Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Quick…What to Wear Today…Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011

Ok, I’m late…..should’ve posted this last night (watched a movie with my daughter instead!), actually, a couple days ago.  But, if your family/friends holiday gathering is this evening you still have time to dig in that closet and pull together a great outfit.   And if I’m too late for today, I’m sure you’ll have other opportunities this weekend to look fab!  Here ya go…..

First look, go metallic.  For a quick pop to any outfit, add some shine.  Remember though,  you don’t want to  glow in the dark.  Just the overall effect of shimmering is the goal.  Here are a couple of examples.

Fresh from the streets of NYC, she’s working two looks here.  An overall gray look and a coat with some shine for good measure.  Walk into Uncle Joe’s wearing something like this and you’ll be the talk of the day, in a good way.  Statement jewelry also helps.

gray metallic and monotone

An easier route, just a pretty shiny top, skinny jeans and black flats…..you’re good to go.

A  second idea, go warm…it’s autumn, the leaves have turned and are falling, and that pumpkin pie is in the oven.  Pull out your tans, oranges, browns etc. and mix ‘em all up for a glorious November look.

I adore this blouse and sweater, I’d even do the pants.  Most of us probably don’t have them so add gray or camel or black.  Just as lovely.  If you can go casual, dark wash jeans with a similar top ensemble.  This woman does no wrong.

Tory Burch/NYC

Another camel and cozy look….

Camel blazer, skinny black jeans, chunky suede boots/ Paris

If all else fails, add an animal print.   If you don’t have this in your wardrobe, buy something during the weekend sales!  It’ll instantly update anything and add the chic factor for sure.  You may just upstage the hostess, not that that’s what we’re after:)  Pair something like this with jeans, black pants or camel or gray.  Beautiful.

Sandro sweater/ netaporter.com/ $285.00

Okay, you have your marching orders.  Sorry they’re so late.  Any of these looks will do the trick for a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend outfit.

But, actually, what I’d like to say is…..I hope you all take time to enjoy your family, friends, blessings, and faith today.  That’s what I’m doing….they’re the most important, to me anyway.   The clothes are just an added fun bonus…..

I hope you all have a warm and loving Thanksgiving…..thank-you for reading,

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What I Wore

November 19, 2011

I’ve added a new blog to my blogroll called What I Wore….A Personal Style Diary.  There are lots of gals out there that do this, take daily pictures of their outfits.  But this one is really cute, and as she would say, a bit quirky.  Anyway, inspiration hit and I’m going to show you 3 outfits I’ve worn lately to different events and outings.  I am not in 2 of them.  I have a long history of not photographing well.  It’s actually very funny as my family can attest to.  So the pics will be just the lovely outfits except for one.  But, you’ll get the idea.

This first one is from Veterans Day.  We took my Dad to a local parade.  It was a beautiful sunny Friday with a bit of chill.  The green sweater is cashmere from UAL.  I love the little pockets on the front although you can’t see them in the picture.  Gap skinny jeans, a little baggy in the knee here, had been sitting for a while, usually fit tighter.  9 West boots, about 3 years old….still love them and get compliments almost every time I wear them.  Plain oatmeal colored no name v-neck t-shirt underneath.  I added a splash of color with a purple and green scarf.  I know, not very patriotic but, oh well.

Me on Veterans Day in Downtown Franklin

My next outfit is a black wool Banana Republic dress I bought a couple of years ago.  I haven’t worn it more than once, it’s too dressy for church (cut low in the back)  and even though I love it, I always choose something else.  Plus, it’s black…..as wonderful as black is, it’s not usually my first choice for events.  But, I decided I couldn’t keep breaking my own rule anymore by not tossing it after a year or so (well I WAS sick).  I wore a long pearl/rhinestone necklace from  J Crew and black platform pumps by Franco Sarto.   I have a wool 3/4 length sleeve black coat and a vintage mink collar and elbow leather gloves that were my moms that finished off the look.  I forgot to take a picture of the coat and the mink is being cleaned.  I liked this!

This next one was for a wedding.  It is a midnight blue jersey Antonio Melani dress, cut fairly low in the back also.  The same shoes but I changed coats to a winter white one with gold threads running through it.  The necklace was a multi-strand pearl choker.  I had to take my shoes off toward the end of the reception because they hurt from dancing!  Other than that, it was a great wedding outfit.  I originally thought about a strapless dress I have but am glad I chose this.   It really is very simple but elegant.

I’m going to try to remember to do this more often.   I figure maybe it’s fun for you to see sometimes what I choose to wear.  I don’t have a real rockin social calendar but I’ll do what I can!  I’ve got to find a good area to take the photographs though.

In the meantime, I’m really trying to grow this blog so any subscriptions or shares or whatever would be appreciated!!  Several weeks ago Mary Hance, The Tennessean’s Ms. Cheap did a story about my business and me as I worked with a particular client.  I was a little concerned given her moniker….”Ms. Cheap”.  She put my mind at ease by coming from the angle of, you have to spend some to save (time and/or money) a little sometimes. This is a link to the article…..

I hope you enjoy it and thank-you Mary and Bette.

And I need to make a correction to my last blog about Versace and H&M.  The collection had not been released when I posted, the articles I read about pieces being bought were evidently from a party held in honor of the release and details of what would happen at the opening in the UK.  So sorry for any confusion.

Please get in touch if you’d like help with your wardrobe issues!  Thanks for reading,

Versace For All

November 13, 2011

Did you go?  Did you fight for a coveted piece?  Is there anything even left?? Well, Saturday night with a much anticipated arrival, the editors, press, and various pretty persons and VIP’s all gathered to cheer the release of  Versace for H&M.   With prices starting at $19.95 to around $300, it may be the only time most of us will plunk down any money for something by this designer.  It’s a bit of an odd pairing considering Sweden’s H&M having a sometimes “less is more” attitude and Italy’s Donatella Versace figuring is there ever too much? But, I think this combination seems to have worked well.

With Nashville not being home to an H&M, Atlanta is as close as you’ll come to buying in person.  Of course, there’s always online, at some point.  Check-out the dresses below and see what you think.

I like this little pink frock.  I can definitely see it at a holiday gathering.  Strappy black sandals or maybe platform peeptoes would look so cute.  Top it off with a little black coverlet…..maybe shearling or something kinda shaggy.  Cute, hip, and very “it”.  The dress is $129.oo.  That is a scarf at the neck and I could not find it in the collection.  The great stud design conveniently dismisses the need for many accessories.  This dress and the next are both 100% silk and lined.

Versace for H&M hot pink dress

This little yellow one is also pretty.  I like the brightness and you’re gonna really have to have a bit of confidence and attitude to shine like this!  A very similar look to the pink.  I like the idea of going with black shoes for this one too, but a metallic gold sandal would also be nice.   The studs are vertical on the side on this piece.  A really nice flattering detail.  Notice the gold accessories….my reasoning for a metallic sandal.  Ahhh, it just all works so nicely!

Versace for H&M bright yellow dress

And then there’s Donatella.  The image and front woman for Versace.  She took her brother Gianni’s place after his death.     Evidently, she wore this dress at another fashion show and received rave reviews with no one knowing it was coming out soon at the H&M-Versace release.  It is a leather dress and retails for $299.00.  More great studding detail here too.  A fantastic looking leather dress without looking biker or trashy.  A full length picture show a knee length hemline.


 

 

Donatella Versace/ black leather

While researching this collaboration, I read lots of reviews.  Most were favorable with one or two saying they thought the merchandise looked and felt cheaply made.  I wish I could tell you I knew.  I will also caution you that these items and the rest of the collection may already be sold out.  Similar to the Missoni/Target deal….that stuff went within hours.  Posting this earlier may have helped you, although I know there were lines, rules, bracelets, and all manner of details for the release at the retail locations.  Checking just minutes ago, online shopping was not available “in my market” on the H&M site.  It recommends visiting a local store.

 

Versace won’t normally be a topic of discussion for me but this was a pretty big pairing up of well known names.  Plus, I kinda liked some of what I saw.  If nothing else, I’ve filled you in a bit on what’s going on in the fashion world beyond your closet. Hope you liked my purple text color in honor of Versace!  I thought it required a bit of color:)

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday….see ya next time!

 

 


 

 

 

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Making the Cold Days Cozy

November 8, 2011

While everyone else bemoans cold, drizzly November days, I love ‘em.  For some reason that probably relates back to elementary school stories about Pilgrims in some cold northern place (otherwise known as Plymouth, MA), I associate November and Thanksgiving with dreary, chilly days.  Light a fire in the fireplace and give me a good book and it rates up there with a day at the beach.  But obviously, staying warm and stylish is key.   I can’t think of a better subject for a post than outfits that keep us toasty and make us look great at the same time!

Please forgive the pictures, they didn’t transfer well from Polyvore and are sooo small but hopefully you get the idea!  Okay, this first one is a picture of what I believe to be the perfect fall outfit.  Whether you are lunching with friends, going to the movies, running errands, picking up kids, family gatherings…..anything!    The denim shirt doesn’t have to be designer or fit nice and trim if it’s going to be worn under a sweater (although a good one is  a good purchase).  Perk the whole outfit up with a fun scarf.  If the black boots bother you, (not in warm tones like the rest of the look), brown ones will obviously work!   In case you can’t tell, the pants are a cognac brown shade of cords.  A heavy sweater is key here.   A pair of gray knitted gloves would blend nicely with the scarf.  Love, love.

 

 

The second most cozy look for a chilly fall day is another fave.  Yes, the vest featured is real fur.   Please don’t be offended…..I like to think that fur providers are very humane these days.  If it really gets to you, go faux.  But, the overall look is the issue.  A great pair of broken in, wonderful fitting boot cut jeans can’t be  beat, the boots kinda cover up the ones here.  Try and avoid those that are very faded along the thigh, that is where the eye goes when looking at them.  It goes without saying, if you want that area ignored, stay away from excessive fading there.  It’s the change in color from dark to light that stands out.  Another issue to point out here is the cowboy boot.  Friends, a cowboy boot looks like this, there is no stacked high heel, it is leather, and it doesn’t scrunch.  The point on the toe may vary but general style stays the same.  Look for brands like Tony Lama, Ariat, Justin, Lucchese (ritzy) and Frye although Frye’s are veering away a bit from true cowboy boots.  Still love ‘em though.  With the sweater being a heavy cable, a long pendant with some heft will stand out.  Love the mixed metals on this beautiful leaf.  Hate that the picture is so small!

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in an office setting on one of my wonderful, dreary November days, don’t get down (I’m sure just thankful to have a job, right?). You can still look appropriately fallish, warm, and in style.  I chose this sweater dress because as you can see, it is cut straight to almost an A line (without the belt), therefore will avoid (not a guarantee) clinging to any bulges.  The belt will create a waist; switch out for a cute animal print if you’d like.  And check out the booties.  Yes, you at least need to try them, just be aware,  they do look better on those with more slender ankles and calves for a skirt or dress.  If they work on you, you will get tons of compliments.  If they don’t, pair with a knee-highs.  Still lovely.  I kept the heel fairly low and I believe this is a “comfort” line.  Do a simple black opaque tight, don’t fool with patterns and such for this look.  Keep the hemlines appropriate for age and work atmosphere.    The neckline here begs for “chunky” jewelry as my friend would say.  And doesn’t the black trench just pull it all together?  If you get one, you will wear it over and over.  I have one in red and khaki and love them.  The scarf is the cherry on top, another item you would get loads of wear out of  and work with look #1 also!

 

 

 

 

 

So, what do you think of my picks for those days when most of you don’t want to get out of bed???  Aren’t they cute?  These looks were created on Polyvore, a great site for playing and inspiration.  Some of the pieces are from the sites I’ve tagged.  If you want to know about a particular piece, let me know.  I didn’t list each piece because I’m just emphasizing the total look on this post.  But, I do have the info if needed.

Let me know if I can be of any help in the wardrobe department of your closet!  Stay warm as the temps fall…..yay!

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Fall’s Chic Trends via InStyle Magazine

October 26, 2011

Okay this is being dubbed the hi-tech post.  You get the privilege of me scrolling through countless fashion websites and perusing style magazines to bring you the latest and best.  HA!  Do you buy that??  That it’s some kind of chore for me?   Seriously, I love every minute. But I really do have a video for your viewing pleasure, thus, hi-tech.  Courtesy InStyle Magazine, a list of some fall pieces or looks to consider.

So, scroll, watch, enjoy, and we’ll chat on the other side….

Fall 2011 Fashion — Fall Fashion Trends – Fashion – InStyle.

Yay for me…I got number one right on my last post.  Lace, a definite do.  It’s almost always pretty and feminine or can be sexy and night-life-ish.  The next, striped pants, not so much.  I mean, I think they’re cute and if someone gave me some I’d wear them but not gonna spend money on ‘em.  Universally flattering, not these.  Not as skinnies.

The 3rd one is velvet….just saying the word makes you want to lower your voice and say dahhh-ling doesn’t it?  I’d go for this one for sure, or velveteen its cheap sister.  You have to be ultra careful with the fabric though, it can be a bear to clean and care for.  Velvet blazers were all the rage a handful of seasons ago and still have a very classy and/or classic vibe to them.  If you happen to have one, this is the time to be wearing it.  With dark jeans or lovely flowing skirts.  A dress in velvet is a certain evening hit.

I’m a little over polka dots but must admit the hit of red is cute and retro.  Maybe even try green or purple.  Cute. And it doesn’t have to be a dress.   Add some peep-toe pumps or Mary Jane velvet pumps to skinny jeans and a polka dot blouse and you’ve got a look with a nod to days gone by.  And I’m saying a definite yes to the maxi skirt.  I’ve got a plum maxi dress I plan to pair with my tall brown riding boots and a heavy cardigan.  It’ll be a great combo for moderately cool days.  The stripes and floral skirt though, yeah, I’d like to try to convince a client that looks good.  I’m all for mixing but this one is a head scratcher.  Love the bag though!

Leather leggings…another client funny.  Probably not gonna happen.  A leather dress though, another story.  Especially done the way these two are.  J Anniston’s is cute for a younger crowd or someone with awesome legs but for me the Marios Swhab is the hit.   Leather without being biker or trashy, love the lace bit at the hem.  And both have modest cuts.  Good call.

The menswear print in a feminine cut is nothing new and a nice look. Next, I love the idea of autumn florals in number 9.  The one on the left is a  really terrific balance of floral and fall.  Number 10, a tie-neck blouse is a holdover from a big spring look.  I liked it then and still do.  Katie does look pretty cute doesn’t she?  And lastly a bold hued sheath.  Um, I guess yes.  I mean, Gwyneth just glows doesn’t she?  I think her hem could come up a bit.  For some reason I always love them on others but pass them up myself.  May need to take my own advice and move away from that comfort zone we always talk about.

There are so many styles, looks, colors, fabrics and then ways to wear them to choose from.  Remember, it’s all about what works for you.  Obviously leather dresses, much less leggings, aren’t for everybody.  Budget and body type are just two considerations for those looks.  So, the intent here is not to bring on a feeling of “well I don’t have that, I’m out of style”.  It’s to show you the vast possibilities in choosing your outfit for the day.  No matter your body type or budget.

My clients come from all walks of life and all income levels.  None more enjoyable to work with than the other.  I just love shopping and making my clients feel GREAT and look FABULOUS when they get dressed.

Call me….I’d love to hear from you!  And please sign up to receive the blog….I promise I don’t pester with tons of posts. Thanks…..

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About Lace

October 10, 2011

While most of us think of lace as a dressy item, accessory, or embellishment it has become a huge fall trend for day or evening.    And the thing about lace is, it’s not like wide leg pants or bows on  blouses this year.  It’s an element of the design, not THE design.  Meaning, while it’s popularity will wax and wane, it will remain a classic.   I’ve picked some beautiful dresses but also a  couple more casual items for those that don’t want to go full on.  This is definitely a way to be “in style” with adding just a bit or you can do a lot.

In my humble opinion, Kate Middleton, now Princess Kate, will probably go down in history as a style icon along the lines of  her mother-in-law, Lady Diana, Grace Kelly, etc.  On a tour to Canada she walked off the plane in this gorgeous Erdem blue lace dress.  Look no further for somebody to observe for consistent classic style.

 

 

navy lace overlay dress/ Princess Kate

Here is another gorgeous option for  a lace dress.  For those that like more coverage, take note of the high neck and full length sleeve.   The lace and strap shoe add a real punch to this lbd.   Loverly!

 

 

Lanvin RTW blace lace/ fall 2011

 

This beautiful blouse is very pretty with the blue skirt but I can really see it with a beautiful pair of winter white pants or maybe even a pair of dark wash trouser jean with a fantastic pop of color shoe.  And of course the black lace will pair fantastic with any metallic.

 

Jason Wu black lace top

And of course, the designer price tag doesn’t have to come with a nice lace piece.  This little sheer jacket has sweet ruffle shoulders.  Slip it on over a black silky tank or for a fall feeling, try something brown or bronze.  A fabulous dress up anything item.  Check-out the cute ruffle along he bottom.   Comes in black also and is just as great.

 

Sheer lace jacket/ usAsos.com/ $78.57

If you are looking for an easy and very fall trend to incorporate this October lace is your look to try.  You don’t have to spend the big bucks or invest in an entire look.  A blouse, a skirt, a shoe (cuuute), or even lace trim on a particular piece will bring you quickly up to date.

I’d really love to see any outfits you come up with….

Now for a bit of housekeeping…..to put it bluntly, this finishing up this cancer process is for the birds!  So completely tired of it all….ugh.  Anyway, I told you I wouldn’t be bombarding you with posts and no worries, they have been few and far between!  I hope to pick up the posting soon.  But, on a similar thread, as always any sharing and/or signing up is extremely appreciated….this year I hope to really increase my readership and therefore business.

Thanks for reading and I AM working so give me a call if needed!

 

 

 

 

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Can There Really Be Just One Piece For Fall?

September 20, 2011

I don’t love to write about this because it’s so subjective.  I mean really, who can say what piece you or I or Suzie Q needs?  But, with the change of each season there will be a bazillion articles on what you have to buy for that season.  So, I write.

But, this time I’m cheating and commenting on a contest Lucky Magazine did on what the one item was we needed to buy.  They began with  16  different pieces and as the votes came in whittled it down to just one.   I like it.   In fact, I have one.  My problem is I bought it right after my first breast cancer surgery, just 3 days later.  Looking back I was probably still under the anesthesia influence plus I was at the beach and who needs leather down there…what was I thinking??!!  As I got sicker, I didn’t go out much therefore didn’t have the opportunity to wear it.  Who even knows if  I’ll like it when I pull it out in a couple of weeks?   Oh well.

So, below is the contest diagram….I’ll only comment on 2 or 3.

I don’t believe the bag choices were great.  A good leather tote if you’re a working gal that is carrying “stuff” is practical.  A printed day bag, not so much.

And the poncho/army coat choice was a bit of a head scratcher.  But, the poncho and sweaters are very chic for fall.

And to me, the bootie wins by a landslide.  Unless you consistently have evening events to attend.  I mean, they said” sky high”.  What does that mean to you?  It means nighttime to me!

 

And then there’s the winner.  I must say, it is a piece you will treasure.  If you buy for fit and quality ( I have no idea if I did!  I need to get that thing out!) it is an item you will go to time and again.  Over the lbd or with your jeans, either works.  A motorcycle style leather ( buy leather) jacket will up your cool factor tremendously.

Here’s the link to the whole article.  What do you think, is it a winner?

http://www.luckymag.com/shopping/2011/10/must-have-fall-piece

As always, call me if you need any help choosing your fall buys!

Thanks,

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Transition Time in Tennessee

September 10, 2011

That title sounds like something an SEC sportscaster would say!  Is there such a thing or are they just sportscasters?  Anyhoo,  it is transition time clothing wise here in the South.  Labor Day has traditionally been the official marker to put away the summer clothes and in my mind it still is to a certain extent.  Color, fabric choice, and weight are choices to consider now that we are well into September.

For example, your light blue linen skirt needs to go to the winter side of the closet.  But, if it’s a navy blue linen skirt, I think you can get by with that for a couple more weeks.   As long as it has some heft to it, not super light weight.

Seems like shoes give so many of us fits this time of year.  Keep these tips in mind.  Sandals that have textured fibers like jute or corkscrew, espadrilles with summer stripes and such also need to be put away.  Leather sandals with a wooden heel are great for this time of year.  If you put them away, bring out your closed toe flats.  Get yourself a great pedicure and your flat thong sandals in black, brown, and metallics can go a bit longer too.  If you like suede, a cute pair of wedge heel suede peep toes would  work  wonders for your wardrobe.  Love those!

Summer neons need to go, in fact, neons all together are just really not good.  Sorry.

Keep wearing your white tees and jeans, just pair with great fall shades.  Try an army green twill jacket and black tee with the white jeans and a pair of suede sandals like the ones mentioned above or a beautiful mulberry cardigan with your white tee and khaki capris.  Put on some tortoiseshell sunglasses and animal print flats and you will look mah-velous!

Below are some fall fashion Do’s and Don’t from Glamour magazine.

This one is a great fall palette….a definite DO!  Note the heavy brown belt that in the spring may be too much.

transition to fall look

Look at that lovely dark yellow print skirt, then the black trench and heavy black choker.  I’d love to see her shoes….and she does these colors without looking like a bumblebee!

Pretty Fall Hues

Okay a don’t….if you don’t have a winter jacket or coat, get one.  This just doesn’t work, especially as it looks like she’s going to work!

One more “Do”……how classic is this…black dress, black layered sweater, black flats and bare legs.  A little short for me but still….so cute for fall weather.

Layering with Bare Legs

What you want to remember is that if it’s still 80 degrees you are going to look silly in bulky winter clothing…..but on the opposite spectrum, September does call for a nod to fall.  That being done with darker colors and heavier fabrics.  Here are some more tips from glamour magazine for you to consider.   I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions!

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2011/09/the-dos-and-donts-of-2011-fall-fashion-trends

Have fun this season and remember as 2 college guys told me last night…..”who made these rules anyway?”  Ah, youth!

Please, please sign-up to receive this blog by email…..I’d love to have you.  Or share with a bestie.

Have a great weekend, enjoy the beautiful weather, and stop a minute and to say a prayer for all those affected by the 9-11 tradgedy…the military and families here that had to go on.

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Flirty and Femine Blouses

September 2, 2011

For the feminine side in most of us…..this is our fall.  The spotlight is on blouses.   They are meant to be tucked into menswear style trousers, worn outside of jeans, paired with long skirts, belted outside of pencil skirts, and the options go on and on.  It’s time to swim out of the sea of crisp white or pin stripe shirts and embrace the ladylike blouses of this autumn.  If you are looking for a trend that can also be a classic this is the piece.   Check out the ones below,  I love them all!

Ok, talk about making a bold, yet very feminine statement!   I think this is the most interesting one I downloaded (but I saw tons more!).  Picture this tucked into a black pencil skirt or outside of dark skinny jeans with black booties.  I’m so into stripes right now and this certainly fits the bill!

black/white stripe sheer blouse/ Equipment Sophie @ net-a-porter.com / $190

 

What a fabulous fall blouse this one is.    Along with ladylike blouses being in style for this season, if it has a bow…..that hits the jackpot.  A tie-neck blouse is  on soooo many Top Ten Must Haves for Fall lists.  This one would be lovely with a pair of camel wide leg pants.   That is just one way to wear this.  Let me know how you’d wear it!

green neck tie blouse/ Anthropologie.com/ $118

 

I just love this sweet cherry red top.  It’s a great color that most can wear.  I know most of you would pair this precious blouse with black.  Resist that urge!  I see it with beautiful grey pants.  Throw a navy boyfriend cardigan over it or if you’re feeling brave try a purpley grape cardigan.  Experiment!!

cherry short sleeve blouse/ Topshop/ $74

I think this is my favorite.  No, not because it’s the cheapest one I’m showing, although that helps.  I’m just a sucker for outfits shown using jeans.  And this is definitely one I’d wear with my old 9 West cognac riding boots if they were  skinny jeans or my brown cowboy boots if bootcut.   But, if you aren’t me, and most of your aren’t, this blouse would also look great worn outside a pair of skinny, cropped khakis and some nude pumps.  And just as a p.s., I tried to find it on the Express website but couldn’t so I don’t know if it’s no longer available or not available yet, that’s how much I love it!

navy floral blouse/ Express via fabsugar.com/ $50

Oh. My. The loveliness of this blouse is beyond words.  But, this is a blog so I’ll try to find some, hehe!  Where shall I start?  The perfect fall color that will look fabulous with grey, navy, black (without look Halloweeny), a beautiful brown houndstooth,  ooooh, and winter white would look so pretty too!   Ok, now, check out that wide placket.  See those sweet little pearl buttons and little loops opposite.  And the bow is  just perfect.  Pair with anything.  Very, very nice.

sleeveless necktie blouse/ Marc by Marc Jacobs/ $364/ polyvore.com

Chiffony, silky, sheer, layered, sleeveless to long sleeves with cuffs, buttons or pull over V’s, outside or tucked, feminine or menswear inspired.   Which ever it is.  A beautiful blouse that you love and that works on your body and into your wardrobe is a “must have” (and I don’t like “must haves”) for the 2011 fall season.  There are just so many ways to wear them now.  And from Forever 21 to Net-a-Porter, you should be able to find one in your price range.  They are lush and gorgeous and  hanging in retailers now….waiting for you.

Happy Shopping….call me!

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Marti and Liz-a-palooza

August 15, 2011

I do love a deal.  I must confess,  I am a total sale scrounger.  You put me in a room with dramatically reduced clothing or shoes, and well, you might as well get some reading material ’cause I’ll be a while.  My last dress was purchased at a consignment store.  Having worked in retail, been a buyer,  plus being able to sew, the mark-up on stuff  just really gets to me.  Cheap fabrics, no lining, asking the same for vinyl and leather…..arrrrggghhh!  Anyway, such thoughts were the inspiration for this post.  I’m sure the sales ladies in Marti and Liz wondered what the woman in the  shorts and keds (yep, didn’t even look like a stylist for sure!) was doing taking pictures of their shoes.  I probably should have told them, oh well.

If you are not familiar with Marti and Liz, it is a chain of stores that sell factory rejects, overstock, runway, and returned shoes.  There is one in Cool Springs and Murfreesboro and maybe somewhere else close to Nashville.  Some shoes are obviously brand new, some have obviously been worn.  By who I’m not really sure.  I steer clear of pairs that have obvious wear and tear.  But, it is safe to say I can generally find a purchase there, it might not have been what I was looking for but I sure do need them anyway!  The fabulous part is, they carry really great name shoes…..you just may not see them all the time or they may not have your size.  Frye, Donald Pliner, Cole Haan,  Coach, Anne Klein, Kate Spade, Nine West, and more.

So, below are what I found on a late Wednesday afternoon.  I walked out not buying (remember, I just bought a dress!), but thinking about those cute clogs!!

One minor disclaimer, sizes are not “for sure”.  I was terribly remiss in not writing down all the info.  I do know, unless otherwise stated, all shoes were in the $24.99 to $27.99 range.

The first pair are just fabulous.   The heel is a great height, this color will work so cute now and definitely go into fall, you know when you want a sandal but feel it’s too late in the season?  This is your shoe and please tell me what this color WON’T go with!!  I believe these were a size 8 and the brand Moda.

beige suede heel

Calling any size 6 1/2 that needs a fantastic black pump.   So very versatile.  The metallic shine kicks it up 2 or 3 notches, don’t ya think?

black metallic Calvin Klein pump

Take any khaki, black, navy, denim, and possibly subtly patterned pant (probably not brown), a cute top, and pair with these shoes and I’ll show you one great outfit.  Just love the little gold bow and shiny beads on the toe.  I know  Sam Libby shoes and Sam Edelman shoes so this brand must be a company step child.  Yes, the people in the picture were watching me strangely.

snakeskin flat with gold toe

Oh. My. Gosh.  If you are a size 6-6 1/2  and don’t want these shoes I don’t know what’s wrong with you.  There isn’t one more fashion trend that has been bigger lately than wooden platforms.  These are the perfect transition sandal….put these with any denim you please and wear with pleasure.   A Nine West hit.

cutest black clog sandal ever

Um, yes, I did say Cole Haan.  What?  How much?  $59.99.  Yes, that’s what I said.  These boots are just fabulous….they hit a little lower on the calf, you know, that new cool boot shaft height.  They are brown with just the tinge of gray.  I know for a fact they had a handful in a variety of sizes.  I also know for a fact these 7 1/2′s are gone ’cause my best friend bought them.  Sorry.

Cole Haan flat boot with buckles

Had these shoes been  a 1/2 size up, they would be mine.  So, if you are an 8 1/2 they should be yours.  They were comfortable and around $26.99.  To find a shoe this comfy, a great heel height and so unbelievably stylish is like winning the shoe lottery.  Please someone go buy these and wear them with almost every summer to transition outfit you have!  I love ‘em.  By the way, a picture of your own foot and hiding the other is hard to take.

fabulous neutral gladiator sandal

Lucky.  No, I’m not describing getting green lights all the way through Green Hills.  Lucky Brand, that’s who these clogs are by.  My size, a 9, for $34.99; in store they’d be $70-$80 dollars.  They were so comfortable.  I can just see these with a cute army green short skirt, bare legs,  and a long sleeve black tee this fall.  Or of course, your jeans and a turtle neck to a Friday night football game.  They should be mine.

the best clogs....ever

I took more pictures but I think this post is long enough.  Black slingbacks, Donald Pliner platform casual slip ons, and many more.  You’ve just got to go.  They get shipments on Thursday so late Thursday or early Friday are the best shopping times.  They open at 9 a.m. and close at 8 (maybe 9).  Now that I’ve sung their praises, I have just a couple of cautions.  All shoe styles do not come in all sizes.  For example, I think the shoe above I showed on my foot was the only pair, and this is true for most of the shoes they carry.  Secondly, as I mentioned, there will be very worn looking pairs.   I do not buy these, obviously I would advise you to keep your shoes NOT worn looking so I certainly wouldn’t buy a pair!  And thirdly, some pairs say “as is” on the bottom.  This means they may be mismatched by size, a slight color difference, a stud missing, etc.  Just thoroughly look over before you buy.  There is an exchange only policy.

Good luck, have fun, and call if you’d like me to go with you!!  Thanks for reading.

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