Shades of Gray

Bright bold colors all everywhere this fall.

Worn with black makes a bold statement.

But if that is not your style, try putting your berries and bright blues, and greens with grays.

Gray neutralizes the overall brightness of an outfit creating a sophisticated elegant look.

This dress and cardigan are from Magaschoni. If this is more than you wish to spend (it is for me)- just look at it as an example of what works. http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod65350096&parentId=cat18040733&masterId=cat18040732&index=65&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat000003cat18040732cat18040733

Just Right

Fall, it's not hot, it's not cold-It's just right.

And so is this cotton cardigan from Anne Klein.

For $69.50 this machine washable sweater can be worn with jeans on a casual day or slacks/skirt to work. Either way, you will look stylish and fabulous. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2982766/0~2376776~2374327~6012183~6012185?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6012185&P=1

Crossing the Pond

GEORGETOWN WELCOMES

KAREN MILLEN ENGLAND

PLEASE COME JOIN US FOR THE GRAND OPENING OF THE HOTTEST WOMEN’S WEAR DESIGNER IN LONDON

Tuesday, August 26, 2008
11:00 am – 8:00 pm
1259 Wisconsin Avenue
Washington, DC 20007
202.333.0280

Finally, time to relax

Now that the kids are heading back to school, you can finally relax with that hot cup of coffee. It's time to think about you-and your fall wardrobe.

With the economy the way it is, it's more important now than ever to plan your purchases wisely.

Make a list of what you need and want( yes, they are two different things), and a budget. I always suggest to my clients to spend on the basics and find your trendier pieces for less.

One good way to get started is browse through the websites, see what is available and what you like. If they are too expensive, just use them as an idea. Think of them as inspiration pieces-you can always find something similar for less.

Here are a few websites to get you started:

http://www.shopbop.com/ http://www.neimanmarcus.com/ http://www.revolveclothing.com/

True Adoration

Whether you are shopping locally or going out of town,

Here's how to find the perfect place to shop...

StoreAdore

I love this website.

Whenever I am traveling to a new city or wanting to try somewhere new at home,

I log onto http://www.storeadore.com

I plug in where I'm going and what I'm looking for. Then, I print out my list and off I go.

Along with detailed shopping info, they have an informative blog, discounts and contests, and a community to read and leave comments.

Meredith Barnett (former editor of Lucky Mag) and Cristina Miller, best friends and avid shoppers, created this fabulous site. With all the great information on this user friendly site, you will find what you want in no time; but this site is so much fun you may not want to leave. They have become the go-to girls for great finds. StoreAdore is the mapquest for shopping.

Style Profile: Ruth Barzel

I have been a huge fan of Ruth Barzel for several years. I love her jewelry and her sense of style.

Name: Ruth Barzel

Occupation: Owner, Ruth Barzel Jewelry Design (www.ruthbarzel.com)
Children: Two, ages 7 and 15

What's your "uniform?”
Jeans and a cute tee shirt or sweater, accented with my own jewelry.

What is your secret fashion sin ?
Wearing my husband’s old, torn, size XL white Hanes tees to bed.

What's your favorite current fashion bargain?
Mossimo blazers from Target. They fit perfectly!

What's your favorite fashion splurge?
A stainless steel Cartier watch. I wear it every day.

What are your favorite stores?
Daisy Too, Treat, J Crew, the Barney’s outlet in Leesburg, and (for jewelry) Relish.

What do you see as your biggest shopping challenge?
Resisting anything that doesn’t fit my body and my age, no matter how stylish it is or how fabulous it looks on someone else.

What’s your beauty secret?
Jewelry can transform the most basic outfit in seconds. Avoid matching sets. Instead, mix jewelry by different designers, or pair funky pieces with classics—like a chunky necklace with diamond stud earrings or several cool bracelets and the Victorian ring you inherited from your grandmother.
____________________________________

To learn more about Ruth Barzel Jewelry Design line, visit www.ruthbarzel.com. To buy online, go to www.ruthbarzeljewelry.etsy.com, or shop locally at Apres Peau, Caramel, Daisy Too, Stanton Gallery, Sugar, and Treat. And visit Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Ruth-Barzel-Jewelry-Design/9348107629?ref=ts to get updates and see photos of new pieces. Don’t forget to become a fan!

It's not too late

Tickets for the Fall 2008 DISTRICT SAMPLE SALE can still be purchased online

http://www.districtsamplesale.com/

September 9th

The Galleria at Lafayette Centre . 1155 21st Street, NW . Washington, DCEntrance on 21st Street between M & L

It's the sale of the season, don't miss it!

Trend Event

NEIMAN MARCUS TREND EVENT

WHAT: Neiman Marcus introduces its Fall 2008 Trend Event. With the purchase of $250.00 from anywhere in the store while supplies last, the customer will receive a berry-colored Neiman Marcus exclusive jelly PDA/mobile cover.


WHEN: Friday, August 15th - Saturday, August 23rd


WHY: This week-long, exclusive Neiman Marcus event highlights the Fall 2008 season's top trends for women and men. These include berry colors, satin, high-vamp shoes, lace, sleek shapes, romantic blouses, and statement jewelry for women. For men, the focus is on shades of gray, peak lapels, peacoats, cardigans, vests, and exotics.


WHERE: All Neiman Marcus Locations

Hemmed and Awed

Q. from Andie-

I keep seeing really cute trouser jeans. I would like to get a pair, the problem is that I am plus size. So, my question is two part. 1. Should plus size women stay away from wide legged jeans? and if you say they are good, 2. Where can I find a good quality pair?

A. from Joyce-

You can definitely wear wide legged trousers. If fitted properly, they will lay beautifully and having them hemmed to the right length (almost touching the ground) will give the illusion of elongated legs. And who doesn't want that? And if you have never worn trouser jeans, you will amazed at how comfortable they are.

I really like the brand SVOBODA. Try the Cate Wide Leg Trouser. They come in sizes 10R-24T and sell for $118. http://leeleesvalise.com/online-boutique/svoboda

Crazy for Kendra

I love these earrings!

Actually, I am crazy about all of Kendra Scott's designs. Accessories are the final touch to a great outfit

and a great way to express yourself.

Fabulous earrings can pull together an otherwise plain outfit. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to your wardrobe. But remember, you don't need to wear all of it at once.

http://kendrascott.com/

Mark your calendar!

This is your one week notice!

Tickets will go on sale for the Fall 2008 District Sample Sale on Monday August 11th- 10am sharp!!! The event will be help on September 9th at the The Galleria at Lafayette Centre . 1155 21st Street, NW . Washington, DC Entrance on 21st Street between M & L.

If you have ever been-you are currently marking this date into your BlackBerry. If you have never been-you will also want to mark this date! Tickets sell out fast for this incredible evening of bargins, food, and friends.

Each season a charity is chosen as the beneficiary, this fall is the DC Rape Crisis Center .
http://www.districtsamplesale.com/

Just hanging out

Where did my yummy tummy go?

After three kids and 41 years of life, my tummy has decided to take it easy and just hang out.

Does this mean I can no longer wear pretty knit sweaters?

Of course not!

Heather Thomson has created an undergarmet to help put our bellys back where they belong. I personally want to say, "Thank you Heather"

http://my.yummietummie.com/