My New Crush….Clarks

July 22, 2010 by Melinda

Yup, you read right.  The king of grandma shoes.  Ugly black “loafers”.   Loved by mailroom clerks everywhere (do they still have those?).   Clarks.  There’s an underground swell for this lowly brand.  And they have responded.

Now, Do Not get me wrong.  I will forever be a fan of Jimmy’s, Stuarts, and Christians, (first name basis we are) but, stilettos in my life are not everyday wear.  And, comfort is becoming increasingly important to me and millions of other women.   Sofft’, Born, and others are trying very hard to appeal to female customers wanting style and comfort.

Recently I have taken clients to the Clarks retailer in Green Hill Mall with great success.  And they have reasonable prices for sure, men and women.  But for this post I’ll focus on women.

So, seriously, how many times do I mention a metallic wedge to complete an outfit?  Probably a million.  Here is a fantastic one to try.  In fact, I did.  Unfortunately, my foot is too narrow…… but I almost bought it anyway.   I believe the price in the store for this one is $59.99.  Online it was still regular price.   A fantastic sandal that will go with soooo much.

Clarks/ Laguna Jewel

This sandal is as fantastic as the one above just not metallic.  I love the contrasting stitching across the top straps and t-strap.  A great way to wear a heel without being too dressy and huge addition to any wardrobe.  Also on sale in the store.

Clarks/ Laguna Cove

This last sandal is a favorite.  Not only the color and style, but the fabric.    Suede, for summer.  Plus,  what a fun shoe to take into fall.   Cute platform wedge!

Clarks/ Harwhich Sailor

The last pick is by a branch of Clarks (I think) called Indigo.  Formed to appeal to a younger crowd I guess.  And while this doesn’t look near as cute in the picture, trust me it is great.  It also comes in black but it isn’t nearly as fun as the brown.  The back strap on this one is blue and such a cute addition.   I waaaannnt it (whine)!

Indigo/ Vioreggio/ $59.99

So, my new shoe crush is Clarks and I’m proud of it….well, I’ll at least admit to it.  Truly, go in and look around.  But, it’s the trying on that will get you.  And finally yay!, comfort and style are trying to compromise.   I don’t think high style will ever mesh with comfort but this is certainly a baby step.

See ya next time,

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Stuff I’m Lovin’ Right Now

July 15, 2010 by Melinda

This post is just about random items cause I’m having trouble coming up with a topic; too late to be writing!   Hence (such an academic word), the following thoughts….

By mid-July, unfortunately, fall color palettes are starting to step boldly into the fashion world.  Even here in Nashville, the retailers are starting to get in their early autumn merchandise.   Navy and white is giving way to teal and tan.  Well, I’m not ready to talk about that yet.  It’s just too early.  But, on a positive note  some wonderful summer merchandise is getting marked down so….. yay for that aspect of early fall collections.

The things below are great pieces on their own for summer and do double duty by taking you right into pleasant September days and nights.

The first is a lust item of mine.  I’ve been searching for the perfect little leather scooter type leather jacket, kinda of a tobacco brown, stand up collar, a little hardware….get the picture?   Need the perfect price also!  This one is pretty doggone cute though.  Such a great throw on over frilly dresses right now and later with jeans or cords.   I would absolutely wear this with white cropped jeans right now.  I’ve just uploaded and am reminded how cute it is and for this price,  it might be The One.  Precious!

 

khaki washed leather jacket/$178.00/polyvore.com

If you know me or have read the blog much you know my love affair with navy blue.  While this dress isn’t actually navy, it is a beautiful shade of  midnight/slate blue.  Anyway, the swingyness of it, the little cap sleeve, the interesting bodice, and tummy covering pleats make this dress a fabulous choice.   So cute with bronzey flat thong sandals now or dress it up with heels and a great choker.  For fall, add a pair of boots and cardigan, or the jacket above.  Ta da, the ultimate transition dress.  (spellchecker went crazy with this paragraph!)

 

blue dress/ Anthropologie/$138.00

 

My last random love and lust item is a pair of suede shoes.  And these are really fabulous.  I love this taupe/gray shade that will go with every single thing I own.  Or you and the client that bought them today at Macy’s!   Suede has really come back into the forefront of fashion via accessories.  Suede shoes are a huge style plus right now and not just for cooler months.  These strappy peeptoes are definitely a 3 season shoe.  I’d start wearing them in late August and not stop till March or so!  Tights for winter would so work.  The fact that they are a comfort brand is icing on the cake.  Love. Love.

 

Suede sandal/ Sofft Rialto/ $108.00

 

Well, there you have it.  My 3 random items that I love for now and later and look at how they all work together so unexpectedly, truly!   As you contemplate your next purchases be looking for pieces like this that get the most bang for the buck.  And with end of summer sales full on, try to find well-constructed, fine fabric pieces for next summer.   Come spring you’ll be glad you did.

Please call with any questions or if I can help you spend some $$$!

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I Love Summer

July 8, 2010 by Melinda

When fall rolls around, I’ll be ready and waiting.  Looking forward to my boots and jeans, new sweaters and jackets.  Watching for that first dip in temps.  But, right now, there is nothing better July.  Even at 90 degrees.  Nothing beats daylight til 8:00, shorts and tanks, eating outside, summer lightened hair,zinnias,  and everything else that goes with summer.

Besides remembering winning our independence from King George and the mother country (teehee), July is the absolutely best time to wear the most bare of clothing, appropriately of course.  We (actually some),  can get by with short shorts and heels,  spaghetti straps, and one of my all time favorites….white, head to toe.  I know I’ve written about this here and in the paper probably one too many times, but I just can’t say it enough.  All white is a fabulous look.  Whether you are as fair as can be or really brown (self tanner I hope), an all white outfit is very chic.  It is cool and screams summer.  African-American women look especially lovely in all white outfits.

White is a great canvas for color and metallics.  Big turquoise necklaces, metallic heels, natural and earthy accents, or traditional black, all show up spectacularly against white.   I put the pieces together below on polyvore.com and unfortunately for the reader didn’t document the brands and prices…argh!  So sorry.  But, I was really trying to show an idea.  These particular pieces are pretty ageless and have classic lines.  The tan sweater, metallic shoes, and necklace all  make the two base white pieces standout.  The sweater is J Crew and is cashmere and silk I think.

polyvore.com

.

This is one example of a work, dinner, or church appropriate outfit.   Roll the sleeves up on the sweater and leave open for a cool casual look.  Love. It.  Don’t worry about getting dirty, we have spot remover, washing machines, and dry cleaners now!  The only caveat to white, head to toe, is size.  If you are glaringly overweight, then it would be best to steer away from this look.   There are certainly other fabulous looks for you, don’t despair.

Thanks for reading and as always, call if I can help……

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Hot Town Summer In The City

June 26, 2010 by Melinda

I love that song.  And it’s absolutely appropriate right now.  This kind of weather makes me think of flowy linen pants, cool breezy tanks, and thong sandals.  Along with this vision is a great figure, magazine hair, and a beach house beautifully furnished (no oil on my beach) and friends over for dinner.  Get the picture….believe me, I could go on.  But, right now we’re in Nashvegas  with temps in the 90′s and we’ve got to make do.  So, let’s still go with the linen look and make it work here, just use your back patio, throw a white tablecloth on your picnic table, and grill some salmon.  Ta da!

I’m going to start with a celeb picture which I don’t love doing but the look is very doable.

Cameron Diaz/ InStyle magazine

So glad this uploaded big….if the shorts are too much, try a walking short.  Keep the neutral shoe but  go flat if you want.  Or, this will work fantastic with the linen pants below.  The fitted tank and structure of the jacket will balance the wide pant. Fab~u~lous.

Talbots is not your grandmother’s store.  At least not totally.  I love having classic, tailored pieces to create a whole look or to mix with more hip styles.   The pants below are wonderful.   Along with the jacket look above, you could also do a tank in various fabrics and belt it.  Or, pair them with a simple seafoam or navy tee, minimal jewelry and flats.  Classy.  More casual style pants are also available with a lower waist and wider cut pants.  This unstructured look may be more your style and still very  classic.

Irish Linen Pants/ Talbots/ $109.00

As I’m dreaming of these beachy looks, J Jill is a retailer that’s drawing my attention.  They do the carefree linen style very well.  Be careful though, some of their pieces can easily overwhelm no matter how womanly your figure.

This is a toooo cute sleeveless linen top from J Jill.   The color alone makes me happy!  I can see it paired with the pants above and a belt (need to create a waist) or just a pair of fitted denim walking shorts.  Do a little boyfriend roll at the hem and a pair of Sperry’s.  Then, proceed to the dock!

Linen top/ J. Jill/ $59.00

Next up…..I want a white linen dress.  A shift specifically.  I haven’t looked a ton but I want to make sure I have one for….well, nothing in particular,  just to wear.   I can see tall brown woven wedges or cute metallic flats with my dress.   Actually, one just like this.   I love the total linen eyelet overlay.  This is really one of the cutest dresses I’ve seen.

I hope you like my linen picks.  I mean, if you are going to be sweaty and wrinkley, you might as well look good.   What better fabric to be hot in?  Let’s face these 90 degree days with a stiff upper lip, hair wilting and all.  After all, sweat gives  a glow, moistens our skin, right?  Linen makes us look classy while dying of heat exhaustion.  So, grab a big icey glass of whatever, fire up the grill, and have that backyard party.  It’ll be fun.    Our poor southern shores are a mess anyway.

Call if I can help with your summer editing and buying.  Thanks……

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What I Know For Sure…..

June 14, 2010 by Melinda

Okay, summer is in full swing and these are some things  I’ve taken note of or learned and are pretty sure you can count on!

~heels make your legs look better and most women feel prettier

~all white done right is veerrrry chic

~nautical to some extent will always be “in”

~it is almost always better to be overdressed than underdressed

~skinny jeans are here for a while

~get a magnifying mirror and use it when applying makeup or examining your face;  it’s amazing what you can see and fix

~a long gold, silver, or mixed metal necklace is a very versatile piece of jewelry; so is a long bead or natural looking necklace

~a pedicure and self-tanner work wonders

~if you haven’t lately, get fitted for and purchase a bra that fits and  underwear that are “no line” and tummy control if needed

~structured, tailored pieces look great on everyone and elevate your look by several notches!

~we should all step out and try new styles and colors regularly, you will be surprised by what looks good

~be prepared to spend more on jeans, shoes, and bathing suits

~branch out, please, from all black continuously

~sometimes work-out clothes look terrific

~a deal isn’t a deal if you don’t need it; those few dollars add up so think before you buy

~clothes that fit well and are made well aren’t cheap but last and if it is a fairly traditional cut or look, it won’t be out of style often or long; buy quality when you can

~remember to use camis and slips when necessary to prevent pieces from being too sheer;  outside light can be unforgiving

~fidgeting and tugging at your clothing detracts from the look

~get a metallic shoe if you don’t have one

~try mixing colors you wouldn’t normally put together to achieve variety in your outfits; for instance, lavender and brown, or  navy and black

~find a tailor and use him/her when needed (ask me if you need one)

~the skinniest part of the leg is the most flattering area for a capri/crop pant to hit on most women

~gentlemen, you also need to take note of how you dress and look;  we care

~a white jean will take you almost anywhere in the summer

So, there you go, they’re not terribly profound or worth committing to memory but good guidelines for reference.  Next time, I’ll be posting  regular text with pics. Let me know if there is a topic  you’d like me to cover.

For days like today, shifts and skirts, tees and tanks with flats are a great uniform.  The markdowns will start to pick-up soon so be watching your favorite expensive pieces to snag when they get in your price range.   Enjoy these long days and stay cool….

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Summertime….And The Living Is Easy

May 27, 2010 by Melinda

No more promises of posting more or “so sorry”……it’s just life right now!  But, yay, the warm weather is here to stay.  Longer days,  lunches by the pool,  pretty pink pedicures,  grilled dinners for friends,  ice cream,  kids out playing til dark, hydrangeas,  the list goes on and on.   It’s a fabulous time of year.

Retailers have marked down most of  spring and starting to discount early summer.  It’s a great time to pick up some deals.  I’m going to list a couple here that I know are going on right now.   Both of these stores have run these deals previously so you may have taken advantage of them already, but they’re good ones!

I love these boyfriend shorts.  I’ve got two pair of this style,  not the chambray but twill.  Navy and a light brown and I’ve loved them.  They are great with cute thong sandals, canvas sneakers and tees, or I can roll mine down and do heels like in the picture.  Very versatile.  They are on sale for $25.00.

Gap Chambray Boyfriend shorts/ $49.50

This next item is also very versatile and will definitely take you into fall.   Who can get by without a cover or something on your shoulders in a movie theatre or a restaurant?  It is reminiscent of earlier decades to carry your sweater or jacket over your arm like a handbag.  Very chic.  This one from Loft (as in Ann Taylor Loft) is a perfect weight and 3/4 length sleeves work perfectly for summer. I really wish this picture was bigger.  Sorry!   This style comes in 3 colors.  Along with the white, there is black, and toffee.   Fabulous with jeans, skirts, shorts… whatever.  This style and another one are on sale for again, a whopping $25.00.   DEAL.

Loft twisted trim cardigan/ $49.50

The other sale  I need to mention is at Dillards;  they have several styles of shoes, various seasons, at 70% off.  I got cute little Antonio Melani (sp?) animal print flats for $24.00.   Too cute, if I do say so myself.  Obviously all of these deals can be found in good ole Music City.  But hurry, I don’t know how long they will run.  You know, sometimes the basics are all you need and summertime is perfect for tees, shorts, and cardis.

Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Take a moment and remember those that have fought through the years and are fighting now for our country.   Heros all.

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Ahhh….Springtime in the South!

May 15, 2010 by Melinda

It’s been so long since I’ve posted!!  I don’t know what the deal is….other things have been more pressing lately.  Hopefully, I can get back to weekly writing….twice a week is the goal, ha!

This first picture was Sunday Mother’s Day lunch at my sister’s house.  The picture is of me and my 3 children.  I know, they are precious!   My family gave me a new camera for Mother’s Day which I hope to put to use for this blog.  I hope all moms had an enjoyable day,  I know I did.

Mother's Day 2010

The historic floods for Nashville, then seemingly record-breaking high temps, ’60′s and ’40′s, and now more storms for Music City have made for an eventful spring.  Springtime down here is usually a roller coaster and this season had been no exception. What’s a stylish chic to do??

After going through our two and a half days of rain, and now more,  I realized I was missing an intricate piece to my wardrobe….wellies!!  I sloshed around in um…. nothing.  I didn’t get out and when I did I wore my tennis shoes and running pants or went out during the intermittent dry spells.   So, note to self, new spring item to buy,  rain boots.  Here are a few I like……

Love these!  Traditional and doesn’t red go with almost everything?  If it doesn’t for you, no worries, they come in a multitude of colors.  Chocolate was pretty too.

welllies/ Hunter/ $115.00/ Zappos.com

For the more whimsical, rain boots now come in a huge variety of prints and patterns.  These from LLBean are a little more affordable.   I would wear these with my straight leg jeans and a bright top.  A great pick me up for a rainy day.

welllies/ LLBean/ $59.00

Another of my spring “musts” is a cargo skirt.  Luckily I have one and have already been wearing it to death.   And what’d ya know, it would go fabulous with my yet to own rain boots.   I can so see the red ones above with my olive distressed cargo skirt.  The one below is almo as terrific as mine!  This is a color called java which is so rich.   I love this length, it suits most and so perfect for those a bit more “mature” , but still very hip gals.  Of course, you also could go shorter and as with soooo many things, this skirt can be dressed up.  Strap on a pair of sandals with some heft and then for balance add a sweet frilly white top.  Lovely!

Espirit cargo skirt/ $63.50/

So,  two favorites, one I have and one I don’t.  I’d love to know how you wear you wellies.  I bet they’ve been used plenty in the past few days.  Stay dry and safe.

If you are receiving this, I’d really appreciate you passing it on to friends.  Readers equal business!  Thanks so much!

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Dress for the Event and I Don’t Mean the Flood of 2010!

May 5, 2010 by Melinda

As I start to write this I am watching news coverage of massive and devastating flooding here in Middle Tennessee.  My heart goes out to all those affected.

4 days later, I finally have internet service again, little inconvenience compared to losing all your possessions!  Going tomorrow to see how I can help.  Now, onto more frivolous topics……

So, how many invites to graduations, spring~early summer weddings, open houses have you gotten?  Maybe your Derby party got washed out but what about Steeplechase…have you gotten a dress yet?  If there was ever a spring to buy the perfect dress it is now.  So many styles and fabrics to choose from.  Dressy to casual and everything in between.  With this post I am going to focus on more dressy styles, not cocktail really, more elegant looks. The ones below are all sheath dresses.

My suggestions to clients when event dressing and the proper attire is in question is to err on the dressier side.  I mean really,  “evening casual”  will cause hives for some people.  So, if you have on a cute little knit dress and everyone else is in shorts and jeans you’ll be fine; the other way around and it becomes a bit awkward.  Or, take a wedding, say it’s pretty low-key, a small church and the crowd is more Wal-mart  than Neiman Marcus, you’ll be fine with a beautiful pencil skirt,  drapey top and high heels.  But again, the other way around you may feel a little out of place.   Below are 3 beautiful dresses appropriate for a  graduation ceremony, wedding, or brunch before the Steeplechase.

Love this one, lose the shoes.  Make it special with great brown high heel gladiator type sandals, a nude peep-toe, or splashy metallic heels.

yellow cotton jacquard sheath/ Tahari for ASL/ $138.00/ Belk

Truly can’t beat a good looking Kate Spade.   Where is this not going to go??  It is strapless and could be considered a bit more evening than the other two.  Don’t be scared of the big print.

cotton/silk print sheath/ Kate Spade/ Neiman Marcus/ $395.00

Check out the brown peep-toes.   Too cute.  Again, a big print will carry you a long way and lessen the need for fabulous jewelry.  The halter cut on this is terrific and generally bare shoulders are flattering on all women.

circle print sheath/ David Meister/ Neiman Marcus/ $345.00

Well, the style was all the same but 3 really distinct looks.    They are the look of femininity and elegance.  These look best pretty fitted but leave enough room to bend, sit, etc!   Wear one of these with confidence and don’t be surprised with all the second glances you’ll get.

Thanks for reading and please sign up to receive this by email.  I’d love to hear from you anytime.  Questions are welcome!

Again, keep Nashville in your thoughts.

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Mix it Up

April 27, 2010 by Melinda

A client and I were talking the other day about how much we liked J Crew clothing.  I told her the only thing that bothered me was that  people didn’t realize they didn’t have to be J Crew head to toe.   It can, not always, but often become very predictable.  I love to take items from unexpected places and use with recognizable pieces.  For instance, J Crew has that cute little skimmer capri pant hands down.  In a beautiful rust, black, khaki, and I don’t know what else.  Take that pant and go to UAL or Blush and find a top that will look fantastic and make people wonder what in the world happened to your routine outfits!!!

Check-out this look and tell me what you think….

Cutest floral western shirt, cotton, snap pockets, western yolk in back, also comes in light and dark denim;  I’ll tell you where it’s from at the end.  Wear it opened with the ribbed tank and denim skirt (shorter if you’re younger!)…..pre~shush!!

Miley Cyrus/Max Azaria western shirt/ $14.00

Purple ribbed tank/ Gap/ $14.50

Banana Republic denim skirt/ on sale, $59.50

And now for the previously mentioned skimmer pant…..I love this little white cotton sun top.  It is appliqued at the top and hem edge.  Simple and summery and beautiful with the gray pant.   (wish the pic was larger) It would obviously go with any pant color or short.  The rust skimmer with the white top would be fabulous also.  Add the super cool necklace below or pump it up with a colorful scarf!!

l.e.i. cotton top/ $9.00 (yes 9)

J Crew skimmer capri/ on sale $59.50/ JCrew.com

Kenneth Cole gold and silver tone leave necklace/ Dillards.com/ $58.00

Well, what do you think.  Doable?  Absolutely.  Easy?  Yes!  All I’m saying is first, mix your pieces.  Play with the stuff in your closet and see what outfits you can come up with.  Secondly, add a little something, double layers, jewelry, a scarf,  just something to make it your own.  Above all, have fun with your wardrobe….call me if you’re having trouble, I love to have fun.

Okay, did you guess where the tops are from?  Wal-mart.  (Note I went for 100% cotton tops; construction is probably fair to good) All you savvy shoppers already know about the random little gems you can come across in unexpected places.  Plus, along with all your friends not having the same piece, very frequently you’ll save some bucks.  I’m just sayin’…..

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Springy Confections

April 21, 2010 by Melinda

Even though Easter has past and the really warm weather has already visited, the wonderful season of  Spring will be here until June 21st (I think)!   That’s a while still.  Plenty of time to revel in the beautiful shades and overtures of spring.   Cotton sweaters the color of ice cream, dresses in shades of new grass, and pale leather jackets that remind me of pear tree blossoms.   Add some chiffon petals, embroidered designs, or loads of ruffles and you have Spring 2010.

The pictures below are a variety of colors and styles.   The idea is to take a piece that you love make it work for you.  Not many of us want to wear lace and ruffles head to toe (nor should we) but dabbling is a good thing.  Glance at the image below and you see pastels and tone on tone embellishments.  Take the outfits apart and I’d only recommend maybe a piece from each.  Note the gray shoes, the draping and flow of the garments and the overall soft look.   That’s what I’m going for.  Lovely!

photo courtesy instyle.com/ variety of designers

The next photo is similar but each piece has a little more structure.   I love the leather jacket.  Right now,  look for soft, pliable leather and it will serve you for several months of the year and be a great investment piece.  Several clients have bought them this spring.   I love the cargo pants rolled to the knee with heels, so easy to roll back down for flip-flops (good ones) and a tank.  The dress in the middle is a beautiful garment and would take you to any wedding or graduation you have coming up.  As for the yellow outfit, um…..I like the color.

Milan Fashion Week 2010

So, if you love this  season and you really want to feel like your favorite spring flower, go for it.  Remember the basics;  fit and quality.  And if you think a particular shade doesn’t flatter you, (I don’t always buy that) just don’t wear it close to your face.

Enjoy this beautiful season and all the soft, feminine clothes that go with it.  Add an edgy heel or a classic white shirt to make the piece your own.  Another bit of advice, dress for events you wouldn’t normally dress for.  Branch out and do a skirt to your son’s little league game.  Wear heels for lunch with friends.  Trust me, it’ll make an impression, a good one.   Have fun and don’t over analyze.  Call me,   I’d love to help!

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