i'm thinking of pumpkins...

not the real ones...but the color...pumpkin orange is one of my favorite colors to wear in the fall...our fall 09 collection offers a full color story around it...

and as always...i DO have my favorites...

on the right...the lovely boucle jacket...in beautiful pumpkin orange...topped with a fox fur collar with...a lovely pumpkin color ribbon...matched up with the acorn velveteen pant...adding more lusciousness to the mix...

to the left...soft like butter...the sienna leather jacket...so beautiful...so soft to the touch...


oh and since we have the fox fur collar with...a lovely pumpkin color ribbon...let's see how that looks on the leather...just as luscious...

so luscious in fact...that it would even look stunning over a sweater...talk about making a plain ole sweater "pop"

another reason...

ok...as if the clothes are not a big enough reason to come check out the trunk show...currently going on now...in redwood shores, ca...(personal one on one appts still available)

for the first time ever...we have a collection of stella page design handbags...

stella page handbags can be found exclusively at fine resorts and shops around the world...AND at the jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show now thru november 9th...

stella page collectors include angelina jolie, demi moore, goldie hawn, jada pinkett smith, california’s first lady maria shriver and salma hayek...and you could be one too!

each stella page design is a limited edition collectible numbered work of art, complete with a registered certificate of authenticity...

so...come on by...and check out these beautiful pieces...

jana kos fall/winter collection trunk show

redwood shores, ca

oct 28 thru nov 9

a sweet surprise...and in leopard...

ok...so yesterday our boxes full of luscious clothes were being delivered for the fall/winter jana kos collection trunk show...(going on now) my business partner (and wonderful friend) adena was flying back from a trip to the east coast...so...i was left to head on out to her home to greet the ups man...of course...ups...due to arrive anytime between 8am and noon...so much for a smaller window of time...=)

this meant i needed to be dressed and out the door...early...with time for a starbucks stop before...

got to adena's house...let myself in...set-up my laptop at her desk...and this was waiting for me there...

seriously...can she be any sweeter? i love surprises...who doesn't? especially when it is just a "thinking about you" or "thought you would like this" gift...

if you haven't figured out what it is...wait for it...wait for it...

a leopard print tape measure...can you stand it?

how stylish will i look while measuring my clients?

"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!

men's corner: belt basics...

every man probably has the basic go-to black calfskin belt, perhaps even one in brown leather...

of course, the buckle should be clean and elegant, unless you work the rodeo, and then words and logos are okay. wider belts are fine with jeans for the western look...

for other casual options, try belts in suede, canvas, cloth or nylon... you can play with color in casual styles, just make sure not to go too wild or you'll look like a band member from the 80's...

the foregoing aside, the belt generally should match your shoes - black shoes, black belt; brown shoes, brown belt...

republican first ladies from 1800 to 1933...fashion and facts...(part 4)

as we near the end of our journey on fashion and facts of the early history of republican women first ladies...

we continue with the year 1921...unfortunately, i have no pictures as there was no model present for the fashion show...but...i can share with you a little of the history...

As First Lady to President Warren Harding in 1921, Florence “Flossie” Mabel Kling Harding hosted elegant garden parties and mixed readily with guests.

Mrs. Harding embarked with her husband on his nationwide "Voyage of Understanding" in the summer of 1923. Unfortunately, the Hardings didn't have a full term in the White House. Flossie was at the President's side when he died of a stroke or a heart attack in San Francisco in August of 1923. Following the death of President Harding, Flossie became ill and within a year also succumbed.

After President Harding's death in 1923, Calvin Coolidge succeeded to the Presidency. As wife of the Vice President, Grace Anna Goodhue Coolidge went from her housewife's routine into Washington society and quickly became the most popular woman in the capital, as First Lady. Grace Anna planned the new administration's social life as her husband wanted it: dignified.

Here she is in a Tangerine Cream Silk dress, in a simple pattern drafted from a pattern book on 20's style. It is as light as a cloud and soft as creamy butter. The scarf at Grace Anna's hip accents the asymmetrical design. Her long pearls are knotted in a way to draw attention to her long straight body. Grace’s wardrobe matched her demeanor...graceful.

The social highlight of the Coolidge years was the party for Charles Lindbergh following his transatlantic flight in 1927. Perhaps Grace wore such a dignified garment as this Tangerine Cream Silk.

For her "fine personal influence exerted as First Lady of the Land," Grace Coolidge received a gold medal from the National Institute of Social Science.

The Coolidges were in the White House from 1923-1929. Although Calvin Coolidge did not choose to seek a second term, Grace Coolidge was not forgotten. In 1931 she was voted one of America's twelve greatest living women.

Lou Henry Hoover, wife of President Herbert Hoover, was a freshman at Stanford University (in fact, the only female geology major), when she met Herbert Hoover, then a senior. Soon after their wedding, they sailed for China, and Hoover's new job. Lou was possessed with a natural ear for languages and became quite proficient in Chinese. In the White House, the Hoovers at times conversed in Chinese to foil eavesdroppers.

It was in China that Lou acquired this ceremonial robe. Underneath, Lou is dressed in a one piece Silk fabric. This outfit is Americanized for the late 1920s. It has only four seams - two are on the shoulders and two more down the sides, making a simple tube structure. The neckline is hand turned. Notice the bat-like wings with the design of peacock feathers. Peacocks and other exotic items were being used at this time as a reaction to the end of the Great War, the return of prosperity and the broader interest in the world.

The Lou Henry and Herbert Hoover House in the Palo Alto foothills is now the official residence of the President of Stanford University. It is located near the campus's Hoover Tower, home of the Hoover Institution, and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Lou was decorated by King Albert I of Belgium for her work with refugees. One of the brick dorms known as "The Classics" at San Jose State University is named "Hoover Hall" in her honor. The first Girl Scout house is in Palo Alto, California, and is called Lou Henry Hoover Girl Scout House. As late as 2005, buildings and schools are being named after this historically famous First Lady.

Of course, there have been subsequent Republican First Ladies, but our historical review ends here. Hope you have enjoyed our journey...

script by: Bobbi Parson Batchelder

vintage fashion by: Corinne Pleger (Trained at the Fashion Institute of Design in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Corinne has been making costumes for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Curious Collectors of Baker Street, various Victorian events and museums, as well as Union uniforms for Civil War re-enactments. She teaches at, and has been Dean of, the Costume College at the Costumer's Guild West, and her costumes have won many awards, including Best in Show at the Los Angeles County Fair)

republican first ladies from 1800 to 1933...fashion and facts...(part 3)

as we continue our journey on fashion and facts of the early history of the republican women first ladies...we slip in a non first lady...just to spice things up a bit...read on...

Ida Saxton McKinley was a vivacious young woman who met and married William McKinley in January 1871. She had been a pretty, fashionable leader of the younger set in Canton, Ohio, and worked in her broad-minded father’s bank.


The walking skirt that Ida is wearing maybe just the type of dress she would wear to work. This skirt, copied from an original silk skirt of two generations ago, is known as the Kick Pleated Walking skirt. It was just the fashion to provide for a lot of movement when you walk. In keeping with the custom of the time for persons working in banks, this outfit was probably originally made in black, rather than the vibrant red Ida has on.

Unfortunately, when the McKinleys moved into the White House in March 1897 there was no trace of that girl. Ida was close to being an invalid.

Contrary to protocol, Ida was always seated beside the President at state dinners and he always kept close watch for signs of impending seizures that plagued Ida. When he saw a seizure coming on he would cover her face with a large handkerchief for a moment. The First Lady and her devoted husband seemed oblivious to any social inadequacy. Guests were discreet and newspapers silent on the subject of her "fainting spells."

Although heavily medicated, Ida McKinley insisted on participating in White House life and refused to let any other female family member take over the role of official hostess. When not giving her opinions on matters of state Ida spent much of her time crocheting. It is estimated that she crocheted 3,500 pairs of house slippers.

When the President was shot by an assassin in September 1901, after his second inauguration, that ended both Ida and William McKinley's days in the White House.
Ida followed her husband in death six years later.

Coming up next we have...wait...You were never a Republican President's wife and what are you doing in that outfit?

Oh, you must be Alice Roosevelt, the daughter of Alice Hathaway, the child of the marriage between Alice Hathaway and Theodore Roosevelt, whose mother died in childbirth. Well, go ahead and show your costume and I'll tell the story.

This is the step daughter of the second Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, also known as Edith Carow Roosevelt. Edith’s husband, Theodore, was the Vice President and upon the assassination of William McKinley was elevated to the Presidency in 1901, and served until 1909.

Edith was described as a "gentle, high-bred hostess", who sometimes tactfully curtailed her husband's long-windedness by gently tapping on a tabletop. She was the first First Lady to put a social secretary on the payroll, and she arrange portraits of past First Ladies in a "First Ladies’ Gallery," where the paintings still hang. She was treated warmly by the press, but most of the media's fascination was with her vivacious and somewhat troublesome teenaged stepdaughter, Alice Roosevelt, or as she was usually called in news accounts, "Princess Alice".

This model is wearing a cancan outfit. Alice may have never actually worn it but she most likely went to places where they did. This Kelly green and goldenrod skirt accents a striped corset and black silk chemise. The many rows of ruffles swish as she walks, providing tantalizing glimpses of her striped stockings and perhaps a glimpse of her long under garment.

And next we have...

Republican William Taft became the 27th President, making his wife's dream come true. Helen Herron Taft, known as "Nellie", became First Lady.

Here Nellie is wearing a touring dress. This goes along with one of the accomplishments she brought to the White House, replacing the carriages with automobiles. Nellie's attractive outfit is made of a deep rust red linen and an olive green cotton. This combination is used to draw ones attention to the dress design, specifically the decorative olive tone stitching along the edge of the drapes on the skirt and hem. The hat is made with a peacock feather to match the garment.

All Nellie needs is a touring coat, goggles and veil and, of course the White House chauffeur, and she is ready to go touring. Nellie most likely will go check on another of her accomplishments. She was having a few Japanese cherry trees planted along the avenue. Upon finding out about this, a Japanese chemist and a consul facilitated the donation of an additional 3,020 Japanese cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo.

Take a look at the Nellie's dress again and notice the Japanese kimono style bodice.

Nellie was very well versed in politics, often sitting in on important political discussions and accompanying William on political trips and golf outings. Nellie was the first First Lady to attend the convention, where in 1912, the Republican Party was split between Taft and Roosevelt. This split nearly broke her heart and, long before the election, she began packing. She knew the split would mean a victory for the democratic candidate, Woodrow Wilson.

It is a good thing Nellie insisted on comparison shopping and reviewing every expenditure. She even managed the Taft's personal budget so well that, after four years, she had set aside $100,000 in the family bank account. Nellie could stay in fashion even when leaving the White House.

stayed tuned for part 4...

script by: Bobbi Parson Batchelder

vintage fashion by: Corinne Pleger (Trained at the Fashion Institue of Design in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Corinne has been making costumes for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Curious Collectors of Baker Street, various Victorian events and museums, as well as Union uniforms for Civil War re-enactments, She teaches at, and has been Dean of, the Costume College at the Costumer's Guild West, and her costumes have won many awards, including Best in Show at the Los Angeles County Fair)