What is your Signature Look?

As 2011 comes to an end and 2012 begins, have you defined your signature look which makes people know it is you and reference you for what you have defined as your look. If so, is it the look you were trying to achieve and what you want to be recognized for?


These four stars have defined their look. Can you pick out what attributes that define their look?

Key things to think about when defining your look and maintaining it over time:

• Hairstyle: Color, Length, Sideburns 
• Facial Grooming & Make-up: How much? What do you highlight (Eyes, Eyebrows, Lips, Cheek Bones, Jaw Bone)?
• Nails: Length, Polish, Buffed, Manicured..etc.
• Skin: Texture, color and feel
• Clothing: Casual, Business Casual, Formal (suits), Athletic Wear...What colors? What shapes/cuts to the clothing (Moderate Fit, Slim or European, Loose)? What fit? What type of patterns..big, small, modern, classic/traditional? 
• Shoes: (Some people in business say Shoes can be the windows to a person's soul/sole...meaning how they take care of and what they choose say a lot about the person's character); Shoes should refine your overall outfit and fit the operational situation you are in...example: wearing 4" high heals into a factory or to a function/business event where there will be a ton of walking expected will convey you are not a practical thinker...same for a man wearing tennis shoes with a suit into a meeting with Wall Street Investors...know your audience and the situation
• Perfume/Cologne: Type, strength and longevity 
• Socks: Matching outfit, shear, dense, pattern, thin, thick, length
• Accessories: Scarves, jewelry (necklaces, ear rings, rings, bracelets, pins/broaches), watch, gloves, hats, handbags, briefcase, backpack, phone cover, iPad Cover, umbrella, pocket squares, ties, cuff links, belts, wallets, etc...

Once you start hearing people talk about your signature look and it resonates what you want to achieve. Then you can only have success moving forward.

Designer Shopping for Less

I don't know if you have discovered the wonderful world of online designer discount shopping that has taken Bluefly's concept to the next level? I would strongly suggest checking out Gilt (www.Gilt.com) and HauteLook (www.HauteLook.com) to see what I'm talking about. Both have a limited time frame for the selected designer discount items (think ebay) and each designer has their own storefront look. However, you can select from multiple designers into one cart and checkout using your credit car or PayPal account. Another bonus, if you send invites to friends and they sign up to be free members, you get points towards additional discounts on your purchases. Not bad.

Just the other day William Rast Jeans were 40-60% off. I don't think I've ever seen their jeans below $100. Yet there were pairs starting at $49. Of course, to get the best crack at the having the maxim selection available, you should set up your smartphone with their apps which give you instant alerts to new designers collections available. Or you can look at the calendar feature they provide at the bottom of the page. It will tell you approximately when certain designers will be posted to their sites and for how long.

I wish you happy designer hunting this holiday season!

Wrap Up In Style

Quick easy elegance that has lasted through the decades that never goes out of style for cool days and nights is a Wrap. Check out these different styles:

Casual: (Nordstrom Chelsey Reversible Silk Wrap)

Business or Upscale Chic: (Michael Kors Cashmere Ruana, Burberry Check Merino Wrap)

Night Out (Black Fox Trimmed Cashmere Ruana)

Buckle Up!

This fall add some buckle details to your wardrobe:

Burberry Belted Check Print Hobo

Nic + Zoe Buckle Wrap Top

Burberry Brit Leather Tab Pleated Skirt

Michael Kors Buckle Cuff (Nordstroms)

BeBe Buckle Bootie

Boots: Miz Mooz 'Kira' Riding Boot

Booty Call...Fall Boot Trends

Excitement fills the air as the latest fall trends hit mainstream stores. It is time to pick up the fall/winter must have boots. This year's trends are inspired from the 70's retro fashions. Casual hippie to city glam you will fall in step with the new TV line-up: Playboy Club, PanAm & Charlie's Angles.


(Born "Milari", Jimmy Choo "Fulmer",  Jeffery Campbell "Lita", Pour la Victoire "Imari")

Fall for Hats!

Flash back to 1960's style with this Fall's fashion line up. Ponchos, block mini dresses, fur vests, bell bottom pants with button fly, boots, gloves and above all cool hats. This fall there are many to choose from. Find the perfect one to flatter your style. [Cecily Wool Floppy Hat (black), Burberry Wool Cap (black), Carly Boho Cloche Hat (wine color), GUCCI Trilby Hat (rust color)

7/15/11: Nordstrom's Annual Anniversary Sale

Eight years ago I stopped by to pick up some jeans at Nordstrom and stumbled upon a dream: Pre-season marked down merchandise! Each year in July, Nordstrom celebrates it's anniversary by marking down selected new fall fashions and merchandise for several weeks. Then just like magic the inventory goes back to normal pricing. To take a sneak peek at this year's goodies here is the online catalog: http://global.syndeca.com/nordstrom/anniversary/2011/sale/?catalogid=anniv2011

See you at the check out.

Enjoy!

Summer Night Out

Summer is in full swing and this season there are plenty of options to make every occasion perfect!

Wedding (Nordstroms)

House Party (Bloomingdales)

Beach Party (Victoria's Secret)

Garden Party (Nordstroms)

The Oaks

The stargazer lily did not become the official flower of the Kentucky Oaks until 1991, when the Kroger Company was commissioned to create a feminine garland for the fillies who contested the Kentucky Derby’s sister race. Lite Light, winner of the 117th Kentucky Oaks, was the first filly to receive the garland of lilies.

The stargazer lily was selected for its femininity and strength. A total of 133 lilies are sewn into a white moiré fabric backing with a fleur-de-lis pattern, which, like the green satin of the Kentucky Derby garland, is embroidered in white-on-white with the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s seal at one end and Churchill Downs’ Twin Spires and the number of the race’s renewal at the other. The garland of lilies is trimmed with a dramatic border of oak ivy leaves, also symbolic of the Oaks event. (Taken from: Kentucky Derby Website)

Over the past several years The Kentucky Oaks Race Day has become a think "pink" awareness for all. Ladies show up in hints of "Pink" to show their support for women touched by breast cancer. Churchill Downs partner charities are Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® and Horses and Hope.

So if you plan on attending, think "Pink" from hats to handkerchiefs, suits to sundresses, sunglasses to stilettos.

Where to buy links: Black w/Pink Lilly, Top Hat with Big Flower, Dress & Heels)

Southern Belle

The Kentucky derby brings out the Southern Belle in every lady. Thousands of people flock to Louisville, Kentucky every year to watch the horses, dresses, shoes and HATS! For the newbies here are some items to know:

Friday May 6th:
- Oaks Race (Hat Day); Pink Day...it is a female horse race
- Try a Lilly the drink of Oaks Race

Saturday, May 7th

- Kentucky Derby

Key things for the ladies:
- Do wear comfortable dress shoes (lots of walking and standing); Personal favorites: Cole Haan w/air; Betsy Johnson; Put on Blister Block before walking as extra protection; Bring ban-aids as a back up in purse.
- Do wear a cool hat that goes with your outfit (Pictures)
- Do wear sunblock
- Do bet on horses by using your favorite name (just might work)
- Do complement other ladies on their outfits and men on their jackets
- No umbrellas allowed, bring clear rain cover in purse (http://www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/security-information)

Friday or Saturday night: (Both places have a good amount of random celebs showing up)
http://www.4thstlive.com/events.cfm?month=5&year=2011
http://www.stevieraysbluesbar.com/

Saturday or Sunday morning: Great drinks, unique menu
http://www.lynnsparadisecafe.com/

Spring Military Trend

Tons of military inspired pieces are popping up in stores adding a new twist to the Spring line up. Typically fall and winter is when you see the most military inspired clothing. However, this Spring stores are serving up fun options.

(Ballerina Flat, Cadet Jacket, Twill Pant, Dress, Ash Heels)

The Lucky One

This week I had the honor to hear a Wounded Solider share his life. His discussion took us down the path of becoming the lucky one in the room. However, every step of his journey made me think about being the lucky one to have someone like him defending the nation, being a role model for others and reminding us life is what you make it.

Just when you think you are having a bad day or life is hard take a moment and walk outside, look around and breath in the air. This is a privilege we shouldn't take for granite. In some countries stepping outside your view might be of war or you may have to wear a mask due to pollution. These are things we as a country work hard at keeping way from reaching our borders and homeland.

Next time you are having a bad day, take a moment to meet Master Sgt. Jeffrey Mittman by reading his journey at:

http://www.visionaware.org/personal_story_sgt_jeffrey_mittman_wounded_veteran

Spring Fever- 2011

As we approach March, the US has seen a mix of snow flurries and sunny days across the country. The sprinkling of warm days with sunshine has brought on a contagious Spring Fever. There are signs of it everywhere, bright colors peeking out from behind heavy coats and the thick glass of department store windows.

Here are the pantone colors of the season:

Here are some hot releases to tamper your Spring Fever: (Eliza J Dress, 'Pandora' Wedge, Bird Ring, Stam Stachel above)

What is your Brand's STEM DNA?

There is a huge push for getting children to take STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) classes and develop stronger STEM programs within schools. However, how do you make STEM cool? What STEM careers are cool and serve as a role model for getting children and their parents engaged?

When most of us hear the word "STEM" we think about the stem of a plant and being the basis from which everything branches off from. Now think of a brand and how their products are branches of their core essence. In particular, think of a car brand and how STEM really is the core of the products created.

This is the opportune time for Lincoln, Buick or Cadillac (American Brands) to utilize the development of STEM to connect their brands to the next generation of car buyers and developers. Ultimately, their parents at the same time. Fun Fact: Children are 80% of the family buying decisions.

The time is now to use the help of youth to make their brands and STEM cool. People don't realize STEM is part of all areas of business, including Marketing and Design. Here are some simple ideas:

• STEM days at Auto Shows with guest speakers from different job areas talking about how they use STEM to do their job
• Facebook STEM test application which suggests vehicles brands, products or jobs
• Brand website focused on how the brand incorporates STEM into their products as the basis of their brand or product development

Heart Giving Savvy Ideas

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and you are looking for something to sweep your valentine off their feet? The tradition of giving hearts dates back to middle ages.

Here are some great ideas to surprise your valentine:

Converse Chuck Taylor 'OX' Sneaker

Charm It - Children's Bracelet

Inside Out Heart Cup Set

Sweethearts Tee Shirt

Cell Phone Cover (Apple iPhone 4)

Fun fact: Approximately 85 percent of all valentines are purchased by women. In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia.