I just bought these amazing new boots from the DKNY store here in NYC. As I was strolling, I decided to go into DKNY to browse and look at all the fall garments adorning the shelves, draping lovingly over racks, and boasting their rich colors and supple fabrics to passers-by. Then, I saw the boots. They made me stop, look, grab, touch, buckle and unbuckle, and ask urgently to have them in my size.  Ashley, the lovely sales woman happily obliged and giggled at the slight pleading in my voice.

She brought them in my traditional size 8 and, as any good sales person would do, one half size up. She knew that they run small and didn’t want me to lose my momentum at the first pair feeling just a touch snug.

She was right. I tried the 8s. They were stunning but snug. I tried the 8.5, slipped them both on and was immediately transformed into from a 5′2″ sassy woman to a 5′8″ GLAM-azon/contestant for America’s Next Top Model. Even my walk changed as I approached the floor-to-ceiling mirror.

There was no question. I was buying them. And here they are–my new boots. Love them with me, won’t you?

I will wear these boots with the following: Dresses with tights. Leggings. Skirts. Flared-leg pants and jeans. Shorts in the fall & spring. To work. Out for the night and back again.

to fall, that is.  If you feel like you can’t take your summer duds into the fall, you’re crazy!  you can absolutely do that with a few key styling elements.  Fall is the best because you can have the opportunity to wear leggings, boots, cool jackets and other warmer weather accessories without feeling like you need to pile on a huge, heavy, burdensome coat.

That said, here is the first installment of Summer to Fall – Let’s Move Forward!

Summer Skirts Become Fall Skirts

There’s nothing better than a dichotomous, seemingly unmatched outfit, just working!  Take a girley, fluttery summer skirt (the brighter the better!) and pair it with ankle length leggings and ankle boots or t-strap pumps. Top it off with a lightweight cotton, crew neck sweater and a classic Nipped-in Blazer.

Posted in clothes, color, colorful clothes, fashion, Floral prints, Image, Leggings, shopping, style, summer clothes, trendy clothes Tagged: fall clothes ]]> http://callastyle.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/lets-move-forward/feed/ 0 ZG Skirt Leggings Booties T-Straps Crewneck Sweater Nipped Blazer http://callastyle.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/the-first-things-we-see/ http://callastyle.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/the-first-things-we-see/#comments Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:30:59 +0000 Zovig http://callastyle.wordpress.com/?p=303 ]]>

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.

Continuing on through my Loves in wardrobing and accessories, I bring you these juicy nuggets of fashionable, useful perfection.

Non-leather bags with popping patterns:

(Splurge) – Orla Kiely: I’m seeing this bag, in every style, on the shoulders of some fabulous women all over the city.  Young, older, funky and more conservative, it doesn’t matter the woman. This bag has a style and a pattern to fit your mood, functional needs and overall aesthetic preferences.  The fabric is canvas (100% cotton) and they’re coated for extra strength and durability (and you can take a sponge to them to clean them up!). Below is one of my favorite styles.

(Steal) – Jane Marvel:  Marvel’s bags are the same concept (coated cotton canvas in sumptuous patterns and striking colors) but with a lower price tag. This make the bag more palatable to my taste buds and in this economy, yours too. Below is the style I personally own (in the Stars/Night pattern).

Sweatshirts that act as everyday, work and play clothes

Don’t know about you, but the older I get, the more I value comfort as much as style.  Long gone are the days when I’d sit all the live-long day in a stiff button down blouse.  Now it’s all about fluid materials that move with me and allow for maximum comfort but are still pleasing to my body shape and appropriate for my everyday activities (a la work!).  I own both of the items below.

Brooklyn Industries Iris Zip Fleece: The off-set zipper and oversized, bias collar, and 3/4 length sleeves give this sweatshirt (really, a faux-hoodie) chic and urban details. And, if you choose the alternate colors (i.e. not heather gray) and pair it with trousers (denim or classic), you’re bound to be cozy, comfy, and polished.

Smitten One Button Belted Sweatshirt: I own this one as shown in the classic heather gray. But the big button at the collar and the tie waist along with the trapeze style make this the new, comfy swing jacket.  This is perfect for the in-between seasons. Heck, I’d wear this to and from the gym. It goes anywhere!  I like to put it with a short neck scarf to add color near my face and either a rich-colored pair of pants or pencil skirt and heels.

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.

Say it with me: “Underwear.”

The most important foundation for a good wardrobe is undergarments.  Even the best of ensembles can be ruined by visible panty lines and the diabolical breast version of muffin top.  If you’re wearing a body-conscious top and your chest is sagging, you run the risk of looking heavier than you are. Heaven forbid you have a gap in the buttons of your blouse and your breast is peeking through!  Or, (gasp!) you sport fabulous new white jeans and out peeks two unflattering lines on your tush; now you have four cheeks! There are some things you just need to invest in – undergarments are one of them.  Here are my suggestions for some amazing undergarments that will lift and smooth.

HANKY PANKY PANTIES

Known for their one-size-fits-all stretch lace panties, Hanky Panky makes beautiful and comfortable panties that really do fit all!  They are sold in all major department stores, boutiques, and even some gyms with clothing boutiques on site.  They come in 20+ colors and beautiful patterns in thong (low and original rise), bikini, and boyshort styles (all shown below) plus versions with ruffles and embellishments. While they are a bit more pricey ($18-$22) and do require delicate treatment for washing (by hand or in the gentle cycle in lingerie bags), they always feel good, comfortable, and make me feel pretty and feminine no matter what I’m wearing.

WACOAL BRAS

While there are many, many wonderful bras out there that do miraculous things for womens’ numerous needs, my personal favorite is Wacoal.  Wacoal makes endless styles in beautiful colors and are known for their shape, structure, and ability to put the fuller figured woman into her place!

For the basics in your bra wardrobe, you’ll need:

Smooth bra for t-shirts and form-fitting tops. A smooth cup will look streamlined and clean underneath cotton, silk, and stretch shirts.

Push-Up Bra for low-cut tops (ladies please, nighttime or social wear only!)

Everyday Minimizer for full figures to work with any garment.

These are some basics and you can build from there based on your needs.  Choose a strapless for halters, cocktail dresses, or tube-tops. And finally, a pretty lace bra with underwear that can withstand day to day wear is a great add-on to your collection (for when you want to feel sexy for no good reason!).

I would suggest going to a department store and getting properly measured. More women guess incorrectly than accurately when it comes to their bra sizes. And, like jeans, there are countless cuts, styles, and fits so you should get advised on the right styles for you before you buy. Once you know your ideal bra, feel free to beef up your collection on sites like Bare Necessities or department stores with online lingerie shops.

Happy fittings!

When I think of the notion of mixing and matching, a great many arenas come to mind.  You may be thinking I’m talking only colors. Yes and no. Along with colors, I mix and match (MandM) with my food–strange combinations of edibles to create a meal (i.e. gardenburger and a bowl of oatmeal). I MandM with my friends–I don’t have a “group” of girls a la SATC but rather a my friends are an aggregate of different women with different careers who vary in age from 25 to 65.  I MandM with my home decor–essentially I go for what I like and try to harmonize pieces in the same room through placement and size.

And on to my wardrobe – MandM-ing is great not only for color but for style of dress, texture, season, and occasion. What the heck do I mean? Below are some examples I hope inspire you to try to mix and match with baby steps until you are feel freer to play a bit of twister with your wardrobe putting together more interesting, visually appealing, and creative combinations of your clothes.  When you find yourself bored with your clothes, try some of these tips and you may save yourself from the “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.

Color MandM:

My personal view on color is that nothing has to “match” exactly, it should just “go”.  Colors should be harmonious but don’t have to be precise. Try using several shades of the same color or contrasting colors such as orange and purple, pink and blue or red and green.  You’ll see what a delightful pallet of sumptuous colors can do for your mood and how it can attract a great many compliments.

Style of Dress MandM:

Match up the Traditional style–known for its clean lines, conservative/businesslike style in mostly neutral colors with Feminine style – known for its delicate, pristine, and gentle appearance often utilizing softer, approachable colors and “girly” patterns like flowers or dots.

Trousers + floral blouse + ornate hair accessory + sweater vest + conservative flats

Season-Texture MandM:

Summer dress+ opaque tights + denim jacket + ankle boots.

Careful to keep your colors in harmony, that your silky dress doesn’t cling or get bunched up when you walk from the texture of your tights, keep your denim jacket tailored and the boots should stick to the ankle-height? Why? Because meeting your knee-length fluttery dress with leather may be too harsh of a juxtoposition. Let your tights be the bridge that marries the lightweight fabric of your dress to the heavier weight and texture of your boots. Keep in mind, you don’t have to utilize super-bright colors like I’ve pictured below. Keep it more consvative with neutrals, black tights and black boots.

The point is to combine unlikely textures for balance with seasons to extend the life of your clothes beyond just standard seasonal dictations.

In a few days, it will officially be fall.  If you live in a city that has distinct seasons you’re lucky. Here in NY, we get a few weeks of the transitional seasons and then wake up one morning to a dramatically different temperature.

That said, now that fall is nearly upon us New Yorkers, I am getting really excited about pulling my boots and leggings out, my attractive swing jackets and layers of many colors.  I find fall to be a key season in showing off your best wardrobe pieces because it’s cool enough to wear the fabulous fabrics of a cooler temperature, but not so cold that you need to cover up with that down coat.

Some of my current fall favorites are below. A good pair of booties, pretty and surprising accessories and making cozy part of your day wear are three things that make me look forward to sipping a hot coffee on a cool, overcast saturday morning of the fall.

Booties: Wear them with opaque tights and a knee-length skirt or underneath jeans. Booties give you all the height without all the added bulk around your calves. don’t like knee-high boots under pants; they cling to my pants when I walk! Booties are my alternative. Keep the shape classic and simple. A round toe with a moderate-weight heel will give you a bootie that will span many seasons of trends.  A black leather or suede are great choices (see below).  If you find one pair you really love, buy it in black and brown or tan. You’ll get so much wear out of them because they marry well with nearly everything in your closet – dresses, skirts, pants, and trouser shorts.

Scarves as accessories: they provide just enough warmth to block out the morning nip in the air. And, they can be worn all day in place of a necklace as an added element of texture or color to an otherwise simple outfit. A long sleeve t-shirt and a sleek pair of flat front pants with heels can be brought to an entirely different delicious level of delightful with a brightly colored scarf. Throw it over your shoulder in an effortless overlapping toss, knot it close to the neck for a choker-effect, or wrap it several times loosely around your neck to simulate a cowl.  Make sure the color is within your own best pallet because it will be right at your face. The right color can make you glow, the wrong can make you look sick.

Sweater Coats: Sweater coats are an ideally-cozy layer that provides warmth and the element of “I didn’t even think about my outfit this morning” chic. The example here can be layered with a classic oxford shirt in any color. Pop the collar and bring the cuffs out for added drama. Add on layers of fake pearls (or real ones if you have them!), or several chain necklaces for some edge to balance out the squishy cashmere.  Take it off when you get to your destination or make it part of your outfit.  Pair the sweater coat with denim, leggings, or your favorite black pants for a soft and supple layer of warmth in early morning fall briskness.

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.