preparing the capsule evening wardrobe...

you open up your mail...and there it is...an invitation to a dinner party...a soiree...and your first thought is...what in the world am i going to wear?

seems that many women stress over "getting dressed up" - i...on the other hand...welcome any occasion to dress up...but i realize that i am not the norm...so...let's talk about having a capsule evening wardrobe...

my goal...with my clients...is to be prepared as possible...takes a lot of the stress away...so yes...when we find a perfect little black dress...with no invitation in sight...i lean towards purchasing the dress...and then...being ready...for when that invitation does arrive...because you know eventually...it will...

so what would a capsule evening wardrobe look like? i don't recommend going out and buying ball gowns and such...if that is not your lifestyle...but there are key pieces that work really well in a pinch...and make you look "party" ready...

black cocktail dresses (in fact as many little black dresses as you can collect) for all occasions...this is seriously THE easiest way to prepare yourself for an unexpected event...throw on some jewels and fancy shoes...and you are set...

other "easy in a pinch" items that are good to have in your closet...beautiful silk blouses (these come in such wonderful arrays of color), beaded tops and/or sweaters, and...depending on your age and shape...backless or halter tops...pair these with a beautiful pair of wool crepe black trousers or a pencil skirt...and you are ready for any dinner and/or cocktail party...

add to this...sexy shoes and jewelry...and voila...you are set...

what is your "go to in a pinch" outfit?

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!

from a.m. to p.m...

tis the season...more so than throughout the year...functions after a long workday...no time to go home and change...what to do??

a few evening accessories can transform a tailored suit from work day to night play...

a.m...it's early to work, and you don't want to think about what to wear...you have a meeting, a presentation, and interview on your mind...you reach for your fail-safe uniform...a well-tailored and sensibly cut suit...pants finish it off? or perhaps a skirt...skirt length? to the knee...color? nuetral...a white shirt adds crispness and flatters your coloring...accessories? classic, of course, with the quiet confidence good quality bestows on any object: it leaves you and your work in the starring roles...and you still have time to eat breakfast with your kids...



p.m...the transformation: from the office to a dinner party...hang up the jacket and the white shirt...you have an evening blouse that would work...you also can consider wearing the jacket over nothing but a strand of pearls...or perhaps a camisole...in the end, you decide on a beaded evening sweater for extra glitter, and besides...it's easy to pack in your work tote...don't forget to jazz up your earrings, trade in the tote for an evening bag...and dress up the heels...add a little perfume and perhaps some red lipstick...presto!