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.

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

Question:  Any suggestions for short legged and long waisted girls? (especially for pants).

Answer:  While I don’t know all the details (i.e your body shape, proportions), I can give you some good rules of thumb. The key is balance, creating ideal proportions on your body by controlling where garments hit you.  You want to lengthen the legs while shortening the waist, at the same time.  My first inclination would be to recommend tops and jackets that hit above your natural waist. Try a cropped jacket or blouse with horizontal or diagonal lines/details in the upper bodice.  This breaks up the long line of your uber-long torso and draws attention up rather than down to your long waist.

At the same time, pants should be higher or normal rise.  While you’re creating interest in the upper body with details (i.e. bows, shirred sleeves or shoulders), lengthen your legs with tapered pants, skinny jeans, or straight leg cuts.  If you choose a flared leg or boot cut, just make sure you are wearing high heels.  High-waisted jeans and pants are super stylish right now.  Even better are high-waisted pants with wide waist bands, which also breaks up your long torso.

In terms of shoes, heels, heels, heels.  Platforms are great ways to get height and they don’t kill your feet as much as a stiletto. If you want to expand beyond pants, try cute mini-skirts or mini-dresses with platform heels, or short shorts and a billowy top (just make sure these are appropriate for the occasion).

I hope this helps! Happy Shopping!

Trends surround us. They always look good because they’re styled by professionals, captured on film in the perfect light, and cropped and digitized to make them look flawless. The truth is, not all trends are for everyone no matter how good they look. But the good news is, most of us can make most trends work with just a little tweaking. The first example is SHORTS.

Many women shy away from shorts because they equate the notion of shorts with “daisy dukes.” We’re afraid that if our legs aren’t amazonian, golden brown and sunkissed, we’re not worthy of this summertime saving grace of a garment. However, I am a lover of shorts, walking shorts, that is. I wear them out and I wear them to work. I wear them to the movies and I wear them to the market.

There are several versions of shorts that are appropriate for different bodies, environments, and occasions (not just the uber-slender, blessed by her x-chromasomes woman we’re all so lovingly jealous of). Two options are:

Walking or Bermuda Shorts: Hits modestly above the knee, generally straight leg and may have a looser shape than dressier shorts, typically made from cotton and have some stretch, available prints and styles. The length is long enough that most women can be comfortable and they’re a great alternative to a skirt or dress. Click below for some great walking and bermuda shorts. Pair them with flat sandals, your favorite flip flps, or wedge platforms/espadrilles for a chic and effortless look.

AnnTaylorLoft.com

ShopBop.com

Anthropologie.com

Knee Shorts: These generally are longer and more work appropriate. They can vary in fabrics from light summer-weight wool to structured cotton with spandex and are a bit more formal in look than your average bermuda shorts. Also straight leg in shape and many have belt loops and back pockets for a more “upscale” alternative to a straight skirt at the office. Pair these with peep-toe pumps for the spring and summer and your favorite cropped blazer. A beautiful silk tunic and ballet flats is another elegant option for an office look that can easily go to dinner when the clock strikes 5.

Nordstrom.com

Norstrom.com/2

Hope these have changed some minds and emboldened those who may have been hesitant to reveal their legs.

I got a question yesterday:  Any suggestions for workout wear for those of us on a budget?

Absolutely!

But I will first say this…I have a pair of Adidas running pants that I bought over six years ago. They were about $75.  They still fit, still wick away sweat, still run along with me in every and any workout. It’s worth the investment – from both a function and fashion point of view.

Now that I’ve said my peace…

Old Navy has great workout gear for super inexpensive. I have sports bras from Old Navy in an array of colors and they hold, lift, and support with no problems. They also carry cropped and long foldover yoga pants in tons of colors.

Champion is another great brand that is mid-priced and is great for gym workouts and yoga. These are available at most multi-brand stores (i.e. Modell’s, Big 5 Sports, etc.

And of course, scouring sites like Zappos or Amazon, Footlocker.com, and even Nike or Adidas.com for sales is a great way to get expensive items on super-duper sale.

Hope this helps!

No matter where we go or what we’re doing, I firmly believe there is no excuse for sloppiness or disheveledness (if that’s a word!). This includes when we’re sweating it out in Bosu Class or Cardio Kickboxing, executing the Downward Dog or Warrior I in yoga, climbing at level 10 on the stairmaster or showing off your guns with the perfect bicep curls at your gym.  There’s nothing wrong with making sure your hair is neatly secured and your sports bra matches your tank top. You’re not shallow for wanting to look cute even when you’re pumping iron.

Now that I’ve stated my beliefs, I fully endorse some new workout gear that I purchased. I’d never heard of this brand until I googled “attractive women’s activewear.”  My motivation for this search mission was that I have burned out the gym, every class, every weight, and every machine to the point of boredom.  I needed a refresher. So I took the week of from exercising and bought new gear so that come Monday morning, I’ll be brand new and ready to work!

Zobha is a fantastic brand that seems to understand the importance of fit and appearance in ladies’ activewear. I won’t apologize for my obsession with the perfect knee-length, spandex capri. The gym is the last place I want to feel self-conscious and I will do what I need to in order to feel good and polished there just like any other place.

Here is what I bought and I encourage your own browsing, purchases, and endorsements for this brand. We’re women, they “get it” and it’s worth the splurge!

I bought the above pants in black and dark blue. They sit low enough to not pinch my stomach, but there’s just enough give in the waistband so you avoid muffin top on the elliptical.

The above panties are classified as “yoga panties” – so smooth you can wear them under your yoga gear. But I bought them because I’m on the endless hunt for the perfect skivvies that don’t cut into my hips and sit as flat as possible under my clothes.  The boy shorts are comfy and adorable, the thongs are comfy and practical.

www.zobha.com

I have been thinking a lot about all of the different messages a woman can send via her image (clothes, accessories, hair, and make-up) and was just recently having this conversation over the weekend.  It is possible for a woman to get in her own way by being too hot.  

I’m speaking specifically about our professional lives.  It’s possible to be too sexy at work:

You know that I believe we all should be as stylish and “of the moment” as possible. But there is a balance between stylish and over-the-line-sexy-that-could-hinder-others-taking-us-seriously.  It’s hard enough for women in this world…I do believe that we have to work just that much harder to prove our worth in business. 

A side note: I was asked once what I thought the most challenging part of being a woman was. My answer was something reminiscent of, “That I have to be tough enough without being a bitch, that I have to be attractive enough without being too hot, that I have to be smart enough without being intimidating…that I’m proving myself all day, everyday.”

I work in media/publishing and my office dress code is at the more lenient end of the continuum. I tend to err on the side of trendy in many of my clothes and my wardrobe often doubles for both in and out of work. But I know that for meetings, client presentations, interviews and situations in which I am truly representing my colleagues and my company, I will streamline myself, leave the leggings at home,  and select a more traditional style. 

I’ve noticed that casual Friday has bled into casual everyday. Again, for some lines of work, this is acceptable.  But in banking, finance, law, and other such industries with a history based on male-dominance and tradition, a woman can’t walk in with a brightly colored dress and platform heels.  It won’t fly.

I will most certainly take this into account with my clients.

What kind of business is she in?  Does she work at all? Is she a teacher where a nice pair of khakis and a sweater set would be appropriate?  Perhaps, she spends her days behind a camera and needs jeans and a blazer that aren’t restrictive but are still fitted and tailored.  Maybe she’s reviewing contracts and stands in court…this would require an appropriate colored suit and classic heels (they can still be Christian Louboutin, no one has to know!).

The bottom line is, we need to be aware that even though we may work in more lax surroudings,  presenting ourselves as professionals is the number one priority. And often times, sexy skinny jeans and form-fitting sweaters (though they may look curvalicious) aren’t always the best choice.

Soundbites to remember: Beauty doesn’t always equal appropriate.  Casual doesn’t always mean sexy.  Trendy should still be tasteful.

Just check the mirror once before you leave the house and ask yourself, “Would I wear this on a date?”  If the answer is yes, consider changing.

I came across this site this morning (due to a feature on my Lucky magazine widget); www.francescascollections.com;  that has a ton of well-priced, trendy, feminine clothes and accessories.

Being that I can smell, touch, and visualize summer (we don’t get spring here in New York, it just goes right to deadly heat), I couldn’t stop myself from obsessive browsing.

I’m dreadfully bored with my sweaters, trousers, and boots. My toes are begging for a bright pedicure. My arms are thirsty for sun. I’m ready. And, the clothes on this site have only made me more eager. 

Warning: These are ultra-girly, flirty looks.  

Some of my faves:

This piece doubles as a top and a skirt. It would look fabulous with light-colored denim or as a skirt with a white tank top or simple white v-neck T-shirt.

This dress’s color speaks for itself.  The gorgeous teal is so bright and would sing against sunkissed skin.  Imagine how fabulous a red-head would look with this color draping her decolletage. But, no matter your hair color, the rouching around the bustline will add a some much needed fullness for women with small chests.

Enjoy!

Back in the spotlight is Teresa.  This is a great example of how layers can make very simple colors interesting. The pale sage green pants act as a neutral so we’re working with a blank canvas.  On top is a tank (olive green), a white button down, and a classic style menswear inspired vest.  All of these colors are neutral which leaves the door open to bring in fun accessories.

While Teresa is typically lean on jewelry, she chose to embellish with her shoes – black and white snakeskin pumps (launching her to nearly 6′ tall!).  Some other options could have been easily added brightly colored bangel bracelets or a punchy colored kerchief tied around the neck.