Stylist Tip: Do Not Be Ordinary

Do not be tempted to look ordinary. I have had clients tell me that they get dressed thinking they do not want to stand out. Life really is too short! Always dare to go out of your comfort zone just a bit when putting on your clothes and accessories.  Wear what makes you happy!

Case in point... I give you the fox tights. I was holding these gems in Anthropologie when I heard one of my besties say "step away from the fox tights." If I had heeded her instruction I would not be rocking this fabulous look tonight for a date with the hubby- and they make me so happy! They will get attention and it will be lots of fun!

Dress

    

Holding Horses Dress 

 $158.

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Tights

Tintoretta Foxtrot Tights

29.50

These little beauties may look black, but they are a true navy.

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Booties

Sam Edelman booties

For a similar look (budget friendly) to the image up top:

Naeem Khan Sleevess Beaded Cocktail Dress

Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues

To elevate any look try this on point trend:

Red Heels. 

I purchased a suede pair of red heels for my 40th birthday and have worn them frequently!
  Red shoes are the outfit so it's almost impossible to go wrong unless you wear red on any other part of your body. Do not compete with you shoe and you are good to go!




Hello Lover.
I am beyond obsessed with this shoe line!
www.aminahabduljillil.com







If heels are not your thing, try flats or sandals.
 The pop of color will translate just the same.




Free People Harpoon Sandal

Polka Dot Tights

Polka Dots are one of my "things." This season I have found a great way to express myself on the cheap and compliment the dresses and skirts I already have in my closet.

Generally, patterned tights are an inexpensive way to up the ante. Check out these beauties:

Anthropologie Speckled Dot Tights

$29.50

Don't you just love this picture?

Loft Dot Tights

$16.50, 

40% off sitewide with code FESTIVE

Look of the Day

This casual street style caught my eye. How do you wear these athletically inspired striped tops? Try mixing them with super feminine pieces. This look is adorable. I love the boxy top with the flowing skirt and bright necklace. The black leather jacket and clutch add some edge. The heels are a fun addition, but I think I would wear a wedge for height and comfort.

Stitch Fix

Stylist Tip:

Do you like to shop? Well, if you do or if you don't you will enjoy Stitch Fix.

It's an online shopping service that delivers a box of clothes and/or accessories to your door just as often as you like. You fill out an online profile with your likes, dislikes, areas you like to highlight and avoid on your body, and personal aesthetic. You also specify how much money you like to spend on each piece (usually 5 arrive in each box). The fee for your personal stylist and delivery is $20 if you do not keep anything in the box. If you keep any one item, then the $20 is waived. If you keep everything in the box, you get a discount.

Why do I recommend this service as a Stylist?

*Reviews. Loads of recommendations. I have referred many friends to Stitch Fix, all with glowing reviews of their experience.

*Time Management. If you do not have time to shop, this service will help you keep your look current without having to choose a thing!

*Adventure. It helps you branch out. All my reviewers have loved getting the box to their house and trying on the pieces with the clothes they already have. 

*Efficiency. It saves time.

*Personalization.  You can personalize your settings and preferences as you work more and more with your stylist. Example: once they sent me a black and maroon dolman top. I loved the fit but not the color combination. So I sent it back, noting my preferences online.

*Help. Did I mention the illustrated styling cards that accompany each individual piece in the Fix? I create these for my business clients- it does all the work for you!!

*Affordability.  With your greatest out of pocket risk being $20., you really cannot go wrong.

*Paper. I"m a sucker for beautiful packaging. The box's arrival is thrill!

Here is the link to check it out (copy and paste the link). http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3310861

Wow, I think I may qualify as an ambassador. Enjoy!

Arm Candy

Lily and Laura Bracelets

Have you shopped in a college town recently? If you have, at the check out, you have surely seen a large glass bowl brimming with bead bracelets. I love the bracelets and the concept. The price is even more fun: usually 1 bracelet for $11., or 3 for $30..

These handmade glass bead bracelets are made in Nepal by local women. Some of the proceeds go back into the community there.  I think I would have bought them anyway but it feels good to give back!

The best way to wear the bracelets is to stack them with other bracelets from your collection. That way you avoid a matchy/matchy look. They add a little punch and depth to finer pieces as well. 

Initially I gravitated towards classic jewelry tones: gold, rose gold, and silver.  This is a safe bet but the colors are gorgeous. If you are wondering how often you will wear them... ALL THE TIME. I even swim in mine with the kids. 

What a fun trend!

Essentials: The Leopard Clutch

Every woman needs a leopard clutch. It's chic, compact, and the ultimate neutral.

 A leopard clutch elevates any look.

You can find them in calf hair or faux. For a splurge check out the clutches by Clare Vivier.

Budget Pick: Percibal store on Etsy, $85.

Accessories: Add A Bright Belt

As seen on WhoWhatWear, and too cute not to share...

Why not add a bright belt to your look today?

Stylist Tip: Jewelry Organization

While many women keep their fine jewelry in safe deposit boxes, it is fun to display your costume jewelry right out in the open.

If you have a dresser in your closet, a little room on a dressing table, or a chest of drawers, create a small vignette.  It's like a little jewel box. I love this framed quote.  Make it fun and colorful and you're much more likely to grab that statement piece on the way out the door.

Lucite containers and stands work well for storage and clean easily (check out The Container Store). Stella and Dot are currently offering their display pieces for sale as well. I have also attached inexpensive men's tie racks on an empty wall in my closet for necklaces and scarves. Get creative! It's merchandising your own pieces for yourself. The point: enjoy and use what you already have!!

Try D'orsay Flats

Try D'orsay

Flats

If you are in the market for a versatile and attractive pair of flats, go d'orsay. D'orsay flats and heels are feminine and appealing because they show off the narrowest part of the woman's foot. D'orsay refers to the style of shoe.

d'orsay: a pump style shoe or slipper made with a circular vamp and a quarter that curves to meet the vamp at the shank line (Merriam Webster).

What is even more appealing about this shoe is that they are easy to find on a budget. I found a pair similar to these at TJ's for $16.99.

D'orsay flats pair well with skinny pants or jeans as well as dresses and skirts.  It's just wondrous when function and fashion meet. Win win!

Phillip Lim for Target

Get Ready...

Target launches it's next designer collaboration on Sunday. Doors open at 8 am..

The talented N.Y.C. designer has created a line with classic shapes and fantastic detail.

The handbags will obviously be vinyl (at around $50), but the hardware is very attractive. I am reserving judgement until I can hold them in my hands.

I really like the pleating on this top as well as the embellishment.  Who knows what your local Target will get in stock.  I think it's worth a look!!