Don't Blow-It... yourself

Inspiration

Q. From Diane- I have been looking for a handbag for the summer, but all the ones I see are so expensive. Can you suggest a stylish inexpensive handbag?

A. From Joyce- Just think of that high priced bag as your inspiration piece. Then look in discount stores and also try Target for good looking current styles that wont break your bank. You really don’t have to spend a lot to look great.

These two bags have quite a different price point , and both are fabulous.


Jill Sander $1850 http://www.barneys.com/

Angie and Lola $34.99 http://www.target.com/

All Aboard

I found a great fitting pair of capri denims. They are by Red Engine and super soft!

Red Engine's clean two-button straight leg capri with a slightly higher rise and two-button closure.

As I have said before I really do not like wearing shorts, so these are perfect!

If there is something you do not like to wear or a trend that you just know will be dreadful on you, just say NO. It’s okay.

For me, I will fill my closet with dresses and capris, and I will have a pair or two of shorts for summer bike rides.

I found these at my favorite place to buy jeans-
BSCENE in Potomac, Maryland 301-299-0194

They can also be purchased online at Emily Grace-
http://www.shopemilygrace.com/

Supporting women

The fourth anniversary of the Women’s Dress for Success Professional Group mentoring program is just around the corner. Girls Gone Glam III is March 27th from 6:30pm-9:00pm at Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Washington DC.
(http://www.hotelpalomar-dc.com/)

At this year’s Girls Gone Glam event you will be able to check out some of the areas hippest boutiques, get makeovers and hairstyling tips from area salons, bid on silent auction items and enjoy appetizers, wine and cocktails throughout the evening courtesy of our sponsors Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar and Diageo Spirits!

Also, they will be selling a limited supply of our Sean Combs designed Dress for Success scarves at the event (please see attached ad which is also featured in the March editions of Vanity Fair and Instyle Magazines). The scarf will be a must have for spring and another great way to support Dress for Success Washington DC!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online for $60. Visit http://www.dfswashingtondc.org/ to purchase your tickets on-line or you can contact Melissa Frazier at (202) 544-3373; ext. 264 to purchase your tickets with check or with cash. Tickets will also be on sale the night of the event. (Please note that a portion of the ticket sales is tax deductible and tax donation receipts for the sale of tickets and auction items will be provided the night of the event).

Thursday March 27, 2008 6:30PM to 9:00PM
Hotel Palomar Washington DC 2121 P Street NW
Dress for Success helps promote the economic independence of
disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and
the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.
Gather your girlfriends for a glamorous night on the town!

Featuring
Sangaree Queen Bee Designs Bailey Handbags
Lettie Gooch On Lokation TaylorMade Gems Piaf’s Day Salon
Relax & Rejuvenate Beauty in DC And More!
PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT DRESS FOR SUCCESS WASHINGTON DC

Hello Tide

Why I like this dress:

1. This spring is all about the florals

2. The neck line is flattering for both large and small busted
3. You can wear your bra with this dress
4. The banded waist will accent your shape, creating a slim waistline
5. This dress is machine washable!
6. It comes in women's and plus sizes

http://www.jcpenney.com/

The long and short about shorts

I have received several emails this week asking me about shorts, which length are appropriate for moms and which lengths will look good on them.

First of all, avoid short shorts and tight shorts, leave them for the teens .

Then look for shorts with clean lines. Too many pockets will create bulk.

As far as length,
It really depends on how long your legs are in proportion to your torso, you always want to keep balance from head to toe balance.

If you have short legs: Try to keep shorts above the knee, mid thigh will be best. Longer shorts just at or above the knee will look nice with a little wedge heeled shoe.

If you have longer legs : You will have more options. Mid thigh shorts are nice for day.
Longer to the knee and just below the knee will also look good with flats and higher heels .

If your legs are on the heavier side: Avoid shorts that hug your legs. They should be slightly loose but definitely not baggie.
Baggie shorts actually make you look heavier and a bit sloppy.

If you have very thin legs: Don’t EVEN complain to us. But truth be told, baggier shorts will make your super thin legs look even thinner. Try a more fitted pair to create balance.


In order to find the right shorts for you: You will need to try on many different lengths from different designers/stores. Just because one store’s knee length don’t look good on you does not mean you should give up on knee length, just keep trying.

Once you find the right ones, I recommend buying several pairs.

Cool dress, not Hot mess

Yesterday I took inventory of my closet. I used a pad of paper and made a list of what I would need to have a working wardrobe for the spring and summer. I am personally not a big shorts wearer, I feel more comfortable in dresses. I do have three kids and will need to be comfy and cool in what will be a long hot summer. I began searching on line for cute dresses. I know the designers that I like and that fit me well, including Cynthia Steffe. I found this adorable dress at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/. I have several of her pieces, some of which I have found at discount stores including Loehmann’s. I can definitely see myself throwing this dress on and running out the door with my kids to where ever our hot summer day takes us. All the while staying cool and looking fabulous.