What drives you?

We are ingrained from youth to use the beginning of a new year to reflect on the past. As I look upon the past year, driven by the previous years of reflection, I think about what drove me to choose the path I have taken. I think back to my youth and enjoyment of continuous learning, tinkering and art. The enjoyment of figuring out how to fix things, build things and connect people with things to bring them enjoyment or peace of mind. Seeing the "Ah Ha" moment when a smile crosses a person’s face as something gives them joy. 

To me there is joy in being part of the process for a vehicle or motorcycle made by many parts, hands and minds to come together into one fully operating machine. It is mind blowing when you think about the details of it. To be a piece of this puzzle and to share it’s outcome with others is a pure sense of joy. Motorized transportation allows us to explore the individual freedom we possess at greater ranges and in different ways. For some, these machines and the brands that represent them are an extension of who they are. To others it is just a means to get from one point to another. But no matter if the mode of transportation or brand connects with you on a personal level, it has connected you to other people, places and above all memories. 

I’m driven by my passion to bring products and brands alive that connect with people to give them more in life. More freedom, more smiles and more to reflect on the next year.

May the passion that drives you bring you and those you touch much success in the new year.

All about the Details!

1960 to 1970's Bohemian vibe is in the air. Delicate yet bold is the embroidery trend showing up across all the fashion lines. Just type in Embroidery at Nieman Marcus Online and see page after page of this fall's must have pieces. Both in vivid bright to tone-on-tone patterns making you crave owning a piece to be a closet main staple for years. 

Fall Transitional Must Haves!

Fall is in full swing at all Fashion Outlets as we hold on to summer, reality is pushing us into thinking about Fall. This Fall's transitional must haves are the wrap belt, boots, tousle accents, beaded jewelry and the perfect casual dress. Warm carmel hues of leather hold on to the golden summer sun while capturing the rich color of fall leaves. While turquoise  brings a calm soothing presence of the bright blue sky with limitless opportunity.

Necklaces - Nordstrom & Dresses - Boston Proper

Belts - Nordstrom & Boots - Freebird

Bracelets - Various Outlets & Handbags - Rebecca Minkoff

Magic of Butterflies!

Every time I see a butterfly each one has it's own unique pattern, colors, shaped wings and movement. Truly giving the visual definition of individual. Maybe this is why so many people are drawn to them and try to capture the symbolism butterflies bring to light. 

Each Spring and Summer season a new crop of fashion items emerge like a butterfly from a cocoon for us to embrace the simple to the dramatic art of the butterfly.

Type in b-u-t-t-e-r-f-l-y into the search browser on Nordstrom website and below are a few of the fresh fashions of the season.

Flower Power

Spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner. Lush floral patterns are popping up everywhere as people are longing for longer days and warm nights. Looking at some of the fresh new floral designs you can almost smell the essence of the warm summer day walking through a garden along a coast taking on the adventure in front of you.

When adding floral pattern to your outfit, simple is key. Wear one standout floral pattern and take on of the colors from the pattern to use for the remaining elements of the outfit. Example: Long white sheath dress with pattern shown below, with dark pink strappy sandals, bag, and wide brim fashion hat. Add simple jewelry as earrings and bracelet to keep the dress the main focus.

Here are some of floral trends taking bloom:

Nordstorm

_______________________

Kate Spade, Coach & Nordstrom

Pet Friendly Lounge Wear

You have been hanging out all morning around the house with the occasional swipe of the dog across the leg or maybe chilling in your lap. Now you want to run some errands, but don't want to look like your lounge pants need shaving. Yes, you can try to take a lint brush or sticky tape stuff and swipe it rigorously against your pants. However, you still have pieces of hair stuck in the weave of your pants with the dream of finding fabrics with less cling factor. 

No need to dream or wear farm gear or take the extra step of changing clothes before adventuring out. Instead check out some of the LuLu Lemon casual pants. I have personally tested them (Weim and Vizsla with the short hair that weaves into everything) and with a few hand swipes on the fabric the pet hair falls right off, making it effortless to get out the door fur free. 

Below are some outfit ideas for the fashion savvy.

lululemon Clothing & Zappo Shoes

Add Some Spring to Your Step

Daylight is lasting longer, the sun is looking brighter and the weather seems to be getting warmer, but you don't have to wait for the sun or weather to bring Spring in full gear! Add Spring to your step and pep to your day with simple wardrobe updates. Plus, use the techniques of fashion stylists to obtain a slim appearance by elongating your body with a monotone color with accents. Here are some sample wardrobe selections using this Spring's latest color mixes:

WHBM

Suit, Purse, Top & Shoes

Jacket, Pants, Shirt & Shoes

Jacket, Pants, Shirt & Shoes

Off to the Races - Kentucky Derby Style

Every year people from all around the world make the pilgrimage to Louisville, Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby. For some the prep for the following year starts the day after the races end and newbies they are just beginning their search for the perfect outfit. One thing is for sure, it is a place where all levels of fashion collide and people are watching the attendees as much as the horses. 

The key is to be comfortable while being fashionable. Here are a few tips:

• Friday Oaks Races - Theme is Lilies and color is pink, also there is a breast cancer walk be for the Oaks Race on the track for survivors
• Saturday Derby Races - There is no theme, winning horse receives blanket of red roses, most people this is the "Sunday Best" dress day  
• Hat should match/complement your outfit - feel free to personalize with feathers, ribbon and flowers
• Wedges or known comfortable heel brands are recommended
• Max Size for purse/handbag is 12-inches in any direction
• No Umbrellas allowed (recommend clear poncho in purse)
• Recommend folding flats for walking to and from event (fit in purse)
• Sunglasses
• Official rules
• Care Kit 
• Blister Block (shoes wearing on skin - Southern moisture)
• Bandaids
• Sunblock
• Dollars for the washroom valet
• Safety pins or small sew kit
• Clothing tap (depending on your type of dress)
• Aspirin/Advil 
• Mints
• Clear sandwich bags (for phones if it rains)

The following images are examples for races:(links to purchase included below pictures)

OAKS

Hat, Handbag, Dress & Shoes

DERBY

Dress, Hat, Shoes & Handbag

3 Traditional Boot Brands Adding Swagger to Their Step

Successful brands always have a core product line everyone relies on them to provide and understand the need to keep relevant with new customers by providing new product which test the boundaries of design and innovation. In the traditional all-weather boot industry, it has always been about comfort, function and durability. However, as they are looking to expand their customer reach companies are learning they can add flare without compromising their core values. 

Three traditional all-weather boot brands I would like to applaud on adding new life to their traditional line-up are: Sorel, Hunter and Timberland. Each have taken attributes they are known for in their products and added some swagger the designs without an compromise. Amazingly comfortable, dependable materials and trendy for a fashionista to wear.

Sorel

Hunter

Timberland

Crush Winter Blues with Color

Winter weather starting to wear on your mood? Add some "Spring" to your step with the 2016 Spring Fashion Colors: Limpet Shell (link) and Peach Echo (link). You can add a splash through accessories, key wardrobe pieces or elements in your surroundings. Below are some thought starters.

Limpet Shell

'Deco Dots' Sticky Notes

'Fresh Air' iPhone Case

'Cape Drive' Tote

Brightly Twisted #25

Peach Echo

Vince Camuto Keyhole Dress

Steve Madden 'Belli'

Donald J Pliner 'Sania'

New Year Wish

May you always have 
enough laughter to keep you smiling, 
enough trials to keep you strong, 
enough success to keep you eager, 
enough faith to give you courage, 
and enough determination to 
make each day a good day.

Top fashion trends leading into 2013:

• Black & White
• Red Lip Stick
• Lace
• Floral patterns
• Zippers
• Add sparkle to every step with sequin, glitter or rhinestone shoes:

Flirtatious Fall

Fall attitude is edgy flirtation. Motto jackets with contoured leggings paired with high heal booties to deep red plaid mixed with military inspired boots topped off with a cable knit sweater. Loose with fitted to highlight your best features. Take inspiration from the following finds:

BCBG

Diane von Furstenberg

Free People

Spring Fling

Finally, in areas across the country we are seeing the weather we expected over an month ago. Which has given us plenty of time to work on our summer shape. Good thing too with the shape hugging vivid color/pattern trends. Here are a few hot must haves this summer:

Skinny Jean

Lace Short

Corset Top

Peplum Dress

2013 Spring into Color

SPRING 2013

Winter hasn't arrived yet, but some had to take large strides forward to provide a future to the present. Right now the colors are muted and almost neutral in nature. For Spring 2013, a light switch will flip and a radiant cast will appear in the color line up. Many of the colors reminding you of natural sources of flowers, water, fruit and fibers. 

FALL 2012

Here are some ways to add the Fall 2012 colors into your wardrobe:

Take a Chill Pill

Late summer is the best time to reflect on the past few months and renew energy for the upcoming busy fall season filled with sports, events and family. It is a time to relax and the fashion industry isn't disappointing us with their latest options. Check out these looks that will help you kick it down a notch:

Victoria's Secret

Free People

Guess Jeans

Boston Proper