It’s time to begin thinking about what to wear for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday!  As most of you know, I am a big proponent of dressing up for any sort of occassion and find the holidays the perfect time glam it up.  Why don sweats and tee’s over to Gram’s house when you can feel pretty in a warm autumnal hued short dress with a pretty beaded cardigan OR feel trendy chic in a pair of sequins leggins with a draped tunic.  When you dress up you not only feel better about yourself, you are also respecting your host/hostess who has gone to a lot of trouble creating a wonderful get together for you.  The images featured left are some inspirational pieces to think about before next Thursday!  Gobble gobble!

Dresses: Try a pretty frock in a deeper shade like magenta, goldenrod, or navy and don’t forget to perk it up with textured tights, booties, and some fabulous accessories.  Think clanky bangles, oversized button earrings, or a huge statement necklace in burnished bronze. (all dresses available at Lulus.com

Skirts: I am totally digging skirts at the moment and LOVE pairing something really frou with a basic tee or tank finished with a fem fleur at the neck.  Finish the look with a sweet leather jacket or denim fitted number.  For more comfort finish the look with a rounded ballet flat or don a pretty high heeled sandal with bow or sequins embellishment.  (Cage skirt: asos.com, gold wrap: lulus.com, tiered mesh: forever21.com)

Cardigans: It’s chilly out for heaven’s sake and not everyone will have their heat jacked up!  Invest in a sequins cardi that will liven up a dress, skirt or pants! (gold: forever21.com, black: asos.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.

Who is Taylor Jacobson?  Why she’s the tough as nails, nay sayin’, style-saavy gal who is an integral addition to the cast on “The Rachel Zoe Project” on Bravo  TV.  Yes, “Tay” could use a bang trim, however her eclectic mix of vintage prints and woodcutter plaids  mixed with toughened up leather has me head over heels!  “Tay” has a knack for choosing the perfect shoe to complete a red carpet look and dare I say, looks better in skin tight leggings and drapy blouson tops than her emaciated boss, Rachel who basically gets swallowed up by whatever outfit she thows on over her bones… Hmmph!

So what have I dug on Taylor after the first two episodes?  Well, I can hardly ignore the FABULOSITY of the leopard Dior sheath she poured herself into on episode 2 -  LOVE!  The spunk and spice of the animal print paired with Taylor’s smokey eyes and tousled tresses was perfection and was the perfect outfit to don for a fash bash at Marquee in NYC! While this grrr-eat printed frock featured right isn’t Dior nor is it a sheath – it IS a fabulous way to incorporate animal into your reportoire.  You can find this pretty piece by Diane Von Furstenberg at Dianiboutique.com.  Wear this wrap in the fall with black leggings and over-the-knee boots or booties.

leather leggings

STYLE TIP:  It’s ok to spend a little more on an “investment” piece – in other words something that you will cherish and wear a lot during the season and that will be a closet staple for years to come… Do leather leggings fit that description for you?!  If not skip ‘em and instead spend more on some fabulous over-the-knee boots – another BIG time trend this fall that will mimick the look above nicely.

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!

Sorry for the delay in this particular posting, but I just couldn’t bear to ignore it all together since providing pics of some of the most fashionable people at the prestigiously attended Met Gala in New York is downright important.  In many ways the Met Gala brings out more fabulous fashion finery than the Grammys, Emmy’s, SAG’s, etc… Fashion elite attend this yearly event as do models, actors, and just the creme de la creme of high society so it goes without saying that no expense was spared when choosing one’s grand attire for the soiree. 

As we e anter the month of May, the air becomes a bit more friendly, the sun shows its lovely rays, and dum dum da dum… We begin wedding season.  Brides-to-be choose springy summer months for obvious reasons in Ohio – nicer weather and for some a freed up schedule.  So, what do you do when you get the invite and it says, “Black Tie Optional” or doesn’t state a dress requirement at all?  Well time of day dictates a lot.  Perhaps the happy couple elects a daytime luncheon/brunch on Sunday.  For an occasion such as this a pretty summer floral dress would be appropriate and even a hat. Choose bright or pastel colors that reflect the festiveness of the event and carry a girly clutch to close the deal.

Should your lovely invite states “Black Tie Optional”, “Black Tie Preferred”, or “Black Tie” women need to wear their finest attire.  A full-length gown is acceptable or a lovely satin dress with beautiful details like crystal embellishments or ornate ruffles would be the way to go.  It should go without saying, but hair, make-up, and accessories must be spot-on as well.  Your man should don his tuxedo, however if the invitation states “optional” it’s not a requirement to rent a tux if they don’t have one.  HOWEVER, they must wear their best suit.  Sport coats for an event like this are unacceptable.

Ok, so your invite mentions nothing about dress code and the blessed event takes place after 5p on either Friday or Saturday night.  What to wear?  The general rule of thumb is dress up more than you think you should.  Ladies: Cocktail dresses are a great way to go.  Should you despise frolicking in a frock though you may choose a beautiful pair of silky trousers paired with a chiffon top again with special details.  A tank top and black pants is a no-no.  Men, since it is after 5p a sport coat and nice pants is the most respectable way to be dressed.  Khakis and a polo-style shirt are entirely too casual for an event such as a wedding and bottom line insult the hosts of the party.

So, unless the nuptials you are attending state “Hoedown” or “VERY casual backyard picnic” skip shorts, jeans, cut-offs, wife beaters, tee-shirts with inappropriate slogans or beer bottle graphics, and tennis shoes.  Remember, a wedding is a very important day to the bride and the groom and when guests arrive in jeans or something else worn on a lazy Sunday afternoon they are showing the ultimate disrespect to those who planned this day so carefully.  Choose your attire wisely and you’ll not only feel better about yourself, but the merry couple with appreciate your efforts.

It’s so hard to come up with a really cool weekend outfit at times… Especially when you feel like you’ve worn everything in your closet to death.  The following are some ideas for putting a stellar and stylish look together for Friday night, Saturday night, and a day outing on Sunday. 

Friday- Grabbing drinks with friends and don’t feel like donning black?  Choose gray instead and mix with a brightening agent like snow white.  I love this subtly sequins top with it’s romantic rose graphic and would throw it on with some ultra-skinny gray denim. If you don’t have gray, don’t fret.. Basic blue or black will do.  Keep all your accessories white (yes it’s ok to wear white now – forget about all the past rules)… I am in love with the fringed ankle boots that will also boost up your mini dresses and skirts this summer, and would hold on tight to this awesome woven white clutch that will look fab swinging from your wrist.

Saturday – Perhaps your hitting the town and hoping dinner will parlay into an evening of dancing… try a flirty dress or skirt.  I love this peplum skirt and would keep it a highlight.  Zip into your skirt and pair it with a plain black top.  I think this net-like top is the perfect match for this girly bottom.  Cinch the waist with a belt and dance the night away in a statement shoe. Oh, how I love these camo beauts! 

Sunday – Running errands?  Checking out a flick?  Dress down and be comfortable.  Skinny cropped jeans are a good option paired with an oversize graphic tee and layered under a brighter than bright anorak.  Don’t forget your ankle boots – instead of ultra-flat try a cowboy slouchy style like shown.

There’s nothing better than a red carpet wrap up on Monday!  So who hit the mark?  And who should be jailed for crimes against fashion??? There were lots of similiar looks that traipsed down the red carpet last evening.  Most notably was the classic ball gown worn by the ever-stylish Sarah Jessica Parker in none other than Dior.  Penelope Cruz also went with a similiar retro- style in vintage by Balmain, and Marion Cotillard dazzled in Dior as well.  This fabulously fashionable trio showed off tiny waists in gowns with fitted bodices and full-to-the-max skirts.  How ’bout hair, make-up, and accessories?  Penelope did her very Audrey Hepburn look just right with a chic French twist, side-swept bangs, and demure diamond necklace.  SJP shouldn’t have mimicked her hair after her dress – it was far to full at the bottom with not enough volume at the crown – Plus, I think she could have used a little more bling… Marion was perfectly accessorized and had flawless hair and make-up… I liked that she kept her make-up basically neutral but still looked done up while not competing with the detail and volume of her gown.

Miley Cyrus belted up for the occassion as well in an intersting layered petal-like dress that I liked both coming and going.  Another young starlet also caught my eye… the beautiful brunette Vanessa Hudgens was beautiful in a black mermaid gown with pretty black and white floral appliques.  Who knew young hollywood could look so glam and grown up!?

Who else hit a high note?  Marissa Tomei of course in platinum pleated Versace.  There’s nothing about this dress that I didn’t like looking at.  The intricate pleating was nothing less than exceptional and the wide one shoulder strp was lovely and unexpected.  As for hair and make-up I thought Tomei was spot on with simple tousled waves and barely there make-up… I might have added some pretty stand-out earrings just to add a bit of color and seal the overall look.

Who’s the baddest of the bad?  Meryl Streep should learn that a dress that blends with skin and hair color looks drab and unflattering.  I was not excited by her cafe au lait toned dress but did appreciate that she showed off her pretty neckline with bare shoulders and covered her arms.  Meryl also coiffed just right with a classic swept-up do that again, showcased her shoulders. Who else soiled the carpet?  Amy Adams in crimson made be cringe.  I hated the chiffon pinned up drape and the stratgecially placed horizontal and vertical lines.  The necklace cannot go un-discussed either… While a beautiful piece on it’s own, I feel that it competes way too much with the brazenly hued frock and would be better suited for an all alabaster ensemble so to make a clearer statement and a more admirable focal point. 

And lastly, whoever told this fizzled out fashionista that she should match her date should be shot… As you can see the maroon velour gloves and dress are simply horrifying… Of anyone this dame should be read her rights and be hauled off to the state pen to repent over her greivous style mishap.  YIKES!

Need more help picking out your sussed up ensemble for V-Day this weekend?  Think pretty trims and accessories like lace, ruffles, and pearls and choose fabrics that are  soft and silky -satins are lovely.  Pink and red are not pre-requesites but if you choose something black or another saturated hue be certain that you incorporate one of the trims mentioned above to soften up the look.  

I love these two asymmetrical tops!   You’ll notice both  are beautifully embellished with fluffy feathers at the shoulder.  Pair one of these beauts with jeans, the de rigour harem pant or a high waist pencil skirt. Both available at Bebe.com

Rather throw on a pretty dress and not have to mess with matching tops and bottoms?  Express has some cute options right now.  I was turned on by this black dazzler with flutter sleeves.  Pair with bright tights and black platforms for a spiced up look… The pink dress is a nice option as it can be dressed up for an occasions such as V-Day… I would trade out the dinky belt shown for a wide waist cincher perhaps in patent.  Don fishnet tights and peep-toe pumps (don’t forget a neck full-o-pearls) to finish your sweetened up frock.

If a flirty skirt is more your speed you won’t be able to pass up this delicious mini. Again found at Bebe I can’t help but want to fly around town in this 100% feathered piece.  Skip being matchy-match and add interest by pairing this stand-out piece with an understated white blouse, cream or black t-neck, plain ribbed tank, or even a funky graphic tee and black leather jacket.

It may be a bit premature, but it’s never too early to begin planning your ensemble for Valentine’s Day.  This year is nice because the armorous holiday falls on  a Saturday night, so instead of rushing home from work and picking a so-so get-up you have a little time to primp and prepare for the romantic night at hand.  Choose colors like crimson, magenta, fucshia, or petal pink to reflect the day’s theme and keep your options feminine with girly accents like lace or a glimmer of a rhinestone.

The three choices above exemplify various shades of my favorite color.  The frock on the far left is quite a standout and would be prefectly suited for a romantic night out on the town.  Accessories aren’t necessary  – make sure the gigantic bow takes center stage.  The middle dress is a gorgeous color and could be dressed UP or DOWN.  Since our NE Ohio weather calls for dipping temps next week swap bare legs with black tights and finish with a black suede studded bootie.  Up the ante with a pretty multi-strand pearl necklace and try stacked up glimmery bracelets on the wrist.  What I love best about this dress is that it could even be worked into your professional wardrobe as well.  Throw on a black fitted blazer  during the week and finish with classic patent Mary Janes and you’ll look put together and professional.  Dress three is not to be dicounted.  While simple and plain, the strapless cut and flattering empire waist make this dress one that would look great on just about any bod.  This simple dress though could use some sprucing… pile on gold and silver long chains and a jumbo sized cocktail ring.  Don’t go the model’s route and don barely there make-up either.  Try  sweeping your eyeliner out a bit into what’s called the cat eye effect and paste on some long and lovely lashes.  Sweep shimmer on your cheekbones and pretty up your pout with a glossy hot pink smear.

Red is also a terrific option!  This color reflects wonderfully against even the fairest skin tones – seeming to add a natural flush to the cheeks!  I totally dig the architectural detail  of both looks on the right and left.  The intricate pleating and layering are sure signs that these frocks cost more than the average pretty little thing.  For a more cost friendly alternative the middle, full-skirted number hits a home run with me.  The fitted botice shows off the waist while the double layer circle skirt is not only fun to wear but is also ULTRA-flattering as well.