U2.0 You...Only Better.

Rain or Shine

2011-02-25T06:11:00.000-08:00

I will always love a mandarin collar...that union of elegant and edgy. Easy to wear jacket in a classic length will look divine with a simple scoop neck t or tank (not v neck) or crewneck to echo the lines of the jacket's collar.

I love this style as a transitional weather piece. It will go with almost everything. For someone built like me (who carries weight in mid-section), the placement of that belt can either be the crowning jewel or the kiss of death. Make sure that jacket fits well but doesn't cinch in such a way as to create a bulge.

I. Love. This. Jacket...especially the convenience of the hidden zipper.

At first blush, you may think it's a trendy piece, but I assure you it's not. Military looks are as cyclical as the nautical stripes you see every spring. And Fashion Industry? For that? We thank you.

Generally speaking, I'm not a huge fan of 'blazers'. I'm not sure if it's the goofy name? Or the high maintenance feeling I associate with the need to wear one. Having said THAT, I love this subtle navy pinstripe (not black!) paired casually with jeans. While the navy blazer is a classic, the cuts and details will change from time to time. Make sure yours is a modern tailored (but not tight) fit that hits between the top and middle of your hip bone.Does the jacket dress up the jeans? Or do the jeans cool out the jacket? That's up to you.

Ok. Maybe I like blazers a little more than I thought. I love this paired with shorts and probably a strappy wedge heel.

I love how this is shown with a skirt, and I love the sleeve length. Perfect spring solution. While this looks darling with a skirt, it will pop a pair of pants (skinny, wide leg...mmmmmm) or shorts as well.

Kate in Spades

2011-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

Here's the biggest NOT secret to anyone who knows me: I heart Kate Spade. And? Right now? The website is having a sample sale up to 75% off. Here's a stellar sampling of brilliance to adorn your arm and carry your stuff:

a mere $139

$149

$179 for a durable, must have staple

$169

Solid purchases. Check. Out. The. Sale.

Long Live DSW

2011-02-16T17:39:00.001-08:00

A tribute to spunky neutral stilettos. That all happen to be on sale at DSW right now for not alotta mula. Get after it!

My Favorite Things

2011-02-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

Trench coats on ladies and cute flats with skinnies

Colorful cardies and flip flops with minis

Tan leather hobos and earrings with bling

these are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored denim and crisp boat neck sweaters

Up cuffs or rolled cuffs and drape neck go getters

Jackets of denim just make my heart sing

These are a few of my favorite things...

Lion of a L.A.M.B.

2011-02-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

Gwen Stefani's apparel line, L.A.M.B. (Love, Angel, Music, Baby), produces a stunning array of heels worthy of its designer. They're playful...even if the price tag isn't. Since most of her creations are just that...creative...they're best worn with a simple outfit. Think: monochromatic, simple lines, clean accessories, and the like.

Yes, it's true; I love a tasteful animal print in small doses...like a purse or shoes.

Must-have peep toe black pumps...with a bump of stylishly sexy detail.

Eye. Candy.

While I would love to see the off road sole removed from these shoes...what am I doing with that? going hiking?...I love the wrap around from the instep out.

T-straps...so classic and reminiscent and yet so elevated for a modern silhouette.

Classic shape with deluxe design. I love that the straps are on the outside of the shoe.

I am a sucker for a classic turned on its head. Conservative colors and shape in a hip design.

Accessible Style: Ode to Jennifer Aniston

2011-02-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

You know what makes Jennifer Aniston a darling among stylistas? There's a timelessness about her that produces a look that is on trend without being trendy. But most notably, she looks comfortable in her own skin. And while some may argue that anyone would be comfortable in the skin she possesses, I would suggest that she knows which assets to play up and is practiced in doing so. She knows which colors look great and her best fits.

white tank, belt, and khakis...simple accessories

fit and placement is key

there's that universal belt again...

tee, slouchy skinny jeans, and blazer to dress up the trainers

fitted, well proportioned, simple color palette

love her aviators and white denim

simple color scheme and basic boots

tailored shirt and simple accessories

LOVE the white purse...big, simple, timeless

since she goes simple on her accessories, and usually her wardrobe, she does scarves and/or hats without getting lost

again with the basic wardrobe...fun accessories give punch to simple tee and shorts

smart thing to wear a wedge with shorts to add visual length to her legs

Go Nude or Go Home

2011-02-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

More versatile than black, a nude shoe is essential to a woman's closet.

Simplicity and Specificity

2011-02-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

Looooooooooove

Loooooooooove

Heart

2011-01-30T18:14:00.000-08:00

Classic

Flair

Work horse

Denim Miracle

LBD

Even Better Basic Than Black

Subtle Tone on Tone Pattern

Denim Blues

2011-01-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

Although finding the perfect pair can SEEM as allusive as finding the perfect swimsuit – one exists, the other does not – it’s really kind of simple. Not easy, but simple. For the sake of argument, let’s break down jeans into five basic categories: bootleg, flare, trouser, skinny, and please don’t. With those styles come ‘rises’…which refers to how high up on your belly the waistline hits. I’m a mom; I no longer refer to my midsection as ‘abs’ or ‘stomach’…just belly. ANYWAY…I digress. Which I do. There’s 3 essential rises in my oh-so-humble opinion: varying shades of ‘low’ rise (beware the backside and dunlap), ‘mid’ rise (most flattering), and ‘please don’t’ (high-waisted) which is trying to be trendy right now. Ew.

So! If you don’t have a passion for fashion and don’t feel like reading the rest of this, do one thing: buy bootleg jeans. They’re the best thing to happen for the female form since the bra. Anybody can wear them, and everyone should own a pair. Puh-lease, please get a mid rise. They can be fitted or relaxed from hip to knee with a gradually wider shape from knee to hem. They balance out hips as well as add shape to the less shapely. Like I said…a denim miracle. The flare is the trendier BFF to the bootleg. Imagine a bootleg with…wait for it…wait for it…more flare. Not for the overly curvaceous…too much flare can make you look like a reflection in a circus mirror.

Bootleg

Slouchy Skinny

Trouser

For those of you still reading… The trouser leg, maneuvering well from casual (with flip flops) to a little more dressy with the right accruements, is also very flattering. The front pockets are slanted and the leg is easy and slightly wide. Avoid going too wide if you aren’t very tall or if you aren’t built like Heidi Klum.

The skinny leg. It is as it says: it’s fitted and skinny. And, don’t hate me for saying it: they’re also for people reflecting their namesake. Nuff said. You know who you are.

Lastly, the ‘please don’t’ aka ‘mom jeans’. Perhaps I should have led with this. Put simply…these are the jeans that are too high in the rise – I prefer 2-3 fingers below my navel, and frankly speaking, your navel, too – and create a kangaroo pouch no matter how much you weigh. They do this other thing: taper. The only things that should taper are song lyrics and candles. I can’t differentiate between sausage links and tapered jeans. Even my mom, style icon at the ripe ol’ age of she won’t let me tell you, has a pair of old tapered jeans that she wears in the garden. She, weighing all of ‘not much’ even soaking wet, puts on 10 lbs when she busts out those relics.

So, if you’ve got a pair of sausage pants, burn them (Mom, are you reading?). And, hey, it’s better that you know.

JCrew Review

2011-01-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Classic tuxedo shirt...with a tasteful spin. Would love to see it against white denim. Yum.

Universally flattering top...in a gentle black alternative.

Love the feminine spin on a classic cashmere sweater. Timeless.

Can never go wrong with a monochromatic look.

Flattering vamp on the casual wedge avoids cutting the ankle at the widest point.

Love a flat with plucky personality.