Friday Fabulous: More on the Hands

All year round, but especially now that the fall chill is about to set in, hand creams and lotions are essential.

Imagine yourself, perfection from head to toe...

Hair newly cut and colored by One80 Salon in DC (my favorite place for cut and color--ask for Remi)

Dressed in an adorable suit with a great pair of heels you just purchased from the new Bloomingdales in Chevy Chase (though hands off the Marc Jacobs patents--they're mine!)

And then you go to shake hands and....BLECH!
Dry, gross, all cracked with those little red lines. Talk about killing a look!

So first, get the to a manicure. Then, remember your hand cream!

These are the ones I love:
Natura Bisse Hand Silk Cream
$30.00
www.barneys.com

Clarins Age-Control Hand Lotion SPF 15
$29.00
www.bloomingdales.com

And my new favorite
Neutrogena’s New Norwegian Formula Fast Absorbing Hand Cream
It has a light scent and does not feel sticky. I love it!
$6
www.drugstore.com

Thursday Fashion Profile: Meet the Fashionista

This week's profile is perhaps the hardest working mother in Washington, and is definitely one of the nicest. Do YOU get up at 4:30 on Sundays to go to work? Maybe, but then you get to go back to sleep eventually. Not her, but you'll never see her complain, and you'll never see her looking less than utterly, completely fashionable. And as a native Northern Californian, she always has a fantastic bottle of wine open and ready to serve...

Name: Michelle Jaconi

Occupation: Producer & Political Analyst, Meet the Press

Children: 1 full of pluck, Miss Kylie Kathryn, 7 months-old

What's your "uniform?” Black leggings (machine washable and one of the few styles of pants that fit me as I am 6 feet tall), ballet flats (I love heels, but the joke is that I can’t turn left if I wear heels, as my legs barely fit under the steering wheel as it is), and a crisp white shirt (who has time to iron? I buy a men’s shirt and throw it in with my husband’s dry cleaning and nothing gives you the illusion of being put together more than lip gloss and a little starch).

What is your secret fashion sin? I break out my Uggs from high school at the first sign of snow. My friends say they stand for “ugg-ly” but despite their short-lived East coast trend, as a California-native, I will always love them (despite their winter practicality, they are surfer girl favorites). So they do double duty.

What's your favorite current fashion bargain? I got Nine West flats that are such superb Chanel knock offs that my husband is irritated he bought me the real ones for Christmas (I save his for fancy occasions, and use mine for the spit-up-filled day-to-day).

What's your favorite fashion splurge? Two words, many meanings: Louis Vuitton.

What are your favorite stores? I am a stationery & accessory junkie, so I love Room with a View and Proper Topper in Georgetown. And, as a nursing mom, Nordstrom is my new favorite place in the world (why other stores do not copy their brilliant design/marketing concept is beyond me.) From their café, to the soft lighting in the women’s lounge, I referred to the store as my “office” when I was on maternity leave (it was too cold in January to go anywhere else). It became my “mother’s circle” as all the savvy new moms were there week after week, so we got to know each other & share advice. There was even a pediatrician who was a regular, and who would answer all our questions! Long live Nordie’s!

What do you see as your biggest shopping challenge? Finding pants that fit. And as much as I would think this would be something peculiar to my 6 foot tall frame, I find that very few people wear pants (and jeans!) that fit well. So, we all need a good tailor (and I need clothes companies to leave more hems).

What's your beauty secret? Smile.

Wednesday Q&A: Free To Good Home

My clients ask, What should I do with the clothes that I am not keeping?

My answer- Donate and Consign.

There are several charities that help women have a fresh start that accept clothing for women entering the workforce.

My favorite:
www.suitedforchange.org
1010 Vermont Avenue, suite 900, Washington, DC 20005
202-293-0351

However, as I've mentioned before, 90% of their need is for clothing sized 16 or higher, so if you have plus-sized clothing, you can make an incredible difference in the life of a Washington-area woman.

Consignment shops are another good option, and there are many in the area, depending on what you have to sell.

For high-end items I recommend:

Inga’s Once Is Not Enough
4830 Mac Arthur Blvd, NW Washington DC
(202) 337-3072

Designer Resale
4801 Saint Elmo Ave
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 656-3722

Chic to Chic
15900 Luanne Drive
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 926-7700

...all are great for digging for yourself, too!

My Closet: Go Bright!

Last week I wrote about the importance of full length mirrors. But there is something more basic and more important: lighting.

How else can you tell if your blacks match or if your dress is see through? (think your dress isn't? A friend found out the hard way--via a comment while walking outside, just yesterday!).

I've been in a lot of closets, and let me tell you, most do not have adequate lighting. Is your skirt chocolate brown with a hint of plum or moss? That can be the starting point for an outfit that is nothing short of incredible. Yet you'll never know for sure without proper lights to pick up on those cues.

My husband, an environmental engineer, decided to replace all of our lights bulbs with N.Vision Energy Star bulbs throughout our house. They are wonderful and will last for 9 years and save gobs of energy, BUT they are fluorescent, and therefore shouldn't go in your closet or in your make up area, as anyone who has ever been in an office restroom knows.

The best light bulbs to dress: GE white bulbs, and plenty of them (I'm sure you can find a way to make up for the energy you'll be wasting--kind of like carbon offsetting).

Event Preview: Show Us Your Bloomie's!

Finally at long last, Bloomie's opens!

It seems like just yesterday that someone drove their car into the side of the Hecht's building. And then one day, I looked up and there was a tall, shiny new, modern brick tribute to all that is good about shopping (though really, what's bad about shopping?) in its place.

A quick peek inside reveals a great addition to the fashion mecca that Chevy Chase has become. Its diverse and high-end collection of labels is centered around a giant skylight--ah, shopping in natural light, hoorah!--and from that center hangs an impressive mobile by the artist Brandon D'Leo.

Tuesday is the opening gala honoring the Kennedy Center; Wednesday is the Private Preview, and then Thursday the doors will open to the public. So whichever you're heading to, be there early so you can be the one to see it for yourself and break the news of its fabulousness first.

So on behalf of my clients and my own credit card, welcome to the neighborhood, dear Building o' Betsy!

Friday Fabulous: Grande Dame Hands

When I was ten, I took a modeling class at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase. That was back when they had the Gone With The Wind beautiful winding stair case that allowed you to make such a grand entrance to the floor below.

One thing that was ingrained into me from the class was that it is never, never acceptable to have chipped nail polish. A good manicure completes an outfit, makes you stand a smidge taller, and just gives you a bit more presence (much like floating down the old splendid staircase at 5555 Wisconsin).

However, I'm just not shelling out for a $90 spa mani/pedi, and who really has the time? I need the quick, clean, in-and-out dedicated manicure place that only seems to exist in NYC. Because left to my own devices, my nails look like a preschool art project.

Enter Nail Design in Bethesda . A manicure and pedicure: $35, including a pretty great calf massage--and killer massage chairs, too. Huge stacks of all the latest gossip mags, more OPI and Essie shades than you can shake a well-buffed fingernail at, and it's right across from great shopping at Daisy Too.

You're in, you're out, and you're off to make a grand entrances for the rest of the week.

Nail Design
4927B St. Elmo Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-654-5224

Style Profile: Mary-Frances Wain

The saying "good things happen to good people" has never been proven more true than with style maven Mary-Frances Wain. She's gorgeous, incredibly dressed (being a former NM p.r. director certainly can't hurt), funny as they come, and as a non-profit consultant, she has her hand in just about every fabulous charity event in this town (including the MenzFit event October 4--yes, that's La Mer in your goodie bag, thankyouverymuch).

Here's a bit of insight into her style philosophy...

Name: Mary-Frances Wain

Occupation: Nonprofit Consultant

Children: 1, Sam, age 2

What's your "uniform?”I am an anti-uniform person, but if I have to answer that question it would definitely involve pants and a jacket, but not necessarily a suit, for business. Always heels, even though I’m almost six feet tall. For non-business occasions, just about anything goes..except for jeans and sneakers!

What is your secret fashion sin? Hmmm…I probably wear shoes waaay too long…after they have lived a long and fruitful life, I still will drag them out of the closet, when it is clear they need to be retired.

What's your favorite current fashion bargain? I love H&M and Zara…and have just discovered drugstore.com!!!

What's your favorite fashion splurge? Again, my thoughts run to shoes. (Editor's note: I can TOTALLY vouch for that. Prada comes to mind...)

What are your favorite stores? I love Nana on U Street. Jackie, the owner, is adorable. And, Sarah, knows my style – even if I don’t – and calls or emails when something comes in that I might like. Smart girl!

What do you see as your biggest shopping challenge? Again, almost six feet tall…finding pants that are long enough!!!

What’s your beauty secret? Dove soap.

Wednesday Q&A: Waiting It Out

Q From D:I'm a 38 year old woman with three kids ages 3, 19 months, and 6 weeks. I am still in transition clothing, but I would love to feel a little more put together and clean out my closet a bit. However, I'm not sure this is the right time. Do you recommend I shop now or should I wait until I can fit into some of my pre-pregnancy clothes?

Thanks in advance for your time.

A From Joyce: First of all, congratulations!

As a mother of three myself, I've been there, and know exactly the frustration you're feeling.

Luckily, there are so many wonderfully-priced lines these days that you can spend a little and get a great transition wardrobe. If you want to splurge, I would invest in a great coat, shoes and bag, and a few fun accessories (like a great necklace) that are all keepers for the longterm.

For your wardrobe staples, try these:
A crisp white blouse (Target Mossimo Long-Sleeve Pleated Tux Top, $17.99)

An empire top (if you're nursing, check out this Gap Empire Nursing Top, $28.50)

Grab a pair of black pants or a cute A-line skirt from H&M, and voila!--new wardrobe for little beans.

My Closet: A Little Reflection

An absolute must in everyone’s closet: a full length mirror. Sounds so obvious, though it's amazing how many people don't have one.

Before you head out the door, you must see your entire outfit head to toe (and front to back: yes...turn....around). How else will you know if you look good? (No, standing on your toilet, or jumping up high to get a quick look at the full ensemble doesn't count).

Each week I work with my clients helping them accentuate what they like and embrace what they don’t. So find clothes to enhance your individual body shape, and hold your head up high. Look in that mirror with kind eyes, as if you are looking at your best friend. Remember that you are your own worst critic, so give yourself a once over, focus on the positives, tuck and tweak, and head out.

Make you mirror your friend. Focus in on what you love about your body, even if it something small, like that cute freckle on your little toe. Work it!

Monday Monologue

Last week was craziness! Between the District Sample Sale and my many fabulous finds; reading everything I could get my hands on to see how the trends for spring were taken by the buyers and editors; plus finding out about the magic behind the Ralph Lauren anniversary party (the team behind him: brilliant all), it was a crazy fashion week!

So this week, I think I'm going to take it a bit slow. There are benefits every night this week, magazine parties galore, but I think I'm going to relish in my DSS finds, do my client runs, blog a bit, and all around take it a bit easy. Ahhh.

Friday Fabulous: Nina Favorita!

I just finished Nina Garcia's new book, The Little Black Book of Style. It’s a quick read filled with great tips on how to create your own fashion style while following a few basic rules, and being that she always looks spot-on, I think she's a great inspiration.

In fact, chapter three is titled "Inspirations," and it made me think about those whose fashion has played an inspirational role in my own life.

There are many, but it was my grandmother’s best friend, Mildred, who I truly idolize. That woman can dress: always putting together rich textures that I never would have thought of myself, and of course has a closet of accessories for each outfit. She makes it look effortless, which is the sign of a true fashion maven.

Throughout the book, Nina shows her great sense of humor, which made it fun to read. The illustrations were done by Ruben Toledo: I want to wall paper a power room with his work!

But I think my favorite parts are the quotes, from so many types of sources, all with the thread of style running through them. Anyone who can incorporate a quote from Kurt Cobain into a book about fashion is someone I want to know.

Wednesday (Make that Friday) Q&A: Peeping in from Oxford

Sorry, it was an incredibly busy week, so it's time for a little catch-up..
Q from Denise: What do you think about those lace up high heels? I am not sure if I can get my head around those.

A From Joyce: Ah, the high heeled Oxford. I think they're fun, but are definitely a trend item.

The rule with being a stylish mom, as you know, is that you don't have to follow every trend (and who has time?), but you do need to pay attention to find those that fit your style (lest you find that it's been four years since you picked up a copy of Vogue--or a new pair of shoes bought solely for their comfort).

So back to the topic at hand: if this trend works for you (and I do think it's a fun way to spruce up a winter suit or pencil skirt), I suggest you don't make them an investment piece. The bootie found its way onto every runway last year, so they will not be a hot item for too much longer.

Try these on for size:
The Naso by Nine West ($109)
The Maran peep toe oxford by Vince Camuto.

My Closet: Talking To Myself

I have begun the task of reevaluating my fall clothes.

I do this for my clients every day-so I began talking to myself. Apparently, all is well, I'm doing fine (I asked and I told me).

First, I finally finished reading the phone books that are the fall issues right now, and reviewed the dvds for Fall 2008 lines just to start the creative process. I've also been taking lots of laps in the stores--mostly looking for very specific client pieces, but while I was there, I did a little browsing (all in the name of research!).

Next (today), I went through and tried on all my fall/winter clothes, removing what did not fit and what no longer held its shape. It was a bit warm for cashmere today, but well worth the exercise.

Then I did an evaluation of the things that did fit--found a few moth holes in aforementioned cashmere, a few loose buttons, and a whole lot of shoes and boots that need a visit to their favorite cobbler.

Once you (or I) go through these steps, you'll start to see the key pieces you'll need to finish your wardrobe--and you'll realize that you already probably have a lot of great pieces already there!

My favorites that I'm keeping for this fall:
1. A black pair of wide leg pants
2. A great wool cap
3. A funky cuff bracelet
4. A snakeskin bag

And as for what I'm going to buy? Well, that's for another day...

This Week's Event: T-Minus Three!

What a wonderful weekend: beautiful weather, good shopping, and a fabulous party at photographer Abby Greenawalt's very cool Capitol Hill photo studio (thanks for hosting us, Abby!).

Now looking forward: Wednesday is the District Sample Sale! I've heard the raffle is spectacular (a $10 ticket for charity that can get you everything from a Chef's tasting dinner at Proof to a $350 gift certificate at Relish--according to my source, there are 18 spectacular prizes in all this year.

I'm also told that you should get there at least a 1/2 hour before doors open (6pm for VIPs, 7 for the masses). People start the line up to 2 hours before the doors open, but they will be checking people off down the line, so everyone should be able to enter fairly quickly.

I also asked about payment policies: not all stores will take credit cards, but a lot will. But be sure to bring your ID, a backup, and cash just in case.

As for the clothing selection, you'll find fall items in there as well as end-of-season summer items: check out Zelaya, Lettie Gooch, Maggie and Lola for starters.

Make Up Test

As I was racing through Nordstrom this week looking for the perfect fall jacket for a client, I spotted what looked like a little brown journal. I opened it up to find that it was, in fact, the solution to my morning make up routine.

Power of Makeup Simply Chic by Trish McEvoy

One palate with two lip/cheek colors, one all over face color, one blush, two eye shadows, one shimmer glaze eye shadow, and one definer, all in completely wearable, flattering shades.

I've had one of her Makeup Planners (a combination of cosmetic bag and binder, which allows you to store makeup like pages--a brilliant concept) for years, but it has seen better days and the crocodile patterned cases she introduced for fall look great (though the smallest one will set you back $55).

This palate is perfect for day: totally natural colors that work together to create a fresh clean look and the case is small enough to fit in your purse. This makes me very happy.

Wednesday Q&A: Fall Sprucing

Q from Linda: I don't want to invest in a whole new wardrobe for fall. Can you suggest some key pieces to buy?

A from Joyce: To keep current without redoing your entire wardrobe, here is what I recommend:

Look for a three quarter sleeve jacket. One suggestion: JCrew’s felted-wool Pippa jacket ($195; it also comes in forever-classic houndstooth as well for $325)

Buy a fabulous big handbag. Handbags are all over the map for fall from xxs to xxl, but a clutch for a mom? Completely unrealistic, so go big. Tory Burch's silver crinkled leather tote is $425 or Betsey Johnson's London Dome Satchel ($295), both at Bloomingdales.com

And if you dare, the last must-have item this season a great pair of ankle boots. The choices and price points are endless, from the faux-suede Hassel at Payless.com ($29.99) to Christian Louboutin's black suede Goya booties at Saks.com ($945. I also love the Lapano loafer which juxtaposes the trendy bootie, ups the ante with a zipper, yet with a patent loafer front--very fun!). Paired with opaque hose, these will make you look of-the-moment (and if you spend at the lower end of the scale, you won't feel of-the-poorhouse).

ISO: A Good Home(must be loving and have a suede brush)

I have a pair of Rebecca Sanver red suede wedges with really awesome embellishments on the heels. They are beautiful.

I have never worn them.

At the time of purchase, I was so mesmerized by their coolness that I didn't even realize they were too wide for my feet.

So now what? Just give them away? Keep them on my shelf and just admire them?

This is a dilemma we all face, whether its shoes, tops, dresses, men….

Here are a few options:
1.) Host a clothing swap. invite 10 friends over for cocktails and shopping. Have each person bring 10 in-season items that are in good shape (read: no yellowed T-shirts..). Items that they would wear if they fit, or they weren't sick of them, or they bought but, say, didn't realize that they were too wide. Trade away.

2.) Have a sale. Consignment shops, Craig's List, Ebay, even the Washington Post classifieds are options for good designer clothing that needs a good home.

3.) Suit up for charity. Professional suiting is always needed for charities such as Suited for Change--but note that 90% of their clients are sized 16 or higher, so call to see what their current needs are first.

4.) Pay it forward: drop it off at the Salvation Army, for some stylish but strapped 22 year old Hill staffer to find and cherish (while helping a good cause at the same time!).

As for Ms. Sanver and her red suede fabulousness, they went to a friend who I knew had been eyeing them (and whose feet were a perfect match). And now I have room on my shelf for a new even cooler pair of shoes that will actually fit.