Style, Fashion and Life

Shop Your Closet!

 

Today’s economic situation is forcing some of us to take a step back and analyze our priorities.  We are buying fewer frivolous items and honing in on what we really need.  Though fashions on the runway this season were mild, we still feel the need to feel fresh, and to not FEEL like we are holding back.  I know that at home I have heaps and heaps of clothing but yet I am always wanting something new.  So, I decided to take stock of what I have and make the effort to be creative with it.  Right now is a great time to be simple, analyze what we have and appreciate it.  Dust off those neglected items and bring them back to life! I wanted to make my closet look like a chic boutique, organized by colors and styles with an effortless warmth.  

           My closet had become in complete disarray.  It was filled to the brim with things that didn’t belong.  Sports equipment, memorabilia and an overabundance of things I didn’t want or need.  I was lost, so I called in the professionals.  Yes!  There are some wonderful souls out there devoted to giving us the push we need to get our closets beautified and accessible.  My professional told me, “Your closet is a place you enter within the first hour of starting your day.  By having this ‘secret place’ organized, it creates a huge impact on your day and in many other areas of your life.”  She helped me to see that by rearranging and streamlining my clothing, accessories and shoes I can create multitudes of new outfits and bring forgotten items to the forefront.  I had forgotten how nice some of my hand bags were and that I actually did have some beautiful scarves and sunglasses.  Together we went through everything- keeping, tossing and donating/reselling.  I got rid of things I would never wear again and was able to create space in my closet I didn’t know I had.  Before, there were shoes piled on top of each other, pairs scrambled in disharmony.  My organizer effortlessly created room for a rack and even got my husband to do his share in tossing his old t-shirts.  It was like a hurricane blew threw for a few hours but the calm after the storm brought accessibility and a renewed vigor for a place that I thought was gone forever!  Everything was color coded and neatly hung and we rearranged things so that they resembled buffet line- slip on pants, shirts next, belt or scarf if needed, slip on shoes and grab a pair of shades and a handbag on the way out!  By utilizing this system I was able to make use of accessories better and piece together outfits I had never worn.  

            Here are some tips I learned to help you get started on renewing your space.  And don’t forget, if you get overwhelmed – Call in the experts! 

1. Prioritize your outfits by work and play. 
2. Catergorize your clothes by seasons.  Store out of season clothes in bins you can slide under the bed.  Then, put like with like.
3. Edit- Toss torn clothes, donate well worn clothes and sell unworn or gently used clothes to a resale shop. 
4. Use matching hangers.  These can be stocked up on at the dollar store and really make your closet look unified.
5. Use great containers.  Your favorite shoe boxes or shopping bags make great holders for things like scarves, belts or headbands.

 Lastly- remove all things not utilized in your dressing routine.  Going through this one closet will lead to going through others.  Make a purpose for each closet and stick with it. I learned not only how to simplify my life but how to KEEP it simple.  Now I have an arsenal of tips and tricks while doing laundry and cleaning that I can use to keep my closet looking like a swanky midtown shop!

AAAAHHHH! Resortwear!

 

                July and August are prime months for taking a vacation.  Kids are out of school, teachers are off, cruise ships and vacation resorts are filled to capacity.  Most cruises and resorts state that dress code is “resortwear,” but what is resortwear?  And how does it compare to casual wear or dinner formal wear?  What is defined as resortwear, which was once a genre reserved for only the most affluent, is now expanding and becoming a more cross-cultural style that spans the entire year.  More recently resortwear is being marketed as “year round” since there are so many climates that remain warm through most of the year.

                Resortwear is a style of clothing that has gained popularity of the masses because of its comfort and ease for one, but for those who desire a style other than the cargo shorts and baseball caps that are typically worn in summer months and on vacation. Resortwear allows you to keep your sense of style and taste in fashion all while serving the purpose of keeping you cool and comfortable in very warm temperatures.  It’s range and function is wide and can be worn differently for breakfast, lunch and dinners on vacation- as well as meals or meetings on business trips in warm climates.

                Resortwear influences come from places like Hawaii, with its bright colors, flowers and beach scenes;  South America- in shades of light blue,  yellow and minty green as well as the pure white from The Mediterranean and French Riviera.  Nautical themes remain navy blue, white with gold accents and lots of stripes and knotted bits. The fabrics consist of cotton and silk, microfiber, brushed denim and linen- all prints that are easy to care for, and are breathable.  Many major fashion houses have been expanding their collections to meet the needs of the vacationer that wants to celebrate life, to be glamorous and sexy while being understated, casual while being luxurious and flirty.  It represents the spirit and elegance that is no longer reserved only for the Jet Setters!

                During the day the styles to look for are walking shorts, beaded kaftans, embroidered tunics, glitzy metallic bikini's, tropical prints in serene shades of ocean life and/or floral prints. Wedges are in fashion now, and can be worn night and day. They even look great with a swimsuit and elongate the legs without giving the appearance of “clubbing.” Nude or beige sandals can be paired with anything as well.  I always like to buy a sarong with the local prints when I travel.  They are souvenirs, handy for going to lunch and cultural pieces as well.   Wide brimmed or canvas hats are in order paired with bright colorful sunglasses that might not work on the daily subway commute, but will definitely brighten all of your vacation days. 

                Evening wear includes linen pants, chinos, button down polo shirts and light dinner jackets for men and bold, sassy dresses for women.  This is my favorite part of the day!  I love to couple these great prints with gallant bracelets or earrings that I might not get away with at a business meeting but that really speak up on vacation!  Men may wear dressy sandals and for women jewel encrusted sandals dress up anything.   Wedges also work with evening attire so long as they aren’t tweed or linen.   Don’t forget your jewelry! Today’s pieces are big and chunky and can really compliment any outfit. Don’t forget a glamorous pashmina for those cool breezy nights.  Use your vacation attire to play out your dreams and duplicate the outrageous styles you see in the magazines!

                So drag out those suitcases and get ready for that next trip.  Resortwear clothing is now fun and easily accessible.  Try designers like Tommy Bahamma, Lilly Pulitzer, Chanel, Michael Kors, Anna Sui and my favorite- Blanc du Nil. We are fortunate in Houston to get to wear most of these things year round anyway.  So give yourself the gift of feeling like every day is a vacation!  Happy Vacationing!

Fall Trend Report on Hair, Make up and Accessories…

With fall approaching I always look forward to unraveling the mysteries of the changing seasons.  While Spring and Summer bring a light, fun feel, the second half of the year is usually a little darker and more romantic.  After extensive study of the fall fashions I am excited to get to my 2 part report on all the must haves of the season!  This month we will talk about how to wear your hair and make up and what accessories to begin to look for.  Next month I will be covering the fashions from the most delicious designers in all the land.  But for now use this guide to find the seasons Classics (C) which are things you should keep in your routine for several seasons, the Must Have’s (MH) which are upcoming styles you should look to purchase and the things that are TO DIE FOR (TDF) which could cost a fortune but they are super-duper fabulous and need to be placed on a lighted shelf.

    Make up this season echo’s the spirit of the vampire fascination.  Pale skin and red lips emulate the thirsty lips of the undead but with soft lines of charcoal and grey around the eyes in lieu of the stark lined eyes of recent years.  Reds are more blood-tinged (C- Heavenly Micro-Bordeaux) if you will with a bluer, or more plum base.  Coral is also bouncing down the runway as this season’s color palette includes eucalyptus, dusty rose and oyster.  Make up is soft and elegant but lips are shimmery as ever.    If you go for the red lip, just do a very light eye with soft liner, defined brows and extra volume mascara (MH- Heavenly Volume X Mascara).  If you plan to do more color on the eye just play up the lips with a super shimmery gloss (TDF- Liquid Lustre in Blossom).

    Hair in the fall is fun and flirty as curls have made a huge resurgence.  Soft, bouncy hot-rolled or heat styled hair will be in order for every fall party and the hair is set to look a little wider instead of taller (remember the 80's?).  Piecey, stringy looks are out and super-mega shiny and playful are in.  C-Aquage Uplifting Foam is perfect for almost any hair type and creates the bounce without a heavy or crunchy feel.  Curling Irons and Hot Rollers must be used with a setting spray that allows the curl to remain moveable and last throughout the evening.  Try Aquage  Beyond Body Thermal Setting Spray – MH.  To get the incredibly healthy, lustrous hair that is the finest of accessories, try the most technologically advanced shampoo on the market- BioMega (TDF!)

    Sunglasses remain of the over-sized variety but this season introduces graduated tints with black or brown frames.  Handbags continue to be big and whimsical.  Mary Forbes, Owner of The Bling Bling Shop says, "Handbags always tell a story...a fine leather handbag is classic(C).  I change daily with my outfit, a person can spot a good bag a mile off.  I love to use clutches in the evening...you can put a clutch inside your day bag and pull it out at night for your essentials.  We cram too much into a handbag anyway...scale back for fall and winter..."  The must have bags this fall are in (MH)- classic shapes, jewel toned hues and studs.  And simply T-D-F, the new Valentino Glam Zebra tote!  Definitely worth a weeks pay!!!

Stay tuned next month when we discuss the clothing trends for fall to wear with your fabulous new accessories.  And stop by The Bling Bling shop and have Mary help you pick out some really hot bling for fall!

Men's Fashion Guide for 2010

Men are lucky in the respect that fashion choices remain stable and less fickle than for women.  Often that sports coat or pair of jeans can remain fashionable for up to 5 years, although there are more often small tweaks in cuts, silhouettes and accessories.  This is a fresh compilation of new statements for the year 2010 combined with a list of classic pieces every man should own.  Consider this your master guide for fashion staples, what to buy new as well as fashion faux pas’ you should ALWAYS avoid!

2010-  Here are some hot trends you will begin to see starting this year:

·     Knee length shorts- in fabrics of chino and linen with plaid prints

·     Gray or charcoal v-neck sweaters

·     2 button suits

·     Bigger shoulder bags

·     Adidas Samba sneakers with dress clothes and suits

·     Striped shirts

·     Great fitting jeans- jeans are the must have, live-in staple right now.  And with all of the jean companies coming out every week you can find great fitting jeans without the $300 price tag.

Classic Items every man should own:

·     Black button down shirt- looks great in any occasion

·     Fitted black tee shirt- again, goes great with everything

·     Sleek belt

·     Tuxedo that is a classic fit.

·     Clean brown and black shoes

Tips for updating your 2010 wardrobe- on the cheap!

·     Have your pants tailored.  Believe it or not, tailoring is very inexpensive. 

Instead of buying new pants, have them hemmed, or reseamed.

·     It’s also very inexpensive to have your shoes repaired.  A great shoe doctor

Can resole your shoes, add or repair buckles and give them a thorough cleaning.

·     Put your older clothes up for consignment in a resale shop.  Put the cash toward a classic piece.

·     Kenneth Cole shoes are a great buy for men.  They are stylish, come in many styles and colors and are also very comfortable.

·     Shop “End of Season” sales.  Typically end of season sales are held even while still in season.  Mark-downs are as much as 50-90% off.  Instead of Walmart end of season sales where everything is a dollar- try Armani end of season sales.  There you may find a $1500 suit for as little as $200.  Also try the new Nordstrom Rack- high fashion designers are ridiculous about new seasons.  They perceive things as “out” before they were ever even “in” for the rest of us.

·     Accessorize!  Even men can raise the status of their over all look with a great pair of aviator shades or a really cool watch.  No need to be expensive: knock offs are everywhere and most people can never tell the difference.

Advice that’s tough to hear- but worth it.  Please, Avoid This Stuff:

·     Tattered shoes.  No matter your shoe style, don’t wear shoes that are falling apart or dirty.  They are distracting, and the perception is: sloppy shoes- sloppy boy.

·     Baggy clothes.  They make you look bigger than you are.  You may feel a little more exposed in fitted clothes but a tiny beer gut still looks better in a nice fitting shirt as opposed to a t-shirt the size of a tent.

·     Blaring designer labels.  Designer clothes are expensive because they fit well and last long.  Wearing a shirt that screams GUCCI in giant letters is purely an advertisement- and is no proof that you have any money.

·     Wrong suit style.  (especially while working)  I have seen many a young man walk towards me trying to sell me a year’s supply of oil changes or even a new car.  A bad suit tells me you don’t care about your appearance or how others perceive you.  If you want to make a powerful impression, invest in a suit that fits.  Even if you have never sold a car before, you will look like you have and you will have my trust.  Throw out that hammer time suit and baggy pleated pant. 

·     Worrying about what your buddies think.  No need to impress your buddies, they already like you.   But you do want to make a good impression on new people, potential relationships, employers as well as customers.  If your buddies make fun of you for wearing sambas and a suit, well who cares?  Are they rich?  Famous?  The Crème de la crème?  If not, then take your appearance into your own hands!

·     Socks and sandals.  Enough said.  

2009-2010 Fashion Trends

    As designers release their 2009-2010 collections, this promises to be a very exciting year in fashion.  Experts predict that we are emerging from the global financial crises and I believe we can expect to see a new standard of fashion materialize.  New collections are almost always classically inspired but paired with exciting new pieces or made to be more edgy.  Gucci was classically futuristic in shiny, shimmering fabrics and belted tunics with leggings.  Prada, Chloe and TopShop are doing their part to make the thigh high boot a mainstream stay for winter.

 

    Items to put in your closet for this winter and early part of next year consist of the chunky accessory and anything shiny or sparkling.  We are seeing a resurgence of the defined shoulder- ala 1980’s but today’s silouhette is very form fitting and sleek but with a firm shoulder poking out.  In the 80’s shoulder pads depicted power and stature but now we want our power to remain sexy and feminine.  Massive necklaces add dimension to plain tops and dresses while belts are still wrapping the waist in every shape.  Skinny belts that wrap around the body multiple times OR one wide thick belt can adorn tunics and dresses. 

 

    We first started to notice the ripped tights trend on the runway of Alexander Wang in Fall of 08, but many designers are following in line as the 80’s era looks are peaking and waning.  Ninety’s are next which, were clearly grunge so for the next few seasons we will be sure to see grunge wear creeping back in the mainstream style.  Also, tights that are studded and bejeweled are gracing the seasons must have list.

 

    My favorite trend of the fall is going to be the thigh high boot.  Thankfully society’s hang ups about women in knee-high boots have been long since vanished.  So boots in 2010 will be anything but conservative.  Of course the long lean models look fabulous in these boots, but how do you wear them if you are 5’5?  The trick to keeping yourself appearing long and lean is to avoid “visual breaks.”  Match your tights to the boots or tuck in skinny pants that compliment the color of the boots. Cinching in the waist also streamlines the look.  You can also mimic the feel of over the knee boots by wearing chunky knee topping socks with regular boots layered over dark tights. 

 

    The high-waisted cigarette pants are great for the illusion of height and length but avoid the super flare-legged version this winter. To finish your sleek looks remember to keep the retro-aestethic flowing. For those not wishing to belt everything say hello to the Boyfriend Blazer.  Roll the sleeves up and pair with leggings for a smart take on an old classic.

 

    For men in 2010 look for double breasted suits to come back in midnight to black to grey and blue hues.  With tailored looks becoming a little tired, designers such as Armani and Burberry are deconstructing jackets and pants making them a little looser fitting and softer looking. Plaids and argyles are the patterns to have and look great layered and with chunky fabrics. 

 

    Top off your look with the season large handbags. 

New YOU in 2010

 

Many people find the beginning of the New Year to be a bit bleak.  We are broke, worn out, cold and cleaning up messes.  But I find the new year to be very refreshing, and I take advantage of this time to clean out my wardrobe, my house and my head.

 

  Going through your closet and preparing your fashion statement for the next year can be quite rejuvenating.  Find some time to go through your wardrobe and rid yourself of things you haven’t worn in two years or more.  If you haven’t touched those “fat pants”, (or “skinny pants” for that matter…) for more that a few years- ditch ‘em.  This really helps recharge you and give you new ideas for outfits. 

 

  Begin by pulling everything out of the closet, I know that sounds scary but if you begin with a clean slate you will really streamline things nicely and it will keep you from putting junk back in.  Take out all the things that are not wardrobe related such as luggage and sports gear and find a home for them in another closet.  Start sorting and get your clothes into 3 piles:  One for charity, one for the garbage (stained or ripped)   and one for clothes that fit well and are keepers. 

 

What to keep:

·    Your favorite black dress

·    Classic fitting black pants

·    Classic button down white shirts

·    Blazer that fits your body type

·    Your favorite jeans

·    Fun fitting dresses

 

These items can usually be dressed up or down and go with anything.  You always to need be prepared in case you get invited to something last minute- whether it be an afternoon tea party….or a funeral.  There is nothing worse than searching the planet in a panic for something to wear to an event.  

 

Your closet should resemble a chic boutique- the one with all the tempting displays that encourage you to try new things.  I love to tear out pictures from magazines of cute outfits I can piece together and hang them on my mirror.  It really gets my imagination going.  This will also help you to ditch things marring your view. 

 

  Organize your closet into like items….pants with pants, skirts with skirts, boots with boots and then arrange them by color going lightest to darkest.  This is actually very easy to maintain and makes your life a little easier in the mornings.  Go through your shoes and get rid of those that are broken, out of style or dirty.  Arrange your purses and shoes nicely for viewing.  One of my favorite items in my closet is actually a big plastic tool drawer that I use to organize my jewelry by color!

 

  Purge your bureaus and drawers next.  Ditch old underwear, socks and swim suits.  Those things are fun to buy new anyway.  Throw out those super low waisted shorts because this year things will be a little higher waisted.  Toss your old gym clothes and use that as an inspiration to buy new things- and USE THEM!

 

  Lastly, use up all that bath gel, lotion and perfume before it goes bad!  We love to buy these things so use them up.   You will feel like a million bucks applying it, and when you run out you will feel the same treating your self to something new.

 

  Have fun going shopping and blessing yourself with some beautiful new duds!

Hot Boots, Cold Nights

 

    One of the best things about cold weather is the emergence of winter boots.  And right now, all different types of boots are on the forefront, and smoking hot!!!  And how does one pick out the perfect pair of knee high stunners?  First consider if you need day or evening boots.   During the day a flatter boot is in order but when the evening comes don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops and go for a sexy heel, or imaginative print.

    Boots can hide flaws, make your legs appear thinner and keep your legs warm all while looking incredibly high fashion.  Here are some of the boots that are blazing trails on the runways…..

Belted Winter Boots: Straps can be found on all varieties of boots and add just a touch of verve to a neutral color or simple cut.

Winter Boots with Fluffy Collars: Ankle, mid-calf, and knee-high boots can all be found with fluffy collars this season. From faux fur to shearling, its all about the luxurious trim!

Slouch Boots: Slouch boots might resemble a Sharpei but they can be very versatile.  Dressed up or down slouch boots are very urban and hip.

UGGS:  Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the ever popular UGG has swept the nation. Worn by celebrities across the globe, these casual boots can be paired with a funky top so you can still feel hip while keeping warm.

Boots are flattering for virtually all body types, but the trick is finding the right pair for your legs.  For larger legs, find a tighter fitting stretch boot or wear a chunkier heel.  Even bigger legs look great with jeans tucked in to the boot.  Just be sure to find a skinny jean so that the jeans do not bunch up.  Thicker heels and pointy toes will make this type of leg look longer and leaner.  Women with thinner legs might like a boot with a little more structure to it.  A chunky heel will make thin legs look even thinner, so opt for a slender heel for evening boots. 

Top tips:

Don’t be afraid of the skinny jean!  Its back and hotter than ever!  Even if you have curvy hips skinny jeans paired with the right knee high boot can beautifully extend your legs all the way to there!!!  Throw on a fluffy belted tunic or empire waisted top, and viola!  Heidi Klum!

A brown or black boot will go with everything!  Avoid bright colors unless you have a well stocked wardrobe.