Watch This!

Because sometimes we all need a break and on that break we want pretty things to look at (and if you're anything like me, which is a truly addicted shopper) then you're going to love these!

I believe every self-respecting gal should wear a watch and Macy's has rolled out some big guns. They're an instant piece of bling but they're functional so you don't ever feel like you're trying to be someone you're not. Anne Klein does really great watches (I'm actually wearing one now that I love. It's two-tone of gold and silver with a white pearl face and small crystals at the hour marks. Gorg!) and these are no less fabulous than a more familiar luxury brand like Rolex.

The rose gold, leather, and evening styles are STUNNING and perfect for pretty much any occasion and any outfit. Click on any of the images to be redirected to Macy's Anne Klein watch selection.

I love me a nice, leather watch. These are feminine, not bulky, and perfect to adorn any wrist. A great example of a classic watch.

Rose Gold was just beginning to gain traction a couple years ago and now stores are all about it. It's a great alternative to traditional gold and silver watches

If you're one of those people who feels naked without a watch on, but you've got a cocktail type event coming up, do yourself a favor and get an evening watch. These are elegant enough that they'll look more like bracelets rather than watches when you wear them and they won't compete with your look.

Image(s) courtesy of me and my iPhone :)

Color Wheel Theory

I do a LOT of talking about colors and their relationship to each other all the time. When I'm with clients, I try to help them see the way one color can "highlight" another tone in another color that's next to it. (huh?)
It's the same theory behind when someone says, "It really brings out your eyes" or "Wow, red is really your color".

Essentially, colors play off each other. True, your skin color, hair color, and lighting all play a part in the way a color reads on you BUT, you also have a consistent "undertone" to your skin that's never changing. Sometimes it's referred to as a season and, unless you're tanning like a guidette, your skin's general predisposition of color is always there. This is an element I use when working with clients- find colors to flatter their undertones. So if you're a Spring, you have more golden undertones accented with pink in your cheeks. If you're a Fall, you have more earth-colored undertones with red to accent your cheeks. You can read more about it by going to this website. It's a men's site but the information still translates for women.

This came from a baby nursery site.

BUT, to better understand any color theory, you have to first have some knowledge in the color wheel. Complimentary colors, tertiary colors, and secondary colors. You know this stuff already, you just don't know it. Sometimes seeing it laid out with pictures and bullet points makes it more accessible. This website did a great job explaining the basics. Below is the explanation of what a color wheel is.

A color wheel (also referred to as a color circle) is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. Begin a color wheel by positioning primary hues equidistant from one another, then create a bridge between primaries using secondary and tertiary colors.

Try to take it from there and use this information in your own wardrobe. To give you a place to start, I have a question for you. If you answer it, you're already a better stylist than you think you are:

If tertiary colors come from secondary and primary colors mixed together, it stands to reason that, since they're all from the same "family" of colors that that "family" of colors will look good together in an outfit
(...did I just get all color philosophical on you? If you get stuck, scroll up and revisit the segmented wheel :)

Image(s) courtesy of www.creative-baby-nursery-rooms.com
 www.worqx.com

Top 5 Tips to Make YOU a Better Shopper!

One of the main concerns I hear from clients is that they feel like they're not good shoppers. Plus, they're busy so when they do find the time to shop it's on a weekend...and the day ends up not being productive but instead overwhelming as more and more people fill up the store, just as eager to shop, and then you end up leaving feeling deflated and bruised from being pushed around. Let me tell you something, don't fool yourself- weekend shopping is like Black Friday only with just-under-the-skin hysteria instead of full out espionage. I've been working as a personal shopper in this city long enough to know that what you really need is a game plan if you even think about shopping on a Saturday. And when you're in the Mecca of shopping destinations, aka downtown San Francisco (yes, we are definitely big enough to call ourselves a sartorial Mecca), you need to be smart. And the smarter you are in the attack, the quicker you'll be through and onto a glorious lunch with drinks.

 TOP 5 TIPS TO BEING A BETTER SHOPPER:

- Get there when they open. Seriously. It's usually 10am. Just do it.

- Know your exits and bathroom locations. Again, seriously. If you've got family in tow or kids with temperamental bladders, you need to be able to move quickly.

Be like this woman! Grab multiple pairs

- Shop shoes first. I know it sounds backwards but trust me, if you're going on a weekend, that department gets slammed pretty quickly. Plus, when the store's just opening it's quieter so chances are good you'll have an associate all to yourself. **EXTRA TIP ** Keep yourself on-budget by buying only what you NEED, not what you love...sorry. I know the shoes are pretty but you DON'T need them all!

- In clothing, look for areas that are merchandised with a color palette you tend to wear/look good in OR those that are item specific, like a rack with only dresses or coats. If you're working from a list (which you should be) you can check off the specific items after perusing these racks.

- In accessories by a harsh critic. You can easily pick up 5 pieces (or is it just me?) and have inadvertently added $-$$$$$$ dollars to your end total. Be mindful! Buy only what you need. But if you don't have anything, buy gradually. Start with what you need, like a scarf and hat over earrings and a bracelet, and work your way up from there.

See, don't you feel good now?! I bet you're ready to tackle the weekend warriors, those ever vigilant shoppers who've turned a pastime into a sport. Good luck!

Image(s) courtesy of google image search

HeidiSays San Francisco Blowout Sale

 

June Sales at Bloomingdale's San Francisco

June Fine Jewelry Birthday Card
Friday, June 1st- Saturday, June 30th

We haven’t forgotten about all of the special birthdays and fathers out there this month! This event is perfect for picking up gifts that your loved ones will adore! Clients will receive one $100 Splurge Card to use towards many of our Fine Jewelry or Fine Watch items that are valued at $500 or more when using your Bloomingdales card! Nothing says, “Happy Father’s Day,” more than a gift that will last a lifetime!




Calvin Klein Underwear Event
Wednesday, June 6th- Sunday, June 17th

This event is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite Calvin Klein must haves! Clients will receive 25% off of Klein underwear, loungewear and socks! No one does comfort better than Calvin!


Polo Men’s Underwear Postcard
Tuesday, June 12th- Friday, June 15th

Not only will Calvin Klein be offered at an amazing price, but so will Ralph Lauren Polo! This is something you just cannot miss! Clients will also receive 25% off of Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s underwear, robes and sleepwear!


June Private Sale
Tuesday, June 12th- Friday, June 15th

It’s finally here! Private Sale is, by far, one of the BIGGEST and BEST events of the year! Clients will receive four certificates, at $25 each, and will be able to use a certificate for every $100 spent! Power Points are in full swing for this event! For every $100 you spend, you will earn 2,500 points! Keep in mind that for every 5,000 points, you will earn a $25 Reward Card! Talk about a reward system! As if this event couldn’t get any better, we are also including Women’s Designer! Clients will receive a $250 Splurge Card for almost every $1,000 spent on Women’s Designer Collections!

 
Beauty Treats
Tuesday, June 12th- Friday, June 15th

Clients will receive numerous gifts during this event when purchasing from the Cosmetics and Fragrance Department! Enjoy countless Gift with Purchases and Services from Bloomingdales! For every $125 you spend in store or online in our beauty departments, you will receive a hanging toiletry bag in one of three fabulous colors!


Beauty and the Beach
Friday, June 22nd- Wednesday, July 4th

During this event, Bloomingdales will be offering tons of cosmetic steals throughout the store! We know that the beach is calling your name, and we have a beach essential you need to have! Clients will receive a free striped beach bag with every $125 purchase!

Image courtesy of Bloomingdales.com

 

June Sales at Macy's San Francisco

June 6-June 11
Summer Sale and Best Customer Sale:

Buy more, Save more on shoes, sandals, up to 30% off (minimum purchase of 3 items)!
Great Shoe Sandal Sale!
Buy more, Save more on Bridge Designers: Tahari, Ellen Tracy, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Michael Kors, Eileen Fisher
up to 30% off!
(minimum purchase of 3 items)!

June 15-June 16
Biggest ONE DAY SALE - Just in time for Father's Day
$10 OFF your purchase of $25 or more on all sale and clearance apparel and select items.
(usual exclusions apply)

 - Michael Michael Kors men's suits $149.99 - Morning Specials
 - Alfani Red slim-fit men's suits $199.99 -Morning Specials
 - Lowest prices of the season on shirts and ties!
 -Men's Polo shirts by Ralph Lauren - everyone's favorite gift!
 - All Bulova watches are 25% off plus and EXTRA 10% off!
 - 50% OFF Business cases by Samsonite and more..

 image courtesy of Macy's

Banana Republic Collaboration with Trina Turk

I could not be more excited about the Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection that hits the general public in-store and online TODAY! 

Here are the looks I purchased:

Would look great belted

How cute would this be paired with the jacket below?

Sizes are running out of this one, quick!

Trina Turk is known for her use of bright signature colors and bold, dare-I-say iconic, vintage inspired prints.  Banana Republic is known for their quality and affordability.  What could more more perfect than a collaboration between the two?  I'll tell you..... one of the only designer collaborations thanks for nothing Target who only does collaborations in junior sizing resulting in size 16's!  While that's not quite plus size, it's larger than you'll find in Trina Turk's regular line.

Image(s) courtesy of Banana Republic.com

Stylist Picks: Wooden Accessories

Bright printed skirts, sun hats and maxi dresses... I'm loving so much of the boho chic clothing that's so popular again this summer (especially in San Francisco during all of the musical festivals). 

Not ready to dive straight into a look that, if not done right, could have you confused with the real hippies in Haight Ashbury?  A quick and affordable way to add that bohemian vibe to your wardrobe is through accessories- wooden to be exact.  Here are some of my favorite picks:

Stella & Dot "Casablanca" bib necklace $89

Lauren by Ralph Lauren "Java" wooden bangles $58

Yves Saint Laurent "Arty" wooden ring $275

Kenneth Jay Lane "Wave" bangle $45

Forever21 "Tribal Glam" bracelet set $6

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

Diane's high praises have left me speechless...

"It is such a STRUGGLE fending off compliments to my outfit today... REALLY!!!

...I see that the better I feel about myself, the less likely I am to indulge in an eating marathon.  The clothes you chose and the support you have given me make me feel incredible... having beautiful clothes when I am at my "fullest" has really had a profound positive impact on my self esteem."

People tend to think of fashion as being purely superficial.  But you'd be amazed at the way your appearance can lift/hurt your self-esteem.  Anyone who's ever felt over-weight knows what it feels like to have your outward appearance affect you negatively.  Like Diane (see her "after photo" on the FB page), did you ever stop to think that a wardrobe update might help build your self-esteem?

Not So SHORT Story: Dressing up for summer

Before 1- Kristina's typical summer style

Kristina was in desperate need of an update to her summer wardrobe.  She was tired of the tee-shirt-and-shorts look she had been wearing since, well, high school.  She felt like her look had no real style, and needed help putting together outfits.

Before 2- Kristina wanted to get away from just tees and shorts

We needed to do some serious shopping to get her ready for her trip to the Galapagos Islands next month.  Off to Bloomingdale's to take advantage of their end-of-season sales on summer clothes right now (additional 40-50% off the already reduced prices!!)...

Now you may look at this Aqua brand dress (below) on the website and move right on past it, probably because it doesn't seem very versatile.  Isn't silk too dressy for the day?  Sure Kristina could wear it on her vacation, but how was it going to translate into her day-to-day once she got home?  How do you make an outfit out of a dress?

Image of dress as styled on the Bloomingdale's website

First thing we did was to remove the belt that came with it (simple matching fabric sash style), and replace it with the rich brown Michael Kors woven leather belt.  The elasticized waist and flowy fabric of the dress were calling out for something with a little structure.  We balanced out the heaviness of the belt with this great military green jacket from Guess.  To pull the colors all together and finish off the look, we added dark brown sandals.

Re-styled dress Option 1

To change up the dress some more, we decided to keep the belt (it looked so great already), but soften the look by replacing the military green jacket with this great sleeveless cardigan in an oatmeal/tan color.  We replaced the brown leather sandals with some Marc by Marc Jacobs ballet flats to balance out the structure of the belt, and to bring back that military green color into the outfit.

Re-styled dress Option 2

Kristina left our shopping appointment happy and loaded down with shopping bags full of fresh ideas for her summer wardrobe.

What is your summer style?  How do you make an outfit out of a dress?

Dress image courtesy of Bloomingdales.com

Recessionista Secrets- and how YOU can master them

Why is it that the desire/need to shop is always at its greatest when you can least afford it? The simple fact is LIFE GOES ON, even when our wallets can't keep up.  The economy may have come to a veritable stand-still, but our lives are still moving on. No matter how cinched our budgets become, we still need new items of clothing from time to time.

How to Smartly Shop During an Economic Downturn:

1. Go back to basics. Concentrate on acquiring the key pieces at the foundation of every great wardrobe. The classics, like a good coat, hand bag and shoes are important anchors to putting stylish looks together.
2. Make a list and stick to it. Determine the gaps in your wardrobe before you set out to shop. Only buy what’s on the list. It’s that simple.
3. Choose pieces appropriate for multiple occasions. Before buying, ask yourself, “Where am I wearing this? Can I wear it for more than one purpose?" For example, a sassy cardigan can be worn to the office and also on a weekend getaway to Napa.
4. Go easy on the trends. Hop off the trend wagon, for now at least. Set a goal to invest only in classics and incorporate a few trendy accessories to keep looks current, like scarves, leggings, tights, bangles.
5. Embrace quality over quantity. Opt for well-made clothing in high-quality fabrics to ensure your pieces have the bandwidth to last more than one season.  This is especially true with your basics that go with everything.  Spending more money on one item may seem counter-intuitive to being on a budget.  Americans are into "throw-away" fashion, with stores like H&M and Forever 21 feeding the budgeter's urge to spend.  The point here is to get items that will stand the test of time not only in style, but also regular washings.  Save the $15 shirts for trendier pieces, not your wardrobe staples (see #4).
6. Know when to shop the sales. Department stores like Macy's are constantly putting out printed coupons.  When using coupons, be sure to read the fine print and find out whether or not the items you are wanting to purchase are actually a part of that sale (which happens more often that you would think).  Know that the MSRP of a BCBG shirt will be the same at the boutique store, as it is in the department store down the street.  Because of that MSRP, that BCBG shirt will be the same price at Nordstrom as it is at Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus.  Know when your favorite brand is going on sale at your local department stores- you may find the items cheaper than if you went to the boutique.
Get onto your favorite brand's mailing list for updates on sales.  Like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter for the most up-to-date information on discounts and specials in-store and online.

Make sense?  Do you have any tips of your own?

Memoirs of my morning at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale

waiting with at least 50 other women for the elevators to open

My amazing friend Lindsey gets me up at 5:45 every year to get coffee and gear up for the doors to open at Nordstrom Westfield Centre.  7am hits and we are first into the elevators.  With quiet anticipation, the very full elevator explodes onto the sales floor and spills forth into the shoes...

The damage done in the shoe department (my CC is starting to smoke already)

With the game plan in play and shopping lists in hand, we head from shoes up to the clothes.  Using the circled and dog-eared preview catalog as my compass, I glide through the clothing racks (dodging the other shoppers) searching for the perfect tops on sale to wear with my jeggings.

My morning hair and yoga clothes (hey, it was 7am at THE MALL!)

After bogarting the fitting room for over 30 minutes (exiting to glares from the ladies in line), I end this early morning madness with a final stop in the lingerie department.  I'm bummed to find out that, along with my waistline, my boobs are growing as well.  So I take this opportunity to try on larger bras (on sale for under $40!) to wear with the shapewear now practically required with every outfit.

Surprisingly, once I get home and walked through the door with my many bags, the first thing I can't wait to try on again are the over the knee socks I picked up last-minute.  After giving it all the once-over in my own mirror (why do clothes sometimes look different on you once you're home?) I am satisfied that I only need to return one item; the flats that made it into my bag in the wrong color.

If you listen really carefully, you can still hear my credit cards crying out for help!

Are you an "Office Girl"?- A Driving Force Behind China's Economic Growth

Jezebel.com and the Financial Times are reporting that  the Chinese economy is being fueled by its "office girls"- a group of female consumers under the age of 32 with an effective savings rate of zero percent.  Essentially, they are spending everything that they are earning extravagant luxury items, cosmetics and dining out.

Are you one of these "office girls" working just to afford your shopping habit?

I was once a "nothing at the end of the month club" gal... one of those people who spend everything they earn.  While finishing up my 8th year of 10 years in college (YES, really), I worked at a popular San Francisco boutique for extra spending cash.  I won't name the place, let's just say they "really like you" :)

Anyway, I can safely say that I spent more money in their boutique than I ever made there.  It's not just that the pay wasn't very good, they just had way too many great items of clothing coming into the store on a daily basis to not leave home without.  Fashion addict?  Maybe.  Irresponsible at the time, definitely!  Even now, I'm the first to say my job is "like being an alcoholic and working as a bartender".

Is your wallet single-handedly supporting the economic state of at least one store?












Image(s) courtesy of http://jezebel.com/5450907/office-girls-boosting-economy-with-extravagant-shopping

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.

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 :)

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/

Guess and GQ - Exclusive Cocktail Reception

In Support Of
Kids On The Move America

Shop the Holiday 2009 Guess Collections For Men And Women
While Enjoying Cocktails and Music By Dj Solomon

Thursday, October 15
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Guess
865 Market Street
San Francisco Center
San Francisco

Please reply by Tuesday, October 13 to info@bigpicpr.com


A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Kids on the Move America, a non-profit youth impact project that develops, evaluates and disseminates programs that support health, social, and intellectual development in low-income children in Alameda County.

Receive 20% off of your purchase with a $5.00 minimum donation
to Kids on the Move America during the event hours.

Receive an exclusive gift in the Guess green re-usable tote
bag, including products from Guess, GQ, Bed Head,
Every Man Jack, Kiss My Face, Patron and more, with any
purchase and sign up to the Guess list loyalty program.*

*gift with purchase available while supplies last.

Image and information courtesy of Charleston Pierce Presents