Roots and All

Hello Hello Hello

www.whitehouseblackmarket.com

There is an echo in my closet. Over the weekend I strategically went through my entire wardrobe, again.

I forced myself to get rid of many old favorites. ( clients take delight-I had a taste of my own medicine)

So, here is one thing that I kept.

This chic drape neck top in versatile black matte jersey always looks polished. Full front, cap sleeves and loads of stretch make this top ultra flattering. 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex.
It's hand washable. $68

Must Have Priorities

Brighten up your cold rainy Monday with this Priorities sunflower cotton "Phoebe" hooded raincoat. http://www.bluefly.com/ has trenches and cropped jackets 40% off retail prices. This jacket was $230, but on Bluefly it is $138. The day may be gray, but you dont have to be.

He's everywhere!

Q. from Allison

I see Michael Kors in all the store, some things are reasonably priced and some are super expensive, can you explain this?

A. from Joyce

Yes, There are three Michael Kors Lines.

1.MICHAEL Michael Kors $

2.KORS Michael Kors $$

3.Michael Kors $$$

Michael Kors started out with runway fashions in 1981. In 2004 the MICHAEL Michael Kors and KORS Michael Kors lines were launched.

The MICHAEL and Michael Kors lines include women's ready-to-wear apparel as well as handbags and shoes, and accessories. The KORS line is footwear.

So, what you see on http://www.macys.com/ is quite different from what you see in high end boutiques including http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/ .

It is a matter of budget and style and preference.

Splish Splash!

Yesterday bought myself a pair of rain boots! My first pair since I was seven.

While I was at Nordstrom's yesterday with one of my awesome clients, I saw these cute Burberry rain boots and decided that I really needed them in order to get through the rest of my very wet day. So, I took off my damp shoes, popped these babies on, tucked in my jeans, and I was off to face the puddles!

http://www.nordstrom.com/ $160.00

If Burberry is not your thing, how about these adorable boots from Urban Outfitters, http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/ $38.00

Worth Repeating

Autism Speaks is an organization that helps children with Autism and their families. Today is the beginning of their fundraiser Eat Shop Give. This is a cause very close to my heart. I really do not know anyone that does not have a child, niece/nephew, or neighbor struggling with this issue.

Autism Speaks is an amazing organization that raises money and hope by donating to research and gives community support to help families, schools and individuals dealing with Autism.
Now you can give your help and shop at the same time!
April 21-27, 2008

Autism Speaks is pleased to announce the launch of the premier shopping and dining event in Montgomery County.

By participating in the Eat, Shop, Give program, you will help raise awareness and much needed funds for Autism Speaks to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders!
Here’s how it works:

Purchase an Eat, Shop, Give (ESG) key tag for $50.00. Receive a 20% discount at a variety of businesses during the promotional period from Monday, April 21, 2008 through Sunday, April 27, 2008. A program of participating merchants will be included with each ESG card purchase. All proceeds of ESG card purchases benefit Autism Speaks. Click here (PDF) to download the Program Guide which includes all participating providers.

Never Can Say Goodbye

Why do my favorite product get discontinued and phased out? WHY?

Many people take it as an opportunity to break out of their rut and try something new. I truly believe that is a very good idea. It is important to periodically change your products(i.e. lip colors and eyes shadow colors) to keep yourself fresh.

Except when it comes to my Frederick Fekkai Finishing Polish! I love this product! It's right up there with double sided tape and creamy hand lotion.

I decided not to move on, but to search to the ends of the earth for this product. There must be overstock somewhere......

I began to surf the Internet -I found it!

I went to http://www.shopping.msn.com/, which then led me to http://www.fragrancex.com/.

Prior to this I found my favorite perfume(which had also been discontinued) on http://www.overstock.com/. Caution-check the expiration date on perfumes and cosmetics, they do have a shelf life.

It's a Cinch!

Classiques Entier® Belted Jacket And Pants

http://www.nordstrom.com/

Q. From Ellen

I have an ample bust and booty, but when I put on a suit-I just look boxy. What do you suggest?

A. From Joyce

Although you cannot tell from this picture, this suit is perfect for shapely women. This suit is made of Wool/Lycra® spandex.

It has a deep neckline with one button that sits right under the bust line and a belt that cinches at the waist. It really shows off an hour glass figure beautifully. This is a wow suit! Plus it is black, oh , how we love black.

Caviar Dreams

Sometimes great clothes are not enough, yes, I actually said that!

But only because I am talking about makeup. As the seasons change so does our skin. We need to ramp up our daily routine and try new and fun products.

Caviar Eye Liner - $22.00
Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Liner delivers long-lasting pure colour with a rich texture similar to Kohl Eye Pencils.
Ideal formula applies effortlessly, & is mistake-proof
Never drops colour onto the cheek or face
Buildable pigment allows inifinite looks
Use wet or dry for a smoky look
0.10 oz./3.0g

http://www.lauramercier.com/

Trunk Show & Sale

The Eyes Have It

My family and I went to a little cafe (which is a very generous description) in South Carolina during spring break. I told the woman that I could not read her menu and asked her for a suggestion of what to order. I later realized that she thought I was illiterate.

So, yesterday I went to the optometrist to get reading glasses.

But not just any eye doctor,

I went to WINK EYECARE BOUTIQUE.

I must begin by saying the her office manager Amy was friendly and highly competent, which is really important to me.

The boutique is beautiful, Dr. Rachel's equipment is state of the art, and her glasses selection wass superb.

Dr. Cohn is simply wonderful. Along with giving the best medical care, Rachel helps you find the most flattering frames for your face.

Now I will be able to read AND look fabulous.

Dr. Rachel Cohn

Optometrist

1095 Seven Locks Road

Potomac, MD 20854

301-545-1111

http://www.wink.net/

Style Profile: Debbie Brodsky

When I first met Debbie, I was drawn in by her friendliness and beautiful smile.


Then I found out that Debbie was a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked as a producer with public television, including South Carolina ETV (PBS), WETA (PBS), and most recently, MHz NETWORKS. She has won three NATAS-DC Emmy Awards for her work, including one for Best Documentary. She has also worked for TLC, Fox, and programs like “Entertainment Tonight” and “Reading Rainbow.” She now produces Life Stories on DVD. http://www.dmbpictures.com/

Name: Debbie Brodsky

Occupation: Owner, DMB Pictures, Life Stories on DVD

Children: Adam, age 4 and Bryan, age 1, who missed having the same birthday as his brother by just a few hours

What's your "uniform?”
Jeans with a great sweater/top. It’s comfortable to be in while editing films at my desk, and flexible for being around kids with tomato sauce hands and runny noses. I can dress it up on short notice with a nice pair of boots and some jewelry.

What is your secret fashion sin ?
My pajamas. I have a huge XXL t-shirt that my friend gave me from a press junket years ago that is incredibly soft and comfy to sleep in. It’s from the movie “Booty Call” and says so right on the front. I actually had to go to the emergency room one night during my last pregnancy with a severe nosebleed and was hysterical when I realized that’s what I was wearing! I swore never to wear it again, but old habits die hard…

What's your favorite current fashion bargain? Banana Republic Petites on sale.

What's your favorite fashion splurge? Make-up. I love Trish McEvoy products and MAC’s eyeshadow in Jest—I always get compliments when I wear them.


What are your favorite stores?
Nordstrom Petites, Banana Republic Petites, and Bloomingdale’s Petites.

What do you see as your biggest shopping challenge?
With two small kids at home along with running my own business, there’s not much time to shop.

What’s your beauty secret?
My Mom has always been a big proponent of staying out of the sun and wearing sunscreen. She’s 63 and looks like she could be in her 40’s. So I’ve tried to follow her advice.

something to cheer about

Q. from Donna

Do you have a stylish suggestion for a mom that spends her Saturdays cold and wet cheering her children on at soccer games?

A. from Joyce

Why yes I do! As fellow cheer mom, I understand the need for style and comfort. Along with big sunglasses and SPF (always wear SPF even when it cold and overcast), you need a great jacket. This City Trench Coat from Target for $69.99 is perfect. Warm ,dry and with pockets large enough for your cell phone and camera! It is also available in bronze. http://www.target.com/

Hug away!

When you are on vacation the last thing you want to do is laundry. But if you are like me, you like to pack light and mix and match your clothes.

So what happens when you child wipes their hands on your sweater all under the guise of a hug? Sure you can wash your sweater-but where will you flat dry it?

The Container Store comes through again! For $7.99 you can accept that hug with open arms. They have a collapsible drying rack similar to those Playhut tents(only easier to fold back up!) so you can pop it right in your weekend bag and you are good to go.

Eat Shop Give

Autism Speaks is an amazing organization that raises money and hope by donating to research and community support to help families, schools and individuals deal with Autism.

Now you can give your help and shop at the same time!

April 21-27, 2008

VIP Shopping April 17-18

Autism Speaks is pleased to announce the launch of the premier shopping and dining event in Montgomery County.

By participating in the Eat, Shop, Give program, you will help raise awareness and much needed funds for Autism Speaks to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders!

Here’s how it works:
Purchase an Eat, Shop, Give (ESG) key tag for $50.00.
Receive a 20% discount at a variety of businesses during the promotional period from Monday, April 21, 2008 through Sunday, April 27, 2008.
Also receive a debit card valued at $25 for Latin Concepts restaurants, for their wine bar.
A program of participating merchants will be included with each ESG card purchase.
All proceeds of ESG card purchases benefit Autism Speaks.
Click here (PDF) to download the Program Guide which includes all participating providers.
Bethesda Magazine will donate $10 of every subscription to Autism Speaks!Visit www.bethesdamagazine.com/subscribe to subscribe.Enter code WNPAS1 when prompted.

Sea Me

While I was on vacation last week, I must say my hair looked really good, (this is not a picture of me-but this is the product). I attribute it to a great cut and color from Salon One80 and the fabulous sea air. There is a product that will duplicate the fresh from the sea look with out you having to travel. It is called Aquage sea salt texturing spray.

Aquage. Ultra light salon haircare with healing sea botanicals.

Aquage haircare and styling innovations bring you the best of sea and science – combining the highest quality, professional grade ingredients with today’s most advanced haircare technology. The healing benefits of our exclusive Algaeplex® sea botanicals in each Aquage product nurture, hydrate, strengthen and protect your hair… beautifully.

http://www.aquage.com/

AquaGirl

Q. from K

I am in a wedding which takes place in St. Lucia. It can be any style>> ("beachy" formal) but has to be blue (any shade). Any ideas of where to look?



A. from J.

That sounds amazing, take me with you!
Finding a blue dress can get tricky, look for the right shade of blue that compliments your skin tone and hair color. For example-If you have fair skin and blond hair, stay away from pastels, try a bright blue or navy.

The Maxi dress is a great choice for creating that "beachy' formal look. I love this one from Kay Unger, http://www.neimanmarcus.com/ Perfect for the Caribbean.

Three Great Choices

How much do I love this Hugo Boss silk wrap top? Well, it is beautiful, and it is $375

So, how about this one? BCBG, same colors for $118.

Okay, how about this one from Banana Republic for $78?