Hats & Hair Pieces

This season I’ve fallen in love with all the lavish frills a woman can put on her head or in her hair!
I’m not talking about the functional wool caps that we all wear when it gets cold, but the bits of decretive flair that we can add to an outfit just to add a bit of character.
Coctail embelished headband from Urban Outfitters
I wore a different hat for every dressed up function I attended over the holidays and I fully intend to wear one on New Year’s Eve.

Everyone I ran into, loved the hats I wore.

Whatever happened to the cocktail hat? Why don’t we wear it anymore?

I say let’s start a movement. Wear something full of frills on your head for your next formal event!

Choosing the right hair accessories must be based on your style and your face shape. The outfit you are wearing should also be considered; you can either plan the outfit around what is going on your head, or find a more neutral hair piece that compliments your look.
blue rose found at Nordstroms
If a full commitment to a hat is too much for you, start with an embellished head band, or a barrette with a silk flower.

Peacock feather headband from Urban Outfitters

Feathers are also fun in the hair and can be very subtle and elegant if done right.

For a bit more statement try a head band with a voluminous feathered and bedazzled flower.
Then there are the actual hats with bird cage netting or full plumes.

While for a daytime event bigger brims and more coverage of the head are desirable, a cocktail event demands that the hat itself should be fairly petite, but the embellishments can be as eye catching as you are comfortable with.

Ten Top Styling Tips

1. MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IN YOUR WARDROBE IS EASY TO SEE

2. CREATE A WARDROBE TOOL BOX WITH ITEMS LIKE SCISSORS, SEAM RIPPERS, SEWING KIT, STAIN REMOVER, SHOE INSERTS, ECT, keep your wardrobe tools close at hand like on a bulletin board on your closet door, or in a box on your closet shelf or the top drawer of your dresser.

3. GO THROUGH YOUR CLOTHES AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SEASON and try everything on, make sure you still love it all and it is all in good condition, get rid of anything that no longer works or looks dated and make a list of everything that needs to be replaced

4. MAKE SURE THE UNDERWEAR YOU HAVE WORKS WITH YOUR CLOTHES. If it is white, wear nude under it, if it is smooth make sure that what’s underneath is seamless and texture free. Don't forget the Shapewear to smooth out everything!

5. LOOK YOUR BEST EVERYWHERE YOU GO in clothes you feel great in, don’t just make the effort on special occasions.

6. SHOW OFF THE PARTS OF YOURSELF THAT YOU FEEL REALLY GOOD ABOUT: if it’s your eyes, wear a great accessorie that accentuates their color, if it’s your legs wear a shorter hemline, if it’s your hands wear a flashy ring.

7. KEEP A LIST OF NAME BRANDS AND STYLE #’S that really work for you, as well as a note on where you got them. This list can live in your wardrobe repair kit.

8. DRAW ATTENTION TO YOUR FACE WITH FLATTERING COLORS AT YOUR NECK LINE. If you know a particular color looks good on you, make sure you have scarves, necklaces or collars in that color.

9. A GOOD NEUTRAL COLOR FOR SHOES IS A COLOR THAT MATCHES YOUR HAIR COLOR. This creates a common color that moves up and down your body, drawing the eye length wise, creating a more pleasing look overall.

10. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS, good details like the right accessories to finish a look, a flattering neckline, or an interesting hemline are what create style.

Fishnets…how to wear them well?

I love fishnet stockings, but there is a right way to wear them, and then it becomes easy to cross a line and wear them in a way that is VERY wrong!

With Halloween just around the corner, and half the population desiring a “sexy” look, fishnets are perfect…go wild!
But if you are not dressing in a costume, take caution with the alluring fishnets. They can be too much for day looks and over the top for evenings, unless you use them thoughtfully.

Fishnets, by the nature of their history, have an alluring style to them.
They will add sex appeal to almost anything you pair them with. So when wearing fishnets you must use them with an editorial eye!
Use fishnets to spice up a plain outfit, or something that may look too demure.

The very chic “lady like” look can be a bit old fashion on some, the fishnet is a perfect way to add some edge to that 50’s throwback look.
If the outfit is about the fishnets, then keep everything else fairly conservative; don’t show off too much skin or too many curves.

I love pairing fishnets with a high necked sweater dress. A sweater dress on its own can be a bit frumpy at times, fishnets add the sass!

I also love pairing fishnets with a boyfriend blazer and tailored shorts which can be a bit masculine, the fishnets add feminine allure.
If your outfit already shows off a little cleavage, or has a short hemline, or tightly hugs the body, then adding fishnets stockings probably will be taking the “sexy” in the look to far.

Be careful!

Save the sexy outfit with fishnets for a sexy Halloween costume!

Fishnets have a strong voice when it comes to style and can really add just the right statement to an outfit, but you must use them with care, because they can also take a look over the top.

If you love the look of fishnets but feel unclear about how to wear them, ask the advice of a professional.

Transitional looks for the change in the air

It is mid October, and despite the Indian summer that Northern California was enjoying there is a new crispness to the air. How do you dress for this odd transitional weather? For work or play; the goal is to be comfortable, dress appropriately for the season and look stylish!

Summer colors are out, it is fall after all.
Exchange the poppy orange for pumpkin and lilacs for burgundy, flashes of true red are also big this fall which is easy to mix into any wardrobe.
This season Neutrals are important mixed with jewel tones and Metallic’s, especially army green, grey and camel. Keep those light neutrals out, they work great for the warmth in the middle of the day and still look current for fall, while you may want to hold off on too much black for another month or two.
I still love the cropped pant with Gladiator sandals, for this weather wear it with a boyfriend blazer or a short sleeve jacket

Shorts can still work with heels and tights when paired with a ruffled Jacket or a leather Jacket for a more casual look.



Try a skinny Capri Cargo pant with a sophisticated shawl cardigan and a light blousy tunic

You can still wear some of those neutral summer dresses, Pair them with leggings and a chic draped sweater vest. You can also accessorize with a fall ruffled scarf, or an animal print



Classic closed toed pumps are always in style. Right now suede ones look very chic with a pencil skirt. Pair this with a belted sweater set, the layers make it easier to stay comfortable through the temperatures changes in the day.
For Fall Skinny Jeans and boots are still a popular silhouette. Try pairing them with a soft summer blouse during these Indian summer days and add a cropped faux fur jacket for warmth when the sun goes down.
Jeans are also great rolled up to the mid calf with pumps; add a simple T-shirt and a colorful shrug for a hip look no matter what the temperature is.



What piece in your wardrobe is your favorite for these transitional times of the year?

Shopping in your closet: Find new ways to wear old clothes

Up-date and freshen up the seasons look without buying a whole new wardrobe, instead find new ways to wear old clothes.
Save money and keep your style fresh by finding things you already own and creating new looks with them.
a basic black dress can be reevitalied with new accessories
The first step is to organize your closet, If you can’t see what you have your never going to be inspired to create new looks! It may help to put like colors together in order of garment type or vice versa. Patterns should be put with group that represents the most dominant color. (Example: Red; jackets, tops bottoms, -a black and red striped pant would go here-. Brown: jackets, tops, -a brown, green and red paisley blouse may go here-bottoms. Blue; jackets-a blue and white seersucker may go here-tops, bottoms, ECT.)
this skirt would go wiith the browns or creams
(Make notes as you go; this is one place that it is helpful to have a second pair of hands)

Step two is to go through everything. Separate the Items you wear all the time from the items you wear occasionally, from the items you never wear.
• For the first group, put one item on, ask yourself what you wear with it, and then find something different to work with that item. Try some different accessories as well. See if you can create one new outfit with every piece you always wear. It is great to pull from your other two groups during this part of the process.
• With the second group, go through the same steps. As you put on each piece you may start to see why you don’t wear these clothes as much. You may not actually love the way the garment looks and so you avoid wearing it until you have nothing else that serves its purpose. You also may love the single garment, but do not have the items the garment needs to create a complete outfit. This is where you must start a list of items you think you need to complete the looks with what you already own.
• With the last group, the process begins the same way. You must put on every item and ask yourself why this item never gets worn. Many of the answers are the same as you had with the second group of clothes, though perhaps more drastic. Ask yourself what you need to do to make this item more wearable for you. It is in this final group that you may find some true gems in your closet, but most of these clothes are probably ready to be retired, and you'll be surprised at how much more you'll have to wear once your closet isn't packed with clothes you don't wear!
This is also the hardest step for most people and you also may find that you really need a second pair of educated and discerning eyes!
you may fall back in love with old jewelry you forgot about
Step three is to go through your accessories. Organize these again by like color and style. I.e. a silk scarf with a yellow floral pattern can be put with a yellow pattern shoe, or a green beaded necklace with a green croc belt and a green cocktail ring. A second opinion is helpful in this step because sometimes it can be hard to coordinate accessories that were not specifically made for each other. Remember that every accessory you own should complete at least one outfit in your closet. Don’t keep items that don’t serve a purpose. A great accessory can transform an outfit that otherwise was unremarkable, into a head turning ensemble.

The final step is to create a shopping list of specific things you would need to complete outfits you already have a start on. Start with the most vital items, i.e. items that would complete the most amount of outfits, these are usually missing basics like a black jacket, a khaki pant, a white blouse or a nuetral flat.

Workout clothes, not worn out clothes

Outfit from Athleta

Updating your work out wear, so even at the gym you look put together
For work out wear your number one propriety is the functionality of the clothes. Not only do you need to move in them, and be comfortable, but they have to work for your work out.
If you do yoga and are attempting to stretch and flex, but every time you bend over your underwear ride up above your waist line, which can be very distracting. If you are a biker, your clothes can’t get caught in the spokes of your wheels, if you are a runner your body parts need to be secured down for minimum bounce. If you generally work out outside, you must also consider the elements: is it going to be chilly, or do you need protection from the sun?

There are many considerations to think about when putting together a useful, comfortable and stylish work out wardrobe:

long Sleeve top from Lucy
tank from Athleta


The Top: For work out wear, tops must be breathable, flexible and stay in place. Don’t settle for a simple T-shirt, or tank. Find something with a bit of design. While athletic tops are frequently fitted and supportive, often with built in bras, they can also be looser and a bit less constricting, yet still designed to stay in place. If you don’t like showing off your arms, look for a work out top with ¾ length sleeves.
There are a lot of choices out there, so find something that not only fits your individual requirements but also has a bit of your style to it:

Don’t overlook your underwear! The right undergarments can make or break a good work out. Again, the undergarments must be comfortable and functional. Often the underwear is the basis of proper support.

Like the tops, pants must work for your needs. They can be long and looser, fit more like leggings or be short. There are even very practical, comfortable skirts that work well for certain sports. Find a piece that serves your functional needs but is also flattering and has your style personality. You must ask yourself what type of bottom will work best for your needs.

Jacket from Lululemon
A good Jacket can finish off a great looking work out out outfit. A Jacket can take you from the gym to Coffee without looking like you just left the yoga studio. Jackets can also be very flattering to the figure. From fitted Jackets with stretch, to cool microteck vests, a jacket gives you a second layer of protection from the elements and also gives your outfit more dimension and style.

Ted Baker

Vogue Fashion's
Night Out 2010
September 10th from 5pm

Join us at Ted stores around the
country for a rather fashionable night out. During the evening there'll be
complimentary drinks and nibbles
and we've even got a competition where one lucky customer at each store will win a
$200 gift certificate to spend at Ted.
Add to that our latest AW10
collections, how could you resist?*

San Francisco - Ted Baker, 80 Grant Avenue,
San Francisco, California, 94108