happy first day of winter...

it's official...winter is here...and although we here in "sunny" california do not see much snow...unless you are heading into tahoe...i still look at snowy winter pictures with awe...such beauty...such tranquility...

whatever weather hits you this first day of winter...may it be full of the wonder of the season...

photo source

when buying a winter coat...

...be picky...especially those that live in the "real" cold climates...if you think about the time that is spent wearing your winter coat...and because of the cold...your coat is the only thing people see you in...why why why would you skimp on style? it's first impression...once again...

and while we are on the topic of coats...it truly is essential for the grown-up wardrobe to have multiple coats...it makes no sense to be all dolled up for an evening out...only to cover yourself up with your everyday run around town coat...so how many should you have? =) wrong question for me to answer...i of course am obsessed with coats...but truly...eventually...you should strive for the following:
- a nicely tailored coat for work...i would opt for black or camel...
- a run around town doing errands coat...
- a glamorous cocktail coat...
- a faux or real (whatever your preference) fur coat for a dressy evening out...
and of course...as i write this...one or two of the options may not relate to your lifestyle...but if it does...have an appropriate coat for it...

now at the beginning of this post...i did say to be picky...and in picky...i am talking about the fabric...the cut...the length...scale...proportion...color...trim...basically everything you are picky about when choosing clothing...why be so meticulous about your wardrobe...and then skimp on a lumpy bumpy coat? as i've said before...a shoe can make or break an outfit...well...that same line works for coats...it can make or break your outfit...

so don't let a little...or a lot of cold...leave you with no personality...why be forgettable in a boring basic coat when you can "wow" everyone in a memorable coat loaded with personality? bring on the color...the shine...the pattern..the drama...when we are in the midst of a bleak dark & grey season...we definitely need some extra fashion fun...why not have it with your winter coat?


photo source

curing the winter blues...

there's nothing like a new outfit to cure the cold-weather doldrums...why not give yourself a mid-winter wardrobe lift by adding a bright, colorful sweater? as an added bonus...late-winter clearance sales might help you find a terrific bargain...

colors such as cobalt blue...fuchsia...bright red...and sunny yellow look great this time of year over a favorite black pant or skirt...you certainly won't be committing any crimes of fashion with muted colors such as olive green...mustard...or cinnamin...but the brighter colors look especially crisp and fresh against the winter landscape and can do wonders for your phyche...

fa la la la la...off we go to another soiree...

excerpt from our december newsletter...

fa la la la la...
(all together now!)

isn't this the most wonderful time of the year??!! even though the stores have been pummelling us with christmas thoughts since before halloween, now IS truly the time to jump into the season and let ourselves enjoy all it's goodness...

that being said, from the fashion perspective, we've been getting questions on how to update one's holiday attire...so let's talk turkey (oops! that holiday is over. oh well...) whether you're going to the office party, a dinner party, or dinner & dancing, this year's multi-tasking holiday tips (meaning, they work for men AND women) will help you get all spruced-up for the season...

*add a vest...ladies, there are so many lovely choices out there. maybe you'd like something with sparkle...or a subtle metallic sheen...or in a regal burgundy, royal blue or purple...or how about fur (faux or real)? guys, your vest can be done in the traditional holiday plaid, but would be more innovative in a rich velvet, brocade or said regal burgundy, royal blue or purple mentioned above. (however, don't try to match your lady - that's just too much!) any of these options will instantly update your look and add that special touch that says "i'm ready for the party!"

*speaking of velvet...it's classic holiday dressing. for us gals, a velvet pant and tunic or cami are luscious (and comfy too!) besides the vest mentioned above, guys look so handsome in a velvet blazer (this looks great with jeans too, for a dressy casual home party...)

*shine on...with touches of glimmer and shimmer...the operative word here is "touches". while guys are probably not going to be tempted to overdo it (a shimmery shirt or tie will probably be the extent of it), us gals have to remember not to load it on too heavily. we have all kinds of choices, from tops to pants to jackets to dresses to shoes to jewels to purses (isn't it fun to be a girl and have all of these options?!) stick to just a couple of statement items so you'll make the kind of statement that's flattering, not blinding...

*add some color...and we don't mean black! yes, traditionally it's the 'go-to' color for dressy occasions, but have some fun with your holiday attire...add a pop of bright color - guys in a great tie or bow-tie, or shirt - ladies in a 'wow' top or skirt, or maybe some fuschia satin pumps or sandals, for example...all black is just too ordinary when there are so many other options out there...

men: thought i would help you out with a few stores...

*Nordstrom has some festive vests (one in particular - a muted silver - would be great for the season) and shirts with a bit of (not too much) shimmer...

*Barcelino (one store in hillsdale mall, three in the city) has lots of great italian-made jackets, sweaters and silk shirts that are perfect for the holidays...not to mention fabulous pants, shoes, belts, you name it...you'll get fabulous personalized service too.

and above all...remember to have some fun!

"no shopping zone" sign...

so we all know the market has been pretty chaotic...so how can you update your wardrobe without breaking the bank?

with the economy on everyone's mind, the first thought when it comes to your wardrobe might be to put up a "no shopping zone" sign...which is all well and good, except that you know you're going to do some shopping for the fall/winter season...the question is "what kind of shopping are you going to do?"

there are several ways to approach this...

first, spiff up your existing wardrobe with the addition of a few pertinent accessories or coordinating tops...this is an excellent strategy that will help your cardigans and coats tune in to the season - add a great belt, and possibly a scarf for a pop of color...likewise, a fabulous piece of chunky costume jewelry will spice up the necklines of your sweaters and tops. speaking of tops, adding a few layering pieces is an excellent way to extend the life of your existing jackets and pants...and of course, don't forget your textured and opaque stockings...

second...add one great statement piece that you LOVE (translation: you'll wear it over and over, and it will become a staple of your wardrobe.) whether it's a fabulous jacket, skirt, or coat - this is something that will become an integral part of your wardrobe for now and into the years to come. ..whenever i invest in one of these pieces, it's always a pleasure to wear it because i know it looks fabulous and i know i feel fabulous in it.

third...you may choose to add some basics to your wardrobe, such as a new neutral jacket and pant that will serve you for years to come...the basics that we wear over and over eventually need replacing - and this may be where you're at...if so, be sure to purchase the best quality you can afford...you need these pieces to work hard for you, so they need to be of a quality that will stand the test of time...

that last sentence is key - focus on quality rather than quantity...and only purchase those pieces you LOVE...when you love what you wear, and it is made to last, you'll wear it an infinite number of times - and that's a real buy!