Lisa's Style Blog

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 13:47:52 PDT

What fun to open the June 2012 issue of More and see Eileen Fisher product. On page 30 there is the silk cotton jersey skirt all mixed up with Pendelton, & White and Warren.

Then again on page 33 Michael Kors picks the Eileen Fisher light weight linen cardigan as a key layer piece for packing your travel essentials...

Eco note- I just discovered bobble water bottles... it filters water as you drink, one filter is well equal to 300 water bottles- you replace the filter approx every 2 months or 40 gallons of water.

Save on bottled water as the carbon-based filter reduces odor, chlorine and organic contaminants from your municipal tap water.

The beauty of this product is that it is made right in the USA is BPA free and totally recyclable. It was $9.99 & available at Target. I bought mine on my meal-break at Bloomingdale's housewares.

Scarves, Scarves and more Scarves

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:57:18 PDT

I have a million scarves and I love them so I have no business looking at Lemlem's web site or the cotton scarves there. My bohemian dressing calls for a scarf a day.

I love that they are crafted from locally sourced, all natural cotton by artisans in Ethiopia.

I still see a colorful scarf as the one thing you must have to travel with and if you wear tons of neutrals then it is your go to brightener for your dressing.

Check out the product and the mission you might be pleasantly surprised that you will be willing to pay $160.00 for a piece of wearable art.

Pat McGrath

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Tue, 29 May 2012 09:07:03 PDT

Ladies I have not been much of a blogger these many, many months. The stress in caring for a terminally ill family member has made me very much not myself. I have had my hand in bedpans and my mind on end of life issues.

One great read has been: A Bittersweet Season Caring For Our Aging Parents-And Ourselves by Jane Gross. With out this read I may have well stuck my head into the oven at 250 Webster Street and turned the heat up to 350 degrees. Stick a fork in me I am done.

On occasion as I sit with my Mom by her hospital bed I will bring in a few fashion magazines to read as she rests. It seems so abnormal to be reading about something as frivolous as the fashion trend of the moment but it brings me great relief to see beauty and color. I think for me that is what fashion is - art.

One of my favorite ladies is fashion's top makeup artist Pat McGrath. I can look at her work all day as shown on the runways and on models in print and be inspired that using make-up and color can create art on the face. It is magnificent.

Interestingly, COVERGIRL picked some 16 shades of lip sticks that Pat used on the runway.

I bought one myself #325 Spellbound Lip Perfection from www.covergirl.com

It made me feel good to have some color in my cloudy life. Lifted my spirits if only temporarily.

Color of the Year

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:26:58 PDT

Tangerine Tango is the Pantone color of the year and at first I was skeptical, now I see it everywhere. House wear, make-up, furniture, fashion. What a fun color for a playful summer look.

Earth Month

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:23:03 PDT

I just got lucky during Bloomingdale's recent friends and family festival. I got a great maxi dress from Alternative Earth at a steal of $54.00

This is a simple super soft racer back maxi dress that retailed for $68.00. How fun to layer up with a little cropped jacket.

where are we?

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:49:12 PDT

I love reading blogs and I love the gals of Boston blogging away. My only question is the fashion-blogging community of Boston seems to have ages of 17, 23, 25, 28, 29 and one street styler at 34!

Where are we ladies who are in our 40s- still hip and cool but not wanting or trying to be in our teens, twenties or even back to our 30s.

Who is writing about us?

I may need to take up this challenge and write more consistently with us in mind, about us and for us!

Jody's Famous Sale

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:50:11 PDT

SATURDAY APRIL 28 8:30am to 4pm
SUNDAY APRIL 29 10am to 3pm sharp
Come to the Florence Community Center
140 Pine ST Florence MA

Be prepared for a women’s communal fitting area
AND PLEASE BRING YOUR FRIENDS !!
Come to shop, network and have lots of fun

For any and all questions contact Jody jodystag@earthlink.net

Sara Campbell

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:18:20 PST

Sara Campbell Grand Opening Event!

Thursday, March 1st 5:00 - 8:00 pm
53 South Street, Hingham, MA

781.749.4792 www.saracampbell.com

Come celebrate Sara Campbell LTD's new location on the South Shore! Drop in for a glass of wine, meet Sara, and shop their Spring Collection guilt- free, as 15% of your purchase will benefit the Friends of Mel Foundation!

Here's Johnny!

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:54:30 PST

I had the good fortune of being featured on one of John's programs two Spring seasons past. I hope to return again. Check him out. Funny and interesting.

After much thought and some change to programming...

www.italk85.com returns tomorrow morning at 7 AM.

Hope you'll tune in each week?

Thank you,

John Frassica

Gifted

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:57:29 PST

Oh how I love gifts! "A" gifted me with two Alex and Ani bracelets - sterling bangles with charms attached. Lovely little treats. You can stack them alone or mix them stacked into other designer bangles. "J" is Mom to "A" and works for De Scenza Diamonds Jewelers in Framingham so visit the collection there or on line at www.alexandani.com

I am so lucky to have such nice girl friends!

Alex and Ani Headquarters | 115 Pettaconsett Avenue | Cranston | RI | 02920

Knit gnat

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:59:37 PST

I know ladies and gents caring for knits is a wee bit of work. Making sure everything stays away from the moths is one area of concern but right now in season while you all are wearing your knits remember to pill remove.

Organic fibers, soft yarns, cashmere and merino PILL. That is the reality of the situation. The more natural and soft the fiber the more pilling. This is not an issue if you defuzz.

There are a number of good battery powered pill removers found at Brookstone and at The Container Store. You can also acquire a stone similar to a pumice and de-pill using that or a fine-tooth comb will do the trick.

Go gently you only want to catch any and all pills with out harming the rest of the yarn.

I typically do not clean my wool sweater every time I wear them. First, I always layer so that the wool is not directly against my skin. This prevents any sweat or deodorant stains. Second, I always air out my sweaters, I have a screened in porch and I hang them out after I wear them. I spray them with a Lavender Linen spray and only dry clean them once or twice per season.

I do find that for wools dry cleaning may be better than hand washing. It seems to reduce some of the pilling. I know there is a trade off between the cost and chemicals of dry cleaning vs. hand washing so that is the reason I do try to only clean them once or twice per season.

To drape or not to drape

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:56:59 PST

Fall brought a full range of draped tunic styles into the stores.

Eileen Fisher was right there in that fall season trend.

Leading this for Spring 2012 we have softer, lighter fabrics with the draped neck tunic style continuing.

For my figure it is very flattering, showcases my neckline and hides my belly/middle. It also plays as a nice light layer in our fabrics being offered in resort and spring. I love the floating of it at the neck and the looseness at the tummy.

If you want to try something new this may be an easy change to pair under a blazer for work, under a cropped cardigan or just solo paired over a wide leg pant option with some great neck candy.

Color Palette

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:13:03 PST

Resort is melting away and Spring 2012 is right around the EF corner. I love this last set of colors Saffron, Light Copper, Greengold, Bluegrey...

The red orange warm color tones have a slight touch of metallic. I am inspired by the color story for this last delivery of resort product.

I am actually inspired by a lot of unrelated things currently. Listening to music. Alison Krauss & Union Station latest Paper Airplane. The beauty of her voice and it's pureness is so lovely to listen to. The CD has that Nashville, Memphis tone and feel to it.

And all the EF color got me into a cooking mood. I did a great Mole Chicken Chili that my colleague Arielle had tried from cleaneating.com

Chipotle chile, Ancho Chile, Cumin, Cinnamon, Paprika and cloves with cocoa infused was like mixing up all the flavors reflective of the color palette I have been absorbing at work. Very tasty.

Product Junkie

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:59:44 PST

Oh I had such fun today I went to the M.A.C. Cosmetics counter in Bloomies just to pick up that Satin Lipstick called PHOTO that I thought was going to be such a hit against our saffron color clothing that is in the store tomorrow. To my surprise I added a metallic eye shadow to the mix called COPPERING. Super pretty. Another hint of color for the new clothing.

In the Chestnut Hill store one day only -tomorrow January 17th we will host a 10% off new product -February 2012 delivery as a pre-view to our customers. Come on down for a visit.

In the meantime use our Facebook page to stay in touch and informed. Go to www.facebook.com/EILEENFISHERNY

Like us by clicking the Like button.

Eileen Fisher Resort 2011-2012

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:46:29 PST

We are winding down our 2011-2012 Resort collection in preparation for Spring 2012. This Wednesday Eileen Fisher February 2012 product will be in our stores. Lot's of color. My two picks are the Light Copper and the Saffron. I just may have found the perfect complimentary product in M.A.C Cosmetics. A satin finish lipstick named PHOTO. It is this burnt caramel shade. I will be running over to the M.A.C counter at the Bloomingdales cosmetics department tomorrow to pick up my lipstick and see how my color works with the Saffron garments. Chestnut Hill only is having a little special pre-view day on Tuesday with a discount so come on down for a visit!

Connect with EF socially - on both Twitter and Facebook as well as www.eileenfisher.com

May 2012 be Healthy and Happy

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:17:41 PST

Vintage, Estate, Collector items and One of a Kind

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:59:59 PST

So it is heating up Fall is quickly turning into Holiday mode. Speaking of which... The Goldsmith at Chestnut Hill got a super offering from a New England collector. These pieces are art and one of a kind items. You must check it out if you are looking for a piece of jewelry that is one of a kind. They also have an estate jewelry offering that is quite good. Gift giving season!

Today's red is L'Oreal Paris - straight from CVS pharmacy L'Oreal Colour Riche True Red #315.

I do blend it with L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Spice #860. The blend of these colors tones down the red a wee bit. Lovely combo. Great inexpensive lipsticks.

In the spirit of Fall I have seen this modern luxury emerge that looks like vintage textiles. Lots of print on print. Florals on stripes. I never wear print ever so this is very interesting to me to watch. It looks very cool on young ladies. Not sure I would venture into this territory but it has made for some very fun reading as I glance through all the fashion magazines.

Alegria Fall Winter 2010

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:23:35 PST

http://www.alegriashoes.com/products/paloma-black-rose.html

Here is the link to the shoes I have been wearing to work all Fall. Alegria by PG Life.

Everyone is mad about these little Mary Jane style clogs.

I got my pair on sale at All About Shoes in Newtonville. Dan had them for 1/2 price as they were last season.

The Red Coat

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:32:20 PST

It is officially fall, I have had to turn my clocks back like a good little girl and start to conquer seasonal attitude disorder.
One uplifting thing is to put away all the pink lipsticks in favor of reds. So here we go all my favorite reds from last year. I hit on a bunch of Maybelline colors I enjoy.
Red Revival #645 but I combine that with Bronze Dream #750 - the brown over the red softens it a bit.
Oh the joys of fall and holiday reds.
Play around with color- buy some cheap lipsticks at CVS and have some fun.

Tag Sale Alert

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:02:54 PDT

THIS COMING SATURDAY & SUNDAY
OCTOBER 29 & 30
COME SHOP THE FALL/WINTER WOMEN’S CLOTHING TAG SALE!!

THERE’S AN INCREDIBLE SELECTION OF BIBI STEIN HANDWOVENS:
HER LUSH CHENILLE COATS, JACKETS & VESTS

LOTS OF BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED LEATHER & FABRIC HANDBAGS
TERRIFIC BOUTIQUE-STYLE CLOTHING from BASICS to GALLERY PIECES
COATS & YUMMY SWEATERS
BOOTS & SHOES IN ALL SIZES (many size 11s)

So come join the fun, the networking, the reunion of women friends shopping together at:
THE FLORENCE COMMUNITY CENTER, 140 PINE STREET
TIMES: SAT 8:30 TO 4 SUN 10 TO 3 sharp
Women’s communal fitting area only
PLEASE BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!!
And feel free to share this email
Questions? Email me: jodystag@earthlink.net

ALS

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:12:50 PDT

To all the readers of my blog I have to write a post of apology.

This past July we were told as a family that my Mom has ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. My Mom has always been like a best girl friend to me and being that she is only 68 years young I had hoped to have her around for a long while as her Mom (Grandma Piselli) was with us till she was 95 years old.

I would love to share with you that we are in a Tuesdays with Morrie mode but that would be a lie. Things are very difficult. We are in the good hands at Mass. General Hospital in Boston but right now there is no known cause, no treatment and no cure.

I have not shared this news globally on any social media sites such as my facebook or twitter or my blog to respect the privacy of my family. My parents are very simple people but very proud and very private.

I just want to acknowledge to my readers that my blog has been tired as I am too tired to think creatively and write anything of substance.

This too shall pass, fashion seems frivolous as I move through the daily care giving process with my folks. I try every day to remember that this is my Mother's journey and all I can do is be there as a helper and as a support and a witness.

Thanks for hanging in there waiting for some crumb of fashion news. I hope to get my home stable and return to writing sometime in the near future.

Missing my Paternal Grandmother

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:16:42 PDT

Happy Birthday Nana Rose 10/12/1907

Animal Prints

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 18:05:34 PDT

Well everywhere I glance animal prints are in hello Mr. Zebra hello Mr. Leopard.

Mariniere

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 17:05:59 PDT

Oh how I wish I could wear this look, no horizontal stripes for me, too busty. If you can pull off this classic I say do it.

Costume Designs for TV

lschraffa@aol.com (Lisa Ann Schraffa) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:35:55 PDT

AMC's Breaking Bad's Costume Designer Kathleen Detoro is a genius. I love the show's writing, acting, cinematography and most of all the costumes of Jesse Pinkman and Saul Goodman. Hysterical. If you have not watched the show do so it is really great.