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

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
 

Tips for Maximizing Your Closet

I previously blogged about the "closet clean out" process I go through with my clients, and how I help them maximize their current wardrobe.  How do I do this?  I take key pieces that are multi-functional and put them together into as many outfit possibilities as possible.  These pictures are from my client Lisa's wardrobe analysis.  I took the purple BCBG wrap sweater and completed three separate outfit ideas for her.

Lisa works from home, and has many occasions to wear jeans.  She wanted to update her look to have some more style.  It was more than just changing the tops and the shoes she paired with it.  Wrapping the sweater (image 2) and having it tie in the back added some visual interest.  Placing a black turtleneck sweater, pearls, and velvet pumps gives this outfit a bit more warmth.  The other two looks (images 1 and 3) are a bit more summery.

Lisa loved all three looks and will feel more than comfortable in any of them.

Image taken by Jennifer Held

The BCBG Signature Cardi-Wrap: #1 Item Purchased by Clients

The number one item most of my female clients purchase is the signature cardi-wrap from BCBG. Why, you ask? Because I believe adding that extra layer can take your outfit from drab to fab. Being able to incorporate that one extra little "umpf" to your outfit makes you look more put together and complete. Of all the sweaters I have shopped for, for the various body types out there, this is the one my clients rave most about. For example, my client Amy last Wednesday said that "she loves" the black sweater wrap we purchased over a year ago. As we were shopping for more outfits this week, we were both amazed at the number of new looks that would be perfectly completed by that same cardi-wrap.

BCBG is Having a SALE!

My female clients know that I love to suggest BCBG. And no I do not get paid to say that or endorse them in any way. What is it about their clothing you ask?

-contemporary suiting in varying sizes (0/XXS-12/L)
-their signature cardi-wrap sweaters are GREAT for most bodies and come in new colors every season
-for those petite women, the pants are easily tailored and their knits run small
-they offer classic, but not bland, corporate work pieces

Here are some of my suggestions from the sale:


images courtesy of BCBG

If I Had a Million Dollars...

... my closet would be stuffed full with everything from the Net-A-Porter.com (pronounced net-a-portay) website. I love this site because you can buy MANY hard to find runway items not found anywhere else. Admittedly, the site is very expensive. But that's the thing about runway clothing- there is a trickle-down effect that stems from the runways into mainstream fashion. So go ahead, eyeball that $6000 outfit with the Christian Louboutin shoes. When you do so, remember that you don't have to spend a million bucks to look like one. Print out that page and take it shopping with you. You can recreate similar outfits with a little know-how and some shoe leather. Take friends or a personal shopper along with you (had to throw a little plug in there for myself) for advice.
Here are three great style tips for fall fashion:

(1) Try Separates = blouses + skirts + bags
(2) Dress Up = jackets + dresses + boots
(3)Wear The Pants = knitwear + pants + belts

Images courtesy of Net-A-Porter.com