When I think of gifts for Mother’s Day (both those I want to give AND those I want to receive – hint, hint Greg and children!!) honestly, jewelry is the gold standard – and yes, the pun was intended Lucky for us, the folks at Alson Jewelers have an amazing selection at various price points. They are conveniently located for those of us in the CLE but are happy to ship if needed. They are also offering $100 off* of your mom’s day purchase if you mention you saw this post – how nice is that!
Two of my wish list items (again, hinting…)
This fun and summer ready Michele rubber watch – I love the pop of red it will add to any outfit and its a big step up from my iron man Timex! Functional and fashionable – love it! Michele watch $345
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This bold yet delicate Ippolita necklace – it can be worn long or doubled for more impact and the turquoise color will totally update my spring/summer looks. Also available in sterling silver. Starting at $495
If my picks aren’t right for your mom or wife Alson Jewelers has Lalique, Cartier, Roberto Coin AND some wonderful estate pieces too. If you have not picked out your gift yet, let Alson help make your gift giving stress free – trust me, the lady in your life will thank you!
*$100 off any Jewelry purchase of $250 or more. Offer good thru Saturday, May 11, 2013
Every now and then the technology world makes life a little bit easier for us. Well, in this case they’ve helped take the stress out of getting dressed! StyleBook has become my new obsession. So, what is it? StyleBook is basically a virtual wardrobe, it allows you to organize your clothes, style looks, create packing guides, and add outfits to a calendar – all using pieces you already own. Stylebook is extremely user-friendly and available on your iphone or ipad. Here’s the rundown of how to use it and what it does for you!
-Take pictures of items you own i.e. clothing and accessories that you would want to use in outfits (works best if taken on all white background, a white sheet works well)
-The app automatically edits and outlines the pictures, then all you have to do is organize them according to your preferred category (tops, pants, shoes)
-Next you can create complete outfits by using the pieces you’ve uploaded and organized–you can even categorize the looks based on your life roles i.e. work, saturday night, luncheons etc.
-Some great extra features of this app include the packing guide (great to add looks to and helps you avoid over packing), the calendar (add looks you wore or will wear to the calendar to help you remember and not wear the same outfits with the same people, the app will also keep stats for you) and the ability to add inspiration pictures you may come across!
Stylebook is truly revolutionary and one of the best tools to take the stress out of getting dressed (next to hiring me, of course:))))
Have any of you tried StyleBook? Would you? We want to know!
It’s couch potato time as the best of mindless fashion tv returns this week:
-Rachel Zoe and Brad Goreski (the fashionable frenemies shows air back to back on Bravo Wednesday night)
-They are also paired with new show Dukes of Melrose about designer consignment (from well-known vintage mecca – Decades).
- And then on Friday night, Fashion Star with Nicole Richie (the premise – contestants compete to sell their designs in retail stores) is back with train wreck watching appeal.
So grab your favorite pj’s and watch as the famous become totally unhinged about getting dressed. Ba-na-nas.
Kate Middleton has helped change the mindset of what used to be a faux pas–wearing sheer hose.
Whether its flesh tone or sheer black you can’t go wrong but my personal favorite is an opaque! Why opaque? For starters they are a great way to stay warm! In cold winter climate (especially Ohio) this helps! They also add modesty to shorter pieces and slim and lengthen your legs. As I always say dressing is optical illusion. Black opaque stockings are functional and fashionable. Giving you the ability to show your leg shape while hiding the fact that they may be veiny, scaly, pale, or not shaven(we’ve all been there!). I personally am a fan of the Wolford and DKNY brands.
Take advantage of the trend now, because after April it WILL be a faux pas!
We tried to resist but couldn’t help it! Award season is highly anticipated and we were glued to the T.V. screen for none other than the highly anticipated red carpet! There were some hits, some misses, and some that needed tweaking, but we want to focus on the few who hit it out of the park from head to toe. So without further adieu here are our picks from the Golden Globes!
Kerry Washington:
Completely stunning! The hair was modern and added a nice edge to such this delicate sheer beaded dress. The nude flesh tone is completely on trend and I love how it was carried through from the accessories to the manicure. The midi-length of the dress complemented the perfect pointed toe shoe. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Kate Hudson:
This is honestly one of the best looks I’ve seen on Kate Hudson! I’m a sucker for a long sleeve black dress but this took It to another level. The gold detail on the waist along with the mermaid cut gives the illusion of a beautiful hourglass shape. The plunging keyhole adds the perfect dose of sexy since the rest of her is completely covered. Her make up is fresh and a great contrast to the dark and dramatic gown.
Julianne Hough:
This is the epitome of cool. Ball gowns can be very “girly” but she managed to add some punk princess to the look. The gold beading adds a gilded edge to the soft winter white. Her oxblood clutch and nails were the perfect deep punch of color to aid the regal element. I love that her hair was out of her face, it allowed the neckline to shine!
Marion Cotillard:
This color popped! The perfectly paired red pointed shoe was spot on and complimented by the asymmetrical cut of the dress. The half exposed metallic belt added a bit of structure to accentuate her waist. Her straight her with a middle part pulled behind her ears is sleek. I love the cool grey nail polish against the bright red. This look was refreshing!
Shoes are such an important part of completing the outfit. The wrong shoe can has the ability to throw off the entire look. Many times I will recommend a certain style of shoe to someone and have found that there is a variation between my ideal example of a certain shoe style and the other persons. This was the impetus to create what I feel is the a balanced cold weather shoe wardrobe – I’ll compile a warm weather version in the spring… The shoes pictured are just an example of the correct silhouette and style to look for, price point and designer are irrelevant. These are classic and versatile options that will be sure to Take the Stress Out Getting Dressed!
These 3 shoe options are essential! Everyone needs a classic black pump. To add a novelty option try this same classic silhouette in a subtle color like Oxblood. When looking for the perfect ankle bootie the key point is finding one that actually does show your ankle. That little arc makes all the difference in elongating your leg. The dress boot is the perfect option for dresses or skirts in winter. It helps create a long, streamlined look. Finding the perfect one for you may be a bit of work when considering the shaft height, width, and heel but I assure you will be well worth it in the long run.
A flat bootie is a modern option that is easy to throw on and go. This style of shoe looks best with a cropped pant, rolled denim (to show the ankle), or a dress or skirt with an opaque tight. The riding boot is a great everyday option too. Remember that a legging or slim fit jean will look best tucked in. You don’t want the material from your pants bagging around the boot shaft, not only is it unappealing but also uncomfortable for you! The snow boot is needed as a weather proof option on those blistery, cold winter days.
I personally still wear flats in cold weather depending on the temperature and if there happens to be snow on the ground. A flat is a needed transitional weather shoe (perfect for those times when neither boots or sandals are appropriate) so it will probably be in the warm weather list too. Any of these styles work, its all a matter of preference. A flat is another good way to incorporate a novelty shoe – whether its in an animal print, polka dot, or bold color.
Building a well balanced shoe wardrobe is a process that takes time. Remember Necessity 1st, Novelty 2nd!
With election day here, we are seeing more and more of the presidential candidates and the captivating and sophisticated woman in their lives. Watching Americans First Lady, Michelle Obama, and her running mate, Ann Romney, pull out all the stops these past few months have gotten many woman asking the question “How do I pull off the First Lady look?”, “How do I come acrossed more polished, more elegant, more in the game?” so to speak… I think you will be happy to know I have the answer!
From Mary Lincoln, to Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, to Michelle Obama, the better halves of our country’s commanders in chiefs have been the taste makers for the woman of their times. Refined woman or woman who wish to come a crossed as refined have looked up to and tried to emulate these woman’s style for year! The truth is it’s really not that hard! It all comes down to a great suit! Or in Michelle Obama’s case the faux suit (keep reading…) For most woman suits are saved for funerals or a stuffy office position almost always in drab blacks and grays. But how do you take the suit look and First Lady-fy it? The answer lies in the color. Rarely do we or did we see these women in the black and gray suit of today’s female CEO’s or wives in mourning… Unless they were in fact mourning. If you wouldn’t mind being mistake for a modern day Jackie or Nancy doesn’t be afraid to pick a piece from any number of hues! Channel Jackie in a pastel pink, or Nancy’s in a rich red, or Michele in vibrate yellow.
There are a few more notable rules to follow if you are wishing to pull off a suit like these women have. First and foremost skirt length; keep it to the knee, absolutely no higher in the case of First Lady Style. Secondly, stay buttoned. No self respecting First Lady would cheapen the look of her suit by showing her cleavage to the watching world and neither should you. Lastly are the shoes and I think most of you will like this one. Keep it classic First Lady and stick with a pair of kitten heels. The shorter heel helps to keep the looked refined verses a pair of 5 inch night club heels.
An alternative to the 2 piece suit, which can be completely credited to our current First Lady, is what I like to call the faux suit. At first glance it appears to be a brightly colored, impeccably fit suit like any other First Lady suit but that’s not the case. A fabulous sheath dress, usually with a higher boat, scoop, or square neckline paired with a coordinating yet not made to match jacket over top. The sheath and jacket combo leaves an heir just as classic as a suit while being a tad more contemporary and easy to wear. All the same rules still able. Don’t be afraid to pour on the color, perhaps even a print on the dress. Stay covered with the high neckline and jacket (not necessarily buttoned in this case.) Keep the skirt length to the knee and a shorter heel still will not hurt.
Oxbloodis the rich and sultry color of the season that even a vegan can appreciate. I am personally CRAZY about this color! It’s extremely versatile and easily can be paired with pieces in your existing wardrobe. If you are a person who loves to wear earth tones, it compliments. Jewel tones? It compliments. All black? It compliments! It’s a subtle pop of color that is sure to keep you ON TREND. The best part is that this not only applies to clothing, but accessories, and cosmetics as well. In the realm of nail polish try OPI’s “Lincoln Park after Dark”. For lipstick Nars offers “Vendages”. Below are each of the How-to-crew’s top oxblood picks of the season. Take the poll and let us know who’s you like best!
Look 1: This is my oxblood pick – a fantastic coat with cool leather sleeves – Living in Cleveland, with not the best weather in the country, my outerwear becomes a major part of my wardrobe, as I am wearing it ALL the time. I love the idea of mixing up my basic black jackets with a punch of color that is really still rather subtle and not that punchy.
Look 2: My second oxblood pick is mixing 2 trends – oxblood and the wedge sneaker. I love this shoe!!! Comfortable yet cool – and a great mix of neutrals with the oxblood accent. I can totally picture wearing these with jeans and a cozy sweater and “dressing” them up with vegan leather pants and a silk top, maybe even a blazer. These stunners take track shoes to new heights…
Look 1: I’m obsessed with the leather trend right now. As if the color of oxblood isn’t rich enough, add a dose of it in a leather pant and it takes it to another level. These are life! I own them in black and let me tell you they are more comfortable than any legging or sweats I own. For some a leather pant may not seem practical so if you’re weary of investing I would opt for a wax denim! They will give you the same look for a fraction of the cost, potentially are more durable, and still super chic!
Look 2: I love incorporating vintage pieces into my wardrobe so my second pick is this awesome cross-body!
Look 1: First pick is Olivia Palermo – she is my fave to style watch – loooove the boots (and bag too) like how she mixed in oxblood with neutral super cool coat!!
Look 2: Second pick is oxblood chords – I actually bought rag and bone just like these – pick them up today from seamstress!!! Great everyday kick around flare pant – and love them paired with textured sweater and crossbody bag- look is so comfy, but put together!!!
Look 1: Number 1 on my list are Ox Blood combats boot! I feel completely naked without my pair of favorite black leather combats boots on my feet at all time but just can’t bring myself to wear them with every outfit. That just wouldn’t work. Im totally considering buying these ox blood suede boots as a trendy fall security blanket to get me out of the black leather boots everyone is used to seeing me in. Might I add the the suede finish is key to me. I’m not sure how I’d feel about a classically finished leather pair. That may be bit too 90′s grunge for me.
Look 2: Number 2 on my list is this THICK knit ox blood infinity scarf! Would be great to layer over a leather jacket or well fitted pea coat (possibly paired with matching combats boots?!) In my case, it’s a way to break up my usually monochromatic black on black on black color scheme. Using the blood color trend in outerwear is an amazing way to stay on trend every day without buying a million new trendy pieces.
Pictured above are some great looks from W by Worth’s Fall/Winter preview. This collection features a great variety of cozy knits, sharp suiting, embellished coats, one of a kind special occasion dresses, and accessories to finish the look! I truly believe they offer great diversity in style, size, and color options. I recently was asked what my idea of the perfect black pant is for this season. This line offers a pair that definitely fits the bill! A tailored trouser that is slim (not super skinny) though the leg and cropped right at the ankle. Not only do they have a bit of elasticity for comfort, the bonus is that the trouser is actually part of an optional 3-piece suit–A no brainer for the working woman! Wear it together or mix and match it with other pieces in your wardrobe. I could write about how amazing the collection is but what’s better than seeing it in person for yourself? This metropolitan inspired brand is sold exclusively through trunk shows and I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a preview starting tomorrow, September 27th thru October 2nd. Please contact me or Ally Abrams (aabrams@wbyworth.com or 216-973-2557) for an appointment now! Contact information is also available at HallieAbrams.com
Lucky for us, the folks at Alson Jewelers have an amazing selection at various price points. They are conveniently located for those of us in the CLE but are happy to ship if needed. They are also offering $100 off* of your mom’s day purchase if you mention you saw this post – how nice is that!
