How Luxury Lost Its Luster, Dana Thomas Get it! If you are “into” fashion or have ever wondered about some of the behind-the-scenes connections between brands,or the evolution of a given item or designer, this book is a MUST read. Don’t plan to read it fast ~ but be prepared to say “wow”, hell naw…”, “I never even thought….”. My good friend let me read hers and to this day, I haven’t given it back.
I definitely have some ideas and while they’re not all good, they would make me happy! But what would YOU do with a $5,000 check dropped in your mailbox today? [poll id=”8″]
First, EDIT your white tees that are no longer white, have holes, yellow armpits, stretched beyond recognition, or are not made of cotton or have some type of lycra/stretch in it. Plan to have at least two fitted, hip-length tees, one slightly slouchy/oversized tee, one cashmere tee, and one a-line tank….the rest is up to you! There are a range of options from fitted to slouchy, cotton to silk, short sleeve to cap and they’re all covered here: [show_lookbook_widget id=”207185″]
I now wear them more than I ever imagined but, for others they are the go-to so let’s plan to step into spring stylishly with fab toes. For spring, focus on adding color or texture but avoid jumping into the “warm weather” pool with both feet because it’s spring, not summer. So no sandals, no lightweight fabrics, or flip flops. Great picks for transitioning to spring are… [show_boutique_widget id=”243155″]
I’m continuously combing the internet for fun and fashionable stuff to share with you…but it also needs to provide some style inspiration. A couple of weeks ago, I was reading Mr. Porter Style Icons and found these two, Messrs Lambert and Shaka Maidoh. Waaaay cool and a new style favorite to look out for because they are designers and stylists, and use TONS of black music to inspire them. Utterly awesome or what? Read a little more here….
Pushy salespeople, big promises for small gains, bad lighting, multiple locations for the same items, “trick” mirrors, mountains of merchandise. Here’s how to shop smart: Figure out what you need – this means doing your homework beforehand (i.e., your “true” size, what brands work for you, a list of what you really need (vs. want)) Get yourself together – eat and/or pack a snack because everything looks crappy when you’re hungry; and dress accordingly so you can do quick on-and-off,
Call me crazy but I’m trying to get as much use out of all of my pieces as possible….thus, the desire to carry sequins into the daytime! I know…but this Velvet sequin dress has all the hallmarks of a fabulous warm weather dress up, date night chicness, or daytime “I sparkle but it’s not intentional” kind of look. With the denim jacket, it’s wonderful marriage of dressy and casual. I could just be dreaming of a nice beachfront dinner…
This can be a tricky thing because the average “working girl” today uses one bag and that bag has to work as her tote and handbag….for the entire week. While I don’t advocate it, if you’re looking for dual functionality then a satchel is the way to go: enough to carry your essentials, a small clutch [that doubles as an after-work bag], an ipad, a magazine, and perhaps a shoe bag with flip flops. My second and equally as important
Yep – you can still sport your tall, flat boots (for another couple of weeks especially in the evenings) so let’s get it in before we have to put them away for the next six months. If you’re going to sport your tall, flat boots make sure the weather is cool (60s/70s), keep it mostly casual, and opt for the lighter cognac/whiskey/leather colors if possible. I’ll definitely try to get another wear or two out of mine {pictured above}. You’re
You can do your own version of “Singing in the Rain” if you’ve got these galoshes. Your dress shoes deserve a fighting chance to ‘ball out’ in the boardroom even if it raining outside. Here’s your chance to get even…. Swims makes them in black but also in other shades if you care to channel your spring fever.
Have you ever had a more loaded question?! But the answer is apparently pretty simple…. Accordingly to financial planner Peter Dunn, 5% of your monthly budget should be allocated to clothing. BOOM! Done! Seriously, the translation on that is If your salary is under $30K then Zara, Mango and ASOS If you’re around $75K then Outnet, Nordstrom and Madewell For those $100K and over then Shopbop, Anthropologie, and go brand-specific As a wardrobe stylist, this may be a difficult number
It could be that I’m getting older…or perhaps wiser but when I am out at the pool or beach, I want a cover-up that provides coverage but doesn’t leave me looking like I’m “covering up”. The solution is this LemLem legala patio dress ~ on my wishlist to have for my next warm weather getaway.
I’m not a diligent blogger. I’m not the top in my field. I don’t blog everyday. I have chronic ‘writers block’ when it comes to blogging. With all of that out of the way…. I’m trying to do better. Be more consistent. Create better content. Remain authentic. Grow readership. Provide a “reason” to visit the site. To accomplish all of that, I’ve taken a BIG step back to ask, “what am I doing here?” And slowly but surely the answer
There are numbers flying all over the place on this but an old study (over 8 years old) says that the average woman utilizes than than 40% of her closet. Whoa, right?! Not really….are you a clothes hoarder? Or perhaps you’re the person who likes to “pay penance” for purchasing something you shouldn’t have so you keep it so you can look at it constantly and be reminded of what a poor shopper you are? Better yet, are you the
It’s the time to add color with prints, patterns, and texture but finding great print tops [for a reasonable price] is like discovering a unicorn. I did some serious digging and found a few fabulous options to transition you into spring. These tops are good for wearing under your standard black or navy suit, tucked into a pencil skirt or rocked with some menswear-inspired slacks. My fave is definitely the X. Which is your favorite? [show_boutique_widget id=”243205″]
I spent 1/2 month (18 days to be exact) in southeast Asia between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Saigon. I loved it and while not immediately, I’m going back because it’s warm, super inexpensive, laidback, and has good eating! I worked with Lands’ End before leaving to coordinate on a few essentials for the trip and I had a fairly long list. I found three items that I would have been hard-pressed to be without while there: Starfish slim leg pants
Admittedly wedge heels are not my favorite….mostly because they create extra weight near the ankle and thus, can look clunky. The keys to wedge heels are to ensure that if you have a peep toe, it’s not too large or your toes push through; and that the heel grips well. That said, they can give you a bit of height and offer more comfort for some. Consider also that it’s spring [not summer] so you don’t want to look like
How many pairs of sneakers have you trashed trying to get your lawn/yard ready for spring? You think….ok I’ll just plant these flowers she wants and since I’m using the hose, no problem. Until she needs a quick edit to the landscape…. Thus, another pair of sneakers dead. Relegated to the pile of weekend work options….. NO MORE! Scandinavians have been sporting ankle-high bo boots to keep their other footwear fresh. They are microfleece lined, waterproof, and black ~ all
Pho, pronounced “fa” or “fuh”, is a traditional Vietnamese soup with flavorful garnishes. I had it as part of just about every meal while in Vietnam and I’m now a fan (wink, wink Maggy)! It’s traditionally made with beef but chicken or pork can work too. Try it, be amazed and…it’s healthy!
I continuously tell my clients that your clothes treat you good when you treat them good — give your clothes a fighting chance to make you look good, and that can’t happen if they’re piled high on the floor. The same holds true for your baubles so when I saw these vintage enameled copper and bronze dishes, I feel in love They are perfect for holding change on your living room table, a stack of match boxes in your office,
The taste of spring got me started and now this Shopbop spring sale has the good times rollin’…it’s 25% off with code SPRING25 and I’m focused on pieces that can go allll day. Fell in love with this flare dress…(with some heels and a blazer if it’s still chilly)
It’s the baby sister to J.crew but FIRE! Madewell is making awesome stuff that lasts, is contemporary and relevant, has a classic underpinning, and Kin Ying Lee is battig 100%! I don’t typically post sales but I found several pieces that I not only purchased but recommended to clients because we’re ALL ready for spring and what better way to shake off the winter blues than by shopping! There are lots of pieces worthwhile but I found four pieces that
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