Giving Thanks!

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I wanted to take a minute to give thanks for what is important in my life…besides the obvious of family & friends…this is a fashion blog after all!


I am thankful for our uniqueness; because it is just that unique (one-of-a kind), there is not the pressure or even the desire for me to look just like another – how boring would that be! I am thankful that while I may wish that I was a size 8; that I’m still afforded the same fashionable looks of someone that is a 0…meaning we aren’t prejudice against the big hipped, wide thighed, over 5’4” or size 10 shoe gals in our society. Rather we’re celebrated in the fact that we can still look gorgeous (in the right outfit). I don’t feel like I need to be something or someone that I’m not, in order to be beautiful, because I’m unique. I have the opportunity to look just as great as anyone, anytime, anywhere should I choose to do so. Thank You.

I am thankful for my bargain shopping outlets – TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Ross and Target – and don’t forget Home Goods. Thanks for all of the wonderful finds over the years. I cannot tell you how great it is to find just that perfect thing I didn’t know I needed until I came across it - in my size, color, style etc. for me or my house. I think I keep you in business, but you keep me in style – it’s a perfect partnership, Thank You. (see ya soon for Christmas shopping)

I am thankful for antiques, estate sales & garage sales; people recycling their old, un-used, un-wanted, no-space-for-it things so that I may benefit. There is nothing more fun and humbling than stripping a century old dresser to bring it back to life or rescuing a gorgeous armoire from a back woods shop in the heart of Texas; even finding that random faux-fur stole that is just a awesome as it was 20 years ago. I am sometimes more appreciative of the old style that has survived – sorry Flourished amid all the change that goes on – reminding us that good style (home or clothing) never really goes out “of style”. Thank You.

I am thankful for you Mom (my stylist before I knew better) for helping me to develop me. I look back now and see all those sweat shirts and jeans I wore during college (ugh); never a high heel in sight! But I did lead the trend of tucking the sweatshirt into the jeans – oh yes, I said tucked-in….Anyway, thanks mom for helping me to see there is a body to be discovered, a fashionista to be unleashed and a home to be decorated (again and again, and again)!

I hope you all give thanks for the obvious and perhaps the not so obvious – Be You, Look Great and Strut Your Stuff (you know I will in some fabulous stilettos of course)!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Can I have two loves?

Okay people, I think you all know that I have a love for Fashion and its true, deep and forever - but I think after Sunday I solidified my second love...Interior Design.  I have always like it and I think the two are so closely related how could I not at the least have a crush...

This past Sunday on the CBS Sunday Morning show (yep ya gotta get up early to catch this one kids - 8a) I saw the profile of Kelly Wearstler.  Done!  Love at first site...no, not her - her STYLE!  Yes, I watched with such anticipation and excitement - I wanted more! more! more! I want that ability to create such unique special and over the top spaces - that's when I knew I'd found my new love. 

Here is a little example of her work and of course you can see more on her website www.kwid.com
I hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

Happy Styling - (for you and your house!)

Summer to Fall transition

Hello all, I thought I should address the question that I myself have been contemplating lately…how can I transition from Summer to Fall gracefully…right? Did I hit the nail on the head? This is super easy and you really don’t need to buy anything new, just better utilize what you already have to create a current styled look.


Summer Dresses – you love them, they’re easy to just throw on and get out the door in a hurry…especially when it’s still warm (as it is today) outside. To make this work for Autumn add a light jacket; you pick the style that you like best…military, trench etc,. but you can throw it over your summer dress to be ready for when the sun sets and there is slight chill in the air. Also if you’re trying to rock the mini-dress, add a boot and it will also bring you into the season…add a thigh high boot and you’ll be envied by all!

The Oxford – the oxford shoe is one that I still have the verdict out on (probably because it doesn’t have a heel!!)…if you love the style the great thing is that they go with pretty much anything – so go for it, add it to your favorite outfit!

Tights – another one of those items that can be worn with anything, seriously anything that shows your bare leg can be “winterized” with the addition of a tight. Now ladies let’s also be clear, just because you have a tight on doesn’t mean that your back-side doesn’t need to be covered…the tight is a layering piece – its not a stand alone, let me repeat its NOT a stand alone >>> no tucking in of any kind or the mini shirt/jacket/sweater. You laugh, but I have seen in on the street and it ain’t pretty, especially when the fabric is stretched so much that you can see underwear and skin!...okay I digress...AND for my more adventurous friends – a sock, any length will work, anklet to knee and oh yes, go for it… thigh high. I’m totally loving the sock…gonna rock it all winter long!!

Scarves – big drippy scarves are perfect and will keep you warm (and will go great with your jacket above). Take it from me, (my mom actually did - stole my perfect scarf) you won’t regret having a good scarf around your neck. Luckily, I found a new perfect scarf for Fall! And I got another perfect one from my friend RB…loving the scarf!

Other things to think about are mixing your weights…you can mix/match your fabric weights and materials to have a customized look that really stands out…we all know in Chicago that layering is a must. If you want to layer, think about tanks/tees under jackets and sweaters…its all about making you feel good (and keeping you warm) and helping you to stand out from the crowd – your style is you, be your best always!

Rachel Zoe Project Marathon

Yes, I got caught up in it, you would too if you were watching your "idol" do all the wonderful things you wish you could do..stylistically speaking.  It was so awesome to watch someone put things together and have access to the dresses, designers, and shows that us mere - "wanna-be's" can only dream.  It gave me inspiration and definitely showed me 'what-not-to-do'.  I mean seriously what boss/manager cannot make a decision on who will be going/not going to Paris Fashion week...that's just sad. 

On a lighter note, I have to tell you that the NYC Fashion week is concluding tomorrow (so sad)...and the Paris Fashion week kicks off September 28th - October 6th (so happy); in case any of you were interested in going; as I know that I won't be.

Lastly, I saw the Carolina Herrera Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear collection and fell in love with it...hope you like it too...here is the link and here is one of my fav dresses!

http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2010-RTW/CAROLINA-HERRERA/CAROLINA-HERRERA/(imageIndex)/21#mode=base;slide=0;

Is Chicago a Fashion Destination?

Thanks RP for sending this my way! 

Has Chicago managed to rank itself as part of the world fashion elite such as New York, Paris or Milan?  Not quite, but we're trying and there are a few that are leading the charge.  Here is a link to the Chicago NPR station that did a interview on the subject. 

http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Content.aspx?audioID=44116

Getting Ready for the New Season

I don't know about you, but for me to get ready for Fall, I need to assess what I currently have; so that I buy the right things to compliment my closet and yet get in style Fall-fashion. What better way to do that than with a Closet Audit!  Don't worry ladies, this isn't a difficult thing to do, it can actually be fun.  Some good tunes, a glass of wine and you're good to go!

Step 1. Empty the closet! Basically take everything out of the closet and see what you have...things that are worn out, don't fit, outdated, haven't been worn, you look like a cow in it, or doesn't make you look like a million dollars - GET RID OF IT.

Step 2. Now getting rid of it doesn't mean throwing it away necessarily, it just means you either need to repair/alter it, donate it, or trash it.  I'll let you decide...but remember gals, don't think at your current size 10 (or whatever) that you'll get back into that LBD which is a size 5 anytime soon...be practical and be honest with yourself!

Step 3. Organize the clothes - For many of you, you have a closet large enough to hold all seasons.  I, myself, can only hold one season...but what you ideally want to do is organize your closet by current season...then lifestyle; business, dressy, and causal.  I know I'll stop right there - not practical!  I realize that a lot of of have clothes that cross into all three so you can skip that part. Once you have the "going back into the closet" clothes identified; hang each item in groups so all dresses, pants, skirts, etc. are together and lastly organize by color within your segments. 

By following these 3 easy steps, you will be able to more quickly find what you're looking for AND will be able to put together that stunning outfit each and every time!

Happy Closet Audit Ladies!

'cheers - did I mention this is more fun w/wine...highly recommend it! and with a friend - someone you trust and will give you the right advice...not someone who wants your clothes!

The original Fall Fashion 2010 List

Fall Fashion 2010:


CLOTHING:

•  Military Clothing
• Lingerie as outerwear...okay that WON'T be me, my undies will stay "under cover" if ya know what I mean...
• Leather Clothing
• Buttoned up Collar...we just used to call this "prude!"
• Cut out Clothing...really when and why does this have to be a look 
• Camel Coat...started looking, even Burlington Coat factory didn't have squat!
• Velvet Clothing...want some fly scarlet red, boot cut or flare ones so badly - you think Prince has some I can borrow?!!
• Sheer Clothing
• Capes

 

SHOES:

• Thigh High Boots...you know I just ordered my grey suede ones!! yippee!
• Socks under heals...yep socks are all the rage, guess I better buy new ones, so no one see the holes!
• Fur Boots / Mukluks..you gotta be careful with the Mukluks, this can go bad VERY quickly!

 

My first day Blogging

I was asked today if  "this", and what I mean by "this", will follow shortly, is something that I plan on continuing do to for my close friends...and I suppose by my creating a Blog (and quite nervous about it too!!), I guess it means I am.  I will be doing "this" until "this" no longer pleases me or entertains you.  In later posts, I'll describe myself and where the title comes from, but for now we'll just leave it at..."this".

What did I do today for my friends...merely updated their Fall Fashion 2010 list of style. 

There's more to Fall Fashion 2010: Yes the styles just KEEP coming!

Summer is almost over,..(sly smile, Fall is my favorite time of the year!! and Living in Chicago you'd think I was crazy but I just love layers!!) or it will feel that way come Labor Day (27 days left) and with fall on its heels (8/23) we should be thinking about what to wear next!! (I know I am...already have my Thigh High Boots)

60's Ladylike & Sophisticated '70s!
Oh yes, just when you thought you could dress like the '10s (get it...) we have to go retro/forward and dawn the silhouettes of the 1950s and 1960s - this style is making a strong return, with shapes that accentuate curves and foster femininity (My 2 FAVORITE THINGS). The aesthetic is decidedly Mad Men (need to start watching that show), the look is versatile and fun. A hip-hugging sheath dress with a below-the-knee hem is the ultimate in hourglass dressing, while the full circle skirt and dress remain at the core of the trend.

What about the Sophisticated '70s? By day it's all about high waists, wide legs, soft blouses and '70s accessories. By night, all that shimmers is gold. Flowing, draping dresses in high-shine fabrics or metallic hues are perfect for evening '70s glamour. Be bold and don't hold back (My other 2 FAVORITE THINGS!!), this look is about balancing softness with boldness.

Happy Shopping ladies, and remember, YOU ARE FABULOUS!!
(to give credit where credit is due, the style descriptions are not mine, but the commentary is!)