Wear the pants and do it all

Video by: Jan Klier

Digging Deep

'Cabin Fever' - if your energy level went down during this snow filled week, it's time to get into the regular groove again!

-{Pineapple Muffins}-

I haven't worked from home in over a year, I had to cancel (which I NEVER do) 10 appointments this week and didn't go to my office once.

Let me just say, day 1 was close to routine with my daily run, answering e-mails, getting all dressed up, and straigtening my hair. By day 4 I had my hair in a bun, pulled out my sweats and v-neck cotton tee, and filled my day with baking (literally all day).

It really got me thinking, when I dress up, I really dress up for myself, to show up completely for the job at hand. It just goes to show how the clothing I choose to wear affects my mood and energy.

What I wore this week and how it got me up and going:

Snow Gear: This outfit was too warm, I couldn't be inside for long. It got me out of the house and into the chilly weather to walk my dogs.

Workout gear: Gets me enregeized and committed to head over to the gym.
Sweats and a Tee: I find my inner domestic self and choose to clean and bake and stay indoors. In this clothing I don't get to the gym, answer e-mails, or get anything done on my to-do list.

Now from the top of my head, I can come up with a few favorites:

Brown Rouched Dress: Sexy yet elegant and definitely not over the top

Red Lycra/Cotton Dress: A subtle sexy, casual look that is easy to wear.
Flat Boots: On a mission to clean closets!
Tights: Long, lean, and professional.
Lace Up Suede Boots: The extra height I crave, super edgy and feminine.

Become aware of yourself and your clothing. Make the necessary changes to your closet for a more successful and accomplished year . If there are certain colors or sepeartes that dampen your mood, take them out now. The pieces that boost your confidence and make you feel great, those are definite keepers and should be worn often.

I want to challenge you to notice how certain pieces of clothing make you feel. 

Share pictures of your favorite pieces and why you wear them to tannyab@gmail.com or on the facebook page: tbstylist. 

Winter Fest

Look #1: An Easy Classic With a Twist
Don't forget your layers this week, wear a soft button down blouse
with a knit sweater for a warm combo. Keep your feet dry with
tall leather boots.
Look #2: On Trend Wedge Bootie
For the bold and brave, strut a color block look with watermelon
colored pants and a true blue cashmere pullover. The sand
colored wedges play well with the colorful look
Look#3: Soft Suiting
Sometimes those open cardigans make your look feel too
casual, wear a floral print ankle pant and ballet flats for a
tailored soft suiting look.

Enhance Your Work Attire

It's time to get your work wear ready for the 2012. Using these easy to follow rules will enhance your image at work to a more professional and respectable level. Let me warn you that your co-workers, may start to envy your cool tricks. 

Style Tip #1: Not your classic work pant

J Crew $79.50

If you have been wearing the classic work pant for 2+ years, it may be time to change it up. I suggest the cafe capri, which hits right above the ankle. It allows you to show off your fabulous shoes with a french flair.

Style Tip #2: Exchange your cardigans

Modekungen $86.43

As comfortable as they feel, a button down crew neck cardigan or cardigan set can get boring. Purchase a jacket that nips in the waist and sits comfortably in the shoulders. A jacket will last longer (no pilling in a few wears) and will take your casual wear to the next level.

Style Tip  #3: Be Jeweled

Michael Kors $125

Nordstrom

Don't go overboard, but don't go bare. Jewelry can add class to a more casual top and can update last year's favorite blouses.

Style Tip #4: Put down the black pump

Nine West $89


I know you all probably have 3+ black shoes, but why? Because it is safe and a go-to piece you don't have to think about. This time, shop for color, or at least a black pump in a new shape such as a wedge, peep-toe, or mary jane.

Style Tip #5: Know where to add color

If your goal is to add color, it is important to know where. If you want to take the eye away from your hips, a bright skirt will not work well. Instead try a subdued pattern or solid in the skirt and a bright colored top. You want to add color to the areas you would like to accentuate: wrist, facial features, neckline, and anywhere else!

"I'm all for bargains but buying a lot isn't the best way to build a wardrobe. Instead, buy pieces that will look as good five years from now as they do today." - Laura Lusardi of Max Mara

For The Love of Quality

Here is what you were waiting for, the must-have list of pieces you won't find your best friend wearing. These pieces were chosen carefully and are timeless, versatile, and have delicate details that will catch your eye.

MY PRECIOUS

Kevia Jewelry - $288

Amethyst & Cubic Zirconia

These sweet earrings will take your basics up a notch. All I see are numerous outfits transformed by this one-of-a-kind earring.

STRANDED HARDWARE

Danijo - $430

Simple.... in a modern way. For the minimalist who seeks quality and structured details that make a piece lay just right.

EMBRACE IMPERFECTION

Nina Peter - $575

It's the right decision to appreciate the skewed, asymmetrical, unevenness of pieces that create their sense of wonder. You can't miss this piece even if you tried.

HIGH END PREP

Tommy Hilfiger - Fall 2011 Runway

If you were to decide upon a timeless dress with flair, this is it. Tommy's preppy signature is more than khaki pants and crew neck sweaters, his fall collection can only be summed up in two words: effortless glamour.

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN....AND AGAIN

Valentino Booties - $1,695

Roses are red, violets, are blue, these are sparkly black and see through too! 

"I love beautiful clothes, so when fashion became about grunge and minimalism I never followed. I think those trends were very offensive for women. I always say I am here to make women look beautiful and not like fools or crazy fashion victims." - Valentino

Holiday Fashion Finds Under $50

Unique Pieces for your holiday festivities all under $50, these are some of my most unique finds this past week. Enjoy!

STONES LIKE NO OTHER

Armani Exchange - $28

How many hoop and pearl stud earrings do you already own? Go for a new shape to add to your collection of favorite pieces.

BRIGHT LIGHT

Anthropology - $42

Looking for color? Go for color-blocked strands to wear this season and next.

WORK THOSE WEDGES

Clooney by Coconuts - $49.97

Yes they are suede, but can be worn during fall/winter too! Just make sure it's not raining outside.

CARRY ON

DSW - $29.95

Big enough to fit your wallet and cell, stylish enough to show off.

MY KIND OF DRESS

Miss Selfridge - $45

What I can never pass up is a dress I can wear with pretty much anything from a cardigan, jacket, or faux fur wrap. Made to be worn day or night.

"Grab the holidays by the horns in head-turning party attire." -Harper's Bazaar, January 2012

What not to wear to the holiday festivities

SPRING DRESSES

I have seen this one too many times. A cotton strapless lime green summer dress worn with a white cardi is not going to cut it. At least wear a skirt top combo if you do not have a dress to wear.

BLACK HEAD TO TOE

Dress by: Stella McCartney

This is your time to shine! Black shoes, black tights, and a black dress can be a downer. If you do decide to wear a little black dress, change it up with bold jewelry, metallic/sparkly shoes, leather, or fur. This dress above works, the subtle detailing in the sheer sleeve, the polka dots, the fit, the heels with the nude strap, it looks just eye-catching!

HEELS YOU CAN'T WALK IN

Shoe: Enzo Angiolini

It is sad to see a woman who looks beautiful and can't strut her look. Save yourself the pain and the silliness and wear a smaller heel (if you can walk in 4 in+ shoes, go right ahead).

LAST YEAR'S DRESS

Parties mean lots of pictures. It's ok to re-wear dresses but not for the same exact party with a roomful of the same people. Find a new dress or find a way to change up your LBD.

BAD HAIR + FLAWLESS OUTFIT

Rachel Zoe in Harper's Bazaar August 2011

You've seen it. An outfit to die for and the beauty part got lost somewhere along the getting dressed session (or there was a loss of time). Plan accordingly, schedule an appointment with the nail salon a day before, get your hair done by a professional if you cannot do it yourself, and it only take about 15 minutes to do your own make-up. Planning will avoid the last minute stress.

"My legacy would be that you don't have to give up anything. You can be chic but have a sense of humor, you can be sexy but comfortable, you can be timeless but fresh," he says in a moment that would make Oprah proud. "I think to be empathetic is the greatest gift you can have as a designer." 

-Michael Kors 

Read more: Michael Kors's Personality - Quotes About Michael Kors - Harper's BAZAAR