Success with the Dress
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CAbi Dress, Scoop NYC Sweater, Chanel Clutch, Nicholas Atwood Pumps, Christian Dior Sunglasses, Robin Terman Earrings and Necklace.
Fancy Pants
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Worth New York Tunic and Belt, True Royal Pants (Savannah Santa Monica), Sandro Heels, Calypso St. Barth Hoop Earrings, Balenciaga Handbag (similar for less here), Celine Sunglasses, Vintage Bracelet (Savannah Santa Monica).
Whenever I receive an invitation that calls for dressy or festive attire, I immediately go to my cocktail dress collection and choose one that says “party.” However, I am out to break that habit and venture into wearing fancy pants, dressy pantsuits or even a tuxedo with a fabulous blouse or top underneath.
This outfit is a mash up of different designers, working in perfect harmony. These lace pants by True Royal had me at hello. I loved everything about them right down to the scalloped bottom. The same goes for this chic knit tunic by Worth New York. The slit is too high to be worn alone, but topped over fancy pants or even denim, the versatility of this piece is endless. I added this chain belt for a little edgy definition at the waist and love the way it drops over the abdomen. Adding these suede and lace pumps by Sandro, completes the look. With an outfit as busy as this one, jewelry should be kept to minimum, but still make a statement. These large but thin hoop earrings by Calypso St. Barth are my new go to and my beloved vintage YSL cuff is simultaneously a simple and bold statement piece.
Let’s talk about the benefits of a small but expandable purse that can take you from day to night with a removable shoulder strap. This is a must have for every woman. I love this one by Balenciaga, but there are many lower priced versions for you to consider and I have provided a couple of them here in this post.
So, Miss Fancy Pants, next time your invitation calls for “festive attire,” think outside the cocktail dress box and create an outfit from pieces you already have in your closet!
Baby Doll Cut Out
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Thakoon addition dress (on sale here), Zadig and Voltaire heels (also seen here), Chloe ring (Scoop NYC)
If I say to you “Baby Doll Dress,” and you know exactly what that means, you are probably in the 50+ year old age bracket. Basically, the baby doll dress, popular in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, was a loose fitting dress that was short and flowy. I assume it got its name because it looked like it belonged on a baby doll! This dress by Thakoon Addition is a very modern take on this bygone era dress that is near and dear to my heart; so much so, that I wore these types of dresses throughout both of my pregnancies as they accommodated my growing belly, and I didn’t need to spend extra money on special maternity wear.
Here it has been updated with cutout shoulders and some sheer accents, which allow for some tame peek-a-boo. As we grow older, it is more than okay to expose the shoulders, since it the one part of a woman’s body that doesn’t truly show her age. I kept the look very hippie-esque by adding a long glass beaded necklace, hoop earrings, a statement ring, a fringe shoulder bag and some mod chunky heels. As the weather cools, I will add black tights and boots and throw on an oversized sweater to keep it looking comfy and relaxed, just like the baby doll was meant to be.
Beautiful Blue Brocade
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True Royal Pants (available at Savannah Santa Monica), Marni Top, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Chloe Clutch (available at Scoop NYC), Cox and Power Pearl Rings, Spinelli Kilcollin Diamond Rings (available at Savannah Santa Monica).
There are times when you want to look put together and dressy enough for an outing to a concert, but don’t necessarily want to wear a dress. These beautiful brocade pants are a perfect example as to what I am alluding. I fell in love with them the instant I saw them hanging at Savannah. I kept one eye closed as I looked at the price tag. Expecting it to be high, I was shocked by their reasonably low price, considering the quality and fabric. Since it is still warm here in Los Angeles, I topped it with a light short-sleeved top from Marni’s Spring 2015 line. The results are chic and comfortable, dressy and modern all at the same time.
While we were in London this past summer, Jeff had a meeting with a client, in the trendy neighborhood of Marylebone. Just across the street from the restaurant where we were dining, was a jewelry store by the name of Cox and Power. I was just “looking,” when Jeff texted me that he was done and would be “right over!” I showed him the unique pearl rings, and to my astonishment, he negotiated with the manager and purchased them for me….my lucky day….both the day I met Jeff and that day in Marylebone!
A Classic Twist
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Worth New York Dress, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Calfun (Buenos Aires) Handbag, Zina Necklace, Chloe Ring (available at Scoop NYC), Hamilton Watch, Vintage YSL Cuff, Celine Sunglasses.
What is it about a man’s shirt? Why is this masculine item so suddenly sexy and feminine? Without going into a host of symbolic and esoteric explanations, suffice to say that this woman loves the look of this dress, which is a definite take on a man’s tailored dress shirt. The whimsy that lies in the design of this dress, by none other than Worth New York, is the center twist. It is as if you are twisting the oversize of it in a feminine way to create shape at the waist. It is lightweight, while offering just the right amount of coverage and perfect to wear right now. In the winter, I will add boots and a heavier jacket to ensure that this remains a true fall/winter wardrobe staple in my closet. Thank you Worth, you have done it again!
Now let’s talk about my handbag. It was one of the purchases I made in Buenos Aires this past summer. In case you didn’t know, Argentina is known for its leather goods, and they are about 1/3 of the price that their competitors are in Europe and North America. The combination of great quality is outstanding price, makes for perfect shopping weather conditions!
Going Greek
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Obakki Dress, Stuart Weitzman sandals, John Hardy: necklace, earrings, bracelet, Zadig and Voltaire Clutch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Cartier Watch.
I bought this dress in the early summer, at Yellow Dog, and had to be talked into trying it on because it had absolutely no hanger appeal whatsoever! Since it really doesn’t take all that much effort to twist my arm, my friend, Venetta, who manages the boutique, easily convinced me to slip it on. Lo and behold, the dress changed entirely, once it was on the body, in this case, mine. It reminded me of a chic Greek toga, if such a thing ever existed, and I thought these gladiator-like sandals, by Stuart Weitzman, completed the look in the right way.
The moral of this fable, is “never judge a dress by its look on a hanger,” and “going Greek never felt so good!”
The Long and Short of It
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M. Missoni Dress, Giorgio Brato Leather Jacket, available at Savannah Santa Monica, Giuseppi Zanotti Heels, John Hardy Bracelet, Necklace and Earrings, Givenchy Handbag, similar for less here.
The juxtaposition of short over long is one of my favorite fashion formats. I have always loved the look of a long dress. If worn with heels, it is particularly elongating, (something that is handy for us shorter gals), and provides an extra layer of warmth, especially in the evenings. This one, by M Missoni, is great. The empire waist calls for a short Bolero jacket so as not to hide the waist-line detail of the dress. I had purchased this leather one (also seen here), by Giorgio Brato, a while back, and thankfully, I have been able to wear it many times. It is rare to find a cute bolero jacket; so when you do, I suggest that you jump on it. Adding edgy accessories completes the eclectic look of this outfit. So there you have it, that is the long and short of it! The End!
Distressed About White
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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.
Rules Don't Apply
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Stella McCartney Blazer, Tease by Tina Camisole, Mantu Belt, Worth New York Skirt, Fendi Pumps and Hangbag, Celine Sunglasses, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings,
The Lunar calendar and the Fashion calendar are completely out of sync. Since Judaism follows the Lunar calendar, the holidays fall inconsistently. For instance, Rosh Hashana, can fall anywhere from the beginning of September, to the beginning of October. This year, it arrives on Sept. 13, (tonight), right on the heels of Labor Day.
Here in Los Angeles, and elsewhere in the country, the temperatures have risen into the 90’s, making it impossible to wear fall clothes. Moreover, Rosh Hashana, which literally means “start of the year,” is a time to where white, a color which symbolizes newness, light and purity. For this reason, I always try to incorporate white into my High Holiday outfits. This year, I decided not to put away my lighter colored clothing just yet. The heat is still very much on, so why not be festive and colorful? There is no reason to adhere to the “no white after Labor Day” rule. When it comes to holiday dressing in the year 5776, no rules apply!
All makeup by Chanel. #55 in Love Blush, #80 Jersey, #202 Tisse Camelia, Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer, Vitalumiere Aqua, Red Brown Lipiner #17, Rouge Coco #402 Adreinne, Rouge Coco Shine #97 Desinvolte, #166 Glossimer.
Monique Peam Ring, Mantu Belt, Lucifer Virhonestus Bracelet.
Fall Into Prints
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Mary Katranzou Dress, available at Savannah Santa Monica, Roger Vivier shoes, Dolce and Gabbana Handbag, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings, Cartier watch
There are so many fashion seasons that it is hard to keep up. Each season, fashion collections show up in stores well before the temperatures either drop or rise. For instance, July is usually the month when the fall collections hit the racks. Resort/Cruise collections show up in stores in November, which explains why there are lightweight tops and dresses when it is 10 below zero. Pre-fall, don’t ask me what that actually means, makes its appearance in May. I suppose this is what keeps the fashion world’s clock ticking at a steady pace, and storeowners constantly planning for the next and the newest.
I picked up this whimsical Mary Katranzou print dress from her pre-fall collection in May. It really happened by accident; I was enjoying an innocent visit with my friend, Susan Stone, owner of Savannah, Santa Monica, when my eye caught and would not let go of the sight of this dress. She told me that she hadn’t yet seen it on, and would I mind trying it, as well as a few other new arrivals so that she could see how they fit. Susan is one of the best fashion curators that I know, hence the four exquisite and completely different looks you see below. We took some pictures, they went up on social media, and the rest is history!
Prints remain huge for fall and Mary Katranzou is known for her bold prints which can take the form of scenery, perfume bottles or baubles, to name a few. I couldn’t resist the colors and images of this one, and after a few days of deliberating, I bit the bullet.
Since I am a girlie girl, I have always gravitated towards the color pink, reinforced by the fact that it was the color of my childhood bedroom. Much was my delight when I found these wonderful pink vintage Roger Vivier shoes at the marvelous store, Decades, which specializes in vintage couture and accoutrements. What’s more, they had never been worn before! The Saks sale this summer, provided me with this Dolce and Gabanna handbag for less than half of its original price…. bargain hunters unite!
Take advantage of all the print clothing this year, and indulge in one item to spruce up your wardrobe.
Polka Dot Palazzo
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LF Palazzo Pants ($30), similar on sale here, Tibi Crop Top, Think Closet Necklace ($20!)-- similar on sale here, Fendi Heels, also seen here, Nest Cuff, Christian Dior Shades, Worth New York Clutch.
I hate to brag, but these palazzo pants cost me $30.00 at the LF end of the season sale last year. Their sale will be coming up next month, so watch for it, as it is definitely worth it! Polka dots remain popular, and I, for one, love it. The wide leg pants, which are high rise, are flattering and flowy. If you are short, like me, you really should wear them with a heel. The white top is cropped but roomy at the bottom so that a little skin peeks through. Depending on your comfort level, you could wear a white camisole underneath it, but you probably won’t have to if you keep the bottom high enough. I would never wear this top with anything lower than a high-rise pant or skirt. Navel exposure at our age is a definite no-no and probably, scary…not just for the wearer, but for the observer as well.
The crew cut of the top allows for a breast-plate, necklace or choker. It adds a bit of color and glam to the outfit. I got mine at Think Closet in NYC, but J Crew has a plethora of them that won’t break the bank. J Crew has wonderful sales and huge discounts both at the register and online.
How The West Was Won
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Lamarque Vest, Current/Elliot Skirt, Joie Tank, J Crew Clutch, Fendi Pumps.
I am not from the West, I am not up to date on Country Music, although I do like it a lot, and I have only owned one pair of cowboy boots in my life. However, after becoming a huge and addicted fan of the TV show, Friday Night lights, I have started to speak with a bit if a twang and find myself drawn to suede fringe and jean skirts; hence the combination that you see here. This skirt is a must have! It is by Current Elliot and it is very versatile. You can dress it up or down. The length, although conservative, can be altered with a flip of a button. In this case, I probably could have undone one button instead of two, but as you know, I live on the edge of fashion do’s and don’ts, so you will forgive me this one regrettable faux pas. The fringe vest is fun and easy to wear. One can pair it with a skirt, as I have, or with a pair of jeans. I was drawn to the taupe color, and as I have reported to you, fringe continues to be huge. You will see it everywhere, from boots and shoes, to handbags and jackets. If you invest in one piece this fall, you should make it fringe. It is fun, flirty and y’all will be on trend!
Covering Up
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Calypso St. Barth Caftan and Slip, Sandro Sandals, on sale here, Christian Dior Tote (also seen here), Oliver Peoples Glasses, Nancy Newberg Earrings, Robin Terman Necklace and Ring, Nest Bracelets.
I know what you’re thinking…who wears a cover up as a dress? And why would you do that? When a cover up is as beautiful as this one, by Calypso St. Barth, it begs to be seen on the street just as much as around the pool. Since the material is so sheer, I simply donned a nude slip, (although I went back and forth on whether white looked better), and these adorable and more importantly, comfortable sandals and out the door I went. I admit that I did not head out the door in this to do my grocery shopping, but I did wear it to lunch as well as dinner, and I wasn’t at a resort at the time!
This adds to the philosophy of getting more bang for your buck when it comes to the occupants of your closet. Accessories like fun necklaces, a cute bag and great shoes, allow for the transition from poolside caftan to city-chic dress; this makes it as easy to wear as it to look at. Try it…you will like it!
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.
Culotte-A- Happening Now
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Top, Belt and Culottes by Worth New York, Rupert Sanderson Wedge, on sale here, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, John Hardy Bracelet and Hoops, also seen here.
If you wait long enough for the re-run of a TV show, you don’t have to worry about missing an episode. And so it goes for fashion as well. There are usually trends that return, maybe 4 decades later, and when they do, they do so with a vengeance. So it appears with culottes. When I was a teen in the seventies, I owned a couple of pairs of culottes, as did my mother. They were all the rage, but they came and went rather quickly. If you are thinking of diving into a pair, (and you probably should because they are huge for Fall), here are a few tips that you should follow.
The wide, expansive leg of the pant tends to shorten the leg, so you really should wear a wedge, a mid height heeled boot, or a heel (even a kitten heel helps). Alternatively, there are those culottes that are not as voluminous, enabling you to pair with a more casual shoe, but never a sneaker unless you are hip and cool and in your 20’s. Remember, that a culotte will always feature your shoe, front and center. I am in love with these mirrored wedge sandals, also seen here.
I have seen culottes with a feminine print that really resemble more of a skirt. In this case, you could possibly get away with a flat, unless of course, you are very tall, and can wear a flat with any style…I am extremely jealous and so are my toes!
These cotton culottes, by Worth New York, is ultra comfortable and chic, especially in navy blue. The off the shoulder top, also by Worth, and which is also off the hook in popularity right now, is not always easy to wear, especially if you are big busted. Try a comfortable strapless bra, that stays put and you should be fine. I love my unpadded one by Wacoal. It is lacy but very comfortable, and I never have to yank it up as I do most of my padded ones. If you want to go for a padded one, I recommend the L’aventure by Marie Jo. (Stay tuned for an entire post about lingerie…it is time, girls!).
Going Down
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A.L.C. Top and Skirt, similar on sale here, Sophia Webster Heels, Worth New York Clutch, Christian Dior Sunglasses.
Throughout recent years, skirt lengths have gone up and down; right now they are going down. The “midi” as it was referred to in the 70’s is popular now, and you will find many dresses and skirts that fall mid calf. For us short girls, I am not certain that this is ideal, but I am going to give it a whirl and see how it feels. This lovely summer print set is a perfect example of how to work this new work length. The skirt fits tight to the body and the vent at the back allows for freedom of movement. Word to the wise: Sometimes skirts and dresses come with a slit or vent that is lightly tacked at the bottom. I have made the mistake of not checking it before I wear it and have been known to cut it open in a bathroom stall with my key!
The matching crop top updates the look of this outfit. Pairing it with this polka dot high heel shoe, seemed a little wild at first, but I really like the way the two prints work together. With a skirt this long, you really must wear a heel, regardless of whether you are 5’4 or 5’10. A flat would definitely be a fashion no- no. Certainly for us short girls, I am not certain that this long length is ideal, but I am down to give it a whirl! It is definitely growing on me!!
Hooray For The Red White and Blue!
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CAbi Twirl Dress, Worth New York Belt, Myriam Schafer Handbag, Rupert Sanderson Sandals, on sale here, John Hardy Earrings and Bracelets, Cartier Watch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Mac Ruby Woo Lip Color, Essie Really Red Nail Polish.
Next week is Fourth of July weekend, and this Canadian/American girl LOVES this holiday! Whether I am attending or hosting a pool party, BBQ, or picnic, I always dress for the occasion. Thematic dressing always narrows down the choices; and red, white and blue, allows for some creativity. This year, the winner is this navy and white “Twirl Dress” by CAbi. It is both lightweight and easy to wear. I added this amazing cotton and metal rope belt by Worth New York--a match made in heaven.
Adding red as an accessory is a good way to go so that you don’t overdo it. In the case of this outfit, I used my red handbag, bracelet, nail polish and lip color.
As with black and white, navy and white always lend themselves to a pop of red.
I think Uncle Sam just gave me the thumbs up!
Jailhouse Frock
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When I first saw this skirt in December at Bloomingdales, I admired it, but was not in the mood to shop for anymore formal attire. In other words, as difficult as this may be to believe, I was burned out! Fast forward to February, when I was visiting one of my favorite fashion blogs, Atlantic Pacific. Thirty something blogger, Blair Eadie, was sporting that same skirt with a hot pink J Crew cashmere pullover and orange red jacket. On her, it looked fabulous…on me I suspected not.
This past April I found the skirt on sale (seriously reduced from $650 to $230), and decided to give it a try. I paired it with its matching silk sleeveless cropped top (also on Friends and Family sale), and the outfit came to life. This is a perfect outfit to wear to a summer or early fall wedding.
Good Vibrations
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Thakoon Addition Dress, Lanvin Hat, similar here, Valentino Bag, similar here, Celine Sunglasses and Gianvito Rossi Gladiators, Calypso St. Barth Hoops.
Boho is a term that I would never use to describe my style, yet I am always attracted to the look when it appears on someone else, like my daughter, for instance. However, while visiting Savannah the other day, to model some of their new arrivals, I found myself face to face with this Thakoon dress. Never in a million years did I expect to fall in love with this dress. It was such a departure for me. For one thing, I had to lose the bra. For another, it is very loose fitting and free. It turns out that it was just what the fashion doctor ordered. The Savannah gals added this wonderful hat and these comfy gladiators, which gave it that 70’s hippie vibe.
Needless to say, it now has a permanent home in my closet. Even Jeff, who rarely has a strong opinion, gave it the thumbs up. Groovy!
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
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Many people, myself included, think of the suit as one item. In other words, the jacket or in this case, the vest, is married to the skirt or pants. If you belong to this mind-set, you have immediately limited its wear and decreased its value. A few years back, a very smart stylist righted this wrong for me. She instructed me to wear the jacket with other items and like-wise the pants or the skirt. This opened an entirely new world of fashion for me. If you are also under the “suit is one item” spell, let me be the one to break it for you permanently.
Case in point, this punchy ensemble from the Worth New York Summer Collection. Its colorful print is fabulous together, yet equally fabulous when separated. I dressed it down a bit by pairing the vibrant vest with a pair of trendy flared jeans. I love the look of both outfits and the pieces are versatile separates in their own right. I encourage you to try this with one of your suits or ensembles. Please email me a photo; I would love to feature on the blog. Breaking up is hard to do, but sometimes it is for the best!
Jeans Carmar (available at LF stores), Camisole, vest and belt by Worth New York, Chanel shoulder bag.
