a manicure is a manicure?

Nope.  My new obsession is the Shellac www.cnd.com manicure.  It is a polish only manicure (no tips, or acrylic) that is set with UV light.  The manicure lasts for 2 weeks and comes in 12 colors- my favorites being Fedora, Cream Puff and Red Baroness.  You can NOT remove with normal polish remover- they use an acetone based product in foil and wrap it around each nail to remove but it doesn’t seem to have any affect on the condition of your nail.  These manicures cost a bit more ($25-$30) but it all evens out since they last for 2 weeks.

Don’t be fooled by the bastardized version of Shellac- called Gelish or “Gel”  manicure.  I have had both and the Gelish kind of sucks.  It costs the same but the manicure doesn’t last as long and is prone to peeling so make sure the salon you choose uses the CND product.

Cargos and jewels

Right now the skinny cargos are my favorite. If you buy the right pair they look good on virtually anyone. J Brand, Seven for all Mankind, Paige and even Old Navy have great styles right now. If you are use to wearing more of a bootleg then wear the cargos with the ankle zippers undone so that it creates a little more of a flare. Wear them with tanks and hoodies, a blouse like top, or a boyfriend blazer.
Be sure and accessorize with lots of jewelry to feminize the look. A Chan Luu wrap bracelet mixed with bangles and some type of bold hoop or tear drop earrings. Or add a black or clear stoned cocktail ring- you can find some great not too pricey ones at Banana Republic, Nordstroms, or J. Crew.  Have fun with it- mix dressy and casual and different texture to create some depth.

And I’m Back!

So I been on a bit of a hiatus but now I am back!  A few weeks ago I worked with a client- Kelly, to  do a closet detox -keeping what worked and got rid of things that were outdated and ill fitting (we got rid of A LOT!)  This past Saturday we hit the shops to replace some key pieces and add accessories that Kelly would not have normally picked on her own.  Even though it was rainy and cold that didn’t stop us from hitting the streets of San Francisco.

‘Tis the Season

It’s that time again- I can’t walk by a window display without getting a rush.  I know what is on every great shopping website and as of yesterday I have cleaned out my Mary Poppins closet (that is a whole other topic for a blog).  I have taken inventory of everything that I have, what I am tired of, and what I need.

It’s not going to be pretty.  For the most part I have been “shopping in my own closet” for almost a year – every once in a while will see a skirt that is a must have or new bikini’s for the summer but those are non negotiable.  A real overhaul is due and I am prepared.

I am obsessed right now with a few categories (well maybe more than a few) dresses, jeans and cardigans.  I especially love dresses because they are just one piece and assuming you have chosen correctly can really show off your best assets.  1 dress and 1 pair of fabulous shoes- easy to pack easy to wear.  Catherine Jane  www.catherinejane.net is a great store for dresses (and skirts too).  Pricey but unlike anything you will see anywhere else.

Of course, there is also any dress from DVF, Catherine Malandrino, Geren Ford and especially Nanette Lepore.  All of which can be found at my favorite boutiques (and some at Bloomingdales)  listed on the right side bar.  I have historically found some really great dresses at Banana Republic but lately it hasn’t been that remarkable.  Maybe when they have their full fall line they will have more to offer.

Cardigans?  J.Crew www.jcrew.com and Madewell www.madewell.com .  J. Crew has your basics and Madewell (also owned by J. Crew) does a twist on the basic cardigan with zippers, buttons and ribbons.  Autumn Cashmere www.autumncashmere.com has the mostly shapely of all cardigans, and my personal favorite – the crop cardigan.  They come in an array of colors and work year round.  $250 a piece they aren’t cheap but last forever so to me worth the investment.

Jeans?  what can I say so many options.  I am looking forward to checking out Levi’s new curve ID jeans- supposedly they have options for every body type in loads of colors and washes.  And in the category for best overall jean I’d have to say Joe’s jeans.  They fit men and woman equally well and have a cut/style for everyone.  Also, check out the Rock Revival jean for fancy wear.

Naked Eyes

Eyes are the window to the soul?  Then you should make them look their best and on most days that is a neutral approach.  Every time I go on a girls trip or to visit a friend I am always digging through their makeup bag to see what they use to create a go to look.  Mostly it is is Laura Mercier, or Bobby Brown.  My new favorite though is Urban Decay Naked eyeshadow palette $44.  12 awesome colors in browns, greys, and plums.  Also, it comes with an eye pencil with a different color on each end – zero and whisky- perfectly good names for eyeliner I think.  You can find it at www.sephora.com or a slew of other sites.

Sidebar- for special occasions or a just hot date I vote for fake individual lashes.  Note: unless you have a super steady hand and not over zealous with the glue (I speak from experience) have a professional apply.  Almost every makeup counter will apply them but you can always count on MAC.

Most valuable players

Today I was wearing one of my favorite tank tops- Michael Stars www.michaelstars.com aubergine high crew.  I bought it along with 4 other colors two years ago at a great store in Carmel – Girl Boy Girl (same owners as Paloosh).   I realized today how often I am wearing something Michael Stars which is why I will include it as a most valuable player.  The line has come so far in the past 20 years.  What started out as sort of sparkly shine fabric, one size fits all t-shirts has grown up into a robust line.  As the collection has increased to include dresses, bottoms, accessories etc. the sizing has increased from one size fits all to 0,1,2, and 3.

I love everything they make- their dresses fit every body type and compliments where it should.  Their colors range from neutrals (black, grey, white) to magenta and turquoise.  Often times you can wear them reversed- scoop neck in the back and v neck in the front- so you can get more than one look from a single piece. Also, many of their skirts can be worn as a strapless dress which I love.

Their prices aren’t the cheapest but they are quality and many of their basic designs are timeless.  So spend some dough and purchase a few basics- you won’t be disappointed.  And if you are lucky enough to have one of the stores in your area definitely check it out-  so many more options than in the boutiques or Nordstrom type stores.  Happy shopping.

LA and stuff

This week I am working in LA at a lovely resort filled with beautiful corporate type peeps.  They are all dressed, impeccably in suits and dresses.  My favorite of the week – and what I have seen a a lot of here, is anything by Elizabeth and James (if you are not familiar this is the clothing line designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) check them out http://elizabethandjames.us . Their shoes are super cool and their basic oxford styles are classic with a twist.   A little spendy but the styles are very unique and well fitting.  You can find them at Bloomingdales and Neimans plus online shops such as www.shopbop.com or www.revolveclothing.com.   I prefer to acquire them locally at small boutiques (Bay Area friends can find them at Sarah Shaw and McMullen).  They often have a smaller selection yet less mainstream of the line so you can find some real gems.

I also had mad love for this Prada bag.  I am not usually a Prada junkie but this one…..

Now, I realize these photos may not do this bag justice (I was trying to be cool as I snapped photos of this during a meeting)- but trust me.  It is a bucket bag- and as a mom this makes me very happy- loads of room and easy access.  it is brown yet has gold sparkly undertones that makes it really fun. And although it is deer skin it looks like python or something equally as fabulous.  Notice, their are zippers on the side which allows it to expand should you want to throw in a bikini or a lap top- you should always be prepared.

Happy Day.

It’s Mom’s fault really

I like anything you can wear.  I don’t discriminate- I equally like a well fitting pencil skirt, Ann Fontaine whites, handbags, jewelry and shoes.  If I had to choose a favorite it would be shoes though because you are never too fat for shoes.  It’s true.  Maybe too pregnant but not too fat.

My mom use to dress me in my sisters hand me downs.  it wasn’t that they were recycled clothing that I was against but that they were tie-dyed polyester pants and shorts suits.  they came in navy, green and red.  That is my sister Danielle in the outfit after Colette already wore it.  My mom is pregnant with me in this picture.  You can see me wearing them in the other pictures all over the world.

Here is the interesting part of it all.  My mom was always impeccably dressed and she almost always wore white- except for when she didn’t.  We were living in Algeria and traveling through Egypt riding camels and eating sand and she wore A-line white wrap skirts with a blouse (yes, I said blouse because that is what she called it) with cool leather flip flops, aviator sunglasses and always a kerchief (her word not mine).   She is stylish and beautiful and I am wearing polyester, tie dyed unitards.  not cool mom.

Tunisia tie-dyed blue

But those things she wore (even with her poor choices in my outfits) is the reason I love clothing and accessories the way that I do.  She is the reason that when I pack for global travel I plan my outfits to look like I am a local (stylish local that is).  And she is why I can sense a gorgeous cashmere wrap or perfect gold earrings from 50 feet away.

So thanks mom for imparting this passion on to me.  I look forward to getting dressed everyday, shopping in a new city and being able to be creative in some aspect of my life.  oh, and Dad- you are pretty stylish yourself.