Thursday, June 30, 2011

stars and stripes...

when it comes to the 4th of july...and picking out an outfit...what do you do? do you go all out and look like a walking american flag? i believe it is one of those holidays...where...less is more...

so can how you look chic...and still be comfortable? here are some options...and i realize...that majority of my shots are stripes...obviously...i have a preference for them...but the idea is...add a little into your outfit...

it could be as simple as a striped hat...or a striped espadrille...perhaps a scarf with bright little red stars...the idea is simple...these tiny touches of stars & stripes added to a pair of white jeans or skirt...a simple tee...and truly you are set...

and if you are not a stars or stripes type of gal...the same can be done with touches of color...a jean summer dress with red sandals...or a red belt...add just enough punch for your 4th of july festivities...a white dress with a blue belt...getting the idea?

so what will you be donning this 4th of july weekend?

red white & blue

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

put together: stripes and plaids...

all you need is a little bit of stars...and you'd be set for the 4th of july...

um...just kidding...i don't think anyone needs to dress that exact to a holiday...but...wow...would you look at the gorgeous array of mixing patterns?? just makes my heart melt...of course the model is just as gorgeous...but it was the outfit that caught my eye...at first...no really...

i realize this may be a bit too much layering for most men...but you have to admit...he is looking pretty darn put together...wouldn't you say?

so men...is this a look you would try? and ladies...is this something your man would wear?

gq - march 2011
scanned by moi

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

cuff it...

that's right...whether on one arm...or both...one of the best arm candy around...and although cuffs have been a statement piece for a while...they are still showing up in fashion magazines...and on the runway...

personally...i love them...however...i have very small wrists...so they tend to be a challenge for me...to find the right one...i have to be careful with the bulkiness of it...and the fit...many...are just to big...and not easily adjustable...

but i keep looking...

and i have to say...great assortment out lately...whether you are strictly a metallics wearer...or opt for color...you are sure to find one or two key pieces that can add some punch to your outfits...

here are some of my favorites...i usually look for unique detail & texture...and perhaps...a pop of color...how about you?

honeycomb cuff bracelet by kara ross



links enamel cuff by milly


pave-accented woven cuff by alexis bittar


blonde horn cuff by nest


golden ridged cuff by oscar de la renta


photo credit: neiman marcus

Monday, June 27, 2011

a second life...

last week...i came across a great post on elle.com featuring the wonderful creative director...joe zee...taking items of clothing...and re-purposing them into something new...and improved...granted...i know that not all of us can sew...but this is where a great tailor comes into play...

here are my favorite creations...if you would like to see the rest...and read more into the detail of each outfit...please click here...












now...these styles will not work for everyone...obviously...depending on your body type...your age...but the reason for this post...is to get your creative juices going...and whether you are one who scours thift stores...garage sales and such...or not...sometimes...a little bit of tweaking is all you need...

and if this kind of thinking is way out of the box for you...think about outfits in your closet...that you wear with the same blouse...and the same shoes...which reminds me...i have a girlfriend that i worked with in corporate america...she would literally go to the department store...look at what the mannequins were dressed with...and choose her wardrobe accordingly...did it work? yes...but it really limited her on her choices...and not seeing all that was available to her...

back to my rule of not buying a piece of clothing unless it goes with about 3 different looks in my closet...when you get into the practice of changing things up...you would be amazed at all the possiblities your clothing has...

so go ahead...try wearing an outfit in a new and different way...and then tell us about it...

all photo credit: hao zeng; styled by joe zee

Saturday, June 25, 2011

fashion funnies: suggestion by mom...

this comic strip made me laugh...as i have heard stories from mom's of the chaos that sometimes results...when mom makes an alternative choice for something to wear...

child: mom, i can't find the pink socks that go with my outfit.

mom: hm.

child: it's really a problem. i'm not sure how to handle this.

mom: just wear the purple ones.

child: purple?

child: PURPLE??

child: OH MY GOSH! YOU'RE SERIOUS!!

child: WHERE DO MOMS KEEP THEIR SENSE OF FASHION??

mom: MAYBE IT'S IN THE POCKETS OF THEIR SWEAT-PANTS!!



may your weekend be full of fabulous fun...

Thursday, June 23, 2011

men's corner: espadrilles...

summertime...and yes...i am still kind of obsessing over espadrilles...so imagine my excitement...when i was perusing my june issue of gq magazine...and saw a little picture of espadrilles for men...i mean...brilliant! who wants to wear flip flops all the time? besides...it just looks a bit more stylish...

jim moore, gq creative director says..."espadrilles are a big trend this summer...they work anytime you'd wear your flip-flops...just remember to trash them a bit - step on the backs...wear them to the beach...and leave them in the sun..."

i've picked out a few for you...it is summer time...so have some fun...

add some pattern...


choo choo - striped denim
soludos


not that daring? how about a fun pop of color?


dali - dark green
soludos


even with a basic neutral...you are sure to be looking oh so stylish...

castaner
mr porter

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

put together: polka dots & leopard print...

saw this photo on elle.com this morning...nothing better then polka dots & leopard print...throw in a touch of red...and i say...very put put together...

photo source: elle.com
photo credit: adam katz sinding/le 21ème arrondissement

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

in honor of the first day of summer...

...and this absolutely splendid weather we are having in the san francsico bay area...think high 90's... =) so fabulous...i figured it was time to start looking at summertime wear...and of course...the first thing i think of is...pool time...

cover-ups are a necessity for me...i'm not one that you will find sauntering around the pool without one...just saying...and i'm really needing an update...although i love the ones i have...

so what do you look for in a cover-up?

- coverage...i know...obvious...but some cover-ups...well...don't cover...so what's the point? i don't need another layer of clothing...just because...

- fit...as always...fit is of utmost importance...even in a cover-up...too big...or too small...both scenario's down-grade your luscious bathing suit...so don't settle!

- color...it's summer! go wild...this is the time that color and/or prints are a little easier to work with...for those that are timid...so step out...work with the colors of your bathing suit...and if it is a solid color...then definately have fun with your cover-up...the more colors...the merrier!

here are some of my favorites...so far...all these are currently available on the nordstrom website...click on the link...there is a very nice selection...and in several colors!

robin piccone tie dye cover-up dress



michael kors sheer cover-up



trina turk 'french riviera' tunic cover-up


becca crochet cover-up


photo source: nordstrom.com

Monday, June 20, 2011

window display: singer explosion...

you know how an object or place will remind you of days gone by? or possibly a loved one? whenever i see an old singer sewing machine...i am completely bought back to memories of my grandma juliana...baba is what we called her...i have so many memories of sitting with her as she told me stories...or asked about my day...or asked about my dreams...all while she sat at her singer sewing machine...

i remember vividly as if it were just yesterday...her feet so skillfully manuevering the machine...as she sewed away...without a thought towards it...she has been gone many many years...and i miss her...alot...i was lucky enough to receive that very same singer sewing machine that she owned...which i cherish...truly...

so as my brother and sister-in-law...headed to seattle, washington...to eventually board a cruise line and take off to alaska (i know...rough life...) they came across this store...

here is a close-up of what caught their eye...

a singer beauty...


this store is not only filled with them from ground up to ceiling...but on the left side of the building...it continues...so literally 100's of singer sewing machines...

storefront "allsaints spitalfields"



closer view of front of store

Saturday, June 18, 2011

fashion funnies: the art of persuasion...

"buying me a new pair of shoes would go a long way toward making this world a less dangerous place..."




enjoy your weekend...

Friday, June 17, 2011

in search of the perfect espadrille...

...you would think it wouldn't be so difficult...as we are in the right season...and many stores are offering espadrilles...but...alas...i can't seem to find quite the right pair...i know what i want...i'm thinking a bright yellow or red for my first choice would be fabulous...just haven't found any that speak to me... =) but if not a bright color...then i may just stick to a nice neutral...here are some top contenders...

jimmy choo cage espadrille
neiman marcus



chloe espadrille
nordstrom



seychelles 'arden'
nordstrom


and of course...i only want one pair...but then i'm thinking...how cute would a flat espadrille be for the summer this year? les sigh...decisions decisions...

missoni flat espadrille
zappos


kate spade new york 'lido' espadrille flat
nordstrom

Thursday, June 16, 2011

do you know what works for you?

when i meet someone...for example...at a networking event...and they ask me what i do...and they hear "wardrobe consultant"...more times then not...the next thing that happens is a critique of what they are wearing...why they chose that outfit...although it is not the best choice...and this critique does not come from me...but from the person wearing the clothes...and what comes next...most people usually tell me that they don’t know what looks good on them...or that they are constantly in a rush...and don't have time to worry about what to wear...sound familiar?

impulse purchases usually take place because in the person's mind...they are thinking that “that’s as good as it’s going to get”...they may really like the color or pattern of an item...or perhaps...they get it just because it’s in fashion...

the fact is most men and women have a vague sense of what looks good on them and what doesn’t...the problem is that many don’t know they reasons why something works for them or doesn’t...it’s crucial for people to understand their body shape...body type...coloring...personality style...lifestyle requirements and fashion...

and this is the reason why i highly recommend not only a closet audit...but a full wardrobe and style analysis...they are great foundations to helping you understand...you! in having this kind of information...you will also save hundreds of dollars, time and frustration...best of all...you will understand what works best for you...your personality...and lifestyle...which in turn will make you feel current...strong...fabulous...chic and confident...

and the best part? you won't need to have the time to worry about what to wear...because everything you have will coincide with your life & lifestyle...a win-win...

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

what do you see in the mirror?



i have always loved this picture...if only all of us could see ourselves with the potential we all have within us...

as a wardrobe consultant...i have heard my share of women (and men) critique some part of their body that they couldn't stand...truth be told...we are our own worst critics...even i have had my moments of focusing on that one area that to me is glaring in the mirror...men and women alike pick their bodies apart...parts they like...but more often...parts that they don’t...

many...at the beginning don't like the idea of me going through their closet...or worse...having to try different outfits on...whatever the reasons may be...clothes aren't fitting right...the infamous 10 lbs they want to lose...feeling frumpy...or they just don't feel like their clothes are truly reflecting who they are...or how they feel...

sometimes...clothing is outdated...sometimes...the clothing isn't the right cut...whatever the "sometimes" is...clothing is meant to make us feel confident...happy, chic, and stylish...all while showing our personality...

do your clothes do that? if not...why are you buying clothes that make you feel otherwise?

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

men's corner: braid it...

besides the fact that a woven or braided belt adds that additional "texture" to an outfit...it is a fun way to update an otherwise casual outfit...braided-leather belts are always in style...giving an outfit some rugged authenticity...and a fabulous casual attitude...

when thinking of the right color...don't worry about needing to match the color of the leather to your shoes...in fact...for a real "pop"...contrast the color of the belt with the color of your pants...meaning...light-color belt with dark jeans and vice versa...

and the best part? no matter what size you are...meaning if you've gone up or down a bit in your waistline...they are great in that they don’t require holes...you just poke the tongue through the braid anywhere and there you are...cinched up exactly where you want to be...

prada braided leather belt
neiman marcus

Monday, June 13, 2011

dear fashion advisor: traveling handbag...

Q...I'm getting ready for summertime travel and am wondering what is my best choice for a handbag that will take me through airport security, shopping and sightseeing?

a...all three of the activities you mention definitely are easier when you are 'hands-free'...and have we got just the bag for you...

the crossbody bag is very popular right now...and you can find it in a wide variety of colors and prices...your hands will be free to snap your photos or sort through great buys on your travels...and you won't have to worry about the security of your purse...
eric javits 'lark - squishee®' crossbody bag
nordstrom


if you have a fashion question...please feel free to ask via formspring...or email me...

Saturday, June 11, 2011

fashion funnies: meet enzo...

one of my fashion tidbits...a good tailor is like a good pair of shoes...necessary, worth every penny, and capable of making you look ten pounds thinner...

i mean really...even the etrade baby has one...meet enzo... =)



enjoy your weekend!


photo source

Friday, June 10, 2011

swimming in color...

springtime is an expected trigger for added splashes of color throughout one's wardrobe...so...whatever you do...don't stop before you get that colorful burst of color in your swimsuit as well...

yes...it is easy to gravitate to black...and talk yourself into it...because "black is slimming"...but...as long as you work on the right "type" of suit...color can be just as slimming...and oh...so much more...colorful...

i'm thinking of getting a new suit this year...although i love my current teal swimsuit...these are some that caught my eye...

so...when looking for a swimsuit...do you gravitate towards colors & prints?

badgley mischka "mb11" shirred maillot
nordstrom


nanette lepore "floral lover" one piece swimsuit
nordstrom


nanette lepore "seductress" one piece swimsuit
nordstrom


tommy bahama oxford stripe halter swimsuit
nordstrom

Thursday, June 9, 2011

fashion history: queen elizabeth I...

love reading about fashion history...especially when there are quirky stories attached...so...thought i would include a new subject title to my blog entitled...fashion history...

let's go to the year 1558...

elizabeth I is crowned queen of england and immediately ushers in an age of elaborate...ornate fashion...her trademarks include long strands of pearls...jewel-encrusted gowns...countless wigs...starched ruffs...and a plunging neckline that exposes her decolletage...she also pulls the ultimate fashion diva move...passing a law forbidding others to wear the same colors and styles as her...

click on the "photo source" link below to read more about the fascinating queen...

photo source

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

introducing the flatform...

so what do you get when you mesh a platform and a flat? drumroll please...the flatform...as was widely seen on the spring 2011 runways...one of the hottest spring trends is this...um...interesting shoe...

i like the idea of it...i mean...who doesn't want height...and yet...still feel like you are wearing your flats? if i had to choose a favorite...the two below definately have my vote...but the verdict is still out as to whether i love them enough...to get a pair for myself...

what about you? are you loving the flatform?

chloe wrap-around canvas espadrilles
saks fifth avenue



derek lam stacked wedge platform pumps
saks fifth avenue

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

isabelle de borchgrave...

what can you possibly do with paper? well...if you are the belgian artist isabelle de borchgrave...the outcome is...in a word...amazing...she re-creates exquisite...life-size historical costumes entirely from paper...

i was fortunate to view this magnificent exhibit at the legion of honor in san francisco this past weekend...i still cannot believe that what i was seeing was completely made out of paper...one dress...had droplets of paint...that looked so unbelievably like real lace...it was crazy...i wanted to touch and feel every piece...i refrained...of course...

here are some of my favorites...if i had to choose my absolute favorite section...it would have to be the fortuny...starting with this fortuny tent...which was inpired by photograph's of fortuny's venice workshop...

fortuny tent 2006-2007


this next one...had to be my absolute favorite piece in the whole exhibit...pictures do not do it justice...

delphos dress and tunic, 2006-2007
inspired by a man ray photograph of a design by fortuny



peplos dress, 2006-2007
based on a ca. 1924 dress designed by fortuny



delphos dress and coat, 2006-2007
inspired by a design by fortuny


this next one was inspird by the grandeur of the medici dynasty...

eleanora of toledo, 2006
inspired by a ca. 1545 portrait of eleanora and her son giovanni de' medici by agnolo bronzino



close-up of the head piece


papiers a la mode - a series that re-created iconic looks from key periods in fashion history...

worth evening gown, 1994
based on a 1898 dress designed by charles frederick worth



marie-antoinette gown, 2001
inspired by a ca. 1776 engraving in the collection of the musee du louvre, paris



elizabeth, court dress, 2001
inspired by a ca. 1599 portrait by the studio of nicholas hilliard at hardwick hall, derbyshire



the newest book for my library
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