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

I am mildly dismayed at the very fact that the weather this summer has kept me from donning the majority of my favorite flimsy tops, dresses, short skirts and shorts – Having only a handful of hot sultry summer nights to play with I unfortunately have neglected some pretty sweet ensembles  and now, I fear that the Fall weather has already returned forcing me to turn back to my leather jackets, sweaters, tights, and boots!  So, while I am on the subject, what are the hot items that are a a must for the brisk weather to come? 

With the economy the way it is many fashionable folks aren’t buying lots of new pieces this season, but instead bringin their look up to date with accessories.  Tights are huge again this season but with more variety.  While it’s not time to ditch the opaque thick ones you have probably amassed over the past year or so, it is time to pick up some shear versions as well.  SKIP flesh toned hosiery but try black and for an extra ’80’s vibe kick it up with ones adorned with a sexy seam up the back or an interesting embellishment on the side. 

Statement necklaces are also a MUST and will give your old stand by up a notch immediately.  Invest in a truly awesome piece that will go with anything from denim to dresses – day to night.  It’s ok to spend a tad more since you’ll be wearing it all the time – and the compliments that stream in will reinforce that you decision to buy was right on target.  For a classic take, check out jcrew.com for some truly pretty pieces OR log onto topshop.com for a piece that’s is a bit more avante garde.

How bout shoes?  Platforms are still taking center stage and look fab with tights but the BIG thing that’s getting everyone’s goat are the over-the-knee boots.  These fab-o boots will be a hit over leggings, and worn with short dresses. 

Leggings are still hot and look great with this season’s hot structured shoulder tops.  For a switch up instead of the liquid leggings you were attached to in ‘08 try a shiny spandex version instead – think 1980’s leotard material.  They are comfy and look great at night worn with a tunic or chunkalicious sweater.

Structured shoulders are a trend worth investing in too. Try a cool top to start (rather than a dress) and tuck it into a sexy pencil skirt, high waist denim, or skinny black trousers. 

If sparkle is just your speed you’ll love the sequins trend this season.  Do your sequins with denim to tone it down a bit and don’t be afraid to wear it to a more casual event or party.  Sequins is the new t’shirt so to speak so rock it out and be the next Liberace who walks into the room.

July 4th is the official picnic day of the year!  Everyone gathers together throws “stuff” on the grill and overall enjoy each other for the afternoon.  But what to wear?  Skip the stilettos to avoid sinking into the grass and instead try a fashionable wedge for height.  If you can forgo the heels for a day stick with flats – either ballet round toes or a slip on sandal.  The following are some ensembles that are sure to steal the show when you show up to your outdoor soiree.

The safari dress featured to the far left is found at Forever21.com and comes in at $28.00 while the strappy wedge sandal can be purchased at revolveclothing.com by Report Signature for $83.00.  Accessorize your jungle-y look with nature inspired colors and materials like feather earrings ($3.80 – forever21.com) and a sweet leather cuff bracelet found at lulus.com.

I also love shorts for a summer event.  When I found these ABSOLUTELY adorable ruffled be-boppers I almost fainted!  Who could resist the pseudo skirt look that is both dressed up and casual since done in a rough and tough chambray.  Pair your favorite new “skorts” with a white top that gets extra attention with an oversized bow and playful buttons, hoop earrings with bows and a playful flat shoe printed with girly flowers and secured around the ankle with a skinny strap. 

Where to shop this look?  Lulus.com:

Top: $35.00

Skort: $32.00

Earrings: $10.00

Shoes: $42.00

The Summer Solstice party at the Cleveland Museum of Art on June 20, was not only a celebration of the arts – featuring the unveiling of the Museum’s new East Wing, but also a chance for hundreds of people to attend a party.  Cocktails flowed as guests mingled and enjoyed the various entertainment throughout the evening that included a Jazz band and a DJ from New York City who spun Bhangra infused electronica to a revved-up crowd.  In the style department the majority of the attendees disappointed in uber-casual shorts, t’shirts, cropped pants, and breezy daytime sundresses – which is quite appalling actually for an event that took place after-five.  However, the stylish couple here impressed that Clevelanders certainly deserve a spot on the style map.  Casey Burry  and  her significant other Ike Karipides, Cleveland transplants from New York  City, injected a city chic vibe to the event donning summer cocktail attire that was altogether eye catching, enviable, and well-styled.

Casey, President of Tagua, a line of organic handcrafted jewelry and handbags from South America, sashayed through the fete in a champagne toned silk frock by Elia Abuchaibe for Tagua that was embellished with over-sized baubles and coppery disks.  Casey topped the whole look with a shrunken lightly quilted and shortsleeved black vintage jacket and punctuated her whole look with perforated black closed toe t-strap custom-made tango shoes that added a truly unique close to the entire look.  Accessories?  Beautiful antique-like chandelier earrings from Mexico and a vintage handbag.  Casey’s look is a melange of old and new, custom-made and store bought,  so, when she seeks a fabulous new find in Cleveland she can’t help but to dip into Saks Fifth Avenue at Beachwood Place to examine the potential wares.  Those interested in checking out Tagua’s stylish wares should log onto: www.tagualife.com. 

Ike looked fresh for summer in cherry red linen Ralph Lauren trousers topped with a modernized Etro seersucker jacket – that was cut slimmer than the classic counterpoint  creating  Euro-chic appeal. Ike’s white shirt was custom-made in Singapore and his shoes were cognac colored TOD’s driving mocs that kept the whole look in perspective.  Ike’s eclectic wardrobe and style,  has been cultivated as a result of travel abroad, however he has found some agreeable pieces at retailers like Kilgore Trout in Eaton Collection (Chagrin Blvd.) and at Cuffs in downtown Chagrin Falls.  Check these retailers out for some fashionable, yet classic essentials.

So Akron, Cleveland, Canton, WHOEVER, take a few hints from this stylish couple:

1. Don’t “Play it safe” – forgo your favorite denim and wear a pair of pants like Ike in a fun color – keep everything else relatively neutral.

2. Save up a little for a on-of-a-kind custom-made piece like Casey’s fabulous Tango shoes – you’re sure to get compliments

3. Dress up!  Even if you’re just going out to dinner it’s nice to throw on some extra-special – You’ll feel better if you look better and you may even earn a compliment or two.

4. Head to a vintage shop or website (check out my examiner page for a list of good sites) and purchase a unique piece that will help you stand out. 

If any of you out there feel that your style deserves to be featured on my Ohio.com or Examiner.com page please send me a picture and you just might end up another Akron/Cleveland Style Setter!

I know that all of my dear Ohio.com readers have wondered where I have wondered off to for the past week.  While I am not into excuses, I have a good one…I have launched yet another style post on the Cleveland Examiner that went live for the first time last week.  I am fastidiously attempting to boost my page views, so I ask all of you loyal SJS’ers to please check it out.  As with See Jane, you’ll get lots of advice, shopping ideas, plus slideshows of fun fashion! http://www.examiner.com/x-13166-Cleveland-Style-and-Fashion-Examiner is the link – please subscribe!!!! And don’t worry once I get all of this down pat, I will continue to update SJS!

Megan Fox looked smokin’ hot at the MTV music awards in her thigh skimming frock and towering platforms and she nailed her accessories right on too – not shying away from gold even though her dress was adorned with silver.  So how can you replicate this fabulous look for less?  Quite easily actually.  I found this full skirted shortie on asos.com for a mere $53.00 and came across these uber high heels at Bebe again at an easy to swallow price of only $128.00.  Why does this look work?  Typically one should shy away from a short dress and chunky simply because the proportion is a bit too sex-pot and not chic.  This however is ok, because the dress has a definitely feminine vibe as it is adorned with beautiful (girly) flowers and has a dainty full circle skirt.  The prettiness of the dress perfectly offsets the trannie-like vibe of the platform and creates an eye-catching balance.  Yes, Megan looks sexy, however she still looks pretty and current.  STYLE NOTE: NEVER WEAR sexy stripper-like shoes with a tight bandage style dress – WAY TOO OVER THE TOP!

Who else gets a style star after waltzing the MTV red carpet?  I was quite partial to the easy breezy appeal of Vanessa Hudgens (Photo courtesy of MTV.com) melon-hued satin frock and totally dig the boho vibe that her uber long gold necklaces lend to the entire look.  What else is a style surprise here?  The subtle peek we get of her black sturdy sandals and deeper hued clutch – both dark colors contrast nicely with her sorbet colored frock and give her a nice MTV style edge.  While this charmeuse gown is harder to come by, Hudgen’s fab shoes were not.  I found a similar pair on stevemadden.com for about $189.00 and scoured the web for some cool long necklaces too and found these gems at asos.com.  The long pendant style necklace is a cheap thrill at only $15.00 while the shorter disk style necklace comes in at $30.00.  Just think about how much use you’ll get out of all this stuff!

Ah, what a relief!  The sun is finally making an appearance today, and while the temps aren’t soaring, it still reminds me that summer is pretty much here and that bathing suit season has officially arrived.  Before dread washes over don’t fear, there are oodles of options out there that will compliment various body types, and I am also including some secret tips so help you look long, lean, and luscious while lounging poolside.

My first BIG time tip is to buy your bathing suits in a larger size than you would normally wear.  Why?  Because you don’t want to pinch and squeeze the fat of course.  We all have an area on our bodies that we would like to minimize, for many of us women out there with extra-fleshy hips buying a bigger suit (bottom – if a two piece) definitely comes in handy.  The best style to don when scaling down the hips is the tie up bottom.  If you wear a size 4 normally buy an 8 instead and tie the bows toward the front instead of the middle so that the focal point is the girly bow and not the area you’d rather forget. 

If you’re not super well-endowed, while it may seem opposite to buy larger, you should still do it… especially if you’re planning to don a triangle style.  Why?  When you go smaller, you’re drawing attention to a small bustline, however, if you go a little bigger it will cover more surface area creating the illusion of a fuller upper half.  Other good options for small chested lassies are bandeau styles adorned with ruffles again to create the illusion of more fullness

Bikinis aren’t the only swimsuits on the market… One pieces are actually making a big comeback with retro-styles taking a lead and monokinis making a definite mark.  I love the 1950’s Esther Williams styles that are done in halter styles, that almost look like ultra-mini dresses.  These styles are not only fun and flirty but also super flattering and would look good on a stick thin figure or someone with a little meat on her bones.  Monokinis on the other hand, aren’t for the shy and reserved.  These one pieces with strategically cut-out sections showing off whatever… These styles are NOT easy to wear and guarantee a second glance or two, however if you have the nerve monokinis are a great alternative to the standard bikini – but be warned, will cause strange tan lines.

What styles should you avoid altogether?!  I say a resounding “NO” to any athletic style one pieces.  (Picture the high school swim team.)  These bathing suits really don’t look good on ANYONE – they automatically take away all curves and flatten out the chest instantly!  If you want to look like a boy this is the suit for you.

I am also not partial to bikini bottoms that don’t have the ability to be adjusted – again because of the fat pinching – however if you are blessed with bones and no pudge then give it a try.

Another thing to remember, is always rinse out your suit after a day in the sun.  It’s important to get the sunscreen, chlorine, or salt water off your suit as soon as possible as these things will wear away at the elastic in the suit and make it unwearable.

So what about all the ladies out there who just can’t stand the thought of a bathing suit PERIOD?!  Beach cover ups are chic and fun to wear, and look absolutely beautiful on the sidelines.   I love caftan and tunic styles in whisper thin chiffon-like fabrics that offer a peek of what’s beneath but keep areas you want to keep a secret hidden.  If your comfortable showing some skin, mini ruffly skirts are super cute to throw on and keep your bum covered up while you make your way to the snack bar or restroom. 

Besides cover ups it’s also great to accessorize your suit with jewelry and pretty/fun hats.  1970’s inspired floppy straw hats are in right now and will shade your pretty face from the harmful rays, while straw fedoras are a trendier alternative.  Hate the hats?  Try tying on a beautiful printed silk scarf to cover up your newly highlighted or colored hair – scarves are super chic and look fabulous paired with solid hued suits.  And finally, don’t forget to throw on some colorful bracelets, a cool drape-y necklace, some hoop earrings, and of course your supersize shades for that incognito effect.

What’s the best part of summer dressing for me?!  Getting to pull out all of my bright whites, of course!  Who doesn’t love a crisp brand new white tank, tee, sweater, blouse, or pair of pants – and oh, how good they look when they are pulled straight off the rack!  While white is great to mix with whatever colors you choose, it’s also a fabulous monochromatic look as well.  There is nothing more fresh than a slouchy pair of linen drawstring pants, paired with a gauzy white tunic style top, OR, I love the simplicity of white perfectly fitted jeans with a simple ribbed tank.   For a dressier look, it’s hard to beat a pretty white dress with delicate eyelet details.  TO accessorize your favorite blank canvas you can stick with the white and pile on enamel-like or Lucite bangles, swing white hoops from your ears, and find a bauble-icious over-sized beaded necklace to swathe around your neck. 

Metallics are also fabulous with white.  You really can’t go wrong with gold or silver, just make sure that they are noticeable and not dinky.  Skip, button style earrings and instead try ornate chandeliers or something else that will sway in the breeze.

At work all day and have a hot date afterward, but no time to sneak home to get gussied up?  Then plan ahead my friends, and stash some nighttime stuff in your desk drawer or trunk of your car for a quick switcheroo.  Let’s start with a simple black sheath dress for your daytime look.  For work day appropriateness layer this season’s hottest outwear on top – the Boyfriend jacket.  Since its rather warm, push the sleeves up to the elbows and pop the collar.  Accessorize with simple chic pearls and gold studs in your ears.  How to turn your day into night?  Fling the jacket in the corner swap the pearls for something a little more sparkly ooh, la la!  Some big earrings like the feather shoulder sweepers below would be an awesome choice,  a huge in-your-face cocktail ring, and a sleek and colorful clutch will definitely create the evening look you desire.  If you have time, change shoes too – a strappy sandal instead of a classic pump or flat ballet style shoe would definitely spruce you up a tinge!

Street fashion is my thing – and as my regular readers know, it’s one of my favorite things to feature on SJS postings.  Spring 2009 is a season of many neutrals from pants, tulip skirts, tanks, shoes – even make-up.  While some may shy away from the bland palette there are great ways to wear colors like this that look refreshing, current, chic, and enviable.  Who better than to show us all how to do it right?  Why this New York City hipster who obviously has the same fashion obsessions as many of us do (note the over-sized Louis tote – Love it)… What makes this lady’s ensemble so super cool?  It’s the accessories my friends – your basic bisques, khakis, and lattes will get an uber kick up with some shiny metallics or a dramatically darker shade to offset the similar colors that get lost together.  And finally, what else makes this get-up a little more interesting?  If you take a closer look you’ll see that this lassie layered her borderline filmy top over a triangle bikini top done in another seasonal must-have flower print.  The subtlety of the print adds just enough appeal while not being garish or inappropriate.  Who says swimsuits are only suited for the shore?! (Psst… I found a copy of this lassie’s Louis – Please note that a real LV will set you back far more than $78.00 – bust trust me no one will know the difference.)

I could sit and sift through my closet and drawers for hours coming up with various combinations … I love finding old items that I forgot I had and mixing and matching them with newer items recently acquired!  Conversely, I also like surfing the web and finding cool accessories and other such things and fantasizing about how I would wear them together.  So, in the spirit of my “hobby” I am dedicating this particular posting to cute ensembles that are worthy of a fun-filled weekend.  I hope you all find some inspiration!

Lunch With The Girls

Dinner With Your Man

Mother’s Day Brunch