Basic Black Short, Rocked 3 Ways by POLISHED – Image & Style featuring Splendid tops

This is an example of how to pack a basic wardrobe item for a summer vacation, and rock it 3 different ways.

I’m almost packed!

Summer vacation is always fun!  But many people have difficulties when it comes to packing for a trip.  I pack many stylish clients a year, which feel they don’t pack efficiently.  They either pack too much or pack too little.  Since next week I’m on my way to the Caribbean to enjoy fun in the sun with my husband, I decided to give my fellow summer travelers some wardrobe packing tips:

1.  Before you pack always think of the destination, weather, activities, and duration of the trip.  You always want to be appropriate and comfortable in your surroundings.  You would not take the same clothes to a Caribbean beach vacation that you would to a New York City Broadway musical vacation.

2.  Choose a color Palette for the trip and stick to it.

3.  To avoid over-packing, choose your bottoms (shorts, skirts, or pants) wisely.  You should be able to make at least two outfits with each bottom.

4.   When thinking about your accessories, take only the items that you need and love!  Pack accessories (such as bangle bracelets and diamond studs) which can be worn with more than one outfit.

5.  To ensure you don’t forget your makeup bag and other personal necessities behind, make a list!

Also, don’t forget to dress comfy for the plane, train, or automobile.

Hope you learned from the tips and safe travels!

Gucci Fall/Winter 2010

Tailored looks ruled the runways during New York Fashion Week.  So ladies, it’s time to find a trust worthy tailor near you, and invest the time and money into getting a custom fit.  Often women settle on garments that have a less than perfect fit.  We stand in the mirror, and know that the waist should be taken in, and say “This will do”.  Ladies hear me clear, our bodies are not the problem, un-standardized sizing in the fashion industry is the issue.  So let’s take control of how clothes fit our bodies this season.  We need to buy slightly larger garments and have them tailored for a perfect fit.

Many of my clients are surprised to find out that tailoring is not as expensive as they think.  Take a look at some of the average costs in the DC metro area below:

Basic Hem – $12 to $20

Waists – $15 to $20

Seam Repair – $4 and up

So, ladies I know we are in the heat of summer; however I am a firm believer that great personal style cannot be rushed.  Start taking inventory of what’s in your current wardrobe and start building your Fall/Winter 2010 shopping list today!

Nirvana Ring

I personally love Swarovski crystal jewelry because of the quality.  You know you’re looking at a Swarovski crystal when light hits it, and the Nirvana is no exception!  Swarovski is currently using a new color lacquer spray technique to give the clear crystal a unique and flawless look.

I highly recommend incorporating special statement accessories into your wardrobe.  It’s the easiest way to update your current look instantly.  Therefore if you don’t particularly care for the Nirvana, simply find another accessory you love, and rock it like only you can!

I absolutely love the Kimi pump, by Rachel Roy. I am not sure if it’s the heavily decorated studded accessories that I saw punk rockers wear growing up in the Bay Area, or the fact that the pump is unexpected for me and I love to throw people for a loop! Whatever the case, I can’t wait to rock this trend with everything from my boyfriend jeans to my classic and edgy business suit…

The fashion industry has been getting ready for months. Designers have been working on collections since last spring; the collections were shown during New York Fashion Week in February of this year for the entire world to see. The buyers have carefully selected their merchandise from the runways, and it’s currently being delivered to a retail store near you.

So, now it’s time for us to do our part! At the beginning of every season I work with clients to create a personal style story board. The storyboard is filled with trends and looks pulled from fashion editorial magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, In Style and more which they love. Remember, the key to building a fabulous and fierce working wardrobe is filling it with items that make your hart throb!

To get started you’ll need a piece of white paper, scissors, double stick tape, and stack of current fashion magazines and your favorite store catalogs.

Once your story board is created it acts as a guide to do the following:

1. Take inventory of what you already own (So you don’t over spend)
2. Build a list of what you’re going to need (So you don’t get overwhelmed with shopping)
3. Spot the items you’re going to need in stores (remember pre-fall merchandise is already being delivered)
4. Act as a guide when getting dressed when the season starts (Tape it to your closet door)
5. Build confidence (Because you took the time to focus your style and image for the Fall 2010 season)

Okay ladies let’s get started!!!

Washington DC teens are invited to learn about careers from the National Design Awards winner, finalists and jurors. These professionals are working in the fields of fashion, industrial design, architecture, multimedia, and graphic design. Meet Tim Gunn and top designers from all fields.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010
8:30 – 11:00 am

Grand Salon
Renwick Gallery
1661 Pennsylvania Ave NW, at 17th Street
Washington, DC 20006

Keynote Speaker – Tim Gunn

Tim Gunn is the Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. For more than two decades he has served as Dean, Director of Admissions, and Chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design. He is the co-host of Lifetime TV’s Project Runway and the author of Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.

Registration – This Event is FREE!

PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION AND PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIRED

Individual Registration for students in two easy steps:

1.Click here to register online now!

2.Complete and return Parental/Legal Guardian consent form
Group Registration for guardians bringing more than 10 students:

1.Register each student online - Click here to register online

2.Required for each participant: Parental/Legal Guardian consent form

3.Complete Group Registration cover page

4.Fax the group registration cover page along with each students completed Parental/Guardian consent form no later than Friday, July 16, 2010 to: 212.849.8401 or email completed forms to cheducation@si.edu.

The National Design Awards are made possible in part by Bloomberg and Procter & Gamble.

Media sponsorship provided by:

National Design Week is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of: Target

Weekend Casual (Summer 2010) by POLISHED – Image & Style featuring TopShop

It’s hot outside!!! But we still want to look fierce in the heat.  The key to looking fab in this weather is to be comfortable and casual with an updated twist!

The Summer Issue of Eco-Beautiful Weddings magazine has finally arrived!! Check out the latest in eco-chic fashion trends, bridesmaids guide & more!  Click here to see how you can purchase the Cotton Bride dresses that appear in this issue!

Top Left Going Clockwise:

BCBG Gretal Sandal

Cara Accessories Beaded Stretch Belt

Ingenuity Tricotine Skirt

Ariella Collection Eternity Band

Flirt Pendant

Trina Turk ‘Adrianne’ Tie Front Top