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!     

Marsala Moment

Sandro Dress, Valentino Heels, similar for less here, Lanvin Bag, similar for less here, Celine Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets, Ippolita Ring. 

When Pantone, announced its spring 2015 colors, I sat up took note. When the color, Marsala, was one of the top choices, I was puzzled. I typically associate this color with autumn; the changing leaves and the chill in the air seem to signal a need for warmth and comfort, and that is where the color of wine comes into play. However, as the red family is one of my favorites, I nudged myself to embrace this wine color for spring. I had to look no further than to this beautiful dress by one of my favorite French labels, “Sandro.”

What makes Sandro a stand out design house for me, aside from their mid price, is their feminine, chic and stylized dresses, shoes, jackets and pants. I first discovered them in Bloomingdales where they have a “leased” boutique. This means that Bloomingdales sells the line, but the design house, in this case Sandro, controls the inventory, price, staff and selection. Sandro will be opening its own boutique on Beverly Drive, in Beverly Hills this summer.

Owned and operated by the Jewish Moroccan born Parisian, Evelyne Chetrite, the company was founded by both Evelyne and her husband, Didier, in 1984. She currently designs with her son Ilan.

Back to the dress; as you can see from the photos, the color is rich, warm and classic. The fabric is very comfortable, no tugging required. These unbelievably gorgeous Valentino shoes, go so perfectly with this dress that nothing more needs to be said… and thankfully they were found on sale at Neiman Marcus at the end of the winter season. I could not believe no one had snapped them up!

Marsala is apparently trending this spring, and although I have not seen much of it on the racks, I am satisfied with this purchase which will take me through the summer and into the fall. 

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!