What is the first impression your style gives people? Does it represent who you want to be? In just seven seconds people have a firm grasp on who they think we are, Sass N Style will help you make that impression a stylish one. Buy what you need. Use what you have.
The holidays are upon us and that means lots of travel. This can overwhelmingly painful for many since the joy of packing is right up there with moving. The experience is just on a much smaller scale, but it still stings if you can't get it right. It does not have to be brain surgery, you just need to realize you DO NOT need to bring the kitchen sink. Thanksgiving may be somewhat of a fashion show to most, but nothing more then a carry is needed for 5 days of travel. I am very serious about this:) Let's take it step by step. Shall we begin with the suitcase? A compact, cute, rolling carry on is your best bet. Stay away from black when it comes to any suitcase. Let this Diane Von Furstenberg $90 piece pop against everybody else's boring black. You will never lose your patterned, bright option again! This duffel style is also slightly smaller then your average carry on, but is extremely expandable and has many pockets to store things separately. Since I am only allowing one suitcase per person, it is time to learn how to make the most of your small space. Roll it up. This method can easily double the amount that you get in your suitcase. It also saves you from wrinkled clothing!! Think about that, there are no folds so there are no creases when you take everything out. You will be able to stuff things in corners and spaces you never thought were useful. Do not waste any opportunity! Use your shoes to put socks and underwear in. Every space should be utilized. Just in case you do come across a wrinkle or two, owning a mini steamer/iron is necessary. For $30 you can instantly look like everything just came from the dry cleaners. If you don't have time to pick one of these babies up, you can hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom with you when you shower. The steam helps to loosen up the creases, but nothing works like the portable steamer will..... The other quick items that you should keep on hand are a sewing kit, double sided tape and a tide stick. Each of these can be a life saver when a wardrobe malfunction hits. The sewing kit will tighten up that loose button, the double sided tape will fix a ripped hem or possible low cleavage situation and the tide stick will get out the gravy. Three items that will save the day. Now let's talk clothing. What do you actually roll up in your cute suitcase? Packing for a trip is all about great foundation pieces with a few pop items. Accessories are your friend and will change up the look and feel of every piece you bring. Start simple, think basic. This is a great example, a black dress will be useful from day to evening. We are not after skin tight clothing, after all, this holiday is all about eating! Empire waist or silhouette skimming styles are your best options. Empire is fitted just below your bust leaving your tummy the chance to expand. Silhouette skimming styles are comfortable, do not look like a potato sack and still leave room for LOTS of turkey. Tights are a quick way to change up your black dress for different activities you may be attending. Bring a few pairs, you may not wear all of them, but these are reasonable options that can be stuffed into your suitcase anywhere. Choose patterns for extra funky and solids for simplicity. For even more casual days during your holiday, plan on having 1 pair of jeans. Yes, I said one. A basic skinny style is all you are going to need if you follow all of my packing rules. They should be darker in color so they can go from day to night, lots of versatility. The skinny style is easily tucked in the boots you will also be bringing. More on that later... In addition to your jeans, choose 2 sweaters, one thinner and one super cozy and thick. The thicker one will be what you travel in. You always want to wear your bulkier items during travel leaving more room for other clothing in your suitcase. The other choice for a bottom half is black leggings. This means that all of your layering pieces have to be slightly longer to cover your bum. If your leggings are thinner, add a pair of tights under them. You know you packed them! Meagan Fox may look a bit sloppy, but she has her foundation pieces in order. Make sure to pack lots of different T shirts, tanks and long sleeve T's. These are the perfect backdrop for everything else you have brought! Just like this picture and all before it, you better bring your best boots. You can bring up to 2 pairs. You are wearing one pair while you travel so you will pack the other one. People get crazy with shoes and keep throwing them in, but this is your worst enemy! They add weight and take up too much room. Aside from 2 pairs of boots, you may want to grab a pair of heels just for the dressier activities, but no more. Stop the shoe insanity! Last up to really complete your holiday packing is accessories. These are what is going to make every foundation piece you have brought really become an outfit. Do not think that I have told you to pack super boring items! I have told you to pack super simple items that can styled fabulously different!!! Here come tons of scarves, hats and jewelry. You can really stuff as much as you want into your suitcase so this is where you have options when you get there. You never know how you are going to feel each day and maybe you want to switch it up at the last second, let your accessories do the switching. Buy a great traveling jewelry organizer that can be filled to the brim. Think everything. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings.... Scarves are also fun and can be stuffed into your shoes right along with your underwear and socks. Have fun with this category! The finale to your holiday looks is going to be one fabulous medium sized neutral bag. This can mean anything to you! Pick a bag that is super versatile within your style and can be worn day to night. This Marc Jacobs bag is a perfect example of something that is sassy and realistic. It is your "one personal item". You can stuff it to the brim on the way to your holiday, and they use it as a cute purse any where you go while you are there. It is expandable and yet flattens out just as easily when there is nothing in it. Wonderful. I think you should be ready to go now. Packing is just a nightmare until you buckle down and do it following the above rules. You need to stop worrying what you didn't bring and focus on what you are going to bring. With the right basics, you can build any look through accessories. And always remember, unless you are in the middle of no where, there is a store just around the corner.....
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.
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:)
Who cares if you ate everything on your plate and then went for seconds? Unbuttoning one's pants during the holiday season just to keep from buying new clothing seems to be a pretty good tradition. But what if you could look cute all through December (and into January:) and still eat extra cranberry sauce and stuffing? You can.
Nicole Ritchie may be the worst example of someone gaining weight during the holiday season, but you can definitely take a cue from her cute sweater tunic. Add some leggings or jeans to this look and the loose, easy feel of the deep v-neck tunic is perfect for any gal feeling the stretch of the season. Although this piece is super over-sized, there is still an obvious shape and style. The v-neckline draws attention to your face keeping all eyes away from your mid-section. The difference in length between the front and back of the tunic may not be helping your cover-up cause either way, but it sure does look cute! This piece is also a fantastic "I ate too much for a month" dress. It is an A-line silhouette which allows you to still show off your figure while keeping it loose around the stomach. A-line means it is fitted around the chest area and becomes wider as it gets to the bottom just like an A. How ingenious! The pattern on this dress is also your friend. It is true what they say about horizontal stripes, they do make you look wider. Picking a vertical pattern during this season is a fabulous idea! It will help give the illusion that you are longer and leaner, even though your body may be getting wider..... This is my ultimate favorite look for the season. I am comfortable, I am cute, I am eating anything I want. Wearing a darker foundation like a black t-shirt, leggings and black boots, with a lighter, longer sweater, will keep the attention on your layering item. The sweater becomes the focal point while your actual body is a backdrop. Do not fret if you don't look like a supermodel in your black catsuit, no one can see it anyway! Stetchy materials are going to be your best option so your tummy can breathe! My only big rule is to make sure that your sweater fully covers your behind. No one want to see your backside in just leggings even if it is perfect. And anyway, isn't the point of this post that during the holiday season it might lose some of it's perfection? Got it, good. The empire style dress will almost always work as a stylish choice for an expanding middle. Let's just call it like it is, this dress is focusing on your bust which will most likely be expanding as well during this time. There are positives ladies! The vertical pattern on the chest is also a bonus as I have already highlighted the importance of picking these types of patterns. The bell sleeve is a cute design, but it additionally draws attention away from your middle to your arms. Pick a scoop or v-neck design to encourage people's eyes to look upward even more. Opening your neckline is always a perfect choice for drawing attention away from you middle. So there are just a few ideas for looking great even when you may not be feeling it. Style is not just for size 2 and 4's, we are all beautiful no matter what size we are.
As you all may know by now, I have been styling photo shoots galore lately (hence why I have been MIA, sorry!). Last week I was working with www.TheFashionWalk.com doing a menswear inspired shoot. There is a section called, "The Look of Now" and as the stylist, I decide what that is! I decided it was menswear inspired women's clothing:) I decided to do a "Bonnie and Clyde" look since I had 2 models to work with. For all of the shots, one model was "Bonnie" and the other was "Clyde". I got two thumbs up from the team about the concept, so I figured I might know what I am doing:) I was lucky enough to have access to some amazing menswear inspired clothing. The designers behind the line Eva Khurshid have created a very sophisticated and classic collection. It was the perfect fit for my idea. Everything is conservative with a twist. Perfect for the stylish woman who wants to remain super classy! The truly key part of this particular line is that they create foundation pieces for your wardrobe that will be the best investment items ever! It can be styled quite simply (like the top pictures), or funked out (like my photo shoot pictures). It really just depends on your mood and style. Either way, these are the basic foundation items that I constantly push with clients no matter what their age, job, personality or background may be. They really will stand the test of time!! Of course what is a photo shoot without a little bit of crazy? I always bring the crazy:) Fun that is! While the models are hard at work, I am the one in the background trying to make everyone laugh. Photo shoots can be long and tiring (yes, this actually is work people), so you have to keep the energy up. I decided to take a picture with the lovely and VERY tall model Snow (6' baby!). A stool was necessary if I wanted to be seen in the shot! This is the finale shot with the entire team. That lovely gentleman to my left is Keeniun, the founder and owner of the magazine. Shout out Keeniun. We are working together for the upcoming fashion week at Bryant Park, so be ready for lots of backstage access! I am going to be interviewing designers and checking out ALL of the shows. Oh yea, how cool am I? Very cool:)
Everybody's doing it. Brad Pitt did it in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". Will Smith saved the world in it. Hell, even guys hating middle age (yes, that's you John Travolta) have done it. And let's not forget our little Shia, he looked pretty cute doing it too. What is it that they are all doing? Trying on their guy's guy look by rocking a Belstaff coat. A very simple way for a man to get in touch with his rugged biker side. Founded in 1924 in Staffordshire, England, Belstaff has remained the "it" coat for men who are looking to invest in a piece that really doesn't lose it's value. Not to mention that it seriously is pretty studly. I didn't learn about this little gem of a brand until my boyfriend threw his Belstaff on and I almost hit the floor. Now I must admit that he is pretty damn cute standing alone, but wearing his Belstaff did wonders for his "hot" quotient. I suggest all women promote their man buying anything that will make them look even hotter. The original Belstaff gansta, or at least the first movie star to make it popular, was Steve McQueen. He would wear the very popular Trailmaster while biking. In 2007, Belstaff released a new and improved Trailmaster in honor of Steve Mcqueen. He must have really loved his Belstaff. Why all of this talk about Belstaff? Well, I wish they were paying me, but that is hardly true. I was in J. Crew over the weekend and they are now selling Belstaff! I don't regularly walk into J. Crew (although I do like it), so I had no idea! As the price point of J. Crew goes up (thank you Michelle Obama for wearing it), so do the brands that they carry. Belstaff is definitely an investment with this particular coat being $795. But as I mentioned, it is definitely a worthy investment and does not lose it's value! It is meant to look rugged and worn in. The one my boyfriend has is actually waxed cotton, which means every 2 years he has to re-wax it for $50 and it looks brand new. Pause for sexual joke. So invest boys and buy yourself some manliness. J. Crew Belstaff Trailmaster Jacket: $795
This is awesome. Is this chick serious? Seriously foxy. Get it, get it... Foxy!!! I am so funny. Alright, enough "adult" humor (as in cheesy), let's get down to business. This is insane and I am not quite sure what set of eyes to look at. Even if you live in Alaska this is not cool. I mean, it is cold, but you do not need to actually WEAR the animal! No matter whether you love or hate fur, we should ALL hate this. In actuality, I do love fur. Sorry PETA. I know it is wrong and mean, but it looks so damn good and feels so damn warm! Why be good when being bad literally feels so great! There are levels of fur that are unacceptable (example at left), but using fur as an accessory is perfectly acceptable and looks very stylish. Think hats, scarves, earmuffs... You get the idea. All of these girls are doing it, so why not become part of the "cool" crowd? I can hear PETA tearing me a new one right now.... I am half kidding, save the animals! Or wear them stylishly.... Your choice:) I do love this ode to Russian chic with a big fur hat. Clearly you have to be very secure in your style to pull off something like this. Either you rock this in the backwoods because you are so freakin' cold it doesn't matter what you wear or you pair it with a very chic and fashionable outfit and look like you just walked off a runway. Again, your choice. I am not making judgments here:) (Yea, right). You could also be the girl next door who just wants a little spice for her winter look. Choose earmuffs, they are fun and you are not draping yourself in animal. Look at how happy this model is in her fun fur earmuffs and wrap scarf? You too can be this happy:) Then, of course, there is always up-town chic... Never to be messed with! Fur can simply be the most fabulous thing on the planet when done right! The stylist's over at Harper's Bazzar proved this perfectly with these completely expensive ensembles topped off with Jackie O inspired fab. I want to be them. Ok, maybe just for an afternoon... All of that sophistication and class would mess with my crazy and loud personality. The cracks would start to show very quickly... You can dress up the girl, but you can't take her out... for long:) Photo courtesy of Alaskakraft.com Photo courtesy of Furgirldir.com Photo courtesy of Macys.com Photo courtesy of Harper's Bazaar
I received a great question yesterday, how do you look hot in the winter without emulating the state puff marshmallow man? Easily... This is a fabulous daytime chic look. It is appropriate for SO many occasions including work and play (of course this depends on your job and the type of "playing" you will be doing:). It has a "I am not even trying" feel to it which is what makes it so cool. Pairing a dress with tights and boots is an easy and quick way to make more use out of a large portion of your wardrobe. Don't store away those dresses when it gets cold outside! Go and buy some tights:) I wear two pairs when it really gets cold for twice the protection. Plus, you can use one plain pair and one textured pair for funk. I love sharing my tricks! Another great idea for winter warmth without the bulk, is layering a thin long-sleeve t-shirt underneath your bigger sweaters. Using a short sleeve sweater on top, as this model is showing, is a great change from the "typical" way of layering. It adds depth and creativity to a really accessible daytime look. When picking out a winter coat, don't choose the most bulky and heavy one! I want you to be warm, but I want the world to know that you still have a body under there. Choose a style that has a cinched belt to give you a waist. This coat also has a bell skirt for the bottom half so it give you lots of room to pile on clothing underneath. I love the big fur collar because it only makes your waist look even smaller!!! Finally, my favorite winter go-to look. Leggings and a longer sweater will be any gal's best friend, no matter what your age! For the more mature woman, choose a longer style sweater, leggings are still appropriate. You must pair this look with taller boots. It is not only important style wise, but your legs will be freezing otherwise! I also would add a pair of tights underneath your leggings just to make sure you are nice and toasty. So there you have it, all of the ideas for cozy, comfy winter ensembles without all of the bulk. You are now chic and fabulous... at least until the spring:) Photo one: Courtesy of Flikr.com Photo two: Courtesy of loveitorhateit.com Photo three: Balticnordic.com Photo four: macys.com
Which one of these is not like the others? Come on, you can do it! You remember this little challenge from your grammar school days.... Let me give you a hint, two of these women should realize that although they are hot, this boot style is for a "less mature" woman. Sorry gals. Rihanna hits the nail on the head by vamping up this cute and simple sweater dress. By pairing together these two pieces, she is keeping it sexy yet appropriate. She pulls in a very big trend right now, the over the knee boot, while keeping the look grounded. And then there are the other two. Mariah Carey always causes my fashion brain to hurt. She just can't accept that curves can be beautiful when they are not completely being hugged by spandex material. Adding a pair of "hooker" boots only puts this already over-the-top look, more over-the-top. This outfit would be best worn by a 20 year old girl who is about to go out to the club. Not by an almost 40 year old woman in broad daylight. It is time to put away the spandex dear. You are a beautiful woman that does not need to have it all hanging out even if that is what you consider "your style". That is not a style, it is actually known as your late teens and 20's.... A time that is over:( Now there is a bit more hope for J. Lo. I still think that she gets it right most of the time, but there are a few slip ups here and there. Mostly, she is now 40 and it is time for her to reflect that. Her thighs are more in shape then they have ever been, but unfortunately that does not mean that they should be wearing thigh high boots. I have been asked if there is a cut-off age for this trend and my simple answer is yes. Anyone over 35 probably should pack this possiblity up along with their spandex clothing. Hot or not, age appropriate clothing is a big plus in my book. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU SHOULD NOT STILL BE SEXY. This just means that certain trends are not appropriate for you anymore. For those of you that reflect Rihanna more than Mariah and J. Lo, here are two options for you. First we have the very pricey Christian Louboutins, totally hot, totally expensive. If you can pay this price, well then I am totally impressed and I want to be friends with you:) If not, you have a less expensive option that you can totally rock. Either way, this look will be here for a few seasons so it is worth investing in a pair. Choose high heels for a flashier version, but you can completely wear flat ones during the day with a longer sweater and leggings. Have fun, be sexy and remember that Julia Roberts in "Pretty Women" is not the only hooker who can wear hooker boots. Photo courtesy of whosdatingwho.com Christian Louboutin contente over the knee boots: $1995.00 Lucky Brand "Gwen" over the knee boots: $239.00
I know, I know, I have already chatted about Angelina Jolie's Akris white suit. It was so good though, that it was worth another mention. Not just Angelina's beautiful ensemble, but the white suit in general. Holiday party season is upon us and I am looking for the anti-cocktail dress. How many party dresses can one girl own? Don't answer that, you might scare yourself. A great option in these chillier winter months is a tuxedo. The age-old winter problem with a dress is that your legs are freezing and you have to find a layering piece to go with your look. Now you have covered up your cute new dress! Of course I love the idea of a classic black women's tux, but have you ever considered winter white? Well you should! Even Bianca Jagger has done it. She went white and looked uber-chic. Ok, the Colonel Sanders style tie is a bit much, but hell, it is Bianca Jagger! You may be asking, "All white in winter? Isn't it past Labor Day?" The answer is yes and yes. If it is just too much for you, try a cream tuxedo instead. It softens the bright element, but still has the same dramatic affect. You will stand out... In a good way! If you are lucky enough to be in a warmer part of the world during this holiday season, change up your idea of a tuxedo. Emma Roberts shows that pants are not always a must when choosing a sophisticated white suit. She is still portraying a classic, yet sexy ideal. Add black tights and black pumps to funk up this concept and wear it in colder weather. Slightly alternative, a little bit funky, totally awesome. Now although I do believe that this model should have opted for a shirt, the suit does speak for itself. When has a bra and necklace counted for a layering piece? I strongly promote a white suit for a nice change from the party dress, but in addition, it is a great foundation staple! You not only get an amazing white suit, but you get separates. You can really utilize a white blazer and white pants because of the multiple options for styling. The best part, it is seasonless! Yes ladies, you can wear this anytime of the year and to multiple occasions. Dress it up, dress it down, make it what you want it to be. The white suit is a must for all wardrobes, and of course, holiday parties!!! The Bridget Fit wide-leg pant: $49.50 Boyfriend jacket in seasonless stretch: $108.00
Having worked with every size person on this planet (or pretty close to it), I can tell you that feet are always the biggest issue. "I can't wear heels. I will only wear heels. My feet are too wide. My feet are too narrow. My feet are too ugly, cover them up." The most common problem I have come across though is that people have the most trouble finding boots that fit their calves! It really is a wonder that more shoe designers have not taken this into account when creating their lovely lines for women of all shapes and sizes. That is until Michael Kors got smart..... Let me begin this mission to find the perfect boots for your possibly not so perfect calves with a basic statement, I HATE STRETCH BOOTS. I have made this feeling pretty clear to anyone that will listen. They are tacky and cheap looking no matter how much you pay for them. For those of you that have followed my blog for a while, you might remember the new one that I tore Jill Biden the day of the inauguration. What on earth did this sophisticated, mature woman think she was doing in this ensemble? Pretty from the knees up, but everything on the bottom was a big ol' mess. She has the opposite problem from most women, her calves are too skinny. That is still no excuse to pull these Payless style shoes out for the biggest day in this countries history. Ug, oy, gross, yuck. No offense Payless:) So now that I am done complaining, let me give you the solution: This year's line of Michael Kors boots. For curvy calves, for skinny calves, by gone it, he has done it. Or at least his team of designers has done it. He combined stretch material and leather to create a wearable boot for most any size calf. This combination allows the boots to remain stylish and sophisticated while still being realistic for ALL calves. Thank you Michael. From the dressy version above to these more casual versions, he really hit the nail on the head. I am obsessed with riding boots and motorcycle boots because they add a bit of fun and theme to your look without overpowering it. You should have a good time with your footwear! Black boots do not equal boring. Don't ever give up on finding the perfect basic that will stand on it's own and be noticed by all of those around you. Not only are these boots stylish, but they really will be the answer to all of your calf problems. I accept all thank you's very graciously, I have saved many before and now I have done it again....:) Your welcome. Kinkade Small Heel Tall Leather Boots: $199.99 SALE Bromley OTK Flat Boots: $250 Audrina Strech Boots: $84.95
The holidays are upon us and that means lots of travel. This can overwhelmingly painful for many since the joy of packing is right up there with moving. The experience is just on a much smaller scale, but it still stings if you can't get it right.
Since I am only allowing one suitcase per person, it is time to learn how to make the most of your small space. Roll it up. This method can easily double the amount that you get in your suitcase. It also saves you from wrinkled clothing!! Think about that, there are no folds so there are no creases when you take everything out. You will be able to stuff things in corners and spaces you never thought were useful. Do not waste any opportunity! Use your shoes to put socks and underwear in. Every space should be utilized.
Just in case you do come across a wrinkle or two, owning a mini steamer/iron is necessary. For $30 you can instantly look like everything just came from the dry cleaners. If you don't have time to pick one of these babies up, you can hang your wrinkled clothes in the bathroom with you when you shower. The steam helps to loosen up the creases, but nothing works like the portable steamer will.....
Now let's talk clothing. What do you actually roll up in your cute suitcase? Packing for a trip is all about great foundation pieces with a few pop items. Accessories are your friend and will change up the look and feel of every piece you bring. Start simple, think basic. This is a great example, a black dress will be useful from day to evening. We are not after skin tight clothing, after all, this holiday is all about eating! Empire waist or silhouette skimming styles are your best options. Empire is fitted just below your bust leaving your tummy the chance to expand. Silhouette skimming styles are comfortable, do not look like a potato sack and still leave room for LOTS of turkey.
For even more casual days during your holiday, plan on having 1 pair of jeans. Yes, I said one. A basic skinny style is all you are going to need if you follow all of my packing rules. They should be darker in color so they can go from day to night, lots of versatility. The skinny style is easily tucked in the boots you will also be bringing. More on that later... In addition to your jeans, choose 2 sweaters, one thinner and one super cozy and thick. The thicker one will be what you travel in. You always want to wear your bulkier items during travel leaving more room for other clothing in your suitcase.
Meagan Fox may look a bit sloppy, but she has her foundation pieces in order. Make sure to pack lots of different T shirts, tanks and long sleeve T's. These are the perfect backdrop for everything else you have brought!
Last up to really complete your holiday packing is accessories. These are what is going to make every foundation piece you have brought really become an outfit. Do not think that I have told you to pack super boring items! I have told you to pack super simple items that can styled fabulously different!!! Here come tons of scarves, hats and jewelry. You can really stuff as much as you want into your suitcase so this is where you have options when you get there. You never know how you are going to feel each day and maybe you want to switch it up at the last second, let your accessories do the switching. Buy a great traveling jewelry organizer that can be filled to the brim. Think everything. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings.... Scarves are also fun and can be stuffed into your shoes right along with your underwear and socks. Have fun with this category!
The finale to your holiday looks is going to be one fabulous medium sized neutral bag. This can mean anything to you! Pick a bag that is super versatile within your style and can be worn day to night. This Marc Jacobs bag is a perfect example of something that is sassy and realistic. It is your "one personal item". You can stuff it to the brim on the way to your holiday, and they use it as a cute purse any where you go while you are there. It is expandable and yet flattens out just as easily when there is nothing in it. Wonderful.
