Real or Deal: Valentino vs. Boden

I have admired (ok, drooled over) this Valentino bag from the spring collection at Nordstrom. It's feminine and brings out the girly girl in me.

But at $1750.00 a pop, I would do just as well (and have more cash to burn)with this lovely Boden purse, that comes in four different colors for $128.

Don't 'cha think?

The Nose Knows: What frangrances do you like?

My fragrance preferences always change with time. There was a time I wore Beautiful by Estee Lauder, Happy by Clinique, and one named Tresor.
I also have a very sensitive nose, so some smells give me headaches and turn me off right away.

For the last year or so I've been stuck on Sarah Jessica Parker's Lovely. I love it and always get compliments when I wear it.

So because I love that one, I've been dying to smell her newer frangrance, Covet, but have yet to get myself to a perfume counter to try it. Anyone out there who loves SJP's Lovely, also like her Covet perfume? Is it worth it to give it a try?

So it got me thinking about what other great fragrances I am missing out on. Readers, what do you wear that you LOVE?

As far as men's fragrances go, neither my hubby nor I are in love with any colognes out there. Some make me sneeze, or are too strong, or just plain nasty.

I just bought the new GQ magazine with (sigh) Rob Pattinson on the cover (Um, have you seen the gorgeously photographed pics of him?-I may have to do a post on just that-in fact if he had a frangrance out, I'd buy it! Oh the epiphany I just had-the scent could be called "The Cullens-BITE, or BITTEN"-ok who do I call? I would like a nice cut of the profits for my idea :) Who am I kidding?-there is probably already one in the works.)

Anyway, I digress....... In GQ, I came across The One ad for Dolce & Gabbana and it stopped me short. Number one, I thought, WOW, hubba hubba, Matthew McConaughey, you sure clean up nice! And two, I wonder if it smells good.

And this one with Tom Brady makes me re-think my pre-conceived notions about Stetson!

As I began searching around for new frangrances on the www, I came across some older ads.

Remember this one from 1990 with Cindy Crawford for Halston?

And how about this absolutely lovely and classic one with Audrey Hepburn for Givenchy?

So c'mon readers- let's hear it! Tell me your favorite ladies and men's fragrances!

(photo credit: The Insider, The Daily Spritz)

Four Word Weekend: Justin Timberlake

I dig your style!

(comment in four words only, please)

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Katie Holmes

Kate, I continue to love your style! I adore your knit boyfriend blazer/sweat-er and your scarf (which is from H&M, and not available on-line, so I did my best to find one similar)! Uber cool and chic!

Here is my re-creation below!

*** click on the image to see any items or stores in detail***

Celebrity Chic but Cheap:Katie - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Spring 2009:Stripes

Stripes were definitely seen on the Spring 2009 runways! (Michael Kors Spring 2009 photo coutesy of style.com)

Wide, skinny, horizontal, vertical, I LOVE them all! But I probably don't wear them as much as I'd like to. Depending on the color and placement of the stripes they can tend to look nautical. And there is still the same adage that horizonal stripes may make you look wider.

But lots of designers have become wiser and more creative, placing stripes at angles or in areas that give you the illusion of a having an hourglass shape or a slimming effect (for example, making the stripes increasing thinner as they go down the front of your sweater).

Here are some spring stripes from Delia's and JC Penney(which has the new Charlotte Ronson designer line). ** click on the image below to see the items or stores in detail**

Spring 2009: Stripes - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Real Style Real Person: Nora

Nora is the owner of Savvy Apparel and Salon(http://www.savvyapparelandsalon.com/). She is wearing a ruffled black blouse from Kohls, Joe's Jeans(from her shop) and Steve Madden black wedges (very cool shoes!).

Can I just tell you how much her outfit reminded me of this one of Salma Hayek (minus the hat and sunglasses)? You go girl!


Here's my re-creation below from Nordstrom, Bluefly, Fossil and Kohl's:
*** click on image to see stores and items in detail***


Real Style Real Person: Nora - by real style real people on Polyvore.com


Couldn't find her cool shoes though- bummer!!!

Ask Christina: Affordable and Realistic Style for Moms

Dear Christina:
I recently decided to stay home with my kids - sometimes I miss dressing up and taking fashion risks. I was wondering what suggestions you have for us that love fashion but are at home. It is unrealistic to wear heels on the playground and comfort is important when you are bending down and moving at top speed chasing a 2 year old. I am looking for budget friendly fashionable ideas - what "outfits" can you suggest for playdates/parks/or a night out with the hubby. Also, what tees are long and flattering?

Answer:
Rachel, I totally get where you are coming from, because I work out of my home most of the time. I do my freelance writing, for the newspaper, and for this blog, and my jewlery business is also run out of my home. Unless I am going to a work-related meeting, or to meet with a client, my other time spent outside of my home during the week, is with my son after school, running errands, or other kid friendly activities. The weekends are reserved for family time, hopefully some date nights with my husband or lunch and dinners with friends.

So, comfort is key for me too. I also know that it does something for my inside to feel and look good on the outside. If I have a day where I am in sweats I begin feeling pretty lame. It actually helps me be more productive to dress and primp to some degree, for my day.

For everyday casual wear, the key would be to have good pairs of jeans and cotton twill pants (or bermudas, shorts, capris, crops or a casual skirt in the summer),that you rotate and wear with durable tees or camis, layered under a pretty top, sweater,cardigan,or blazer. On days I plan to just wear a plain tee, I usually spice it up with a layering or statement necklace, or a great scarf, bag or shoes that are colorful or add interest.

I definitely always layer. I get my long tanks or camis from Old Navy, Gap or Target, and durable longer tees mostly from Ann Taylor Loft. But I bet my readers have other suggestions. I tend to always look for tees that have stretch in them because they hold up better. I get varying necklines but most of them are round neck (also called ballet neck) because I think that silhouette looks good with everything, as oppose to v or crew necks (but that's just me). I mostly wear comfy ballet flats or cute/feminine sneakers to get me through the day (in the summer, thongs/sandals and in the winter, flat boots). I save my heels and feminine skirts/dresses for work meetings or going out with friends or hubby.

Here are my ideas for you, Rachel, all from TARGET!!!!! And remember, these are only ideas. It all depends on your own taste and body type. But, this season look for bright bold colors, stripes and polka dots,metallics, lots of beige, ruffles and florals, measwear influences (vests, boyfriend sweaters, blazers, and jeans) and (ugh) 80's influences, as well as full and pencil skirts, and dresses of all lengths.

#1 Begin with your essentials/basics in various neutral colors. Consider denim, black, grey, beige, browns, and olives to be neutrals (even Clinton and Stacey said so) :

#2 Then add sweaters, blazers, cardigans (short sleeve ones are good for spring and summer) and feminine tops to layer on top of your basics. These would be based on your preferences and what you feel flatters your body type!

Layer over your basics - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

#3 Buy some fun, colorful or patterned accessories to wear when you want to add extra interest, like fun shoes, scarfs, necklaces, belts or bags.


Add colorful accessories to your basics - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

#4 Choose feminine and flirty skirts, dresses and shoes for work or nights out (again based on what you love).


From day to night - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

#5 Put an outfit together!


Put an outfit together - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

put an outfit together II - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Rachel I hope that helps! If you want to go in depth about your own body shape and what flatters you best, Imogen at Inside Out Style does it well! So does Angie at You Look Fab.

Fresh Spring Ideas for Your Esssential Trousers

We all have them, either for work or for events. Some call them work pants or dress pants, or dress uniform. I have a couple of pair that I have relied on year after year, because they are classic and fit me well.
But sometimes, I just need a fresh new way to look at my trousers, especially with the possibilities of a new season upon me. How about you?
The turtlenecks, heavy knits,tall boots and long sweater coats can soon be put away. Oh, the thrill of it!

Here's a couple of ideas and twists to mix up your basic trousers, all from Old Navy and The Gap!

***to see items and stores in detail, click on the images below****
How about a spring/summer top worn under a cardigan with your converse kicks; or a printed tee with a denim jacket and ballet flats?


A twist on trousers - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Or, how about some colorful spring sandals or a printed scarf or blouse?

A twist on trousers II - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Four Word Weekend: WELCOME Spring Hues

FASHION

COLORS

IN

NATURE

(PHOTO CREDIT: MOOSEYSCOUNTRYGARDEN.COM, DALLASNEWS.COM, STEEPGARDENFARM.COM, CLEARWATEROUTFITTERS.COM, ALLPOSTERS.COM)

COMMENT IN FOUR WORDS ONLY, PLEASE :)

Celebrity Chic But Cheap:Rachel Bilson

Oh Rachel, I heart what you are wearing. I LOVE everything about this outfit! And I am going to copy it ASAP!

It has so many elements: Feminine, with a menswear influence, chic and classy. It's trendy and classic at the same time!








Here's my re-creation below from Forever 21 and Zappos!
***to see stores and items in-depth click on the image below***

Celebrity Chic but Cheap: Rachel Bilson - by real style real people on Polyvore.com
(photot credit: instyle.com)

Alexander McQueen for Target

When I lived and worked in NYC as a stylist, I interned for a time in the New York Times Style Department. My greatest memory of this time was of "the closet"- the place that held all of the samples from designers or lines that were used for stories or shoots. I will never ever throw out a pink Fendi wallet that I got to keep, even if I never use it.

This is when I first saw Alexander McQueen's line, and I was smitten. Mainly because it was colorful and crazy! I thought it made for cool art! In the industry he continues to be known as ballsy and over the top. Just check out his Spring and Fall 2009 lines on http://www.style.com/. Need I say more? Just hearing his name brings a smile to my lips.

(photo credit from McQueen Spring 2009, style.com)

When I heard he was collaborating with Target, I had two thoughts. The first was, Why? and the second was, how will he pull that off? Don't get me wrong, I get excited about anything at Target, and I definitely was excited to see his line!!!

Some of his line at Target, called McQ, has been gobbled up by fans and celebrities alike. Brittany Snow, above, is wearing his zigzag print dress for $69.99. But the jury is still out for me. I am not entirely convinced his artsy style and flair will translate well for us regular folks. But gosh I really wanted it to!!!!

Here are some of his other pieces being sold at Target and I am not in love with any of them (I do think I'd like to own the t-shirt though). How about you?

McQ for Target - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Real Style Real Person: Alina

Alina just proves the point that owning a great trench coat will pull an outfit together. Buy one in shiny green fabric and it makes you look hip and trendy!

Alina is a nurse at Lakewood hospital. Her trench and mules are from Marshall's and her jeans from Express.

Here's my re-creation below all from Zappos, Nordstrom and Express:

***click on the image to see items or stores in detail***

Real Style Real Person: Alina - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Revisiting Scarfs for Spring

Scarfs are still HUGE for spring. Of course, they will be more light-weight and colorful. Right now they are my favorite accessory to add style and substance to an outfit.

(photo of Miss Sixty Spring 2009 show, courtesy of style.com)

You can wear them a multitude of ways seen below: the traditional way (picture from Ann TaylorLoft), or the Jesse James style (picture from Urban Outfitters) or worn in a slip knot style by my friend Denise,below.

If you need instruction on how to tie your scarf, here's a demonstration video from http://www.fashionscarfsandshawls.com/!

Below are some examples of how a scarf can make an outfit POP!!!

Pictures from Ann Taylor Loft and Express.

***See stores or pictures in more detail by clicking on image***

Spring Scarfs 2009 - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Spring Scarfs 2009 - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Spring 2009 Coats

If you have been shopping for a new spring coat there are many styles to choose from. I am just happy that some days have been warm enough to wear a lighter coat, in my part of the universe.

I believe you need two kinds of spring coats, that provide some measure of warmth,and will help shield you on rainy days.

The first kind would be a classic trench style, like shown, above, which can be worn with anything from jeans to skirts. A classic trench will always make you look polished and in style.

The second kind would be a sportier style, maybe shorter, maybe not, depending on your taste, that can be worn with more casual outfits. I am not including denim or fleece jackets in this line-up which are in a category by themselves.

I also think both kinds of coats are essentials for your spring coat wardrobe!

(photo credit: Spring 2009 Isaac Mizrahi runway pictures from style.com)

Here are some spring coats I found, in both styles, all from Old Navy and Kohl's.

***to see styles and stores in depth, click on the image below****

Spring Trench Style Coats - by real style real people on Polyvore.com


Casual/Sporty Style Spring Coats - by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Four Word Weekend: 80's Style BOLD SHOULDERS

READY

FOR

THESE

AGAIN?????

(Marc Jacobs Fall 2009 show from style.com)
Leave comments to four words only, please!