Margarite Elaine

Summer Trend 2009: Grecian Dresses

2009-06-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

It is so hot in the summer that I'm all about being casually cool. My summer calendar is stocked full of barbeques, birthday parties, etc. and nothing gets me out the door quicker than a perfectly fitted dress. The Grecian style has become one of my go-to faves because of its ethereal feel and 'ol school Shakespeare kiss me now/ask questions later quality.

Mid Summers Night by MelissaKaye on Polyvore.com

The dress takes a traditional spin on the Grecian style. When I look at this set I'm transported to the wooded glen of a Midsummer's Night dream where I would have been smart enough to follow my heart to my true love....Puck and all.

dress by Tanja:-) featuring Betsey Johnson shoes

This dress has an urban feel with a street sensibility that would easily translate at one of my early evening soirees. Plus when the temp drops later in the evening, I could throw on that spectacular kimono and be good to go.

So what do you think? Grecian dresses...love it or hate it? Sound off in the comments below.

Fashion 101: Part One

2009-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

People ask me all the time how I stay so fashionably chic on a budget and I typically answer with "It's good luck I guess. The fashion gods have truly blessed me with a unique gift." While this answer gets several laughs, it really doesn't give them the insight they are looking for. So I think it's time to give to y'all straight.

Do You Love Me? by bady_29 featuring Miu Miu shoes

Understand what type of clothing looks good on your body type. This may seem elementary to many of you but I can't tell you how many times I pass women in my travels who have yet to gasp this concept.
If you're a size 6, why are you stuffing yourself into a 4? Ladies really, there is no need to buy garments which are too small. This may work for Beyonce but none of us have her trainer, chef or wonderful hubby to keep us motivated. If you buy clothes with hope that you'll fit into them one day, that day never comes and now you have a closet full of shoulda, coulda, woulda. Stop torturing yourself and buy clothes that fit TODAY!
Proper undergarments are essential. I really can't stress this one enough girls. The right kind of bra can work wonders in your favorite tee and the right undies can erase the VPL in your lil' black dress. Go get fitted for your correct bra size (I like Nordstrom) and go back every 6 months to get re-fitted. Figure out which brand of undies work best for you (there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with Hanes. Who says we have to spend $25 on panties anyway?) and buy all your favorite styles and colors.

That's the end of today's class.

Homework: Do you know what clothing works for your body type? If not, stay tuned for Part Two.

Guess Who's Back?

2009-06-15T18:05:00.000-07:00

Your girl is back and I'm ready to dish on the latest trends in seasonal fashion. Stay tuned for my fashionable knowledge. Trust ME, good things come to those who wait!

Colors of Spring 2009: Red

2009-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day 24 hours away, it's only right that red is our topic of discussion. Let's face it, Valentine's come around once a year and is the perfect excuse to wear red. Outside of the obvious hearts and floral patterns, one can be fashionable on Vday without overdoing it. May I suggest something in a sparkly accessory? Or maybe a mini clutch is more your style? For my sexy girls, maybe red underpinnings are more your speed. Whatever you choose do it BIG, make it fabulous and stand out from the crowd. Have you fallen in love with one of the items above? Click here to explore.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Colors of Spring 2009: Cobalt Blue

2009-02-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

Does your Spring fashion forecast seem a bit gloomy? Turn that frown upside down with a touch of cobalt blue! A color traditional reserved for cookware, this season we'll see cobalt everywhere. This colors flatters most skin tones and is extremely powerful in small doses. When incorporating this color into your spring wardrobe, look for key statement pieces. Think large handbags, bold accessories or beautiful sandals. Got your eye on one of the items above? Click here to explore.

Colors of Spring 2009: Yellow

2009-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Yellow signals the arrival of Spring and this year will be no different. You'll see an abundance of this electric hue on shoes, hangbags, accessories and even electronics. What's the best way to wear yellow? Sparingly by using pops of this color to jump start your outfit. I really like the idea of pairing yellow with cobalt blue for an unexpected twist. Think yellow ballet flats with a cobalt blue peasant top, denim mini and yellow envelope clutch. Ready to add a touch of sunshine to your wardrobe? Click here to explore any of the items featured above.

Spring Trend 2009: Ruffles

2009-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

When I was a girl, I absolutely HATED ruffles. Wearing them reminded me of being juvenile and I was trying with all of my might to be "big" girl. However in Spring 2009, it looks like I'll be taking a walk down memory lane. Ruffles are definitely making a large statement this season. We'll see them overstated, tiered, slated, and abstract in nature. You can pair with mini skirts, skinny jeans or your favorite pair of shorts. Just remember to keep the balance proportioned (i.e. full silhouette on top, slim/trim silhouette on bottom) or you run the risk of looking like a flower in bloom. Click here to explore any of the items you see above.

I'm Still Here

2008-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys!

I am still here. I'm slowly but surely getting settled into my new place, city and job. I still haven't finished unpacking so bare with ME. I honestly doubt if I'll be able to post any new content before the New Year because things are so hectic. Please hang in there! Thanks for your continually support and emails...I haven't forgotten about you....life just got in the way.

Happy Holidays!
Miss ya!
~ME

Forgive ME

2008-11-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys!

Please forgive the delay. I am moving yet again! I swear by the end of this year I should have enough mileage to buy my own UHAUL! Please stay tuned. I should be able to post new content the week of Dec 1.

Happy Turkey Day!
~ME

Congrats to President Elect Barack Obama!

2008-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

My internet is down!

2008-11-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys!

My Internet is temporarily down and I will be unable to post during this time. Please bare with ME. I am working extremely hard to get my connection restored ASAP. In the meantime, please entertain yourselves in my archives.

Talk to you soon...

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fall Trend 2008: Zippers

2008-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

No longer reserved for seams, exposed zippers were all over the runways at NY Fashion Week. Notably the most unexpected trend for fall, zippers are adorning everything you can imagine. How do you wear it? Try some accessories (like pumps or jewelry) for an understated touch or go bold with a funky dress in a rich fall color. Ready to zip it up? Click here to explore.

Fall Trend 2008: Feathers

2008-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

I knew that feathers would be a huge trend for fall when Carrie dawned a blue feather headpiece for her wedding to the infamous Mr. Big. No longer reserved for birds, you'll find feathers on everything this season from accessories to clothing. Carmen Marc Valvo uses them to complete the luscious layers of his tiered black and white dress while Piaget uses an unexpected feather strap to update its classic Miss Protocole watch. Want to try this trend on for size? Click here to explore.

FALL IN LOVE WITH JAMES PERSE

2008-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

James Perce has perfected the art of casual luxury and has his hands on the pulse of several hot trends for fall.

Oversized Knits
Ladies, ditch your heavy coats and load up on oversized knits for Fall. This cozy cover-up adds warmth as the temperature drops but is also a multi-functional piece. Instead of putting away your Summer maxi-dresses transition them into fall with an oversized knit sweater. The James Perse “Boiled Cut Away Cardigan ” offers casual luxury with its 4 button turtleneck collar and wrap closure. I would pair this piece with a long skirt or maxi dress and peep toes pumps.

Pleats
This season you will see pleats on everything from clothing to accessories. Pleats allow you to express your girly side and add a touch of old Hollywood glamour to your look. James Perse offers a great knit this season (Open Drape Jacket ) in a luxurious pleated jersey blend that would look great over one of your floral dress for fall. Finish the look with a slim skinny belt, opaque tights, fabulous heels and a great handbag.

Fall Trend 2008: Lace

2008-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Miuccia Prada set the fashion world abuzz when she debuted her lace-y fall line at Fashion Week. Trendsetters and fashionistas alike have been craving this delicate fabric ever since. The absolute best thing about lace is its versatility. What other fabric allows you to be ultra feminine, uber romantic or the ultimate rocker chic at the blink of an eye? This season designers are experimenting with lace in innovative ways. They are layering different colors and textures which has lead to some wickedly creative concoctions. My favorite part of this trend has been seeing jewelry designers incorporate lace into their little masterpieces. Ready to get your hands on this trend? Click here to explore.

Fall Trend 2008: Pearls

2008-10-20T06:00:00.001-07:00

Grandmothers always have the best pearls. They are a dependable, go-to classic which look regal whenever you see them in the family album. This season designers are taking a step out of the box by updating this classic. You'll find pearls de-constructed, embellished, and encrusted on everything from clothing to accessories. John Paul Gaultier puts a pearl necklace on his booties, Phillip Lim features them on his neckline and Alexander McQueen creates pearl flowers on his bolero. Ready to try some pearls on for size? Click here to explore.

Wedding Bells

2008-10-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys!

I am still here and working on some killer posts for the weeks ahead. I promise, it'll be worth the wait! This weekend I have my sister's bridal shower, next week I have her bachlorette party & wedding... so I'll be one busy lady!

I absolutely promise to up be up and running the week of the October 12th. Please hang in there...Ike through a BIG damper on my fall fashion plans :(

Kisses--
ME

After Ike

2008-09-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys!

So I just got power/water on yesterday and my household items are arriving today from Cali. As soon as I get settled, I'll post some new content. Please be patient. We are really hurting here in Houston as we try to put our lives back together after Ike.

~ME

I'm Still Here

2008-09-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys!

I just made it to Houston last night right in time for Hurricane Ike. Once the storm clears, I promise to post some new content. In the meantime, entertain yourselves in my archives or follow me on twitter.

~ME

Bare with ME

2008-09-02T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hello there!

Please forgive my lack of my posts as I'm knee deep in packing preparing for my cross country move. Moving is one of my least favorite things to do in this world and I plan to get it done ASAP. I should be up and blogging again the week of the Sept 8th. If you want to see what I'm up to, follow ME on twitter.

Wish ME well!

ME loves the Recession

2008-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I HATE the fact that people are losing their homes and jobs but I LOVE the fact that all of my favorite retailers are on sale. Here are some of my favs:

Mar Vista Chemise @ Anthropologie

Was $98, now $59.95

Kelly Dress @ Bloomingdale's

Was $280, now $186

Solid Caterina top @ J. Crew

Was $68, now $14.99

Do you know of some awesome stuff on sale? Share it with ME in the comments below.

Summer Trend 2008: T-Strap Sandals

2008-08-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

While some retailers would like to catapult us into fall, I'd rather enjoy the last days of summer. T-Strap sandals are one of my favorite trends this summer and come in a variety of styles. Not only are they super comfy but I also get to show off my fresh summer pedicure. Got your eyes on one of the beauties above? Click here to explore.

Bare with ME

2008-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

I got so involved in cleaning yesterday that I totally ran out time to update my blog. I promise to be up and running on Wednesday. Want to see what I'm up to? Follow ME on twitter.

~ME

Celebrity Sighting: Tina Fey

2008-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Funny woman, Tina Fey, seen here with award in hand at the SAG Awards earlier this summer. Want to get your hands on this look? Click here