spring is here...

it's officially here...

happy first day of spring...

men's corner: check me out...

when it comes to adding a few basics to your spring/summer wardrobe...a few gingham shirts should be on the list...so many colors to choose from...why stop at just one?

these great gingham shirts can be paired with jeans, shorts...with just enough of a splash of color...

and...you can even pull this off at the office...i would not go for to bright a color...but pair it with a solid tie...and a nice casual sports coat...

voila...you are set for the office...and dinner afterwards...

secret wash lightweight shirt in gabel gingham
j crew

happy first day of spring!

aahhh...it is finally here...although the weather here in the san francisco bay area isn't reflecting it...it is officially spring!

in the next few weeks i will be sharing a lot of the spring trends this season...so many choices...something for truly...everyone! but for today...enjoy this first day of spring...

photo source

spring is definately in the air...

and in all the department stores...as was witnessed today when i was out shopping...helping a girlfriend get some new pieces for her wardrobe...bold bright colors...and graphics...mostly black and white...i was in pure heaven!

so get ready...because spring is all about color...the brighter the better...and so many colors to choose from...truly something for everyone...are you going to try to introduce a new color to your wardrobe?

my girlfriend stepped out of her comfort zone and chose an absolutely vibrant silk chartreuse blouse...i saw so many possiblities...i started rambling off all the ways she could wear it with what she currently owns...i seriously think she caught some of my excitement for herself... =)

photo source

it's official...

...first day of spring! nothing makes me more happy...and although we had one of the worst storms last nite...that's ok...because the first day of spring brings a sense of "new"...of hope...of re-birth...of change...

flowers are a-blooming...colors are appearing...sun will be here soon too =) and to all of you i say..."happy first day of spring!"

dear fashion advisor...

Q. I'm seeing all of these bright colors out there for Spring, and they remind me of the 80's (you know, been there...done that?) How can I incorporate them into my wardrobe in a current way?

A. ah yes...i know what you mean...the old saying is something to the effect: if you remember the trend from the first time around...you probably don't want to jump on board the second time around...but...if you're wanting to give a nod to the current trend...there are a few ways to do it (courtesy of british vogue...thank you very much!)

pair your favorite bright with a neutral - the calming effect of nudes, caffe latte, mushroom and silver grey help diffuse some of the 'pop'...

try a band of black to anchor the neon - whether it's a literal bank of black or a tie-dye effect or even black lace...


go conservative in styling - a prim suit and sensible skirt length will counterbalance the daring of the bright color...



if that's too much for you...try a neon accessory...it'll add an element of surprise to an otherwise neutral outfit...

of course...if you're the dramatic type...you may want to try the head-to-toe column of color...all you need is a brave state of mind...

spring cleaning...

anytime is a good time for a good spring cleaning...whether it be july...november...or the month of march...the "official" (if there is such a thing) month for spring cleaning...perhaps it is the bursting of new blooms...the "1st" day of spring...daylight savings time...march is truly a good time to start thinking or already doing the infamous "spring cleaning"

let's face it...fashion is ever changing...and so are we...whether you realize it or not...everywhere you go and everything that you experience becomes imprinted and stored into your emotional and intellectual closet...

and although constant change usually does not mesh with our everyday comfort zones...it actually shakes them up...so with that...i always say...embrace change...give into it...

fashion may not be your number one priority...in fact...you may be kicking and screaming in opposition...either way...you are expending energy...so why not make it a positive experience?

building and maintaining a wardrobe is not about running the trends and striving to fit in...fashion shouldn't be a source of stress...it exists to make your everyday life more enjoyable and fun...

so...find the clothing that looks great on you and makes you feel great and you've conquered the fashion beast...

and if the thought of examining...purging...and revamping your wardrobe and closet space puts you in a fetal position...ok...maybe i'm being dramatic...maybe not (for some)...by all means...get help! whether it be a trusted friend whose fashion sense you trust...or bite the bullet and hire a wardrobe consultant...it could be the best money you've ever spent...or close to it...

i can list email after email...card after card from clients...who were skeptical...scared...thought it was a waste of money...on and on with the excuses...but when they took the plunge...what they were left with...was a fully functioning wardrobe...that fit into every area of their life...

now who wouldn't want that? if you are in the san francisco bay area...i am currently taking appointments...let's start off this season...with a "spring" in your step...more time for the fun activites...and less time...standing in front of a closet trying to figure out what to wear...

11 in '11...

who is ready for spring? i for one...am...and have been...for quite some time...even more so...with this beautiful weather we have been hit with in the san francisco bay area...(sorry east coasters)

thought i would list 11 new spring trends in 2011...an excerpt from my february newsletter...enjoy!

11 in '11...

i don't know about you...but i love all the 'play' that happened early in the year with 1-1-11...so we'll just keep it going with the top 11 spring trends in '11:

1. structural suiting - the menswear suits that gained popularity last fall/winter are still with us...and now with a more fitted silhouette...

2. brights as accents - almost anything can benefit from a pop of color...

3. ladylike handbags - a la jackie o...

kate spade
photo source: nordstrom

4. statement necklaces & scarves - with mixed metals, studs, fringes, feathers - think texture...

5. techno fabrics - again with a metallic edge and texture...

6. belting - a statement belt or layered belts - all shapes and sizes are still 'in'...

7. wide-leg trousers - while your slim-leg trousers are still appropo...now the wide-leg pant is having a resurgence...70's style...

8. longer skirts - but just wearing any old long skirt won't cut it or you'll look frumpy...these skirts need to have lots of styling...

a skirt becomes 'frumpified' when it's not the right length (in this case, too long) or is worn with the wrong shoes...

voila!
photo source: bloomindales

9. animal print - surprise, surprise! yes...it's still around...and i think we can safely say it's not going anywhere for the forseeable future...i've said it before but it bears repeating...animal prints are a great neutral...they work with almost any color...

10. nude fishnets - what a great way to provide some leg camouflage when you don't want bare legs...

11. color of the year - honeysuckle pink...or whatever pink suits your complexion...if you aren't a 'pink' person...think of adding it as an accent item...

so which trend are you excited about trying? please share...

happy easter...

wishing everyone a wonderful easter from fabulous finds...

fashion funnies: dye jobs & butts...

wishing you all a fabulous easter weekend!

how to avoid turning into cathy this bathing suit season...

there are times you read an article...or a blog...and something just resonates within you...this was the case for me yesterday...on a post about...ready? the bathing suit...this has got to be one of the most uncomfortable items for women to find...or even to want to shop for...that and jeans...

i love this post by jezebel...puts it all in perspective...


When I was younger, I looked forward to spring: it meant that school was almost over, that softball season had begun, and it was time to trek to the ocean to splash in the waves.

Yet somewhere along the way spring became the season to dread, as it meant that suddenly the body I had happily carried around under layers of warm sweaters and thick socks all winter was no longer fit for public viewing. The onset of warmer weather no longer represented softball games, beach trips, and freedom from school responsibilities: it meant stressing over my lack of a tan, my need for a pedicure, and, according to every magazine on every stand ever, my apparent need to lose 8-10 pounds in order to buy and wear a bathing suit.

The onset of spring, sadly, has come to represent one of the worst times of year in terms of the way the media attacks body image issues: as with the post-New Year's diet resolution rush, women's magazines hop aboard the insecurity train and drive it into a ditch, reminding all of us that if we dare show any skin this season, it better be toned and tanned, or else.

I like to think I have a pretty good bullshit meter for these kinds of things, and over the years I've learned to accept my body and treat it with respect, but there are certain instances where I feel pulled into this trap, feeling as if my body would look a little better with x amount of pounds missing, or better arm muscles, or a fourth coat of polish on my nails, or instant tanning lotion. The beauty-industrial complex feeds on these insecurities and promotes the idea that unless you look perfect, you should probably just stay off the beach and in your home, reading Loser Monthly, eating bon-bons, and perfecting your best "ACK!"

So how can you avoid being a Cathy this bathing suit season? It begins with a dose of reality and acceptance. If you're trying on bathing suits, remember that the only person who is going to see the size on the tag is you, and that in reality, sizes are meaningless: if you feel confident in the suit, wear it. Don't buy a suit 3 sizes too small in order to "motivate" yourself to fit into it: this is a setup designed to make you feel bad about yourself. A bathing suit is not a means to measure your self-worth or beauty: it's simply a costume designed for swimming and sunning, and one should never feel isolated from these things based on the bullshit standards of others. Sorry, Cosmo, but my summer goal is to have fun, not to "look sexy in a bikini."

In short, the onset of spring should be a time of celebration, not of dread: there is no such thing as the "perfect" body, and happy memories and good times in the sun do not belong solely to those who look amazing in a bathing suit or have the perfect arms. Let Cathy stress out about bathing suit season and vow to diet her way to perfection (recognize that this plan fails EVERY YEAR)— for the rest of us, spring can be a time of appreciating the bodies we have, using our "imperfect" arms to power through the ocean, feeling the sun on our "out of season" skin, and feeling the sand between our toes—chipped polish and all.

wool in the spring...

as winter winds down...it's always good to get a few more wears out of all your heaviest woolens before packing them away for spring...or maybe...you are at the point that you've seen enough of them...and just want to pack them away...many wools (depending on where you live) can be worn year-round...so it's also time to start thinking about sprucing up your "lighter-weight" wools for warmer weather...

there are many different types of wool used by designers to make clothing...it's handy to know a few definitions about each along with how they will work for you from season to season...

crepe - this is a very lightweight wool with a slightly pebbled surface...commonly used in dresses, suits, and separates...crepe has day to dinner flexibility...many crepe separates can be worn ten months of the year...they do need to go away in really hot weather...

merino - this thin...woolen...twilled cloth was developed during the nineteenth century from the wool of the merino sheep...although it was intended primarily for outer garments...today...merino is most often used for sweaters...this wool tends to be very warm...and can cause itching for women with sensitive skin...merino is usually more affordable than many other wools...

lambswool - shorn from lambs up to eight months old...lambswool is a very soft fabric primarily used in sweaters...because it sheds a lot...i recommend keeping it away from black pants and skirts...

gabardine - commonly used in separates and trench coats...gabardine is a highly woven, smooth, and strong wool...also referred to as worsted...this is a great transitional fabric...

cashmere - cashmere is more expensive than both lambswool and merino but worth the cost...(in my humble opinion) =) classic style that will last a lifetime...click here...for cashmere care...

boucle - a soft and thickly textured wool that is knit or woven to produce a looped or knotted look...boucle is commonly found in tailored jackets and dressier suits...because the look is bulky...be aware that boucle can add pounds to your frame if it is not coordinated well...many boucle suits in soft pastel colors are available in the spring...

i thought i would share two of my favorite boucle jackets...

this first one...i have paired with cream slacks to jeans...i love the versatility of dressing up or dressing down this look...



and here is one of my favorite suits...i have had this for about 5 years now...and still wear it quite often...i opted in buying the three pieces that it came with...for fun & versatility...


this lovely suit has accompianed me to a spring wedding, a sunday brunch, an afternoon tea party, a spring fashion show...

and several outings with the pieces separated...
the jacket with jeans & a white tee...
the skirt with a blouse...
the bustier with white jeans...

now do you see why buying a complete suit gives you many options?



not to mention the fact that i love all the spring colors...here is a close-up...

fashion funnies: first day of spring...

happy first day of spring! hopefully...wherever you are...the birds are chirping...the flowers are a-blooming...and the sun is shining...can you tell i love this time of year? obviously...maxine & i have different "tudes" towards spring...but...it brought a smile to my face...none-the-less...

yesterday...on a road trip with my girlfriend...i was the unfortunate poor soul that the seagulls flying above decided to target...well...not me...but my windshield...nothing that a little stop at the gas station can't fix...i chose to focus on the lovely sunny fabulous spring like day...

enjoy your weekend!

men's corner: winter to spring update...

when spring is in the air...there’s a new season of fashion to prepare for...as the winter months come to a close...spring fashion begins to pop up all over...from storefront windows to magazine pages...the latest trends in shorts, lightweight outerwear and other post-winter must-haves are everywhere...yes...spring as a season represents growth and, to some extent, rebirth...that’s definitely the underlying idea to all of spring fashion...

as our apparel options start to change with the change of the seasons...we're looking for all things lighter, brighter and cheerier...spring fashion brings us back to the outdoors and back to life...

garment-wise...spring fashion means more polo shirts, khakis, cardigans, raincoats and blazers...these are the key pieces that you should look to refresh each spring...just to ensure that you're spring isn't sprung on outdated styles and lifeless garments...

had to include this pic...doesn't he look ready for spring?
maybe opt for a brightly colored outerwear vest as a transition piece...it's an easy way to add color during these months when we're still dealing with cooler mornings and evenings...like i tell the women...wear the colors that look best on you and you can't go wrong...


it’s time to shed those extra layers...ensure that the man you reveal beneath is looking sharp, not sloppy...

spring awakening...

this time of year...i definately start feeling a little restless...i'm ready for winter to be over...i crave more sunlight...everything in my home and wardrobe seems blah to me...i can't bear to wear the same grey or black or "wintery" colored turtleneck and pants again...

for me...daylight savings time is the "step" into spring moment...although officially the first day of spring is a week away...this is the start...and i'm starting to see it...

this last week i had to do a little shopping for a client...and every store i walked into...welcomed me with bright beautiful vibrant spring colors...no wonder i was smiling all day...colors have an incredible affect on me...as does the sun...



this last week on my facebook business page and twitter i posted the question of the day...

"what is that one spring item that you can't wait to wear?"

skirts and sundresses...were the top contenders...and i can see why...as they are usually very colorful...and springy...whatever that item is...it is clear...that majority of readers are ready to say goodbye to the winter months...and welcome spring with open arms...

brilliant belts...

belts can do amazing things to a body...lengthen a torso...shorten a torso...create the illusion of a waist...

belts can also add instant pop to an outfit...

choosing to "buckle up" whether to create an illusion or simply to accessorize an outfit is done easily with the belts in the jana kos spring 2010 collection...10 beautiful choices...and as i've said before...jana manages to turn a belt into a fabulous piece of jewelry...

these are available now...so if you see one that you can't live without...contact me =)

carved horn belt
natural hand carved horn with elastic and double strand belt
(is reversable to solid black belt)


urban stretch belt
african croc liquid blk/gold leather with matte gold buckle and elastic trim


shield stretch belt
snake italian patent leather in black with black 3" crochet elastic w/antique nickel hardware and closure


celebration belt
patent croc black leather with jet & siam swarovski crystals and sardonyx-black onyx stones in gold buckle


filegree belt
croc wash leather in mint with mother of pearl natural patina cabs & white opal in antique nickel buckle


slick stretch belt
wash metallic leather with matte silver buckle and elastic trim


stone buckle belt
patent lamb leather in copper with catseye orange, tiger eye stones and pearls in antique brass buckle


ornate stretch belt
wash metallic bronze leather with antique brass hardware and copper metallic elastic


studded belt
luscious leather in navy with multi color studs in nickel buckle


mother of pearl belt
metallic perforated lamb leather in silver with mother of pearl in nickel buckle

jana kos spring 2010 collection
trunk show - redwood shores, ca
february 10 - 21
by personal appt only

fun times in santa fe, nm...

as some of you know...i had the wonderful opportunity to visit santa fe, nm for the first time a few weeks back...the trip was primarily to view the jana kos spring 2010 collection...which was...and is...fabulous!

these previews are fun...not only in viewing the "new" that is to be the next season...but also a chance to hang out with my fellow wardrobe stylists...many of whom have become dear friends of mine...

i thought i would share some of the pics from the trip...showing a taste of what i enjoyed during my time there...

sitting by the cozy fireplace...waiting to go out for dinner...

our one free day we ventured out...for shopping (of course) and came across this beautiful church...i love looking at beautiful buildings, museums, churches...don't you?


love the front doors

so beautiful...

manger scene...notice the chihuahua?? who knew...


i am in awe of stained glass windows


all dolled up and having fun at the cocktail party...aren't my friends lovely??


my lovely friend adena (and business partner) at the preview...


my beautiful fellow wardrobe stylists and friends


our last nite out for dinner...boy did we cover a lot of topics during dinner...

untamed optimism...

put on your rose colored glasses and get ready for better days ahead...

the 4th and final color group of the jana kos spring 2010 collection...but definately not the least...

as the economy rebounds from this debilitating recession your wardrobe needs to reflect a more positive attitude and a belief in our future...feather weight crinkled indigo separates have an all american appeal...comfort is key in this collection with loose fitting knit denim separates, elastic banded skirts and soft blouses...incorporating fresh petal pink in frosted linen into your spring wardrobe is sure to cheer up even the gloomiest day...exquisite european jacquards in pink and indigo add texture and opulence to this playful combination of wardrobe essentials...optism is the best weapon against adversity...

knit denim in loose fitting cascade front knit cocoon
loop trim front shell
knit denim pull on pant

wave jacquard (from italy) jacket trimmed w/crinkle fabric
tie dye knit top
crinkle pant

transferred rib cardigan set (also available in black or copper)
frosted linen (from italy) skirt in multi rows of horizontal seams w/wide box pleat trim at hem

frosted linen (from italy) jacket
retro flower print in silk crepe de chine w/ruffle front and drawstring at waist (also available in leopard print)
stretch denim jean


bubbles jacquard (from france) jacket w/curved seam detail and nickel zippers
v-neck front rib chevron sweater
chalk stripe pant
mother of pearl belt in silver perforated silver leather

this amazing collection will be shown in redwood shores, ca from february 10 - 21, 2010...by personal appointment only...

have you booked your appointment??

and...if you are not able to attend...but see something you like...i would be happy to take your order...

more of the jana kos collection...

desert memoir...

feel the desert heat as you warm up your wardrobe with the sun baked shades of this palette...

desert memoir - color group three
turn up the heat with luscious copper cupro wash, cinnabar cotton sateen and terracotta techno twill...flounced skirts, relaxed jackets, feminine blouses and exotic silks will make you hot with desire...newbuck colored stretch sueded jeans and vest blaze the trail to the open prairie and beyond...there is no need to worry about rain when these sunny fashions herald the sunny days ahead...

we are currently taking appointments for the spring 2010 collection trunk show...

when? february 10 - 21, 2010
where? redwood shores, ca
time? morning, afternoon & evening appointments are still available
what if can't make those days? you can always order through me via email or a simple phone call...

BUT...there is SO much more to see than just these pics...come touch and feel the beautiful fabric...see the colors up & close...over 150 pieces...

make your appointment today!

pin stripe cotton stretch jacket
leopard print silk crepe de chine blouse w/ruffle front (also in retro flower print)
sueded jean

desert wave jacquard (from france) dress in cotton blend w/double layer of box pleat trim at hem
desert wave jacquard (from france) jacket w/detail seaming and cropped sleeves

desert spots jacquard (from italy) w/antique brass detailing in pocket & front
transferred rib sweater in silk blend w/portrait neck and short sleeves
pin stripe jean
patent lamb leather belt w/semi-precious stone buckle

plaited cascade cardigan set in pearl/copper (also available in red/black and fern/celadon)
desert stripe pant

techno twill trench jacket (also available in fern)
prairie stripe button front shirt w/ruffle front
cupro wash pant
patent lamb leather belt w/semi-precious stones

see more of the jana kos spring 2010 collection...