My list

As it turms out one of my favorite things is on the HOT list for this Fall/Winter.
Leather. (As if  leather ever isn't in)
I love soft buttery leather! So I decided to add leather to my shopping list.
The thing is, I didnt want to blow my whole budget on leather pieces. So I decided to start looking in consignment shops.

It  is a bit early for the shops to have leather out, in fact I had to ask to see the pieces.

This beautiful Narciso Rodriquez leather jacket was my big find! $49.95!

I found it at Chic to Chic consignment boutique.
CHICTOCHIC.COM

Evolving

When I was a child I loved going back to school. New clothes, new lunchbox and notebooks, and  now as a parent it means that my children get new clothes, new lunch boxes and notebooks, and as an added bonus the kids actually go back to school!


For me September is the beginning. I love fall and winter clothes, especially coats and boots. Every fall
( I usually can’t until September, so start in August) I go through my clothes from last year. I take inventory and decide what I will add for the season.

But this year I have been thinking. Do I want to dress the exact same way as last year? Haven’t I changed? I like my style but shouldn’t it evolve? Sure I keep up with the trends, pick and choose which will work for me. But I am older and wiser so don’t I want my clothes to reflect those changes?

Yes!

So with great thought I will edit my wardrobe. I will decide in what direction I want my style to go. And I will purchase accordingly.

Is this part of my life’s big plan, No!

But it gives me pleasure.

And just as you wouldn’t keep the same hairstyle year after year (you wouldn’t, would you?) you shouldn’t keep the exact same wardrobe style. Move it in a new direction, nothing drastic, just follow yourself.

Score!

GiGi Favela Italian Boots

I went to Inga's Once Is Not Enough in D.C. and found these boots. New-never been worn-for $84!

On the Favela website they are selling for $660.

Everywhere you turn-Inga has something fabulous, so when you go take your time and really look around. There is a treasure there just waiting for you-and who knows...you"ll probably see me there too!

4830 MacArthur Blvd NWWashington, DC 20007(202) 337-3072

http://www.ingafashiontherapist.com/

The Heat Is On

With the winter weather now here-our homes are warm(hopefully), but the air is very dry.
I LOVE Bobby Brown's Eye Balm.
I have never had a product work so quickly and so dramatically!
Fine lines and that tired hue of motherhood are replaced with a hydrated fresh Fabulous look!

Ideal nighttime treatment. A super-rich, concentrated, hydrating eye balm that helps counteract the effects fatigue can bring to this delicate area. EXTRA Eye Balm helps fight puffiness, reduce the look of fine, dry lines, and soothes and protects skin. Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested. http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/multiproduct.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY2933&cm_re=DEC2008-_-Shop_Online-_-ShopOnline-Sm_Skincare_Deluxe_Trio

0.50 oz./15ml
$60.00

Spend Less Feel Better

Simply Vera at Kohls.
I am huge fan of Vera Wang, but this holiday season I am watching every dollar I spend. So instead of shopping her Lavender collection- I will be going to Kohls. I love this top. With a pair of black pants, this Chiffon Trim Tank will take me to many holiday parties! And at $31.99- I will look great and feel even better!

http://www.kohls.com/KOHLS/updated/mastercatalog/vera/womens/PRD~393780/Simply+Vera+Vera+Wang+ChiffonTrim+Tank.jsp

Little Fashionistas

(not my actual kids)

This past weekend I took my twelve year old daughter and three of her friends shopping.

One of the stores they like is H&M. It is a great store for preteens and teens, because the clothes are trendy and inexpensive. Fads changes and teens grow quickly, so quality is not an issue for them.

While I was waiting for my little fashionistas to try on the entire store, I found a purple knit scarf for $14.90 for me. I think H&M is great for accessories or a little fun blouse to add to your wardrobe. If you do choose to shop there, look at the quality of the fabric, the cut of the item, and age appropriateness of the piece. The price may be tempting, but choose wisely.

http://www.h&m.com/

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/

Face the Truth

I have secretly have replaced my very expensive daily facial moisturizer with Olay Total Effects7-1 daily moisturizer.

I love it. It smells really good, ( they also have a fragrance free option for those who do not want a scent.)
And I have to say that my skin looks and feels just as good.

So , to whom and why was it a secret?
Simple.
My Husband.

And why? If I did not like it, I was going to go back to my pricey option.

http://www.olay.com/ca_en/boutique/totaleffects/products/te1000

Pillow Talk

That last couples of weeks I have been busy shopping with my clients for Fall clothes.

Many of them have asked me if they need to store their wools, or could they just put them in their closet.

They need to be stored-The good news is that they are already clean, so all you have to to is bag them up. Make sure to take them out of the plastic hanging bags first.

If you have run out of your special sweater bags, try a pillow case. Pests cannot permeate cotton.

I know I have several extra king size cases at my house (I have been saving them for stairs sliding - one of my favorite activities as a child)

Floppy Boots

While organizing closets, I like to put everything where it best fits.

Tall boots fit nowhere, until now...

The Container Store sells spring loaded boot shapers with hooks!

They fit any boot and can be used with or without the hook. Some of us have more hanging space than others-either way your boots will keep their shape and look neat and organized.

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=14973111&itemIndex=1&CATID=156&PRODID=59773

Peek A Boo

Why does this skort look so good to me?

Well, glad you asked.

Yesterday, as I was standing on the dock in my oh so cute skirt,

I was talking to some kids in the water when I realized that they could see right up my skirt. Nice.

This LLBean skort will be my new casual wear for dock days. Although, I will wear different shoes- probably wedge flip flops.

LLBean $39.00
http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=comfort-trail-skort&categoryId=53509&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503255&cat4=503254&shop_method=pp&feat=503255-tn&np=Y

Eye AND Foot Candy

Last Thursday evening I was on my way to a book signing at Ginger in Bethesda http://www.gingerstyle.com/ for Kristen Harmel, who wrote The Art of French Kissing (not a manual), and I decided that I did not like the shoes I was wearing.

Luckily for me The Little Shoebox was two doors down.

So many shoes, so little time.

I quickly scanned the store and found the perfect pair of high heeled Hollywould sandals. I just love them!

The store is filled with amazing shoes, Bettye Muller, Delman, Anne Klein, Kors, Michael Kors, Etro , Missoni, Rafe, Hollywould, and more all in one pretty little boutique.

Just like a candy store-I cannot resist such delectables. I will definitely go back for more treats .

http://www.thelittleshoeboxonline.com/

To the Max Studio

Studio M by Max Studio.

If you see me out and about on a hot summer day, you might see me in this breezy fun dress.


As you may know, I have been looking for dresses that are good for summer days yet appropriate for moms. Max Studio has a great selection. And unless you are 6 feet tall (like this mannequin)-these dresses hit right above the knee. Throw a lightweight sweater in your bag and you can go from grocery store, to the park, and then out to lunch.

http://www.maxstudio.com/

Any Day

http://www.tee-zone.com/ has a great selection of lightweight dresses for the summer.

They carry Velvet, Splendid, Ella Moss and many more.

I particularly like this one.

LAmade $62.00

It's on it's way-and shipping is free!

Lashing out!

I watched a clip on E! http://content2.marykayintouch.com//content/news/Images/MKonE.wmv about a perfect compact. It is small(which is key) holds a blush, three eye shadows, and a lipstick. Each color is mineral based and chosen by you. Brilliant! Perfect for your desk at work, diaper bag, beach bag, small enough to fit in an evening clutch. I had to have it, so I called Christie King with Mary Kay cosmetics and asked to to come right over!

Here's the best part of my story-at the last minute I noticed Christie's eyelashes, they looked full yet not clumpy. So, I added their Ultimate Mascara to my purchase. Lately my lashes haven't been as lush I would like, so I immediately took off my make up and tried their mascara.

WOW, I love it, my lashes look full and fresh. I really like the compact, don't get me wrong, but this mascara is amazing. I have tried different brands from department stores to drugstores, I think I have tried them all-this one is the winner for me!

www.marykay.com/critz-king

Good Price-Good Earth

Rogan Gregory is a New York designer, focused on environmentally friendly fashion. This fresh wrap dress has the versatility to go from office- to out to dinner all the while being good to the earth. And the best part is Rogan made this for Target.

Rogan for Target Linen Stripe Wrap Dress Sebring White

$44.99 www.target.com

Love is in the Air

I have been searching for weeks for my new spring/summer handbag.

On Saturday I went to Daisy Too(www.shopdaisytoo.com) to meet designer Jennifer Baum Lagdameo. I took one look at The Emily bag in champagne-and I knew I had found what I had been looking for-soft beautiful leather in a light neutral color. Large enough to carry all I need for my busy days.

Ananas means pineapple in many languages. Pineapple=Welcome. So, I say "Welcome Home Emily"

www.ananascollection.com

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Take a good look at your summer pajamas. I did. And it wasn't pretty. Sure they are comfy, but attractive-now that's another story. Some of them I wore when I was pregnant(my youngest child is turning 8 this summer). I immediately went online and ordered nightgowns, tops and bottoms from Gapbody. Super cute, Super soft, Super done!

Supersoft ruffle nightgown $34.50

www.gapbody.com

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

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/