shopping 101...

ahhh...shopping...some love it...and some don't...whatever category you fall under...if you find yourself brnging home clothes you never wear...here are a few pointers...

- shop for who you are now...not who you will be five to ten pounds from now...

- buy something because it looks great on you...not because it looks great on a fashion model in a glossy spread...

- let your own legs (and body type) determine how long or how short your hem should be...

- sizes are relative...buy what size you are...not what size you thought you were...or what size you hope to be...(refer back to point one)

- before you buy...check yourself in the mirror in as many positions as you can...especially sitting down...

- put things on hold if you need more time...if you're going to a series of stores...maybe you'll come across something later that works better...thinking things over reduces the chances that you'll buy on impulse...

- beware of sales if you're prone to impulse buying...before you go out...reassess what you have and make a list of what you need...then try to stick to it...

- avoid pushy salespeople...and beware of those who flatter you too much...when you find a salesperson who speaks your language...stick with him or her...

and if all this just seems a bit overwhelming...seriously consider a wardrobe stylist...it just may save you alot of money...

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fashion funnies: no outfit is complete...

my girlfriend sent me this pic...a day after i had spent some time in her home...holding her precious dog in my lap...while she got some stuff done...as i got up to leave...my black jeans were nicely coated in dog hair...of course i didn't mind...who can say no to a furry animal?



enjoy your weekend...

pretty in pink...

here we are...almost half way through the month of october...i don't know where the time is going...and of course...since the first...i've been meaning to do a post on october being national breast cancer awareness month...

wanted to share a few brands that are helping in contributing funds through their sales...to benefit organizations that are searching for a cure...

exclusively at saks: elie tahari "key to the cure" tee for $35...see pic below with the lovely jennifer hudson...a soft cotton tee with a key-filled heart...and "where there's love, there's life" printed on the front...the best part...100% of the sales of this tee go directly to breast cancer research...

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and we have ralph lauren...where a portion of the proceeds from the sale of all pink pony products supports worldwide initiatives for cancer care and prevention...

if you have some favorite brands that have specific items picked out for national breast cancer month...please feel free to add them to the comments...

and most importantly...be sure to get your regular exam done ladies... =)

men's corner: a pop of color vs too much color...

one of the big fall trends this fall season is color...as in jewel tones...and this is easily something that can be incorporated into your "manly" wardrobe as well...

now while i cannot recommend this look...well to anyone really...think WAY too much color...



...there are ways of adding pops of color...for example in a tie...how fabulous is this burst of a jewel tone? if you are a bit more bold...i say...find a nice cashmere sweater...with a nice pop of color...doesn't have to be in the pink family...think vibrant blues...greens...orange...or have a pop of color & pattern in a shirt...peaking out from under a neutral sweater or jacket...



all photos scanned by moi: gq magazine october issue

black & white is always right...

has there ever been a more elegant pairing then black & white? seriously...you cannot go wrong...so...did you happen to catch this fabulous editorial in the september issue of "more" magazine? feast your eyes on these beauties...

the wonderful thing about black & white combinations...is a little goes a long way...and if you have been thinking about possibly taking a dip into the mixing of patterns world...i always say...black & white is where you should start...

salvatore ferragamo suede and crystal minaudiere

kate spade patent leather and lucite piano clutch
baubles by fred leighton, stephen webster, verdura, roberto coin

carolina amato microfiber gloves

chanel faux pearl, satin and sequin pumps

patricia underwood felt fedora

sergio rossi leather booties

sang a leather clutch

giambattista valli satin boots

all pics: scanned by moi

versatility...

...the ability to take a garment in your wardrobe...mix and match with a variety of wardrobe fundamentals...this then equals...value...and by mixing and matching a variety of wardrobe fundamentals...it doesn't mean you can use it to dry the dog and polish the silverware...but you may be able to wear a piece to the office and then on to a blind date that nite with just a change of jewelry and/or shoes...

always look for colors that fit into the basic palette of your wardrobe...look for classic design and style that is consistent with your own...look for fabrics that are seasonless...tropical wools and medium weight cottons...for example...seasonal fabrics...like linen or velvet...may be well worth the investment...but they won't necessarily be appropriate year round...

it almost becomes like a game...how many outfits can you prepare out of one piece of garment...try for a casual...then a work appropriate...and then an evening look...the more you do it...the easier it becomes...and then you really start maximizing your purchases...

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jewel tones...

a big trend for fall this year is color...think jewel tones...and if you have been a reader of this blog for a while...you more then likely have picked up on the fact...that i am an avid lover of color...

jewel tones to me...are happy colors...rich & vibrant...the dilemma comes in choosing a color...but then...why should you stop at one?

the jewel tones really can work for anyone...whether you are an all out wear color kind of girl...give color blocking a try...mixing two or three vibrant colors together...and for those who are a bit less colorful...mixing in one of these luscious colors in the form of a shoe...or handbag...does the trick as well...pair it with your favorite neutral...and you are set...

and if this is still a bit too much color for you...go for a nice statement ring...with a nice vibrant jewel...

whether you go all out...or bring in tiny spurts of color...try this fall trend out...and let us know you did!

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