Guest Blogger: Effortless Summer Dressing

Meet Amanda, my dear friend and one of the lucky few who gets to work in fashion (and actually get paid for it). As a valuable team member of BCBG Max Azria, Amanda has a fashion point of view that spans from the classic to the unexpected to fashion forward. But most importantly she knows what looks good on women! Here she gives us her perspective on summer fashion...

Effortless Summer Dressing

Five summer basics that I couldn’t live without include Bondage Skirts, Tunics, Sequined Tanks, Rompers & and Blowsy Shorts. I love bondage skirts because they are so simple, so comfy & they literally look good with any top. I own three! But I think everyone needs at least one neutral and one in a funky color or print. My favorite style to pair with these slim fitting skirts, or any slim bottom, is tunics (think “upside down pyramid”). Cool & breezy, tunics also offer a level of comfort. And I am all about dressing comfortably & effortlessly this summer! I love a classic white style or nautical stripe. To keep a slim illusion layer a heavy necklace on top of these flowing tops.

For an effortless night out throw on a sequined tank – with jeans, leggings, shorts, or as a dress. Sequins allow just the right amount of sparkle minimizing the need for a lot of jewelry. In +90* weather no one loves to pile on jewelry…I don’t care what Rachel Zoe says!

Rompers are so playful! I think we all should pay homage to our childhood this summer! These onesies are perfect for a day of errands, lunch with the girls, sporting events, a trip to the zoo…you get the picture. If you want to set yourself apart try a luxe fabrication like silk. Or make this look your own by adding a belt or boyfriend blazer.

I have never been a shorts fan myself, however, this year, due to numerous vacationing, I have picked up a couple of styles. My favorite pair is pleated, blousy, and silky! Kind of frivolous because they are dry clean only, but it was love at first sight! I also got two pairs that were cuffed because they are so flattering, making my legs look longer & leaner.

I will briefly speak on my view of accessories. I’m much more of a clothes junky than jewelry. I don’t usually pile on a whole lot of jewelry, but I do apply the theory that bigger is better when it comes to accessories. Be it cocktail rings, necklaces, earrings, belts or shoes, I can’t resist a statement piece!

Favorite Fashion Apps

The influx of smart phones has permeated every aspect of our life, including how I personally approach fashion and shopping. I thought I would share some of my favorite iPhone apps that have changed my approach to style forever.

Ask a Stylist by Glamour Magazine

Cost: Free

This app is brand new and uh-mazing. Glamour has offered up the services of several NYC-based stylists 24 hours a day. You simply take a pic of the outfit in contention, answer a few questions, ask your specific question and within minutes have a professional, polite, and insightful style answer. I am in LOVE!!

Trendtrack by Trendstop

Cost: Free

This app catalogs all the latest fashion shows from around the world. You have the ability to see the latest from Milan with a simple touch of a button. But my favorite part is the "Trend" tab where you can quickly scroll through Trendstop's latest and greatest trend observations. Some can be very easily integrated into a wardrobe immediately.

Shopstyle

Cost: Free

BEWARE! This app is dangerous for the wallet. It is basically a one-stop-shop for all things fashion with all the hottest retailers. It is so easy to browse and buy that it doesn't even feel like spending money. I could get lost in this app for hours and spend thousand of dollars.

Style.com

Cost: Free

It is like having Anna Wintour in your pocket. OK maybe not, but this is probably the closest you and I will ever get to her. This app is really like having Vogue magazine in a digital format.

TouchCloset

Cost: $0.99

You know when you watched Clueless for the first time and you absolutely died for Alicia Silverstone's virtual closet? Well 15 years later you can finally have it. TouchCloset allows you to take pics and catalogue your whole closet. You can make outfits and even note when you wore them last. It makes choosing what to wear in the morning so much more fun and easy.

Do you have any fashion/style apps that you love?

A bride requests our help ...

One of my friend's wedding is fast approaching, and she is putting the last little touches on her dream look. She has given you, my readers, the heavy responsibility of giving her some opinions on her final accessories. While the dress definitely is the hero, the accessories are the "supporting cast" that can make or break her look. So please give her your opinion!

First her shoes! The bride selected simple shoes with darling vintage earrings to repurpose as shoe clips. However, after dying and stretching to make the shoes perfect a small amount of chemical residue landed just right of the peep toe. And of course, the shoe clip alone won't cover-up the spot. Making light of the situation, the bride has been inspired to use feathers to cover the mistake. Her fear, however, is the fine line feathers can cross. Looking at her inspiration below, do feathers maintain the sophisticated wedding feel or cross over into lingerie territory (that should be reserved for the wedding night)?

Next, while our bride is a spring bride, the spotty weather in Arkansas can prove to be unpredictably cold. Our bride is looking for a warm but chic cover-up for her golf cart exit (so cute). She found this lovely faux fur shrug on Tulip Bridal for $34 and likes the idea but is concerned about the winter tone. Is the shrug too much for the spring timing?

Hopefully our bride will follow-up with pics from her actual day to show us what she finally decides!

Fall 2010 Runway Review

The less than pristine economy brought a sense of trend continuation from Fall '09 to Fall '10 runway looks. Nothing seemed to be completely rewritten but more repurposed. The biggest trend I saw was tons of crazy layers motivating me to experiment with what I have for Fall '10 versus buying all new. That is a nice break on our economy hit pocketbooks.

Here are a couple other big picture trends I either saw or read about on the runway:

• Furs and shearing (I am still vowing to go faux)
• Booties with bling
• Ethnic patterns and inspiration
• Ruffles and draping
• Full skirts
• Thigh highs and tights
• Belted layers
• Historically inspired hats
• Luxe fabrics like velvet, sequins and shiny materials
• Pleated and tapered dress pants circa 1980s

Sources: The Cut and ShopBop

Print on Print

How do you know that you have made it to the beacon of fashion understanding? By capturing the elusive ability to mix prints. I have discovered that mixing prints is a finely tuned art that for me is only successful after lots of trial and error sessions in front of my bathroom mirror.

However, today, ShopBop provided me with some great thought starters to wet my mixing prints' appetite. Some key things I consistently notice from their examples is the mixing of a small print with a large print and making sure at least one print reads more neutral in color and tone. Also, the lines and proportions of the outfits tend to remain simple so to let the prints do all the talking.

For more hints and ideas on mixing prints check out ShopBop's full trend report. If you have a desire to mix prints, it is totally worth viewing.

Don't Be Played By Plato

I am always a sucker for a deal, so after I understood Plato's Closet's concept (buying and selling gently used brand name clothing), I had to check it out.

Noticing the inventory tends to skew more teen, I wasn't sure if a selling venture with my more sophisticated clothes would be successful. But I figured it was worth a try. I visited the Roger's location (there is one in Fayetteville too) with my laundry basket of neatly folded clothing branded BCBG, Max Rave, To The Max and H&M.

While waiting for the teen sales associate to judge if my fashion sense is Plato worthy, I perused the exisitng merchandise. From my bargain shopping expertise, Plato's is anything but a bargain with high prices and low quality. Used F21 and Old Navy shirts start at $10. Used designer jeans are priced at $55+ (HINT: Rock and Republic, Joes, etc. sell for $55 new at TJ Maxx). I even found the pair of F21 jeans that I bought new for $12.50 (everyday price) priced at $12 used. Don't think so.

A true bargain is the iconic Diane von Furstenberg printed wrap dress I discovered at Helping Hands thrift store for $18, which typically retails for close to $400.

I did sell $38.00 worth of clothes. So Plato's is a yes for selling and a no for buying. But I am not sure if my bargain shopping ethics can support them in the future.

The Ugg-ly Truth

As of late, I have been agonizing over a fashion situation. I know I am about six years late to the conversation, but I have finally come around to considering the purchase of Uggs. At first encounters, I found Uggs clumsy and anything but feminine. But as the temperature drops and my fashion motivation decreases, the thought of rolling out of bed and throwing on leggings, a cozy flannel shirt, and comfy Uggs is rather tempting.

Before I take the plunge of a $200+ investment (which is a lot for my thrifty self) I need to weigh all sides. For example, has the Ugg phenomenon run its course? And if so, what is their comfy replacement? That is why I am turning to my trusty readers. What do you think I should do? Uggs or no Uggs?!

Picture Source: Cupcakes and Cashmere

Guest Blogger: Fashionable Gifts for Men

I am often asked about men's fashion and then I have to kindly surrender that I know nothing about it. This is proven by all the clothes I buy my husband that are still sitting in his closet with the original tags. So to properly guide you women on men's fashion, I tapped into a man who seems to get it right. Jamie Cornett has a distinct sense of style that seamlessly blends an urban funk with a preppy polish, creating stylish ensembles that are never over the top or masculine compromising.

So here you go ... fashionable gift giving advice for the man in your life from a man who gets it:

Ok ladies, I feel like I need to start off with news you probably don’t want to hear…men don’t like getting clothes for Christmas. It’s not because we don’t trust you to find a pair of jeans or a polo shirt that would look good on us. It is because with each gift that is carefully wrapped and placed beneath the Christmas tree we immediately imagine ourselves rocking out with that new MP3 player, catching YouTube worthy video on our Flip Ultra HD camcorder, or staying cool with Dyson’s new Air Multiplier that we are convinced is inside those boxes. We want the latest gadget for Christmas. When we open that first package only to find another sweater vest we will of course be grateful…on the outside. Inside, however, we are already looking forward to that next box and hoping that whatever is inside either requires batteries or plugs in. I’m going to let you take a peek at my Christmas wish list and hopefully allow you to not only avoid this scenario completely but help you find some clothes that make your guy look great.

Jeans
Everyone knows that jeans are a staple in every guy’s wardrobe. When jeans become a gift they need to have a little more style than the 10 pairs of Levi’s that are already hanging up in the closet. Go for a darker wash and stick to either a straight leg or slim cut. This ensures that they are not overly casual and are perfectly acceptable for jean’s day at work.

Source: Gap

Cardigans
I had trouble with this one at first but you have to believe me. Take note the next time you are watching a primetime sit-com that includes young, professional men in the cast. One of them will be wearing a cardigan. Think Mr. Rogers Neighborhood! You can choose from standard colors like gray and black or if your guy is a little more courageous go out on a limb with purple or blue…and don’t forget about argyle and cable-knit styles. You might initially get a funny look once he realizes he’s holding a cardigan but insist he try it on with a dress shirt underneath and he will realize that it looks great.

Source: Banana Republic

Sneakers
While guys don’t have the obsession with shoes that plagues most females we undoubtedly feel a little better about ourselves when we’re wearing a nice new
pair of sneakers. And they go with everything! You can go super casual with jeans and a t-shirt or high-style when paired with a suit. Here the important thing is that they have something a little different about them. Maybe they are made of patent leather or have an odd mix of color (orange and turquoise perhaps). Some brands to look for are Nike, Diesel, Converse, and Puma.

Source: Puma

Half-zip Sweaters
Go to any office where the dress code is business casual and without question the majority of the guys there will be wearing long sleeve button down dress shirts. These are easy for us to buy on our own. They are either solid or striped and for the most part all look fairly similar. A great way to update this look is to add a half-zip sweater as a top layer. The color or print from the shirt is still visible and you get the added bonus of looking like you put some thought into your appearance. The good thing is that you can buy one or two half-zips and wear them over several of the dress shirts that are already in your closet. Don’t be afraid to branch out color-wise. Shades of blue, green, and purple are good choices. Also make sure the material is thin enough so that over-heating isn’t an issue.

Source: Banana Republic

Ok, there it is…my no-technology-allowed Christmas wish list. One more thing, don’t forget that there is plenty of room in your guy’s stocking to include some guy friendly fashion accessories. A pair of argyle or striped socks, a new brown or black belt, or even a black skinny tie (seriously, I still love the skinny tie) would be a great addition to the chocolate santa, chapstick, and Nerd rope that I usually find in mine.

Fashionable Fotos

It is that time where everybody is getting camera ready for their infamous Christmas card pictures. If you are like me, you are left staring at your closet wondering what to wear and likely agonizing over how to guide your significant others, little ones, and maybe even furry ones on how to coordinate (or heaven forbid, match) your outfits.

I reached out to a photographer friend, Kim Lowery, for a little guidance and here is what she said:

Old school answer: Stay away from patterns or stripes. Keep it simple, and try to match or at least coordinate. Avoid whites and other light colors as they compete with light skin tones. Avoid showing very much skin as it can compete with your face which should be the focus of the portrait.

I'll admit, I have given some of that advice in the past, but times have changed. THANK GOD!

Have fun! It's important that your photos reflect you or your family. Don't be afraid to throw on your holiday dress and heels or your tie and blazer. If your session is on a cold day (or even if it's not) wear your winter scarf and gloves. Bring your favorite accessories. Ask your photographer if you have time for one outfit change or at least an accessory change. Try something casual and something formal.

The most important advice I give my clients about their clothing choice is that they need to feel good in what they are wearing. I want them to feel that they look their best and to be comfortable with what they have on.

Take notice of magazines and blogs to find pictures of families or couples who are wearing something you like.

And on one last note, I think it's important for all of us to have classic and timeless pictures of ourselves or our families, but these pictures also represent who you are today or this year. Your pictures will reflect your style during this time of your life, and that is just as important.

I love Kim's last piece of advice. It gives me permission to rock an outfit that best captures my personal style at this very moment. So who cares if my strong-shouldered, sequin jacket paired with thigh-high boots makes me wonder what the heck was I thinking in 10 years, I will at least know I was having fun and embracing the moment. To me that is way more interesting than a classical portrait.

Your Fall/Winter 2009 Wardrobe Checklist from Budget Babe

I just read a great, all-inclusive must have checklist from Budget Babe that covers off on everything from layering tees to jeggings to nail polish color.

You should definitely hop on over and check it out ... especially if you are scratching your head on the heck are jeggings (FYI, they sell them at Walmart).

Click here for the full checklist.

Your UItimate Fall Closet

If I had all the money in the world, I would do 90% of my clothing and accessory shopping on Shopbop.com. With a highly developed fashion vision, Shopbop has an excellent mix of foundational designers and new, up-and-comers and carefully selects avant-garde pieces and amazing basics. Unfortunately this type of fashion sophistication comes at a price, which is one I can't afford. I often drool over their email blasts that utilize one-of-a-kind pieces to create one-of-a-kind ensembles that feel I have little ability to apply to my less than designer wardrobe. However, their latest email blast details out 14 pieces that every girl should have for the ultimate fall 2009 closet, providing a mirage of on-trend looks. While I doubt I will ever spend $200 on a plaid shirt, I can definitely look for these key pieces at the stores I can afford.


So what are the 14 things?

• Leather jacket
• Pocket tee
• Scarf
• Flat booties
• Slouchy skinny jeans
• Tote purse
• Jersey dress
• Chambray button-down
• Platform booties
• Flannel shirt
• Stripped tank
• Boyfriend jacket
• Harem pants
• Cashmere v-neck

A couple things I would add if I was a Shopbop stylist: faux fur vest, a leather, motorcycle vest, jeweled flats, and colored tights.

Visit Shopbop to see all the combinations you can create with a couple updates to your closet.

Scarving

For the past couple of seasons, scarves have been a must inclusion for any wardrobe no matter a person's fashion passion. Scarves have such a style altering power that take a plain look to Bohemian funky or effortless sophistication with a single wrap around the neck. Now that the weather is crisp and cooler, I could wear a scarf almost everyday purely for functional warmth. To ensure my repeat wearings don't make my style predictable, I experiment with how I utilize the scarf. Just in case you didn't know scarves could be so completely versatile, I offer you six ways to wear them (keeping you warm and chic).

Let it hang.

This works with a long rectangular scarf or a more substantial pashmina. The hang gives a sense of effortless sophistication.

Wrap, wrap and fluff, fluff.

This works the best with a rectangular scarf that is either very cozy or has a pattern. This look has the power to give any outfit some attitude.

Single, simple wrap for a cool polish.

Single, simple wrap with a tie in the front.

I think this works best with a patterned scarf because this technique makes the scarf a focal point.

Loop-de-loop.

I routinely get asked how I do this. Fold your scarf in half and thread the scarf's ends through the middle of the fold. I like to do this with a contrasting colored pashima to my blouse. What's great about this look is it easily transitions from a coat to no coat and still adds such a nice touch.

Handkerchief Style.

This is my current fave. Fold a square scarf in half diagnolly. Let the big point of the triangle hang from your neck as you criss cross the other corners behind you, bringing them back to the front to hang. This look has a very Indie essence to it.

Closet Intervention - Part 2

So now that you have purged and organized your closet (or at least thought about it), let's talk how to ideate fantastic outfits. Doing the prep work of creating 10 to 15 well thought out looks removes the stress of getting ready in the morning. Trust me ... this helps set a much better tone for the entire day.

3) Ideating

To get started choose 10 to 15 key pieces that you love or would love to create a look around. The pieces can be anything: pants, skirts, dresses, accessories, etc. Next, seek inspiration! Prior to an ensemble-building session, I get my fashion juices flowing by browsing through my favorite blogs, websites, and of course my trusty Lucky magazine. Don't take the inspiration too literally. Don't look for looks you can completely replicate because you likely won't find any. Instead, look for shapes, colors, and general concepts you can copy.

Once you are good and inspired, take one piece and begin to ideate and create. Think outside the box. Choose things to try that you never would. I made Katie try on three or four things before we found one outfit.

Here are the things I think about when I create outfits: Layer! I love vests, cardigans, and jackets. Layers make an outfit look more purposeful and put together. Use belts! Belts can transform an outfit's shape by taking a frumpy shirt and turning it into a sexy, hourglass look. Go for contrasting colors! I love two bright, off-setting colors that add a punch of intrigue. Seek balance! If you go flowy and voluminous on top, look for slim, streamlined pieces on the bottom (or vice versa). Finally, don't forget to accessorize! Choose layered necklaces or scarves to complete your look.

Once you are satisfied, be sure and take a picture. I use my cell phone, so I can easily browse through my options while standing in my closet.

Now to reveal some of Katie's new looks from her Closet Intervention ...

Closet Intervention - Part 1

Every season I prep for the weather change by purging, organizing, and ideating outfits from my closet. Since fall is teasing us, I thought I could challenge you to conduct a Closet Intervention. I recently helped my friend Katie with her closet and have some tips:

1. Purge!

Create three piles -- 1) Donate, 2) Throw away, and 3) Mend. Become your own worst fashion enemy. I was ruthless with Katie. If it had a hole, was pilly, or she hadn't worn it in a year, I forced her to put it in a pile. Often people hypothesize that I have a huge closet of racks and stacks of clothes. Quite the contrary. It is easier to see unique combinations when you have less to pilfer through.

I know as women we can become emotionally and irrationally attached to things, including clothes. Taking this into consideration, I allowed Katie to keep five "emotional pieces" ... but that was it. What is the point of cluttering up a closet with clothes you don't wear just because it was the shirt you had on when you got your first kiss?

As you are going through all your clothes, make note of what you have and what you need. I had Katie create a wish list of wardrobe must-haves (Katie needed jackets/blazers, a tailored vest, and a good pencil skirt). This will help focus your fall shopping.

2. Organize!

To help see all the wonderful wardrobe options at your fingertips, you need to organize your closet. How you do that is up to you. I prefer to do it by sleeve length and Katie preferred to do it by color.

After organizing, comes the fun part ... But you will have to stay tuned for the next post. I will give you tips on how to create a whole arsenal of outfits and show you some of the outfits Katie now has to pick from.