Why I love Fall...

So I have to tell you how excited I am, not that I returned from a wonderful trip to Portugal (and it was completely wonderful – that will be another post in and of itself) but because when I got back, it had officially turned to Fall (Autumn as some you like to call it…). My friends know that this is by far my favorite time of the year – why, you might ask?


1. Food. This is when you can create culinary warmth; loving food that is meant to fill the stomach and warm the heart. Comfort Foods surpass the salads from summer – instead we get Mac’n Cheese, Roasts (or anything in a croc-pot), Mashed Potatoes, pies – Hot Ciders and great big/bold Red Wines all Fall long…these are just a small listing of my favorite things.

2. Magazines. I took w/me on vacation my Vogue and ELLE magazines, approximately 2lbs of extra weight, it was worth it. Looking over the fabulous Fall Fashions that I couldn’t wait to purchase and wear! In addition, I kept getting new thick versions of Fall’s fashion update, for clothes and home – I have a stack still to go through, I’m loving it…inspiration on every page.

3. Clothing. The Fall weather brings about the perfect time to layer…to experiment, to do all those things well – I guess you could do in other seasons, but for some reason are more fun in Fall. I’ve already managed to work in my vintage faux fur cape from an estate sale (love it!) and my grey shawl w/faux fur trim…(yes, I’m on a fur kick) and my grey suede lace up boots. Ladies, there are so many great things this Fall, I know I need to get the list out to you shortly, but it’s just a plethora of colors, styles for everyone and it’s just overwhelming…all I think about is what am I going to wear, what can I buy and how can I put it together to make a marvelous statement when I go to work, the store or out w/friends.…I think I’m officially obsessed!!

4. Friendships. Lastly, the warmth that we offer up in Fall is great, getting together is still important but it takes on a new meaning (for me anyway) – hanging out with friends in front of a toasty fire to chat, meeting up in a pub for a cold beer or hot cider, or having a casual Sunday dinner w/friends…its warmer – its cosier, its special…as it should be.



Happy Fall everyone!

Passion + Fashion = Happiness

The weather is changing and so am I. As some of you know, I have longed to play in Fashion, but I found myself in another career altogether. It’s been very, very good to me, but during this time of my life (newly single, almost 40 and with a non-stop creative mind) I have decided to follow my true passion and pursue a career in fashion. Now don’t get me wrong, I have no idea what that will be and I’m exploring all my options, but what I do know is that I’m damn good at it. Not only that I LOVE DOING IT…I see colors, patterns, textures and I can put them together. I can’t stop thinking of things to buy and trends and for clothing and home décor…and then sharing that with my friends!!


I could go on and on, but what is most important for me is that I’m taking the right steps; I’m turning down opportunities that aren’t leading me in the Fashion direction. So I’ll take you on my journey and we’ll see where this takes me. In the meantime – let’s talk about tonight!

FASHION NIGHT OUT!!
Said to be the biggest night in Fashion followed by the start of NYC Fashion week, it’s going to be a great week ahead. I have the schedule printed for both the fashion week runway shows and tonight’s events held here locally in Chicago. I’m going to FNO with some gal-pals tonight and I’m so excited…so much so that I had the hardest time trying to figure out what to wear…I still had to go to work, so I couldn’t be too edgy, but I wanted to look super cute too! So I settle on my current outfit, I think it accomplishes both…Vera Wang brown heels, Target navy wool short skirt, green-white striped sweater and my Fourth ‘n Town blue striped jacket…accessories and I’m ready to go. I’ll post pictures from the event.


This is my entry into a whole new phase…
Let’s toast to passion, fashion, and making it happen!


‘elle

Haute Couture?

I grew up with a mom that sews (anything!) she could make pretty much anything and everything.  And of course I wanted to be just like her, so I learned how to sew a few basic things as well…with a very strict directive from her when starting the process "do it right or don’t do it at all".  As I got older, my pieces stayed pretty simple, pink pants (with elastic bands), skirts, dresses etc. nothing too crazy. My mom however, made my prom dresses and all sorts of things that I wasn’t yet accomplished enough to execute.

Lately, I’ve gotten the bug to sew again…now, don’t get me wrong, I was still fixing buttons, lengthening hemlines, modifying curtains etc. you know - basic things. 

My project to bring me back to sewing for real came with my Gay Pride Parade dress. I saw the material at JoAnns and fell in love (I had just come back from Hawaii, so likely still had floral on the brain) with the material. The theme for the Gay Pride was birds of Paradise so it was perfect!….now all I had to do was execute the plan.

I thought I got an easy pattern but that wasn’t to be, so with assistance from my mom and a long night of cursing, wine and more cursing, I managed to complete the dress in time to wear for the party. It was a test of wills…mine vs the pattern. I have to say I like the dress. I’m now inspired to do more projects…so on my list now are a pair of scarlet red corduroy pants w/large cuffs (I can also make extra long to work with heels)…a plaid dress, with some unique ribbon details that I found and a new swanky dog bed for beau (with beautiful ivory fringe!) that will be beautiful in the living room.

They won’t be perfect, but they will be one-of-a-kind works of art and isn’t that what Haute Couture is all about?

Let your heart guide your style

‘elle

Nude the New Black?

Regardless of what you call it Nude aka: Camel, Beige, Fawn, Taupe, Mushroom, or Buff…has become the hottest color (or non-color) this summer and I see it going into Fall/Winter as well. Tell me what gal out there hasn’t been looking for the perfect Nude platform heel? I know, I have a pair! (but, I don’t know if I count…). What I do know is that the shoe should match your skin tone so as to elongate the leg. It allows you to wear pretty much anything and this shoe will go with it perfectly. Wow, a shoe can do all that? Yes it can my friends – so quick run get a pair!

Now that I have my perfect elongating heel, I want a Fall/Winter coat in the same color scheme. Some of you may know I’m on the hunt, and trust me its rare that I actually hunt for much – I generally like to “run across something I like…” but in this case, I feel the need to hunt and find my perfect coat in my perfect color. Let me tell you that it’s not easy…do I go stylish/ trendy or classic and tailored?? I even saw a great cape – not practical with these Chicago winters, but would allow me to showcase my black elbow leather gloves!   Once again I digress....

So my friends, my search continues…stay tuned, as soon as I find it I will definitely share…and those to-die-for Nude heels I found – Joan & David, Nordstrom Rack – Deerfield, IL.

Happy Shopping & Styling

'elle

Don't Wait - Get Started Now

I'm talking about Fall/Winter shopping...trust me I know you're probably thinking I'm crazy when the entire country is under a HEAT WAVE, but Fall/Winter will be here soon enough and you will want to be prepared with you winter wardrobe. [espeically those of you that live in Chicago like myself , where the winters last a Long, Long, Long time!]

So here is what I'm liking right now...

I saw some awesome grey suede boots, lace up with a peep toe that will be super fun with skirts, skinny jeans (dare I say that I actually where them) and dresses! 

To go with those boots, I found a grey shawl with a faux fur trim that will be super fun and add a little 'something special' to whatever I'm wearing, even if its just jeans and a t-shirt!  And lastly, I'm on the hunt for the perfect camel coat/cape...nothig too fancy, but I've wanted a camel something for a while - kinda like my DEEP DESIRE for red boot cut pants (someday i will find an affordable pair!!).

At any rate, I wanted to let you all know that you should be thinking about what the next season brings, look at what you have, send it to the cleaners (like my garage sale find - white faux fur coat - $5) get the buttons fixed, or whatever, assess what you have and what you need and what still fits!!! Then make your list and go shopping...if you see those fun tights grab them now as they will likely costs more later or won't be there when the season actually hits.

No need to think summer new buys, its here and half way over; its time to think to cooler times ahead...stay thirsty my friends...but more importantly stay fashionable!

love
'elle

Preppy Fun

So I have to laugh because, I know that I’m on this preppy style kick ( – which if you know me isn’t really my thing) but I have been seeing it for Spring/Summer and I really like it..but what I didn’t realize is that I’ve apparently been working it into my styling more and more. I can say I’ve been “suggesting” to Scott to try it (he’d look so cute!), but I’m have a little trouble on that front. Anyway on Saturday I found my white Ralph Lauren cardigan over my shoulders and I had to laugh…and then on Sunday that same sweater paired with my new Target red gingham plaid dress…that’s when Schott actually said “what’s up with your preppy style these days?” – Huh? I guess I had crossed over in more than a small way. Not that this should be a surprise to him, seriously I’ve been trying to get him in a pair of red shorts, or the pink polo shirt, or the hunter green shorts…or even the ‘driving-shoe’ leather moccasins.

So yes, I have found my inner “preppy” and you’ll see me in it this summer…along with my retro favs and my unmistakable – “Michelle Style” mixed in.

Wear what you love; try new things and most of all have fun!

Summer Shirtdress Style

So today, I saw this dress while looking for something else and I just fell in love.  I like the simplicity of the white, the unique sleeve detail and the girlish charm that takes one back to being young/youthful.  This dress is by Viktor & Rolf (way out of my price range, unfortunately) but lovely all the same.  I hope you enjoy it too!  BTW, if I were to get this dress, it would need to be a few inches longer! 

I wanted to make sure that you all knew that the best "Hat" events are coming up in back to back weekends! 

Hat Event #1 - The Royal Wedding.  
I mean seriously, what is more fun than watching the fashions - not so much the clothes, (other than the obvious, what will the Bride be wearing...) but the Hats are what draw me in.  So I figured why not partake as well...on Friday April 29th, 8:00a CST I will be wearing my black facinator hat to work knowing full well I will be the only one...and likely the only one on the bus too.  I'm going to withstand the looks & laughs so that I can fell like I'm part of something larger than myself - even if I'm thousands of miles away (and a little late).  Ladies if you have a hat, where it - they are so chic!

Hat Event #2 - The Kentucky Derby. 
I have already gotten my wonderful cream, wide brimmed hat w/feathers and again I'm ready to rock the classic tradition of hats for this long established event.  My hat, sundress and cocktail - ah, Spring will have most definitely arrived at that moment.

Why don't we wear more hats ladies? I mean it saves us from doing our hair, it so very Feminine.  Something to ponder...until then wear them if you've got them! 

Spring Fashion 2011

Spring is technically here, (I say technically because its still cold here in Chicago and no flowers to speak of…) and I hope you guys are ready because I loving the fashion for Spring 2011! Now, I’m a practical woman and I recognize that I may not be able to pull of all these looks, but you know me, I’m sure as Hell gonna try!

So let’s begin…below are the popularly identified Women’s Spring 2011 Clothing Trends…


The Sheer Maxi Dress

They say that each season things (i.e. trends) evolve and merge…kinda like my thighs. This Spring they are introducing a new take on an old staple which personally I think is perfect for any and every woman regardless of body type, height and age! The Maxi dress is going sheer people - - now don’t freak out, you just may need to layer a little more than normal, but think of it this way, you can now feel free to show off that fabulous lingerie you’ve been hiding all winter long!


Lace Clothing

These days lace has been transformed – its no longer your mother’s or even your grandmother’s old lady clothing…it too has evolved and is transcending seasons. Now its more about the antique-style lace and less the stretchy stuff. To “pull this off”, and that’s exactly what you’re going to feel like – you’ll be pulling off a feat like no other…they recommend that you go with a wider net, unique pattern and a sturdy fabric (quite sturdy if its supposed to hold my rolls and folds). Wearing something like this means you are wearing the dress, not the other way around…, try it without a slip, if you’re so bold…(and I mean you better be bold!)


Crochet & Macrame

 I love this look, very 70s/Bohemian and its super crafty for those of us (Mom) that can actually Crochet…(I was supposed to learn over Christmas but alas the time got away from me, now I’m kicking myself cause I’m sure in the few days that I had I could have learned to make a dress or two). I love to be crafty but they don’t want the homemade crafty feel for this style, instead they say its all about intricacy, quality and luxury edge…(I could have had all 3, I’m just saying)

You’re probably going, how much different is this to lace…well not far from it. Crochet is delicate, but not so delicate as to be lace. There now you’re in the know! Both Macrame and Crochet are good this year as the whole 70s revival is going on this Spring/Summer so it’s a perfect accompaniment. You’ll see these in earthy tones, browns, oranges, creams and white…to sum it up – “Overall the aesthetic is still luxurious with a modern sense of refinement” (did you get all that?)

Tassels

Don’t call it a comeback! ...but it is, it’s the return of luxury trimmings…you were wondering when those were going to come back weren’t you! (said w/sarcasm) You’ve all heard the saying “its in the details” well now its this detail that is changing the look and feel of clothing and accessories. The tassel is a trimming that is said to signify luxury and at times the…wait for it…exotic.

There are some great things out there for you to try and I hope you get the opportunity to…this is also easy to execute on your own…find an old purse, head to the craft store and see if you can bring your old whatever into the new & now.


Bell Bottoms


With skinny pants (I’m going to admit, this was not my favorite look…and definitely not on a guy) no longer making a statement it was inevitable that a different style would emerge as a trend. It didn't necessarily have to be this one, but with the come back of all things 1970s it was inevitable that fashion forward people (like yourselves) would turn to bell bottoms / flared pants as their style of choice. And the short answer is: yes, (unfortunately) skinny jeans are still in fashion. Flared jeans and flared trousers are back for both men and women for as a spring 2011 fashion trend; bell bottoms and flared jeans for are all about a neo-1970s style that has the following elements:


1.) A hem that is at least as wide as your foot
2.) Loose at the knee


Wide leg pants


Alongside the flares are wide leg pants and jeans. What is the difference between the two, and how should they be styled in 2011?


1.) With heels. Flats will simply never complete the look as well as heels will; (ha for all my friends that give me a hard time for wearing my heels…here is a case you HAVE to wear them!!) the exception is if you're carrying off a very masculine look with man-style flats.
2.) With a slim-fitting top to balance out the volume on the bottom half. A soft, billowing blouse can also work well but is best broken up with a waist-cinching belt.
3.) With utter 70s glamour: wide-leg trouser, platforms and a big floppy hat. ( I have a big floppy hat now I know I can wear it for more than just the beach!)
4.) Female dandy style - look to vintage icons like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich for inspiration.
5.) With 40s pin-up girl flair, by pairing some wide-legged sailor pants with nautical


A final, mandatory note about wide-legs, be they jeans, trousers or a draping palazzo: all of these styles work best of taller frames. If you're short in the legs try a pair of skinny cropped pants or ones with a subtle flare paired with heels stripes and espadrilles.


Capri pants


For every trend exists its opposite. So as spring 2011's fashion trends allow us to welcome flares back into our wardrobes, so too does it allow for an opposite style (, in the form of capri pants, to make a showing. Click the link to find out about the styles of capris that are in in spring 2011, and what other trends to wear them with. For spring 2011 the slim-cut, though not necessarily skin tight, cropped pant gets a look in as one of those alternatives, with the option to create a number of different looks out of the style. The ladylike 50s/60s fashion trend is largely at the core of the capri pant revival. Think capris with ballet shoes or kitten heels, and a tie-front shirt. Another vintage take is to pair some nautical stripes and espadrilles, pin-up style. Cropped pants don't have to be pigeonholed to vintage looks, There are several different cuts to the capri pant in 2011:
• Pants that are cropped only ever so slightly, to sit just above the ankle.
• More traditional capri pants cut three-quarter, cut just below the calf than ones that are mid-calf.
• Slim-cut pants that are rolled up to sit above the ankle (a great alternative if you want to give a fresh take to some of your skinnies rather than invest in specifically cropped pairs).


Tail hems: dresses longer at the back

They've been seen as an alternative to the summer mini skirt or maxi dress, and for spring / summer 2011 'tail hems' continue their reign as the more interesting alternative to both. Shirttail hem, tapered hem, cutaway hem... skirts and dresses cut longer at the back are continuing to make their way forward. Tail hems fill the void between mini and midi; or between midi and maxi. They cover, yet they expose. And they're a simple way to freshen up your spring 2011 wardrobe with a new type of cut.


Stripes


Spring 2011 sees stripes with an unsurprising nautical dominance - but it's a dominance inspired by other key Spring 2011 fashion trends. In 2011, it's the classic navy and white color palette, worn as dominant stripes



Jumpsuits & Playsuits
They're something of a yo yo trend: one season they're in, the next season they're out. They're back again, reinterpreted to fuse in many of the season's other fashion trends.



The cutesy playsuits and rompers were a summer must-have. Well, as fashion would dictate it, one-piece anythings are back in style; from overalls to jumpsuits, to playsuits and rompers. .And for those who are, they can rest assured knowing that any investment pieces, particularly statement playsuits, will be a worthy investment. Just be sure to note, denim overalls from the 80’s is NOT part of this trend!


Ways to wear this trend:
1.) Evening: a new take on relaxed glamour
2.) Tailored: smart and sophisticated, a tailored playsuit can be office-ready as well as dressed up for day or night. Look for crisper fabrics, cuffed shorts, and cinched in waists
3.) Loose and flowing: a dash of hippy - working best when combined with soft floral prints. Fabrics should be free-flowing, legs wide and long.
4.) Sporty: hoods and zips to simple cotton jersey fabrics.
5.) Basic: while some designers have gone for prints and intricate detailing. A more versatile wardrobe staple, go for black, white or nude colors and simple straight cuts


How to wear jumpsuits & playsuits - Here are some more general tips and ideas of how to wear the trend:
• Curves or a pear-shaped - try for a halter jumpsuit or playsuit, belted in firmly at the waist, for a bombshell silhouette.
• For night time opt for luxurious fabrics like silks; details like sequins or sheer panels; or leather for an edgier look.
• If you go for a basic block-color piece, the options are practically endless. Try a cropped jacket in a contrasting color; bold statement jewelry; any variety of belts or ties; or some out there add-ons like removable shoulder epaulettes, badges, chains, or interesting layer
• Another way to wear the jumpsuit is with an exotic feel: to work this style look for billowing harem-style pants with gathered-in ankles.


Crop tops





It was 2009 that we last focused on this look as a trend, and back then it certainly wasn't a trend for the whole year. This is very much a high-summer 2011 look, one great for the hottest of weather and party atmospheres, such as festivals.


As a 2011 fashion trend the crop top is not just about exposing one's whole stomach, but about finding elegant new ways of showing a peep of toned midriff. Yes there's the crop top of the grunge-revival. Yes there's the crop top of the sportswear-as-daywear trend. But there's also the crop top as a sophisticated, refined piece that some will embrace as a look not to be feared.

2011 Fashion Week Calendar

As much as I would LOVE to be at each of these events; alas, I can’t, but if any of you are looking for a trip, see if you can work in a fashion show… I’ll keep you posted of some of the standout fashions from each...

Fashion Calendar 2011

February 10-17, New York, NY
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Fall 2011 Collections
www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork


February 18-23, London, United Kingdom
London Fashion Week
Autumn/Winter 2011 Collections
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk


February 21-27, Washington D.C.
D.C. Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Collections
www.dcfashionweek.org


February 23-March 1, Milan, Italy
Milan Fashion Week
Women's Fashion Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Collections
www.cameramoda.it


March 1-9, Paris, France
Paris Fashion Week (Mode à Paris)
Ready-to-Wear Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Collections
www.modeaparis.com


March 15-18, Los Angeles, CA
Style Fashion Week LA
www.stylefashionweek.com


March 18-25, Tokyo, Japan
Japan Fashion Week
Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Collections
www.jfw.jp


May 2-6, Sydney, Australia
Rosemount Australian Fashion Week
Spring/Summer 2012 Collections
www.rafw.com.au


July 4-7, Paris, France
Paris Fashion Week (Mode à Paris)
Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Collections
www.modeaparis.com


September 21-27, Milan, Italy
Milan Fashion Week
Women's Fashion Spring/Summer 2012 Collections
www.cameramoda.it


And there are more, dates are still being determined....

Discount Finds

I think you know by now that I love to find a great deal…so when I went out to get a “quick” fix and ended up with a total shopping score – you know I had to share.

Thursday night, I went to TJMaxx to see what was new and what I ‘needed’ (we all know I need nothing)so I was quite proud of myself when I walked out of the store with NOTHING. But at the same time, I realized….well that was no fun, I didn’t get anything!

(side note: we all do recognize this as a sign of a shop-o-holic…this is part of my therapy step 1: Admit you have a problem!)…I digress…

I thought what the heck, I’ll go next door to Marshalls, generally I don’t go to Marshalls, but since I wasn’t looking for anything and I had all this time to kill, I said what the hell.

What the Hell is right! I SCORED!! I mean, I found items that I was totally thrilled about – they aren’t any designer label things; rather they were some good basics that were on clearance and they all fit. My finds: 2 dresses, corduroy pants, animal print heels, pencil skirt, and a wool military jacket; grand total $110 plus tax. Yes, that’s right!

So you can see why I was on a shopping high, but it doesn’t stop there…while in Norman I went to Ross (Ross Dress for Less) another great shopping experience…I found a couple of dresses for a total of $25 (not each, in total!)
By now you’re asking yourself, how in the heck are you finding these things and how can I get a great deal…I love to take the time to look and when I say look, I do just that – rack by rack – item by item, I look at things – in my size, outside my size (as we all know, in these places ppl don’t put things back where they find them.) You also need to know what days they replenish their inventory, I believe TJMaxx is on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Go during the week or early on the weekends, when ppl aren’t in your way or annoying you while you shop. But the most important tip I can give you is to not be looking for something specific!! This is SO KEY, if you go in w/ expectations of find that specific thing likely you won’t find it. I go in with an open mind and just see what happens…think about what fits you, what you can wear now and into alternative seasons.

It doesn’t happen at every shopping outing, but when it happens to you, you cannot help but believe you are a savvy fashionista – Happy Shopping ladies!