Friday, December 23, 2011

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Ethinc Fashion Trends

Ethnic Fashion Trends

Ethnic is in this year... however if you are a conservative, classic, suit wearing fashionista and you walk into the office party wearing the latest West African ensemble people will stare... and it may not be a good stare.

Knowing the trends and the latest A la mode is always a good thing... BUT knowing how to make it yours is better! Perhaps you might want to try a beautiful accessory in the latest trend... ethnic or otherwise. Say for example... a scarf.... a necklace... or a belt... that sets you apart from the crowd.

Remember LESS can be MORE... and knowing how to turn a little quiet number into a star quality fashion statement is priceless...


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas in Paris

Christmas in Paris

One of my FAVORITE things to do in Paris during the Holiday season is to look at the window displays in the department stores... they are TRULY like nothing else I have ever seen. If you are one of the unlucky ones and can't make it to Paris this year, check out this video below to get a small glimpse into what Christmas is like in Paris!

Please ignore the mispronunciation of Printemps and Galeries Lafayette... of course not everyone can have the perfect French accent!





Thursday, December 15, 2011

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide

New York Times does a Holiday Gift Guide each year to point you in the right direction, check out their link and see if anything sparks your fancy!


Nothing you like? Take a step further and check out their "gift guides on the moment!"


Where do you go for ideas?!


Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Paris in the Spring Time

Paris in the Spring Time

Everyone LOVES Paris in the Spring time for a variety of reasons... so if you are one of the many planning a trip then and have absolutely NO idea what to wear, take a look at these photos and get some great ideas as to what will be HOT when you arrive in the City of Lights!


If you are like me, then being able to afford half the high end fashion in these photos is not realistic, so do what I do... find a few styles that you love, figure out why you love them... is it the color, the style, the accessories, the shoes... whatever it may be... then bargain shop and create your own look!

I love boutique shopping for this very reason, I get ideas in my head and mix and match a bunch of things until I feel comfortable enough to really OWN the outfit... whether I save up to spend the $200 on that great pair of shoes only to match it with a dress and bag I got on sale... or buy that AMAZING scarf that adds that extra panache... whatever it is, it's yours and you rock it!

Gotta love Paris in the Spring :)


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

It Doesn't Fit

IT DOESN’T FIT….

No kidding…unless you are buying your clothes “sur mesure” or you are the universal clone size, some clothes that would be otherwise absolutely stunning won’t be without a tuck here, a dart there or some alteration.

Every designer and every woman who appreciates style knows not to underestimate the value of a good tailor.

REALLY, all kidding and clichĂ©’s aside, I recently went shopping with my mother, yes mother. She tried on both a leather blazer and a suit that were nice but I was less than impressed…until she let the tailor (this store had one on site) take a look.

The result was transforming…. both to her appearance and my perspective. I never imagined the difference a few minor alterations could make, let alone the value of a timeless piece that becomes a style chameleon with an accessory or make up change.

In the photo she is wearing the blazer and the pants from the suit with one of our flea market treasures…. a Dries Van Noten scarf.

I am now a convert and from now on my “prĂȘt a porter” finds will selectively come under the tailor’s scrutiny for that little extra transforming je ne sais quoi.

As to the accessory magic, more to come on that one…. stay tuned!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris

If you haven't yet seen the movie you are TRULY missing out! What better way to showcase the wonders of Paris... magnificent!

Even better.... if you love Hemingway and Paris in the 20's you MUST read The Paris Wife written from the voice of his first wife Hadley... not only could I not put the book down but it ties in perfectly with the movie...

I found this clip fitting for the rainy day that we are having... ENJOY!





Monday, December 5, 2011

Tis The Season

Tis The Season

Are you thinking about your aching Blahnik’s or whether that Chanel velvet red is enough or too much for the party?

It may not be the most fashionable thing on everyone’s mind right now but how about considering cleaning out the closet and taking some very special items to those in need…the high school junior who can’t go to the holiday formal because dad got laid off and there is no money for a dress…

Or perhaps that blazer you really never will wear because it never will fit you and there is a young mom who just got her GED but has nothing to wear for an interview for a job that is hers for the asking...

Or someone with special needs who isn’t feeling very special at this time of year….

Or maybe even take a little of that cash you planned on burning for items that are going to be re gifted anyway and choose someone or some organization all by yourself and GIVE….Now that’s the holiday party spirit….

Here are a few organizations just for starters….you can find some on your own too!!

Women’s Way

The Devereux Foundation

Women to Work

Smile Train

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Women Thrive

Girls Inc.

Homes for our Troops

Books for Soldiers

THE LIST IS ENDLESS….





Thursday, December 1, 2011