“You can throw an unlined cotton suit in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. When it comes out, give it a hot press and you’re ready to go. But only with unlined cotton – linen will get totally ruined.” –Nish De Gruiter, Vice President, SuitSupply {shared from Details magazine, May 2015}
“I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.” As a curvy fashionista, finding the right pieces can be difficult. Sometimes, you just want the right stuff and the right information….. Well angst no more – pick the brain of a leading voice in the fashion industry and a globally recognized advocate for self-esteem at Emme’s Q&A, celebrated supermodel Emme! Plus-size and
I do NOT approve of backpacks for adults…who want to be taken seriously in a professional environment. That said, there are some folks that simply cannot escape the quiet, tempting whispers of those back-contraptions! For you, try the Jetsetter Convertible Backpack – it’s what you get if your satchel and backpack had a baby….and let’s you keep some dignity in the boardroom while moving through the airport hands-free. BOOM!
Gents- I found this new website called InsideHook [you’ve got to subscribe and read their antics!] A couple of weeks ago, they published The Gentleman’s Handbook so across the next few weeks, we’re going to highlight the best stuff from that handbook so you’ll be ready to get hitched without the hiccups! This week it’s a scale that rates the appropriateness of your proposal….pay attention!
Check Elle for their piece, “Why Diana Ross Reigns Supreme” [Elle, p.186] for more mahogany style insights… But Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is one of my favorite style icons because Her glow was natural – she didn’t present a “game face” with all of the makeup, bells and whistles; she kept it looking naturally fabulous Her smile was on 1000 always – showing your pearly whites accounts for why people like you Her fashion was personal & timeless – we
In case you missed the memo, you could have been rocking your white denim months ago but, if you’re sticking to the straight-and-narrow then know that you MUST have a pair to function this spring and summer. My first recommendation is to own two pairs: one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. The pair we’re shopping for now should be a lightweight material with some stretch and to make it as versatile as possible, keep embellishments like pockets, contrast stitching,
You’re not quite sure how to usher in spring during the week so you err on the side of being conservative (and stick with your standard black pumps). NO! It’s spring and after the hard winter, it’s your right to get a little jiggy with it…without a full-on dorothy-and-wizard-of-oz moment. If you’re sticking with the standard pump then, at a minimum, upgrade yourself to a cognac/leather colored pump (with a coordinating handbag) to look like you tried. If you want
“An unlined wool suit with a fresco weave (which is really open, so when you hold it up to the light, you can see through it) is your best bet. The other nice thing about fresco is that the yarns are twisted really tightly, so it’s super-resilient, doesn’t wrinkle, and travels nicely.” –Antonio Ciongoli, Creative Director, Eidos Napoli {shared from Details magazine, May 2015}
It’s not just for gents but, let’s be honest, most men take their tunes seriously (perhaps a little more so than the ladies)…. Wearing headphones used to be dorky but now it’s cool; and what counts are the headphones enveloping your head. According to Details, the top four pair to own are: Parrot Zik 2.0 ($400) – unrivaled sound! Sol Republic Shadow ($99) – don’t sound any better than regular earbuds… Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay H8 ($499) – if it’s
These Schutz drauzia heels are high but impossibly chic! If you’re looking for a shoe that can carry you to all of your After 5 affairs and dressier occasions this spring and summer, look no more… I’m in love with the styling, vamp, color and even the $200 price tag isn’t unreasonable.
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
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