Fly into my closet Bettye

So pretty-so mine!

http://www.bluefly.com/Bettye-Muller-pink-suede-Scene-platform-sandals/cat180022/303493901/detail.fly

$267.30

Spring Fantasy

Now, all I need is an invitation to a spring gala and for Valentino to send me this gown...heavenly.

$10,990.00

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod65832796&parentId=cat7270737&masterId=cat000226&index=73&cmCat=cat000000cat000141cat000149cat000226cat7270737

Which one will I choose?

I am in the market for a pair of flat, yes flat riding boots. I normally wear high heels-but my feet are tired. I plan to wear them with my casual dresses (knit sweater dresses) as well as with jeans tucked in them.

I found two pairs that I like...

Ferragmo has a great pair-The Neser Riding Boot $1090.

http://www.bloomingdales.com/ They are currently having a sale-spend $1000, get 30% off!

And Franco Sorto has the Hobo $199.

http://www.zappos.com/

They are similar in style, so I will have to sleep on this one. I'll let you know which one I choose.

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

Make it your own

When it comes to fashion, there can be a fine line between unattractive and unbelievable.

Sometimes what looks nothing on a hanger can look amazing on*. That's why I always recommend trying everything (or, at least as much as your time and patience will allow). 

I found a dress at Neiman's Last Call sale that not only looked like nothing, but it was leaning towards really unattractive. But, eh, I was heading to the dressing room with a few other things and it looked a bit interesting, so I tried it on anyway. Well, I loved it. It's a gold and purple silk and lurex gown. Yes, gold and purple. Who would have guessed?

So I asked myself my favorite question, "Would I pay full price for this gown?" The answer: "Yes!"  

Tough sale shopping question answered, I started thinking about the possibilities.  I was saving $300, after all.  Was there anything I could do to really make it my own?

I'm 5'2", so shorter can often times be better for me, so I'm thinking of making it a short cocktail dress--it goes with me to the tailor tomorrow and we'll play around a bit.

So today's lesson: when shopping, keep in mind that anything (except knits) can be altered. Find pieces you love and make them work for you, make them entirely your own.  And if you find them cheap, better still!

*and sometimes, what looks amazing on in the front, can look not so much in the back.  Check both sides before leaving the house! 

I spy a great buy

I was walking through Target yesterday looking for a beer tub (don’t ask), when I spotted a rack with tissue weight t-shirts for $12.99. Scoop necked with 4 darts strategically placed to enhance your bust, wide short sleeves long enough to cover your top arms (which, by the way, is usually just you being overcritical of yourself). All around I give this shirt an A-. Why the minus? Because it is cut generously, so the sizing is a bit off (definitely try one size smaller).

Stylish t-shirts are a great layering piece in the winter and can be worn all year round. At this price you can wear them to the park with your kids and while cooking dinner with no fear. Gotta love that. And if your New Year's resolution was to clean out your closet, then throw away five of your old, ratty, unflattering t's and upgrade with these.

And keep your eye out for Target's lastest score: Jonathan Saunders, one of London's hottest designers, just signed a contract with Target. You can see his American premiere during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week next month.

Easy as Pie

Tuesday in someone else's closet

Today I was in the closet of a fabulous new client. I really liked her sliding foil-finished glass doors and the pullout drawer chest. She told me it was from Ikea. So, I ran home and pulled out my trusty inch thick catalogue and sure enough there it was on page 164. Who knew? http://www.ikea-usa.com/

If you have ever priced out closet companies or builders for your closet, you know how pricey it can get. Remember if you do get Ikea, you will have to put it together or factor in the price of hiring someone to assemble and install for you. For me the the price would be baking my husband a pecan pie.

Baby, it's cold outside

Hats, earmuffs, gloves and scarves are all a must when that winter wind blows. Kohl's is having a half off sale on all winter accessories, including Simply Vera Wang leather gloves.

Personally, my favorite winter accessory is ear muffs. They keep my ears warm and don’t totally mess up my do. Kohls has a cute cheetah set and they also come in solid colors for the non safari type of gal.

For a bit of luxury, I also have a set of Burberry cashmere ear muffs. They make me look forward to those really cold winter days (like today!).

LoVe, French Style

This one: not in my closet, yet.

Like many women, and some men I know, I love handbags. All kinds of bags: large, small, from the practical to the insanely impractical, I love them all.

One bag I have had my eyes on for years is the LV satchel. Normally, I go for snakeskin or ultra soft leather, and I am not much of a label girl, but there is something so European and chic to me about this particular Louis Vuitton: its clean lines and its classic style, perhaps. And as much as I try to think that I'm not influenced by advertising, the image of Catherine Deneuve sitting atop her pile of LV luggage just makes me want to wrap myself in an ultra-chic trench and head off on a train to somewhere (anywhere, actually--just a day off from the kids would be nice!).

Then today, while searching online for a gift for my husband, an email came across: the opening of the LV e-boutique. A quick browse, a mental slap on the wrist for thinking of myself ahead of others for a second during this holiday, then back to shopping for the family.

But honey, if you're reading this, the website is here.

Dressing More Than The Turkey

What to wear on Thursday?
As every year, Thanksgiving dinner will be at my house. So, with 30 people coming over I want to look fab, stay cool (it gets just a bit hot in the kitchen), and, most of al,l be comfortable.

This year's option: a sleeveless viscose knit (very thin and breathable) dress by Laundry with my spanx stockings and black knee high boots. The dress is color blocked in burgundy, blue, and black. This will hide any wine or cranberry sauce spills. Perfect. Now if only preparing the dinner was this easy!

Quotes That Stick With You

When I was first out of college, an older coworker and I were talking about what to wear to an event. I told her that I did not own a little black dress. The exact quote in reply was, “You don’t have a black dress? Get a life!” I'm not sure if was the shock that registered on her face or the quote itself, but I nearly fell off of my chair laughing.

But I finally went out and bought my very first LBD that very week, the beginning of a long collection.

My new favorite addition is a sleeveless knee-length Theory dress named Poole. Why do I love this dress? Because it has no waist. It hangs nicely, fitting closely to my form without clinging, while allowing me to relax and not worry if I want that piece of cake for dessert.

I found it on the sale rack (with an 50% additional off!) in the Theory store at Leesburg Outlets. And that makes me love it even more. But remember what I always say, “Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t pay full price for!”

Desperately Seeking Sweaters

As I pulled out my sweaters for winter this weekend, I realized that my cashmeres were in short supply. Some just needed to be retired because last year I loved them a little to much. Plus I'm always on the hunt for the perfect one, preferably about 80-ply, most preferably on sale for eight dollars.

Bloomingdale's has a really nice selection at very reasonable prices. Their Sutton line always seems to be on sale, and their Aqua line has really nice sweaters. All are supersoft and come in great colors.

If you're willing to search through racks, Loehmanns has a good selection too. And if cashmere is not your thing try Anthropologie--as with every season, they have a great selection, mostly wool blends.

As for me, I think I'll take this Sutton in chocolate brown, and dream of adding a little Loro Piana to my repertoire. Maybe someday.

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.

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

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!

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

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).

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!

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...

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.