Funky for Fall: Mixing the Unexpected

My favorite clothing compliment sounds something like this, "I love what you have on, but I never would have put that together!". That is the basis for most of my outfits I wear going out. Keep trying things until it works.

I just bought this Plastic Island jacket at a boutique upstate... Of course I got it on sale. I mixed it with my friends Forever 21 tube top and spandex leggings with zipper detail.

I grabbed a bunch of bracelets that I haven't worn in quite some time. Mostly the leather cuff, are those still cool? Who cares, I loved the bad ass feel of it mixed with my vintage crystal jewelry. I have kept it in the back of my jewelry box for a while now waiting for it to re-enter my accessory life.

I paired it with another vintage find, clip on earrings that look like they are made to go with a bad poofy dress from the '80s. It only proves that when styled with the right items (like Rayban aviators), you can make anything bad ass. 

These boots were made for walking by Boutique 9. They are suede and have a high platform making them actually pretty comfortable. I hate high heels so for me to say that really does mean something!

NYC Street Style

Summer is coming to a close, but my friends and I had to get one more daytime concert in before saying goodbye. The MOMA has a small museum next to where I live in Queens (yes, I live in Queens on the water and love it). Every Saturday during the summer they throw a "Warm-Up Party" that goes on all day. Every hour is a different DJ and there is a big dance party where recess used to be. It is a fashion feast for the eyes, no jean shorts and t-shirts here.... Unless they are bedazzled with leather and gold jewelry:)

All of my friends had the same idea, comfortable yet super stylish. The crowd is very mixed, so as long as you have your own sense of style, you will look amazing. I went for a ghetto fabulous look with tons and tons of gold jewelry and a basic American Apparel tube dress. I seem to be into ghetto fab these days. The yellow RL messenger bag was my pop of color.

My bestie Danielle was also all about the accessories. Rebecca Minkoff bag, J Crew necklace and Sperry docksiders. Her pop of color was in her jeans and blue nail polish.

Boots are definitely in for summer and Grace was no stranger. Somehow she managed to make a flowy top and pearly with with grungy jeans shorts and Steve Madden brown boots. I love a good combo when it works....

NYC Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out in New York City was amazing, per usual. The entire city turns into a runway with an open bar. Every retail store is trying to out-do the next, so the parties are bigger and better with flowing, free alcohol (and sometimes food!).

The best part is the fashion. It is a great excuse (not like NY'ers need one) to put on your most fabulous outfit. I decided to do a pin-up girl ghetto fab look. I always need a theme. I wore an All Saints dress (purchased for $40 at my favorite consignment store) and a DVF belt. My layering piece was a royal blue jacket by Plastic Island ( bought on sale of course) and my Vince Camuto bag. I loaded on gold jewelry, all thrift except for my real gold hoops. The topper was my vintage leopard scarf and crocodile purse from Rome with my Pour La Victoire black pumps.

Dinner in Milan: Comfortable Dressy

Out on the town in Milan. I pulled out my new (yet vintage) lizard clutch that I bought at a consignment store in Rome. I paired it with three gold necklaces of different lengths (one of which was strung with charms from my bat-mitzvah!:). I topped it off with a lucite and pyrite ring I bought last year in Paris. I sound so well-traveled!


The look was built around my Black Halo dress and Adrienne Landau rabbit fur vest. I decided that heels were just too painful (I had been walking around Milan all day!). I went for an edgy look and pulled out my Steve Madden black army boots with sheer black stockings. Think outside the box! Most people would have went for a heel.....

My Style: Edgy, Daytime Chic

Recently I went on a whirlwind European vacation and made it into my own personal fashion show. Kind of how I do everyday with my life. A pleasant daytime stroll in Zurich, Switzerland turned into a city wide photo shoot.

Vince Camuto Sunglasses, Club Monoco top, Leather Bomber (Loehmanns), DVF lace motorcycle gloves, Adrienne Landau fur scarf, Armitron watch and a Helmut Lang blazer.

Museum Chic: Getting Glam for the Guggenheim

It is rare when you live somewhere that you take time out of your busy schedule to actually SEE your city. I live in one of the most culturally diverse towns on earth and I have only been to 2 museums in 6 years. Shameful. So when my friend Linda suggested we make our way uptown to pop into the Guggenheim, I was thrilled. Culture here I come.

The museum is located on the upper east side. If you know anything about anything (or watch Gossip Girl), you know that the UES is full of high class fashion. I love to play a new fashion part everyday, so this was a great opportunity for me to go over the top. When I met Linda her first reaction was, "Why are you so fancy?" Because I can be Linda, because I can be. Do I need a better reason? Neither do you, dress up because you want to!















I had no idea what I was walking into, which is kind of the way I like it. Surprises are fun. Apparently it was the first day of artist Maurizio Cattelan's exhibit. It was seriously mind blowing. I am not a "museum" type of girl, but this was awesome. It is hard to tell from the picture what was going on, but let me do some quick explaining. Instead of hanging everything on the walls as Guggenheim exhibits are usually displayed, Cattelan said he would only show if everything was hung from the ceiling. As you circled up the winding ramp, every step gave you a different perspective and new pieces of art popped out at you. Cattelan had a fascination with mortality, so much of the art included actual dead animals, including several dead horses. Bizarre and totally cool. Completely worth the 18 bucks it cost to get in.

Now that we have the art out of the way, let's get back to the fashion:) It may be difficult to fully re-create my museum chic look because I always shop at sample sales, consignment stores and designer discount, but here is my best try.

My gray coat was purchased several years ago at a fabulous sample sale store called Cadillac's Castle in New York City. I don't think I paid more then $100 bucks for it. Unfortunately, this Walter by Walter Baker coat is no longer available.... Anywhere. So here is a much more expensive option by Valentino. Totally an investment so you have to take that into account when spending $1000 on a coat. The key is to have it cinch at the waist, slightly flaring until it ends just above your knees. It is a great shape for almost any body type.






















Next up, my awesome rabbit fur scarf by Adrienne Landau. Of course I purchased mine directly from the showroom during a sample sale, but it is not SO unoriginal that you can't find a similar one. This option by Joseph is just over $100. The key to why I love my scarf so much is the slit in one side that allows you to put the other side through. You can pull it tight and keep yourself nice and warm or leave it loose for a stylish accessory. Rabbit is one of the least expensive furs and yet it looks super luxurious. Needless to say, this is the most affordable option.

I actually did find my exact sunglasses. I love them and they were the least pricey pair I looked at! That never happens. By Vince Camuto, this is the first year that his shoe line has extended into accessories and clothing. He even has a few pop up stores here in NYC. His new line features fun, trendy pieces that are really not that expensive. Take these big frame black sunglasses for example, they are only $55! That is great for a quality pair of sunnies. They are the perfect topper to any ensemble if you are going for the "rich and fabulous" look. We all need to be super fab every now and then....

And for the final piece.... Unfortunately there is no way you can find my awesome hand knit beret because it actually is hand knit.... By my mommy! Often times we bring our creative talents together. I design something and she actually makes it. This fun beret is a great example. I love the color and it adds a touch of fun to any look. Additionally, it is a good weight so I can wear it inside and outside. Fashion for every temperature. This example is a little more blue, but provides the same amount of fun. At $15 from Sears, you really can't beat it.

So next time you have a reason to go a bit over the top, do it. Why not be the most fabulous person there? Why not wear all of those items that you would never put together? Have your friends ask you why you are so fancy and own it. You are fancy because you are fabulous and you can't help it.

A Stylist Cleans Out Her Closet

Holy what? It looks like a bomb went off in my closet. Very scary. When you spend all of your time in other people's closets, sometimes your own gets completely out of control. It is not a good sales pitch for new clients, so I decided it was time to fix the crazy.

Honestly, one of the biggest reasons to clean out your closet is because half the time you forget what you own. This is not my problem. I have a huge brain in reference to memorizing not only my own wardrobe, but my client's as well. I also got super lucky and found an apartment with a walk in closet, not normal in NYC. This unfortunately means that I can continue to fill it up and fill it up and fill it up..... That is not always a good thing for anyone.




































I made a strong decision to eliminate all of my "cheaper" clothing. I am 32 and work with people that have amazing clothes, I must fit the profile. It was time to brand my own style as sassier, classier and super designer fabulous. Out with (some) of the old, in with the new!

Cleaning out your closet is all about re-trying on your wardrobe to make sure you still love it. Obviously there are pieces that need to go at first glance, but then there is the "maybe" pile. Sometimes this requires a second eye (that is why I have a job), but what does a stylist do who is suppose to be an expert? Well, I bring over my friend who is also very fashionable because everybody needs a second opinion!

This fur vest is no old piece. In fact, it still has a tag on it. I have been searching high and low for the perfect fur vest with the perfect price tag and 2 long years later, I found it. $180 by Adrienne Landau at Century 21. I am in love.

After four and a half long hours, my closet was finally done. Three garbage bags and three shopping bags later, my soul was cleansed. My lucky friend Jackie walked away with the three shopping bags full of clothes, shoes and jewelry. I felt it was my good deed for the month. One man's trash (or in this case, cute stuff), is another lovely ladies treasure. Lucky girl. The rest was sent to Salvation Army. Anything that was good enough for consignment was given to Jackie. I figured making a few bucks from my old pieces wasn't as good as seeing my friend wearing it:)

Clean and in order, my closet not only looks amazing, I feel amazing. I am actually back to wearing everything I own and now I know exactly what I need to "fill in the holes" of my wardrobe. Now I have a small shopping list (at least in my world) and I am focused..... Until I find something amazing that I have to have. Oops:)

Out on the Town: Looking Chic and Affordable

Although I have become somewhat lazy about going out in my old age (I am a ripe old 32), I do still love the act of dressing up. Creating a look from head to toe will somewhat consume my mind the day of the event, if not weeks leading up to it. It really depends on where I am going and who I am going to see. I call it, "the curse of the fashion stylist".

This past Saturday, my girlfriends got together for a night on the town. This included me staying out for a whole 2 hours (if you don't include the pre-party at my friend's apartment). I warned you I have become somewhat "un-cool". Either way, I put on a cute, affordable and comfortable look for the evening.

I am all about finding the best deal and with this look, everything on me runs from free to designer discount to consignment. LOVE. Let's start with free. These black jeans (designer unknown), were given to me by a friend. She found them at a sample sale for a dollar (so not quite free), and figured they would fit someone for that price! With just a slight alteration at the waist, they were mine. With jeans costing up to $200 these days, this is quite the bargain!

Next up are my fabulous red suede booties. Totally stylish, totally comfortable. They are from Off 5th in Cleveland, Saks outlet store. I travel for good deals. They are a good color to make your look pop, not too overpowering. Muted reds are any girls friend.

As for the zebra top, I purchased it that day at Loehmann's, designer discount heaven. It was $30 from Romeo and Juliet. I spent the weekend eating and drinking my way through the universe so I needed something that would allow me to breath. Choosing a sheer top, paired with a black tank top, still showed off my silhouette without showing off my stomach. Perfection.

And finally, the accessories. Layer, layer, layer. My new Armitron watch for $70 is my favorite best friend these days. I wear it with everything. I searched high and low for an affordable gold watch. With everyone wear Michael Kors for $250, I refused to buy one and certainly not for that price. Add in tons of bangles with different widths and my giant blue stone ring from my mother's salon in Connecticut of all places, and my wrists are good as gold.

The final topper was my new Saks Fifth Avenue brand clutch bought at an East Village consignment store. This little gem found me (you don't search for specific things at crazy consignment stores) and I knew it would be a useful item in my repertoire. It is a neutral color even though it is not black or brown. For $65, the cost per wear will be well worth it.

So ladies, shop smart and think about your every purchase. Love what you buy and brand yourself is chic, stylish and affordable items!

Hemline Heaven

Hemlines are a tricky thing. Just an inch too short or an inch too long can completely throw off the proportions of your body. This is why including tailoring in the price of your garment is a necessity. Do not think of it as the aggravating extra $20 on top of what you already paid, think of it as what makes you look like a million bucks. I cannot stress the importance of a perfect hemline!

Example number 1: Wearing pants that are too short will actually shorten and widen your legs. I have heard of a lot of fads in my day, but fattening one’s legs has never been one of them. There is certainly such a thing as ankle length pants, but there is a huge difference between pants that are too short and a “style”. Be sure you and your tailor know the difference.

On a positive note, if your flare and wider leg pants are hemmed just above the floor, you can look long and lean. This means that there should be a slight break in the front and they should be as long as possible in the back without dragging on the floor. Longer pants equal longer legs. Remember, you cannot hem a pair of pants for both flats and heels, you must pick one or the other. The only time this is even possibly an option is with kitten heels (very, very small) to flats. Otherwise, it is time to make a decision ladies!

With a skinnier leg, you cannot go as long because your foot becomes suffocated. The added bonus of this style is that you can see some of your shoes! Those things are expensive and deserve a chance to shine! For the hemline on these, you should go as long as possible before the pant leg begins to stretch. This usually means about half way down your foot. Show off your shoes!

With skirts, hemlines can often be one’s ultimate demise. Sounds scary, but with just one inch, the garment can swallow your entire body and help to lose its shape. For most women, the safest length is just above the knee. This works on all heights, shapes and sizes. It keeps the body in a classic hourglass shape. Appearances can be everything and an inappropriate hemline can immediately ruin your look. Just play in the mirror for a second by folding up a longer hemline and see how quickly your entire shape can change! It is the cheapest miracle in town.

This length is only possible on the lucky, few women who are very tall and very skinny. If you are not within this range, this hemline will instantly make you look dowdy and old. Looking like a nun has never really been chic and I don’t personally see the trend making its way to the forefront of fashion any time soon. Truthfully, even for the tall, skinny women of the world, unless the skirt is an extreme pencil style, it truly isn’t that flattering. My vote, stay away!

And finally, the mini. So scary and so fun at the same time! There is a bit of an age limit on short skirts and pushing your hemline too high can give you instant cougar status. Not something this stylist is aiming to do! If you are in shape, you can really rock this look until about 35. Adding opaque tights and boots give it an even longer life because you are toning down your bottom half and covering up appropriately.

So, no matter who you are, where you live or what you do, find a fabulous tailor. One of my favorite taglines (yes, I have them) is that a tailor is like a good (cheap) surgeon. He or she can instantly give your wardrobe a boost without ever setting foot into a store!

10 Tips for Getting Ready for Your Stylist - Advice from a Fashion-Phoebe

Guest post by Lisa Nielsen, The Innovative Educator

The day I came to grips with the idea that a regular person like me needed a stylist was in the mountains of Vermont after a day of skiing with some long-time friends. I shared how frustrated I was to have closets bursting full of clothes but had tremendous difficulty finding something I wanted to wear. It was at that time that I realized that though I was a 40-something with dreams of making the world a better place, I was still wearing my 20-something and 30-something clothes much of which was purchased when (and even before) we all first met. I needed an update that conveyed I was a professional to be taken seriously. So, on the advice of a few of my highly successful, and fashionable, friends I hired Amy Salinger a stylist.

I admit, at first, this seemed a little crazy for someone like me. Unlike my big business and high-fashion New York City friends, I work in education. Like others drawn to the field I love the work/life balance the career provides and have an active and fun lifestyle that has never been much focused on what I wear. As a teacher the dress code is pretty lax and in my free time I ski, snowboard, play beach volleyball, football, and dance. I hadn’t given too much thought to my appearance. But when my friend who's also a career advice writer and speaker Penelope Trunk first posed the idea and the two-year president of the National Association of Womens' Business Owners Melanie McEvoy and high-profile photographer Amy Fletcher resoundingly supported this idea, I had to rethink my position.

I am now in my forties and as a professional educational administrator who loves speaking to individuals, small groups and large audiences about ways to educate innovatively, I knew it was important that I presented myself well because my message would be received more effectively if I looked on the outside like the experienced and stylish professional that was on the inside.

So, I hired a stylist and learned a lot about doing so, which I’m sharing here for others who are interested in doing the same.

10 TIPS TO GET READY FOR YOUR STYLIST

1) Weed your closet.
You don't want to spend valuable time with your stylist doing things you can do yourself. Throw out anything you haven't worn in two years. Throw out anything you'll never really get fixed. Put aside clothes you're thinking don't look quite right, but you’re not sure.

2) Get a friend.
This process is a lot easier with a friend to help. She or he can help you from the start to finish. They can push you to do the weeding and let go of the emotional connection and justification for keeping your clothing. They can help you determine what fashion areas of focus should be.

3) Think about real life events.
Think about real life events that you want help dressing for. Once you do that you can think of the fashion difficulties for which you really need support.
Here are some of my examples:

• Going to a VIP party
  I knew what suit I wanted to wear but had no idea what shoes were right, what shirt goes best, and what accessories might compliment the event.
• Meeting a sophisticated friend for dinner
  Yes, it's just dinner with a friend, but wearing my belly shirt and mood ring just doesn't look right anymore. What are the best jeans, shirt, shoes, and jewelry to have a casual, but grown up dinner.

4) Get in touch with your do's & don'ts

• What are the fashion do's and don'ts about which you are wondering. Be prepared to ask. For instance I was wondering:
• Is it wrong to safety pin a fallen button on my suit?
• When wearing a sweater should it be open, buttoned, or partially buttoned?
• How's my underwear?

5) What goes with this? And…Does this go with that?

• You have those great pair of shoes, or that amazing skirt sitting in your closet. You love them! But what do you wear them with??? Have all those pieces pulled out specifically so your stylist can help you make an outfit with them.
• You have your favorite outfits, but are you really putting them together as well as possible? This is where the stylist comes in. Be ready to try them on, or have pictures in advance, and find out how your outfits go together best.

6) Know your idiosyncrasies
Before you send your stylist off to shop for you, remember to tell her about your idiosyncrasies. While they may be obvious to you, they may not be to others. Pointing these characteristics out will result in your stylist getting you clothes you LOVE! Here were some of mine.

• I don't iron so stick with wrinkle free.
• I am messy. Don't give me light colored clothes that I will stain.
• I'm petite and like to wear mid-high shoes7) Don't whine. Get wine

When your stylist comes to help you sort through your clothes and then try on outfits it is wonderful, but it does get a little tedious. Make sure you have a bottle of wine and turn it into a party. Just don't spill!

8) Have safety pins and a sewing kit on hand
When your stylist comes with all your fabulous clothes some of them may need minor adjustments and she’ll know exactly what looks best. Make sure you have safety pins and a sewing kit on hand so those small alterations can be adjusted so they look just right.

9) Get stuff altered
If you’re like me, the idea of getting stuff altered is not appealing. Well, get over it. You paid someone to find great clothes for you and there will probably be a few things that need altering. If you followed the step above, she’ll help you get it ready so all you have to do is drop it off at the cleaners.

10) Lights, Camera, Action
Take picture of yourself in your new outfits so you can remember what goes with what. You may want to get dolled up so your friends who want to look at the pictures can see you at your best.

In the end, the days of having a closet full of "nothing to wear" have become a thing of the past. Instead, I wake up each day knowing exactly what to wear, and when I forget, I can always refer to the pictures she took of me to help me remember, like the ones below.



Read why I hired a stylist in my post, Make the World a Better Place. Get a Stylist.

College to the Boardroom: Dressing Appropriately

So, the party is over. College is ending and it is time for the "real world". Stop crying! It can be fun, I swear.

First challenge, transitioning seamlessly into the work world by looking the part. This is often times not an easy task for those who have never set foot in an office. You own the staple uniform of jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts for daytime and black pants with sexy, little tops for nighttime... Now what?? Basically you have a closet full of "weekend wear". Get out your parents credit card (you don't have any money yet, you haven't started working) and get ready to shop.























I LOVE this look from J Crew and I think it is a great middle ground for someone just entering the work force. Let's be honest, you can't really afford to buy an entirely new wardrobe at this moment, so it is time to be creative. Owning pieces that are great for multiple occasions is the key to this great leap you are about to take.

Let's focus in on the details of why I think this is a great look for almost any working situation: First, you are put together, but you are not stuffy. Remember that you are 22 years old, look it. Be sophisticated, but don't try to age yourself by 20 years. The gig is up, everyone knows you just got out of college!

The top half of this outfit is so accessible that it could even be worn with jeans! Look, it really is just a fancy t-shirt and a colored cardigan. The print ups the ante of the tee (don't think Ed Hardy here!) and the color of the cardigan makes it a bit more youthful. The piece making the entire look so "office appropriate" is the pencil skirt. A necessity in any woman's closet of any age and almost any shape, this garment will kick it up a notch at the workplace. Plus, it is a great foundation piece and can be worn multiple times without your co-workers calling you out. Topped off with a complimentary red colored flat to offset the yellow cardigan and paired with funky bracelets, this outfit has full on green light approval! Mix and match any of the items shown here for looks ranging from casual to work. You can do it!

Another great item is the wrap dress. It is basic, simple, straight forward and can be accessorized how ever you like! This means that you have the power to exercise your styling muscle.... Within means! This is another garment that will stand the test of time, just like the pencil skirt. It has the flexibility to be worn in a sophisticated way or a playful way. You are in control. Adding a fun shoe, as this Banana Republic ensemble is showing, gives it that younger edge that you are going for. No need to be stuffy just because you are out of college. Fun and appropriate are the key words class.

Check out a Sass N Style video I did about being "Office Chic". My friend and I are just a few years out of college (OK, maybe 8), but you should get some fun and easy tips for looking great as you enter the workforce. Remember ladies, your look is going to get you immediate approval from your boss, but your confidence and attitude is going to get you a promotion!



College Photo courtesy of Getty Images
J Crew Outfit
Banana Republic Wrap Dress: $120

Make the World a Better Place. Get a Stylist.

Guest post by Lisa Nielsen, The Innovative Educator

I’ve always believed I could make the world a better place. My dad thought I was dreamer; my mom preferred I go into business. Despite this, I followed my passion and started working as a teacher more than a decade ago. The work was great and I began making a difference in my school. Next I began working on programs that helped many schools. Today I work on programs that receive city, state, national and international attention and I have the pleasure of sharing some of the ideas about which I am most passionate on my blog, in magazine and newspaper articles, and by speaking to others interested in teaching and learning.

The problem was that while I was acting the part, I was having a hard time dressing the part. Sure, I looked okay, but it didn't come naturally. Fashion isn't really my forte and I HATE shopping. As a result, while I have a full wardrobe of clothes, many are left over from when I was in my 20s. Now I am a professional in my 40s and I need to look the part. Don’t get me wrong, like most of us who get up and go to work each day, I can certainly put on a suit and a few accessories, but I don’t look entirely put together. There’s usually something slightly off… wrong bag, shoes, shirt, necklace, scarf, earrings.

As an educator I know that some people have talents and passions in particular areas and they have the ability and motivation to be successful in those areas. Then there are others that certainly want to be talented in a particular area but they don't have the passion, interest, or talent, and for them we give extra help. The later described me when it comes to fashion. I wanted to look a certain way but it really wasn't an interest, passion, talent, or something I enjoyed or studied. Stores frighten me. The crowds, all the clothes, figuring out what is a good deal or what will look good and the dreaded dressing room and trying on all the clothes. I have no interest in fashion shows or magazines, and in general I've never developed a keen sense of what goes with what or what was in style. Additionally, I have a hard time getting rid of clothes (I get emotionally attached), so my closet tends to be overstuffed with items I can no longer wear or that are not appropriate for a 40-something professional woman. And quite frankly, I really just don't know what looks best on me.

I needed a fashion education, because as I learned from experts like The Brazen Careerist if you are pulled together and look great you'll feel better about yourself which boosts your confidence and helps others feel better about you as well. I decided I needed a professional who could teach and guide me when it comes to letting me know what goes best with what and who could help me understand my personal style. So, I hired Amy Salinger, fashion stylist (www.amysalinger.net), and I couldn't be happier.

Here's what she did for me...
1 - Closet Cleaning:While, this is a service the stylist can provide, (and you don't even need to be present!), being a bit of the pack rat that I am, I tried to save a few bucks and take on most of this myself with the support of a friend. By the time Amy arrived I had already tossed five bags of clothes. I needed about an hour more time of her time to help with the things I wasn't sure about, as well as help to go through the clothes I loved, but no one else did. At that point, the focus is to organize, sort and clean out the rest. In the end, although I had donated seven bags of clothes, I felt like I had even more clothes, because I could see what I had and it was organized.
2- Closet consultation:The real point of this is to see exactly what you own and how to evolve it. The aim is not to throw out everything in your wardrobe. The stylist takes a look to see what can be saved, what can be tailored and how to up the current style value of your wardrobe. It is also to organize it so you can actually see what you own and actually wear it all! She organizes it in a way to help you with styling so your brain doesn't hurt when you are trying to get dressed:) 3 piles are made, "salvation army", "maybe keep" and the "tailoring" pile. In addition, she will create a "fill in the holes" shopping list during the consultation. She will discuss a shopping budget with you once your exact needs have been determined. This lasts about three hours and in the end you will be able to utilize what you own and be ready to buy exactly what you need.
3 - Shopping:I have very little time or interest in shopping, so here is what my stylist did. She bought the bulk of my list at Loehman's which has designer clothes at a discounted price. She also gets an additional 15% off there as well which she passes along to the customer. She brings these items directly to her customer. No shopping, no hassle, no need to be present...unless, of course, unlike me, you have the time and interest. Then you can join her on the shopping journey. The best part is she discusses a realistic budget with you beforehand so you know exactly what to expect!
4 - Styling:This is the final portion and lasts about 3 hours. As fast as you can change is as fast as she will work! During this time she will combine the new items with your existing wardrobe and photograph each look. You will not put on a completely new outfit every time. Rather you may switch out the top half a few times and then the bottom half a few times or just change up the accessories. This enables you to discover multiple ways to wear everything you own and make the most of your wardrobe! When she is done, you will have about 30-40 looks from which to choose. This portion is also designed to provide a learning lesson so you will actually have the knowledge to create many more looks by yourself because you will own the right pieces!

Time to look the part.
Following our time together I had a V.I.P. party where I was networking with others sharing ideas about how businesses could support our students. I had on the right sling back shoes, broach, suit, lacy shirt, and bag. It all came together. Following that I spoke on a panel to business people about the importance of social media in education and not only did I feel the part, I felt I looked the part. You can see for yourself in this video.

Am I an overnight expert? No. but that's where technology comes in. Amy Salinger took pictures of me with all sorts of different outfits to remind me of what goes with what and what to wear and when. Now I get up in the morning, t. Think about what kind of day it's going to be, go to the collection of pictures sorted by clothing style i.e. formal, business, business casual, casual-are there more?, and pull it together.

Here is a peek into some of the outfits that comprise my new style.




Now I look on the outside the way I feel on the inside. Confident, excited, powerful, and ready to work with others who want to help make the world a better place with and for our children.

What do you think? Are you ready for stylist? If so, stay tuned for my next post, “10 Tips for Getting Ready for Your Stylist - Advice from a Fashion-Phoebe.”

Visit Amy Salinger at her website, www.amysalinger.net. You can also view her web series, Sass N Style, for more fashion tips at www.youtube.com/ahsalinger.

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HOT Summer Work Looks: Own the Right Pieces

Just because the temperature is up doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style! Let's face it, according to me, unless you are traveling through the insect infested backwoods of the country, you should never sacrifice style. Come down on me summer heat, I will fight back and do it in fashion.

The key to fighting this insane heat that is about to descend upon us is to layer on, layer off. Going to the office is much different then being IN the office. Why do they always put the thermometer at a lovely 50 degrees when it is pushing 100 outside??? Apparently the person paying the bill is not setting the temperature.....

Just as this look from J Crew is showing you, the most important thing in summertime is to look like you weren't trying too hard. It should be easy and breezy, just as your summer attitude is! Nothing too structured, nothing too overwhelming, the layers should almost always be able to go from daytime to nighttime. This lovely variable gives your summer wardrobe a lot more flexibility then any other season. Materials are light and breathable, meaning that any sort of lining might be stifling. Only suits should really present the possibility of having 2 layers to contend with.

The sheath dress is a fabulous option to play with during the next couple of months. You can easily layer items on during the warmer months and utilize it later in the year by layering under! I love versatility. A neutral color, such as this tan, allows you to truly play with it as a foundation piece and change it up completely depending on what you put with it. Change the belt, necklace, shoes, layering piece and bam, it is an entirely different outfit. The style works on most body types from straight to curvy, it really just depends on how you style it. Make it works ladies!

If you work at a location that requires you to wear a suit, don't fret. I can style you fabulous no matter what! Again, the most important factor is to keep it looking like you didn't try too hard. I know, I know, "How do I do that with a suit???" Easy. It is all about how you "wear" the suit and style it. Rolling up the sleeves is key. This automatically gives it a more laid back feeling. It becomes a bit more accessible rather then stiff and uninviting. Adding a blouse that is colorful and printed will help to brighten the overall look. Keeping the material loose and the shirt un-tucked may seem inappropriate, but remember ladies, you are wearing it under a suit! You are already so put together that wearing the undergarment in a more casual way will NOT throw off the entire ensemble. No one in the office will be staring you down for your inappropriate attire!

The final touch on any FAB ensemble is the jewelry! It is easy to buy, easy to style and a fairly inexpensive way to pump up any look, any season. For summer I always promote colorful stones. It pushes whatever outfit you have created into the playful, summer outfit you aspire to create! From necklaces to bracelets to earrings, adding a fun summer bauble is the final touch that your amazing outfit needs! Remember ladies, don't overdo it. A fantastic look really only needs one pop piece. Choose one great item and make it shine! Then, your whole outfit will be like a ray of sunshine.............

J Crew Leopard Skirt/Top/Cardigan
J Crew Sheath Dress: $158
Banana Republic Jacket:$150
Banana Republic Pants: $79
Ann Taylor Loft Necklace: $39.50