Stylish Person of the Week: Julie

My choice for stylish person of the week is Julie, owner of Find Me boutique in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Julie is wearing jeans by Christopher Blue, a top by XCVI, a belt by Linea Pelle, all from her shop. Her bronze ballet flats she picked up in Spain. If you want Julie's exact outfit, she can help you. Contact her store at 440-247-3131.

Her's an outfit I re-created below: The ruched top for $64.00 from Zappos is by XCVI (FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS!) As is the belt by Diesel. The ballet flats are $12.99 from Payless. Take your favorite jeans, roll them up 2x and you're all set! Thanks Julie for your casually chic inspiration!

Oops, I almost forgot (how could I?)-HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Go eats bucket loads of candy-but before you do, tell me something scary-like a movie or character that gives you the creepy crawlies.

Halloween Inspiration From the Runway

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Not sure yet what to dress as? Well, let's take some ideas and inspiration from the runway! All pictures courtesy of style.com.

Perhaps a skeleton, like models from the Christian Lacroix or Alexander McQueen shows, below?























Or maybe a British Royal Guardsman or a 20's inspired flapper from John Galliano?

Or perhaps, a tiger or a big ol' bunny, like the ever entertaining Alexander McQueen himself?

A Great Sentiment:Get your Roses "Reborn"

There is small business owner I came across with a unique idea that I loved! Her name is Christa and her business is called Roses Reborn. The concept is, if you have a bouquet of roses from any occasion, be it a wedding, funeral, graduation, or in my case the birth of my child, you can get it transformed into a bracelet, rosary, etc. The roses can be fresh or dried, and they go through a special hand-rolling process to turn them into durable beads to be used in jewelry.

So, for example, I got a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses from my husband after my son was born. I wanted to save them so, I turned them upside down and dried them. But now, four years later, they're not looking too good. So I thought, wouldnt it be great to take a few of them and have them turned into something I will treaure for many years, like a bracelet? Oh and by the way, the color of the beads will be the color of your flowers(or as close as possible).

Here are some ideas off of Christa's website. The rose bracelet below is $40. The earrings, sun catcher, and car cross are all $20. Can you beat those prices for something hand-made? Please visit Christa when you get a chance. Oh, and she is giving my readers a special offer. For every item purchased the second item will be 25% off!

Fall/Winter 08/09: Motorcycle Jackets

Moto jackets were a presence on the runway (photo from the Phillip Lim Fall 2008 runway show courtesy of style.com) and worn very chicly by celebrities (picture of Rihanna courtesy of instyle.com). But how do you pull it off without looking like you want to join the Hell's Angels motorcyclists (but if that's the look you're going for, no offense)? Just like other menswear inspired looks, balance it with something feminine. Rihanna wore a full skirt with hers, but it could be something as simple as a pair of pretty ballet flats. As a side note, my husband still has his jacket from the 90's and is very proud of himself right now for holding out, when I offered to donate it many times.

In my part of the country,where winters are very cold and snowy, moto jackets would only work for fall and spring weather, unless you are going to suffer for the sake of fashion. Here are some budget friendly choices below: The metallic moto jacket, shown below in gold for $29.80, and Veena faux leather jacket, shown below in black for $39.80, are both from Forever 21.

Ask Christina: What are key fall/winter styles in hurting economy?

Dear Christina,
Given the state of our economy, I will not be doing alot of buying for the fall. I'd like to recycle what I have and make it look fresher. But I am still interested in what's trendy and in style. So my question is, can you tell me what key things I can buy on a budget, that would help me look stylish and current?
Jordan

Answer: I think we can all relate to your question right about now. What you can do that is the bare minimum, is stick to key accessories. I think the number one accessory you can buy this fall/winter to keep you stylish, is a scarf. A scarf instantly looks stylish with anything you choose to wear, jeans or otherwise. The second thing I would suggest, is to buy or update your belts. If you don't have one yet, opt for a skinny belt. Next, I would suggest some layered bracelets or necklaces, or chunky pieces of jewelry. Also, if you haven't done so yet (I know there are hold-outs out there), get some black leggings, and wear them with long sweaters and dresses etc.


But if you are able to afford a key wardrobe piece, I would go for a boyfriend sweater, a new blazer(fitted or boyfriend style) , a large bag, or booties (or shooties or whatever the stores are calling them). Buy any of these items mentioned in the hot color of the season, purple and you're doing double duty. Also if you have been holding out on skinny jeans (there's alot of you out there) give them a try, with knee length boots and longer tops! Hope that helps!

The cashmere scarf for 29.99 and the print chiffon scarf on sale for $5.99 are both from Old Navy. As is the belt for $7.99 and the chunky bracelet for $6.99.
































The boyfriend sweater for $19.99, the Merona swing jacket for $29.99 ,and the Xhiliration boyfriend jacket for $22.99, are all from Target. As is the Mossimo bag for $22.49, and the Merona bootie for $26.99.

Celebrity Chic but Cheap: Jessica Simpson

Jessica looks smashing in her red wrap dress (picture courtesy of instyle.com). She wears a classic shape and then knows how to accessorize it, to make it a stand-out outfit.

Here is my re-creation below: The red wrap dress, by Design History, also available in long sleeve, is $60 from Bluefly. The double hoop earrings by Argento Vivo, for $76.99 and the set of five bracelets by A.V. Max for $51 are also from Bluefly. The sunglasses and the vintage key necklace both for $5.80, are from Forever 21. Add long golden locks of hair and you've got it made in the shade!

Stylish Person of the Week: Kirsten

When I visited one of my favorite sites, Barking Dog Shoes and saw it's owner and editor, Kirsten, modeling a pair of boots, in the cutest dang outfit, I knew I had to ask her to be my Stylish Person of the Week! Kirsten has a great site where she showcases shoes that are stylish, comfortable and helpful for foot or chronic pain problems, because she suffers herself. If you have time, visit her site for great comfy shoe ideas!

Kirsten is wearing a cadigan by George from Walmart, a tank by Ann Taylor Loft, a denim skirt by Gap, and boots by Sofft. Unfotunately, the swing cardigan and tank are not available (at least not on-line), but I did my best to re-create her look below!

The Sofft Mela boots are $151.95 at onlineshoes.com. The denim pencil skirt is $49.50 from the Gap. The printed squareneck top for $29.50 and the empire waist cardigan for $59 are both from Ann Taylor Loft. Add your own tights, belt and necklace and you have the look!

Fall/Winter08/09: High-Waist Pants

Whatever you think of high-waist pants, they're here to stay, at least through spring 2009 (picture of Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2009 runway show curtesy of style.com). And from all of the styles I have been seeing on celebrities (pictures below courtesy of instyle.com), they really have grown on me, as much of fashion does, when you are inundated with it.

The key to the look it to stay more structured and stream-lined on top to show off the waist area. But, you can always hide the waist with an untucked or billowy top, if you grow tired of the look. If you are short-waisted to begin with, I'd probably stay away from this look. But if you are curvy, this look can be flattering on you. And hey, no chance seeing someone's thong hanging out here!


So if you are considering adding to your basic pants wardrobe, I did some shopping for you below: The high rise trouser jeans on sale for $49.99, are from Gap. The high waist trousers for $32.99 are from Charlotte Russe. I love these!

Fall/Winter08/09: A Full Skirt

Full skirts were seen on the Fall 2008 runways shows (picture of the Christian LaCroix show, courtesy of style.com) and they were beautifully worn by stars (pictures below courtesy of instyle.com). I especially like the ones with pockets.

But how do we translate them for fall? Will they go with our tights and boots or heels? I say YES! Then when spring comes around again, bring out your strappy heels or thongs, and keep wearing them!

Here are some skirt styles I spied at more budget-friendly prices:The Michael Kors print skirt below is $109.50 from Nordstrom. The Merona full skirt in heather grey for $19.99, is from Target.

Ask Christina: How to get a proper fit in pants

Alternative title: Not Enough Junk in the Trunk

Hi Christina,
I thought that I would ask you a question since your advice has been great for others. Could you address "fit", as in pants. I have a problem with the seat, as in I do not have one. It is difficult for me to find anything that truly fits! Maybe I am in the minority but, it seems that all of my pants fit so poorly. HELP!!!! Keep up the great info!!
Thanks, Katy

Answer: Well Katy, I don't think you are in the minority. We women fall on both sides-too much of a bum or not enough of one. The problem I have is a bigger butt, so once I find something that fits nicely, the waist end up being huge. So I have learned to "kiss alot of frogs" and try on all different kinds of rises to see what works for me, and then when I finally find "my prince", I try to buy two of them in different rinses. I have learned that a lower rise works for my problem, because the pants sit on the top of my hips rather than my waist. And you know the grass is always greener, because some days I wish I had your problem, and I'm sure vice versa.

Outside of telling you to gain weight in your butt or to buy some padded panties, like the Booty Pop Panties Kelly Ripa admitted to wearing (picture below from the kitson.com site), the options are more limited.

I say the only solutions, other than trying on different rises and brands to see what fits, is first, to look to a tailor. I know that Banana Republic and J. Crew offer basic tailoring. They also say that if they can't tailor your problem, they will recommend someone in your area. Katy, your problem may be that if you go smaller in size to fit your bum, the waist may be too tight. So that is where a tailor may come in handy.

My second idea is to buy pants that are custom made, like from Land's End or QVC. They ask you your specific measurements and then custom make a pair for you, for a reasonable price.

But if you just want to know how to make your back end look fuller, then go for a pocket design or some flap pockets that are wider apart on the butt. That is always a good illusion (jeans below from the Gap). Hope I helped!

Readers, if you have Katy's problem, what brands or ideas work for you?

Fall/Winter08/09: Art Prints

Art prints were seen on the runway for Fall 2008 collections, (picture, right, Christian Lacroix show, from style.com) and stars boldly began wearing them soon after (pictures from instyle.com). We have seen the translation in the stores, but do we like them, readers?

I personally like this look. It's like going to a museum and enjoying abstract art. It can be bold and very pleasing to the eye, like Lucy Lui's dress below-gorgeous. But wear it in moderation. I say pick one piece and then go low key with everything else.

Here's some intepretations below, for the budget-conscious. AB Studios banded bottom top,on sale for $16, and feather mock layer sweater, on sale for $26.99, both from Kohls.

The Edyln Dolman top for $22.80 is from Forever 21. As is the scarf.