Vivre le Vest July 29, 2007

Akris vest at Saks Fifth AvenueVest at Urban Outfitters
Give your wardrobe a new vibe by introducing a vest this season.

The vest has as a very special place in the heart and closet of every fashionista, because it can dress up or down any type of outfit in just seconds. This year, with the 30s and 40s inspired collections, the vest is a must-have item.

There are many different types of vests anything from funky-disco like this urban outfitters style to classic-retro looking one like the AKRIS vest featured above.

If this is the first time you buy a vest, I recommend a classic style, at a nice anthrax-black or dark olive color. Wear it over a summer day dress and a belt to make the look more pulled together, with your work pants and a white shirt so you can skip the suit jacket, or with jeans for a more sophisticated yet relaxed look.

Happy shopping!

Not a Rainy Day July 19, 2007

John Varvatos rain jacket at Nordstrom

There is one reason to be excited when you wake up in the morning and find out that it will be a rainy day. Just pull out your fab new rain coat. The latest, hot designs offer a dressier version of a summer day jacket, but are more funky than a classical trench. Your outfit will be intact by those raindrops, plus you’ll wear your coat all summer and most of the fall.

As this is a wardrobe staple, there are a ton of options in stores, so you should be able to find your perfect match in no time. I vote for black as it is more classic color, but less conventional for a raincoat. And don’t forget to look for sleek lines.

…and there will never be a rainy day again…

Flippety Floppety Thongs July 10, 2007

Rene Caovilla Crystal-Embellished Sandal at Neiman Marcus

What to wear when it is a million degrees out there, and your feet cannot even fit in any normal looking shoe? Flip-flops of course.

However, going the Havainas way,must not be the only way you should be looking at flip-flops. The plastic kind is great, it is in every shape and color out there and very practical, but if you want to be remembered for your unique and chic style, you should know that this plastic kind is meant to be worn at the beach-swimming pool-gym-and at home. OK. You can also wear them and run to the deli to get some ice-cream, but that’s it.

Now, lets get back to the initial question: what to wear when it is a million degrees? Flip-flops, but only the dressed up kind: the so-called ‘Thongs’ by the retail and fashion folks. And here is when the fun begins: anything goes. Leather, bejeweled, beaded, flat or with a low heel, thongs can take you anywhere from the board room to drinks, while looking fabulous and keeping your feet happy under the sun or during the heatwave.

My dream pair is this Rene Caovilla Crystal-Embellished Sandal featured above, but there are a gazillion other choices out there, currently on sale. And while you’re at it, get a pedi. That’s not an option. It’s an order. Happy shopping!

High Waist July 10, 2007

Joe’s Jeans “Muse” High Rise Wide Leg Jean at Bloomingdales
Getting all geared up for the new fashions? Don’t forget high waist pantaloons. They can flatter and are forgiving provided that they fit you properly and hug your body in all the right places.
What to look for when shopping for your pair:
- Make sure that the waist comes just above your hips and just below your belly button.
- Aim for gradual flare
- Select dark shades or crisp white to get that elegant look of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly
- Avoid other details: pockets, pleats, embroidery of every kind, etc –you know what I mean-which only take away from this lean and clean-cut look and make you appear heavier
- Pair your pantaloon with something that fits you nicely, but doesn’t cling to your body. The best top is a romantic blouse.

Very chic!