Friday Fabulous: Nina Favorita!

I just finished Nina Garcia's new book, The Little Black Book of Style. It’s a quick read filled with great tips on how to create your own fashion style while following a few basic rules, and being that she always looks spot-on, I think she's a great inspiration.

In fact, chapter three is titled "Inspirations," and it made me think about those whose fashion has played an inspirational role in my own life.

There are many, but it was my grandmother’s best friend, Mildred, who I truly idolize. That woman can dress: always putting together rich textures that I never would have thought of myself, and of course has a closet of accessories for each outfit. She makes it look effortless, which is the sign of a true fashion maven.

Throughout the book, Nina shows her great sense of humor, which made it fun to read. The illustrations were done by Ruben Toledo: I want to wall paper a power room with his work!

But I think my favorite parts are the quotes, from so many types of sources, all with the thread of style running through them. Anyone who can incorporate a quote from Kurt Cobain into a book about fashion is someone I want to know.

Wednesday (Make that Friday) Q&A: Peeping in from Oxford

Sorry, it was an incredibly busy week, so it's time for a little catch-up..
Q from Denise: What do you think about those lace up high heels? I am not sure if I can get my head around those.

A From Joyce: Ah, the high heeled Oxford. I think they're fun, but are definitely a trend item.

The rule with being a stylish mom, as you know, is that you don't have to follow every trend (and who has time?), but you do need to pay attention to find those that fit your style (lest you find that it's been four years since you picked up a copy of Vogue--or a new pair of shoes bought solely for their comfort).

So back to the topic at hand: if this trend works for you (and I do think it's a fun way to spruce up a winter suit or pencil skirt), I suggest you don't make them an investment piece. The bootie found its way onto every runway last year, so they will not be a hot item for too much longer.

Try these on for size:
The Naso by Nine West ($109)
The Maran peep toe oxford by Vince Camuto.

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...

This Week's Event: T-Minus Three!

What a wonderful weekend: beautiful weather, good shopping, and a fabulous party at photographer Abby Greenawalt's very cool Capitol Hill photo studio (thanks for hosting us, Abby!).

Now looking forward: Wednesday is the District Sample Sale! I've heard the raffle is spectacular (a $10 ticket for charity that can get you everything from a Chef's tasting dinner at Proof to a $350 gift certificate at Relish--according to my source, there are 18 spectacular prizes in all this year.

I'm also told that you should get there at least a 1/2 hour before doors open (6pm for VIPs, 7 for the masses). People start the line up to 2 hours before the doors open, but they will be checking people off down the line, so everyone should be able to enter fairly quickly.

I also asked about payment policies: not all stores will take credit cards, but a lot will. But be sure to bring your ID, a backup, and cash just in case.

As for the clothing selection, you'll find fall items in there as well as end-of-season summer items: check out Zelaya, Lettie Gooch, Maggie and Lola for starters.

Make Up Test

As I was racing through Nordstrom this week looking for the perfect fall jacket for a client, I spotted what looked like a little brown journal. I opened it up to find that it was, in fact, the solution to my morning make up routine.

Power of Makeup Simply Chic by Trish McEvoy

One palate with two lip/cheek colors, one all over face color, one blush, two eye shadows, one shimmer glaze eye shadow, and one definer, all in completely wearable, flattering shades.

I've had one of her Makeup Planners (a combination of cosmetic bag and binder, which allows you to store makeup like pages--a brilliant concept) for years, but it has seen better days and the crocodile patterned cases she introduced for fall look great (though the smallest one will set you back $55).

This palate is perfect for day: totally natural colors that work together to create a fresh clean look and the case is small enough to fit in your purse. This makes me very happy.

Wednesday Q&A: Fall Sprucing

Q from Linda: I don't want to invest in a whole new wardrobe for fall. Can you suggest some key pieces to buy?

A from Joyce: To keep current without redoing your entire wardrobe, here is what I recommend:

Look for a three quarter sleeve jacket. One suggestion: JCrew’s felted-wool Pippa jacket ($195; it also comes in forever-classic houndstooth as well for $325)

Buy a fabulous big handbag. Handbags are all over the map for fall from xxs to xxl, but a clutch for a mom? Completely unrealistic, so go big. Tory Burch's silver crinkled leather tote is $425 or Betsey Johnson's London Dome Satchel ($295), both at Bloomingdales.com

And if you dare, the last must-have item this season a great pair of ankle boots. The choices and price points are endless, from the faux-suede Hassel at Payless.com ($29.99) to Christian Louboutin's black suede Goya booties at Saks.com ($945. I also love the Lapano loafer which juxtaposes the trendy bootie, ups the ante with a zipper, yet with a patent loafer front--very fun!). Paired with opaque hose, these will make you look of-the-moment (and if you spend at the lower end of the scale, you won't feel of-the-poorhouse).

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.