Sass N Style: How to Tie a Dress Scarf

Longer Tank Tops are your Friend

Every one of my clients owns many tank tops in neutral colors. If they didn't own them when I got there, they certainly owned them once I left. They are one of the greatest foundation pieces any girl will ever own. You will hardly ever wear one alone, but you will layer one into your outfit almost every time!

For shorter shirts, they add length on the bottom to elongate your torso or cover up that pesky pant button. They eliminate the need for a belt to be through the loops which only adds to the probability of muffin top. Bad look. With a lace embellished tank, such as this one, you add a certain femininity to your look by having it slightly peep through. Not to mention it covers up any unnecessary cleavage!

Tank tops are the most simple way to add depth to your outfit by layering without really trying. So don't try now ladies and go out and buy yourself a few:)

Banana Republic Lace Seamless Camisole
$34.00

The Ultimate Raincoat

I am sitting here on this crappy day in New York City and what better to talk about then raincoats. There is no need to look unhappy just because you feel unhappy! Stylish and rain are two words that can go together!

The first order of business is functionality. Looking cute and being soaking wet are not part of the stylish plan. You need to first make sure that the jacket is either water resistant or waterproof. Just because it looks like a raincoat doesn't always mean that it is. Next up, style. Black is the most likely choice, but think outside of the box. Have I taught you nothing?!? Choose a neutral color such as brown, eggplant or even ruby red. The raincoat should also have some shape as you should not get lost behind your rain gear ever! Add a cute umbrella and sleek rainboots and you will be the cutest dry person on the block!

Ellen Tracey Women's Iridescent Patent Raincoat
$165.00

The Perfect Shades

We are on all the quest to find the perfect pair of sunglasses.... Or maybe the perfect ten pairs:) For every item I love to have my "no fail" brand. For sunglasses, it is Ray Ban. The quality, price-points and styles make it easy to choose one that works for you.

The aviator style may be made for the Top Gun part of the world, but apparently many of us fly planes, myself included. I have owned my aviators for years and when a friend, male or female, has forgotten their shades, it is my Ray Ban aviators to the rescue. This style literally works on everyone if you pick the right color and size. Smaller frames for smaller faces and bigger frames for bigger faces. We can all be Maverick.

Ray Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses
$120- $130

The Cape Jacket

This is the perfect jacket for this time of year! It is a fun and playful way to set yourself apart from the fashion crowd. The cape has been around forever and might be seen as much more of a classic piece, but rock it out ladies by adding your own personal spin. Choose a fabric that is bold and stands out among the other sullen looks that surround you:) I know you can't wear a hand bag over your shoulder so it may not be the most practical, but as an evening jacket it is perfect with a clutch. And, there is no need to spend a fortune on this unforgettable piece. It is a trend that comes and goes, but will continue to come back well into your grand daughter's high fashion days.....

NY and Company Plaid Swing Cape
$89.95

Riding boots

I can certainly understand that in this time of recession you have to be thoughtful about what you buy. Time for investment pieces ladies! Shoes and bags are go-to pieces that, if chosen correctly, should stand the test of time. Save your pennies this season for an AMAZING pair of riding boots. This is not a style that is going anywhere. I would stick to a basic brown or black to really make this purchase last.

The ultimate brand in boots is none other than Frye. They may be a bit pricier than the others, but trust me, you will still be wearing these boots in twenty years! I am not exaggerating, I seriously have clients who own Frye boots from the 70's. They are meant to look distressed which adds to their longevity.

Black Leather Frye Dorado Riding Boot
$458.00
Plazatoo.com

High-waisted belts

Love them or hate them, people just can't seem to figure out when or how to wear them! Ah, the dreaded high-waisted belt. So here are a few tips: Thin to medium width belts work on most body types. If you are short waisted this is not necessarily the best look for you, but if you must, the thinner the belt the better. If you have a large chest, also stick to a thinner belt. Wearing a large belt with only exemplify your ample bust and not in a good way ladies! Color and texture can be your best friend with a belt. Purple, red, crocodile, patent leather, gold... The list goes on and on! I always suggest owning at least one metallic belt to give your outfit a pop without overwhelming the rest of the look.

Trick: Wear a blouse that is slightly longer than your hips and is a bit loose. By cinching it with a belt, you will truly be accentuating the smallest part of your body, your waist. Blouse the shirt slightly so the belt is the most fitted piece in your look. Inevitably your waist is now specifically the smallest part showing off that curvy body of yours!

Jack Rabbit Collection (courtesy of Bluefly.com)
Gold metallic leather Aspen hip belt
$95.00

How to wear textured tights

These tights are not just for the ultra sexy! Textured tights are a great and fun detail to funk up your outfit. It is also a very inexpensive way to change your look. Don't be scared by crazy patterns, tone them down by wearing boots to cover up more of your leg and the tight. Another way to lessen the pattern and add warmth is to wear an opaque tight underneath the patterned tights. Layer up ladies!

My favorite brand is Hue because of their selection and price point, inexpensive! You can find them anywhere from Macy's to Filene's Basement. Be scared no more.

Hue Zigzag Openwork Tights
$18.00

My go-to jeans

Jeans are probably the most obnoxious things to shop for. I don't care if you are 5'10" and 125 or 5' and 125, they are annoying. So let's make this easier... Great brands that have elasticity so they hold their shape, high enough waists so that plumber crack is not an issue and amazing washes are... drum role please.... J Brand, Earnest Sewn and Joe's Jeans. Love them.

This pair by J Brand is great for most body types. Higher, slightly wider pockets to give your bum a lift and shape. Also, the straight leg with slight flair masks any "thigh issues". The illusion of a thinner thigh is created by making the bottom half of the leg the same width as your thigh. The darker wash goes from day into evening. The mid-rise reduces any "muffin top". Sorry ladies, had to say it!

J Brand
818 mid-rise bootcut stretch jeans (ink wash)
$158.00

The little BLUE dress

Of course we all know the the LBD is a wardrobe must, but what about another color ladies? Put some punch in your look by adding a staple piece that can be styled many different ways based on the simplicity of its silhouette, not just the color.This Black Halo dress has been seen repeatedly on the red carpet for a reason, it is a great, basic dress. The price may be a bit higher then some are used to, but the thickness of the material and great pencil shape will look great on different body types. With the interesting neckline it adds individuality. Pair it with purples, blues, greens, black and white. Think different shoes, belts, waist-length cardigans and blazers.

Black Halo Classic
Jackie O Dress in Royal Blue
$345.00

Wear this piece

Statement necklaces are in and here is an inexpensive way to own one. Vintage is pricey for a trendy piece such as this so go for one from a major chain. There are so many options because this is such a hot piece for the season that it won't be that recognizable. Wear this piece!

Buy at banana republic for just $59!

Big fashion event!!!

If you live in NYC or close by....
The Trunk Show
Elephant Art Fashion Show & Auction
October 17th
HOME/Guesthouse 532 W. 27th st. NY, NY 10001
Doors open 6pm Fashion Show 7:30pm Live Auction 8:30pm
www.elephantart.com
$50 USD donation p/p

Kathlin Argiro wrap dresses!!!!

Designer Kathlin Argiro offers wrap dress at 1/2 the price of DVF!!! www.kathlinargiro.com


Kathlin Argiro has owned and operated her own design company for 10 years. Her dresses meet the needs of real women and I love them! Check out her blog at kathlinargiro.blogspot.com.

Sassiest Style

Brooke, 28
Fashion illustrator/desiger
www.brookeahrendsen.com

Why it works: This is a $30 dress from Old Navy!!! Brooke takes this dress to new levels by mixing together inexpensive with expensive. Her necklace is a vintage piece from her mother and her bag is vintage leather. Nicer accessories are the key making your whole look feel more luxurious!


Right for you? When is looking like a million bucks without spending it not right for you? Never! Shop high for items that you will love, cherish and use regularly. Find trendy items for less so you never break the bank.

Stores to match your budget: It is easy to find trendy pieces for less these days with chain stores like H & M, Zara and Forever 21. Finding vintage jewelry without breaking the bank is also easy with tag sales, estate sales, ebay and your grandmother's jewelry box!

Sass N Style: Wrap Dresses

Sass N Style ideas!!!

I want to know what you need to know! I would love to hear your requests for upcoming Sass N Style episodes. Send in your ideas now!!!

Sass N Style

Just finished filming the next two episodes! Coming on Wednesday, be ready to learn about wrap dresses.... Next up, closet organization and how to tie a dress scarf. Tip after tip, you will learn to be your most fabulous!!!

In Style.com

Just did an interview with In Style.com for November so be sure to look out for it. Of course I will tell you when it is:) Sometimes my job even makes me laugh because it is not like rocket science, yet it is something that most people ponder everyday. What to wear?

Fashion Tip

Now is the time! For boots with skirts that is. You literally get a very small window in certain areas of the US for this great trend, including my hometown of NYC. This style is not only sexy but shows off your amazing collection of boots and your sexy legs at the same time:) Make sure the skirt is a reasonable length, but never have your skirt be longer than the top of your boots. At least 2 inches of that sexy leg must show!

Fashion Tip

Rules are made to be broken. Black can go with brown. Silver and gold jewelry can be worn together. Redheads can wear red. Make an outfit work by making it your own. Wear all black with brown boots. Wear silver and gold bracelets mixed together on one hand. Wear a deeper red color to compliment your red hair. Ways to make it work!!!!

I love my job:)

Styling people is amazing not really just for the fashion, but showing people how they can change their look and feel great. I work with the hosts of Hidden Potential on HGTV and it is great to see their styles come alive on camera. Make sure to watch upcoming episodes to see how great Paige, Barry and Brandie look!!!!