JEANS FOR YOUR GENES!!!

  Denim has come a long way over the course of the past 50 years.  What was once primarily used for workwear, is now a staple of American fashion culture.  Through its evolution we have seen it grow from modesty to luxury while gaining sophistication along the way.  There are literally Jeans for everybody but do you know which fit is best for your body?

  Most women fall into one of four body shapes: banana, apple, pear and hourglass.

A) Banana:  straight, boyish build, no curves.
      1. Best jean fit:
Skinny, tailored, tapered or slight bootcut with a low to medium waist.  It creates the illusion of curves when you dont actually have any.  Low waist accentuates hips as well.

B) Apple:  top heavy, broad shoulders, narrow hips.
      2. Best jean fit:
Boot cut to wide leg with mid to natural waist.  It will balance top by adding width to lower half.

C) Pear:  wider hips, fuller thighs and butt, small bust.
      3. Best Jean fit:
straight leg or slightly bootcut with a mid to natural waist.  Creates symmetry throughout body and minimizes appearance of larger areas (if thats what you wanna do, lol).

D) Hourglass:  near equal hips and bust, narrow waist.
      4. Best jean fit:
most fits will work well on this figure but the waist may present problems.  Since upper and lower halves are proportionate and waist is narrow, tailoring should be done to ensure proper fit at waist.



ADDITIONAL TIPS:
~ to make booty appear larger: tasteful embellishments like larger pockets, pocket flaps or metal hardware will help.  Just keep it classy and simple.

~ to make booty appear smaller: avoid bright colors and/or overdone designs on back.  Stick with average pocket or inl laid pockets instead.

~ to hide full belly: wear higher waist, natural is best.  Front pockets also help to camflouge.

~ darker denim is always more slimming than a lighter wash as it creates a longer leg.




FOR KAT, HOPE THIS HELPS!!

Ughhh, those damn uggs!

  So I know I may make some enemies or atleast get some dirty looks for saying this...but I do not like Uggs.  There is nothing remotely attractive about most of the styles and most people who "love" them, only began wearing them because they saw celebrities in them first.  All the "it" celebrities get free stuff from designers and companies wanting to advertise and sell more products.  They know that once a celebrity is shot or filmed wearing their pieces, all of the wanna be famous robots will follow the leader.  Just because someone famous does something or wears something, doesnt make it fly or hot.  It irritates me that everyone likes, loves and wears the same exact things.  Very few people have any real personal style anymore and its just wack (I could have used a more sophisticated word but this fits, lol)!  There, I said it (sigh), and I feel better.

  Yes I own one pair of Ugg Moccasins that were given as a gift from my husband.  They are extremely warm and comfortable so I get that aspect of it but most didnt know that until after they tried them and why did they try them in the first place...EXACTLY!  I wear mine occasionally because they're comfy and still cute but I would stop instantaneously if there were more than 5 people with them in my presence on a regular basis.  I do not...repeat: do not want to look just like anyone else.  I like standing out and standing on my own.  You should really check yourself if you're not comfortable doing the same.  If most people who claim they love certain brand's were placed in a store alone without any of those familiar brands, they would most likely be lost and leave empty handed  They would have no idea what they like or what they should choose because there'd be no model to follow.

My only pair of Uggs

  Stop trying to be a carbon copy of someone else and just be you. Its ok to do that...trust me! Wear what you like because you like it, not because someone else or everyone else is.  I'm not saying that there is no one who actually likes them but I would bet not as many as those who wear them.  Get a life of your own already and stop looking to famous people for leadership.  Lead your own damn ship!

~ORIGINALITY ALWAYS PREVAILS~

 

Fashion goes frugal!!

Lanvin for H&M

  Some of my favorite designers are grand couturiers whose most beautiful pieces are just not accessible for me and most of us, because of the prices.  I adore Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Chanel, Valentino, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and many others.  I've always dreamed of being able to live the high life and wear their pieces on my skin, daily.  I envision myself looking fab and feeling fierce while hopping out of the car with my driver and assistant in tow.  I'm most confident that it will all come to pass and is in the works, just not sure of the details but the universe has that covered!

  Lots of top designers have realized that not all of their admirers shop in Bergdorfs or fly private, so they've began to create more affordable lines.    Second lines are big business with the potential to earn big bucks.  Not only do they open the door for revenue from the average consumer but they can also be a path that introduces new consumers to a designer's couture brand.

  "Bridge" lines (what they're technically called) arent a new idea in fashion at all.  They've been around in stores for a looooong time but in most cases, were nowhere near as desireable as the originals.  Thank god times have changed and great for us, designers have stepped their "bridge"game up big time!!!

Simply Vera; Vera Wang (exclusively at Kohl's)

  Top designer bridge lines:

~ 1. Simply Vera; Vera Wang for Kohls

~ 2. Norma Kamali for Walmart

~ 3. Lanvin for H&M

~ 4. MICHAEL by Micheal Kors (available at Macys)

~ 5. Lela Rose and Christian Siriano for Payless

~ 6. DKNY; Donna Karan

~ 8. I Heart Ronson for JC Penney

BLACK...is the new black!!

      Its ultra trendy right now to be animated in both personality and personal style. Color is an amazing gift and those of us able to see it and live in it are extremely fortunate.  Living in color allows you to express your self vividly and precisely. Big, bright, bold colors, patterns and designs have gained popularity over the last few seasons and while I enjoy the variety, availability and it makes me smile; I still know that nothing is more classic, chic or sophisticated than the perfect black outfit.

  Black is powerful and as artist and performer, Janelle Monae would say "its transcendent".  That means that it defies age, gender, economic and social status.  Everyone gets it and no matter what the occasion, it will always be appropriate.  Whether you need a professional look for a job interview, an overtly sexy outfit for a night out or something more casual for a social event, black is always go-to.

  The new black comes in a variety of fabrics that give life to a color some may have thought was dead.  But, in fact you can be just as creative with black as you can with any other color, if not more.  There is a depth and versatility to black unlike any other color on the spectrum and it can speak volumes when worn effectively!




Here are some power packed pieces that I love:

Sequin mini; Express

Mongolian faux fur; Bebe

Painted silk tulip dress; Kardashians for Bebe

Alice & Olivia "Stacey" metallic pant

Ruffle sheer dress; Urban Outfitters

Akiko draped lace inset top

DKNY feather trim dress

Sequin long sleeved dress; French Connection

 Dont you wish you had them all?!?! I DO!!

Giving Thanks

  Its Thanksgiving day.  The recognized time of the year when we reflect upon those things that we're grateful for.  The gift of life should be first and foremost to all of us here able to see and be part of another beautiful day and all else should follow.  Life can sometimes present challenges but we should even give thanks for those.  Our most important lessons are usually learned in the face of adversity, so appreciate all you have and all you've encountered.  The trials only make us stronger and allow us to better feel the joy of the good things.

  On this day I'm thankful for so much; life, love, health, family, friends, fashion and so much more.  I'm looking forward to eating great food, having great conversations and spending time with those closest to me.  I am also excited about all the fall fashions that will allow me and you too, to look good in comfort while we chow down.  Its been a while in fashion since there have been so many casual chic options and I've gotta say its a nice option to have today!

  From equestrian style leggings (aka riding pants) and luxe designer sweats, to soft sweaters, cute graphic tee's, stretch denim and sexy stretchy mini's.  Theres no excuse why you cant look and FEEL good at the same time!  So relax and enjoy your day in comfort.

  Dont forget to throw in a little holiday sparkle!  Anything sequin or embellished can glamourize most any look, when done right!


HAPPY THANSGIVING!

LESS IS MORE...

  Last night, while at the gas station I noticed a really nice car over to my left.  I'm not a car person so I don't know the make, model, etc but it was really beautiful.  As I began to scope it out a little more, I noticed that there were rhinestones on the letters in back...then more rhinestones going around the license plate...and even more on the mirrors, rims, etc.  There were so many add-ons and so much sparkle that I started to get dizzy looking at it.  It was be-dazzle overkill!!!   

  Eventually the driver stepped out and I couldn't wait to see what she was wearing.  Anyone who defaces such  a beautiful car has to be suffering from a lack of or addiction to attention. Why else would you scream for it this loud!?  The first thing I saw were her boots...no, let me re-phrase; the first thing I saw were the brand of her boots.  The designer's name was scrolled around the top in such large letters that I couldn't focus or see anything else for about 5 seconds.  Then I saw the hanging metal tassels & what looked like the fur of an animal trying to climb out of the top.  The rest of the ensemble wasn't as horrible but it was trend overload.  It was all just way too much and totally confusing.  I wanted to run over and offer some help or at least give her my card.  She was in dire need of a wardrobe intervention.

  Some times too much really is too much.  Whenever you dress for the day or evening, stop and look at yourself before you leave.  Take inventory of what you've chosen to wear.  You can almost always find at least one thing that you can take off.  Throwing on 10 different accessories just because they're there, isnt necessary.  It doesn't say that you're stylish or fashionable but rather a mess.  I always encourage individuality and expression but you can tell when a woman is trying too hard.

  Also, remember that style is not in a brand!  It doesn't matter who you wear if you wear it well.  When you wear brand names all over your body, it speaks to your level of class and depth of pocket and trust that it doesn't speak highly of either. 



TIP:  if you want to stand out and grab the attention of others, choose one piece and make a statement with it. Draw eyes to you with an ornate necklace or bracelet, color packed handbag, exotic eye wear or embellished footwear.  Its the perfect conversation starter and sure to get you those glares you want. 



Coming soon - - stay tuned for the all about statement pieces post!!

EXPRESS!!! Your essence...

  I've always been a lover of fashion and an icon in my own right, even if only in my own head.  When I was a child my family pegged me as the weirdo because I didnt follow the "rules".  I wore what I wanted the way I wanted based on my natural creativity and how it made me feel.  I mixed colors, patterns and fabrics with no regard.  Often times, some of my friends and family would ask, "what are you wearing" with puzzled looks on their faces.  I really had no answer for them.  You cant adequately explain an emotion to a person who has never felt it.  So I would look back at them, just as puzzled.  Most times they'd just shake their heads and we'd move on to something else.

  I never wanted to look like everyone else.  I never wanted to be anyone other than myself.  Even when I was told that I should be more like the other girls, which translated to mean dressing more like them.  It was fine for me to just be and so I did.  Of course I went through the phases of life that cause you to question yourself like everyone else.  Fortunately for me, I had the encouragement to face myself head on and found the strength to be courageous enough to continue to do and be what was right for me. 

  When I was in high school, my style was a lot more mature than my pockets and so I found ways to improvise.  Mainly, sneaking in my moms closet and wearing some of her things, lol.  I'd mix and match my own pieces with the things I really loved of hers.  At first she would be suspicious but could never really prove anything so she had no choice but to let it go.  After enough practice I was a pro and she stopped even noticing.  I was wearing designers that my friends had never heard of or even seen in stores: Salvatore Ferragamo, Tahari, Gucci, Adrienne Vittadini, Stuart Weisman, Donna Karan, etc.

  But as much as it felt good to wear the luxurious brands, it wasnt about that. It was more about having an abundance to choose from and being able to create a unique look everyday.  I loved getting ready in the morning and relished in it.  Im sure thats why I missed first period every day for an entire semester, smh!  It was about self expression, being an artist and painting the picture from my perspective.  Its what I loved about fashion then and what still makes me love it and fall in love with it over and over now.

   Fashion is art.  Designers give their point of view in making their clothes, models invoke theirs in wearing, stylists invoke theirs in putting looks together.  When you choose to buy, when you choose to wear pieces, you're doing the same thing.  Five women can wear the same dress five different ways...and that's how it should be.  We shouldn't all walk around in the same exact looks like robots.  Don't be afraid to express your self in style in the way you see and feel fit.  You're clothes should be an extension of who you are, they shouldn't make you someone else.  Be fearless and confident.  Be you!

COVER GIRL - Its coat season!!

  There's something rejuvenating about stepping outside on a bright, brisk morning that makes the hustle and bustle a lot more intense.  This week started with a crisp, fresh feeling that only Jack Frost can bring and I'm embracing it. I love living in a four season climate!  With every temperature change comes the opportunity to be made over.  This time of year (between fall and winter) is my favorite.  Its not freezing yet but cold enough to do my Jackie O thing; classic tailored coat or leather jacket, dark shades, loose hair... while still walking slowly enough to be seen, lol. 

(btw,she's my ultimate style icon!!!)

  The key to completing any fall/winter look is the outerwear.  Your coat is an important extension of your outfit.  It not only sets the tone but more importantly introduces you.  Its style should be in line with the rest of the ensemble.  For instance, you wouldnt wear a sexy black cocktail dress with a down ski coat.  They're complete opposites and speak two different languages.  You would appear to have multiple personalities becuase it just doesnt make sense.

   My general advice is to start with the basics and work outward from there.  It pays to have practical pieces that you can always work, rather than statement pieces that arent practical.  You want to have at least 2; one for work and one for play.

 If you work in a professional, corporate, business setting (or just want to look like you do) here are some modern classics that will work well.  Wool is luxe, chic and very warm.




     Once work is out of the way, you can focus on a more personal piece for play.

   Princess style is perfect for the girly, flirty, feminine woman.  These coats are tastefully (in most cases) styled with details and embellishments like lace, ruffles and satin.

Think fashionable Mary Poppins or re-vamped Victorian


  If you want a fierce, structured fit that will reflect your inner strength; military styled coats and jackets are for you.  The fit is tailored and the look is commanding.  The colors are usually dark (navy, green, brown) with metal hardware and buttons.  It creates a very serious but sophisticated appearance.


 The bonus is that you can go any length or fabric with this style so it can be worn for day, night, work or play.

  These are just a few examples of the choices available but there are many more options.



TIP:  Select pieces that fit your lifestyle and speak to your personal tastes.  Remember classics never go out of style so at least one is needed.  If you wanna stay on target with the current trends anything belted, embellished, tailored, camel or luxe (leather, fur, wool) will do.
Stay warm & stay in style.

Another Manic Monday

  So here we are at the beginning of another week; its Monday AGAIN!  I used to dread Mondays because I dreaded where I had to go at the start of each work week.  Fortunately, I realized that it wasnt Monday's fault and Friday wasnt any more special.  I could have that same Friday energy on Monday if I just changed my frequency.  Nothing and no one can control how I feel but me.  If I wanted to see Mondays differently then I needed to re-focus and change my perspective.
 
  I began to prepare for my Mondays more similiarly to how I did on Fridays.  I paid more attention to my prep and concentrated on the simple joy I got from putting my outfits and myself together rather than where I was getting ready to go.  I chose my colors more purposefully and was careful not to invoke any negative feelings bynot  choosing fabrics, patterns, colors, etc that made me feel unhappy.  It may sound silly if you've never given it any thought but everything has an energy charge, either positive or negative.  So pay close attention to how things, people and places affect your mood.  When you notice that something provokes you to feel sadness, anger, hurt, or any other negative emotion, turn away from it or even get rid of it.

  See the beauty in being here and being a part of another week with endless, boundless possibilities and opportunities.  Make every day count by living in and appreciating each single, solitary moment.  Thats really all we have.

HAPPY MONDAY & HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK!!!

 Its almost halloween, time for tricking, treating, and stuffing your face with tons of sugar!  Its not my favorite holiday but I do indulge in the perks.  I definitely use it as an excuse to go off my life-long, never ending diet for a couple days and I love to see the kids out and about in their costumes, having a ball.  The adult costumes are also great and I get a kick out of them but I'm not a "go all out" costume wearer myself unless theres a party to go to.  So for those of you like me who want to celebrate but still look cute and chic, there are options.  You can add some halloween spice to any look with...what else but the PERFECT accessory. 

Sprinkle some fairy dust:
~ wings are the ultimate feminine costume accessory.  They come in assorted sizes and fabrics to choose from.  If you're a girly girl, give them a try.

Do be catty:
~ a cats tail or any tail for that matter is perfect for a touch of halloween sexy.  It has the same effect as a backless dress; from the front all class but from the back, ooh lala!

Face of an angel:
~ halo's are perfect for all the good girls or good girls gone bad looking to reminisce.  Who wouldn't want to be an angel for a day?

You little devil:
~ This is the one day when its ok to show your horns.  So all you little devils, go for it!

Fluffed up:
~ bunny ears are furry, fluffy and just super cute.  They can even serve as a head band and keep hair in place, need i say more?


TIP:  you dont want to overpower the simplicity of the costume with your outfit, so keep it simple.  Let the accessories speak for themselves and have the spotlight this time.  Dark denim will work for all looks.  Go lighter on top for those soft, feminine or girly costumes (think flowy, ruffle) and deep for the naughty looks (black or red is perfect)!

Happy Halloween and remember...FASHION FIRST!

The uniform dilemma

 Almost everyone loves a man in uniform.  Women go crazy over policemen, fire fighters, doctors & my personal favorite, mailmen!  Theres Just something sexy & alluring about them.  They exude strength, confidence & most importantly; you know he has a job!!  Most times with good benefits, ha!







 But what about women in uniform? Do they have the same appeal?  According to men I spoke with, NO!  Most men seem to think uniforms make women look masculine and are a total turn off.  The only uniform that is sexy according to them is a french maid outfit (not sure that counts though).







 But more importantly, are the feelings of the women wearing the uniforms and how they view themselves.  Many say it zaps them of all feelings of sexiness, feminity and confidence in their appearance and Im not ok with that. We should always feel good about ourselves and our appearance.  So, here are some tips for looking and feeling your best even in your uniform:

1. Start with your prep.  Whether you're a bath or shower taker, be sure to endulge your senses with sensual, relaxing, smell good products.  They will remind you of how sensual you are.

2. The most fundamental part of any outfit are the undergarments.  The right fit can change the look of your clothes completely.  So make sure you're wearing the right size!  Also, keep it sexy.  Why reserve those naughty undies for valentines day?  Leave those cotton comfies for "you know when" and add some spark every day.

3. Put on your face.  We know you're working so we dont want you to look like you're "working", lol.  But a little enhancement is good.  Some extra gloss, a new shadow shade, etc.  It gives you that getting ready feeling and adds a little pretty.

4. Choose an extra girly or glitzy nail color.  Pinks, purples, blues, reds and glitters can all make a statement.  Choose your favorite and go for it.  You may even want to change it up every few days for variety.

5. Last but certainly not least, smell sweet!!  Choose a fragrance you love that makes you feel feminine, sexy, confident...and lasts long.  One of my personal favorites - "LOLA" by Marc Jacobs, makes me feel ultra sexy everytime I wear it!!

Ladies, dont let your profession stop you from being who you really are!! - Women in uniform can be beautiful and just as sexy as their male counterparts!

Sleepwalkers (pajama party)

Ok so this is serious!!!!!!  It has come to my attention on more than one occasion within the last week that there is a sleepwalking epidemic.  I don't know if anyone else is aware of it besides me but I am putting out the RED alert.


  There is absolutely no reason why any person; child or adult, should wear pajamas outside!  No one wants or needs to see how you look in the bedroom unless they have a place in there with you.  I completely get that they are comfortable, move easily, come in all colors and are already on when you wake BUT they are still UN-acceptable in any environment that you will not be going to sleep in.  And even if you don't agree that its utterly ridiculous then let me tell you that it is sooooo 2005...why not leave it there.  Trust me when I say that it does not look good or make the best impression on anyone you come in contact with.  They will either think that you didnt bathe (and possibly have general bad hygeine) or that you're just nuts.  Not even the king of Pop could pull off this look without the world questioning his sanity!

Instead of leaving home resembling a hobo, how about adding a little boho.  Bohemian is a style of dress that never gets old and is extremely comfortable and wearable.  The beauty of it is that there are no real rules so you can just do what feels right.  Just remember that you must use actual clothing (for the most part).



TIP: to achieve a personal bohemian look: use, mix and match colors, prints, patterns and textures that you love.  Be practical as well.  If its cold out, don't be afraid to put on a wool hat.  It wont matter that you're wearing it with a silk skirt.  Imagine an old world gypsy woman with her head wrap, flowing attire and fearless attitude.



still not sure, here's some inspiration:

Purple Rain

  I’ve never been a favorite color type of girl.  I like what I like and I know it when I see it.  I let the pieces speak to me when I shop and I go with what not only looks good but feels right; absent of any pre-disposed color requirements.  I may be working with a theme of some sort or have a person and/or place in mind but other than that I allow the canvas to paint itself.  Everything has a vibration, even clothing and if you tune in you can feel it.

            Fortunately, for you (the reader of this blog) there have been some recent developments that have affected my color feelings a bit.  On August 8^th, 2010, I was married to the man of my ultimate reality (because life is better than any dream) in a beautiful purple and gold wedding ceremony.  That color combo may or may not make you jump for joy but let me assure you that it was gorgeous.  The girls wore soft, flowing knee length dresses in romantic lavender, sexy muted gold sandals and carried bouquets of mixed purples, lavenders and gold.  The groomsmen accented their traditional black tuxes with eggplant colored ties, handkerchiefs and cufflinks for contrast.  The flower girl / junior bridesmaid wore a youthful, vibrant variation which blended perfectly with the rest of the palette.  The final outcome was amazing.  It was romantic, royal and nostalgic all in one.  (see photo below)

The process of getting there however, not nearly as blissful.  It took me way too long to choose colors to begin with and even after I did I went through color remorse.  I wasn’t totally sure purple was the right fit for me but time was ticking and I had to stick with it.  As I explored the plethora of purple options I began to fall under its spell.  The beauty was intoxicating and the passion it contained was undeniable.  I saw a side of purple that I’d never noticed before.  It was mature, complex and even sexy; a far cry from the visions of Barney that previously danced in my head whenever I heard the name.  Purple had definitely grown up and I had developed a color crush!

            While I am now a confessed fan and I have come to adore the color purple, I must still advise against full on overload.  Too much of anything no matter how good can and will become a detriment to you.  Moderation is the key to life and contrary to what I’ve seen lately; there is no exception when it comes to fashion.  Reluctantly I say: I just may be a favorite color type of girl (at least for now J) –

There are a tremendous amount of options for you to try.  Purple can be as dark and deep or as light and sweet as you can handle it.  I encourage you to try it!

TIP: wanna make a bold purple statement without having to buy an entire new wardrobe??!!  Just add it with one of this seasons must have accessories.  Instead of boring black or brown for those riding boots, why not buy them in pretty plumb or deep eggplant... or how about adding some softness to the military look with a luxe oversized suede bag in lavender.