Narciso Rodriguez for DesigNation at Kohl's

 

Narciso Rodriguez is a designer known for timeless and modern, sophisticated yet approachable, simple lines.  With each piece carefully crafted to fit flawlessly, effortlessly, and gracefully, Rodriguez has created a collection that is both, beautiful and wearable.

   

Rodriguez’s collection for Kohl’s, available on Nov. 7 at 7am, is the kick-off of the department store’s new program, DesigNation™. The concept invites designers to visit a city of his or her choice to search for inspiration. For this one-of-a-kind collection, Narciso Rodriguez gathered inspiration from the ageless city of Istanbul. The things Narciso Rodriguez heard and saw in Istanbul, from its music to its spice market, are reflected in his collection of colorful, streamlined tops, skirts, dresses, pants, and several stunning jackets ranging in price from $30 to $150. 

This collection is available for a limited time at Kohl's and Kohl's online.

 

 

 

Image(s) courtesy of:

http://www.kohls.com/media/images/global/kohls-logo_v1_m56577569838959922.png

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/ourbrands/narcisorodriguez.jsp

http://www.nwitimes.com/lifestyles/fashion-and-style/designer-narciso-rodriguez-goes-with-kohl-s/article_69d1edfa-9c4c-5928-ba2f-dd1fc8ecb7c7.html
 

It's My Birthday and I'll Shop If I Want To!

Yes, I know the title is a bit self-absorbed but it is my birthday and that's pretty much the only day I'm allowed to be self-involved. This will be my 29th year on the planet and I'm ready to roll it in in the right way. Of course, with great age comes great sartorial responsibility. I can't quite get away with the same looks I used to when I was a younger lass. It's time to bust out the longer hem lines and find dresses with sleeves. Let's be honest. Things aren't exactly as firm or as perky as they used to be. But seeing as how I'm a personal shopper in real life, I have to make sure I've got several options available. You just never know if you'll be feeling sexy or silly on the big B-day. One thing I do know, I'm going to want to jazz up my look. I can't be seen in just any old thing, which is the perfect excuse to go shopping.

Browsing online, I found some great options at Nordstrom in a rainbow of colors, styles, and prices. There's got to be at least ONE that will work! No birthday suits allowed!

This simple shift has sleeves and is covered in glitter. Winning! Adrianna Papell, $99.97, Nordstrom

This may only have one shoulder but the effect is effortless and subtly sexy. Love the color too. Adrianna Papell, $49.97, Nordstrom

I'm not much for strapless but the cut of this dress is so flattering to my body type- which is a bit larger on the bottom. Hailey by Adrianna Papell, $138, Nordstrom

I love everything about this dress: the color, the midi-length, the Marylin Monroe silhouette, and the Grace Kelly charm it embodies. Donna Morgan, on sale for $59.97, Nordstrom

The color on this attracted me the most. The style is simple but completely available to some serious accessorizing, the thought of which just makes me salivate. Suzi Chin, $148, Nordstrom

This is just a really sexy dress. The sheer panel at the top with the cool cut-out at the sleeve won me over. BB Dakota, $88, Nordstrom

The subtle lines created by the intricate beading on this sassy little number has a very figure-flattering effect. It's vintage inspired but done in a modern way. Pisarro Nights, $158, Nordstrom

There is something about this dress that I just swoon for. It's romantic, elegant, a bit Spanish dancer-esque, and it has a some sexy upper arm coverage. Definitely winning! Pisarro nights, $158, Nordstrom.

Clearly, I've got options. It's just so hard to decide! All I know is come the big day, all eyes better be on me :)

Cheers!

Image(s) courtesy of Nordstrom

San Francisco Symphony: Orchestrate Your Outfit

As much as we all say "you couldn't pay me enough to ever go back to high school"- and as much as I completely agree- there is one thing I do miss about it: the dances. When I was a teenager, the thought of billowy dresses with big hair and makeup inflated my spirits and shot me sky high when I slipped on the heels. My every-other-day high school life was spent in flip flops and tank tops. I was an athlete growing up in southern California so reasons to get dressed up were few and far between. But the dances...they were there to give your inner girly girl an night out. Now that I find myself well out of high school and even college, I've discovered "prom" type occasions are even more scarce. Apparently adults no longer want a reason to gallivant throughout the night in a fancy dress and sharp suit...unless of course it comes with a striking orchestration courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony (SFS).

The beautiful exterior of the Davies Symphony Hall, home to the SFS

Like any reasonable stylist out there, I love an excuse to play dress up. The San Francisco Symphony celebrates it's 100th season this year with an opening night fast approaching. You know what that means right? Time to ask your mom to take you shopping because you're going to the gala with the hottest boy at work and you need a new dress and shoes. And bag. Probably hair and makeup too. But it will totally be worth it because not only is your date going to look so cute in a suit, the night has the promise of magic!
But I digress...

The Opening Night Gala (held this season on September 7th) is the only night guests wear formal attire. Every other show you can wear business or cocktail clothing; however, for the opening show of a centennial season I think that throwing on a little extra shellack is called for. This then begs the question of: what am I going to wear? Lucky for you, Bloomingdale's has some pieces that are sure to be music to your...ears?

You can go bold...

Aidan Maddox, $440 (Go for an up-do to soften the impact of this dress)

You can go clean and classic...

BCBGMaxAzria, on sale for $104! (it has a beautiful cut-out back)

And if you're pregnant...

Halston Heritage, $495. (For this look, add a long earring to accentuate the neck)

For the hot date you're sure to be taking...

Theory, ~$700. There is nothing like a man in a suit...too bad this fine gent isn't free

Tickets to the symphony are more than affordable (they start at $15!) but if attire and ticket cost are still a concern, you're in luck. There will be a FREE concert the night after the Opening Gala in honor of the symphony's triple digit birthday. Festivities begin at 1130am but the concert starts at noon. September 8th is a Thursday but on the chance of a clear, SF summer day with free music, you might just find yourself skipping there.

Image(s) courtesy of bloomingdales.com

Swimwear 101: Cover-Ups

Once you've found the perfect swimsuit that has you throwing caution to the wind and actually wanting to go out half naked in public, it's time to shop for the swimsuit cover-up.  They are, just like their name suggests, a way to cover up your newly sun-kissed skin.  I personally love a cute cover-up because they not only protect me from getting burned, they are what make a poolside outfit.  And let's be honest, the only time I actually want to see my thighs is while slathering them in sunscreen on my lounge chair.  We've come a long way from the muumuu as far as style.

Personal Shopper Picks: (from one of my favorite places to shop for swimwear, Victoria's Secret)

Trend #1: 70's Chic

VS Cotton Crochet Tunic Sweater $59.50

VS Striped Linen Cover-Up Sweater $49.50

VS Split-sleeve Romper $48

VS Tunic Cover-up $58

Trend #2: Brights

VS Solid Plunge Cover-up Tunic $33

VS Tie-waist Cover-up Dress $33

VS Neon Lace Cover-up $38

Trend #3: Neutrals & Whites

VS One-shoulder Crochet Cover-up $74

VS Beach Linen Knit-waist Short $29.50

VS T-back Romper $82

VS Beach Linen Zip-front Romper $39.50

Image(s) courtesy of Victoria's Secret