Joyce Neave style group


Joyce styles both women and men and is a consultant for several media companies, associations, newspapers, and online magazines. Joyce and her team keep clients current with fashion trends while maintaining a classic, timeless look.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Wednesday Q&A: Spooky Pricetags

Q from Alice: I went to your fashion show last week, I loved the looks but not the price tags, any suggestions?

A from Joyce: I get cha. Yes, Saturday I was at Target. They have jeweled short sleeve tops that look great. I also saw several really cute machine washable dresses and sweaters. Once you have decided the look you want. Use it as an inspiration. Then make a budget for your outfit. Plan on spending the most on your basic pieces and the least on the trendy. Try Target, H&M, Loehmann's, Kohl's. You do not have to go broke to look great.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Happy Toes

As I ran around all day Friday in the pouring rain, accidentally stepping in puddles I smiled because I had on the greatest boots. Weatherproof and comfortable AND stylish. Yes, hard to believe but true. LeCanadienne makes the greatest boots, tall, ankle, wedge and heeled. I have them in brown and black. As a busy mom and stylist, I need shoes that I can run errands, work with clients and play with my kids all the while keeping my feet dry and happy. These are perfect.

Shopping Event: Sissy Yates

Sangaree opened up this year to much acclaim. It's incredibly hard--even on a really busy day--to walk past their beautiful windows without at least stopping in to do a lap.

Thursday gives you an excuse to come in and stay for a while: McLean jeweler Sissy Yates (yes, she of the absolute cult following and sister to Alex Wentworth) is having a trunk show and personal appearance at the store, with an (unspecified) portion of proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Thursday, November 1
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3288 M Street NW, Washington

RSVP: (202) 333-4690 or j.cline@sangareeboutique.com

Friday, October 26, 2007

Friday Fabulous: Kisses All Around

Before I tell you about my new find, I wanted to thank all of you who came to the That Mom Fashion Show.

If you missed it, here's the recap: brand-new Bloomie's fabulousness (including the perfect runway setup), wine, hors d'oevures, about 60 fabulous mommies (and about 15 adorable babies!), beautiful clothes, a slightly botched script, models changing at a speed I never even thought possible, a few laughs, a DVF color-blocked dress that had the dressing rooms lined up 10-deep, Bobbi Brown fabulousness (from the Lipstick Bar for guests to the models' amazing makeup to their fun lipgloss gifts for all), pj's and Uggs, another round of wine, and proceeds benefiting the GW Mammovan Project.

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you.

So now on to more fabulousness:
A friend of a friend sent me Mary Kay Lip Balm, so I tried it. You know how in the winter when you put lip stick on and it is crumbly because your lips are so dry? This makes the ideal first coat to combat exactly that (and I've tried them all). You start with the lip mask for 1 minute and then the lip balm. That's it. I had never tried Mary Kay products before-I am now hooked on this lip balm. It is called Satin Lips. The mask and balm together are only $16. Fabulous!

Mary Kay
Chrisie King
301-602-8217

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Weekend Fabulous: A Real Treasure

I just received this sale invitation and had to share it with all of you. The Wisconsin Avenue Collections is one of my favorite places to buy furniture and jewelry. They have high-end new and consigned furniture, paintings, and jewelry.

John, the owner/designer extraordinaire will help you choose the perfect addition to your home or jewelry box. My two favorite
gems from there are my lovely Ruby ring and an etching of old Italy.

In celebration of their fourth anniversary this weekend:
BUY 1 ITEM GET 15% OFF
BUY 2 ITEMS GET 25% OFF
BUY 3 ITEMS GET 35% OFF

Bring a friend and combine your purchases to receive the best discount (their offer!). Sale is for all fine jewelry, bling travel jewelry (?) and specially designed bead jewelry.

Wisconsin Avenue Collections
4940 Wisconsin Avenue
4 blocks south of Mazza Gallerie

Saturday 11-7, Sunday 11-5

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Style Profile: Corina DuBois

Mix one part NYC cleverness, one part California laidbackness, and a good dose of midwest friendliness and you get Corina DuBois of Stroller Strides and Celebrate Mama! LLC. Yes, she loves moms so much that she exercises them and celebrates them (at her annual Mama festival, which takes place each spring in Montgomery County). That's dedication. She's the latest in our occasional series of fabulous DC-area moms...

Name: Corina DuBois

Occupation: Owner, Stroller Strides Montgomery County & Creator of Celebrate Mama! LLC

Children: Holden, 3 years and Nolan 2 years (both boys)

What's your "uniform?” I work out every day for a living, so I am always wearing workout gear. I LOVE fashion but never have the time to change… so you will see me getting coffee, shopping, at the park still in workout clothes from the morning. Thank Goodness for wicking material!

What is your secret fashion sin? I have expensive taste and a mom budget. So, if I’m not in workout gear, I’m decked out in a strange combo of Old Navy jeans and Stuart Weitzman shoes. I always wonder if I’m going to look up and see that I’m too old for the clothes I like (I secretly like to pick things up at Forever 21). Oh, and I like bejeweled things. I owned a Bedazzler back in the day.

What's your favorite current fashion bargain? Bluefly.com

What's your favorite fashion splurge? SHOES!! SHOES!! SHOES!! And Coach purses. Oh, and every season I buy a fun necklace and bracelet combo to jangle up the jeans and shirt staples.

What are your favorite stores? J Crew, High End Department Stores (Saks, Neimans), lucy (for workout gear) and (sadly) Target

What do you see as your biggest shopping challenge? Not going overboard because I know I generally wear workout clothes and don’t have that many nights out that require 3 inch heels or 3 pairs of boots.

What’s your beauty secret? Thinking I look hot even in workout clothes that I’ve been schlepping around in all day. It does wonders for the image I project. Seriously.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Wednesday Q&A: It's a Keeper!

Q from Lucy: My third child just turned two. Before he gets too out of hand, I want to take a bit of time to get organized and clean my closet.

How do I decide what to get rid of and what to keep?

A from Joyce: When working with clients, I take everything that does not currently fit out of their closet. There will be a lot of things that you want to save, but you must evaluate them honestly. First, what will it take for you to wear them again? (are they close and can be tailored? are you planning on having more children? Planning on losing weight? Was the item a great transitional piece?) Next, divide them into these categories and label and store them neatly away (or take them to the tailor--and do it while you're motivated). Things that you decide you'll never wear again should be donated.

Once you see what you have left, don't be shocked when you realize how little it may seem that you have. But you'll quickly realize that you now have a clean closet filled with the things you actually wear without having to dig through the rest.

Plus once you're clear of the clutter, it will be much easier to develop your list of what you need to create a working wardrobe. If you are not sure what you need, pick up a few magazines, or pick up the phone and give me a call!

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

My Closet

Each piece of clothing added into my wardrobe is like a piece of the puzzle that is my wardrobe. I think about what it will go with in my closet before I decide to buy. I, too, make a shopping list while standing in my closet before heading out (see, I do follow my own advice!).

So with that, I say welcome, my little purple friend!

Well, its actually more of a deep blue purple plummy kind of shade. Its sleeves: long; its fabric: silk; its neck: scoop, flattering on everyone. Its detail: fun pleating. I must get a decent digital camera. My list said "something new for jeans, gray wool slacks and black skirt." It fits the bill for all three.

I found it at Reiss in Georgetown. I love this store. Their clothes are beautiful and you won't see them anywhere else in town.

Reiss
1254 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20007
www.Reiss.co.uk

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Weekend Fabulous: Haute Holiday

Okay, so it's a bit of an extravagance, but I'm really, really thinking about it...

Haute Papier, the Georgetown-headquartered stationery company, has just announced its Haute Holiday Gift Wrapping Service.

You contact them, they pick up your packages, wrap each one gorgeously, then drop them off, all ready to go.

If you live nearby, pickup and delivery is free (Georgetown, Foxhalll, Foggy Bottom); elsewhere in the nearby DC metro region it is a $20 pickup surcharge.

Best of all, they are donating a percentage of all sales of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

The service begins November 1 and runs through December 20 (so it will be a no-go for those of us who wait until the verylastsecond); prices start at just $3 for a small package.

Haute Papier
202.337.1623
www.hautepapier.com

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Wednesday Q&A: Keeping Up With The Vogueses

Q from Carol: I'm not a frumpy person, but I just can't spend all of my time keeping up with every latest trend (and most aren't that flattering unless you're 5'10" and 100 lbs anyway). But I do want to update a bit. Are there smaller steps you'd recommend?

A from Joyce: Being stylish has more to do with expressing yourself and having confidence than following the trends.

If you live a casual life, look for clothes that fit your life, fit your body and flatter your personal shape. Look for colors that complement your hair color and skin tone. When you shop, buy complete outfits to create a polished look, and ask the salesperson (or me!) what else you think the pants/top/skirt would look good with, and see if any of that matches what is already in your closet.

The most stylish women in the world dress to express, and never copy every last trend.

And two other reminders: 1.) get a new bra with that new outfit and b.) finish your look with a great hair cut. (My favorite salon is One80 in D.C., as they're great with transformative color).

Tuesday: Let It Snow!

Is anyone else sick of this hot weather?
I want to wear all my great new fall clothes!
Here are the top three bargins I am dying to wear…

1.A Sally Tseng Bogart wool Jacket in black, from My Sister’s Closet in Vienna Va. I found it at the District Sample Sale ($546.00 for $50!)

2. A dark gray wool Classiques sweater with ruffles at the collar and sleeves(from the July presale at Nordstoms ($198.00 for $ 129.90)

3. A black velvet cap by Scala Pronto from Loehmanns ($17.99)

Old Man Winter come and get me!

Monday, October 8, 2007

Monday Monologue: My Event!

You may have seen a blurb or two printed up, and you may get an invitation in the mail this week, but no matter what, here's a little preview:

What: Be THAT Mom Event
Where: Bloomingdale's Chevy Chase, Level Two
When: Wednesday, October 24, 11-1

The details: I'll be hosting a runway presentation of the "fabulous, practical" fashions on which I've staked the That Mom, Inc. name. There will be a runway show, light lunchtime nibbles and cocktails--the perfect lunchtime getaway!

Best of all, Bloomingdale's will donate 10% of any sales at the event to the GW Mammovan Program, the mobile mammogram service that serves uninsured and underserved women throughout the Washington region.

If you'd like to be put on the invitation list, email me and I'll be glad to send you an invite!

Friday, October 5, 2007

Friday Fatbulous: TMI

I really do not want to know how much fat there is in McDonalds French fries. I know they are not good for me; I know that if I eat too many my jeans will be tight. But it is something I choose to overlook as I'm shoving in a handful in my mouth as I'm heading down the road to the next child’s sporting event.

However, there are times less frantic when I am curious, and do appreciate when a restaurant offers healthy selections.

Rock Creek Restaurant in DC has created a delicious menu with low calorie and fat alternatives. Health specifics are listed in the menu, but on a separate page if you simply just need to know.

Rock Creek Restaurant
5300 Wisconsin Avenue
Washington, DC 20015
202-966-ROCK

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Wednesday Q&A: Blueberry or Poppy?

Q from Susan: I really want to wear jeans that don’t show my post-baby muffin top, but don't look like mom jeans, either. Any suggestions?

A from Joyce: It's not difficult, it just takes a little time to find the perfect pair for you. Luckily, waists are starting to creep up, giving you some options for jeans that hit you right at the waist. If they are too low they will transform you into a doughy pastry; too high and you'll get the mom jean effect. (And of course, NO PLEATS. EVER.)

Also, remember that if you wear jeans a lot, it's better to invest in a few pairs that look great and that you can wear out and about than to get a few unflattering pairs that you won't want to leave the house in.

Try these;
James Jeans, Hector ($185)
Joe’s Jeans, Muse ($172)
Chip and Pepper’s Olivia ($165)
All these and more can be found at the Denim Bar Online.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

My Closet: Unwired

Let’s talk about wire hangers.

They are good for two things:
1.) Making mobiles with your kids;
2.) Unlocking doors.

That is IT.

So, if you are guilty-and you know who you are--get rid of those clothes-killing hangers once and for all.

Done? Good. Now here are some more tips to save your clothes:
-All knits must be folded
-All stretch fabrics (except jeans) must be folded.
-Plastic hangers are great; the ones from department stores are perfect and free.

If you choose to buy your hangers, I like The Great American Hanger Company, www.hangers.com

Monday, October 1, 2007

Shopping Event: Taste of Zelaya!

If you're heading over to the Taste of Bethesda festival this coming weekend (50 restaurants participating--how can you not?), definitely stop by Zelaya Shoes for their underground, quite fabulous sale.

If you haven't been, Zelaya is the shoe store located in the back of Daisy Too, and for this one day, I've heard that all of their back rack sale shoes (including some fabulous fall selections) will be between 80 - 90% off!

And after you've eaten your way through 50 restaurants, really, shoes are the only thing you'll feel like shopping for.

Zelaya Shoes
4940 St. Elmo Avenue
Bethesda