Beyond

I’m Ready To Party

November 30, 2010

The holiday party season is here and my calendar is filling up with events and Christmas parties to attend. So naturally I’ve begun to think about what I’m going to wear to all these festive occasions.

When it come to party attire, I have some basic rules I like to follow, rules that allow me to easily pull together an outfit, perfect for any party occasion.

Here are my “Holiday Wardrobe Rules” & a few of my favorite holiday finds.

1. Wear Your Favorite Color–I don’t know about you, but when I wear my favorite color I am automatically in a happy mood. My spirits are lifted and I feel great. So, a little something red is on my wardrobe list this holiday.

2. Wear Something That Sparkles–Whether it’s a handbag, sweater, earrings or a scarf, the holidays call for something with a bit of bling. Right now, I am so over-the-top in love with sequined sweaters and tops. I love how an embellished sweater paired with a pair of dark denim is all it take to make a splash.

3. Long Earrings are Lushish–I tend to wear long earrings anyway, but during the holidays, I think a pair of long, dangling earrings are a must. Go for something colorful or beaded for a bit of added glam.

4. Make a Statement with your Handbag–This time of year, I tend to pull out my clutch handbags and use them more often. There’s something so feminine and classic about a pretty clutch during the holidays.

5. Don’t sacrifice Warmth for Pretty–I am one of those people who are always cold, so the current fashion trend of fur embellishments are right up my alley. I love a sweater with a fur collar or how a fur scarf can dress up a plain outfit.

6. Flash Your Footwear–The holidays are a great time to pull out that special pair to footwear and dress up a plain pair of black pants or jeans.

Bell Sleeve Cable Sweater–Victoria’s Secret $29.00

Notte By Marchesa–at The Outnet

Disney Couture Necklace by Tom Binns–at Endless.com

Big Buddha Mia Rosette Satchel–at Lord & Taylor $85.00

Black & Zebra Bangle Set–Wet Seal $12.50

Only Mine Ruffle Cardigan–at Nordstrom $88.00

These lovely red beaded chandelier earrings are from Anthropologie for $58.00

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincents–at Zappos

Marc by Marc Jacobs–at Barney’s

Michael Kors–at Macy’s $61.00

Vince Sequined Top–at Net-a-Porter

Sam & Lavi–at Farfetch.com $132.00

Olive and Oak–at Urban Outfitters $59.00

Adam Bamboo & Cashmere Cardigan–at Net-a-Porter

This beautiful cardigan is available at Kohl’s for $29.99. Colors: Plum, Black or Silver. I purchased the silver color for myself.

Santi Clutch–Endless.com

LaRegale Rhinestone Clutch–Ebags $67.20

Kotur Green Sequin Clutch–Shirise

LaRegale Leopard Clutch–Ebags $25.60

Menbur Eilinel Clutch–Endless.com $63

Teardrop Sequin Cross Body Clutch–Banana Republic

LeRagle Red Sequin Clutch–Lori’s Shoes $42.00

I love this ruffled clutch. It’s from Macy’s and sells for $35.99

Karl Donoghue Suede & Shearling Shrug–at Net-a-Porter

Nicholas K. Jag Cardigan–at Blue & Cream

Faux Fur Button Front Jacket–Charlotte Russe $59.50

Lux Fur Vest–Charlotte Russe–$44.50

Byte by Teso Jacket–at Neiman Marcus

Brown Faux Fur Collar–Torrid $16.00

How adorable is this fur-trimmed cardigan? Yours for $39.99 from Kohl’s

Poetic Licence–Lori’s Shoes

Betsy Johnson T-Strap Sandal–Endless.com $165.00

Chariot Animal Print Sling Back–Kate Spade

Jones New York Red Pump–DSW $59.95

Vaneli Ingrid Bootie–Endless.com $93.00

Caparros Kellen Flat–Endless.com $42.64

Franco Sarto–Zappos $64.00

So, with my first holiday party coming up this weekend, and my party attire in place, I’m ready to celebrate the season!

Do you have a ‘go to’ party look?

THINGS I LOVE

November 9, 2010

Have you ever taken a moment to look around your home, only to realize that a specific design elements keeps appearing over and over again? That my friends is a sign of “design love”. Recently, I noticed that many of my purchased over the last year or so have been decorative items made of Mercury Glass.

I just love the antique, worn silver finish of mercury glass and how it adds an unexpected elegance to my decor.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

A grouping of these mercury glass votive holders sit on my coffee table. I love to use them year round, but especially love the shimmering glow this time of year.

This mercury glass decanter sits on the side of my tub, filled with my favorite bath salts.

Both of these lidded jars sit on my bathroom vanity, atop an oval wood tray. I just love how that make my everyday necessities feel special.

And, I have a few of these which will adorn my Christmas tree this year.

Do you have a favorite decorative element, that makes a statement in your home?

BIG BOX BEAUTIES

November 2, 2010

Even though I am out shopping a lot, I never seem to have time to check out what the Big Box Retail stores are doing, stores like Target, Restoration Hardware, Z Gallerie, Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn. While I do check out products from these companies on-line, visiting these stores in person is a completely different experience. Mass merchants, as they are known, have really stepped up their game and are now offering some of the most stylish and affordable home decor products on the market.

This past weekend I was feeling a bit disconnected from mall shopping, so I carved out a bit of time to hit my favorite mass market retailers and was thrilled to find some incredible home decor items. Check out some of my favorite finds…

Animal Print Bowl–Pier 1. This store is really making a comeback and offering some really great items. Since I love animal prints, I was drawn to this glass bowl.

French Glass Cloches–Restoration Hardware. With Christmas nearing, I can totally envision displaying ornaments and cards under these glass domes.

Love Bird Wall Art–Urban Outfitters. I’m not really a bird person, but I really like the homespun feel of this artwork.

Nest Pillow–Pottery Barn. Simply cute. I’m planning to add this pillow to my guest bedroom.

Pirquette Chair–Crate and Barrel. Typically Crate and Barrel’s furniture leans a bit more contemporary, but I love the classic feel of the fabric and styling of this chair.

Gunmetal Candleholders–Z Gallerie. I’m a sucker for beautiful candleholders. I love the antique distressing of these pieces.

Mirrored Vanity Tray–Target (only $16.99). How cute is this tray? After reading about all the wonderful blogger vanities on Jackie’s blog, SweetiePiePumpkinNoodle, I’m inspired to revamp my vanity a bit, starting with this tray.

Wall Clock–Z Gallerie. Clocks are on of the essential decorative elements I think every home needs, and this is a wonderful classic style.

Chris Madden Faux Fur Rose Pillow–JC Penney–Closeout for $16.99. I typically don’t shop JC Penney, but ever since they’ve partnered with Chris Madden on a furniture and home decor line, I find myself checking them out more often. I love this pillow because of it detail and color.

Chenille Throw–Pottery Barn. I tend to be cold all the time, so I keep a throw, or two in every room. I love the texture of this cotton throw and that the fringe edge is a bit understated. There is nothing more that I hate than a throw with long fringes. Wouldn’t the deep red color be great during the holidays?

Fleur Fabric Covered Boxes–Container Store. For me, the container store is a bit like IKEA–I go in to look at one thing and hours later I exit in a daze. When I visited the store this past weekend, my first stop was the Giftwrap Wonderland. I just love wrapping paper and Container Store has some really cute patterns this year. Next, I checked at all the new storage options they have. I ran across these great fabric covered boxes which I think are so stylish.

Pedestal Bowl–Z Gallerie. I love the Z Gallerie store. They always have a great collection of stylish tableware, like this pedestal bow. Another great option to display ornaments this holiday, don’t you think?

Anthropologie Knobs–So many cute choices to update a piece of furniture.

Velvet Floor Cushion–Urban Outfitters. One of the last stops on my mall shopping adventure was Urban Outfitters. I’m amazing how this store has transformed over the years from a bohemian inspired clothing store, to a store offering trendy clothing, accessories and home decor. I fell in love with their Velvet Floor Cushion. It’s so soft and comes in a range of wonderful colors.

Even though I tend to shop at speciality stores more often than not, I found some great items in the big box stores, and will definitely shop them more often.

Have you found something great at a big box store lately?

MY PERSONAL FASHION STYLE { REVISITED}

October 22, 2010

Apparently I have fashion on my mind this week, because all my blog post have been about fashion.

It’s no surprise, since last weekend I began giving my closet a complete overhaul, which led to a complete overhaul of my wardrobe, which led to a complete overhaul of my accessories, which led to a complete overhaul of my budget, which led me to this point…

I can’t stop thinking about fashion and the personal fashion statement I make every day.

As a person who majored in fashion merchandising, and has spent many years working in the fashion industry, I know a lot about fashion, but am constantly re-defining my personal style.

As I cleaned out my closet last weekend, and sorted through my clothes, footwear and accessories, I realized I needed to go “back to school”, and re-teach myself some of the principles of fashion and how they apply to my personal style. Here’s what I learned…

#1 I Know Myself

Because I have a love for fashion, I tend to give just about every trend and fad a try. What I sometimes fail to realize (or realize too late), is that not every trend is right for me. What works for me is clothing with classic undertones, but with a bit of style, flair and personality!

#2 I Know What Works On My Body

Like most women, I have struggled to find clothing that flatters every aspect of my body. I am best in scoop necks, wider leg pant and tailored silhouettes.

#3 Less Is More

Ok, I’ll admit it…I love to shop. Besides spending hours in the book store, clothes shopping is my vice. I tend to buy things because they are on sale or because I feel like having one more pair of black pants in my wardrobe is necessary. What I know is that having too many options is not always good, and that i need to love every piece of clothing in my wardrobe.

#4 Color Makes Me Happy

Early on in my career, I worked for Eddie Bauer. Most everyone in the company wore solid colors, primarily white, black, grey and tan. Upon joining the company, I jumped on the neutral bandwagon, not because I love those colors, but because I fit in. What I know for sure is that I love color. Colorful clothes make me feel better, express my personality and lift my attitude.

#5 Accessories Give Me An Edge

Without accessories, I feel naked. Accessories are liking frosting on a cake–it’s what brings an outfit to life. I know that accessories help me to turn an outfit from ordinary into extraordinary.

And lastly, my closet exploration made me realize that what I wear does say a lot about who I am, and who I am evolving to be.

If you’re re-evaluating your personal style, check out a few of my favorite style books for a little inspiration…

If you ever get the opportunity to see Clinton in person at one of his Macy’s fashion events, do. His style advise is so wonderful.

This is a great book for anyone that loves saving money when the shop.

There’s not much to say about Coco Chanel’s, except fabulous!

And any style advice from Tim Gunn is great.

Do you love fashion as much as I do? And, what’s your personal style statement?

FASHION FAVE–BROOCHES

October 19, 2010

Every season, it seems that I am hooked on a different fashion or accessory trend that I want to incorporate into my personal fashion line-up. For fall, my first obsession has been with vintage inspired rings, which I wrote about in a earlier post here.

Now, my new obsession is with Brooches.

I love that Brooches come in all shapes, sizes, colors, stones, finishes and designs, and that they can be worn in so many ways.

How cute is a Brooch as a hair accessory?

The first lady adores Brooches and has made them a staple in her wardrobe.

And, the Queen is rarely seen without a Brooch.

One of my favorite ways to use a Brooch is by pinning one to a plain handbag or clutch.

A current wedding trend are Brooch Bouquets.

Here’s a use for vintage Brooches that I think is fab–as an embellishment on a wedding cake. What a great way to incorporate that “something old” element into a wedding.

My obsession with Broochs’ has led me to begin collecting them. I especially love vintage styles, but have found a few mass-produced pieces that I adore too! Here are a few of my faves…

Elements by Jill Schwartz $105–Available at Nordstrom

Trifaria–$18.00 Available at Kohl’s.

Juicy Couture–$78.00 Available from Zappos.com

Kate Spade–$179.00 Available from Zappos.com

As the fall and winter season move into full swing, Broochs’ will definitely be a go-to accessory for the season.

What’s your current fashion obsession?

ELLE DECOR AT KOHL’S

October 8, 2010

When it comes to big box stores, some of them have their stuff together, and some of them don’t. Kohl’s is one of those stores that have their “style” radar pointed in the right direction.

One of the new additions to their home decor department is a collection by Elle Decor. I was amazed at the stylish products and the fabulous price points. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

ELLE DECOR Owl Decor ELLE DECOR Box

ELLE DECOR Pillar Candleholder ELLE DECOR Sequin Decorative Pillow

Elle Decor: Ceramic Owl–$17.49, Lacquered Box $27.99, Pillar Candleholder $41.99, Sequin Pillow $34.99

ELLE DECOR Storage Ottoman ELLE DECOR Bubble Glass Vase

ELLE DECOR Iron Bowl ELLE DECOR Metallic Urn

Elle Decor: Storage Ottoman $90.99, Bubble Glass Vase $34.99, Iron Bowl $41.99, Metallic Urn $34.99

If you haven’t been to a Kohl’s lately, you might want to check them out this weekend. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Have a great weekend!

I Heart Rings

October 7, 2010

I always turn to jewelry when I want to add a little pizzaz to a plain outfit. Typically it is a bold necklace or a colorful pair of earrings, but recently, I’ve been attracted to vintage inspired rings. One of my fashion idols, Rachel Zoe has perfected the art of accessorizing with rings. I love that she never leaves home without one, and in most cases multiple rings on her fingers.

{source}

This fall and winter, I am going to hit some flea markets and antique shops and see what wonderful baubles I can find. I think I’ll look for a beautiful pearl cluster ring, and rings with colorful stones.

Vintage inspired rings will be my go-to accessory this season!