I read recently, that a stylish gal opted to wear the same dress for ONE full year but switched things up a bit by layering jackets, sweaters, turtlenecks, belts, and other accessories to change the look up COMPLETELY!  I must say, after viewing her “diary” of looks it was hard to recognize her LBD as the same in most of the pics!  While I am certainly not insinuating to wear the same exact dress every single day, I do want to share some different ways of styling up a basic so that you can get extra mileage out of it during the work week when that dreaded “I have nothing to wear” hits you square in the face.

I have selected a very plain but full of style black tunic dress that would work on just about every body type but can be changed up easily with the swapping of a flat to a heel and a slouchy sweater to a fuzzy faux fur vest.  All items featured can be found at www.revolveclothing.com

Going on a date?  Chillin’ with some friends and hitting up a movie and a cup of joe, or maybe heading to an end of the season summer picnic?  Perhaps this weekend is a good time to don the white pants for the last go ’round or maybe you want to pull out a brand new “fall” piece and debut it for all to admire.  Whatever the case the following are some ideas in case you need some!  Enjoy the holiday weekend!

So how, to wear the gems above?  And more importantly, where can you buy these pieces?  Look #1 is a sweet pink romper($35) paired with a wide strappy belt ($13) and finished with some fabulous metallic gold pumps with girly ruffs ($128).  You can find all these pieces on lulus.com.  Log on now and ask for over night delivery!

Look #2 features the season’s hottest denim trend – ripped and torn.  I found these skinnies on forever21.com ($29) and finished the look with this sexy-sweet black ruffled halter from Bebe ($79).  Be sure to go mile high and don some sweet stillettos to seal the deal.  I love the dose of leopard on the platform that adds a little extra interest and spice.  Find the shoe on bebe.com for $149.

The final look is all about sequins – again a fall must-have.  Be not afraid to sparkle this season and don shorts, tops, or jackets in the shiny stuff.  I totally dig this Chanel-inspired jacket ($385) found on intermixonline.com and would do it up right with the chiffon bow waistband shorts ($245).  Keep the top beneath simple simon and don a simple white tee or tank – OR try something with a funky graphic.  Skip ruffles or any other embellishment.  The focus is on the jacket here.  Punctuate the look with a colorful bootie that changes up the black and white palette.  Who can resist these aubergine cuties with fuschia trim ($38)?! Get ‘em now on asos.com.

OH – and the floating bow bag?!  Why that’s to go with everything!  I love the boxy shape and the neutral toned bow – Absolutely gorge and will go with anything anytime of year – asos.com – $282.

In an age when folks will risk their dearly beloved eyesite and undergo Lasik eye procedures and spend oodles of moolah on hard or soft contact lenses I am befuddled by the latest trend in eye wear… The clear over-sized non-prescription granny-style glasses.  After surfing various trendy websites where trendoids photograph themselves donning these geeky frames, and then subsequently finding these treasures for sale on some of my favorite retail sites I could only smell the sweet beginnings of an emerging trend.  So, would you trade in your sunglasses this summer to throw on some clear lensed babes, or fake everyone out that your lasik surgery didn’t work and don these retro-style face accessories?  Well take a look at the host of options, and then decide.  While I am always on the bandwagon for a cool new pair of shades, I remain on the fence for this particular look, that I find to be borderline creepy… Happy holiday weekend!

One of my favorite looks for the summer months is the maxi dress, and I am proud to proclaim that this comfortable and stylish MUST-have is back on the style radar for Spring 2009.  So how do you wear this day or evening dresses just right?  First, focus on length.  If your long and flowy number hits the ankle (or higher) you may want to consider a size up to increase length… However if you want to stick with ankle-length as opposed to floor sweeping just make sure you are pairing with the proper shoes.  Mile high platforms, wedges, or heels are inappropriate here.  Instead focus on super flat strappy gladiators or another cool non-heeled sandal (there are lots of options these days! The ones featured here that would look AWESOME with look #3 are a sweet $12.50)  Adversely, if your favorite new frock hits the ground, bring on on skyscraper shoes – the higher the better!  You want the dress to hover above the ground, but not drag on it. You could try these brown woven-looking pair that are easy on the old pocket book… Cute, trendy, and only $24.50 (I would do these with dress #1)!

What styles are out there right now that will make you swoon?  Express and H&M have some good ones right now that definitely won’t break the bank.  This blue one featured right is $79.00 and would be styled up just right with some white oversized earrings, bracelets and perhaps wide belt at the waist.  Bellisima!

Maybe a jersey knit is more your speed for an easy daytime look.  I love this grayscale maxi from Delias (right) with halter neckline.  Pair this lovely $49.50′er with lots of silver… oodles of bangles and in-your-face hoops. Don’t forget the over-sized shades!

For a REAL steal, try this floral numer with bead detailing for a mere $34.50 and found at Wet Seal – who would have thought?! This pretty frock could be worn day or night dependant on the accessories and choice of shoe but will look great whatever time of day you decide to don it!  I would do a seriously stand-out eye with this one… Try a dramatic aqua smokey effect – shimmery bronzner on the cheekbones, and a kiss of baby pink frost on the pout.  Pretty!

It sure was sweet to take a look at some of the collections featured at Milan Fashion Week.  There was lots of dazzling bling and pretty fabrics and colors.  Out of the long list of designers who presented in Milan I was particularly taken by both the Blumarine and Dolce Gabbana collections that were ultra luxe, not to mention lots of fun!

Beginning with Blumarine – the pop art Andy Warhol backdrop with lots of bright pinks, orange, and yellows sure was eye-catching and the sassy leopard print mini dresses, coats, and shoes were entertaining.  What I love most about this particular designer is her use of vibrant hues, perked up neutrals, feminine trims, and extra-special details.  In the instance featured to the right, an everyday camel colored jacket helps to downplay the razzle dazzle of the thigh-skimming dress and the neutral animal print glads tie everything up just right.  

Want more bling?  Take a look at the sweet shoes paired with this dynamic midnight and black  hued plunging neckline feathery frock.  If there is anything that we can learn about the fabulous styling of this look it is: Be not afraid of mixing black and blue.  So many times I hear women and men alike gasp in horror when they even THINK about pairing black with blue or even brown with black… There are no RULES.  Try mixing and matching things that “go against the grain” and you may come up with a new favorite ensemble.  Need an idea?  Try a beautiful navy blue sheath paired with a shiny black patent Mary Jane Platform – super sophisticated!

Perhaps the exaggerated above the knee hemlines are the fashion industry’sway of saving money on fabrics – or maybe they just love the sexy look?!  I love this winter white skin-tight little one featured right.  We saw a couple of these pretty sculpted looks on the red carpet at the various awards shows recently!  Again, take a look at those gorgeous shoes – which I would stalk her for – which are just funky enough to un-pretty her sweet cocktail number just a tinge.

So onto Dolce… I love the 1940’s nod with the structured shoulder and fur… Not to mention the sleeked back, deep sided parted hair and red lips.  The color palette was again a bit noir but still fabulous to look at but as D&G is known for, they always have to inject some sort of effulgent or metallic color.  Out of the whole collection this was the sole golden piece.  I love the abbreviated hemline, thick tights, pouffed shoulders and awesome fringy/ruffled neckline. 

I did say that good ole Dolce likes to do the bright hue… Take a look at this electric magenta dress with loads of pleating, exaggerated shoulders, cinched waist and perfect pencil skirt.  I could die for this piece that would suck in all the bad parts and leave a gorgeous silhouette on just about anyone.  With a dress like this style with caution.  Hair and make-up shouldn’t be too dramatic. A simple chignon would do the trick and a dab of deep dark rouge on the pout! 

And finally, this was another Italiano who loved the black and blue combo.  I just had to show off this pretty woven circle skirt dress and out to there fuzzy accoutrement.  This is THE way to style up a look.  As you see here this pretty frock is made even more amazing with a full-on foxy shrug on the shoulders, nipped in waist, thicker than thick tights, demure black leather gloves to the wrist, and of course, let’s not forget the shoes… Showstopping suede towering platforms that show-off gem buttons. 

This time of year, when we are still coveting our layers look to D&G for inspiration.  Pile on the fur, don’t forget the gloves, and paint on a pretty mouth – you’ll be ahead of the gang!

Friday always gets me in the mood to shop (not that, that is hard to do) but I thought why not share some of the current items that I am lusting over with you TGIF’ers this very day that definitely won’t break the bank, but are highon the style meter.   Terrific threads sure are important, but accessories also make my heart go pitter-pat… So, enjoy dear readers I have been www’ing all morning looking for the perfect pants, most handsome handbags, beautiful bracelets, knock ‘em out necklaces, sassed-up sunglasses, jiving jumpsuits, fabulous frocks, and killer kicks.  WHEW… Oh, and ENJOY!

SEXY SHOES:

What’s better than a towering platform heel?  Not much for a shorty-pants like me.  This fab threesome above knocked my socks off (no I probably won’t do the sock trend this spring) and could be used all year round… From denim to damask these stilettos will be fabulous. 

Couldn’t you die over the “big” shoe trend?  I love gladiator styles and shoes that have multiple colors and oodles of ‘tude.  A prettied up fem floral frock would be made WAY more interesting with a pair of these gorge glads!

 DEAD-ON DRESSES:

I like this trio because I can wear them all now.  I love the architectural shape of dress #1 – very current and malleable – wear with bright tights, booties, and a shrunken leather number now and bare legs and sky-high heels later in the year.  Dress #2 would be cool with a long chunky sweater top  now and with flat fringed sandals later. Dress #3 makes florals functional all year round and would look super sassy with the first brown shoe shown above.

Jet-set Jumpsuits and Perfect Pantalones:

I have posted my love for jumpsuits already, but in case you are hungry for more, the two pictured above are simply easy to salivate over… Just think how comfortable you’ll be in your new onesie.  All you need to do is add an eye-catching belt and lots of jewels – try a wide cuff bracelet (get inspired below) and pretty long pendant necklace… Don’t forget your gladiators.

I love the high-waist pant… And you dear readers definitely know that already.  Just look at how much longer the leg looks in both of the styles shown and just think how well you can show off your new shoes with these abbreviated lengths. 

Sassy Satchels and Can’t Live Without Clutches:

Two are pretty, and one is more rock ‘n roll… Have to love them all though, right?!  The oversized black suede tote also has a convertible strap so you can wear it across the bod if you need to go hands-free.

Awesome Accessories:

Don’t have a PERFECT necklace, belt, ring, or cuff?  Try one of these on for size.  Always remeber, when piling on the sweet stuff make sure it shows up.. Skip dinky studs and mini-bracelets for something that speaks louder than words.

Cute Coats and Cover Ups:

Gotta love the ruffs on these pretty pink jackets and the petal toned bolero.  Try the sleeveless trench with over the elbow sheer gloves for a fun look or just layer over your favorite light sweater with kitchy pattern.

Shade your Peepers:

I have an abundant sunglasses collection and wouldn’t give any of them up… The bigger, the better is always my mantra.  Who doesn’t look better when their shades are on?  I totally dig the retro styles above that are totally hot right now.  Buy ‘em up and throw them on, I promise you’ll feel like a star!

Want the inside scoop on where to shop for these must-haves? Shoot me an email and I’ll help you shop til you drop!

Those regular readers of my post may notice that I like to accessorize a lot.  Funky stand-out necklaces are always an added bonus as are drapey earrings.  Today, I would like to focus on bracelets since as of late I have been finding many to my liking.  Charge up your regular repertoire with a wrist-full of wonderful with one of the following gems that I find irresistible.

I love this black and gold cuff bracelet left.  The pretty over-sized clear gems and ornate design are sure to get noticed.  Cuff styles are wonderful because they are large enough to make a statement without having to add anything else.

Who could resist this stacked up gold beaded “disco” type number to the right?  I love the extra-wide width and of course the shiny noticeable color.  Wear this in the summer with a white ribbed tank and jeans or in the winter worn over a slim-fitted black long sleeved top.  Dress it up, dress it down, and wear it all year long.

I couldn’t resist this ultra-fem white rose bracelet pictured left.  The pearl center adds a dose of extra-specialness and the overall shape and design is very Chanel-esque (yes, I know the Chanel flower is a camilla… but close enough!) Try this out for size on for your romantic Valentine’s Day night out… Hate the white?  It also comes in black. LOVE IT!

Speaking of black… This doozy to the right is spot on!  This covetable piece would stand out best with a more casual look… Try boot cut jeans, a fitted turtleneck, and perhaps a fuzzy wool vest and knee high boots… Your jeweled cuff will bring it all together and definitely seal the style deal.

This past weekend I had the esteemed pleasure of more, or less personal shopping with a dear friend of mine. We were looking for fall trendy must-haves, wardrobe essentials, and of course killer shoes! Throughout our fun-filled afternoon of flinging clothing in and out of the fitting rooms I started to think about the absolute MUSTS that each and every woman should have in her closet. These items are those that should cost a little bit more, since quality is essential when selecting classic pieces that will always look fresh and guard against falling victim to crimes of fashion. So check off from this list as you go down. Perhaps you are missing a few items or maybe need to update what you already have. I promise if you adhere to this tabulation you’ll always be a hit!

1. A white blouse.
2. A black pencil skirt.
3. A beautiful pair of black trousers. Polished cotton is nice but will wrinkle. Try light wool blends or a cotton with a smidge of spandex to keep the creases away.
4. Classic denim jeans. Select a medium wash, flattering back pockets, boot-cut leg, and medium-low waist.
5. A quirky belt. ( You may need 2 – one that fits at the waist, the other that fits lower on the hips.
6. A LBD (Little black dress)
7. Opaque black tights
8. Pearls
9. A classic shoe. Think black patent pump.
10. To-the-knee boots. Black is best.
11. Ballet flats
12. A long wool coat. Select a color like camel or black
13. A fun party dress
14. A black turtleneck – make sure it’s fitted
15. A medium sized daytime leather handbag. Choose pleather and you’ve cheapened you’re entire look.
16. A small clutch for evening. Metallic satins are neutral enough for anything.
17. One unique accessory that you wear all the time that always earns a compliment. Perhaps it’s a vintage ring from your grandmother, or a sweet flea-market find – - whatever it is it’ll always make you distinctive.
18. A tailored black suit that could go professional or for evening
19. A feminine top/blouse that always makes you feel pretty.
20. White ribbed tank top
21. Flesh toned camisole
22. Perfectly fitted flesh-toned bra (if you aren’t sure of your exact size get measured) both strapless and regular
23. Leather jacket or fitted blazer
24. Black cardigan sweater
25. Pashmina scarf
26. Something leopard – if you’re shy do a shoe.  More bold?  Give a sheer top a try!

Please dear readers, also keep in mind if you have any style questions or are trying to find a certain something I am happy to offer my advice and services!

You might like Rachel Zoe, or you might hate her personally but you can’t deny that this chick has great style and an eye for what “WORKS”. For those of you who aren’t fans of the show “The Rachel Zoe Project” or aren’t familiar with it, the series follows this famed fashion stylist to the stars around all day as she gallivants from store to store trying to find the best “looks” for her high-end clientele who include “Cameron, Jen Gar(as in Garner), Kate (as in Beckinsale), Deb (as in Messing)” and many others. To provide some background, Zoe gained major notoriety a few years ago when she claimed responsibility for transforming Nicole Richey from a rolley-poley heroin addict with too tight cut-offs to a svelte style siren in dainty dresses and over sized hand bags… That relationship ended badly however with Nicole bad mouthing Zoe publicly (on MySpace if I am not mistaken) calling her a “Raisin Face”. Gotta love it. Anywho NOW Rachel Zoe is enjoying the spotlight on her very own Bravo reality show that she stars on with her adoring and doting hubby (gag-worthy at times) and 2 assistants Taylor and Brad who are constantly at each other’s throats. The series has ended for the season though, and luckily for Bravo’s marathons I was able to plop in front of the tellie and virtually watch every episode in one sitting.

What I liked:

I love Rachel’s overall style and the way that she finds fashion inspiring. I would KILL for her handbags, sunglasses and collection of furry vintage vests, coats, maxi dresses and towering platforms. I also love her approach to piling on accessories – ALWAYS spot on! I could also completely relate to her utter elation when she found that “PERFECT” piece that she had to buy and the way she immediately started to mentally and verbally talk about how she would style it and incorporate it into her wardrobe. Just ask anyone who has been shopping with me – I DO get THAT excited over clothes. To quote the Zoe-meister: I am usually totally “bananas” over a great buy or pivotal find.

What I hated:

Oh my God, could she have been any more mellow dramatic about how important she is?!?? Her general attitude and demeanor was so phony and forced at times I didn’t care what amazing dress she was holding in her arms I almost switched the channel. She was also constantly but subtly complaining about what a great job she does and how stressed she was because the whole world was going to fall about if “Deb” didn’t get Oscar’s Oscar dress. Another thing that killed me, was the way she totally blew off her husband any chance she got meanwhile, the season ended with him buying her the “Dylan McKay” Porsche. GET OVER YOURSELF!

All that being said, I will miss the drama and the dresses and am hopeful another season will ensue. Until then, I will cling to the mental vision I have of some of her well-thought out ensembles that she wore to designer showrooms and to fashion shows and see if I can’t replicate a thing or two!!!

I WANT HER JOB!

As much of a shock as it will be for all of you out there – YES, I did go shopping this past weekend (I still have the distinct feeling that I haven’t accrued all the necessary fall essentials… shoes being my biggest problem at the moment). But I digress… As a recessionista I have abandoned the over-priced boutiques and department stores in exchange for fashion forward lower end options (who at the moment actually have better wares). Style note: It’s typically ok to spend less on your separates but a liability to go cheap with your shoes and handbag – these two items are always a dead giveaway that you aren’t designer head-to-toe!

Anywho, back to my shopping excursion… It was a busy autumn day at the mall with loads of tweens be-bopping around in their less than thrilling Ugg boots and hiked up sweats and of course the slow moving octogenarians who seem to take up the entire pathway most of whom were navigating the marble retail jungle in their nude colored Naturalizers. I wasn’t side-tracked by the other mall visitors though mostly because I was so focused on my mission at hand getting to H&M! Yes, I said it, H&M… I was determined to get through the door and check out all the great stuff all my fashion-y friends kept telling me about. I heard about great coats, belts, etc… and of course even better, the cheap price tags! Typically, I am reluctant to be swallowed up by the H&M entry-way, I find the clothes to usually be poorly merchandised and the help to be non-existent. This time however, I was delighted by the separates that I came across. The sweaters were terrific as were the jackets and coats. I am also partial to this retailers accessories -love to love the belts, scarves, and hair bands – check it all out… You will be pleasantly amazed.

Guys, I was also totally digging the male selection. Forget about Express, if you want some cool shirts and jackets H&M is the way to go. The prices, like I mentioned are on the low side and the style isn’t lacking in the least. If you’re a bit on the creative side, check out the accessories as well – I noticed a lot of cool hats and belts that would make any gentleman stand out in a crowd.

The sales this retailer provides are also worth checking out. Many times I have nabbed a sweet piece or two for under $20! Happy shopping!