Monthly Archive for August, 2009

The September Issue . . .

Published on August 31, 2009 in Fashion Tips. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

In addition to being a much talked about documentary following Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour and the assembly and shaping of the 2007 edition of The September Issue, as it is colloquially referred to by those in the know, is the holy grail of all things fashionable for the upcoming year – the latest trends, colors, textures and hot new designers.

Since everyone from fashionistas to recessionistas are feeling the pinch this Fall, below are a few tips to help make this season’s trends a part of your wardrobe without breaking the bank.  Before you hit the stores (online or actual retail shops) remember to shop in your closet – you may rediscover some true gems.

  • Make an edgy statement by incorporating studs – on your shoes, studded leather bracelets, earrings, anything with a little metal pyramid on it is definitely in.  A little bit of a good thing can go a long way.
  • Carol Channing said “I dont mean rhinestones” in her homage to diamonds, but rhinestones are the hottest thing since sliced bread this season.  Big clunky rhinestones, the bigger the better, in all shapes sizes and colors to wear with everything from your LBD to your favorite cashmere cardigan. Nothing like adding a little sparkle around the neck to illuminate and give you an instant glow!
  • Neon is back.  Incorporate it in small doses.  A clutch bag, for example, is a great way to fashionable without being trendy.
  • If you’ve got a few camel pieces in your wardrobe along with a few pieces of gray, start wearing them together.  Camel + Gray is THE color combination of Fall 2009.
  • Viva la sequin! Embellishments done properly are fantastic.  Add some color, texture and depth to your daily routine with sequin enhanced handbags, purses, headbands, bracelets, and cuffs.
  • Red, red, red, red.  Need I say more?  It’s the color of the moment.  Add a splash of color with a fab pair of red heels, a great handbag or  a funky belt.

The goal this Fall is to stay hip and relevant by revving up your look with statement pieces that will allow you to re-invent clothes you already own.

Defining Style

Published on August 24, 2009 in Style Tips. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .

Coco Chanel

Do you have a signature accessory?  Is there something that friends and colleagues associate with you and only you?   If you’re having a hard time identifying your signature accessory, take a moment out to really give it some thought.  Honestly, if you have to think about it, you probably don’t have a signature accessory.  If  you come up with nothing, fret not, here are a few tips to help you define your style.  To be clear, your signature accessory can be anything from a watch to the scent you wear. Whatever it is, it should be something that others associate with you. For example, for my friend Susan, it’s her great short haircuts.  As you contemplate what to choose to help further define you, find something you love.  Something that makes your heart leap! Think about that well-dressed friend, is there something about her that makes her stand out from the crowd?  Is it her beautiful watch, that fact that she always wears danglely earrings, her cool red eye glasses or her funky silver jewelry?  Coco Chanel’s was pant suits and bunches of long dramatic pearl necklaces. Stacy London’s defining style is the grey streak in her hair.  Niecy Nash wouldn’t be caught dead walking up to the messiest house in the country without her signature flower tucked behind her ear.  Anna Wintour’s signature accessories are her bobbed hair and big sunglasses. Cardigans have become synonymous with Michelle Obama.  What’s synonymous with you?

Dog Days of Summer . . .

Published on August 16, 2009 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The phrase “dog days of Summer” refers to the hottest most sultry days of Summer.  I dont know about other parts of the country, but right now it is so hot on the East Coast that stepping outside almost takes your breath away.  As the heat index rises, my tootsies have a tendency to swell a bit, so now more than ever comfort is key.  My mission for finding good looking, comfortable yet fashionable shoes is an ever-present quest because this is a combo that is truly hard to find!

During my time off I spent A LOT of time in flats and I gotta tell you, I love a FAB heel but there’s nothing like your feet feeling good all day.  My brand new all time favorites are FitFlops.  I’d never seen them or heard of them until two weeks ago, and now everywhere I look I see people wearing them. (I may just be late to the party, but I’m glad I finally arrived!) The FitFlop tag line is “It’s the flip-flop with the gym built in.  Put on a pair and get a workout while you walk.”  I can’t vouch for the workout while you walk , but they make me feel as if I’m walking on a bed of marshmallows – and if I’m getting a great workout to boot, who am I to complain?

Now, if truth be told, my feet have never felt anything but good in a pair of Birkenstocks.  I know they conjure up crunchy granola, but once you wear them they feel so good that all thoughts of Woodstock will melt away.  The thing that makes Birkenstocks special is that the footbed is created to mimic the shape of a healthy human foot, so they’re “anatomically correct” (which is more than I can say for any pair of Manolos I’ve ever owned!).  German powerhouse, Heidi Klum, has taken her countrymen’s shoes to a new level, same footbed but designer uppers.  My faves are the Gizeh, Sydney and Kairo. Goodbye Woodstock, Hello Hollywood Bowl!

Celebrities these days are swearing by Skechers as a great run-around shoe. They claim to get you in shape without having to set a foot in the gym by promoting weight loss, toning muscles and improving posture.  They’re a little clunky for me, but if they do half of what they claim to, I may have to go on and buy a pair.  And I know the Millennials swear by Havaianas, which have been around for almost 50 years so there’s definitely some there there.  Created in Brazil for those girls from Ipanema, their makers were originally inspired by the Japanese Zori sandal – the slipper of Japan, you know the rice straw soles with fabric straps- which have been around forever.  In terms of a basic flip flop, you need look no further.  One note of caution, flip flops are great in the right context.  I think you all know what I mean.  For any who aren’t sure, shoot me an email and we can chat about when and when not to wear flip flops.

Oh, and fellas – the cool thing about each of these brands is that they have shoes for both men and women.

Stay tuned as my quest for comfortable yet fashionable shoes continues!