Aesop- Jet Set Travel kit . $35

Kilgore Trout: (recommended by Joe Augustine)

These are great for the man who wears a suit. A little bit of color and whimsy go a long way with these G. Inglese accessories.

G.Inglese  Pocket Squares $65-$95

G. Inglese Lapel Flowers  $75

Adding a bit of flair to your typical manicure will go a long way this season. While some may be brave enough to add designs on each finger, adding a simple stripe or geometric shape in a contrasting color will to just one will give it that extra umph, or even going for a bright bold hue! If you are still unsure about this trend a great way to try it out is at home with Sally Hansens nail stickers, they come in a variety of designs/colors, are pretty durable yet easy to remove, and easy to apply.  It’s all in the details!

2. D’orsay flat

This is the new silhouette for flats and I’m personally a big fan. Brands like Jenni Kayne (maybe a splurge) offer great quality and a variety of colors, while brands like Chinese Laundry (a save option) give you the same great look!

3. Bold Bib Style Necklaces

A great bib style statement necklace is an easy way to finish your look while adding interest. The idea is for it to frame your face and bring the interest up. This style of necklace should hit at your clavicle. Try this out in bright bold colors or interesting shapes.

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!

1. THE  SIZE

I find that a lot of people really have a hard time buying the right size! Most denim nowadays is made with some stretch, or in the case of a “jegging” a lot. Even though they look like the perfect fit or a comfortable fit while you’re trying them in the store, remember to keep in mind that they WILL stretch! There’s nothing more uncomfortable than pulling up your jeans all day because they’ve stretched from wear, and truthfully, no one wants to look like they have a saggy tush!

Its also important to ignore the #’s!  Keep in mind that different brands have different sizing guides. You WILL NOT be the same size in every brand.

Tip: If you can fit in the next size down, that is the size to buy!

2. THE FIT

Different cuts (the width of the leg opening at the bottom) are more flattering on some body types than others. Knowing what the right fit is for your body can really make a difference balance and proportion are key. The 5 general cuts are : skinny, straight, boot, flair and wide.  Both the straight and boot cut are pretty universally flattering and stand the test of trends and time.

The rise should also be kept in mind…Low, mid, or high are your options. Low rise has the possibility of flashing plumbers crack at some point, or a muffin top. And high-rise, unless skillfully done can look like “mom” jeans.

Tip: A good mid rise/ straight cut denim will keep you feeling controlled, comfortable and current. 

3. THE HEM

This is sooooooo important and often an after thought. A lot of denim is cut very long to accommodate the tall women of the world, so the rest of us have to adapt. I advise that you get the hem done if possible, by the store where it was purchased (if the store has in-house alterations). Take them home, wash them and then have them hemmed – this will allow for any shrinking. Ask for the original  bottom to be put back on or a “tricky” stitch – this will help keep the integrity of the look and stitching. For skinny jeans they should be hemmed at the ankle. For Straight leg, Bootcut, and Flare, take the highest shoe you plan to wear with them and have them hemmed accordingly. These styles should be skimming the floor – 1/4 inch from the ground.

The job of a great jean is to make us look as long and lean as possible no matter the cut! The right hem will streamline the look helping accomplish just that!

Tip: If you really find great fitting jean, buy 2 pairs – hem one for heels and one for flats.

4. THE GAP IN THE BACK

There are times when jeans are the perfect fit in the body but too big in the waist…therefore leaving you with the gap in the back. Have them taken in at the waist – it is a quick fix!

Tip: Or try the invisibelt - it keeps the pants up and not gapping with out the bulk of a real belt.

5. THE WASH

Whether it’s a dark or light wash there is one common detail to avoid,  whiskers – the lighter faded detail that mimics whiskers in the crotch and thigh areas. The light area become a focal point and that’s not an area where attention should be drawn!

Also avoid a lighter wash detail on the thighs (front and back). Lighter details give the  illusion that areas are larger than they actually are.

Tip: A good solid dark denim (with minimal detailing) is a must have in every womans wardrobe!

6. THE POCKETS

The pocket placement on jeans is the ultimate optical illusion – they can make your bum look curvy and cute or long and flat. Make sure to check the pockets as you’re trying on jeans, they can be the reason they just don’t work. Again, it’s all about proportions and different pocket placements look better on some bottoms than others.

Tip: Generally speaking, smaller pockets that sit a bit lower are more universally flattering.

7. THE QUALITY

I’m all about finding reasonably priced brands that still have a great look and fit, but in the world of denim, quality is important. A good quality/designer denim will have a long life span.  I can assure you that a good pair of jeans is an investment from which you will immediately and lastingly reap the benefits.

Tip: Think of the price of the jeans in cost per wear terms- it makes the investment more practical. 

8. THE CLEANING

Be careful not to wash your jeans too often – this KILLS your denim! Too much washing has an effect of the fit, and wash of the denim. Typically I advise spot cleaning and recommend washing only when they really need it. If you must wash them, turn them inside out, and hang dry. For darker denim use a detergent that is specifically for dark colors.  There is also denim spray that not only refreshes your denim but kills bacteria– see here for both. 

Tip: Only wash you denim every 4-5 wears.

Denim is a true workhorse in your wardrobe – feel great and look great in your jeans and do not let them stress them you out! If you have any tips or tricks that help you have a stress free relationship with your jeans, SHARE THEM HERE! We would love to know.

-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.

Covered legs are making a comeback

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!

My cold, cold unfashionable legs.

I get it Californians. You can walk around all day, all night, in dresses with beautiful, glossy, tanned bare legs. I see you in the fashion blogs and in the magazines and you look great. And I’ll admit it, I’m jealous. But, you see, I live in Cleveland – it’s winter, it’s freezing, and my legs, well they just can’t always be left uncovered to face the public. So what’s a girl to do?

Tights don’t always cut it, as they tend to make more of a casual statement. And Hosiery is tricky – the wrong hosiery can ruin a perfectly good look. Do you wear sheer hoes (making a comeback thanks to Princess Kate Middleton)? Black sheer stockings (do people still use the work stockings)? Or throw caution to the wind (literally) and follow the no hoes no matter the weather trend?

So, Hallie, help – how do you solve the “I’ve got legs” problem. Because dresses and skirts are must. And my legs are a bust.