chic style in a sensible manner

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Look of the Day: Tribal Chic


Tribal Chic

This casual look could go anywhere (well, maybe not to the office). I love the color palette: navy, bone, camel, brown, and orange. Printed shorts are all the rage, so why not?!? If shorts are not your thing, try a striped maxi skirt.

Thought of the Day: Beach Time


Ahhh, the beach...
so grateful for our time by the sea.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Stylist Tip: Don't Slip Up

Slips

At a recent party the conversation went as follows:
Friend: "What do you wear under long dresses (maxis) so you cannot see through them?"
ME: "A slip."
Friend: "I know, my grandmother used to wear those. But who has them anymore?"
ME: "I'm wearing one right now."
Friend: "What?!? Where did you find it?!?"
Burberry Spring '14
Obviously, this look is highly editorial. But, a nude slip would be welcome off the runway.


Slips have come a long way since our grandmother's era. Modern blends with spandex and Lycra create soft, flat laying fabrics that move with you while helping the dress or skirt skim over your body. Slips help negate possible dress transparency and camouflage any VPLs (visible panty lines). My favorite half-slip features a wide stretchy lace waistband that lies completely flat. 
Vanity Fair Half-Slip in nude
Target, $16.99

DKNY Fusion Slip
Nordstrom

The Gap, Full Slip
$26.95 $18.84 
I recently ordered this slip from The Gap (of course on sale!). It will be helpful for all the thin summer sundresses that just need a little extra layer underneath.

Our grandmothers were right about so many things: slips are a necessity.


Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Disney in June

         
My sister and nieces are heading to Disney next week with another Mom and her daughter. What could be more fun?!? Here are some handy Disney essentials for beating the heat while still looking every bit the cute Mom. Think easy cotton tops and shorts with flats or tennis shoes. Sunglasses are a must and a cross-body bag will keep essentials close without being cumbersome.

Look of the Day


Look of the Day

This is an easy combo: Crisp white top, colorful shorts, flats, and a graphic patterned bag. The fedora is a nice touch too. If shorts are not your thing, try bright capris or cigarette pants with a casual tee.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Color Class: BLUSH



Pink is my favorite color. I'm blushing. Coming straight off the runways: this subtle, feminine shade flatters universally. What could be more lady-like? If you are a bride, this is your go-to color for your bridesmaids dresses. Everyone will love the understated, soft color. For everyday wear, look for a blush t-shirt  or blouse to update your look this season.

Isabel Marant

Ellie Saab

Ralph Lauren Fall '14

How do you wear it for Spring & Summer?





To avoid looking overly sweet, pair blush with some edgier pieces from your closet. In the above vignette, the aviators are masculine as well as the over-sized watch. The beat up denim adds a rock-and-roll vibe.

Get the look:
J. Crew Pleated Knit Dress
$79.99
now on sale for an additional 30% off


Friday, June 6, 2014

In My Beach Bag

In My Beach Bag

What's in Your Beach Bag?
I'm currently packing for the beach and hitting the pool with the kids almost everyday carrying a big bag full of all the essentials. Here are some of my favorite things. I am especially obsessed with the Coola radical recovery after-sun lotion. It smells like heaven and feels so good on a sunburn (it happens to everyone). Order it before you need it! One more thing I forgot to add: baby wipes! They take sand off and clean your hands after applying...you guessed it: more sunblock!

I just started The Fault in Our Stars. I admit it freely, I'm not afraid of some teen reading. It comes highly recommended and is engaging so far. Then I can go see the movie and sit in the dark (without any small people). Whoopee!!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Caftan

Seriously, I cannot get enough of caftans.  I adore the them; it's all very Moroccan and exotic with embroidery and beading.  The look translates as 'I have just jet-setted to Casablanca.'


The effect is sensuous: light and breezy, meant for sun, soaring temperatures, and chilly nights. Bring your confidence if you wear a caftan. They are dramatic and attract attention.


 Mara Hoffman RTW 2014
Caftan (similar)

 Glamorous Summer Caftans "To me, caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I'm traveling because you never know where you're going to end up and need a caftan!" -Rachael Zoe, www.rachaelzoe.com


If you do not want to go long, caftans also translate well to a short dress or cover-up look for the beach or pool. The loose fitting nature of the garment is universally flattering on all body types. Plus, they are everywhere at all price points.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

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!!