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.

Macy's Fashion Show

This past week I had the honor of styling my first Macy's fashion show highlighting some of the hottest fall fashions and winter warm styles. I traveled all the way out to the Staten Island Mall (which can be quite a trek from Queens:). I am wearing Rachael Roy, which I got on sale for $100. I love the silhouette because it makes everyone look smaller with that type of paneling. Stella McCartney has also designed pieces like this, which I think is a definite must have item for the upcoming holidays!

The plum jumpsuit seen in the photo below is also Rachel Roy. This is a great example of a color that is really hot right now.

My headshot on the sign is still rockin my "paid for" long hair. Always fun to have a "billboard" in your honor!

Stay tuned to keep up with the latest fall trends!

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 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.

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.

Gray is the New Black

If Serena loves gray, then it must be the new black. With colder months coming, we need more then just the normal neutrals. Black is so yesterday. Truth be told, I am never opposed to the simplicity of black or brown as your choice for a neutral, but try something new. Try gray.

I am absolutely loving this look on Blake Lively for her character in Gossip Girl. It is gray, gray, gray and it looks good, good, good. I seriously cannot seem to stay away from it this fall. Every look I put together ends up so darn gray. So I am just going to go with it and consider it my signature of the season. And now it can be yours too.....

There are so many options when choosing how to bring the lifeless color into your look. It may seem drab, but it is just the thing that is going to set your look apart from your sea of friends. Take Blake for example, most people would have chosen a black boot, she went gray. Go for slightly different by choosing this color, but not jumping from the cliff. Push yourself stylishly.... just a little:)

Another option that I absolutely love is doing a brown boot with gray tights. Reese has it spot on. It throws off the look from "normal" just the right amount. Tights are an important accessory during the colder months and can not only add excitement to your look, but they can extend the wearability of a lot of your pieces. Like dresses and skirts!
Stop buying black everything all of the time. If you try one new thing this season, try gray tights.














Not ready for a super leap yet? Gray jeans are a safe way to enter the world of "new neutrals". Try out this pair by Seven. They are fantastic because they can go with black or brown. This makes a pair of gray jeans the most versatile you will ever own. If that isn't a selling point, I don't know what is!







And finally, the perfect topper to any look? An indoor/outdoor gray jacket. This piece will be useful from fall all the way through to spring. It can be worn as your jacket when it is a bit warmer out or under your coat as a layering piece for your look. The gray color makes the jacket transferable from warmer to colder months. What a perfect investment piece this Helmut Lang jacket would make to any gal's wardrobe.

So I think my argument has been proven. Gray IS the new black beyond a reasonable doubt. Search just slightly outside your comfort zone and you will quickly find that adding some gray is just the sunshine your wardrobe needs.

Missoni for Target: On the Scene

It has arrived.... Missoni for Target. The only problem is that it is already gone. I wish I was kidding. As the picture shows, by 10:30am this morning, Missoni had left the building. I thought I was so good showing up just 2.5 hours after Target in Queens opened, but apparently it wasn't good enough. I was told that just a half hour after the doors opened, everything was basically gone.

The best part of all of this is that I convinced my friend Jackie to come out to my place and then we would drive to Queens. Well, the car didn't start. So we hopped on the train and off we went to a store full of nothing. Thank God I am friends with people that have a sense of humor because a fashion show I promised and a fashion show you shall get.






When I say there was nothing left, I really mean it. We had to go to the kid's section just to play. My friend Jackie is teeny tiny so this plan was not all that bad. Unfortunately, the clothing was a bit of a let down.....

There were some pieces that were classically Missoni and other's that well, just looked cheap. Obviously the quality is going to be of lesser value since we are at Target and not Barney's, but you never want to be the girl wearing cheap, imitation Missoni.

In her best pout face, Jackie shows us what CAN work from the line. Some cute, throw on pieces that can put some funk in any look. Exactly what Missoni is all about. When buying a less expensive version of the original, go with non-fitted items. Accessories and loose silhouettes don't show off that the fit might not be perfect.






Try out a hat and gloves for example. It is the perfect Missoni pop to any ensemble. You know I look good in this hat made for a 2 year old. In fact, this line at Target is perfect for a youngster. You don't need to be spending crazy prices for the "real" thing. Have the best dressed toddler in town.

I do love this adorable dress. Easy, comfortable, stylish. Obviously it is a bit short, but if Jackie shrank to the size of an 8 year old it would be perfect. If it was her size, throwing on a dark pair of tights and high brown riding boots with be the best additions. Add a structured jean jacket and you are on your way!





Being a good sport, Jackie went the full mile. Without me even asking, she decided it was good for the post to model ALL of the items, including lingerie. Right over her pants, Jackie shows off Missoni's effort at patterned panties. Honestly, I think they are great!

In my professional opinion, it was definitely worth the trip to Target. If and when another shipment comes in, I will certainly be first (or 100th) in line. It is always good to mix and match high and low end pieces. Just use your discerning eye carefully and recognize the difference between inexpensive and cheap. It is a very fine line and never needs to be crossed!

Fall Trends 2011

Fall 2011 is just around the corner and that can only mean one thing: It is time to reinvent yourself yet another time and make way for the best trends of the season! We all know that all trends are not made for all people. It is important to pick and choose what works best with your lifestyle and personality. Price points are just numbers and there are always less expensive options to fit any budget. You can be on-point this fall, stay within your financial range and look great re-branding yourself with successful style.

The female tuxedo is a trend that loves to come round and round and round….. It is sexy and sophisticated and makes any women, no matter what age or background, an instant power player with a vixen flare. Fit is key in any tailored piece such as a fabulous tuxedo. This Alexander McQueen piece at $2,240 is super pricey, but will live on forever. Purchase a cheaply made jacket or pair of pants and you will look exactly that, cheap. This does not mean you need to spend your entire piggy bank on a tuxedo. It just means that you either A) Need to pick either the jacket or pants to save a few dollars OR B) Opt for a middle of the road price point on the full deal and realize this is an investment. A great, tailored tuxedo will never go out of style and you can wear each piece over and over, styled many different ways. This is high on the "cost per wear" meter. Meaning, you are going to wear it for years to come so if you break down how much you spent on it vs. how much you will wear it, it is worth the price.

Designer's always tell me that they never look backwards, only forwards, but this next trend proves them very, very wrong. 60's Mod is back (yet again), so pull out all of those great items that have been hanging out for years. it is time to get the psychedelic party started and the first step is looking groovy. Alberta Ferretti's Fall 2011 certainly understands this. Mod essentially means lots of color, lots of graphic, bold prints and boxy silhouettes. You don't need to overwhelm yourself in this fall trend, just opting for one piece shows you are "in the know". The younger you are, the more you can brand yourself funky with this fun trend. If you are a more mature lady, choose a top or jewelry, nothing that will completely overwhelm you.

Kooky, mixed up prints are an easy way to get someone's attention when making a first impression, but make sure you manage this trend correctly. It is a fine line between crazy and stylish!Custo Barcelona, the designer of this dress, knows how to bring crazy and realistic together. If your personality is bold and vocal, then this is the perfect trend to represent your own personal brand through your wardrobe. Always remember your destination though, wearing an overwhelming print from head to toe at the office might be a bad idea. Leave the complete look for the weekend. But, choose a top or a belt to punch up your "work wardrobe" and be the talk of the office… in a stylish and positive way!

I love fur. I know this is a faux pas in many circles and I accept that I am not always PC (ask my friends!). Obviously there are many designers that side with me because the use of fur on beautiful clothing really isn't going anywhere. Burberry clearly loves fur and knows what to do with it, as this amazing sweater suggests. The newest trend for fall 2011 is fur on clothing. Not just as a jacket, vest or earmuffs, but actually worn as an "indoor" piece. It truly is a bit over the top, but heck, isn't that what great fashion is sometimes about? Now obviously this is a pretty expensive trend if you are not wearing faux fur. Don't "go for broke" if you can't afford it, just choose a very good faux fur as an alternative. It really can make your entire ensemble look incredibly cheap so please, I beg of you, be careful in your choice. If you question yourself at all, don't buy it. You always want to look expensive and put together no matter what. Successful style may be "faux" sometimes, but never cheap.

A trendy style that almost any gal can latch onto is the longer skirt which is very big for fall. The shorter you are the more difficult it is to wear, but as long as you keep any garment on your upper half ending at your waist, you should be fine. Proportions can be your worst enemy and your best friend. Keep any purchase flowing and fun, do not opt for stiff materials. This style is great for the girl who is a bohemian at heart. You can rock it at the office when styled appropriately and still feel like yourself. The best part is that it is universally awesome in that it can be worn any day of the week, work or weekend.

A trendy fall, a trendy (re-branded) you. Style represents who you are and who you want to be. What does your wardrobe say about you? When choosing your trendy fall 2011 pieces, always keep in mind what you want to project to the world. Clean out your closet and find current trends lurking in the depths of your wardrobe. Re-work them for this season. Purchase those great pieces that will advance your current wardrobe and style. Buy what you need. Use what you have.

Top Ten Fall Shoe Styles

Fall is by far my favorite season. 100 degree weather has finally subsided, the air feels crisp and something about life just seems calmer. Although all of these things really do put a smile on my face, let's just be honest, fall fashion is one of my reason's for living. It may sound a bit extreme, but the excitement of being able to layer on fabulous new trends is sometimes almost too much for me to take! And then there are the shoes......

So, as discussed this morning on Martha Stewart's Sirius radio channel, here are my top ten picks for the best shoe trends for fall:

Back again, for an encore presentation, the over-the-knee boot. Love them. They are incredibly sexy without the "I am trying really hard" connotation. Surprisingly, they are pretty acceptable for most age groups. Of course, you have to be in fairly good shape to pull these off if you are over 45. In addition, as you become "more mature", you should delete the heel. It just becomes a bit too over the top.

This particular pair by Dolce Vita is a great option. The cut out behind the knee is a superb design allowing for the boot not to get crunched and caught. Also, remember that neutrals can be more then just black or brown. Taupe is a fabulously fantastic choice!




Apparently over-the-knee just wasn't enough for designers, so along came the thigh high. This really takes a special kind of lady to pull this shoe off. People always want to know if it is "age appropriate", well this boot really should be put back on the shelf after 35..... Sorry! It is the ultimate in sexy, men are going to love you, footwear. Realistic no, fabulous yes. Christian Louboutin knew what he was doing when he pushed the envelope with this $2,375 pair. Meow!







Up next, brogues. I nearly fell over myself at fashion week chasing down a girl wearing these YSL shoes. For $1000, you better love them, but does it get any better then studded, patent leather lace-up brogues? I don't think so:) This menswear inspired look began last spring, but has really blown up for fall. Look modern, fun and trendy buy adding these to any outfit.



Just this past Friday I was working with a client and got stopped in my tracks by these Libby Edelman shoes. Granny chic is so in right now! It is rare that I purchase something when working with a client, but she knows me well enough and my fashion conscious would not have allowed me to leave the store without them. They were priced at $49 (holy cow!) and I got an additional 30% off leaving them at $34. I am really good. Without the leopard print and studded toe, these shoes could be just as doubty as you remember on granny. Libby Edelman (of Sam and Libby ballet flat designers of the 80's) added this punchy material making them uber modern and super fun.

I LOVE LOVE these Kelsi Dagger boots for $200. Ankle booties will not be going anywhere for a while, so invest now. They can be a tricky shoe if you have bigger calves, so choose a lighter color if this is an issue for you. You are always looking to elongate your legs and wearing a darker color will do the opposite by cutting you off at the ankle. This pair is fabulous because it is classic and simple, but adds in a fantastic architectural toe. This is a big look for fall and instantly ups the glamor quotient of any ensemble.



Military is back! I have fond memories of my Doc Marten's from high school and apparently I am so old that they are back again. Sad for my psyche, happy for my feet! This studded pair by Free People is pricey at $388, but really fun and interesting. The studding is not too over-powering to the boot meaning that they can be worn with multiple looks. Sometimes, when a shoe is too overwhelming, it loses it's ability to be worn regularly. Be ready to rock these boots with everything from dresses to skinny jeans. This is a fairly young shoe and should be limited to a "Forever 21" type of crowd. The great thing about them though is that even if you are not an alternative rocker, you too can pull this boot off. Have fun and go out of your comfort zone!


Don't worry if you can't wear the studded military boot anymore, you have another high heeled option! By toning down the sharp utilitarian feel and adding a heel, these boots become instantly more sophisticated. They are so much more accessible to every age and style. Try pairing them with a simple ensemble such as jeans and a blazer to add some trend and edge to your look. If you are really feeling fun, a simple, straight style dress is a great combination as well. Push yourself to try something new! You won't break the bank in these Guess boots for $150.


Ahhhh, riding boots. I loved them 3 years ago, I love them today and I will love them 3 years from now. These babies aren't going anywhere and I am thankful for that! They are so chic, so fantastic, so rugged. I instantly feel like I should head out to the Hampton's for a polo match when I put them on. I don't know a thing about polo (other then hot men seem to play it), but I sure do know how to dress for a match. The great thing about riding boots though, is that you don't have to be going to a polo game to wear them! Rock them in the city, rock them in the suburbs, rock them in the country! Throw on leggings and a longer sweater and you are ready for a casual stroll in the park. You really just can't go wrong with these boots no matter your age, social status or style.

One of my personal favorites for fall shoe trends is the funky sneaker. Realistic for function, realistic for style. These PF Flyers are just above what I would pay at $130, but will really kick your outfit up a notch! I walk around NYC for a living, so comfort and style must go hand in hand. These two concepts do not have to live separately. I refuse to wear sneakers unless one of two things is going on: 1. My back is killing me. 2. I am going to the gym. This allows me to be happy and comfortable at the same time. Yea for dressy sneakers.


Rounding out my top ten for fall is the platform pump. Just when you thought they couldn't get heels any higher, they did. The great thing about this trend though, is that the higher you make the platform, the flatter your foot actually is. Your foot is not technically painfully arched because you have balanced out the heel with a toe platform. Finally, designers have caught onto the fact that pain should not equal fashion!!!! These Brian Atwood Maniac pumps for $575 have been all the rage for a while now and have spread what some would consider an epidemic of platform heels across the nation. I am just happy it is an epidemic I can handle:)

So ladies, even if you purchase just one new pair of shoes this fall season make sure you will love them, cherish them and most of all, wear them. Enjoy!

Carmelita Couture: My Fav Funky Designer

I was truly lucky when I found this designer. Carmelita Couture has the funkiest, quirkiest, sexiest design aesthetic I have seen in a long time. The best part about her clothing? The fact that you can rock out a bit without leaving your comfort zone.

Fashion week was not only about the actual runway shows themselves, but about the people attending that were walking their own personal runways. Of course I had to not only be included in this "real person" fashion show, I had to be the best:) To be the best, you have to borrow clothing from the best. I utilized my stylist hat to pull every single outfit I wore. Everyone that I met thought it was hysterical that I was a one woman walking store. Everything I had on was for sale and my big mouth was going to let everyone know!

Carmelita was kind enough to ship a few fabulous frocks to me overnight because I was running out of options! I knew wearing one of her creations would definitely make me stand out (in a good way!). The last day of fashion week I decided to push the envelope (for my comfort zone) a little bit. Now, no one ever said that I wasn't partial to a jumper, but wearing one in fuchsia and red was a bit of a leap for me. My roommate let me know when I tried it on at home that I looked like a very stylish character in Austin Powers. I said thank you and started making decisions about how to do my hair and makeup.... The greatest compliment I got was that I could have been in a fashion show circus. And guess what? I was already under the big tent and this is the biggest fashion show on earth so I felt I hit the nail on the head!!! Go me and go Carmelita. How perfectly did this jumper fit me? It was crazy because it could have been so wrong and yet it was SO right! Love it. Let's not forget to give a quick shout out to my handsome friend, editor and owner of TheFashionWalk.com, Keeniun.

And here we have my "sexy secretary with a funky fashion week twist" look. I like to get very specific when I am creating fabulous ensembles! Working 12 hour days interviewing people was hard enough, but preparing for my head to toe overhaul might have been harder! It usually takes me about 45 minutes to an hour to get ready on a normal day. I was giving myself at least an hour and a half during fashion week. I was my own fashion stylist, hair person and makeup person. For those of you not in the industry, it is VERY difficult to be camera ready for 12 hours when you are the one doing everything! When asked what was the most difficult part about fashion week, that was always my answer. It sounds crazy, but it is very tiring to constantly make sure your hair is in place, you are not shiny and your lipstick is properly applied. I am working on my entourage so I can stop complaining about this. Oh, the difficulties of my job:) Please see the ridiculousness of this statement.....

Check out www.CarmelitaCouture.com!!!