Prepare for cooler weather!

I've been hibernating for a while, but with Fall approaching, I have to get back in the saddle and talk fashion. The time is coming near for layered styles, rich fabrics, and boots!

This summer has been SO hot, it feels like we may never get out of the 90s. But I am remaining positive that Fall will be here sooner than later and we can start preparing now!

Many of the runway fashions for Fall seem to reflect those of recent years past. Camel colors, chunky sweaters, ladylike hemlines, and heavy-heeled shoes are returning. This makes me very happy because these are some of my favorite things! Not to mention that I'm quite over the teeny tiny hemlines of summer. Once you hit 35, the mini just won't do!

But I digress. To get your Fall wardrobe started, consider starting with a few staples. The Gap has a great line of pants that will fit all shapes and sizes. Piperlime has a great selection of military-styled jackets which will complete your look whether it be dressy or casual. Banana Republic has 30% off denim and sweaters so you can get a jump start while saving money!

I would write more, but Project Runway is on and I'm really distracted. Take a look to the left for some of these specific looks and Fall into it!! hehe....

Ready for spring already!!

Wow, I'm such a slacker. My first entry for 2010 and it is already February. Seeing that I could barely get anything on the page until now, I've decided to make this an easy one and share with you one of my favorite designers of the moment.

Rebecca Taylor has modern and girly pieces that when layered together, create feminine outfits with an edge. I think anyone can wear most of these items--the flowing shapes will flatter many body types. If you're not a girly girl, throw on a leather jacket or blazer with any of these and you still have that delicate look with a more crisp finish.

Her clothes retail at a higher price point then some would prefer, but I guarantee that if you find an item you like, you'll wear it enough times to more than justify the price. Just remember the Cost Per Wear rule when you need a reason to purchase. Here is one explanation of this rule (take it or leave it). :)

For example, if you spend $500 on a great winter coat, wear it for about 100-150 per year over the next five years, it’ll cost you about $.67 to a $1.00 every time you wear the coat. The more you wear the coat, the lower the cost per wear. On the other hand, the trendy top you bought for $20 at your local Old Navy, that you wear only three times before throwing it out, costs you around $6.50 everytime you wear it, making it almost SIX times as expensive as the coat.

You can find Rebecca Taylor online at the following links:

www1.bloomingdales.com

www.neimanmarcus.com

www.saksfifthavenue.com

www.rebeccataylor.com

www.net-a-porter.com

Happy Shopping!!

Happy Holidays!!

I hope everyone has a very joyful and blessed holiday season filled with happiness!!!

Best wishes for the New Year!! I will get back to the fashion blog in 2010!!

Home for the Holidays

Is it November already??? Why does the end of the year always feel like it arrives with warp speed? I love the holidays, but not necessarily the tasks and duties that come with them (i.e. food making, gift buying, and crowd handling).

So, as a means of entering slowly into this holiday year, I like to do something that makes me feel ready to begin the madness, and that prepares me for a season of fun, frivolity, and PARTIES!! The weather is now officially cold, so it's time to revive the winter wardrobe. UGH!! I can hear you groaning and moaning. I know, I know, it doesn't seem like a fun exercise at all, but if you incorporate a little music and a lot of wine (hehe), you will get through it!!

If done well, you will have a workable winter closet that makes getting dressed quite enjoyable. The first step is to take all of your summer clothes out of the drawers and put them into piles: summer, seasonal, and c'est la vie. The summer pile goes up in the attic for another year. These are clothes that are too thin or skin-bearing for the cold, winter days.

The seasonal clothes are layering pieces that you will be able to wear under cardigans, jackets, or even over turtlenecks and long-sleeved shirts. This is where you can really get creative. If you're unsure if something will work, try it on and see!

The c'est la vie pile are the clothes that you didn't wear at all this summer. You probably didn't wear them the summer before either, but decided to hang on to them, just in case. Two years and no wear? Say goodbye. If you have a bag or box at the ready, it is much easier to just throw the clothes in the box as if you are simply organizing everything. Once the c'est la vie pile is in the box, you will most likely have forgotten what is in there and it will be easy to throw it in the car and head to your local Goodwill (or save the clothes in good condition for next summer's consignment delivery).

Once this part of the process is complete, you can get out your winter wardrobe and begin to organize your closet and drawers with those pieces. Think about a system that works best for you. Would you prefer everything to be color coordinated or organized by style? Do you wear pants more often than skirts? If that is the case, you might want to hang them where you can get to them most easily. These might seem like minute details, but they will really help to get you out the door in a pinch.

You can even organize your sweater drawer. Think about putting the ones you wear on a regular basis in one drawer near the top, and the heavy, blistering cold weather sweaters in a bottom drawer (or top if you live in, say, Colorado or Alaska). Pants and jeans can go in another drawer, or be hung in your closet.

Feel free to send me your organization tips for the winter season!!

Halloween costumes that are stylish and won't break the bank!

BOO!! It's almost time for costumes and candy. If you don't yet have a costume idea, or don't yet plan on dressing up for Halloween (WHAT?!?), check out these ideas. The 80s are making a comeback in the fashion world, and I have taken inspiration from the decade to give you some ideas that could come right out of your closet!! Some of these have been done before, yes, but take it to the next level and you'll give these costumes new life!

Charlie's Angels - If you ask me, this trio never gets old. Create the big hair, find some 70s garb using pieces from your own closet (or a gold lame jumpsuit!!!) and get glam. Easy costume for those less than inclined to dress up.

Madonna - Always a hit! Find a great bustier, layer on the bangles and throw on a lace glove if you can find one. This will be a bit more challenging, but great fun if you're up for hunting through the local Goodwill or thrift store for some of the pieces.

Addicted to Love girls - Another easy one. All you need are black clothes, something everyone has in their closet. You could also carry a guitar. A guaranteed party starter!! Check out the close up so you can get the make up just right. Red lips are a must!

Hair band member - I think this would be hilarious. Either dress as a hair band groupie, or be BonJovi himself!! You will need A LOT of hair spray for big hair, some kind of vest (maybe with "chest hair" glued to a tank top to wear underneath), and boots. Not a comfortable look...as TIGHT jeans are required.

Facts of Life - Easily recognizable if you were an 80s baby. Would work great with a group and Mrs. Garrett included.

Let's Get Physical! - Gotta love Olivia Newton-John, and leg warmers have been seen on the runways lately, so you'll be totally in fashion! Don't fear the spandex, just go for it!!

Flashdance - Feeling the need to be a little sexy this Halloween? (I hear ya, I feel the same way after posing as "Little Miss Sunshine" last year. Cute, but not sexy) Give your old sweatshirt the cut and create this little dress. Pop on some colorful heels and you're good to go!

I hope this gives you some inspiration for a great Halloween costume this year. For those of you not into dressing up--give it a try! Let me know what your ideas are as well!!

Boots made for walking, or working, or dancing!

Now that the weather is getting chilllly (w0w!!), you might be in the market for a new pair of boots. A must-have for the cold weather seasons, boots are a great go-to item to have in your closet. And these days, there are an infinite number of styles, finishes, and functionality from which to choose.

I have selected a few pairs that might wet your whistle and pictured them down the left. These are very reasonably priced, and most are from comfort labels (because I am all about comfort while looking good!)

A flat boot looks great with skirts or tucked jeans. Throw on a fancy dress and jean jacket with heeled boots for a more casual look. This is a great way to get more wear out of your cocktail items. This does not mean; however, that your lace- or sequined-covered, brightly colored dress would be appropriate for this look. Save it for your more classic, muted colored dresses. Check out examples of these looks on the left from LuckyMag.com.

Try your boots on with different outfits to find out what works. Experiment and you will get twice the wear out of them! Now cowboy up, and get dressed!!

Great fall blazers

Need an easy way to transition your summer wardrobe into fall? Use a blazer! This season brings some great styles that are extremely versatile, taking you from the office to evening drinks.

Use a funky printed jacket to liven up your outfit, or select a simple but structured black jacket to take you anywhere at any time. A biker-style jacket will add some edge, and the one from Juicy pictured below has the edge with the comfort of cotton.

These jackets can be worn with skirts, jeans, suits, and dresses. A great piece to get you through the season in style!!