Radio Silence Until January: Leaving to get married!!

After a failed attempt at getting an auto-reply sent out for my email (resulting in people getting upwards of 20 auto-replies at once), my bags are packed and I am off to get married and celebrate the "holidaze" with my new family in the UK.  It's hard enough to stay on top of my very full inbox, but add the stress and craziness of getting married (twice in five days no less), and the probability of replying to all my new emails and blogger comments is next to impossible.


At the risk of working though my vacation, I am signing off my emails and unapologetically asking that you understand why I am falling off the radar until January when I come back.


Signing off......

Going Green: Designer Party Frocks and Their Wallet-Friendly Alternatives

Retail stores and fellow stylists alike are getting ready for the holiday season and all the fashionable events that come with it.  I don't know about your inbox, by mine is inundated with emails covering all the best party frocks in town.  If you don't feel like renting that designer special occasion dress, here are some designer suggestions and their wallet-friendly alternatives:

Kermit had it all wrong- it is easy being green!

1) WhoWhatWear suggested this Elizabeth and James Penelope Dress ($365) from Saks. The color is bright, fresh, and youthful.  The strapless dress is always a party pleaser.  The great part about this dress is the black tie waist, which will emphasize the waistline and give you more of an hourglass figure.  You could eat a steak in this dress and still feel comfortable!

2) For the frugalista, Bloomingdale's Aqua line has a strapless satin tube dress ($88) in a similar jade green color.  Stylist Tip: You can belt a shapeless dress to give you the same curves.  I prefer to use a stretch belt (as pictured) versus one with belt holes to adjust the size.

3) The Aqua silk taffeta bow dress from Bloomingdale's ($220) has a sweet ballet feel to it.  Stylist Tip: Want to take it up a notch?  Belt this one as well!  Just make sure you lay the belt across the already defined waist line (hide the seam).

4) One shoulder dresses are all the rage right now.  Try BCBG's one-shoulder cocktail dress ($148) from Saks with the drop wait.

5) If you want to go with something a little more funky this holiday season, the Phoebe Couture Strapless silk dress with zipper (ON SALE $246.50) is the way to go.

Look Like a Million Bucks for Cheap- Rent the Runway Instead

What a great idea!  You can give your already smoking credit card a rest this holiday season by simply renting your party frocks.  Rent the Runway allows you to looks like a million bucks without having to spend a million bucks.

What if your closet was big enough to hold all the latest runway trends? What if, just for a night, you could experiment a little - say, try a one-shoulder dress in a deep, sexy red? What if that dress you saw in Vogue, the one with the stratospheric price tag, was suddenly affordable? What if you had an entire rack lined with styles that were perfect for any special occasion, another filled with cheeky ’80s redux?

 

 

All you have to do is browse the site to find something you like, tell them when you want it delivered, the voila, it's on your doorstep for the rental price of 10% of the MSRP.  And just to make the deal even sweeter, they will send you two different sizes to ensure one of them will fit!  Then when you're done, just re-pack it in their pre-paid envelope and drop it in the mailbox.

Word of caution to my curvier ladies, right now they only carry sizes 0-10.  On the plus side (no pun intended), they are expected to have a greater selection of sizes (up to 14), as well as accessories, in the months coming up.

Alice + Olivia dress only $50 to rent!

Images and quote courtesy of Rent The Runway

Valentino Wows Me With Their Bow Tie Tee

I can't help myself.... I have to share my latest obsession with you.  I L-O-V-E this Red Valentino Bow Tie Tee.  There is nothing boring about this little white basic.  If I wasn't spending my life savings on a honeymoon in Paris next month, this would already be in my closet.  You can buy one for yourself at Intermix online, $195.

Image(s) courtesy of Intermix.com

More Women Are Wearing Jimmy Choo Today Than Ever Before

The craziness at H&M stores, caused by the Jimmy Choo accessory line that arrived yesterday, spread across the globe.  The average American can now afford a piece of designer luxury.  The fashionistas that waited in line were not only subject to a 20 pair limit, they also had to buy them in 10 minutes or less!  Here is just a taste of what was seen at stores yesterday morning:

If you missed out, you can still pick up a pair or two on ebay.  But be willing to pay double the original price.

Fathered Footwear Revisisted

Remember my post about Valentino's fine feathered footwear?  Here is a great option that is much more affordable....












Image courtesy of Zappos.com

Tim Gunn's Must Have List for San Franciscans: Plus STYLE tips

Tim Gunn, from Project Runway, reminds us of the three rules to timeless style:  silhouette... proportion.... and fit.... 

Note to my clients: Does any of this sound familiar?!?!? (It better!)

Image(s) courtesy of

Trend Alert: Union Jack Handbags

In honor of my upcoming trip to London, here are some of my favorite tributes to the Union Jack:

LuLu Guinness Union Jack snakeskin lips clutch

Chanel Union Jack handbag

Alexander McQueen Union Jack clutch

Frugalista Find: Union Jack clutch from Monsoon UK $30 Euros

Must Have PayLess Flats Under $30

These little beauties are the brainchild of Christian Siriano- remember him from Project Runway?  These Micola Zipper flats from PayLess Shoes are not only "fierce", but only $29.99!!!

Top image courtesy of PayLess Shoes

Lower image from http://www.hotlantabuzzonline.com/magazine/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/prunway.jpg

Sarah H. sent you a review on Yelp

Hi, Sarah says, Hey Jennifer! I wanted to let you know I put up a review for you on Yelp! It's long, I wanted to share my experience as a newbie to personal shopping. I hope it will help someone else decide to take the plunge! Thank you so much for everything, and for continuing to keep me updated on styles and sales! I love it! Sarah would like to share this review with you: Beyond Black San Francisco, CA Reviewed by Sarah H. When I moved to SF, I got rid of all the clothes I didn't like or didn't fit well or were worn out, etc. I guess that was pretty much everything... once I moved in and looked at my nearly empty closet I realized I was going to have to do some major wardrobe basics shopping. With the pain of throwing out so many clothes still fresh, I came across the "personal shopping" category on Yelp. I didn't really know such a thing existed (besides for celebrities) but after learning how reasonable Jennifer's rates are, I realized this was within my reach and would be a good investment. I reasoned the extra money I would spend on bringing in a professional would make up for what I would probably waste in repeating my past mistakes. Jennifer came in and assessed my closet, showing me what kinds of items I should look for to flatter my body and fit my lifestyle. She also took note of the kinds of clothing items I was attracted to and what kind of style personality I wanted to project. When I met her for our shopping trip, she had already filled several stores' dressing rooms with a ton of clothes so I could get to work trying things on and seeing the outfits she had put together for me. She managed to capture my sense of style perfectly, picking out things that just felt like "me" without me even knowing what exactly that meant. She pulled things off the rack that I would have never grabbed, but once I saw them on me, a whole world of wardrobe possibilities opened up in my mind. She taught me how to mix and match things with a constant eye on what is most flattering for my particular shape. She also helped me stick to my budget, shopping at stores that would allow me to get as much bang for my buck, since I had so many holes in my closet to fill. In such a short time, Jennifer helped me accomplish what seemed like an impossible task, and now I'm excited to get dressed every day. No more "nothing to wear" mornings! Jennifer's really skilled and knowledgeable at what she does, and also genuinely personable and fun. I feel like I can ask her a question any time, or hire again if I need more shopping help. She also occasionally sends emails checking in, info about sales, or if she sees something in a store that she thinks you'll like. It's clear that she really loves what she does! I definitely recommend giving personal shopping a try if you never have, and Jennifer's a great resource. I'm glad I made the investment!  Bookmark

Stockings 101: Thigh High Tips - DivineCaroline

"Make sure your skirt is long enough not to have the thigh highs show out from under your shirt when you sit down! If you plan to wear them, here are some good tips on making them work without a garter."

Just the other day, I had my last date with my boyfriend, and I wore one of my favorite pairs of thigh high stockings under...

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Inside a Man’s Mind: What They Really Think About Your Shoes - DivineCaroline

"Interesting... I wonder if my male clients would agree."

Supremely confident in his metrosexual ways, my straight friend Trent once declared to a room full of women that he could read their shoes like...

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Countdown to Jimmy Choo

The countdown continues for the Jimmy Choo for H&M line arriving in San Francisco on November 14th!  Look for me in line at 6:00am (yes, on a Saturday), to get my hands on a pair of these beauties!

I will be buying both the bag and shoes this model is wearing!!!!!  All the other women in line with a size 6.5 foot better watch out for me :)

Meet Alexis Bittar at Neiman Marcus SF

PS- It's MR. Alexis Bittar....  See you there!!!







Image(s) courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Thank You!

I received this wonderful "thank you" from a client of mine in Illinois after our Skype consult for a wedding she was attending the following day.....

I got the leather boots from 9 west and and patton pumps.  I also got the long black string beaded necklace from nordstrom.  Wearing it with the boots and love how I feel and my man loves how I look...success!
Much appreciation to you!   Peg

Gratitude is not given out as readily as we feel it.  The art of thanking people may not be dead, but the notes that should follow are.  Thank about that next time someone does something you are thankful for... send them a note!  People like to receive something in the mailbox other than bills :)

Image courtesy of Nordstrom.com

The Ten Worst Fall Fashions - from DivineCaroline

Here is an interesting article I found in one of the many blogs that I follow. It addresses some of this season's top trends (acid washed jeans cutouts, shoulder pads, stirrup pants), and why they might be big NO NO's.

The Ten Worst Fall Fashions - Page 4 - DivineCaroline

While I don't agree with their assessment of all of these trends, it makes some good points. Especially the fact that most of these trends are not appropriate for the work place... Enjoy!

Image courtesy of Divine Caroline

Who's Who in Fashion: Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon

I previously posted that Jimmy Choo is coming out with a clothing and accessory line for H&M on November 14th, 2009.  Just in case you've been hiding under a rock, therefore unaffected by the craze that Sex and the City caused over the brand of footwear, here is the 411 on the brand and the woman behind it all.

Jimmy Choo was launched in 1996 when Tamara Mellon, Accessories Editor at British Vogue realized the potential demand for stylish but wearable shoes and approached Mr Jimmy Choo, the couture shoe maker based in the East End of London, recognized for his excellent craftsmanship. Tamara partnered with Mr Jimmy Choo to start the ready-to-wear shoe company and opened the first stand alone boutique on Motcomb Street, London along with a strong wholesale business. Sandra Choi, Mr Jimmy Choo’s niece, was named Creative Director, a position she holds to this day, reporting to Tamara Mellon.

In 1998, Jimmy Choo opened its first boutique in New York followed by Los Angeles in 1999. Sparking an immediate success amongst young Hollywood, Jimmy Choo became synonymous with the “red carpet” shoe of choice and was hailed the lucky charm for Oscar winners such as Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank and many other Hollywood actresses.

In April 2001, Mr Jimmy Choo’s equity share of the business was purchased by Equinox Luxury Holdings Ltd. During this period, Jimmy Choo saw its first significant expansion and the introduction of handbags. In November 2004, Lion Capital acquired a majority shareholding, valuing the company at £101 million. In February 2007, a majority shareholding of Jimmy Choo was acquired by TowerBrook Capital Partners, the international private equity firm, a deal which valued the company at £185 million.

Today, Jimmy Choo encompasses a complete luxury lifestyle accessory brand with women’s shoes, handbags, small leather goods, sunglasses and eyewear. Its products are available in the growing network of Jimmy Choo freestanding stores as well as in the most prestigious department and specialty stores worldwide. From its original base in the United Kingdom and United States, the Jimmy Choo store network now encompasses over 100 locations in 32 countries.1

Mellon had frequently visited Choo’s Hackney workrooms when she was at Vogue, often having him create shoes for a shoot. With her father as chairman of the new company, she opened a shop that she filled with the sort of shoes she liked to wear. “It was only logical,” she points out. “I am the customer. I understand the lifestyle. I know what sort of shoes women in my world need. I have the ideas and Jimmy’s niece designs them for me.” From the first collection, her Knightsbridge shop became a magnet for the international super-rich and sexy.
Since buying Jimmy Choo, Mellon has moved fast, and is now seen less as a society princess and more as a driven businesswoman.2

1 Info and images courtesy of http://www.jimmychoo.com/scat/thestory
2 Info courtesy of http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article5390414.ece

Jimmy Choo for $100!!!!!

In case you haven't already heard (and there aren't many people who haven't), Jimmy Choo has designed a line for H&M available November 14th, 2009!!!!!

Here are a couple of my favorites from the line...

I know I'll be waiting in line for the store to open..... who's with me?

Image courtesy of http://www.944.com/blog/jimmy-choo-for-h-m/

Bluefly Video: How to Sport Bracelets This Fall

Bracelets big and small are adorning the wrists of women this fall.  Bluefly.com's blog Fly Paper posted a cool video showing you how to make sense of the trend.

Image(s) courtesy of

Valentino Uses Milliner to Design AMAZING Shoes with Feathers

I previously blogged about feathers on footwear being a huge trend for spring.  From Paris Fashion Week, check out Valentino's interpretation.... lace wings!!

London-based milliner Philip Treacy is the mastermind behind this amazing footwear.  I can't wait to get my hands (well... feet) on a pair.

 

Images from http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2010RTW-VALENTIN

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day- Period Piece Showcases Current Fall Fashions?

I watched Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day while blogging on my couch last week.  It wasn't so much the story that had me captivated, it was the fashions!  Take this dressing gown/robe (see left). I am not a huge fan of pink on myself, but don't those maribu feathers make you want to glam up your boudoir ASAP?  Add pair of kitten heeled slippers (wouldn't my downstairs neighbors love that) and I'd be set.

What amazes me the most is how some of the current fall trends came from this war-time era.  I'm looking forward to femininity and luxe being back in style.

If you haven't seen the movie yet, you really should.  It's not a period piece of Titanic proportions, but a fun film with plenty of pleasing fashion to look at.  Check it out on IMDB.










Images courtesy of http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970468/