happy first day of fall...

while i am not really looking forward to colder climates...the colors of this season never cease to amaze me...just look at the pic below...does it not inspire you to pull out an incredible ensemble with these combinations?  whether we like it or not...fall has officially arrived....

if you haven't already started...now is the time to really buckle down and start sifting through the summer clothes...knowing what to keep and put away...what to gt rid of...what to replace...and what can be used to transition into fall...while we still have some beautiful warm weather...

next week i will be posting tips on putting away summer clothes...and transitioning into fall...stay tuned...

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filoli - part 3...

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...

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...

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...

first day of fall...

while it is a little bit hard to think that we are now at the first day of fall...being that in my neck of the woods...we have been experiencing some of the best "summer" weather ever...today...during my lovely hike...at 10:30am...i think it was somewhere in the neighborhood of a lovely 89 degrees...

so while i welcome the first day of fall...thinking about fall fashion...although it is my favorite...is a bit hard...just yet...but just as much as i love seeing the different colors of leaves that truly let you know that fall is here...there are pieces...that soon...i hope...i will be ready to start wearing...

so what am i most wanting to bring out? getting out the cozy sweaters...fur...and boots...plaids...fur...fall colors...did i mention fur? i love the colors of fall...oranges, rust...greens...think of fall leaves...those vibrant colors...

but until i notice that fall crispness in the air...i'll hold on to my summer wear...just a little bit longer...

what are you most longing to wear for fall?

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transitional pieces...

well...here we are...the official last day of summer...and although many consider end of summer at the start of the new school year and/or labor day...all of us need to start thinking about the transition to fall...

i went back and looked at my post from last year...transitioning into fall...this for some is a hard transition to make...the weather still screams summer...at least in my area it is still fairly warm...just this last weekend we had high 90's...and yes...as a part of me really wants to hold on to warm weather...the fall fashion beckons me...

but that transitional time...when it may start getting crisp...not cold enough for the coats...or the bulky sweaters...what do you do?

there are some key pieces that will help in transitioning into the slightly colder climates...so what should a closet have?

the key to this period is in layering...what is great about layering...is that you are able to put on or take off pieces as the weather warrants...so while you may still be able to wear those summer maxi dresses...why not start layering them with a scarf...a cardigan...even a nice blazer...

booties are great for transitioning your wardrobe as well...the sandals will slowly start coming out less and less...but you can still pair alot of your summer wear with a change of the shoes...while it is still warm...booties and bare legs will take you through most days...and as it gets colder...start bringing in some fun tights to keep those legs warm...

and then you want to start thinking about color...some say to start wearing darker colors...while i don't feel everything should be dark...because it is cold outside...you do want to start steering away from the pastels...and look at darker versions of your lighter colors...

j crew navy blue blazer
currently in fabulous finds consignment boutique

fall is in my mailbox...

although fall fashion has been in the magazines for a while now...my fall begins when that september issue of vogue shows up in my mailbox...this year...all 758 pages of it...be still my beating heart...the january of fashion has started...

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waiting in the wings for fall...

to say i have a love for shoes would be...well...an understatement...i believe shoes can make or break an outfit...and because of my love for shoes...i am always looking for what is out there...and truly...it doesn't matter what the weather is outside...if i find a pair that i love...whether it is the right season or not...they tend to come home with me...

so here are the shoes that were bought in the blistering hot days of spring/summer...when i really wasn't thinking at all about fall/winter...but now that we are ever so close...they are waiting patiently in the wings to make their huge debut...

gold & speckled...be still my beating heart


ever so perfect for fall

can you just picture these with the most perfect outfit?
and low heels for those rare occasions

i picked up these beauties at my most recent trip to new york

hmmm...three out of four are peep toes...do i see a pattern? although...they are all so different...can't wait for true fall weather so i can start sporting these lovelies...les sigh...

the boyfriend sweater...

my most favorite boyfriend sweater was actually stolen borrowed from my papacito's closet...i wore that sweater everywhere...maybe a part of it was having something of my dad's close by...but it also was so comfy cozy...i remember my grandfather having some great ones as well...but i drew the line of stealing borrowing from my grand-dad...although i have a feeling he wouldn't have minded...

so whether you beg, borrow or steal =) boyfriend sweaters are a great way to complete an outfit...and even better...a great way to transition from the warmer weather to cooler days...

they used to be worn with a very fine tank top or t-shirt underneath them...but now-a-days...they even look great over a beautiful sheath dress...feeling a little lost in the "bigness" of it? belt it...whether the sweater is buttoned or not...either way looks complete with a belt...and...it cinches you in...creating a defined waist (always a good thing!)

but don't stop there...they look great with leggings and the fabulous fall boots...jeans, summer dresses...use it as a jacket when the weather isn't quite cold enough for a coat...

so...do you have a favorite boyfriend sweater? dare to reveal who you got it from?

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transitioning into fall...

one of the most difficult moments for a lot of my clients is the transitioning period between seasons...of course dependant on where you live...it varies...here in the san francisco bay area...we are just starting to have some really good summer weather...and it is mid september...and most likely we will continue to have beautiful sunny weather...sometimes through mid november...so it is not uncommon to see sandals, bare legs, and sleeveless looks being worn into those months...

so how do you transition from summer to fall in your wardrobe? obviously the rules have changed over the years as to what is and isn't acceptable after labor day...as i had written earlier about the whole "no white after labor day rule"...there are ways of transitioning...quite easily from one season to another...and it all boils down to fabric content and colors...

when transitioning into fall...it truly is all about layering...where the mornings & evenings may have that crispness that fall brings...the day could reach some pretty warm temperatures...this is where you bring out your lightweight blazers, sweaters and scarves to help ward off the morning cold...another great option to have is a lightweight trench coat without the heavy linings...

when it comes to sandals...yes...if the weather permits...keep wearing them...however...because we are heading into the fall months...opt for sandals in darker hues such as black or brown and save the white for next summer...

when it comes to your tops...white t-shirts are a staple...all year round...and they are great for layering...if you opt for color...start weaning out the light pastel colors...and bring in darker hues...still able to wear your pinks & oranges...but darker hues represent fall much better...

i take a lot of my color cues from the fall leaves...beautiful darker hues of my most favorite summer colors...

fall cleaning...

i have to tell you...perusing through my september fashion magazines is getting me pretty excited for fall...which...on the one hand...surprises me...because i tend to want to hold on to the warmer weather...but the fall clothes...they are calling out to me...almost...but not quite to the point that i'm wanting colder weather...

phew...did i just say that??

one of the things that i recommend to my clients during this time of year...is to do a fall cleaning...kind of like spring...but in the fall...everyone has heard of spring cleaning...but fall cleaning is just as important...

in the area that i live...our climate really doesn't change that drastically...there are days in the spring/summer that i'm needing my warmer clothes...and there are days in the fall/winter where i'm needing to pull out some of my lighter summer wear...sometimes...when i visit other places...i long for those "real" fall days...of all the leaves turning the most beautiful colors...driving along my neighborhood...there may be a tree or two that actually changes...in a "real" fall way...but most of the trees...remain the same with a colored leaf or two...

so back to the fall cleaning...for those is drastic climates...i recommend it because there really is no point in packing away clothes for another season that you have no intention of wearing...why even bother with the effort?

another thing is twice a year major sweep of the closet actually makes it a lot more bearable...because you get to the point that you have whittled out 6 months ago...and you have a lot less to whittle through...

think of it as before every major season change...so once for spring/summer and then again for fall/winter...

i've said it time and time again...but it is so much more fun to stand in front of a closet full of clothes that you can't wait to wear...instead of standing in front of a closet that has lots of clothes...but they don't fit...they don't go with anything...they need mending...etc...

oh...and while your whittling away those "not right for you" items...remember...you can then turn around and make some $$ for the new items you need to purchase...if you are local...let me know...and we will get them into the fabulous finds consignment boutique...and while you are at it...keep checking back...you may just find that perfect piece for yourself...that another client has already cleaned out...many...are new with tags...

if this task seems overwhelming to you...sometimes the best thing that you can do for yourself...is let a wardrobe consultant help you out...for those in my area...feel free to contact me...it is not about getting rid of clothes...it is about evaluating everything in your closet...what pieces are missing to create complete outfits with what you have...to put together outfits you may not have thought of...to get the most out of the pieces that you have...it really is a fun process...and i...would love to help!

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do you crave a coat?

we've got what you need...in all shapes, lengths and colors...boiled merino wool pleats coat in berry, coal and avocado...wool zip sweater coat in evergreen, mocha and black (a great basic)...and our two vegan leather jackets in pewter and black, for starters...

take a look at a few that we photographed for you...this beautiful wool blend potpourri coat...



so you can clearly see the depth of colors in this fabric and the buttons...let's do a close-up...



maybe you're looking for something a little more playful...

leopard spots faux fur coat..

how about the rich beauty of our brandy lamb leather with it's beautiful zipper detailing...

brandy lamb leather asymmetrical zip-front jacket
camel sueded skirt (also available in berry and cola)
striped jersey turtleneck and cognac multi-strap belt

the zipper detail on the jacket back....

just had to show you a close-up of the brandy leather belt with multi straps alternating between antique brass studs and light colorado topaz rhinestones...antique belt buckle also features the topaz rhinestones

three more days available to come see the gorgeous collection...nothing like seeing it in person...call or email for your personal appointment...

jana kos fall 2010 collection
redwood shores, ca
thru august 11, 2010

morning, afternoon & evening appointments available...
415.577.6133

here are snapshots of the four color groups...
unique proposal - color group 1
enchanted dreams - color group 2
silent storm - color group 3
wild adventure - color group 4

fashioning your fall...

the fall collection is here...and we are SO loving it! while we all enjoy seeing the professional photography of the fashions...they take on more life when we are able to try them on and show how they look on "real" bodies...so ignore the fact we're not the perfect models and take a look at some of our favorites (so far!) from this collection...

so nice to have choices...do i want to wear the pants or the pencil skirt with the back pleat detailing? i always say...if you find a suit you love...and you have skirt & pant option...go for it all...

black & camel birdseye three-piece suiting - so armani-like in fabric and styling (also available in ripple beige)

check out the beautiful lines of this jacket...

black ponte knit skirt with vegan leather detailing and regal bib necklace

regal bib necklace with satin ribbon tie
(a steal at $50)

black ponte knit skirt with vegan leather detailing

storm blue merino wool boyfriend sweater (also available in black and brandy) with our luxe leggings...note the zipper detailing on the sweater....

jana kos fall 2010 collection
trunk show in redwood shores, ca
august 4 - 11, 2010

by personal appointment
415.577.6133

brilliant bejeweled belts...

how do you turn an otherwise plain outfit into a "wow" outfit? add a statement belt...when it comes to belts in the jana kos collection...they truly are pieces of art...and meant to be worn over and over...in so many different brilliant ways...

here is what we have in the fall 2010 collection...

perforated belt
red/black
vintage patent ruby italian zigzag cut leather w/black perforated leather and satin gold buckle

multi chain belt
black
napoli black italian leather w/multi gold chains and gold studded straps in gold buckle

filigree buckle belt
forest
snake italian patent emerald leather w/yellow jade, african turquoise, tiger eye semi precious stones and amethyst swarovski crystals in antique brass oval buckle

oval buckle belt
black
boa pewter italian leather w/faceted onyx stone w/black diamond rhinestone chain in antique nickel oval, pyramids buckle

multi strap belt
cognac
country brown leather w/multi straps alternating antique brass studs and light colorado topaz rhinestones in antique brass buckle w/light colorado topaz rhinestones

come in and see these beautiful works of art as well as a few others...

jana kos fall 2010 collection
trunk show
august 4 - 11, 2010

by personal appointment only
morning, afternoon & evening appts available
415.577.6133

wild adventure...

this is it...the fourth color group of the jana kos fall 2010 collection...trunk show will begin next week - so please do call for your personal appointment...and come see this beautiful collection...obviously this is such a tiny portion of the 200+ pieces...and truly...you need to touch and feel the beautiful fabrics...and see the detail that jana puts into every piece...to truly appreciate this fabulous collection...and if you know of someone in the san francisco bay area..who you think might enjoy seeing it...please feel free to send them the info...and let me know...if they become a buying customer...YOU get a referral bonus!

jana kos fall 2010 collection
trunk show
aug 4 - 11

(by personal appointment)
415.577.6133
morning, afternoon & evening appointsments available

wild adventure - color group 4
explore your wild side with rich warm colors of mocha, caramel, brandy and avocado...cuddle-up to a furry leopard...envelop yourself with a cashmere twinset...and warm your heart with the comfort of jersey...

stretch tech in rich mocha anchors this lush group of earthy patterns and prints...italian lamb leather biker jacket in luscious brandy will have you yearning for a harley...but don't despair...your four door sedan will do just fine...

go on an urban safari and discover the softer side of wild...

leopard spots faux fur print portrait collar jacket with italian buttons
striped jersey scrunch turtleneck with shirred long sleeves
sueded stretch plush fabric pant

heather jersey cowl neck dress in mocha with side drape skirt and separate jeweled ribbon tie belt

bias plaid jacket w/convertible retro collar & cropped cuffed sleeves
stretch tech seamed mocha skirt w/applied leatherette italian lace trim & pleated hem accent

lamb leather italian biker jacket in brandy w/asymmetric zipper closure
autumn lights print silk blouse
stretch denim slub jean
multi strap show-stopping cognac italian leather belt w/antique brass studs & topaz colored rhinestones

stretch satin silk blouse w/asymmetric button detailing & french cuffs
sueded stretch plush fabric boot skirt
multi strap show-stopping cognac italian leather belt w/antique brass studs & topaz colored rhinestones

pleats front snap avocado cardigan
plaited overlap ribbed silk sweater
melange striped trouser pant

pin dot cascade soft jacket in caramel
heather jersey empire waist tunic top in mocha
w/gathered detail on front & shoulder
heather jersey pant

hope to see you at the show!