New to me, but maybe not to others, is a little store in downtown Manhattan, birthed by the French (of course, because that’s where high fashion starts) called Comptoir des Cotonniers (literal translation: Counter of the Cotton Ones).  This store was introduced to me by my friend Anita a few months ago. I’ve only been once, but I will return.

It is a French-made ready-to-wear line for women with bright and rich colors, simple patterns,  a girly, whimsical (yet timeless in style) aesthetic, and all the best blends of silks, cottons, and the like. They sell shoes, bags, dresses, pants, tops…the French works.

Here’s the frenchie-411 on my faves:

Wear in the summer with ballet flats or in the winter with tights, boots, a turtleneck layer and high-waist belt!

Oh how dreamy and Mediterranean are these blues?

Stunning color, simple yet girly ruffles and a drapy, comfy style that is to die.

Trench for the Fall. Bag for all Seasons (and everything but your kitchen sink).

I own this top! Oh, the beautiful silk is loose and sexy, the color is universal for all skin tones and the wide neckline flatters most women's silhouettes.

I am of the school that one doesn’t have to spend a ton of money on one’s clothes or accessories but simply the best your budget can afford. When done smartly, inexpensive clothing can be made to look premium with the right styling, add-ons, proper care, and of course, carriage and demeanor.

Skin, hair and nails are no exception – they are the “first things we see” and as such, deserve as much attention. Here’s a little help!

SKINCARE:

Our faces greet new people, colleagues, and friends and show our emotions and thoughts.  Our hair is an extension of our faces; it counts as an accessory.  And, our hands animate our stories, touch people in greeting, demonstrate our excitement, and are integral in our interaction with people daily (ex. when you’re pointing to something on a page to show a colleague or friend, you don’t want your jagged nails being the only thing they see!).

I use a mix of drug store and department store cosmetics and skin care. There are some real quality brands of cosmetics sold at  drug stores and online drug store retailers. Some of my standbys are eyeliner from L’Oreal Paris, Le Kohl Eyeliner in Cafe, Revlon ColorStay Bronzer,  and Olay Regenerist Cleanser (a good cleanser is key to proper skincare).

Alternatively, a tour of the mid-to-hi-end cosmetic counters can yield transforming products like MAC Studio Fix combination powder and foundation and Smashbox Matte eye shadow in Java.  Studio Fix is good enough to use for newscasters on camera and Smashbox’s eye shadows are highly pigmented, don’t crease (nearly as much as other brands I’ve tried) and have a velvety texture.

Not all of us need or want to wear a full face of make-up and that’s absolutely okay. But at the least, as we mature, a basic sheer foundation or power and some blush and lip gloss can provide a polished and bright face ready to face, greet, and charm anyone!

TIP: Take the time to get your colors done in a department store and then match the recommendations to a grocery store brand.

HAIR

Even a low-maintenance girl can have great hair.  It doesn’t require a ton of product or hair appliances. It all starts with the haircut. If you invest in a good haircut, your hair practically styles itself.  Keep it at a manageable length for your lifestyle. That could may mean long to tie into a sleek ponytail, a short pixie that only requires a little mousse or gel, or a chin-length bob with bangs that looks snappy and cute with one swoop of the flat iron.

Whether you spend hours or minutes on your “do”, take the time to find the right product for your coiffure. Again, drug stores offer effective and sweet-smelling options for hair just like costmetics. Some of my go-tos are Citre Shine Anti-Frizz Serum (I have super curly hair) and Herbal Essences Shampoo and Conditioner (mainly for the smell and texture).  TRESemme offers a full-line of undeniably high-quality products that I’ve been using for years. Their mousse is spectacular both in fragrance and functionality.

Higher end products from Bumble & Bumble, Aveda, and Frederic Fekkai are legendary brands knownd for their high-quality and delicious-feeling output on your hair, whether straight, curly or in between.

Tip: Try a few different products from the drug store on the weekend where you can afford to have a “bad hair day”.

NAILS

Don’t underestimate the power of an $8 manicure. There is nothing I can attest to more than a quick cuticle push (or cut) and a sheer polish.  It’s a weekly/bi-weekly investment with a pay-off that is infinite. Think of it: What’s more unattractive than someone shaking your hand with chewed-down-to-the-nub fingers or chipped, dark-red polish? I can even site a certain chef on Food Network whose name rhymes with “Play” that constantly has his hands on camera and they are consistently gnawed-on. Far from appetizing. Eww.

I would suggest at the least a quick mani at your local salon that includes  a cuticle push and a sheer white or pink-toned polish.  If you go further (like I do), getting a UV gel nail treatment is a good option. It is more expensive, but doesn’t require polish, doesn’t harm your real nails, looks remarkably natural, and lasts longer than a typical manicure.

Keep in mind that the recent trends are “allowing” far more than just the sheer or clear polish options. Currently I’m sporting Essie’s latest neon-takes-me-back-to-1986-colors – Punchy Pink on my toes and Perky Purple on my hands.  No matter the color, as long as your fingers are clean, cut short-to-moderate length and filed properly, your hands will be pretty, presentable and perfect.

Tip: Fingers and Toes don’t have to match – in fact, they shouldn’t! If you’re neon-timid with your fingers, take your toes on a test drive with a fun pink, purple or (gasp!) blue.

Scarves! Next to rings, bracelets, necklaces, handbags, shoes, and belts, scarves are my favorite accessory. But it currently has bubbled to the top of my pool of adornments as my current favorite.

Let’s explore because a life without scarves is a life not worth living.

An organic silk chiffon short scarf can be the perfect dose of color to an otherwise simple neutral top. The scarf can be tied in a short, taut bow, dangle loosely to the side (as pictured) or just tie two points behind your neck for a drapey/cowel-like effect.

A long, skinny scarf like this, made from silk chiffon can be wrapped several times around your neck like a faux-turtleneck. Alternatively, you can wrap it one single time, loosely with both ends in front. I even love to tie these in my hair and let the ends hang down my back.

This boho-chic number can be used for warmth on a crisp spring morning and then transforms into an accessory against a crisp white shirt or tank top. Heck, I'd even pair this with a hot pink top (you risk looking like an Easter egg, but who cares?). I like to pair scarves like this with a comfy v-neck t-shirt and my favorite jeans on a Saturday afternoon of movies or errands.

This viscose scarf can provide warmth with your best pea coat or driving coat in fall weather. With the pom poms and ruffle-y layers of fabric, it's feminine and functional, chic and cozy.

How beautiful--a-spring-made-from-wool-for-the-winter! This wrap (super wide as it is long) drapes casually over your shoulders for an effortless pop of color to layer over your coat and again over your shirt when the coat comes off. The colors are delicious and bright, successfully reminding you that spring is just around the corner.

Linen is a natural fiber, lightweight, comfortable and high quality. This casual scarf should be loosely draped around your neck, or for some drama, over your head 50's-style for a ride with the top down in a convertible (if you have one).

Possibly one of the most famous designers of scarves, pictured above is the signature colorful, geometric silk of Pucci. This is a scarf masterfully turned into a top. If you're not this daring, you can certainly tie it around your neck and pin it with a beautiful golden broach. This is a pricey accessory, but Pucci says instant class and will never, ever go out of style.

Make no mistake–scarves are not just for warmth. I’d argue that’s the last thing they’re for! They’re an accessory, a necessary one. They come in all price points, lengths, widths, and functions. There are umpteen books dedicated to just tying a scarf.

Go.

Buy.

Play.

I must blog about how much I dearly love sample sales. There is nothing so exhilarating as getting a 90% discount on coat, a pair of $500 boots for $45, or a t-shirt that should have originally been $10 anyway but had a retail mark up of 1500% for no good reason.

There are of course the traditional brick and mortar sample sales as well. In New York, we’re blessed because they happen daily, sometimes top secret and sometimes highly publicized.  But they’re there if you want to find them. These warehouses are packed tightly with racks upon racks of the season’s over-stock from some of the world’s most sought after designers.  I will go. And if I can’t go, I will send a friend, who I trust, with impeccable taste (i.e. my friend Teresa), to shop for me.

You can check out sites like Racked.com or TopButton.com to find out when and where sales happen (again, mostly in NY and LA but sometimes other big cities). You can also scour NYMag.com for sale information as well. I tend to walk a lot in Manhattan and sometimes I walk right into one identified only by an 8 1/2 x 11″ sheet of paper that says, “Marc Jacobs sample sale, 2nd floor” in blue sharpie.

If you don’t have access to the real-life versions, there are a few signature sites that offer truly amazing online sample sales (and I literally have an order a week coming into my office). My favorites: GiltGroup.com, HauteLook.com and RueLaLa.com.  Everyday at 11 am and 12 pm ET, the sales start showcasing a new designer, and a countdown clock that details just how few precious minutes I have to throw things into my virtual cart before some other obsessed-maniacal-fashionista-turned-monster gets my cashmere wrap sweater in royal purple with sequins at the collar ticks back the seconds. It’s insanity I tell you. The only glitch, you have to either be invited by a current member or sign up for a wait list. But if you can access them, you’re golden! Brands like Ella Moss, Beyond Yoga, Marc Jacobs, Free People, Alice + Olivia, Citizens, True Religion, and Walter. Then the heavy hitters: Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Judith Ripka, Botkier, Prada, and Hermes…oh, the list continues and my head spins.

Is the economy bad? Hell yes. This is why sample sales are so crucial. You’re getting a realistic price for the clothes you love. I say take advantage of this. Get online. Get to the sales. Shop the samples and look good even when the state of our country’s economy sucks.  It can’t all be doom and gloom.

My sister sent me a message saying that it’s been nearly four months since I last posted. And prior to that, someone questioned if I even had a right to blog since I hadn’t written in so long. I get the message.  So I’m writing now.

I don’t have a specific topic in mind. Rather, I’d like to just post on the stuff I love.

ITEM #1 I LOVE: the color navy blue.

I heart navy blue. It’s my new BF (best friend, for those who don’t spend much time in the IM/Text world).  It’s my fabulous alternative to black and gray. It’s my neutral to go with any pink, purple, cream, brown, stripe, dot, green or orange. It’s my dark for the days I want to look more lean. It’s my transient color for every season. Navy is my new black. I even wear it with black because I don’t fear dark on dark.

When you think black, think Navy Blue for:

Accessories: a wallet or hand bag

Trousers: they can be your new basic black pant

Coats: they go with every color in your closet – it’s your neutral coat for the chilliest of winters

Shoes: I mean, navy shoes with chocolate brown trousers or hot skinny jeans, does it get better? (PS – skinny jeans with super high heels means even us girls with thicker thighs look long and lean…and still girly-curvy)

ITEM #2 I LOVE: PONCHOS (AKA WRAPS, CAPES, AND ANY OF THESE WITH A HOOD)

Ponchos are a savvy alternative to a thick coat when the temps are mild. They come in so many colors, styles, and fabrics which make them a standout jewel in your closet.  Throw over a cotton turtleneck, a thin cashmere sweater or even a t-shirt (no one will know) and don’t even bother taking it off during the day. It acts as your top.

Here are some of my faves:

Big, thick stripes. Throw this berry colored number over your favorite pair of black pants, dark denim, or even light khakis and you’re comfortable, warm, and sporting an easy-peasy splash of color in your outfit

Embellished, ready for evening: This gorgeous, charcoal poncho with the lacy-loopy border is begging to be worn out on the town.  Put on a pencil skirt and knee-high boots or put on a tissue thin white tank (extra long) over sleek black pants with peep toe heels.  Think big hoop earrings and big silver rings.  And if you want to tone it down, put it over a simple shift dress as a point of interest for an office ensemble.

Poncho as a coat: This is great way to rid yourself of the wool coat in more milder climates or those lucky NY days when we hit 50+ in the winter.  Simple heather gray is fine, but put on a brightly-colored kerchief around your neck and a matching bangle and you’re toasty on your commute, in your office, or in that freezing meat-locker of a movie theatre.
ITEM #3 I LOVE: CROSS-STRAP BAGS

I’m thinking forget those gi-mundo hand bags with heavy leather and metal work fit for a high-rise welder (I love you Marc Jacobs, but sometimes your bags weigh me down). How about a sleek, flush-to-the-body messenger or envelope bag?  Throw a truncated version of a wallet (i.e. a zippy change purse with your ID, debit card, metro card, and a couple $20’s) your mobile of choice, lip gloss and your keys, secure it across your body and you’ve got hands free chic.

My personal picks are:

Envelope Bag: You don’t have to go designer, but you can go basic black and thin.

Envelope Bag #2: How about a little rock star in your life?

Flat, Messenger-type bag: Do it in color

Weave It and Go: Beaten-in brown goes with all

ITEM #4 I LOVE: DARK NAILS.

I’m over that pale, non-color, natural, white-ish look. Go dark. Go hot.  I like straight black. But there are a ton of classy, all-appropriate, dark and uber-Euro looking polishes to suit all needs.  It’s winter; go dark! (And a tip that’s obligatory–do not wear these colors on long nails. They must be short to avoid looking like a h…well you know what I’m getting at. Don’t say I didn’t warn you)

A little purple you like? Try OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark

Feeling a bit blue? OPI’s Russian Navy is subtlely sparkly and deep

Chocolate Addiction: It’s all about Essie’s Chocolate Kisses

Very, very vamp if you’re feeling seductive: MAC’s Vintage Vamp is your best bet

And those, dear sister, are the things I love.

There is a definitive science to every institution of study, including fashion. Within this realm of information lies the concept of Universal Styles. There are seven Universal Styles and each one has its unique set of strengths and inherent message(s) that it sends to our surrounding world.  Each of us falls into a one, probably two and sometimes a combination of three personal styles. Below is the 101 (source: What’s My Style, by Alice Parsons).

See if you can find yourself in one, two, three or even four of these!

SPORTY: friendly and casual

Messaging: Through this style, you’re communicating a friendliness, energetic, natural, casual, happy, and optimistic message.  Typically people who are all or mostly Sporty in style are easy going, unpretentious, relaxed, value ease in their wardrobe and are often in “people oriented occupations.”

Easily recognizable elements of the Sporty Style (not to be confused with athletic wear) are:

• All American look with functionality, semi-structured characteristics in neutral (not striking or overly-bold) colors and patterns in natural fabrics.
• Brands that exemplify sporty are: Polo, J Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Old Navy, Timberland, Talbots, American Eagle Outfitters, Levis, Kate Spade, Lacoste
• Celebrities that are Sporty:  Ellen Degeneres,  Rachael Ray, Jane Fonda, Meg Ryan, Diane Keaton

TRADITIONAL: Conservative and Businesslike

Messaging: Through this style, one is communicating messages of trustworthiness and loyalty, accuracy, credibility, maturity, responsibility, organization, and honesty. Typically those who fall into this category are in financialy, government, real estate, education, admin, or insurance-related fields. Easily recognizable elements of Traditional Style are:

• A business-like image, always polished, neat and tidy; conservative with tailored lines, structured fabrics and shapes, in neutral and dark colors without a any “flash” or bold details.  (Think suits, straight trousers and blouses, skirts and classic shoes with no embellishments).
• Brands that exemplify Traditional are: Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Jones of New York, Talbot’s, J Crew (some), Pink
• Celebrities that are Traditional are: Barbara Walters, Hillary Clinton,

ELEGANT: Refined and Stately

Messaging: With an Elegant style, you are communicating an air of confidence, flawlessness, timelessness, distinguished, grace and are always polished, restrained and dignified.  Those who fall into this category are often times in high-profile, public positions (PR, politics, etc.). There is an element of formality and prestige to this sense of style.

Easily recognizable elements of Elegant Style are:

• Suits are a definite key element and clothing is simple and exceptionally-made.  Garments are elongated gently showing the female form with slight definition to the body
• Colors are monochromatic or “tone-on-tone” and fabrics are lightweight natural, expensive
• Brands that exemplify Elegant style are: Ann Klein, Donna Karen, St. John, Valentino, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Pink
• Celebrities that are Elegant are: Jackie O, Diane Sawyer, Audrey Hepburn, Kristin Davis (as Charlotte in Sex and the City), and Nina Garcia (Project Runway)

FEMININE: Soft and Romantic

Messaging: This style often projects a sense of lady-likeness and delicacy, is approachable, warm and caring.  Women who fall into this category are often good-natured caretakers, soft-spoken or mannered and have interest in more traditionally feminine activities and professions (teachers, nurses, counseling, intimate apparel or home-related industries).

Easily recognizable elements of Feminine Style are:

• Loose hourglass silhouettes with modesty but still acknowledging the feminine shape, lengths are longer, colors are softer and pastel, light neutrals. Fabrics are soft and touchable, lightweight or cozy and patterns are floral, paisley, dots or can even have a “wallpaper feel to them.”
• Brands that exemplify Feminine Style are: Eileen Fisher, Anthropologie, Laura Ashley, Jessica McClintock, Ella Moss, Free People, Betsy Johnson Nanette Lapore, (some)
• Celebrities that are Feminine are: Princess Diana, Melanie Griffith, Nicole Kidman, Lisa Kudrow (as her character in Friends)

ALLURING: Sexy and Glamorous

Messaging: This style is captivating and sensual, flirtatious, and seductive. The woman who has this style is comfortable with her body, revels in her feminine shape, is bold and outgoing, loves glamour and is likely social.  They often fall into industries such as entertainment, fitness, media, or fashion/style.

Easily recognizable elements of Alluring Style are:

• Fitted, body-conscious fabrics that make the figure obvious, hourglass silhouette with little or no detailing; colors are vibrant and rich and fabrics are stretchy/knit and can range from leather to silk.
• Brands that exemplify Alluring Style are: Bebe, Versace, BCBG, Guess, Kenneth Cole, Diane von F
• Celebrities that are Alluring are: Eva Longoria, J-Lo, Sharon Stone, Heidi Klum, Beyonce, Kim Cattrall (on and off screen)

CREATIVE: Original and Artistic

Messaging: Creatives are seen as imaginative and free, inventive, unique, spontaneous and sometimes quirky.  They often do work in creative fields or have creative hobbies and interest; fashion, arts, dance, stylists, writers, design, music, etc.  They take risks and their wardrobe is often a function of their creative urges.

Easily recognizable elements of Creative Style are:

• Mixing of anything and everything, unpredictable or unique combination of fabrics, textures and styles. Garments can be layered, very colorful, and silhouette isn’t a focus but often a result of the combination of pieces.  Outfits often will have “themes”.  All patterns, textures, and colors are used in a creative’s wardrobe; no limits or restrictions.
• Brands that exemplify Creative Style are: Betsy Johnson, Anthropologie, Agnes B, Issey Miyake, Nicole Miller, Jean Paul Gautier
• Celebrities that are Creative: Whoopi Goldberg, Olson Twins, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker (as her character in SATC)

DRAMATIC: Fashionable and Sophisticated

Messaging: Dramatic dress is perceived confident and self-assured, assertive, bold, urban, powerful, fashion-forward, and have an intense attractiveness about them.  They have a commanding presence and are easily intimidating, charismatic and unapologetic in their dress.  More often, they populate the fields of entertainment, fashion, marketing, art, media, consulting, PR, etc.

Easily recognizable elements of Dramatic Style are:

• Non-classic style but with some structured shape, exaggerated lines and silhouettes, colors are the darkest darks and lightest lights, saturated color with high-contrast combinations (black and white).  Garments are often large scaled and make “statements.”
• Brands that exemplify Dramatic Style are: Karl Lagerfeld, Donna Karan, Christian Dior, YSL, BCBG Maxazria, Prada, Missoni,
• Celebrities that are Dramatic: Kim Cattrall (on-screen), Iman, Paloma Picasso, Diana Ross

It’s official – my website is live and kickin’. CallaStyleCo.com is my official site from which I can communicate who I am, what I do, and what CallaStyle’s services are. I’m thrilled to finally be able to have a home base on the net since this is the main point of operation for so many businesses, big and small.

Now that this has been announced…I know it’s only August, but goodness. I can’t wait for the fall clothes to come out of hiding. Fabulous tights with boots and print skirts. Patterned blouses with tailored, structured trousers and flats. Impeccably tailored jackets over funky leggings. All black. All brown. All navy. Wool mixed with silk mixed with denim mixed with anything!

A new season means new favorites, new outfits, and more fun in your closet. You don’t have to go shopping, just play twister with your clothes.

SPIN!

Black pants matches pastel colored top.

SPIN!

Denim skirt matches bright-colored solid turtleneck and brown riding boots.

SPIN!

Solid black from head to toe. Don’t care what anyone says, black is always the new black and will forever be black and chic.

I would hit the newsstands for the following magazines to give you inspiration, ideas, websites and 800-numbers: Lucky (www.luckymag.com), Vogue (www.vogue.com) (don’t be intimidated, there are more cost efficient versions of the Pradas and YSLs in those pages), More (www.more.com), In Style (www.instyle.com) and Glamour (www.glamour.com). All have great fall themes and will fuel your excitement about turning over the sleeveless tops to the idea of layering the sleeveless top over a thin knit sweater and those fabulous go-to black trousers you so adore.

Go shopping!

I just got off the plane from a trip to Hawaii where I had the privilege of being a bride’s maid in a friend’s wedding. The first time I saw my friend after she and her fiance moved to Honolulu, she had told me that she had tossed so many things from her wardrobe when she left the mainland. Why? Because it’s HOT in Hawaii. I silently gasped that she gave away nearly 15 pair of designer denim. But that’s the truth of it…it’s just hot and humid and this is the main determinant of wardrobe choices.

While I was in Hawaii this week, I too became a minimalist.  I didn’t want to put on make-up for fear it would melt off.  I barely wanted to touch my hair as it was a futile venture in the high humidity.  Did I walk around like an eyesore with naked eyes and frizzy hair?

No.  I just adjusted my definition of chic from city to island.  I brought dresses and dazzling thongs and flip flops. I brushed on a little shimmer to my cheeks (if I wasn’t on the beach) and pulled my hair back into a slick pony tail.  I even let it go and see what the humidity would do to it…and it wasn’t so bad!

My point is two-fold.

First:  Personal style and image is defined by many factors; a main one being location. You have no choice but to adjust to environment lest you be uncomfortable and cranky.  Other friends in attendance who put jeans on immediately regretted it. Find stylish and comfortable, fashion-forward options that are appropriate for your environment. Even career clothes are different in Hawaii.  Guys wear “aloha” shirts and khakis. Suits would be the death of them.  Women wear fabulous dresses, skirts, and open-toed shoes (no pointy heels in sight!).

Second:  Elegant and fashionable can (and should) be simple and minimal. I kept it clean and without too much adornment in my day to day wardrobe in Honolulu.  Pull back the hair, dab a bit of bronzer on your cheeks and put on our brightest colored dress.  Quick easy choices for the fashionable and smart woman of the islands.  I wouldn’t recommend grass skirts and coconut bras unless you’re part of the Polynesian Culture Center.  But certainly, when in Rome….do as the Islanders do and don a flower or palm tree in your patterns.   I did.

Whether you’re putting together an outfit for work or a party, or trying to construct a “look” for a special occasion, you can never forget the importance of balance. Again, dressing and wardrobe is all about following natural lines and direction that are provided by your body. Showcasing your best features, camouflaging the lesser favored parts. The key to creating this harmony and fluidity in your appearance is by using balance. Here are some examples:

Say you’re wearing a voluminous skirt complete with ruffles and lace. Super pretty! You may be tempted to follow the theme of that skirt with an equally ruffled blouse. Instead of highlighting the gorgeous skirt, the specialness is now lost because there is ruffle and texture and all kinds of things going on from top to bottom. Instead of looking chic, you run the risk of looking costume-y. Each piece (though both pretty) has lost its uniqueness. And your body is now carrying volume on top and bottom adding bulk and weight to your frame. Instead, try a simple t-shirt in a pretty color and a sweet ballet flat to balance and truly show off your skirt. The same rule applies if your top has texture and volume - wear a simple pencil or a-line skirt on the bottom.

Think about balancing different styles of dress as well. Perhaps you’ve dared to don the uber-chic slouchy pants/crops or (now that we’re in summer) slouchy shorts. These can be a little more industrial and casual in style. Instead of carrying that theme forward with a plain T or tank, you can balance out this industriousness with a silky blouse or rouched knit top. Keep this going with strappy sandals or even classic pumps and you’ve elevated the slouchy, comfy bottoms to a fashion forward, compliment-worthy ensemble.

Lastly, and most importantly, balance is the key to camouflaging and accentuating. If you’re a pear-shape, think about adding some dimension to your top half to draw the eye up. Do this with details like ruffles, pattern, or layers from a blazer or cardigan. Likewise, you can ensure that your pants are boot-cut or have a slight flair which will counterbalance your hips.

These are just a few examples but hopefully provide some insight into how to keep your body and your ensemble balanced and not overpowering your frame (and others’ eyes!). But if you still aren’t sure, just ask me

Website coming soon...www.callastyleco.com

I’ve devised my own set of (not golden) Sparkly Silver Rules for shopping in the form of questions that I will ask. Since options are limitless and our budgets are not, there are some ways to whittle away the superfluous choices and get to the meat of the true finds and good purchases.  Below are the questions I apply regularly that help me separate the “I want that!” from the “I want that and I really do need that and I really can use that…for a while.”

1) Does this item go with more than 5 things in my closet? I try to make sure that garments will go with several different items – if it’s shoes, they should go with jeans and trousers. If it’s a top, it should look good with slacks, a skirt, and maybe even leggings.

2) Does this item pinch, pull, tug, gape, bunch, or wrinkle easily?  Try it out. Sit, squat, lean and dance if you have to. But if it does any of these crazy behaviors, put it back.

3) Is this item the best quality that I can afford in my budget? Always buy the best of what you can afford. Buy a $75 pair of jeans rather than a $35 pair if you can. They’ll fit better, look better, and last longer. This rule especially applies to your wardrobe staples (black pants, black dress, jeans, etc.)

4) Can I wash it or is it dry clean only?  If you don’t like to spend extra money on cleaning, then put it back.  Dry cleaning is great but it does come with a price. So check the label to make sure you can “manage the management” of your new purchase.

5) Is this my color?  It pays to know a bit about your own personal color palate.  The garment could be a beautiful Ella Moss dress but if it’s in moss green, I have to put it back.  There’s no point because everytime I put it on, my skin will look yellow and I won’t look my best.  Make sure that the item is your best color and/or pattern. Otherwise, buy it as a gift and admire it on your friend.

6) Is this trendy or is it fashion forward? These are two different things.  Trendy is current, ephemeral, and guaranteed to have a shelf-life.  But fashion forward has a longevity that is worth every penny you’re able to spend on it.  I have boots that are in their third season (and good for two more) because they’re basic black, round toe, with no fancy embellishments.  I spent $300 on them.  The champagne colored strappy flats that my girlfriend bought, however, are a bit more trendy and she paid under $50.  Smart decisions considering the two items.

The bottom line: I get uber-overwhelmed by all the flash, color, sparkle, and shimmer in my favorite stores. I load up my arms and then go to the dressing room. I apply my rules and come out with 1, 2 or sometimes 3 good pieces that I know will enhance my wardrobe and are perfect for me in my life.