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

Looking forward to Fall 2010

Yes it is hot out right now,

• but fall Fashion is just around the corner.
  In fact it’s already in all the magazines and we are seeing the first wave of fall collections in stores as well.
  
  Here are the Looks that Fall has brought with it this year:
  Everything has a very proper flavor to it but with an edge. It’s Glamorous, demure sophisticated and playful all rolled into one. Think Mad Men meets the smart phone.
  
  • A “Lady like” look with a modern twist.
  • Boots
  • Winter Floral
  • A classic coat
  • Ruffles
  • Accents of red
  • Camel
  • Accessories with sparkle
  • A cozy knit
• Military Inspired pieces
  • Statement scarves
  • Surprising hats

10 Top style emergency tools

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a fashion emergency?

Imagine being out on a date and you notice the hem of your pant has fallen, at a party where almost magically a spot appears on your blouse, in a business meeting where you notice a small run in your stocking, or while out entertaining clients you see a long thread dangling from your Jacket.

These are fashion emergencies, and each case something immediate most be done!

Here are the top 10 Style emergency tools that can help you out immediately in almost any Fashion emergency you find yourself in!

• Stain remover - for sudden stains
• Lint remover - for bits of fiber that have stuck to your clothes out of the house
• Double sided tape - for fallen hems and loose bits of material
• Safety pins - for lost and broken buttons and snaps
• Thread and needle - for material that is too heavy for the tape
• Scissors/thread snip - for bits of thread and unwanted material
• Mole skin/ shoe pads - when you sacrifice comfort for fashion in an amazing pair of heels that are becoming unbearable!
• Snag-nab-it - a miricle tool that gets rid of snags in knits
• Clear nail polish - for runs in your hose

What Does a Bride Wear for her Second Wedding?

It can be tricky to find the right dress for a second wedding - especially if you are the bride!

In a traditional first wedding the bride usually wears a full white gown in white to symbolize her “purity.” However, it may come across as inappropriate for a second wedding to resemble the first one especially if there are children from the first marriage.

More often a second wedding is somewhat reserved with less fuss and commotion.
But every wedding is always a special day that represents and celebrates the union of two people who love each other.

So how do you choose a dress that is reserved enough for a tasteful wedding while still expressing the glamour of this splendid occasion?

The bride’s dress should reflect the mood and feel of the wedding.

Consider the location. A barefoot-on-the-beach wedding calls for a completely different type of dress from a ceremony held in a church.

Time of day. A daytime wedding is going to be softer and less glitzy than an evening affair.

Number of guests. A full- length gown could be overwhelming at a small, intimate wedding.

Style of Wedding. Will the nuptials be a formal affair or a casual gathering? Your wedding dress should be in harmony with the suggested attire for the guests. Black tie requires a more formal gown then a garden party setting.

Color of dress.

Try to stay away from white or ivory and other traditional colors for the second wedding. Bridal type dresses come in a variety of shades beyond white and ivory. In fact many mother –of- the- bride collections feature simple silhouettes such as a sheath. These can be elegant and flattering choices for a bride on her second wedding.

Look at Mother –of- the- bride collections. Jordon Fashions and Alfred Angelo

If you really want to wear white at your second wedding look for a dress that combines white with another color to make it less traditional and “pure”.

A gorgeous cocktail length dress can be as striking as a full length gown.
A cocktail-style dress is ideal for a more intimate evening wedding. There are great bridesmaid collections that offer some wonderful selections in this style.

The shorter length dress for a Daytime second wedding is more casual in feel and is another great option. A bride can find simple elegant dresses that are flattering and will not break the bank.

Some Great Brides Maid collections are:
Donna Rico Bridal, J.Crew Bridal, Anne Taylor weddings, and Alred Angelo

For a second wedding, go ahead and have fun with the accessories.
Find classic evening shoes with a bit of color and character.

Your Jewelry can make a bigger statement.

Traditionally, a bride does not want her jewelry to outshine her dress for her a second wedding, she can exercise a little more freedom. If the dress is simple, she can really let her personality shine through with a fabulous necklace and other accessories.

Rather than a long veil, consider a cage veil or great hair accessories: they should be beautiful and composed, but can also be playful.

What do you think would be perfect look for a woman’s second wedding?

Foundation Pieces: Giving you a lift

The appearance of your clothes and how they look on you can only be as good as the foundation pieces that give them support from underneath.

Remember that your underwear provides the foundations for your outerwear and so you need to think about which undergarment is appropriate for what you are wearing.

This might sound a bit over the top, but it is easy to underestimate how much your figure, the way your clothes look and the way you feel about yourself can be transformed by the right undergarments.

Top 5 Tips
1. Get yourself measured for your Bra size every few years. Discovering your true bra size can be life changing.
2. Microfiber is a great alternative for Cotton Panties.
3. Be careful with lace, it can “bleed” through clingier fabrics
4. Flesh tones are best for not showing through white or sheer materials.
5. Don’t forget to adjust your bra straps for proper support

The correct bra can make you look ten years younger, producing the same effect as surgery for thousands of dollars less.

The right underwear will create a smooth, often supportive surface for your rear which can dramatically change the way a pair of pants look.

Shape wear can smooth, flatten, tone and even reduce you a size!

You will look and feel your best when your clothes fit your body right, but your clothes will only look as good as the undergarments allow them to look. A good foundation will make you feel your best.

It will help you feel confident, sexy, and even more capable.

Common bra fit problems
• Back of the bra rides up
• Shoulder straps dig in
• Breasts Bulge out of cup
• Wire Stands away at the front of the bra
• Bra moves when arms are raised

What types of undergarments do you have that make you look and feel great?

What Was She Thinking?

A celebrity with truly great legs

We all have things about our Body that we really love, as well as parts that we find fault with. Over dressing the good parts badly can be look just as bad as under dressing the parts that we would like to ignore.

I saw this girl, she couldn’t have been more then 15, who had quite the look going on today. While from the look of her worked over outfit, she is definitely a future fashionista, she hasn’t quite figured it all out yet.
She had legs that were about five miles long: she reminded me of a young foal or Great Dane puppy, because all that leg seemed to still have a mind of its own!
She was wearing a cute blue short Jumper with a white blouse over it, high heeled slouchy cowboy boots, (which on her, barely went past her ankles), and RED Fishnet Stockings!
When I first saw this girl from down the block, all I saw were red legs with a bit of blue on top and brown on the bottom. It really wasn’t a flattering outfit for this girl, who probably could be a super model tomorrow!

What was she thinking? Where did she go wrong?

Her entire outfit was about those legs. Yes, she is lucky she has those long legs, but everything she wore called attention to them, and everything else got lost. Her legs call attention to themselves, they needed no help.

How could she have done this outfit better?

Here are some ideas for those "poor souls" with such long legs they don’t know what to do!
First of all, stay away from a short short mini hem length. Take up some of that leg length by choosing hems that come to the mid thigh or lower.
The high heeled ankle bootie things didn’t help either…a ballet flat is always nice with long legs but try a taller boot with a kitten heel, or a gladiator flat sandal if you want some edge. If you must do a high heel, go with a classic pump style.

Finally the fishnets: while a nude or a neutral would have not looked like a blinking neon sign, if colored tights is what the look called for, then make sure the color is dominant in other parts of the outfit, so just the legs don’t pop out.

Shopping in your own closet

Find new ways to wear old clothes

What great new looks have you put together this summer with old pieces from your closet?

another idea: new designs from recylcled clothes

Try Up-dating and freshening up this 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.

Try a new feminine blouse over an old pair of shorts and tank

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: blacks; jackets, tops bottoms, -a black and grey 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.)

(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 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 have.
• 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, it 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!

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 but 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 t 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.
You want to have a 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 pant, a white blouse or a brown flat.

Weekend Chic in the summer

With the dawning of summer comes the promise of warm weather and delightful days of casual weekend fun.

But summer also brings the dilemma of what to wear on the weekends. You want to still look stylish, while being casual, comfortable and cool.

We have some stylish suggestions that will allow all three demands.

• Garments: choosing the right garments can make dressing for hot weather on a weekend afternoon easy.

o Instead of full length pants, look for knit Capri’s with an unusual design element; they can be fitted like leggings, or full like trousers. A pair of Bermuda length shorts in a clean style made of trouser quality fabric is also a great alternative to trousers in a full length.

o We love skirts in the summer. They are cool, easy to find in light summer weight fabrics, and easily dress up a simple tank or T-shirt.

o Dresses are also great for warmer weather and are still the big item this season, the style selection is boundless. Dresses are cool, often quite comfortable, easy and most importantly make you look put together

o Blousy tops are very popular. This is a great alternative to the plain cotton T-shit, which can look frumpy and unflattering. A blousy top makes a statement and has style. This is a great way to dress up simple cotton shorts and look a bit more put together.

o We love thin, embellished Cardigans for the summer instead of Jackets. This is a great way to dress down and be comfortable without being too exposed.

• Fabrics: Staying comfortable in hot weather is all about the right fabric choices.

o Linen is often overlooked because it wrinkles so easily, but it really is a wonderful fiber to wear. This season there are many linen “jeans”, which are a much better choice then heavy denim when the weather is hot and much more sophisticated looking as well.

o Tissue weight knits are the key to being cool in summer heat. These fabrics are comfortable, soft and cool but allow you to be covered up from the sun or any other unwelcome exposure.

o Microfibers are the best thing to have happened to clothing in decades. Today microfibers are breathable, comfortable, and can be amazingly weather resistant!

• Accessories: finishing an outfit with the right accessory choices is really the secret to having a chic look in hot weather.

o Hats will protect you from the sun and can be fabulously stylish. Find a great hat that flatters your face and you are set for the summer.

o Jewelry is the easiest way to dress up your look without adding unwanted layers. For casual weekend wear chose light, fun, playful pieces like acrylic bangles and fabric necklaces.

o Shoes, like Jewelry, can really make an outfit pop! The secret is to find a great pair of shoes that you not only love, but are comfortable, and whenever you put them on, your outfit looks great! This season, we are loving skin tones, the ultimate neutral.

o The final piece to complete any outfit is a bag. Clutches are very chic, but not as practical as a great tote. No matter what, your summer bag should have style, perhaps some color, and be durable.

o Don’t forget the sunglasses. A summer look would not be complete without a great pair of shades, of course!

Looking stylish on the weekend should be effortless and fun. Have a summer weekend wardrobe that works for your lifestyle and comfort and make sure that every piece in it fits you well and has style to it. Don’t forget the accessories to complete your look.

What is your favorite weekend look? What summer piece could you not live without?