Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Boss Lady: Career Solutions For Presidental Style

Dressing for work can be so boring. Why not not take a cue from our newest fashion icon, Michelle Obama, and work it for the office. Here's a couple of quick tips inspired by Mrs. O to help you be a boss (or at least look like one) and stand out in the corporate crowd.
  1. Buy the not so corporate suit

  2. Add a pop of color

























above photos: Getty Images











Linen Blend Short Jacket $58 & Slim Pant $58, Victoria's Secret. Replace the button down with a black tank, add a belt and you have instant corporate cool.






















Oval Buckle Belt $49, Banana Republic. Rev up dull neutrals by wrapping up with a colorful belt.




Click here for more tips on First Lady Michelle Obama's classic style.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Coin Collection

It's Monday and I can use a pick me up. I'd love to skip the morning caffeine and perk up to these beautiful Fendi sandals. I tried these on a couple of weeks ago at a local boutique and just can't get them off my mind (they look 25 times hotter in the cobalt blue). I'm really thinking about breaking open my piggy bank (not only did they make my legs look fabulous, they were sky high and comfortable too). I can probably use some of the change laying around the house and treat myself (who knows there might be 3,320 quarters laying around). Something tells me I'm not going to find these on sale at Marshalls.













Friday, April 24, 2009

Are These People Serious? Buy Your Dad's Old Plaid Shirt for $300

I'm a fan of the borrowed from the boys (aka boyfriend) trend. Just as long as there's something added to make me feel as if I'm not actually a boy (i.e. jewelry, red lips, sky high heels). The other day I was in Confederacy, a very cutting edge designer boutique, and eyed this shirt (photo right: Rag & Bone Boyfriend Shirt $290). I love my designer fashion, but we have to use a little imagination. Are they really charging almost $300 for a oversized plaid shirt? The next day I went straight to TJ Maxx and found this very similar plaid shirt (see below) in the men's section for $20. If you want to shell out the big bucks for this trend be my guest, but all these looks can be found:
  1. In the men's section (for any striped or plaid oversized anything).
  2. The boys section (for shrunken polos and blazers).

And with that said, have a happy Friday and a great weekend!

Close enough if not better. This shirt even has the button and tab to hold the shirt's cuff just like the Rag and Bone version.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The Secret's Out

I'm usually great at keeping secrets but we're talking 30-80% off designer clothing here. The very high class (and high priced) straight off the runway website, net-a-porter.com, has spun off an outlet site, theoutnet.com. Expect to find a variety of hip designers from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Roberto Cavalli. What's unexpected is limited time pop up sales and going going gone sales where you pick the sales price you want to pay before it's sold out (sort of like Priceline.com meets Las Vegas for fashion). Can't say I never tell you anything.

photo top right: Els Sultan on Flickr


Monday, April 20, 2009

Sneak Attack

With the exception of the gym, running, cleaning out my garage, or playing basketball (okay I don't really play basketball) I'm not really a sneaker girl. True, there are some really cute options out there but I must admit I've haven't mastered the art of the sneaker (and yes it's a serious deal, sort of like being a hard core Star Wars fan). I'm sure I'm not alone. I certainly don't mind the laid back, cool comfort of a sneaker but I always rely on the help of a couple old friends.









Converse All Star Low Top in Black $45 (top), Converse All Star High Top in Ivory $45. I love my Chucks. They're always comfortable, versatile and classic. If you're wild and crazy they come in every color or pattern imaginable.









Adidas Superstar 2 $70. Both me and RUN DMC can't be wrong. I will always own a clean, white pair of classic shell toe adidas.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Your Boat or Mine?

Alright, you got me. I don't have a yacht (or a sail boat or even a small, single-motored fishing boat) but, I wouldn't mind lounging around on someone's yacht this weekend. I'm still in need of a little vacay (and yes it looks like somebody wishes they still had a Spring Break). When all else fails I can just pretend I'm going on a fabulous yacht excursion. It's so easy to create nautical style:
  1. A striped top
  2. A solid colored bottom (preferably in White or Navy)


...and throw in something with rope detail for good measure.

Yacht trip or not, this look is a perfectly pulled together style for Spring.

above photo: by Sunset 92 on Flickr


Sexiest Polo $19 (Victoria's Secret), Slub Shadow Stripe T $61 (Splendid), Tie Front Tube Bra Top $15 (Victoria's Secret).

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Around The World In A Day

Are you ready? Okay, how about tomorrow? Don't worry about your vacation schedule and the travel arrangements, just look the part. You don't have to spend a month in Morocco to achieve the look of International Chic. All you need are a couple of globally inspired pieces (a dress here, a tunic or skirt there) and maybe a little more jewelry. Are we there yet?







photo right: Henna Fade Scarf $125, L.A.M.B. Hopefully you'll look a little happier than she does wearing it (she may be in need of a vacation).





























Dante Fringe Thong $92, DV by Dolce Vita. Part global goddess, part fashionable hippie.












Don't forget to pile on the global inspired accessories like this wooden necklace and bangle!















































Ecote Shibori Top $29.99, Urban Outfitters. Bring sexy back with this cute V-neck tunic that's sure to make a dramatic exit.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Cute "T"s

I love the comfort of jeans and T-shirt? But, how about a t-shirt with built in jewelry (these have a sexy fit with cotton and spandex)? No need to search for accessories, just pull on jeans and throw on these cute t-shirts and instantly you have style. These shirts come from the famed Metropolitan Museum of Art that also carries very unique jewelry as well (so you can look cute and talk about how smart you are and how you love art and museums and stuff like that).

Friday, April 10, 2009

Weekend Rev-up

We've finally reached the weekend and it's time to have some fun! Some of you may get a kick out of this one. Even if you don't remember this song, you have to remember this fashion. I wouldn't advise following any of the fashion leads put forth in this video. But, by all means feel free to perform the dance routine. Am I the only one who remembers this one? Enjoy your Easter weekend.


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

I Gotta Get Away

above photo: Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resorts



Girl's pack your bags and grab at least 4 of your girlfriends. It's time for a road trip (or plane trip)! Or at least start planning. Budget Travel.com has just listed it's top eight destinations for Girlfriend Getaways and I must say a couple of trips have really caught my eye (my passport's all dusted off and ready to go).
  1. Santorini, Greece (I just need 4 girlfriends to agree to this one)



  2. Niagara Falls



  3. Paia, Maui



  4. Tulum, Mexico



  5. Sausalito, CA



  6. Savannah, GA



  7. Montego Bay, Jamaica



  8. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia (This is one of my dream destinations)

Monday, April 6, 2009

Create Drama With No Sweat

How do you pull off being comfortable, fashionable, and dramatic and do it with ease? That's easy, you throw on a maxi dress (yes, the opposite of mini). I love dresses (one piece of clothing and you're completely dressed-so easy); make it long (dramatic), in a movable fabric like jersey or polyester (comfortable), and wear it in a great color or print (fashionable) and you have one of my all time favorite looks. Mrs. Roper from Three's Company wore them with such ease. Okay maybe Mrs. Roper wouldn't be your idea of a fashion icon but you have to admit some of her maxi dresses were absolutely fabulous.






American Retro Caftan, $587. Mrs. Roper never looked this sexy. This type of maxi dress (or any maxi dress style for that matter) would be easy to find in a vintage store for under $50.








































Friday, April 3, 2009

Ancient Roman Secret

Looks like Russell Crowe and the other Gladiators were on the something. Gladiator sandals are all the rage for Spring. Are you up for the challenge?













LAMB 'Fatin' Gladiator Sandal, $295. Ms. Stefani never ceases to amaze me. These are a great interpretation of this season's trend. Perfect for showcasing your legs in a pair of shorts or kicking back in a long or short sundress (fab).




Sam Edelman 'Greco' Sandal, $89.95. Cute and carefree in metallic gold. Treat metallic like neutral colors (in place of black, brown)and they'll go with almost anything.















DV by Dolce Vita 'Marcel' Sandal, $129.95. Pure drama. Pull out that mini or your thigh skimming shorts and sizzle.











BCBG Girls 'Lexus' Sandal, $97.95. The Gladiator goes sexy in a fun color that pops. These look mighty similar to the $795 pair from Jimmy Choo.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Real Women Have Guts, Glam, and Grace

Hey ladies, I'm always looking for a good source of information and good old fashioned entertainment and when I find it, you know I have to share. Check out new online magazine Guts, Glam, Grace for the latest in lifestyle, entertainment, career and of course fashion (there's much, much more but you'll have to go on the site to see-no peeking here). I have to admit I am little biased to the fashion section (I happen to be one of the contributing writers). Yet another tool to make yourself look busy at the office (you can thank me later).