Worth Its Weight In Worth

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This is a long post, but WORTH the read!

 

When my good friend, Sigal Byrnes, announced that she was selling clothes for the Worth New York line, I was quite surprised. Sigal is hip, sexy and fun, just the opposite of my image of the Worth New York woman. However, since Sigal does have fabulous taste and good fashion sense, I agreed to come by and have a look. It takes a big person to admit that she is wrong, and I am proud to say that I am that woman! The collection is hip, sexy, fun and oh so chic!

Needless to say, I bought a few fabulous pieces and seamlessly, (if you will pardon the pun), incorporated them into my outfits. I began receiving compliments both from people with whom I was well acquainted, in addition to complete strangers. I then wore the clothes in several style posts on the blog, and each time, the comments were positive.

Sigal invited me to her Summer 2014 show at which I purchased a few more great pieces, that I thought would serve me well on my summer travels, as they were basic with a touch of “wow,” and packable, which meant that they wouldn’t crease. The clothes, which are mid priced, (think Vince, Theory, Rebecca Taylor or Helmut Lang), are well designed and well made. They are classics with a flair, that will take you from season to season and mix well with just about everything in your closet, both high and low end. As the master of high low fashion mixing, Worth gets the FabuLesley seal of approval!

A couple of weeks ago, my FabuLesley blog post, “Short Sighted,” featured an outfit created with a pair of white shorts topped by a black cotton tunic, both by Worth,  sinched with a Barabara Bui black belt.  I was reluctant to post myself in a pair of shorts, given my age and previous opinion of wearing this precarious length.  Within 2 days of posting a photo of the outfit on Instagram and Facebook, I had picked up a plethora of new followers from Europe and Asia along with comments such as “you look chic”, and “so stylish” “love this look on you.”

 I was stunned and excited; I wanted to share my enthusiasm for this line with someone from the offices of Worth New York. Equally as enthused, Sigal set up meetings, first with Denise Barta, Director of Business Development, followed by Denise’s sister, Marci Valner, Regional Director for Worth West Coast. Their enthusiasm for my blog coupled with our shared passion for fashion, led them to suggest that I host a travel trunk show featuring the Worth New York Fall 2014 collection. When I asked what this would entail, they explained that I could invite women who were not familiar with Worth New York and have Sigal show and sell the line from my home. At first I was reluctant. Although I was quickly becoming a cartwheeling cheerleader for the line, I did not want to “bug” my friends.  However, as one friend put it,  “Lesley you’re the linchpin. ” My ebullient e-mail went out, and enthusiastic responses rolled in. I was overwhelmed. Sigal and I scheduled appointments and I assisted her in styling my friends and watching them transform before my very eyes. Four fun filled days of fashion with friends, both old and new, were the most exhausting yet creatively gratifying days I have had in a long time!  I was so energized by the experience, that I  cannot wait to do it again; it was totally WORTH it!!

Fox Fur Stole, White Dress, Cocktail Handbag; All by WORTH New York. Manolo Blahnik Heels. 

Photography by Robert Raphael

Close Knit Family

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 This long dress and skirt by Goddis are truly the most functional and practical items I will have purchased this year. And how do I know that? Call it a shopper’s intuition. A well made knit, whether by hand or by machine, will travel well since it won’t crease.  It will breathe and keep you cool when it’s hot, and provide warmth when the temperature drops. It all depends on the weight of the wool or cotton as well as the weave.

 

In the case of this long dress, which I have worn several times during our very hot L.A. spring this year, I have been comfortable and cool. Its airy weave and lightweight cotton, are a welcome respite from the usual heavier fare. I couldn’t decide between the nude shoe or the red, so I modeled both for you. The red shoe, an oldie by Bottega Veneta, picks up the red stripe in the dress. The nude shoe, by Vince, tones everything down and plays a disappearing act. I love this shoe because the shoe and the leg become one. The “it” bag of the season is the cross body tiny purse. Large enough to hold my cell phone,  driver’s license, credit cards, a lipstick and keys, it is a welcome relief to my shoulder and elbow. Now that your calendar, contacts, emails and social media apps are all on one device, you really can get away with this tiny bag, and your joints will thank you. That is not to say that I am ditching all my gorgeous handbags and totes, but once in a while they need a break! To all my friends who still must record everything in a calendar diary, this may not be the bag for you. But if you are looking for a bag vacation, try this one on. Proenza Schuller’s is on sale at Intermix, and it is the ideal little multitasker, with an inside mirror, a place for credit cards and driver’s license with room for your phone, lipstick and keys. Don’t be afraid of going with a bold color. It adds punch to a quiet outfit, while complimenting the color of another.

 

Goddis’s knit skirt, also perfect for warm weather, is reminiscent of a Missoni design, but without the crazy high price. I have paired it with a light and blousy white tee by ?????. My friend Denise Mangemeli, at BOCA, insisited that I try it with my black bra left in the racerback position. I looked at her quizzically, but knew to trust her good taste and judgment. “It looks as though you have a bathing suit top on underneath, and it is very cool.” Denise, known for always staying ahead of the trend curve, has done it again; I love the way it looks.

 

I will definitely be folding these two knits into my suitcase to take with me this summer, and the tiny bag will be the perfect travel companion.  I hope that you consider doing the same.

Peach Perfect

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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.

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White Suit Can Jump

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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...

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A Crop of Flowers

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The Crop Top is ba-ack…and it is everywhere. It was here in the 90’s and it is making a comeback now. I fell in love with this top and skirt combo at the recent Scoop NYC sale, and I knew that since it was the last one AND in my size, it was Kismet. I wanted to be able to split the ensemble thereby getting more wear out of it.

As many a young sales girl will attest, I have been reluctant to wear the crop top, refusing to bare my midriff at this age. However, along with the crop top, high-rise jeans are also ba-ack! And this is a good thing, because now when we don a crop top we do not have to expose all that “over-40 skin,” which, let’s face it, after a couple of kids and a few decades of gravity, is never going to look as it did when we were 30. Now that we have accepted that small but important fact, we can certainly wear the crop…even if we expose an inch of toned flesh. After all, the thousands of planks and crunches we have been doing all this time have certainly been worth it, right?

 If you have your heart set on a certain crop top but are never going to wear it on its own, you can always layer a longer tank underneath and presto, you have a look that is on trend and age appropriate. I decided to take a riskier route, and simply paired mine with a high-rise jean by J Brand, that both stretches and holds you in, so that it is flattering and elongating all at once.

When I wear the outfit as a top and skirt ensemble, I add a wide black belt to better define my waist, and reveal no skin. It was by chance that these yellow and black  Fendi wedges, purchased on sale at Intermix, happened to compliment the outfit, by giving it a youthful and trendy look.

Short Sighted

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How many times have you heard the mantra, “you must not wear shorts after 40.” Even I am guilty of uttering those words myself. However, I have recently had a change of heart. First of all, I believe it is an individual choice. Some women feel good about their legs and don’t care if they have a wrinkle in their knee or a little cellulite on their thighs. I applaud these women….they are my inspiration and the reason why I decided to break the “rule.”

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J Crew Part II

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Redesigned and restyled for comfort and fit, the J Crew “Toothpick” jean may be the answer to your question, “where can I get a good jean at a reasonable price, that is flattering, au courant and comfortable?” This sounds like a tall order, but the people at J Crew, have done it again!

I tried on this jean and instantly knew it was going to be my new best friend. It comes in an array of colors, and should be on your to-try list.

I have become a fan of J Crew, and I am not alone. My 17 year old, has been found sporting my J Crew sweater, my chic 26 year old cousin says she loves and shops at J Crew, and the day I got this little ensemble, my mother purchased a couple of things for herself as well.  Clearly, the company is multi generational in its appeal. The t- shirt is a thin, soft linen. It is loose fitting, airy and comfortable.

I cannot stop raving about these Stewart Weitzman sandals. When my friend Jory asked me which color she should get, I instructed her to get both, they also come in black. “They are so comfortable that you will live in them!”

I could not resist this oh so trendy fringe bag by Valentino. I love the color and the look of it. Best of all, my friend, Barbara Weinger, who sells handbags at Neiman Marcus, discovered over $400.00 in gift certificates that I had in my account. Check your department store account and you may find a little prize waiting to be claimed.

J Crew Top and Jeans, Stewart Weitzman Sandals, Valentino Handbag.

J Crew Top and Jeans, Stewart Weitzman Sandals, Valentino Handbag.

Heavy Metal…Confessions of a Groupie

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I became of fan of the Belgian designer Sarah Pacini many years ago, when I came across her clothes at a friend’s store in Winnipeg.  I am happy to report that I have a remained a loyal fan ever since. Her use of asymmetrical lines and muted color tones have always appealed to me; but her jewelry line is really bomb. Metal rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and belts well made and designed with such a cool flavor, add an edge to any outfit, whether hers or another designer’s. I absolutely love every piece that I own…and I own many, but the best part of all is that they are very reasonably priced.

Last week, while hanging out with my fabulous cousin, Erin, in Montreal, we happened to drive past the Sarah Pacini store. I mentioned to Erin that she MUST familiarize herself with this line, because the clothes would suit her lifestyle and would look great on her. She informed me that she was also a longtime fan of the designer and owned several pieces. There was a parking spot directly in front of the store, whose window boasted a 40% off sign, making it oh so convenient for us to go in and have a “look.” There is definitely a shopping gene in our family, because many of us are true champions, although I will proudly (sort of) admit to having my black belt! As we perused the racks of clothing, I put together a couple of outfits for Erin to try, and then headed over to the jewelry cases displaying these fabulous pieces, to show her which ones I actually owned. One of the sales associates pointed to a gentleman and said “he is the designer.”  Making a bee line towards him, I proceeded to fall all over myself, as I gushed with excitement and high praise for his wonderful designs. His name is Guy Robichaud, he is French Canadian, and he opened the very first Sarah Pacini store in North America right there in Montreal. He later went on to design jewelry and accessories for the line, and now his creations can be found in every Sarah Pacini store throughout the world!

Erin, my cherished cousin and friend, went on to tell him all about my blog and insisted that I put together an outfit (not a struggle for me), and have him choose the jewelry, while she snapped the shots with my iPhone (see photos below).

Never one to pass up a sale, I proceeded to add a few more items to my pile, which further reduced the discount to 50% off. Erin and I both left the store outfitted from head to toe in Sarah Pacini, and Guy Robichaud,  and arrived  “Fabulesley” styled to a birthday dinner for her mother, Carol, another family fashionista, who listened intently as we shared the story of the day! 

You can visit Sarah Pacini online or in person and take advantage of the sale going on right now.

J. Crew… Who Knew?

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I didn’t, that’s who!

I won’t say that I was a label snob, but let’s just say that J. Crew was not on my hip and fashion savvy radar. And when it comes to admitting I was wrong about something, I truly step up to the fashion plate. So here it is, folks, guilty as charged.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love a good challenge….and so I decided to take the self created,” J. Crew Challenge” and design an outfit using only J. Crew merchandise.

Pleated skirts are everywhere this season, and J.Crew got in on the idea, and designed this darling lightweight navy and cream one that I paired with their simple navy ¾ length fitted t-shirt and popular School Boy Blazer. How cute are these ballet flats with their silver cap toe?  I simply could not get out of “first position!”

Now let’s discuss the J. Crew jewelry line. Beautifully  designed and well priced, these pieces serve as a gift for someone special….like yourself!

I continue to be blown away by the quality, cut, design and above all, affordability of this line. It mixes with just about anything in my closet. J. Crew, you are a Fab Find!


School Boy Blazer, Ballet Flats, Pleated Skirt, Printed Scarf, Painter Tee, YSL Handbag, Robin Terman Hoops

Lanvin Handbag, Gucci Pumps, Oliver People’s Sunglasses.


Mix Master

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If there is one thing I will reiterate time and time again, it is that you must master the art of mixing High and Low. That isn’t to say that you should run out and buy a ton of designer pieces. On the contrary, I have a strict philosophy as to how one should build their designer wardrobe, and that is to do it slowly and add only what you need. Eventually you will have fabuolus go-to pieces that will mix perfectly with your lower end clothes.

RULE #1

First, you should only purchase clothes that are within your budget and will remain in your closet as timeless pieces.  Second, you should try to get these pieces for the best price. That means, earn your points and use your gift cards, wait until sale time, or if you simply cannot live without it, then buy it. But make sure you have accounted for it later on, when the credit card bill arrives…ouch! Easier said than done. I will not dive into shallow water here, for I am probably not the best person to offer this type of advice….enough said on that subject!

RULE#2

Do not be a label snob. You can always find well made cute pieces, that, when mixed with high end labels, look perfectly great and on trend.

Here I model exactly what I mean. I found this fabulous coat, shirt and shoes at Zara…..I mixed these items with my very expensive leather leggings by The Row,  a vintage Chanel purse and Chanel sunglasses…..and presto….high meets low.

Zara Coat, The Row Leggings, similar here.

Zara T-Shirt, similar here.

Zara T-Shirt, similar here.

Black and White

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Anne Fontaine Blouse, CAbi Belt, Donna Karan Skirt, similar here, Tom Ford Clutch, similar here, Tom Ford Shoes, on sale here, Robin Terman Necklace, Karen Walker Sunglasses, Essie Nail Polish “For the Twill of It”.

Black and white, the most compelling and popular color combination, always makes a bold statement. These two colors are practical, easy to coordinate when traveling, and above all, they are always chic and stylish. In short, you can never go wrong with this duo. And while we are on the subject of white, let’s delve into the endless uses of the white blouse. This is more than an investment piece, it is a must! Every woman needs at least two crisp white blouses in her wardrobe. They pull any outfit together, they can be dressed up or down and always add an element of class to a pair of black pants, blue jeans, or in this case, a long black skirt. Years ago, my chic cousin, Leanne, turned me on to Anne Fontaine blouses, and I have never looked back. They are sort of cult like in their popularity. They last for years, come with a special mesh laundry bag in which you wash them, and they are nipped at the waist so that they give you instant shape and curve. Here I have dressed mine up with a long black skirt and zebra print pony hair shoes. The clutch is an “of the moment bag.” My “foldover clutch” is roomier than a standard clutch, making it chic AND practical.

One more thing…a lot of the designer items in this post were acquired via gift cards at department stores. Due to their regular high ticket price, I have found similar looking items at a much lower price. From here on in, I will always offer my readers this option….you have my word!

It’s All About The Blazer

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Dries Van Noten Blazer, The Row Sweater, DL 1961 Jeans, Manolo Blahnik Pumps, Lanvin Handbag

I pined and pined for this Dries Van Noten beaded blazer, from the Fall 2013 line and waited patiently for it to go on sale. I took a gamble, but I had a feeling that not everyone would want to own this blazer because the beading is a little misleading. What I mean by that, is that one often tends to wear a jacket with beading in a dressier way. That coupled with its designer price, makes it a bit unpractical for us practical gals! As I tend to march to the beat of my own drummer, I felt that one way to wear this jacket is to pair it casually with jeans. I added my favorite accessory, the hat, to give it another cool look.

Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Essie Really Red Nail Polish, Bracelet from Saks Fifth Ave

Hat Attack Hat, Robin Terman Earrings

We’re Having a Heat Wave

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Max Volmery blouse: now on sale at Yellow Dog, J-Brand Jeans, Michael Kors Handbag, Bottega Veneta Heels

Although the Northeast and Canada were in a deep freeze these past couple of
weeks, it feels like summer here in Southern California. Given the fact that on New
Year’s Eve, the temperature in my birth city of Winnipeg was colder than the surface
temperature on Mars, I welcome 82 degrees in January! However, this drought that
we are experiencing here in California, is no laughing matter, and we are truly in
a terrible predicament with no relief in sight. When I was perusing my closet, I grabbed
this beautiful and airy blouse that my parents got me for my birthday. I decided not
to do a tuck of any kind in order to allow it to flow. If you have a long shirt, throw
it on over skinny jeans. No tucking is sometimes a welcome and comfortable relief!
Check out the beautiful and delicate cuff buttons, an accessory all their own. I love
these lighter jeans by J Brand which remain at the top of my denim pile, for their
color and comfort…ah gotta love those stretch jeans! Don’t be afraid of going with a
bold colored handbag or tote such as this cobalt blue one from Michael Kors (spring
2013). It was and still is my go to tote….I can throw a ton of stuff into it and the bold
color goes with almost anything. These lavender suede platform pumps, by Bottega
Veneta, which were admittedly an impulse buy, found some wear and seem perfect
for toning down the bold colors of the blouse. And lastly, I don’t save my good
jewelry for special occasions. Jeff gave me this strand of black pearls, my favorite, for
our 15th anniversary and I wear them all the time.

My Boyfriend’s Back

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In my opinion, Current Elliot makes the best Boyfriend Jean out there. This time around they have returned with an even better design. The new version has a slightly more tapered leg which creates a flattering line, yet retains its level of comfort.  Here I show it with this great color block sweater by Nougat, both of which I picked up on a recent visit to Yellow Dog. I like to pair the jean with pumps to give it a feminine touch, and I love the dichotomy of the look. I added this terrific brown leather jacket by Worth, a clothing line I recently discovered since my friend, Sigal, is a personal sales associate for this company.

My new Celine bag, half off at the semi annual Savannah sale, rounds out the look to give it a sophistication that offsets the casualness of the pant.

Worth Jacket, Nougat Sweater, Michael Stars Camisole, Current/Elliot Jeans, Etro Belt, Givenchy Shoes, Celine Handbag, similar here, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Earrings and Necklace by Robin Terman, Saks Fifth Ave Bracelets, Essie Really Red Nail Polish


Diversify Your Vestments

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Being married to a business manager can have its advantages and sadly, its disadvantages, especially if you are a shopaholic as I am! However, one thing that has been reiterated during our 26 year marriage, is “diversify your investments.” So, here is MY take on this bit of financial advice.

When I first saw this sweater, I was a bit intimidated by the side ruffle detail that I feared would wear me as opposed to me wearing it. However, after trying it on, I fell in love with its eclectic beauty and found that its versatility only added to its attributes …I can pair it with jeans for a casual fun look, or over a sleek skirt for daytime chic.

Sacai 1869 Sweater (On sale now at Savannah Santa Monica or order online here), Lanvin Skirt and Handbag

Manolo Blahnik Heels

The MatHATmatics of Hats

A hat can add instant style to any outfit, or it can subtract from a bad hair day!

Given the fact that I once worked and managed a hat store while I was a student in Boston, I have a strong affinity for this item of clothing.  In my opinion, the hat is a must have item for anyone’s wardrobe.

Rag and Bone Jeans, Laurence Dacade Boots, Hat Attack Hat (available on sale at Intermix, or similar here), Oliver Peoples Sunglasses , Nancy Newberg Earrings

I want to give a special shout out to my wonderful photographer and friend, Robert Raphael.

Dressed Up Sweatshirt

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“I like blends of styles that have nothing to do with each other….like surprises.”
–Loulou de la Falaise
Designer and close friend of Yves Saint Laurent

Pucci Scarf, J-Brand Sweatshirt, Rails Chambray Shirt, Current/Elliot Jeans, Laurence Dacade Booties, Balenciaga Handbag

Here is a new take on an old favorite. I found this J Brand sweatshirt with cool shoulder zippers, and wondered how I could retain its comfortable look, but dress it up a bit. I began by layering it with a Chambray shirt, and then adding a Pucci silk scarf. To dress it up even more, I added one of my favorite necklaces, that my mother so generously gave to me after I admired it on her. I paired this top ensemble with simple coated jeans in olive green and added booties in the same color for uniformity and flow. As always, I carry my favorite investment piece, my Balenciaga bag which goes with most everything I own. Why don’t you give it a try and send me pictures of your version!

Layer it On!

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Zara Blazer, Giorgio Brato Vest, Satari Scarf, Rich and Skinny Jeans, Gianvito Rossi Booties, Balenciaga Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Robin Terman Earrings.

When it comes to the Southern California climate, what you wear during the early  hours of the morning, usually gets peeled off by mid day, only to get layered back on during the evening. Here is one of my tried and true uniforms: a tank top underneath a light pullover, always a scarf for warmth, pants and boots. This time I added a blazer from Zara and a fur lined vest scored on sale at Savannah! This is another example of high-low dressing.

Zadig and Voltaire Tank and Sweater

Floral Plaid

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The designer, Dries Van Noten, made mixing floral and plaid accessible when they featured it in their Spring and Fall 2013 collections. Before that, I tended to shy away from this combination. However, when the two prints are combined in the same color scheme, I think it looks great, and becomes a “Glamour Do!” I had these plaid pants by L’Agence  from last fall. I decided to combine them with an adorable floral blazer by Elizabeth and James that I discovered at Yellow Dog,  a favorite place for me to shop for hip stylish and mid priced items.  I think that these fun Nicholas Kirkwood pumps add just the right amount of punch to make this outfit a  knockout.

Think Closet Necklace


One Skirt, Two ways

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As a self described shopaholic, I am always extremely proud of myself when I am able to utilize items in my closet in various ways. This skirt, by CAbi, about which I can only sing high praises, was one of the most practical purchases I ever made. Not only was the price right at an affordable $79.00, but it can go from casual to dressy with the blink of an eye. Look how chic and put together it looks in two ways.

My friend got me these gorgeous earrings, by Nancy Newberg, recently for my birthday. I wanted to show them off, so I tied my hair back with a Pucci  scarf. I topped the skirt with a  simple grey cashmere sweater and completed it with a fabulous pair of Manolo pumps and my favorite Balenciaga handbag….. And Voila, chic and casual.

Nancy Newberg Earrings

I have owned this Brunello Cucinelli sweater for years. It was one of those investment pieces from Savannah. Normally, people think that they should only wear expensive pieces with other expensive pieces. Well I am here to tell you NO WAY! Don’t get stuck in that way of thinking. Look how great Cucinelli pairs with CAbi! And if you travel to Rome, like I did last year, be sure to visit the store Davide Cenci, to get a pair of fabulous leather gloves!


You’re 50? How short is too short?

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Crop tops and micro minis are out.
No matter how good your thighs or midriff are, it just looks silly to bare it after 50.

This past July, while in NYC and battling the 105 degree temperatures, I sported a
James Pearse ruched skirt that tends to ride up as you walk.

My 16 year old gave me a very disapproving look.

I asked her if I had cellulite and vainly checked myself out in a nearby window.
“No,” she answered, “you have toned legs, but you shouldn’t be dressed like a teenager.”
I immediately adjusted the waistband to a lower position and with each stop light, I had to yank it back into place. Yes, I became self conscious, but I knew that she was correct.

James Perse Skirt & Top, Anthropologie Shoes, Karen Walker Sunglasses, Lulu Guiness Handbag.


Before

Shorter!

Too Short!