Ballyhoo

Dress, Shoes, and Handbag, c/o Bally. Bavna Blue Gold Bangles available at the Jewelry Bar. Elizabeth and James Earrings and Cuff. 

  As a “professional” shopper, I have always found it to be in my best interest to shop with a personal shopper. In this way, I am kept abreast of any discounts, sales and points that can be accumulated to use at a later date. It is also helpful to have another eye and opinion. I choose carefully, avoiding the people who tell me that I “need it” or that I will get “a lot of wear out of it.” These are the phrases from which a shopaholic must run far and fast. When a sales associate tells me to “wait until it goes on sale and see how you feel about it,” or  “I don’t think it is all that flattering from the rear view,” then I stick to them like glue. So it was love at first sight when I met Josh a few months ago at Saks in Beverly Hills. He encouraged me to wait and revisit during the sale, or told me that aside from performing in this Valentino skirt that I had my heart set on, where was I really going to wear it? He gained my trust and I would only work with him. That is, until he informed that he left Saks and moved to the new Bally store on Rodeo Drive. Now let’s just get one thing clear from the get go. I don’t and have never shopped at a high-end design house boutique. I usually purchase my designer clothes from smaller independent boutiques or wait until the item goes through a major price markdown. So when Josh told me about his new work digs, I was deeply disappointed and, for lack of a better phrase, totally and completely “bummed out.” I reluctantly agreed to come by to see the store; imagining super high prices and very conservative clothing and accessories,  I was astonished that this was not the case at all. The store, located on the tourist trodden and prestigious Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, is easy to spot from a distance; its red marble exterior is grand and palatial, yet inside it is anything but.  The staff greeted me warmly and without pretension. Josh had informed them that I was coming. I am certain that he did not show them my photo, but when I asked for him, they actually called me by name and someone ran to get him. I was a little taken aback, but there was sweet Josh, who had prepared a dressing room for me complete with Fiji water, Perrier, and an array of shoes and clothes. I told him that I was not going to buy ANYTHING, but agreed to try the shoes, because they are known for their shoes, and I had just seen a pair in a magazine ad that I wanted to try. By the way, their shoe and handbag prices are reasonable for the quality and less than some of their competitors.

The entire experience was so enjoyable that when the company manager approached me about hosting an event for my friends, I jumped at the idea.  If you live in LA, and have a few minutes to spend in Beverly Hills this coming Tuesday, April 12, come and have a look for yourself.  Everything in the store, which includes a full men’s line, will be 10% off! There will be small bites and bubbly from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM. Please come and join us for a day of friendship, fashion and fun!     

Jumpsuit Joy: Revisiting an Old Friend

Derek Lam Jacket, Sandro Jumpsuit, Worth New York Belt, Gianvito Rossi Sandals (also available at Savannah Santa Monica), Chanel Clutch. 

  I love a good jumpsuit. It takes me back to the 80’s, when I owned many jumpsuits, as my photo albums will attest.  Lucky for me, thirty years later, the jumpsuit continues to trend for spring and summer. This one, by Sandro, is comfortable and chic with the silver details at the shoulder. I added the silver belt to give my waist some definition. On the day that we shot, there was a nip in the air and I was grateful to have this tried and true little jacket by Derek Lam. I must admit that when I bought it years ago, I was really on the fence about it. Happily, I have worn it time and time again with both dresses as well as jeans. Don't limit yourself by wearing only dressy with dressy; instead, pair dressy with casual and you will have much more fashion fun!

  I believe that the platform shoe, which originated in the 70’s, carried over to the early 80’s; therefore, to complete my ode to this decade, I chose these chic and comfortable navy suede platform sandals, by Gianvito Rossi. Now I really “Rock the Casbah!”*

*Rock The Casbah was a hit song in the early 80’s by the English band The Clash…..remember? If not, click here for a trip down memory lane.

City Slicker

Worth New York Coat, Aqua Turtleneck, Rag and Bone Jeans, Jimmy Choo Over-the-Knee Boots, similar on sale here, Stephanie Kantis Necklaces, Gucci Belt, Valentino Handbag, Celine Shades.

 This shiny coat by Worth New York was designed as the centerpiece for this outfit. I knew that I wanted to wear jeans and my over the knee boots. I added a little bling in the form of the necklaces, Gucci belt and Valentino purse, to enhance the effect of the coat. I always front tuck a long sweater or shirt to show off the buckle of the belt I am wearing. It is a bit tricky because it has to look effortless and may take a bit of practice to get just the right amount of tuck without causing the fabric to pull in the back.

 The Los Angeles weather has taken a wintry turn and I, for one, am kicking up my fashion heels. It is a rare winter here in Southern California that we actually get to wear cold weather clothes, especially outerwear. On the day that we shot this outfit, the temperatures dipped and the winds turned blustery. I shoot several outfits on one shoot, so I was grateful to end the day with this outfit that kept me warm from head to toe. 

Distressed About White

James Perse Tank, Koral Vest and Great China Wall Belt (available at Yellow Dog) Prada Pumps, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, similar for much less here, Givenchy Bag, Caliana Necklace, John Hardy Earrings, also seen here, Zina Ring, Gucci Watch.

Two things immediately come to mind as I sit down to write this post: The first is that today is September 20, one of the last days of summer, so technically, white is right. Second, as many of you have asked me whether or not the distressed look for denim remains steadfast and true,  the answer is yes…the distressed look continues to show up on all the runways from all your favorite denim designers. I am squeezing life out of my white ones, by Citizens of Humanity, until the weather changes. Make no mistake, wearing these white distressed jeans is not something that I would currently be doing on the East Coast. For one thing, East Coasters tend to dress for fall no matter the temperature, while West Coast fashionistas, continue to wear white after Labor Day and beyond. I consider myself a bi coastal fashionista! As the temperatures drop, I will continue to wear my white jeans here in LA and add a chunky sweater and booties to the mix.

The moral of this story is don’t stress over white, and do-(di)stress your jeans.

Baby It's (Not That) Cold Outside

Vest from Savannah Santa Monica, Carven Sweater from Scoop NYC, Current/Elliot Pants, Stuart Weitzman Shoes, also seen here, Balenciaga Handbag, Chanel Shades.

I realize that living in Los Angeles, where the lowest daytime temperatures average around 65 degrees and at night, might dip into the 50’s, leaves me with very little to complain about. Growing up in Winnipeg, Canada, I know about cold, and I assure you that my friends back home will not be donning an outfit like this until the end of April, or beginning of May! Vests have become my mainstay for keeping my body warm and remaining loyal to the trends. I got this vest over 5 years ago, and remains one of my favorites. I cannot tell a lie, it is suede and fox, and very warm. I paired it with my new favorite winter white jeans by Current Elliott that in all honesty are perfect for Southern California winters, but too light for winter out east or up north; yet they will be perfect for the spring. I love the French designer, Carven, and was immediately attracted to this print, which works well with black and white.

To my Canadian and East Coast friends and family, I say 2 things: come visit me in California, and hang in there, Spring is on its way!

Worth Wearing Red

Scarf, Sweater, Pants, Clutch all Worth NY Spring 2015 Collection. Necklace and earring John Hardy, Oliver People's Shades, Sergio Rossi Heels.

I don’t usually dress head to toe in one specific designer, but I was in a “je ne sais quoi” mood and feeling a little “Française.” The red white and blue of this outfit by Worth New York seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It is also apt since this is the American Heart Association’s ”Go Red For Women,” which highlights the very pervasive health issue of women and heart disease.  

The red sweater and the black cotton pants had me at "bonjour," but this gorgeous scarf tied, (pun very much intended!), the ensemble together. The adorable little zippered clutch is as easy to handle as it is to look at.

When an outfit such as this works so well, there isn’t much else to say except…"c’est magnifique!"

Short and Sweet

Jonathan Simkhai Skirt, Scoop NYC Sweater, Ashneil Handbag, Vince Heels, Calypso Bracelets, also seen here, Ippolita Ring, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Savannah Belt, Robin Terman Hoop Earrings.

When I look at this outfit, I can’t help but smile. To me it is a very happy outfit for a number of reasons. The pattern and cut of the skirt is beautiful and bouncy. It hits me at just the right point of my leg; admittedly, perhaps it is a little on the short side, but as you know I have already broken my own rule, several times now!

The busy pattern of the skirt demands simplicity on top, so I paired it with this soft cashmere sweater by Scoop NYC. It is a tad thin and therefore see through, so I decided to go for it and opted for a black bra.

I cannot say enough good things about these Vince heels, starting with the fact that they were purchased on sale at Bloomies this December. They are chic and comfortable, high enough to flatter the leg, but low enough to wear all day long. This design is a classic of theirs and it will be featured in their spring and summer collection.

My black handbag, by the company, Ashneil, is one of my favorites. It is both dressy and casual, classic and modern. You may recall that I have featured the Ashneil company in previous posts. They do not “knock off;” instead, they do their take on a classic. Ashneil’s bags and belts, of which I own several, are incredibly well made and well priced. Family owned and run out of North Carolina, they travel to several cities throughout the year and sell their merchandise through trunk shows. My mother and I discovered them a number of years ago, when they held a trunk show in Palm Desert. We have been loyal fans ever since, as has my sister in law and now a few of my friends. You can visit their website for more information.

I love it when an outfit is as easy to create as it is to wear. Sometimes you have to break your own rules, and enjoy the sweetness of doing so!

FabuLesley Turns One, Party at Calypso!

RSVP HERE for Fabulesley at Calypso!

About 18 months ago, my dear friend, Orna, and I met for our weekly coffee clatch. I was lamenting over what I would do to fill my days once my youngest, Serena, then 16, goes off to College. Yes I would continue with my community service work and my music, but I was craving something else that would be creatively satisfying. Orna, who had just certified as a life coach, suggested that I write a blog. As she put it, “you are a source of information for all of us; from diagnosing ailments and referring to physicians, to who gives the best and cheapest blow dry in Beverly Hills, to what to eat when you want to lose weight, to what moisturizer and makeup work the best. People want to know these things, and you can supplement the posts with your love of fashion, food, culture, health and beauty.”

At the time, I didn’t really know what writing a blog entailed, so I began to do my research. I combed through many fashion, food, and lifestyle blogs. There were multitudes of these blogs, mostly written by 20-30 year olds. Rarely did I come across any blogs that were written by 45 plus year old women who weren’t already famous, that actually appealed to me.  

That is when it dawned on me that maybe my market wasn’t saturated; maybe there was room for a 45 plus year old fashion, food, culture, beauty and health obsessed Jewish woman in the “Blogosphere.” 

To that end, FabuLesley was born. What Orna and my other close friends find remarkable, is the vocabulary that this blog has spawned.  There have been "Fabuluncheons"  in honor of people’s birthdays,  as well as accolades for “Fabulicious” food. People write to me adding “Fabu” as a prefix to theirs as well as their spouse’s names! It is truly hilarious and fun.

I have no idea what will come of this blog, but right now I am having a great time creating each week’s posts. There is nothing I like more than to write about things that bring so much joy, significance and inspiration to my life.

I am both shocked and delighted to have gained so many followers on the web, and I continue to be overwhelmed by your support and encouragement.

To that end, I am celebrating in a Fabu-way. The wonderful store, Calypso St Barth has generously offered to host a party for me as way of marking this milestone. Everything in the store will be at least 20% off. Calypso has a well curated collection of beautiful cashmere sweaters, jackets and vests, dresses, skirts and jeans, as well as fabulous shoes, boots and bags. Their jewelry collection is off the hook.

Please join me on Monday, December 15 from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM at the Westfield Mall in Century City. It will be a fabulous evening of food, fashion and fun!

I am tying this event to the SOVA food pantry, which provides food for homeless people in the Los Angeles area. Please bring at least one non-perishable food item to be donated to this wonderful and important organization.

 

RSVP HERE for Fabulesley at Calypso!

Sweater, Tank, Necklace, and AG Jeans all available at Calypso.

Hat, Sweater, Vest, Jeans, Boots, Purse, Necklace and Earrings all available at Calypso.