Sunnies for Summer

Spring Bags

Fringe is in!

Bad Ass Prints for Fall

I am such a bad ass. No seriously, I am. At least I can style myself that way... Everything print and color on the bottom half is VERY in this season, so how could I resist these silk leopard drawstring pants? I couldn't.

 I picked these up while I was in Chicago at Nordstrom Rack. They are Vince Camuto and they are comfy as hell. How could they not be, they look like stylish pajamas. Anyone can wear these if they have the confidence.

They key to styling them is that they have to be the ONLY focal point of your look. Meaning, everything else you have on has to be basic in pattern and neutral in color. You can play with textures and materials like I did with the leather bomber form Loehmann's. Add crazy accessories if you need a little more pop like I always do. This is actually one necklace with 5 strands from an antique shop. You too can be a bad ass if you follow these rules.

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....

Meet My New Stylish Intern

It has come time to bring on a young fashionista who is determined to build Sass N Style into the empire it deserves to be. Meet Jaclyn Taylor Fleurant, otherwise known as @jac_taylor (for those of you that want to follow her directly on Instagram). Here are her "style stats": 19 years old, sophomore at Drexel University, majoring in fashion design and merchandising. I think she fits the bill to show you even more fabulous looks then I have time to keep up with. Communicate with her directly at Jaclyn@sassnstyle.com. Get ready for her to blow it up.....

I bought this dress at the Patricia Field store on the Bowery in NYC. I am obsessed with the "mullet" style dress (short in the front, long in back), but I had trouble finding one that I absolutely LOVED. When I found this, I knew it was "the one" (and it was only $70). Just a little double stick tape in the front to make sure it doesn't swing open and it was perfect. I styled Jaclyn up with a ton of bracelets including Alex and Ani and a few vintage mixed with an Urban Outfitter's watch. The ending note was Jaclyn's shades from 5 below (apparently everything is under 5 bucks) and her Sam Edleman boots. LOVE.

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.

My Day at the Vintage Market: Fab Finds!

I am obsessed with a treasure hunt. There is nothing wrong with a merchandised store, but it is finding a diamond in the ruff that really gets me going. Lucky for me, New York City is FULL of vintage markets. Once a year, there is a massive affair at the Metropolitan Pavillion in Chelsea, and it is A-mazing.

I headed over with my girlfriends Allison and Jackie to find something fabulous. There was a $20 entrance fee (I got a discounted pass) which is totally nuts. I actually paid to go shop, you know the sale must be good.

Styled by yours truly, Allison looked amazing in her rabbit vest. It was the maiden voyage for this great piece. Very in this season. I threw on my new Sandro hat and leather jacket, both purchased at a consignment store. Notice the black cat suit underneath. This was quite strategic. I planned on trying on a lot of stuff with no dressing room and instead of being naked in the middle of the pavilion, I put everything on OVER this look. How genius!
How nuts is this? I look like an over-sized blue sheep. This is great for a "fat" day because no body can see a damn thing. Prada designed this for 2011 and they must have been on some sort of hallucinogen when they did it. Thank you for drugs because this is awesome. It called to me from the other side of the pavilion. There was no way you could miss this from a million miles away.....

And then there were gold chains. Lots of them. The truth is that although I loved all of them, they were WAY overpriced. Since I have been doing this for so long, I am pretty aware of what things are worth. Even though I may love something, I always question the price tag. I am not made of money here! And even if I was, I would still ask, "Is this worth the price?". These chains are something that you can find any suburban Salvation Army for $5 to $10. They were selling them for between $80 and $125! I couldn't do it. Talk about a mark up.

After hours of picking through tons of vintage wares, I only walked away with two pieces. Needless to say, I was not pleased. I went there to spend my hard earned cash! If I am going to pay a cover charge to shop, I am going to shop damn it. I do LOVE my gold belt with tassel. It is adjustable so I can wear it around my waist or on my hips. At $55, I will say I think it was a bit overpriced, but I loved it. I also think my mind was a bit frazzled because everything seemed to be so expensive so 55 bucks seemed cheap. Even stylists who question price tags get confused:) I also got this leopard scarf which was definitely vintage because it smelled old. I am half kidding. I think it will look fabulous with a large, crystal vintage broach. Now I just need to buy one. It is a great indoor/outdoor accessory.

It may have been a less successful shopping trip then I had hoped, but all in all, it was definitely worth the time. I love treasure hunting!!

The Best Accessory: Gold Watch Bonanza

I know I have already done a post long, long ago on gold watches, but this trend isn't going anywhere. Additionally, I literally just bought myself a new gold watch that I am totally obsessed with so I have "gold watch" on the brain. I have worn it everyday since I bought it as my recent posts show.

The truth is, in true bargain shopping fashion, I found what I considered to be the best deal of the century. I have been searching for quite some time for a watch that was not Michael Kors. I LOVE his line of watches, but everyone has them. I wanted to be not only different, but to somehow spend less then $250 (what his watches go for). It is a totally fair price for a piece that is going to be rocked 7 days a week, but there seemed to be nothing out there that had the same pop for the same price.

And then I came across a brand that has done me well. A few years back I went to the Armitron show room in NYC and they so kindly gave me a watch so I would keep coming back. Ah, perks of the job! I receive compliments on it every time I wear it and it keeps on ticking with no problems. I knew this baby had long term possibilities! A quick trip to Amazon and $70 bucks later, I was in gold watch heaven. Compliments keep pouring in and when I tell them the price they are shocked. Good job Salinger.

I was very close to purchasing a much more expensive style before I stumbled upon my Armitron.While traveling through Ireland this past summer, I found my dream watch. It is by a company that just came to the states, Folli Follie. Aside from the fabulous watch, they had an array of fun jewelry. Only problem was, it was $400. As noted, this was past my $250 limit. It is not that I didn't think it was worth it, I just couldn't see spending that much when I knew Michael Kors had a very similar, sturdy style for much less. So, my mission continued as I returned home.....

Let's still stand true to the most popular designer, Mr. Michael Kors. It really is a great watch. As you can see though, through this very scientific demonstration, these 3 watches are all super similar with 3 very different price points. I don't like to buy cheap, but I like to buy "reasonable". I think I found my perfect watch at my perfect pricepoint. Find what fits you.

The Royal Wedding Craze: My Haute Homemade Hat

Just like everyone else in this world, I was glued to the television watching the fashion show that was the royal wedding. And just like everyone else in this world, I jumped fully on the hat bandwagon. Us American folk don't ever get a reason to wear a hat, except to church and my Jewish heritage doesn't encourage Sunday Mass:) So, when 2 friends married, respectively, a Brit and an Irishman this summer, I was overjoyed.

In true Amy Salinger fashion, I was not going to be typical in my hat choice. I have never had a real reason to wear a fabulous hat before (except for dancing competitions), so I was ready to go big or go home. I decided I wanted something that could be worn all night, not just during the ceremony. And, it had to travel well since one of the wedding's was actually in Ireland. A fascinator was in my future.

A fascinator, quite simple, is a cross between a hat and a head piece. It is not meant to overtake your entire head, but merely act as an ornament. I went ahead and decided that designing and making my own was way more interesting then spending beau coup bucks on an overpriced, less original piece. Of course, in my world, I have the time to do this.

Styling a look for these two weddings (yes, I wore the same thing to both), was a bit like, "Which came first? The chicken or the egg?". I started with the hat, buying tons of huge flowers. But, when I went dress shopping and couldn't find anything suitable to match the idea in my mind, I chose the best dress I could find and went from there.

Love, love, love my bright and cheery 40's esque look. I also super love my friend Courtney's Tracy Reese (bought at designer discount!) orange look. Courtney is my best friend and a fashion designer. She is also the most crafty person I know which is why I enlisted her to actually create my hat. If I had made it myself, it would have looked like a 5th grade project.

Peacock feathers? Check. Crystals? Check? Glue gun? Definitely check. After several shopping trips (no one said home made meant easy), I had all of the items I needed to create my head piece. An afternoon later, my fascinator was ready for the world to see. I added in vintage clip on earrings (which I lost because I danced them off), a Swarovski crystal ring and a pair of $15 DSW shoes, and my look was runway ready.

Challenge yourself to really create your own look, enlist a fashionable and crafty friend, and you never know what you will come up with!

Fashion's Night Out! Fab Parites, Fab Looks.

Believe it or not, this was my first Fashion's Night Out, otherwise known as FNO. I hosted an event the first year, was a good Jew and went home for Rosh Hashanna the 2nd year and finally went to all the parties this year. Totally worth the wait.

I got all dolled up for the big night and then promptly changed my entire look one minute before I had to walk out the door. Of course. I ended up wearing this vintage maroon dress from the 70's that I bought at a flea market in Chelsea. $25 purchase that had to be tailored for $95. I have worn it to weddings, afternoon drinking and now FNO. Worth the price.

I added a vintage warrior belt that I purchased at Salvation Army years ago. I threw on tons of bangles, from vintage to department store, added a jean jacket with the sleeves chopped off, and I was good to go. I was "this close" to throwing out the jean jacket from Forever 21 before i had the brilliant idea to re-vamp it into a vest. Genius!

Almost immediately after arriving, I darted across the busy crowd because I saw the most amazing necklace. On a truck that looked like it should be selling food, was a bevy of amazing pieces. A traveling store! The hostess just outside the Style Liner was wearing this unbelievable one of a kind necklace. I am in love. Big and over the top, it isn't for everyone, but it certainly will put a punch in any look!










From the most amazing necklace to one of the most interesting coats I have ever seen. The first spot I hit was Moschino. This piece obviously caught my eye. Never have I seen a high fashion house selling garments with teddy bears attached to the collar. Amazing. I really need to know who is going to buy this?? It was more humorous then anything. Needless to say, it was worthy of a picture!






As you stroll down the street, you never know what you are going to run into. This time, it was an outdoor rock concert at Vince. They covered the sidewalk with grass (so cool), and set up an area for the band. It defined the whole concept of FNO, a party on every corner.... Literally.








Moulin Rouge for anyone? Yes please. Another great "experience" of FNO was a red carpet set up for everyone to dress up like their fav Moulin Rouge character and take pictures. Sound cheesy? It totally was and it was totally awesome. It was a great excuse to stop and watch everyone make a fool of themselves. Always a good time. They had actors hired to play each character in the movie plus contortionists! It was truly fabulous.

The finale of the night was a prop posed shot. The new "it" accessory of the season is wide rimmed black glasses, why not go over-sized! It is time to go BIG or go home, it is FNO!

Overall it was a great night. Heck, it is one of the biggest parties of the year in NYC. Every store has free flowing alcohol and over the top promotions going on the get you into the stores. The streets are filled with people and visual stimulation for miles. It is what NYC is all about. Next year, same time, same place.

Hot Hats: Keeping Your Head Toasty This Winter

This man knows how to keep his head warm. Very warm. It may be a bit over the top, but he certainly does get that furry hats are the trend of the moment! I just think this might be overkill (yes, I meant that pun).

Now this is more like it. Fun, sexy, warm and yes, still a bit over the top. I live in New York City so if warmth means a bit over the top, I will take it. This aviator style is the new "it" thing all over the city and with good reason. It really does do its job by covering all of the necessary parts. If fur scares you, choose a faux fur for the same effect. There are also smaller versions that are not so overwhelming to your face. Choose what works for you while staying super stylish.

I love earmuffs. Depending on the temperature outside, they can be the perfect amount of warmth. Keeping your ears toasty is usually most of the battle. The other fantastic part about muffs is that they don't mess up your hair!! Yea for good winter hair. It is almost an anomaly.

It is clear that I love fur, but I know that is not the opinion for many in this world. Finding a pair that suits you is really what it is all about. Fur is fun because it adds some volume. You can go all Princess Lea without actually pinning two buns on the sides of your head.

And then there was the knit beret. I own a ton of these because my mom is the best knitting queen on the planet. I design and she creates. It really is a match made in heaven:)

The beret is fabulous for outdoors and indoors fashion. This way, it doesn't matter if you have a hat head because you are never going to take it off! It adds that boho chic element to any look. It isn't the warmest option, but if you choose a thicker yarn, it should block most of the wind and cold. Make it the pop of color in your look by picking a ruby or eggplant.

Finally, the fedora. Always awesomely stylish on anyone. It is nearly impossible not to look super cool when you throw one of these on. This wool option is great for the frozen months known as winter. It is definitely more about fashion then warmth with this hat, but sometimes I do believe in pain for beauty. My biggest gripe with this particular accessory is that when I actually arrive somewhere there is never anywhere to put it. So it is kind of a, "Does this go with my overall look?" type of piece because you will be rocking it all night long... All night... Oh, all night.....

So choose your head wear carefully and look stylishly warm for the next 4 months. Remember, the topper to your look can make or break the fabulousness. Choose wisely:)

Summer Straw Hats

Someone save Kim! Her hat is going to swallow her! Seriously, this is a little ridiculous. How does one maneuver doors in this hat? What you don't know about this picture is that Kim Cattrall has a personal handler just for her hat and it was placed directly on her once she sat down. It will promptly be removed once she decides to move again...... I am just kidding for those that don't get my sarcastic humor.

So what is realistic when it comes to summer straw hats? What is too big? I personally have one simple rule, if you can't see anybody around you, the hat is probably too big. Of course this may be a plus for certain people trying to avoid others.... It should be just wide enough to cover your face so the sun can't get to it. Sorry ladies, you are just going to have to slather sun screen on your shoulders because if the hat is that wide, you probably will need a hat handler as well.


Now here is another problem. Wide brim straw hats should, I repeat, should only be worn to warm weather events surrounding a body of water. You are very within your means at a pool party, BBQ on the lake or cruising around in a sailboat, but the red carpet sponsored by Zales? Really? Really?!? Bethany Frankel, I am one of your bigger fans (I love loud mouths like myself), but this hat is only part of your offense. I cannot go without mentioning that this entire outfit is nuts. Add in the lollipop to boot and I just can't take it. The ruffle, the sash, the hat, the feather, the lollipop, I am going to burst! Take that hat, rip off the feather and throw on a bikini, done. Oh yea, and get off the red carpet and head directly to the beach......

So here we have a good option for most gals.... It is breathable (so your head won't be drenched in sweat), it is a good circumference and it has some style. Look at how awesome this model looks in her wide brim summer straw hat! This piece instantly adds class and style to any water-bound ensemble. Don't you see yourself on the high seas near the French Riviera? Boat and hot captain not included.

I truly believe it is a necessity these days to own some type of wide brim hat to block yourself from harmful UV rays. Yes, I am a doctor as well as a stylist. Truthfully, when you can own something that does double duty, style and protection, why not? I love something that is two for the price of one.

Bloomingdales: Auqa Floppy Sun Hat with Metallic Edge- $58