rid of every stitch of clothing one owns...or just not understanding the difference between style & trends...but most importantly...fit...

i do talk alot in this blog about cleaning out the closets...purging...getting rid of the items that don't serve a purpose anymore...but there are definately pieces that i will tell my clients to hold on to...

so...what, when you are weeding through your closet...should you absolutely...positively save...even if you haven't worn it recently? here are some definates...

- the item that makes you look ten pounds thinner...even if it's out of style...say for example...you have that skirt (insert whatever the item may be)...a supremely flattering item is always a keeper...even if it looks strange or dowdy for a season or two...you never know...fashions do change...and then again...so may your body...the key here..is the fit of that item...

- classic evening wear...silk pants...an embroidered kimono...a charmeuse tunic...anything that still fits and is in good shape...even if you had a baby two years ago and haven't been out after midnite since...the next time you have to attend a once-every-five-years formal event (and believe me...they do come up when you least expect it) you may not have to buy new clothes...

- high quality classics in good condition...what i'm thinking of are things like tweed blazers and cashmere sweaters...that one year may fit a little too tight for the style...or may have a cowl neckline when everyone's wearing turtlenecks...or may have collars that are a little too wide or too narrow...for a short time...these so-called classics may look out of place to you...but if they're in good shape...hang on to them...because the style standing of these sorts of details always changes...and they'll look good again someday...

- the skirt or pants that fit last year...but now are a little too snug...or a little too big...some of my clients...whenever they gain or lose ten pounds...tend to think this is it forever...and out with everything that reminds them of their former shape...but if your weight fluctuation is recent...and if you tend to go up or down a size consistently over time...it's smart to keep items that fit in your normal range...even if they don't fit right now...

and sometimes...items that are in your closet are kept but changed...perhaps a skirt is shortened...or the sleeves are changed on an item...a good tailor truly can perform miracles on items that don't serve their purpose in the current state...but tiny tweaks...can make an old un-used item...a new improved item...

photo source

fashion funnies: the signs of "fall"

2011-11-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

...and the importance of wearing a belt...

scott hilburn, comic

may your weekend be fabulous

difficult items...

2011-11-04T15:15:00.001-07:00

...what's difficult will vary from person to person...but almost universally traumatic and hard to find are a good pair of jeans...a bathing suit...and for some...shoes (although the only problem i have with shoes is just buying one pair)...but i digress...

for those difficult pieces...you want a low-stress shopping experience...so...first...shop for only one difficult item per shopping trip...no matter how much you hate the mall...stick to that one item...in other words...focus only on that item...and if you find one version of any of the above items that you like...that fits...and that you could afford in a single shopping trip...you can consider that trip a success...

and if you can swing it...buy two...

photo source

leopard & floral...

2011-11-03T15:44:00.001-07:00

i've kind of been on a mixing of patterns kick...inspired by so many gorgeous editorials...i've posted some along the way...for me...it is a great way to "funk" up an outfit...and really make it unique...

so...of course...the best place to start is always always always in your own closet...i truly believe...as in decorating...when you buy pieces you love...they will work together...

so...i started with this cotton shirt that i haven't worn in forever...truth be told...i hadn't worn it for a while...cause i had gotten a little bored with it...as i write that...i'm thinking...me...get bored with leopard? say it isn't so...

...uh yeah...that'll never happen...i was just bored with the shirt worn as a basic shirt...

so i ventured into my closet...and knew i needed something to keep me warm...as the nippy fall air has arrived...perused my blazers...but nothing was jumping out at me...and then i saw it...my floral sweater...how perfect!

and while i know this for some is a little out there...but for me...just a perfect combo of mixing patterns...and here is the end result...

is this something you would try? let us know your perfect combination of pattern & color...

mixing patterns in same color palette...

2011-11-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

yes...i'm still perusing through my september issues...les sigh...and yesterday i got through the last of them...and my eyes ventured onto marie claire with this fabulous display of mixing patterns...same color palette...

ok...i know this is not for everyone...but the fun thing about is...is you can choose to what degrees you mix patterns...you can be bold...or take baby steps...

this got my brain churning as to new ways i could mix patterns...and actually produced my outfit for today...which i have no time to take a pic of for this post...so wait till tomorrow!

until then...do these pics inspire you? or may you run the other way?

photos scanned by moi: marie claire ~ september issue

working from home...what to wear?

2011-11-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

it is your first day at work...not in the office...that was your old life...but at home or in the studio or in your own business...the only rules governing what you wear are the ones you make yourself...no one will be seeing you...and if someone does...it won't be someone who's judging your clothes by what's proper or powerful in the corporate world...

the only problem is...what do you wear?

can clothes make you feel more successful...even when no one's looking?

you work at home...alone...theoretically you could get up...have your coffee and work all day in your pajamas...or you could pull on the clothes you left in a heap after the girlfriends came over for casual potluck last nite...or you could go halfway...wear "nice" casual clothes...a little makeup...perhaps some earrings...or you could get dressed as if you were going to any office...except that yours just happens to be down the hall from your bathroom...

the question is...since you're not leaving the house...since you won't have to see anyone...does it make any difference at all what you wear?

well...yes...it makes a difference...but only to the extent that your clothes can affect how you feel about yourself...which can affect how you feel about your work...and the clothes that make women feel more successful...or more creative or more motivated...when no one's watching...are determined by personal idiosyncracies rather than standard business-dressing rules...

at home alone...a feeling of success is as likely to emanate from wearing lipstick or a favorite t-shirt as it is from wearing a business suit...

of course...self-image is the bottom line since...when you work alone...that's the only image that counts...i will say...that when i've been home...and in my pj's (yes...i've had those days)...after a while i'd start to feel non-productive...and not very creative...kind of like a non-entity...not only about my work...but about myself...so for me...it helps to put a little effort in what i'm wearing...although my suits have been nicely stored away...

calling all entrepreneurs...fess up...what do you wear when working at home?

photo source

"orange" you glad it's halloween?

2011-10-31T17:11:00.000-07:00

...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...

2011-10-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

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

hope your weekend is fabulous!

100 unforgettable dresses for my coffee table...

2011-10-28T16:17:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-25T17:23:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-10-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-21T16:34:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-10-20T15:45:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-19T18:34:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-10-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-13T16:27:00.001-07:00

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...

2011-10-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

...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...

2011-10-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

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