"Bonnie and Clyde" Photoshoot for TheFashionWalk.com

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:)

Big Calves? Small Calves? You CAN Own Tall Boots

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

Don't be Pamela Anderson, Find a Button Down that Buttons! Rebecca and Drew is your Company.

It is a miracle!!!!! Finally, a company has designed a button-down shirt that actually closes. No tank tops underneath, no safety pins, no nothin'... It really just closes. How have they come up with such a fascinating answer to an age old problem? It is easy, they created and bought the patent for designing button-downs that are actually made based on your bust size. How damn ingenious.

Everybody knows this problem. It fits your shoulders and your mid-section, but it will not even come close to buttoning around the girls. Or, you buy it bigger so it does actually button and then it is huge through the middle only making you look bigger. So much fun!

No more madness. No more boobie spillage. I am sure many men will shutter at the thought that they can no longer peak inside that annoying opening between the top two buttons, but thanks to Rebecca and Drew, your button downs will now fit properly! See, I told you it was a miracle!

The sizing is really quite simple. You give them your bust cup size, your rib cage measurement (like 34 or 36) and then long or regular in length. See, they even think of tall people! Of course you choose your style and color/material choice and boom, a personalized fit that cannot be found anywhere else. Trust me, I have looked.

Although you may think these lovely little gems are a little pricier, they are completely worth it. Truthfully, they are completely competitive with Theory and they actually fit. What a novel idea. Ladies, this is a foundation piece that can be worn multiple ways with multiple ensembles. I am a sassy and funky girl and I own about seven. They are the type of piece that stylists love because they can be whatever you want them to be!

Michelle Sleeveless Band Collar Shirt with Ruffles $138.60
Long Sleeve Trio Pack $399

The Wonderful White Suit

For many years now I have been completely obsessed with owning the perfect white suit. To me, it is the ultimate ensemble to own for the warmer months. Chic and simple, it truly offers the opportunity to be styled a million and one different ways!

As with any great suit, it can be used as separates. So, not only do you have a fantastic pair of trousers, you also have a hot, white blazer! Especially with the white suit, you truly can use each of these pieces in multiple ways, both casually and to work. Each individual item is a sure bet to up the awesome level of your outfit. White is such a clean and bright addition that is a complete neutral so it really works with just about anything! What a recession proof styling idea???

This particular suit is insanely high-waisted, but if that isn't your thing, don't worry! The greatest thing about a suit is that you can find the best cut for your body shape and still be on point with the trend as long as it remains sleek. This means no boxy cuts or dense, unflattering materials! For the summer months, a linen blend is a perfect choice to cheap you easy and breezy. Basically, let's not have a sweating contest!

For casual evenings out, you can pair your suit with a basic t-shirt and some fun bangles as this model is showing. No need to break up the separates depending on where you are going. A white suit automatically lends itself to a more casual feeling and by pairing it with a t-shirt you are only exemplifying this idea. If you are going for a more professional feel, I would add a flouncy underlayer, preferably it should be loose and airy. Chunky v.s. delicate jewels is purely up to you!!! This white suit with be your go to look of the summer!!!

The Trouser Fit Suit in Linen Blend
Pants: $79.99
Blazer: $99.99

Jennifer Aniston's Simple Style

It is simply amazing that almost everytime I ask a new client who there favorite dressed celebrity is they say, "Jennifer Aniston". Really? I guess I get it, she is simple, clean and always seems to look effortless. Well let me tell you the secret, it is. She has admitted, quite openly I might add, that she has no sense of personal style. She hopes everyday to put on something that is so basic that she at least doesn't draw attention to herself. The truth of the matter is that all of us would look great isnsuch expensive and simple basics if we too were all that slender.

I commend her simplicity and how elegantly she seems to pull it off, but to strive to have her style is not really striving at all. She does not push the boundaries or even challenge them for that matter. I am not saying that fashion is all about the latest and greatest trend, but I am saying that putting your own personal stamp on your look is exceedingly important. This, my dear readers, is what really defines style.

So next time you think of your favorite dressed celebrity, try and think what sets them apart from the crowd, what is it about their look that takes it to the next level? We can all love simple and classic style, but if that means I am surprised by Jennifer Aniston just pulling back her hair (this is a big step for her in terms of changing her look), then I will pass. Basics are the foundation of fashion, but how you style those pieces to make it your own is what makes you a fashion maven.

Photo courtesy of Dietsinreview.com

The Ultimate Boyfriend Blazer

With every hot trend there are a million designers/labels that try and put their own fabulous version on the market. Yet again, because of my own personal shopping habit and lovely career, I have done the tough leg work for you and found the best version of the boyfriend blazer out there. For the cost, there is certainly no better fit. And, it definitely looks way more expensive than it is......

Boomingdales own brand, Aqua, has created a sleek and well-shaped boyfriend blazer that does not have you swimming in mounds of material. Remember, just because it is called the boyfriend blazer does not mean that your boyfriend should fit into it. The single button closure keeps it feminine while the length lends itself to conquering this very trendy trend. I love the purposely cuffed sleeves because it off-sets the length of the blazer. Having a shorter sleeve on an oversized or longer piece allows it to still seem like you have a body underneath. You are wearing it, it is not wearing you. Try rolling up your sleeves next time and see how this miracle happens.....

The only problem with this great blazer is that the rest of the world has already seemed to find it. I have been stalking it in this great blue color and I can't seem to get my hands on one!!! Try, try again.

Aqua Boyfriend Blazer
$108.00

Owning the Right Foundation Pieces: Read my Guest Post at Wedding Bee!

I have been asked to be a guest blogger on my friend's amazing blog, The Wedding Bee. My first post is about owning the right foundation pieces to build an amazing (and affordable) wardrobe. Especially in this lovely economic climate, it is important to buy things that will last over time and allow you to truly wear the piece more than once. Learn what you need at The Wedding Bee!!!

Sass N Style: Jeans

The Silk Button Down: Great for Busty Women!!!

Voluptuous women have all types of problems when it comes to finding a properly fitted button-down. Truthfully, even small-busted women, such as myself, have issues with the closure around the boobies. What boob obsessed man got all of the other boob obsessed men together to come up with this big plan? "We will create all button-down shirts to always remain open so we can view boobies all day long!!! Ha, ha, ha......"

Now because of their little plot, I have spent much of my styling days trying to rectify this problem. As I suggested in my "Perfect White Shirt" Sass N Style episode, a small brass safety pin or double sided men's toupe tape help to keep it closed. If tricks and fussing are not your thing, I have found the button-down for you!

Choosing a silk fabric, such as this lovely find that I picked up yesterday at NY and Co., helps with the fit of the shirt. It allows for more room around the bust because it is draping correctly throughout the rest of the garment. A structured button-down, when properly fitted, has strong darts along the front and often pulls at the bust because of this. Designers are trying to have the shirt be well-fitted throughout, but seeing as women have all different size boobies that do not always represent out shirt size, this does not work. The flowy nature of silk allows for movement, comfort and a great fit. Even if it is a little loose through the mid-section, the fall of the material helps to create a streamlined silhouette.

I strongly suggest not only picking some up, but head over to NY and Company right now because they are only $35!!! They have a million fabulous colors and prints for Spring! I am usually not an advocate of picking up several things in the same color, but with this basic style it is completely worth owning a few. They can serve a completely different purpose based on the color or print. Plus, how often do busty women really find a great button down? Buy, buy, buy.

City Style Roll Cuff Shirt
$34.95

Sass N Style: Oh My God, Shoes!!!

Creative Conservative: Give your Suit a Punch!

I have worked with all different types of ladies in all shapes, sizes and lines of work. One of my favorite projects is when I start with a new client who is in the corporate world and the first thing out of their mouths is that they must be in suits and it is boring. No more boring suits!!!! Remember Miranda on Sex and the City? Um, yes you do. She is what I refer to as a creative conservative and is a prime example of how going to a suited-up office is not the end of your fashion world!

There is possibility in everything you wear as long as you put your own spin on it. You never want to stand out like you are about to attend fashion week (be realistic), but you do want your (very boring) co-workers to be impressed daily by your fashion talents. It is a small thrill, but worth the effort:)

A suit can be a painful purchase. You spend too much money on something that usually does not do your body justice. Stop the insanity and pick up something that IS flattering. A suit does not mean that you have to drape yourself in over-sized garments that are too long and have shoulder pads to boot. The fit is key, as always, but specifically when you are working with a suit because many designers tend to have you swimming in an unflattering silhouette.

Add your own flare, as this lovely model is showing, by pairing your interestingly tailored suit with fun and funky accessories. Play with the proportions and draping of the fabrics because again, wearing a suit does not equal boring. Getting dressed should be fun and fabulous no matter what the rules are. Recognize and respect the office ideals for dressing, but don't be afraid to push the envelope with one or two truly original and fun pieces. From a great statement necklace to over the top shoes, your simple touch of fun will put you head and shoulders above the rest. Break through the glass ceiling of fashion!!!!

Victoria's Secret Origami Skirt in Seasonless Strech
$39.50
Long Jacket in Seasonless Strech
$128.00
Paco Gil Two Tone Sandals
$230.00

Make Yourself Skinny: The Perfect Tank Top

Every girl loves a good skinny trick and those ridiculous infomercials about losing 10 pounds in 10 minutes are not what I am talking about! Step away from the television and get ready to shop because wearing the proper clothing is TRULY the way to drop pounds instantly! As I have noted before, I wear many hats and now apparently "dietitian" is one of them.

Woman truly underestimate the power of a proper silhouette. Wearing your clothing correctly, meaning that the fit and shape are complimentary to your body type, is the best makeover you will ever give yourself. Looking frumpy is not always your bodies fault, it might truly just be your bad shopping habits!

This tank top is a perfect example of how a garment can make you look smaller. Oh ladies, start the drumroll please and let me explain! Draping, as this shirt does so perfectly on each side, can be the best blessing! If you notice, each side has very thin draping that points not only inward, but upward. Is this literally not where we want all of our parts to be? Stomachs in, boobies up! The other fabulous and deceiving part of this shirt is the large band straight down the middle. This, along with the inward and upward draping, are focusing the eye to the middle. NOT TO YOUR SIDES, which would only widen you. Add a V-neck to open up your chest and a thicker strap which not only covers your arms, but also creates more of a visual toward your middle and boom, skinny. Or at least much more flattering! The truly great part is that this style of shirt will not stick to your middle so it is form-fitting, but not showing off TOO MUCH of your "curves". The longer length is perfect because it adds to the illusion that you have a more slender torso. It literally lengthens your body.

Have I sold this damn silhouette yet?????

Nine West Poison Ivy Rouched Front Tank
$59.00

Sass N Style: The Perfect White Shirt

The Trendy Trench

The trench coat is a tried and true foundation piece of any stylish ladies wardrobe. Buy it, own it, wear it.... Now. This style has literally been around for ages and why not? It is a simple and sophisticated silhouette with a cinched waist to give shapely definition to any body type. Inspector Gadget must have known a thing or two about fashion....

With the big V-Day coming up, why not pull out the pink. I have always loved a good theme. Usually it is WAY to cold to be pulling off a trench at this time of year, but with temperatures soaring right now, take advantage of the lighter wear! This color is also fantastic moving into Spring and gives a little punch to the classic trench that is usually tan, brown or black.

No need to spend millions of dollars on this piece either. It is such of staple of American fashion culture that you can find one of pretty good quality at any of the major chains. Safari-chic is HUGE this Spring season so I suggest, no, I implore that you run right out and buy yourself a brand, new shiny trench coat.
Old Navy Women's Belted Twill Trench Coat
$49.50

Angelina Jolie in an Arkris Suit: Love it or Hate it?

I do just love giving my opinion of the many fashion ups and downs of the Hollywood tribe, that is why I designed myself this blog here, ya know? I like to believe that I have some authority based on my profession to make such judgment calls. If you are reading this, then you must agree.

Usually I find Angelina Jolie to be boring. There is a difference between simple and elegant and trying to create an image to fit your personal side of mothering 52 (maybe 53 now) children. Her dress at the Golden Globes looked like a glorified night gown, although if I was with Brad Pitt I would be ready for bed all of the time too. She is a good samaritan to the world so I must defend her fashion choices somewhat.

This white Akris suit, worn to the premiere of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" in Germany, was one of my favorite looks she has pulled out in a while. It was sexy, sophisticated and her '60s up-do added a retro feel that was truly appreciated. Honestly, it was just slightly different for her and that is what put a smile on my face. These actresses have the capability to be something completely different (style is being a camelion while still showcasing your personality), almost once a week during awards season, and they don't take advantage of it! What a shame to pay all that money out to a stylist and make-up artist and not have them fully do their jobs.

Now you may be aware that I have not mentioned her Asprey jewels just yet because I was waiting for the kicker until the end..... One earring? Oh no dear. This is not a '70s disco party draped in white (and I don't mean people wearing it). I am sure that Asprey would have been more than happy to lend you out the other earring just for the night. That or Maddox hid the damn thing at which point it would be acceptable to choose another set. Angie, so close, yet so far away..... And Brad, shave that stupid thing off your face. I love you anyway.

Photo courtesy of mailonline.com

Men Love to Save $ Too: Buy Your Winter Coat Now!

It is no secret that everybody loves a deal, men included. It may be late in the chilly season, but that is all the more reason to reap the benefits of retailers trying to push out the last of their goodies and make way for Spring. It is still freezing, snowing and we are all pasty white, but apparently this is a great time to sell bathing suits.

All of the major department and chain stores are making way for the warmer months so now is the time to find your closest discount designer store and scoop up what never sold. The racks are currently filled with coats for half off their original price. Use logic here, you will inevitably need a winter coat next year and the year after that and the year after that.... Are we getting the idea? Buy it now, while the price is good!

I was just at Century 21 (a massive discounted designer store in NYC) yesterday and their selection was, quite frankly, overwhelming. It was time for a trained eye (mine), to find the perfect, classic manly silhouette for a long lasting coat that would be timeless. Oh yea, and warm. Working on the barter system (some things are worth bartering for:), I used my keen sense to find an amazing coat for over half off the original ticket price. I am that good and damn, the gentleman I dressed looked quite dapper in it.

This particular coat has all of the aforementioned qualities, basically, it is worth buying no matter what season it is. Remember, you will be wearing this coat repeatedly throughout every winter so isn't it worth it to buy a beautiful one? Buying it for half the price is just icing.....

Ted Baker Charcoal Wool Blend Twill "Benchy" Peacoat
$354.45 (Original $695!!!)

Simply and Sexy

We all have those moments when everything we put on looks like crap. I look fat, I look bloated, I look pale, hell, I just look like a horse's patoot. We should all have a go-to outfit that saves our day just like Superman saved Lois. We will refer to this as our superhero look, but stay away from the spandex.

We all should have certain staple items that allow our wardrobe to sing when we bring in our fabulous, off-beat garments that appear to go with nothing. Yes they do go with something, what you should already own! In this simple and sexy case, Kate Hudson is using what everyone should already possess, a crisp white shirt and a black pencil. Now, the specific styles can obviously vary based on your body type and preferences. This barely there mini isn't necessarily being pulled out even on a casual Friday.

Styling is a personal choice, but owning these two basics to begin with will change your "I have nothing to wear" days forever! Thank the lord! This outfit is clearly representing a warmer side of life, but don't fret, whip out your sexy high black boots and that sheer black tight with a line up the back. Keep it simple or go out strong with your choice of accessories. The simplicity of this look allows you to use it as a blank canvas. Hell, add a color belt to break up the middle and define your waist. Even show off your gams with an extremely high pair of electric blue pumps! Color is your friend when black and white make up your foundation. You are a sex pot, now buy the right basics to make sure you always have to ability to be one.

Picture courtesy of Celeblook.com

Flat Front Fab for Men

No more pleats damn it! Just as the high-waisted, side zip pants create a simply unflattering look for women, the pleated pant makes me queasy on men. For heaven's sake, they barely even make the style anymore, yet somehow men have a sick radar that allows them to find a far off Kohl's that has the last known pair of pleated pants available. Stop the madness.

You want to look hot, women want you to look hot and finally, designers are beginning to realize how un-hot the pleated pant is. It is a general rule of thumb that every new male client that I meet with will have a sufficient amount of oversized pleated pants that are begging me to burn them. As with jeans, for both men and women, it is better to own fewer better fitting pairs than overstocking on imense amounts of AWFUL trousers. Throw them out. Seriously.

Start out slow. Buy yourself fitted, not skinny, straight-leg, flat front, no cuff pants. Think three neutral pairs, black, charcoal and brown. Add in a few slight pinstripe pairs if you are feeling crazy. This pattern will still go with everything just as the solid styles as long as the pinstripe is fairly faint. Make sure that there is a single crease down the front of the leg. The final step is to go to a great tailor to make sure that they are hemmed to the proper length. There should be a slight break at your mid-front calf. Do not hem them too long or wear them too big, these are not for lounging around on a Sunday!!!

Liz Claiborne Tone-on-Tone Plaid Fulton-Fit Pants
$58.99

Sass N Style: Shop Your Closet: Part 3

Stop Sucking it in Already and Go Get Some Spanx!!!

Here is one truth I am sure of right now. I ate a lot this week and I bet you did too. Who cares? It is the holidays and I love a good excuse to stuff cookies down my throat... and pie (s) and fudge and Chinese food (Jews understand this).

A calorieriffic week deserves a great "sucker-inner", enter Spanx. Every smart woman knows what this is and every uber-intelligent gal owns a pair. They are truly God's gift to women, more specifically, women's mid-sections and thighs. Thank you God.

This nifty little gadget (anything that works this well must have some scientific backing) is the answer to all of your sexy and smooth silhouetted prayers. They come in all types of styles and each one serves a different purpose for a specific body type. This shorts style is my personal favorite because I think it has the most universal benefit. It can be worn under anything, including your tightest cocktail dress, and you would have no idea of its existence. Another style that goes below the knee is great for under pants and really helps with someone who isn't the biggest fan of their knees. The third style that I find to be most popular with my clients is the type that actually clips to your bra! Thats right ladies, you are in a body suit of Spanx and nothing is getting through that sucker!

In a month when un-buttoning the top button of your pants is as much a ritual as putting the star on the tree, go and buy yourself the best present you will ever get. The only down side to this miracle of a piece is that you may find yourself a hot honey to love you longtime comforting you through the cold winter night... A quick trip to the bathroom and a large purse to store your fancy new present might be necessary (time estimates for removal depend on the elaborate nature of your Spanx).

Spanx Slim Cognito Seamless Mid-Thigh Shaper

$62.00- $66.00