Problematic Pit Stains Perished Permanently

2010 ended on a client high note with Maureen (not her real name).  One of her big concerns were pit stains.  It's not that she gets hot all the time, she just sweats a lot.  Which, unfortunately, I can relate to.  My weapon of choice, armpit guards.

Behind the Seams Pretty Underarm Protection

I love drugstore.com because they have everything.  One check into their inventory turned up two armpit guard options.

The first, from the same company that brought you "fashion tape" made famous by Jennifer Lopez's Grammy dress.  For $10.99 the Behind the Seams Pretty Underarm Protection pads keep underarm wetness and odor off your clothes.

The second, My Dry Antiperspirant Pads for $7.99. Having this barrier between your clothes and your armpit will prevent not just the wet stains under your arms, but also those annoying white stains on your darks and yellow stains on your whites.  While not cheap to purchase on a regular basis, they will help you save on your dry cleaning.

For more delicate fabrics that you won't want to put adhesive on, purchase an undershirt with moisture wicking properties like this Spanx cami.

"A-Little Obsessed" with fellow blogger

I couldn't help it. I slipped on a search and tumbled into love. The other day, I was doing a Google Image Search looking for a military-inspired jacket for my post on SJP when I came upon this fabulous Fall story.

This is such a cozy mood board and I still want everything.

I swear each one of those items has been on my "Need" list at least once before. But to see them all together, just hanging out like the effortlessly cool girl this collection so perfectly embodies, was just too much. My eyes came to a screeching halt and for a moment, I was lost to the endless possibilities between these must-haves and my closet. It was torture! Immediately my "Need" list upgraded to include each and every one of those items. So many options, so little time. When? When would I have the time to find these things!? I distracted myself from the question and contacted the blogger instead, happy to gush to her about how in love I was with her collection of Fall pieces. Interesting Fact: a-littleobsessed is a blogger based in London! Either she needs to move here or I need to more there. Something's gotta give. Her name is Sabrina and I foresee myself 'obsessing' about her blog on a daily basis. Hello RSS feed! :)

I must say that being a personal shopper and stylist has it's advantages. I'm out in the stores A LOT and I also shop a lot online. I get to see what's current in that moment. The good news is that Aldo has a similar platform wedge

and personal online favorite, ModCloth.com, has TONS of chunky knit sweaters- like this one

right now. Two things I look forward to checking off the list, Christmas or "Need".

 











Image(s) courtesy of a-littleobsessed.blogspot.com

Holiday Parties with Ugly Sweaters and Ties

It's officially December. I can't believe it. The turkey and stuffing and ham and mashed potatoes are still fresh on my tongue! But, December has its moments. One of the best- and possibly worst- reasons why this month can be fun is it's the official start to holiday parties. Sometimes the prospect of what to wear can be daunting. Is it office appropriate? Where do I find an "ugly" Christmas sweater? Should I wear a suit? It's like you've just come from seeing all your family, which can be overwhelming enough, and now you have to figure out how to dress for all the parties you'll have to attend. Luckily, you have me- perpetual shopper!

A great online source, if you've got time to wait for a package, is uglyxmasparty.com. The name says it all. There are so many cute and yet somehow still ugly sweaters, you're bound to find one you (secretly) like. Plus, they're also an Etsy store!

Uglyxmassweater.com, $24

If you need something now, hit up the always reliable Nordstrom. A cute cardigan with a festive theme will suffice for most Christmas sweater parties. You don't always have to go ugly.

Fair Isle cardi, $38.

Guys, if you have that hipster-style, then include this sweater in your daily rotation for winter. If not, just wear it as a gag. Either way, it passes as a holiday sweater. And if you have a girl like me, she's probably going to steal it from you when you're done anyway.

Urban Outfitters, $74

Last but not least guys, if you have to wear a suit this year do so with a novelty tie. The suit makes you look good but the tie shows you're fun. I could show you where to go to find a tie but you know where they are. Any clothing store worth its sand is going to have festive ties this time of year. Instead, I'll show you how to TIE that fabulous tie once you've purchased one. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Isn't that what this time of year is all about?

ABCNeckties is the go-to resource for anything you ever wanted to know about neckties, including a history of them! Over 15 different types of tie knots exist (who knew!?) with great names like Balthus Knot, Cavendish Knot, and Half Windsor knot. There's also a video accompanying each type with a step-by-step process for how to get the job done. Gentlemen, prepare to be fit to be tied.

abcneckties.com, $10

 











Image(s) courtesy of Google Image Search
 

H&M + Lanvin = Designer Collaboration L-O-V-E

Lanvin for H&M dress

Who doesn't love designer clothing for cheap?  To get a Lanvin dress for under $300, usually means it's either a knockoff or second hand... until now.  On November 20th, be ready to get in line (because they're going to be long) at your local H&M store for the latest (and greatest) designer collaboration ever!

As a stylist and personal shopper in San Francisco, this time of year is always busy helping clients dress to impress at all of their holiday parties.  You can't go wrong with a little black dress, but why go black when this yellow dress is so amazing!?

So if you're looking for the perfect little holiday dress, look no further than you local H&M store.  See the rest of the collection here.

Image(s) courtesy of http://www.signature9.com/fashion/lanvin-for-hm-collab-is-the-only-thing-fashion-people-are-talking-about

Sarah Jessica Parker is a Burberry Delight

I think Sarah Jessica Parker cemented her claim to fame as a style icon thanks in large part to her collaboration with Patricia Fields on Sex and the City. Every time I watch it, there’s some small, new detail there that I never noticed before. So many odd, amazing, and fabulous clothing combinations that it’s no wonder we all still turn to the show for inspiration. Even today on the red carpet, SJP takes a cue from Carrie and adds an over-sized accessory here, or an unexpected color and texture there. Like most icons, when she attends an event, you can bet people will be watching. She didn’t disappoint at the Burberry show this past September.

SJP's look was a decadent tone on tone ensemble; a rich gradient of caramel, chocolate, and cream. Who better to get you're mouth watering for fabulous Fall fashion? The entire look is the coupling of contrasting textures and themes. The ladylike lace of the dress (yes, that's a dress under there) with its cascading ruffles is juxtaposed against the smooth leather, military jacket with the high, strapping heels of her shoes leaving me fit to be tied. If you're hungry to satisfy your chocolate craving, check out the images below. They're the best options available on the market right now.

"Victoriana" jacket at asos.com

The jacket Sarah Jessica is wearing is absolutely labelled as a splurge. After all it is a Burberry jacket! If you want the real thing now but from a more greenback-friendly source, try this one. The color is lovely and the military style is marvelous.

A dress purchased in Madrid by London-based social fixture Jane Asher

This sweet shift embodies a woman's girly-girl but is controlled by the simple design. It's a perfect piece to contrast with the leather jacket. Try locating your own at your favorite department store or boutique.

"Colleen" Satchel at Shop Suey

This bag's shape is very similar to the one SJP is holding, plus the style lines are pretty good mimics of the original. It's a great steal when you can't afford the splurge.

Never underestimate the authority of sassy heels. Nordstrom

To help complete this SJP-inspired look and to carry you into colder days, add a few more accessories like gloves and a scarf. To keep your legs warm, pull on a pair of sheer black tights. You could also choose opaque tights but that's where you have to ask yourself one question: WWCD? (What Would Carrie Do?)

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search

What Not to Wear- Oh Martha!

I am addicted to all things Martha Stewart.  I watch her shows, read her books, make her crafts (see "glitter pumpkins"), cook her food, etc.  She may be the queen of all DIY and home how-to's, all of which I aspire to be, but she definitely isn't the fashion maven I would expect her to be.

She has a stylist on the show that keeps her style updated, and even has a great appreciation for Manolo Blahnik.  But it seems her crafty self has gone a little too far...

Case in point, this craft-of-the-day skirt (see right)-
WOW!  All I can say is wow.

Image(s) courtesy of MarthaStewart.com

Levi's Curve ID UPDATE

As some of you already know, I recently took a quick day-trip into the city with my sister to try on a pair of the much-hyped Levi's Curve ID. In a previous blog, I reveal the unique design of the jeans, as well as my own misfortune at not finding my jean soul mate within their selection. However, my sister was way more fortunate and sent over some before and after pics of her in the fancy new jeans she bought. As you're about to see, she looks great! No gap at the back, a perfect fit through the hips and thighs, a nice length, and more importantly, her butt looks amazing! All these small elements that can make or break a pair of denim.

In my personal opinion, the Levi's Curve ID have the most potential, out of any jeans a curvy girl can possibly try on anywhere, to look great the first time. What a relief right?! Walking into a dressing room with your chances already in your favor is like having a personal stylist ;) You've heard it here first though, free of charge.
Hopefully, you'll see the difference of how a great pair of denim can transform your derriere.





















On the Left: good length but saggy knees, too relaxed in the hips, and a droopy waist.
On the Right: BETTER! Snug fit through the hips and thighs, the darker wash makes her look slimmer, but the overall length could be better. I would hem it about a 1/2" and also have a tailor taper from the back of the knee to the ankle for a slimmer cut jean. (that runs about $30).























On the Left: Pockets are too far apart. Your eye follows the top line of the pockets which gives the illusion of a wider behind. They sit too low, causing our eye to view her butt as "saggy". They look as though they're resting on her and not hugging her.
On the Right: AMAZING!! The pockets are the perfect size and close enough together to depict a smaller butt. The fit through the hips is perfectly snug, giving the impression of a nice, perky rear end. Plus, I notice a definite lift, don't you?





















On the Left: Some serious gap at the back. If she were to let go, she'd have a big case of flat-butt syndrome. Not good.
On the Right: NO GAP AT THE BACK! She looks long and lean, with a butt you can see, which if you haven't guessed it, is what makes your butt look good in jeans; when you can see it.

I'm sure you're thinking, "but they're brand new jeans. Of course they look good!" Yes, that's true but not entirely. For one, the Levi's Curve ID jeans maintain their elasticity over time and keep hugging your curves- like they should! The waistband is thicker and hips won't stretch out, saving you from a lifetime of the pants dance. (Constantly pulling up your pants throughout the day). For two, my sister took these pictures back in late September, a full week after she bought them and wore them out of the store! Her only complaint to date is that they've stretched in the leg and gotten a little more relaxed looking. Other then that, they're still her favorite pair of jeans.

~Amanda

SPANX you can layer?!

That's right! We all love SPANX. They smooth, the flatter, they diminish, and they shape. But nobody wants to wear them in the heat and sometimes they're just a little too bulky under our more delicate of garments. What's the solution? A quick slip into the new Skinny Britches by SPANX. They're sheer, lightweight, and you can layer them to control the kind of slimming and shaping you want. BRILLIANT! A blend of nylon and lyrca compose what SPANX describes as a "light weight compression mesh".

Nude Short, $42-$45

They come in three styles: shorts, high-waisted shorts (tummy trimmers), and hipster briefs. You can put on up to three layers, the third being the most slim and trim, lean and mean you can get. Personally, I think this idea is great. If you have a lightweight dress you love but don't enjoy its clingy nature around your thighs, you can put on one of two layers these Skinny Britches and feel smoother but not heavier in seconds! 

Black Tummy Tucker, $46-$50

They also come in a fun assortment of colors which are nice to add a little variety to your 'unmentionables' drawer. I suggest getting a few in the basic colors as they'll stretch your dollar and go with more items in your closet. Nude and black should suffice for most of the clothing in just about everyone's closet. The lightest color they offer is called 'pure' and looks good as the hipster brief, which is said to give you a cute and shapely behind.

Pure Hipster Brief, $32-$35

Oh and sorry gents, you're not free from the clutches of shapewear either. There are indeed SPANX for men. They also come in the new compression mesh and are meant to suck you in and give you better definition around your torso. If you ever need to fit into a small suit in a hurry (hey, it could happen!) then pick up one the SPANX shirts and you're good.

Cotton Compression V-neck, $58

Cotton Compression Tank, $55

Cotton Compression Crew, $58

~Amanda

Image(s) courtesy of SPANX

Halloween Costume Ideas from True Blood, Friday Night Lights, Mad Men, and one Govenor candidate

Halloween is creeping up on us! Several of you may be wondering about costumes and what to dress up as. Several more of you might also be waiting until the last minute to figure it out. Here's some quick ideas when you're in that 11th hour and absolutely need a costume. The good news, most of these pieces can be found right from your closet and are inspired by your TV.

Sookie Stackhouse, (Anna Paquin) True Blood. As an avid lover of Twilight (just the first book and ONLY the book) I can tell you that vampires aren't going away anytime soon. True Blood helped to further push vampires into the mainstream as an everlasting theme for entertainment. Sookie is a telepathic vampire who works at the restaurant "Merlotte's". Her simple uniform of a white T-shirt and short green skirt should be easy enough to find, or you can buy one from 80stees.com. You can make a name tag with a safety pin, cut piece of green felt, glue, and a silver marker. Buy a long, blond wig and any vampire die-hard will know you a mile away.

tvfanatic.com

Meg Whitman. Her stiff, political attire is a cinch to pull off. Thrift a boxy and unattractive blazer with matching loose black slacks. Find a simple button up blouse or plain, white shirt in your closet and you're almost there. To complete the look, buy a frizzy blond wig, some faux pearl earrings and you're as obvious as Sarah Palin with her bump-it hair style and square glasses.

sanfranciscosentinel.com

Joan Holloway, (Christina Hendricks) Mad Men. Quite possibly the most buzzed about TV show that I'm not watching, but so desperately want to! Joan is the sultry secretary the men want to be with and the ladies want to be. She's beautiful and buxom, a deadly combination. Her look is completely 60's office chic and so easy to achieve. Pencil skirt, low cut top, and short red wig should complete your costume. Of course if you're not as blessed in the chest as Joan, there's no harm in adding a little tissue.

swingfashionista.com

For all you gents out there, Friday Night Lights is your best bet. This is possibly the best show you're not watching. Choose from any number of the stellar, mostly male cast and you're golden. There's Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler), an honest man who spends most of his days in khaki slacks, sneakers, windbreaker, sunglasses and baseball cap. Of course, a few of those items tend to disappear come game time.

tv.ign.com

There's also my personal favorite, Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch). A simple guy whose former football glory seems to torment him as he tries to make a living long after the high school highs have ended. Either way, his clothes of plaid button-ups, torn jeans, and cowboy boots shouldn't be hard to locate, either in your closet or at a thrift store.

fanpop.com

Here a few more tips when shopping for your costumes:

-If you're looking into face paints, consider the water-based pastel crayons at art supply stores like Blick. They're called NeoColor II by Caran d'Ache. They're nontoxic, hypoallergenic, go on smooth, and easy to remove later with soap and water. I used them for my four years as a children's entertainer and never had a single problem.

-If you're going to wear a wig, buy a wig cap. They're available at places like Sally's Beauty Supply. They're incredibly cheap and come in nude and black for your various wig needs. They hold your hair in place, flat against your head and work as a nice barrier between you and the itchy backing found on most wigs.

-Try hitting up uniform supply stores, like Banner Uniform. They'll have the most authentic looking outfits if you don't have the time to thrift shop. You can find medical, restaurant, and security uniforms here for rent or purchase.

                   ~Amanda

Celebrity Style Spotlight: Guest Blogger Amanda Castro LOVES Maggie Gyllenhaal's Style

It was during this year’s Oscars that I became a converted fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s as a source for sartorial inspiration. The Dries Van Noten dress she wore was a stunning example of the lovely marriage between artful textiles and great design.  There’s emotion in the black brush strokes of the calligraphy, all hanging, frozen in a sea of royal blue and purple. The print seems almost alive, a moving piece of the garment. The choice to leave the last foot or so of the dress blank balances out the weight of the print with the style of dress. In other words, she doesn’t drown in it. All qualities for creating a truly artistic and beautiful image, but on a dress. Not since seeing a Vivienne Westwood retrospect at SF’s De Young museum back in 2007 have I been so moved by a single piece of clothing. In this moment, Maggie Gyllenhaal is the manifestation of modern beauty.

She knows how to embody the drama of the couture and balance it with femininity and a gloss of throwback glamour. Miss G has a style that balances the art of design with contemporary fashion. She is a unique beauty and great talent whose style seems to be naturally progressing. She knows her body well, is not afraid to take risks in volume and color, and knows how to effortlessly seduce you with subtle nudes and pastels. One word and that is, romance.

In this month’s Vanity Fair, I was happy to find another image of Miss G looking oh so fab in a belted fur vest. I thought, wow! This gal makes another appearance in something that completely captures my internal clothing compass. Eager for more, I dug a little deeper...what other images have I been missing? More importantly, what has she been wearing SINCE the Oscars?! Turns out, I have to pay closer attention! There are several moments where Miss G arrives looking fabulous, always encapsulating romance and glamour on a contemporary stage. She has my undivided attention. My vote: keep and eye on her.

Here are several more images for you all to enjoy:

2009 Oscars in Proenza Schouler (source: blog.modcloth.com)

Golden Globes 2009, Lanvin (source:lelaluxe.onsugar.com)

Golden Globes 2009, RM by Roland Mouret (source: stylebistro.com)

Nanny McPhee Returns premeire 2010, Vionnet (source: style.com)

~I love the open, cream panel down the side!~

(source: blogs.babble.com)

A day off with her kid. So cute!

 

The Scale Lies, But Your Jeans Don't- Denim Fit Guide from the Today Show

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

Guest Blogger Amanda Gives the Scoop on Levi's Curve ID- Get your FREE pair on September 17th in Union Square, SF

I was recently out with my sister in downtown SF. It was a girls day, complete with nails, drinks, all-round fun times, and a little side quest: go try on a pair of the new Curve ID line at Levi’s. Downtown SF is a major flagship location so why not go to the heart of the beast? Supposedly, these are the best pair of jeans you’ll ever try on in your life and at $69.50, they promise a little extra $ in your pocket for a top to match.

My sister, Amelia, and I walk in and asked the lovely doorman where we might find a pair of the new curve ID jeans. He spoke and pointed to the second floor, so off we went to find a manager. I was there on official business after all and had to know if things like license and pictures were a problem. After a bit of a turn around through several, yet very attentive sales associates, a manager appeared, officially nixed the idea of pictures and set up me up with perhaps the most patient sales associate on the planet, Emmanuel, or more informally known as Emi. I don’t think there is a happier or nicer jeans expert.

We had him get us everything! The Slight Curve, the Demi Curve, and the Bold Curve. All geared to flatter the various shapes of women’s bodies, the jeans are all attractively folded and hanging, ready to try but first, you must be measured. Emi took my sister and I aside and proceeded to measure each of us. I went first but the process is the same. They take a measuring tape that’s been pre-cut and wrap it around your torso, under your bust. The extra strings hanging at its sides are used to find your natural waist as the associate holds them against your sides and asks you to bend towards your left and then your right. Then, you get measured at your widest part in your hips and a few more inches above that, an area I think most gals like to wear their jeans. Amelia was given her two options to try: the Bold and the Demi. I was judged a Slight and Demi curve candidate. Off to the rooms we went!

As it turns out, the jeans are more about fitting and flattering than problem-solving. After several studies done on over 60,000 women, You Ngyuen, the head designer behind this revolutionary new fit system, found that over 80% of women fall into one of these three categories. It’s more about a woman’s shape than her size. The Slight Curve is used for ladies who need a bit more of a defined waist. The Demi Curve suits ladies who can find jeans that fit but don’t flatter their body. The Bold Curve is for the woman who constantly finds herself in a battle with the gap at the back.

Back in the rooms the first pair I tried on were the best fitting. They also happened to be the first pair that Emi handed to me. A Slight Curve jean in the straight-leg really felt good. The only problem was, I didn’t fall in love. I know my body well and I wasn’t happy with the length of the jean on my legs. They made me look shorter when I stand at 5’9 every other day. The bad news is that after about 9 pairs of jeans, I struck out. Amelia on the other hand was quite successful. Though she too went through at least 10 pairs of jeans, the ones that best suited her happened to be the same size I had in the Slight curve, but in the Bold. She had no gapping at the back, the straight-leg flattered her at the hips, through the thighs, and all the way down to her ankle. She of course wound up walking away with a fabulous new pair of jeans and I ended up cursing my own dumb luck that I would have the body type that falls into the left over 20% of women these jeans don’t cater too. I would have been tempted too by that first pair except for that fact that the style I liked, in my size, aren’t made with a longer inseam...yet.

Apparently, there are reviews and “how are we fitting you” cards being exchanged between the heads up top and the hands on the floor all the time. Emi was very candid in letting Amelia and me know that their customer reviews are very important and with this Curve ID system garnering as much buzz as it is, Levi’s has a lot riding on its successes. Happily, most reviews you seek out online are nothing but positive. So far, I’m the only one who didn’t strike gold.

All in all, the experience was completely fantastic. I may not have left with a pair of jeans, but I left knowing that there was an amazing amount of help on the floor, should I need it, and that my comments and criticisms were being escorted to the top of the food chain. Hopefully Levi’s can help you find a new ID for your curves to flatter your shape and forget your size.

~Amanda 

You read that right! Bring in an old pair of jeans to the Levi's store in Union Square and get a FREE pair of Levi's Curve ID.  It's first come fist served, so get there before 10:00 when they open to wait in line.

Images courtesy of Levi's and denimology.com