Friday, August 31, 2007

Scarf it Down

Scarves were originally meant for the oh-so-cold weather of the winter months. Wrapped around the neck, they made the cold seem friendlier and snugglier. But scarves are stepping out of their conventional role and becoming a wardrobe staple in any climate. Now being made in lighter fabrics, wrapping a scarf around one’s neck is not only a way to stay warm in the coldest of cold, but a way to brighten up an outfit. Paired with jeans and tee shirt, a bright colored scarf makes the look pop with almost zero effort. Oh and did I mention how patterned scarves can complete any look? Check it out below..

A yummy scarf to try: Spring & Clifton at Maneaterthreads.com

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Starting from the top

I think I'm going to have an obsession with hats this season. Not intended, just one of those things that developed naturally from seeing more and more beautiful hats this month. First, it was a bright blue plaid page boy. Then last night, it was a deliciously gorgeous hand made 20's style hat that fit like a dream! And of course all the ski hats, knit caps, berets...the list can go on and on.

Gracing all the fall runways, this is the perfect way to stay fashionable and warm. So how do you fit a hat into your winter wardrobe? Some people are natural hat wearers, others have to look around for just the right style to frame their face correctly. The best way to find the perfect hat would be to go to a local hat shop or department store with a large hat department and try on as many different styles as you can until finding the right fit. Or, ask a sales person to help. Wear them inside, matching your outfit, or of course the more traditionally, outside. And it doesn't even have to match with your other accessories if you're wearing it outside, it just has to go, like a striped hat with a scarf or gloves in only one of the colors from the hat!

Check out these ear warming options from shopbop.com and nordstrom.com:



















Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Bootie, bootie, bootie rocking every where!

As the climate starts to turn from the sticky humid weather of summer to the cool and crisp Autumn climate, I start getting excited about bringing out my new Fall duds. The most longed for item I've had to keep stored away behind my sandals and summer dresses are my booties. Booties started making their appearence last fall but are taking center stage this year. They seemed to be on every runway from Betsey Johnson to Prada to Juicy Couture. Pair them with dark tights and a skirt and you're ready to go.

Some of our fave's:

Theory at ShopBop.com:

SteveMadden.com:Happy shopping!

Monday, August 27, 2007

I want it now!

I was looking through Style.com today, at the latest ready-to-wear collections to be more specific, and slowly drifted into that happy, pleasant, looking-forward-to-the-future, planning my fall/winter wardrobe mode. I just can't help thinking about all the things that I want, and how I will wear them. Like a long knit dress with a V-neck cut, that I can layer with jackets and belts and sexy stiletto boots. Or structured pieces to pair with loose and flowy layers, like tight, fitted shirts and sweaters matched with poofy or a-lined skirts. But what I really want, what will really make my fashion season, are the right tights and knee high socks. The tights-purple and black-are a must for me, and it's understandable why, they make perfect fashion sense. The black are classy and trendy and the purple will add an extra bit of funk and edge to my more conservative outfits. The knee high socks, that's a new one. They've been around, and very cute, but never seemed quite right for me. Well, it all changed when I saw the new knee highs from Prada! Brown with orange or yellow, tan or gray, I can just see them with skirts and capri's, or layered over tights with winter dresses and high heels! This takes layering to a whole new level.


Hmmmm, I can't wait for fall!


Check out these looks from Prada, Collette Dinnigan, and Miu Miu from Style.com

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Peek-a-boo, I see you!

Have you ever pulled a friend or a coworker or even a random stranger aside and discretely whispered in her ear “your bra strap is showing”? Do you remember the grateful looks and the thank yous for saving them from the embarrassment of showing something that is not supposed to be seen?

Well, what happens when some one shows up with the entire piece of underwear showing?! What do you do? Now I understand the fads and the quickly passing trends of showing bra straps or even the entire bra, but trends fade, and a bra still remains an undergarment designed not to be seen. For example, I saw a girl the other day wearing super cute high waist black shorts with a white peasant blouse and a black bra underneath. It was a very pretty outfit, but would have looked much more sophisticated and put together with a white bra and a tank top underneath the blouse. I guess what I’m trying to say is that next time you see a friend getting ready to leave her home with underwear showing, do the right thing, make her change. Because not only is that trend over, but do you really want someone to play peek-a-boo with your undies?

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Bye Bye Blob

Lately all fashion magazines are talking about is the end of the loose shift dress and the return of structured suits, tailored pants, skirts and blazers. Well, as much as I love the structure and sophistication of fitted pieces, I do have to say that I'll miss the baggy, shapeless dresses. Loose, relaxed and at the same time stylish, they were fun and versatile, going from day to night with a mere change of shoes and accessories. Perfect for the hottest of days, they kept you cool and pretty. And what can I say about the wanders that they did for legs. Mini skirts might not always be acceptable, but these dresses were so innocent looking that a girl could easy show of her pretty long legs and get away with it. And my favorite part...they hid all those little places that no one wanted to be seen.

Ok, that's my final goodbye, time to hit the gym so that I can look sexy and fit in my new fall looks!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Where's my sunshine?

It's raining, it's pouring and I'm freezing! Yick! Absolute yick! I'm supposed to be picking out the lightest, breeziest summers tanks and dresses to survive the August heat, and instead here I am digging into my new fall clothes about a month earlier then expected to.

But, one must always look on the brighter side of things, like all the cute wellies and raincoats worn all around town today. Or the funky outfits that we can come up with to continue wearing our favorite summer pieces and still stay warm. Like wearing dark orange preppy shorts over black tights with a black long sleeve T and jacket. And of course, black flats. Comfy, warm, and cute!


Something along this line for the look:


















but with shorts like this (both from shopbop.com):

Monday, August 20, 2007

Round and round it goes

I love yellow, it's absolutely my favorite color. So naturally, I can't help it but to admire and love almost everything and anything that's made in that color. Yesterday, it was a pair of gorgeous yellow pumps seen on a subway. They were beautiful, I was in love. But what was even better, and made it worthy enough to write about, is how they were worn - with tight black pants, and a knit plum t-shirt. Now, yes, this is an unusual color combination. But first, it's original and fresh, and thus worked very well. Second, it was pulled together by a lovely yellow silk scarf with purple flowers. I'm not a big fan of silk scarves on young girls, but looking at it in this pairing, totally makes me want to add it to my fall shopping with list.


Here's some ideas from zappos.com and nordstom.com to get you started :



















Thursday, August 16, 2007

Can you handle it?

Walking into the subway yesterday bright and early in the morning, my blurry eyes couldn't help noticing a girl in a black evening dress. Of course my first thought was 'walk of shame' (nothing wrong with that, we've all been there, done that). But the dress looked cute, so I forced my eyes open to check it out. And then I saw it--it wasn't a walk shame, it was an evening dress very skillfully scaled down to daytime wear! Way to get get a lot of use out of an expensive dress! Imagine, a strapless little black dress worn over a white wife beater, a cozy grey cardigan on top and flats! And what's even more impressive? I saw at least two more girls wearing the same fashion forward style during my lunch hour.


The only question is, do I have the guts to pull this look together and wear it outside?



Imagine: this outfit with black leggings, flat boots, and maybe a tank top under the dress = day time rock star!









Also, a little side note on the previous post--make sure the suit color is appropriate! Because you won't be taken seriously showing up in dressed in baby pink. Unless you're going to a fancy charity luncheon at an expensive hotel. In which case, call me, I want to come. And I won't wear the same suit as you, I promise.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Do you have the power?

Walking down 6th ave to grab lunch I spotted a woman wearing a belted-at-the-waist navy pinstripe suit with red patent leather heels. It looked hot! The cut, the style and accessories were perfect! Matching funky red patent leather shoes with a conservative suit--fashion brilliance. Nothing looks better then a well tailored suit to display your power and drive. I'm on the creative side of the food chain, so light, breezy dresses and funky tops do it for me every day, but when I have the chance to take my suits out of the closet, bring on the confidence—the world is mine.
So what makes the regular suit into a power, bring on the world suit, which not only screams business savvy but also style? Check out the links I found for the best advice on how to find the well fitted suit.

For interviews and more formal work places: http://members.aol.com/mbastyle/web/suits1.html
A causal approach: http://www.mysuitshop.com/news.php?ItemNo=98
Also, check out this great video series that I found—a fast and easy approach to conquer the business world and look like the best person for the job: http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/professional-wardrobe-women-suit-fit.htm