Nail it!

A mani-pedi is my cure-all for whatever ails me! Having my nails manicured makes me feel sexy and glamorous. When the going gets tough....I say go get a mani-pedi!

The new nailpolish colors each season are as exciting to me as a new box of crayons to a child. I wait with baited breath to see what amazing colors Chanel, Essie and OPI will come up with, and the names...I love the names!
Thankfully, Fall 2011 does not disappoint. The color palette ranges from neutrals (nudes, grays, beige, greige),to classic reds- but deeper into burgundy and purples, and finally deep jewel-toned shades in navy and shimmering green.
My new favorite for fall is "Carry on" by Essie, a deep romantic burgundy(pictured above). How rich and gorgeous. This color will make your toes pop as they peek through your favorite peep-toe pumps! Just remember ladies, dark colors show chips (a big style no-no) so buy a bottle of your favorite color and keep it in your handbag for quick touch-ups between nail appointments.

True Style Mavens know the perfect polish completes a look. "..it's a statement-making finishing touch that's just as critical to an ensemble as the shoes on your feet."-(Refinery29.com). Nail it!

Style Star...the Jacket

"The jacket is the mainstay of a woman's wardrobe." according to Linda Allard, Designer for Ellen Tracy. Your Style Maven couldn't agree more. A great fitting jacket adds instant polish to any outfit and hides a multitude of sins! However, fit is the key. InStyle Secrets of Style (one of my style bibles) explains "It's particularly important to spend as much as you can afford to get a superior cut and a fabric that has just the right body."

This Doncaster notched collar plush cashmere blend jacket is a great addition to any wardrobe. (available in other colors, $575 www.doncaster.com/mcable) Wear it with a pair of jeans as seen in this photo, or over a fabulous printed dress. It's the perfect jacket to transition your summer pieces to fall.

Take a cue from Rachel Bilson. Here she wears this black jacket casual with a pair of jeans and then for evening with a dress. I love how she rocks both looks! Notice the fit? The lapel is perfect and it nips in her waist beautifully.
Style Mavens, when considering the fit of a jacket remember: a lapel that is too wide can make you look broad. A waist that hits too low can cut off precious leg length, and a hem that's too long can make your hips look wider.
"A perfectly tailored blazer is the ultimate investment piece."-Peoplestylewatch.com
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Shop your closet and Color Block!

One of this fall's hottest trends is color blocking. You can buy items that feature color blocking like this Phoebe Couture Color Block shift dress (available at Neiman Marcus $225.00)

Or, you can shop your own closet and create the trend yourself. Grab a pair of your best fitting black pants (or a black pencil skirt)now top that with a solid grey sweater and a wine hued scarf...that's color blocking!
Want to go brighter like this look from Lucky Magazine?

Then pull out your brightest hues and pair them together to get the look.
The keys to color blocking are simple:
Choose colors that are the same intensity (Navy, purple, aqua together -or- brown, mustard, and rust together). Avoid mixing in prints, bold solids are the key.
Ready to give this fall trend a try Style Mavens? Shop your closet and try different combinations, you might just surprise yourself.

Waist not Want not....

Why is it that as women we are fixated on the size of our waists? Our Victorian ancestors were forced to wear corsets, our grandmothers wore girdles, we do pilates, take Crossfit classes, etc..but the reality is that the location of your waist is much more important than the circumference of your waist.

Not sure where your waist is? You're not alone...try this test: Stand up straight with your arms at your sides, palms facing back. Bend your elbows and bring your arms up to a 90 degree angle (parallel to the floor) pressing your elbows into your sides. Now, is your natural waist even with your elbows, above your elbows, or below your elbows?
If your waist is below your elbows then you are considered long-waisted, above your elbows and you are short-waisted, and even with the elbows you are conventional waisted.

Style tips:Short waisted- You want to visually elongate the space between your shoulders and your waist. Stay away from wide belts, opt for narrow belts. Wear pants that sit slightly below the waist or even lower if you dare. Also, try v-necklines and wearing long necklaces that draw the eye down and create the illusion of length.

Long-waisted- You want to create the illusion of less space between your shoulders and waist at the same time increasing your leg length. Try wearing garments with an empire waist, or wide belts. In addition, it is extremely important to visually increase your leg lenght. Your best bet is to wear long pants and the highest heel you can stand! Also, be sure your pants are falling to the bottom of that heel, creating a long sleek line.

Conventional waist- The trick is to maintain the balance between neck and waist and waist to floor. If you have a large bust, and a small waist, this balance becomes very delicate. Try to minimize your bust by wearing v-necks and slim belts.

Style Mavens, the key to dressing your best is to dress the body you have, not the body you wish you had!

The new black?....Why, Animal Prints, of course!

Ive never met an animal print I didn't like! I own a zebra print ponyhair handbag, a cheetah print wide belt, a leapard print skinny belt, a silky blue cheetah print t-shirt, the list goes on and on...So you can imagine my excitement over the abundance of animal prints this Fall season.

I've got my eye on Doncaster's notched collar, double breasted Jaguar print trench coat ($750.00). Talk about a statement! Love it!
Not ready to go that big....how about a touch of animal print? You can find animal print accessories like belts, handbags, gloves and scarves at a variety of price points. This White House/Black Market cheetah print ruffle wrap is only $48.00.

Or you can carry a great handbag with just a hint of animal print- like this zip top satchel from Doncaster ($450.00).

Remember Style Mavens, when rocking animal print, keep the rest of your outfit simple...one trend at a time.
It seems animal prints are here to stay...they're the new black!

Red Hot lips for Fall

I love red lips! They're sexy and sophisticated and they look amazing on celebs like Gwen Stefani!

I must admit however, that unfortunately, my everyday life doesn't call for much more than chapstick! Yet, this fall I've vowed to step it up a notch. Maybe it's because the looks this season really harken the 1960's, or perhaps it's due to the popularity of shows like "Mad Men", regardless, I am definitely adding red lips to my makeup repertoire this fall.
For day I'm keeping it simple with a red gloss...right now I'm loving Clinique's Long Last Glosswear (SPF 15)in Juicy Apple. For date night with my husband, I'm opting for my good old standbys...Revlon's #654 Ravish Me Red(which I picked up last year after reading somewhere that it is the most flattering shade of red for most skin types) and MAC's Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Extended Play. And to keep these fabulous reds from bleeding off my lips, I use a natural colored lip pencil. MAC's Naked Liner in Light Neutral works best with the shades I've chosen.
So all of you Style Maven's out there...put on some red hot lipstick and let me know how sexy and sophisticated you feel!

Summer to Fall; Closet Overhaul

It’s my favorite time of year… the air is cool and crisp, the days are getting shorter, apple picking is underway, and it’s time to trade in the lightweight fabrics of summer for the knits of fall!

Take stock: go through your closet to assess the items that you can wear year round:


1. White jeans- who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? Pair your favorite white jeans with a chunky sweater and a pair of black boots for a chic weekend look.
2. T-shirts- white always and a navy/white stripe are my favorites. Use them as layering pieces under sweaters and/or a great chambray shirt.
3. Denim jacket- layer it over a camisole, and button down shirt….add a chunky knit scarf, and a great pair of cords and you’re ready to run errands and/or pick up the kids from school.
4. The quintessential white blouse- you can never have too many white blouses. Dress them up or down, wear them under a sweater, poncho or jacket….it’s my go-to piece year round.

Remove all summer-weight and “truly” summer pieces like: linen, white sweaters, halter tops in lightweight fabrics that can’t be updated with a fall sweater, Capri pants, clam diggers, shorts and summer florals. Also, put away all of your flip flops and sandals…save one pair to wear to your next pedicure!

Finally, unpack your boots, cashmere sweaters, coats, tights, leggings, and fabulous Fall pieces and start enjoying the season.