Brrrrrr. In the dead-set of winter it takes more than hiking up the thermostat to stay warm: we need to reinvent ourselves and our style. Try layering the silkiness of sinuous blouses with thin knitwear. I love the unexpected femininity of a blouse bow or ruffle peeking out from the neckline of an otherwise “conventional” sweater. To assure a defined waist, add a belt to the ensemble.
Try layering necklaces you already own to create new jewelry ensembles. Take the en vogue big necklace and pair it with a medium- to thin-bodied necklace – just make sure that the necklaces vary in length. This can work on the wrist, too; try a big cuff with a threaded bracelet and an elegant silver watch.
February 3rd, 2010
On January 17th, the awards season officially kicks off with the Golden Globes, where all eyes will linger on the latest celebrity ensembles. I watch the awards to dissect the fashion and grandeur…as well as those dressing missteps, finding comfort in the fact that even well-styled (and well-intentioned) celebs make fashion mistakes like the rest of us.
How can we learn from red carpet looks and interpret them with our own wardrobes? Keep things simply elegant for night with solid colored frocks in jewel tones, splashy accessories and a hand-held clutch. Save the longer hemlines for especially formal fetes. For day, heels with embellishment offer an instant lift to any outfit, as does a classic watch. Don’t shy away from rhinestone belts to add something extraordinary to the everyday suit.
As for the Hollywood’s biggest party night of the year, you should celebrate too. I like to get gussied up and host a cocktail party, enjoying an evening in the company of my own stylish friends.
January 20th, 2010
Welcome to a new decade! We’ve weathered some ups and downs in the fashion industry, but with a new year arrives new hope – and the collections to celebrate. Besides, what better reflects (and refracts) an optimistic attitude than the glittery, gorgeousness of sequined dresses, rhinestone rings and sparkly watches? We’ll all feel like dancing well beyond the drop of the New Year’s ball with these shiny happy pieces in place.
In 2010, we have lots to look forward to on the fashion calendar. I welcome the continued designer marriages with mainstream retailers, including the red-hot Mulleavy sisters with their Rodarte line available at Target through this month. Look for lace tights, sequined dresses, leopard prints and plenty of tulle to add to your closets at to-die-for prices. I love a lace print dress topped with a long cardigan, belted, don’t you?
January 6th, 2010
More than glitter ornaments should sparkle at New Year’s parties. Look to bejeweled shoes to add color and shine to your little black dress. Jewel accents on strappy sandals never fail to add a skip in your step and attract doting admirers. Not to be outdone–make sure your toes are smartly polished!
Rudolph isn’t the only one with a light bulb moment. This season I am electrified by gold in yummy yellows ranging the color of mustard to maize for evening wear. Cute party frocks in this color brightly contrast the evergreen of holiday holly making you a standout near the tree and near your sweetheart. Don an Art Deco gold watch with crystals to complement.
December 16th, 2009
Holiday shopping has begun…including a small list of must-haves for myself. I might pick up… a satin carryall clutch in a bright hue to make my date nights more delectable. Or why not a functional daytime watch with glimmering elegance for you?
Those up-to-the-minute statement necklaces for holiday parties needn’t be costly: treat yourself to a big neck bauble that features beads or layers upon layers of faux pearls and watch jaws drop without your Visa bill rising. Or try a necklace with a ribbon tie instead of a clasp–an elegant alternative with a lower price tag.
Lastly, there’s nothing more versatile than sexy platform pumps–offering comfort and height alongside a healthy dose of trend. Jimmy Choo for H&M debuted last month. Score a pair and feel chicly adorned for holiday dressing
December 4th, 2009
A little ladylike refinement goes a long way, particularly transitioning from work meetings to holiday cocktail soirees. Try any number of lace blouses and dress with flirty details like sparkly earrings, adorned heels or a shiny crystal watch. Remember that lace looks lovely, unless it reveals the underpinnings beneath.
Make sure you have a purse that matches the sweet nature of this look, perhaps a 40’s-inspired structured handbag with elegant top handles. A fantastic, classic stiletto continues the feminine theme, and a pencil skirt writes it off as completely chic.
November 18th, 2009
It’s time to breathe deep before the holiday season…and prepare for shopping battle! Channel your Lynda Carter Wonder Woman strength and get on board with bodacious cuffs. Available in every metallic shade and shape – from architectural modern to slightly sci-fi orbs – you’ll feel other-worldly and powerful with this statement on your wrist. Not quite ready for such a bold move? Then layer thinner bangles with a bracelet watch to get a piece of the action.
As the last of the leaves fall and we prepare for a drop in temperature, snazz up your winter wardrobe with a fun coat. Assuming you already have at least one warm coat in a neutral hue that goes with everything, then it’s time to branch out into a luxurious tweed, a roaring leopard print or a pink or crimson color. Be adventurous. Opt for texture as long as it doesn’t add bulk, and keep climate in mind: live in a warm place? Then the heaviest fabrication you need can be found in a ruffled trench.
November 3rd, 2009
If you don’t have a boyfriend, you will soon. The boyfriend blazer is an inescapable trend this season and gladly so, with a tailored refinement that flatters any body type. Throw over a tank top, sleeveless blouse or sheath dress to extend your summer wardrobe. Just make sure he hugs you (is fitted) and sports a neutral tone (goes with everything). Pair with an elegant Men’s dress watch for that ultimate balance of masculine and feminine style. Friends will compliment you on how you great you look together in no time.
Just before you sign off on all things summer entirely, know that the strappy sandal lives on…in the form of ankle boots. While some ankle boots may be too platform or too rocker for your style, the alternative with thick straps, peep-toes and cutouts to show some skin rocks to a slightly softer vibe.
October 23rd, 2009
Since so many designers electrified the runways with neon hues, there must be something to the awe-inspiring punk green and hotter-than-hot pink that we see splashed everywhere. A recent look into my wardrobe rendered nothing bright blinking back at me and I panicked. Then I reminded myself that there are so many ways to wear this trend other than going head-to-toe fuchsia, and promptly bought a pair of bright yellow flats on-line. A neon watch is another way to sport the look. In no time, I too will be glowing in the dark.
Speaking of late-night shopping, harvest parties are here, and it’s time for a fresh take on evening dressing with an asymmetrical approach. Try a one-shouldered dress featuring a bow, a belt or a broach, and accessorize with a dressy bracelet watch to balance out the look.
October 2nd, 2009
Some people have already switched out summer closets for fall; others are still layering summer frocks on cooler nights. Fall is upon us and it is time – if not yet physically, then mentally – to flip a big fashion switch.
Autumn ushers in a range of rich colors and dark neutrals. Transition into the season and strike a happy medium with the “new” neutral color: gray. The hue, while classic, makes a fresh impression in gray top-handle bags, light gray cardigans and charcoal pleated pants. All pieces complement the jewel tones popular for the season.
It’s no surprise that black is also back, but dress it up with color for a modern approach. Since the rule of no white after Labor Day has long been null, take a classic vestige of summer – the white bag – and pair it alongside black patent pumps. Try a red silk scarf with a sleek little black dress. Mix black with silver in any jewelry combination – like a chunky necklace and bracelet watch.
September 21st, 2009
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