A Skort Story
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Peter Cohn Blouse, Worth New York Skort, Bally Sandals and Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Chanel Bracelet, Stephanie Kantis Earrings.
The Blue and The White
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Scoop NYC Top, McGuire Jeans, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Hermes Belt, Prada Bag, Chanel Bracelet, The Jewelry Bar Bracelets and Earrings.
I suppose that you could call me patriotic. I was born and raised a Canadian Jew, lived in Israel for a year, and became a U.S. citizen in 2001. So even though I am a lover of the red and the white, (Canada), the red, white and blue, (America), my heart belongs to the blue and the white (Israel). This Thursday is Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Israel’s Independence Day. This young country, (it was declared a state in 1948), is a start up nation of the highest degree. From the cell phone you store in your pocket to the e-book you are reading on your Kindle, to the cherry tomatoes you just popped into your mouth, this tiny country is responsible for some of the most important and indispensible advancements in health, technology and lifestyle. For a full list, click HERE.
In honor of Israel’s birthday I decided to put together an outfit comprised entirely of blue and white. I love these white jeans by McGuire, which are cropped, flared and frayed at the bottom. I have been front-tucking my tops for many years, as it adds interest to an outfit, defines the waist and minimizes an oversized shirt. In the case of this shapeless top, I needed a little waist definition. My heels give me the height I so desperately crave, (if I stand up straight, I am a whopping 5’3 1/2”), and prevent me from getting a stiff neck from looking up to Jeff (6’1 1/2”)…who I request to be seated any time I have something important to discuss!
Happy Birthday Eretz Yisrael…Happy Birthday to us all!
A Knit To Remember
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Worth New York Knit Dress and Poncho, Sergio Rossi Sandals, Chanel Clutch, Lanvin Necklace, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets, Celine Shades.
I could sing the praises of owning a good knit dress, forever. Practical, lightweight, and classic are just some of the qualities that come to mind when I think of ways to describe this ensemble by one of my favorite clothing lines, Worth New York. Having been a long-time fan of the color olive green, finding the right accessories for this outfit was relatively simple for me. The Sergio Rossi sandals and Lanvin necklace add the finishing touches to this fabulous ensemble.
This outfit has so many things going for it, from its beautiful color to its stylish asymmetrical poncho. When an outfit is as good as this one there isn’t much needed to be said, so let’s just call it a knit to remember and leave it at that!
The Suitability Of Pants
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I am not usually a fan of pant suits, I have really never found many that I feel are feminine and flattering….until I happened to find this one by Sandro. The high rise and slim fit of the pant is feminine and surprisingly comfortable. The fabric is pliable and the satin stripe at the waistband and along the sides elongates the leg and adds just the right amount of pizzazz. The jacket is boxy, but balances the sexiness of the pants in just the right way. I decided to pop some hot pink into the navy to really jazz it up and make it interesting. This Worth New York top from last Spring accomplishes the task perfectly, as do these pink shoes, handbag and lipstick.
I have worn this outfit to dinners and daytime meetings. Each time I wear it, I feel dressed appropriately but still "me." The whole idea is to dress up the suit so that it reflects your style and personality, and this one suits me to a tee.
Leafing Through CAbi
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CAbi Leaf Print Dress, J Crew Belt, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso Bracelets, Mulberry Clutch.
A fan of CAbi for 7 years, I have never been as enthusiastic about a season’s collection as I am about Spring 2015. The CAbi design team has hit this one out of the park. Each season, friends new and old, gather in my home to see and shop the collection. It never ceases to amaze me how the clothes appeal to everyone; the low price point is an added appeal.
Case in point, is this “Leaf Print”dress for only $118.00
I chose to wear it short and sweet, adding this platinum belt by J Crew and these oldie but goodie sandals by Gianvito Rossi.
Several of my friends loved the leaf print but were skeptical about the short length. If you find the dress too short for you, just add skinny white jeans as I did, and it becomes an adorable tunic.
CAbi Leaf Print Dress, Worth New York Belt, J Brand Jeans, Robert Clergerie Sandals, similar here, Fendi Bag, similar for less here.
Julie Starr Dresner Ear Jacket, Robin Terman Necklace, all available at BOCA. Zina Ring, Cartier Watch.
No matter how you choose to wear it, this dress is a winner.
POP Goes the Color
/![Mason Sweater similar for less here, Rag and Bone Jeans, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Caroline De Marchi Handbag, Spinelli-Kilcollin Ring, [all three also available at Savannah Santa Monica]. Cartier Watch, Vintage Neckl…](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/537e909ee4b002284901dc3a/1426358257324-SMOD4AQE9XJJFBGFBDRA/image-asset.jpeg)
Mason Sweater similar for less here, Rag and Bone Jeans, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Caroline De Marchi Handbag, Spinelli-Kilcollin Ring, [all three also available at Savannah Santa Monica]. Cartier Watch, Vintage Necklace, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick.
No matter what the weather is like in your part of the Northern Hemisphere right now, I promise you that Spring 2015 is right around the corner. Even though you are still looking at snow and “not feeling it,” it truly is the right time to think about adding a little color to your wardrobe so that it is ready to pull out when the temperatures rise. Here in Los Angeles, we are spoiled by the warmer temperatures. The disadvantage of that is that we do not have four definitive seasons. Sometimes I feel as if we get summer before we get spring, as the temperatures here are traditionally higher in March and April, than they are in May and June, so that sweaters and even booties do not get put away until the end of June.
The colors for spring this year, run the gamut from pale pastels to pops of color. Since I tend to look washed out in pastels, I always feel better in a little color. If you are not the type of person to wear bright colors, adding them as accessories is a great option. I like the look of a muted outfit with a pop of color, such as this one.
Don’t be afraid to wear a black dress with a colorful shoe, or to add a colorful handbag to a white pantsuit. Traditionally, spring is associated with a time of rebirth, and what better time to give your wardrobe a new life than right now.
Another way of adding color is with a bright lipstick. If you are not bold enough to wear full on color on your lips, there are many new sheer options that look great, as I have featured in the article HERE.
No matter how you choose to use it, a pop of color goes a long way!
Faux the Fun Of It
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Aqua Faux Fur Coat, similar here, Nina Ricci Cardigan, The Row Tank, René Lezard Trousers, Valentino Shoes, Tom Ford Clutch, Chanel Sunglasses, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings, also seen here).
I know I will not win a lot of popularity contests with this statement, but I am someone who has grown accustomed to wearing fur. As a Canadian, I am very comfortable with fur. I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, where the average temperature during a 3-4 month winter, does not climb much above 30 below zero, and often dips to 70 below when you factor in the wind chill. Last year, on December 31, Winnipeg’s temperature was colder than the surface temperature on Mars!
My friends and I were forced to play outside twice a day for a 15 minute recess, during which time my cheeks would harden as they froze, since I refused to wear a face mask. Most adults I knew, including men, wore fur to stay warm in the winter.
Here in Los Angeles, there is not much need for fur, but I still love this luxe look. That is why, when I spotted this pastel pink fluffy faux version by Aqua (for a mere $160.00), I grabbed it. The fact that it goes perfectly with these cute buff colored trousers by René Lezard and this beautiful beaded Nina Ricci cardigan with pops of pink in it, was kismet. The icing on the cake are these tried and true Valentino rock studded shoes in pink and black. I will never tire of them, with their comfortable heel and pop of pizzaz. This outfit is pure faux fun!
Skirting the Issue
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MOKA Skirt, The Row Tank, Think Closet Belt, Mantu Jacket, Tom Ford Shoes, also seen here, Parker Ochs Clutch, Un Deux Trois Bracelet.
This gorgeous skirt was purchased at a hair salon. Yes, you read that correctly. Hair salons are now calling themselves spas, and these spas are now selling high fashion clothing and one of a kind accessories. These hybrid salons are the new trend as they allow for a one stop shop; they provide makeovers in every sense of the word.
When I spotted this cowhide skirt at the Edward Carriere Salon in my hometown of Winnipeg, the owner informed me that it was made by a London designer. My mother was so taken with it, that she bought it as a gift for my birthday. Thank you Mom and Dad…I love it!
Recycling The Bag
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Take the inner tube from a tire, decorate it with soda can pull tabs, line it with fabric and what do you get? You get a chic, recycled handbag that can go from casual to dressy in the blink of an eye. When I first heard about these bags, I must admit that I was skeptical. I had seen bags made out of soda can pull tabs years ago when my mother and I were out shopping at the Palm Desert Swap Meet. Although we found them to be creative, we decided they weren’t for us, and moved on. Over the years I have seen many versions of this bag. I have remained unimpressed; that is, until I met Linnea Duvall, owner and designer of Glad Rag Bags, a super cool recycled bag that appeals to biker chicks just as easily as to stay at home moms.
Haute Hippie Jumpsuit, Gianvito Rossi Sandals, also seen here. Glad Rag Bags Handbag and Cuff, Oliver Peoples Shades.
Linnea’s background is just the opposite of where she landed today. Raised in a religious town in rural Pennsylvania, Linnea says she “grew up in a town where people were intimidated by fashion.” Straight out of college, at the age of 21, Linnea landed a job as an editor at Vogue magazine. As the youngest person on the staff, she eagerly absorbed everything she could about the fashion industry and wound up as one of the Make Over editors at Glamour Magazine. After retiring from the magazine industry, Linnea ran her own make over clinics around the country and moved to Los Angeles, where she now resides.
Me (in a CAbi Top and WORTH New York Belt) with Linnea (also in a CAbi top).
Linnea came across her new career by chance. While vacationing in Mexico a few years ago, she came across a handbag that was made from the inner tube of a tire and soda can tabs. The bag itself was basic, that is to say it did not have lining, pockets, soft materials or any hint of luxury that would appeal to her and her American friends. She approached the owner and asked him if he would agree to make the bag with all the bells and whistles she considered necessary to meet her standards. He agreed, and the Glad Rag Bag was born. These bags are optical illusions. They are decadently decorated in pull tops that make them sparkle and shine, but in a chic and cool sort of way. They come in numerous designs from a large tote to a delicate clutch. You will think that they are made from leather, until you pick them up, when you realize that the rubber makes them as light as air, and their price is a quarter of what you would pay for a designer leather bag!
James Pearse T-Shirt, Rebecca Taylor Faux Leather Skirt, Wolford Tights, Jimmy Choo Boots, Glad Rag Bag Handbag and Cuff, Oliver Peoples Shades.
In addition, because they are constructed from rubber, they can stretch to accommodate what ever you put inside.
Linnea has designed accessories to go with the bags, such as a cuff and a wrap bracelet that doubles as a boot band!
As a special favor to my readers, Linnea is offering a 25% discount, just because you are so FABULOUS!!
Simply go to her website, Glad Rag Bags and enter the code "neagirl25" and follow the instructions.
Linnea’s Glad Rag Bags are recycled chic, pulling their weight in tabs!
Tickled Pink
/Labor Day typically marks the end of “summer vacation” and the beginning of the new school year. Although many schools have now adopted the middle of August as the start of their school calendar, I am of the “old school” mind set, and assign Labor Day as the demarcation line between summer and fall. Thus, as tradition dictates, this famous weekend is spent enjoying last trips to the beach, lazy strolls and barbecues. However, mother nature follows her own set of rules, and often the temperatures continue to be on the warmer side, making fall fashion choices difficult. In light of this, and because this weekend is the unofficial end of summer, I chose to wear this pink themed outfit this weekend when Jeff and I went for dinner in West Hollywood. When I first got into the car, Jeff looked at my pants and said, “Nice outfit, but don’t you think we can afford to get you pants without holes in them?” “Very funny,” I answered, “distressed denim is still trending...'" I replied, and he looked at me knowing not to argue with that!
West Hollywood, or WeHo, as it is commonly referred to, is hip and trendy but not over the top. We love to stroll the streets of this neighborhood, where we once lived when we first arrived in Los Angeles from New York. Its streets are lined with eclectic and diverse shops, galleries and restaurants, and packed with young people. One feels alive and well in this vibrant part of the city.
I specifically chose this outfit because I felt that it perfectly suited the area: hip and trendy but not over the top. I added these cool summer sandals with their arty Lucite heel from last summer’s Stuart Weitzman collection, and my new Dior bag and sunglasses, treasured reminders of our trip to France earlier this summer, which now seems like a lifetime ago!
One Dress, Two Ways
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So you purchased a beautiful dress this season to wear to a wedding, engagement party, graduation or some other special event. You dropped a chunk of change on this item, and now that you have worn it, you think it should wait until the next big event before you wear it again… WRONG! If anyone is a huge believer in wearing the clothes that are in your closet, and getting the most out of your purchase, it is yours truly!
I bought this beautiful dress by Elizabeth and James, way back in early spring, when my friend, Venetta Aguilar, showed it to me during a visit to one of my favorite haunts, “Yellow Dog,” the store she manages. I did not have a specific event in mind, but I knew that the instant I zipped it up, I would find somewhere to wear it….and wear it I did-- out to dinner, to a wedding, a party, even just to run around during the day when I dressed it down. In the evening, I added a leather jacket, which really altered the vibe, and kept me warm on those cool Los Angeles summer nights. Versatility is the key to good style, and reinvention is both smart and practical. I challenge you to think about the pretty dresses in your closet, and be inspired to wear them in ways you wouldn’t necessarily have imagined when they were first purchased. Try to think outside the box, and get more bang from your buck; you will be glad that you did.
Take One...
Elizabeth and James Dress, on sale here, J Crew Belt, Prada Sandals, Christian Dior Sunglasses.
Take Two...
Elizabeth and James Dress, on sale here, Sarah Pacini Belt, Necklace and Bracelets, Calleen Cordero Sandals, IRO Leather Jacket, Chanel Sunglasses.
Peach Perfect
/I fell in love with the soft hues of this Rebecca Taylor floral top a while back, and tried to match it with a whole host of bottoms, including a peach colored pant by the designer. Yet it wasn’t until I paired it with these fabulous high rise denim jeans by 3x1that the color really came to life. Suddenly I was aware of the blue tones in the print.
Read MoreWhite Suit Can Jump
/Every great once in a while, the fashion gods and the shopping stars are in perfect alignment and a true kismet moment is at play. This was the case a couple of months ago when I found myself barricaded in a dressing room with a whole bunch of clothes at the Bloomingdale’s sale...
Read MoreDressy Sweatpants
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Vince Sweatpants, Jason Wu Blouse and Leather Jacket, Banana Republic Heels.
At first glance these two words, paradoxically joined are counterintuitive. Why would one dress up a sweatpant, you might ask? Well when you do it in a drapey material and add a touch of faux leather down the side, the result is undeniably fabulous. Here is Vince’s version, to which I added a Jason Wu beautiful blouse and leather jacket. The outfit is modern, chic and oh so comfortable. One feels dressed up yet casually stylish. I must now take a moment and introduce you to one of the most comfortable and affordable shoes out there. When my friend, Sigal, sported these the other day, I asked her who made them. Expecting her to say Manolo, Jimmy, or Sergio, I was shocked when she told me they were by Banana Republic. She slipped one off to let me give it a test drive. Not only are they chic and inexpensive, but they are incredibly comfortable, as if there is a pillow inside to cushion the balls of your feet! “And if you get then today you might still be able to save 30% off the original ridiculously low price of $128.00!” Needless to say, I fled to the mall, parked myself in the Banana Republic shoe department, and proceeded to try on 4 different pairs of adorable shoes. Because it was Wednesday, I received an extra 10% off at the register, marking them down to 40% off or $75.00 a pair. For a shoe fanatic like me, this day should have been declared a national holiday. “Victory,” I said to myself, score one for the home team.
