Suited for Spring?

I'm all for the sharp tailored look, I can't get enough of well fitted jackets! They are an important staple item for your closet this season, but I say steer away from your favorite black blazer and follow some of my suggestions below:

BREAK IT UP

Why not strut the streets in a colorful, fun, mix and match, suit combo? I have to say this is one of my favorite outfits, it is way too chic to reserve for client meetings and categorize as office attire show it off as you run errands and meet up for cocktails.

ONE SUIT TO GO

I know we've seen a lot of casual wear lately in the workplace and on the street but designers are bringing back full on suits. Of course not the typical styles, all are cut in flattering designs, an array of colors, prints, and lapel sizes. Like a dress, you will love how easy it is to wear. The only rule: be CREATIVE with the jewelry and shoes.

COLORFUL BLAZERS

Bored of you neutral pieces? I know we have so many safe pieces we turn to on a daily basis, take a risk! Get a colorful blazer and brighten your closet in an instant. I suggest finding a color that makes you feel your best and a flattering style for your body type.

THE BEST PART OF WEARING A BLAZER

What I absolutely LOVE about a blazer is how it adds a professional, pulled together look to a bohemian top or even a flowy dress. It will work miracles for the poofy blouses you have trouble wearing on it's own.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR LEGS?

Outfit from Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2011 Collection

Why not try wearing your blazer with shorts? If you love your legs show off your trendy side and wear your favorite blazer in a new way.

"I've learned to trust my taste-if something makes me happy, then I love it!" -Jordana Brewster

Jewelry Love Affair: Alexis Bittar

The Alexis Bittar Spring 2011 collection was inspired by the 1970s with his personal touch on a retro futuristic vibe. Each bold piece makes for a glamorous addition and I completely agreed when he told me, "..it is our job to excite the women in Seattle about fashion."

A Simple Piece Can Go A Long Way

SOLD OUT

A clean cut, texture in the metalwork, and a subtle expression when paired with your long sweaters, neutral attire, and favorite sleek boots. This modern piece shows feminity in the delicacate chain and an edgy yet strong statement in the art of the larger metal work.

Where to invest

$475 @ Nordstrom

I would say, if you wanted to really invest in a statement piece to strut at galas, silent auctions, and festive parties this would be the piece. You will not go wrong with a neutral stone, it will compliment a variety of colors.

Versatile and Glamorous

$345 @ Nordstrom

What I love about Lucite is that it's matte lustre makes a great jewelry piece. This necklace is short enough to be worn with jackets, glamorous enough to accent dresses, and beautiful enough to treasure forever.

Sparkle and Shine

$455 @ Nordstrom

As you know, sparkle and sequins are totally day time acceptable. Don't shy away from a little eye popping glitter look in your next jewelry purchase. I promise your jeans and flats will feel all dressed up for your evening outings.

Chunky Love

$245 @ Nordstrom

Chunky rings are not only fun, they really POP. Just make sure you don't accidentally lose it when taking it off to wash your hands.  It happens......

A new kind of royalty

$225 @ Nordstrom

For those that wear higher necklines, a necklace with weight and length can recreate your looks. An asymmetrical cut added to a  precious stone gives a nice twist to a classic look.

To view the full collection visit: www.alexisbittar.com

Did you know?!?!?!

Alexis Bittar teamed with designer and legendary stylist Patricia Field to create one of a kind custom pieces for Sex and the City? He started 11 years ago from his one bedroom apartment and was discovered on the street selling his pieces on a local market. Now he is everywhere from Nordstrom in Seattle to high end European boutiques.

Clean Your Closet Like A Pro

It’s that time of year! Spring is well underway and I know we are all ready for cleaning out our closets. Let me make it easy for you. Schedule out 2 hours of your time, grab a glass of your favorite drink, invite your girlfriends and make it a cleanout party. It’s nice to have encouragement and support from the ones you trust most.
 
My advice, start with what you know and do it on a positive note. I personally use the steps below when working with my clients. Let’s get started!
 
1. Keep the pieces you love
 
I think it is important to have a smaller closet with pieces you love rather than a huge designer closet filled with unworn, unflattering garments. To make this process less overwhelming and to help you discover a thing or two about your personal style, I suggest to start by finding the pieces you love!
 
WARNING: If you love it BUT it is piling, fading, too worn, or torn, it had a good life. It is in no condition to wear anymore and must be put in the good bye pile. Make sure you replace it promptly with a similar item.
 
Analyze them. Ask yourself  the following questions: What do you love about it? Is it the color, the cut, the fit or is it just easy to combine in various ways? Take note mentally or write it down.
 
 
2. Take out pieces you never liked in the first place
 
The second easiest thing, right? You know what pieces you are holding onto that you never liked in the first place. The worst thing you could do is have them hanging in your closet, take them out immediately. Are you thinking about the money you spent on it? I want you to go back remember the times you wore it and how awful you felt. Don’t try to make it work, it’s time to let go.
 
You may feel guilty about the past purchases but keep in mind that from now on you will make smarter shopping choices. 

 
Ask yourself: What you don’t like about it. Is it the color, the fit, the fabric? Again take note.
 
 
3. Take out pieces you don’t wear
 
Here are the rules:
 
If there is a memory attached, please keep! Just store it in another area away from the clothing you wear daily.
 
Is it too small? First weed through the pieces that are too small and decide whether it is dated or in bad condition. If you are trying to lose weight, put the clothing that is still wearable in a box, label it with a date a few months from now to open it. Then decide whether or not to keep it in the box longer, donate it, or take it out and wear it.
 
Don’t know how to wear it but it fits nicely and you really like it? Keep it, look through fashion magazines, department store websites, or have a personal stylist help you find multiple outfits. This is why I don’t follow the 12 month rule, it may be a great piece but you need to find the perfect way to wear it.
 
 
When you start to replenish, use the notes you took. You now know what works best and what doesn’t. Replace the pieces you took out and make smart, beautiful purchases. 

If you need help cleansing your closet for the season e-mail me at tannyab@gmail.com

"Women usually love what they buy, yet hate two-thirds of what is in their closets."  ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Flat out Fabulous

From work, to the park, to a relaxing night out with the girls. Staying put together on long days seems impossible, but it’s much more simple than you think. Your shoe can make or break your outfit, really! I must admit, as much as I love a sexy high heel the reality is a stylish flat is the right choice for daily use. If you have a bunion (like myself) you will  need a shoe that will keep your outfit looking impeccable and one that won’t hurt your feet after a few blocks.

Unless you are going to the gym, I say, let go of the tennis shoes and super chunky shoes that weigh down your look and find a flat with support, style, and flair!

I have three suggestions below to inspire you to try new colors and designs, try a new style than the one you normally pick up for yourself.

The weekend shoe

Fossil Ella $79 at Piperlime

Treat yourself to a pedi with a bright summer color and show off your toes. This shoe can be worn with rolled up jeans, khaki skirts paired with your fav stripped tee, or colorful tops.

Made to last

Frye Emma Ballet $177.95 at Nordstrom

This shoe is inspired by the Mexican huarache sandal which was originally hand woven and made to last 15 - 20 years! This modern flat is a beautiful addition to your wardrobe if your style consists of boxy tees, boho tops, feathered earrings, and handbags with fringe these are for you!

For the love of quality

Cece leather and canvas ballet flat $128 at J Crew

Not only is this a classic style, it has a great color to add to your transitional pieces. You can wear neutrals from head to toe and add color with a belt, scarf, jewelry, or SHOE. Embrace the the bold prints and colors this season. By the way if you love quality, these are made in Italy, so hard to find in department stores these days.

“Trying to be cool or trendy doesn’t work. It’s more vital to be relevant to women’s lives.” Alber Elbaz

The Correct Way to Wear a Maxi Skirt

You may have noticed the huge maxi-skirt trend seen on the stars on the streets and on the models of the runways. It’s a great trend to try, but if not done right, the maxi skirt will leave you looking frumpy. Although the maxi is most flattering on tall women, any woman can pull off the look by following these styling tips:

1) Add Interest
Although the maxi trend was influenced by the 70’s, that doesn’t mean you have to copy the trend literally. It’s 2011 and you want to look modern, so add interest with a long necklace, dangly earrings, edgy booties or high-heeled boots. If your skirt  is in a neutral color, wear a colored top. Or instead of a basic maxi skirt, try a ruffled skirt.

2) Wear a Fitted Top
To balance out the amount of volume on bottom, you need to wear a fitted shirt on top. Avoid billowy blouses that can make you look big. Try a button-up shirt, a basic tee, or a screen-printed tee.

3) Define Your Waist

Under all those layers of clothes, the shape of your body will disappear. Define your waist by tucking in your top, wearing a belt, and/or wearing a cropped jacket or cardigan, but please no crop tops.

Must-Have Valentine's Day Dresses

Still in search of the perfect dress to wear on Valentine's Day? Well search no more! Here are five dress options to choose from. Whether you're looking for the sexy dress, the flirty dress, the red dress, the classic dress, or the edgy dress, this list will surely curb your appetite.

The Sexy Dress

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="347" caption="Nicole Miller Eva Stretch Lace Dress $420"][/caption]

If you want to look sexy, this dress will undoubtedly turn heads. It’s not too low-cut or too short, which is a perfect balance to the risque lace overlay. For the perfect look, wear it with a pair of simple black heels and long dangling earrings.

The Flirty Dress

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="BCBG Margo Strapless Silk Cocktail Dress $248"][/caption]

The innocent look and flirty color of this dress will vibrate energy in the room and will keep your significant other smiling. Add a pair of strappy sandals and a delicate piece of jewelry such as a pendant necklace.

The Red Dress

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Julie Dillon Georgette Blouson Shift Dress $178"][/caption]

I looked through pages of websites to find this perfect red dress. This feminine piece flatters many body types, with its feminine ruffles and matte fabric. It should be worn with a pair of sexy heels and a statement cocktail ring.

The Classic Dress

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="347" caption="Tadashi Shoji Scalloped Lace Dress $390"][/caption]

If you don't want to bare it all, then go for this classic dress. The lace edges give off just the right amount of sex appeal for your special night out. Pair this with a black patent leather pointy-toed shoe and stud earrings to complete the look.

The Edgy Dress

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="347" caption="Allsaints Spitalfields Lamia Dress $450"][/caption]

Instead of going with a structured edgy dress, try this soft drapey dress. The feminine sheer overlay makes this a must to twirl in! Add a cuff bracelet, a chunky ring, and a shootie (trust me it exists: part boot, part heel, part dressy shoe).

Colorful Ideas to Mend Your Winter Blues

Here are some tips on what to get to make your wardrobe feel alive again.  Don’t let the dark days dampen your colorful and lively personality. You don’t have to add color in a dramatic way.  Instead, incorporate color with a sprinkle here and there.  If you're currently struting around head-to-toe in neutrals, then add some color by going with hues that are soft such as dusty rose and whisper blue. Then slowly add in jeweled-toned or other brightly-colored pieces that are attention-grabbing.

Below are examples of eye-catching ways to add color to your wardrobe. What colors will you add to your winter wardrobe?

PRINT DRESS THAT EXCITE

IKAT $148

This printed dress is more versatile than you think! Wear it barelegged in the evening, with tights and a pair of booties/flat over-the-knee boots for a casual look, with a faux-fur vest for a trendy look, or with a pair of camel-colored wedges for next season!

CARDI IN YOUR FAVORITE COLOR

GESTUZ $89

Okay, so the best part about this cardi is it’s 100% cotton.  I know many of you struggle with finding sweaters that contain no wool, alpaca, etc. The next best feature about this cardi is that it instantly boosts color into your outfit.  Wear it with a casual white or black tee or a neutral-printed top.

TRANSITIONAL SWEATER

MICHAEL KORS $89.50

You gotta love this lightweight casual piece.  It adds instant luxury to any outfit as simple as a tee and jeans.

ONE OF A KIND

MAWI $450

This popped out at me on the page and I just had to share it with you all.  The blue gem, the-silver-and-gold combo, and the weight makes this a stunning piece.  I promise, if you wear this with your everyday jeans, you will feel much more put-together.  Find a favorite piece that will add excitement to your neutrals.

BEYOND THIS WORLD

MANIAMANIA $196

What do you think? I have no words to describe this.....I am left speechless

Find pieces that make you feel alive!  Then find all the possible ways you can wear it with what you already own.  Please don’t leave your feel-good pieces in the back of your closet waiting for “that special moment”.

"There is so much nonsense about fashion.  People buy clothes because they want to feel and look good, not for any deep psychological needs." -Karl Lagerfeld