Category Archives: Fashion

December 4, 2012 · 1:29 pm

Girly Stocking Stuffers

My iPhone cover recently broke and I searched for awhile to find a suitable replacement. One day I wandered into the newly open Henri Bendel store in the Mall of America and entered into a world of girly goodness. Not only did I find a new cover (and my all-time favorite candles) but I was enchanted by the wonderfully fashionable accessories that grace their shelves.
A little history. Henri Bendel was a fearless innovator, a leading arbiter of women’s fashion, and a passionate explorer of the “New and the Next”. Many well known brands got their start in Bendel stores, including MAC cosmetics (it’s where I purchased the very first Viva Glam lipstick). It is the ideal store to find adorable accessories and I have chosen some of my favorites that would make the ultimate stocking stuffers.

For Always Tote $498
Okay, so maybe the price tag is more like a big gift than a stocking stuffer, but this is my dream tote. The red leather is scrumptious, the satin lining divine, and the cell phone and PDA pockets necessary. This tote comes in three colors and will hold all a girls needs.

Cityscape iPhone Cover $38
This was my purchase (I think it fits me very well). They have many different designs to choose from and are super fun for the fashionista in your life.

Bendel Wellie Keyfob $48
How fun is this! Keyfobs are a great stuffer and makes every girl feel a little more glamorous.

2012 Deck the Halls Snow-globe $68
Snow-globes are a holiday decor must and this one is so chic. Start your collection now and add to it every year. A wonderful tradition!

2012 Strut Your Stuff Desk Diary $98
The perfect organizer for the gal who prefers paper to electronic (like me). She’ll definitely be more efficient with this beauty in her bag.

Choose Me Mug $25
This would go so well with my new Keurig! Ideal for the coffee lover in your life.

Holiday Signature Candle $30
I’ve written before about my love for the Bendel candles and this one captures the scent of the holiday perfectly! Be sure to check out all their aromas-they are divine!!

If you live near a Henri Bendel store, I highly recommend you stop by this holiday season. You’ll be sure to find many wonderful gift ideas for all the ladies in your life.

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Tagged as america, candle, cell, cosmetics, cover, desk, diary, girly, glam, henri bendel, holiday, iphone, keyfob, mac, mall, mug, pda, phone, pockets, snowglobe, stocking, stuffers, tote, viva

November 27, 2012 · 2:36 pm

In The Navy

When I was in junior high, a mere thirty years ago, wool pea coats were all the rage. They kept us very warm, looked cool (especially paired with penny loafers), and went with all of our “Preppy Handbook” outfits. They had a “new” feel, but have actually been around for centuries. Originally worn by European, and then later, American sailors, the pea coat is known for its broad lapels, double-breasted fronts, and large buttons. Amazingly, they were first featured in American newspapers as early as the 1720′s. Yes, pea coats truly are timeless and classic.

Fashion icon, Jane Birkin, rocking the pea coat in the sixties

Ali McGraw in “Love Story”

A very modern take on the pea coat

This fall I needed a new coat for a trip to Chicago. I tried on oodles and could not find one I liked. And then I thought, “What about a pea coat”? I haven’t worn once since junior high (and really wish I would have held on to mine). I found a fabulous black one from Calvin Klein. It’s a wool-cashmere blend (so it’s not so itchy) and I love it! I feel very sophisticated and put together in this jacket and it really works for almost every situation. Here are my top five picks for this versatile wonder.

Top Left: Laundry Faux-Fur-Collar $320
Top Right: Miss Sixty Faux-Leather Trim $225
Middle: Calvin Klein Wool Cashmere Blend (my choice) $129.98
Bottom Left: Kenneth Cole Reaction Wool Blend $140
Bottom Right: London Fog Wool Blend $140

all available at Macy’s

So, if you’re in the market for a new jacket, try the pea coat. You won’t be sorry (and they’re all on sale for the holidays)!

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Tagged as amercian, breasted, broad, buttons, calvin klein, classic, double, european, fashion, fronts, kenneth cole, lapels, large, laundry, london fog, Macy's, miss sixty, navy, peacoat, sailors, wool

November 15, 2012 · 6:09 pm

Black on Black

Hello my lovely stylistas! Today I had to decide whether or not to renew my domain, and after much thought I decided to give it another year. My new position has me very busy, especially with the holidays, but I really want to make the time to continue blogging (and hopefully with much more frequency).
Today I want to discuss the “Black on Black” trend. In my job, I have to wear black head-to-toe every day. While I was fine with this as I wear black most days, I have found it challenging to keep it fresh and new. I came across a wonderful article at PopSugar about this trend and I am feeling quite inspired.

Anne Hathaway looks amazing in this black ensemble. The form-fitting dress is sexy and the longer hem makes it classy. Add a little fur jacket, suede bootie, neutral lip, and simple jewelry, and you have the perfect outfit for all your holiday parties.

Gwyneth Paltrow is always chic. She makes what could be a very casual outfit into something fabulous. A tailored jacket, tank, and silky trousers are instantly raised to a new level with the addition of fringed heels.

Kristen Stewart has really become a fashionista. Leather dress paired with quilted leather jacket (great idea to add a different texture when wearing similar fabrics) is biker chic and a strappy bootie is so, so sexy. Add smoldering makeup and you have an urban uniform that will keep you rockin.

Karolina Kurkova also opts for leather. A pencil skirt and fitted bomber jacket make a terrific pairing and a simple pointy heel adds sophistication. Swipe on a burgundy lip and you are right on trend.

I adore this look worn by Olivia Palermo. I would absolutely wear this to work. I’m a huge fan of layering and this is done just right. A long trouser, stellar heels, and black pearls complete the look. It’s classy, trendy, and fun.

Victoria Beckham always gets it right. A cropped blazer with a tired miniskirt is flirty and fun and the only accessories you need are a dangerously high bootie and little box clutch.

Taylor Swift is sporting my usual work look. Cropped black pant, peplum top, little heels (or booties now that’s it’s cold), and a red lip. Simple, elegant, and fabulous.

Stacy Keibler has my second favorite work look-leggings, long top, and a shorter layering piece. Adding a colorful clutch adds interest to an already stunning ensemble.

You can never go wrong wearing black-on-black. It’s always perfect for every and any occasion. You will look classy, chic, and sophisticated.

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Tagged as anne hathaway, black, blazer, blogging, bomber, bootie, burgundy, chic, clutch, colorful, cropped, dress, fashion, fashionista, fitted, fringe, gwyneth paltrow, inspired, jacket, jewelry, karolina kurkova, kristen stewart, layers, leather, lip, makeup, miniskirt, olivia palermo, pencil, peplum, popsugar, quilted, red, silky, skirt, smoldering, stacy keibler, suede, tailored, tank, taylor swift, texture, tiered, trousers, victoria beckham

August 29, 2012 · 2:48 pm

I’m Back…..

Hello my lovely stylistas! I’m super sorry I’ve been away for so long. I have been so busy with my new job and I absolutely love it! It is amazing to wardrobe, style, and influence women and men throughout Minneapolis. I have had some very rewarding and emotional sessions with clients and that makes it so worthwhile.
Okay, enough about me. I want to share with you some exciting news. If you’re a fan of Nicole Richie (like me) then you’re going to want to head to Macy’s September 12th. The ever-stylish Ms. Richie is launching her first collection for Macy’s Impulse and it is fabulous. It really embodies Nicole’s bohemian style and has an edge to it as well. This capsule collection consists of 25 pieces that is done in rich jewel tones, lots of faux leather, some awesome zipper pull detailing, and is quite masculine vs. feminine. Here are my favorite pieces-

The collection is available at Macy’s for a limited time starting September 12th. Locally, it will only be at the Southdale location, but you can always try on-line too. And if you think you want to view the collection, contact me for a private showing!!

Another item I want to cover is Fashion’s Night Out. This event will be held in fashion cities world-wide on September 6th. This global initiative was originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy, and put the fun back into shopping! It has been wildly successful and continues to grow each year. Minneapolis has many glamorous events planned and the festivities run from 4-9pm. The hubs and I will be attending Macy’s red carpet fashion show and will then scoot over to Neiman Marcus to take in their last FNO event here in the Twin Cities.

For more information on FNO events in Minneapolis, please visit Downtown MPLS

Even if you can’t make it to the festivities, just get out and shop on September 6th. Brick and mortar stores can use all the support they can get!

I’m going to try really hard to blog more often. I miss it and all of you!!

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Tagged as celebrate, collection, confidence, consumer, economy, edgy, fashion, faux, feminine, global, impulse, industry, initiative, jewel, leather, Macy's, masculine, Minneapolis, nicole richie, night, out, rich, Shopping, tones, zippers

July 21, 2012 · 7:51 am

Style Inspiration-French Girls

There’s something about a French girl. She oozes style and class, and is always effortlessly chic. She always looks put together, from the hair to the make-up to the clothes. And she makes it look so easy! Here’s a peek at my favorite Frenchies.

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld

Daughter of one of my idols, Carine Roitfeld, this art director and model is now based in NYC. She consults for labels like Miu Miu, Zac Prosen, and Jean Paul Gaultier and it’s no wonder. She always looks amazing and is almost always in black. She is both glamorous and edgy.

Clemence Posey

As an actress, she has starred in such works as “Harry Potter” and “Gossip Girl”. As a model, she has been the face of Chloe fragrance and G-Star, and has walked the runway for Chanel, Burberry, and Balenciaga. What I love about her is her freshness.

Charlotte Gainsbourg

Actress, singer, and the daughter of Jane Birkin (you know, the woman who inspired the infamous Hermes Birkin bag). And if that’s not enough, she is the longtime muse of Balenciaga’s designer, Nicolas Ghesquiere. I admire how she takes classic pieces and makes them edgy.

Lou Doillon

Also the daughter of Jane Birkin, this gal is an actress and has modeled for Gap, Pirelli, and is a muse for Givenchy, Burberry, and Vanessa Bruno. She has fun with fashion and always adds the right accessories.

Elisa Sednaoui

Model, actress, and fashion week fixture, Elisa also has the honor of being the “spiritual” god daughter of Christian Louboutin (I wish). This beauty has starred in ads for Chanel, Armani, and Roberto Cavalli. I love how she is very bohemian yet still uber stylish.

It isn’t hard to see why French women are so stylish. They just get it. They would never leave the house in sweats, yet they still have a casual air about them. It seems as though they don’t try hard but there must be a thought process somewhere. Or maybe they’re just born with it. Either way, I think they are fabulous!

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Tagged as actress, art, carine roitfeld, charlotte gainsbourg, chic, clemence posey, director, elisa sednaoui, fashion, french, girls, inspiration, jane birkin, julia restoin-roitfeld, lou doillon, model, muse, runway, singer, style, week

July 6, 2012 · 9:07 pm

Style Inspiration-Front Row Fashion

It was a week of celebrity sightings at the Couture shows in Paris. Valentino, Chanel, Armani…the list goes on and on, and the ladies were dressed to wow and amaze. Here’s a look at my favorite ensembles that were seen in the front row.

Kirsten Dunst looks pretty in pattern

Olivia Palermo (with beau) looks scrumptious in Valentino

Anna WIntour, the genius behind Vogue, and her daughter, Bee Shaffer, enjoy their front row view

Clemence Poesy is ravishing in red

Jessica Stam in Valentino

One of my idols, Carine Roitfeld, takes in the shows

Alexa Chung looking adorable

Poppy Delevigne takes the denim skirt up a notch

Lou Doillon in a classic Chanel jacket

Leslie Mann shows off her assets in black and white

Diane Kruger shows her Parisian spirit in Chanel and a beret

Sofia Coppola stuns in sheer

Sharon Stone channels her Hollywood diva-ness

Christina Hendricks shines in gold

Someday, I hope to attend fashion week in Paris. Until then, I’ll have to live vicariously through these fashion mavens.

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Tagged as alexa chung, anna wintour, beauty, bee shaffer, carine roitfeld, celebrities, christina hendricks, clemence poesy, couture, diane kruger, fashion, front, inspiration, jessica stam, kirsten dunst, leslie mann, lou doillon, olivia polermo, paris, poppy delevigne, row, sharon stone, sofia coppola, style, valentino.chanel, week

June 30, 2012 · 8:44 am

Style Inspiration-Krysten Ritter

I adore Krysten Ritter. She was amazing in “Confessions of a Shopaholic” (otherwise known as my true story!) and you can’t help but love her on “Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23″. She is truly a star of both television and movies. And her style is unique, quirky, and a bit glamorous. I enjoy watching her perform and can’t wait to see what she’ll do (and wear) next.

Krysten shows her individual style.

I love pairing silver and black together. She nails it!

“Confessions of a Shopaholic”. Over-the-top fashion, but it’s so fun.

Total glamour in a beautiful floral gown.

Adorable in polka dots! This is the one pattern I wear the most. You can’t go wrong with the dots.

I wish I could pull off dark hair and bangs. Perfection!

Stunning in sapphire. This entire ensemble, from makeup to shoes, is fantastic. She looks fabulous!

“Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23″. Her character has no boundaries, but tons of style. Me thinky I need some over-the-knee boots like these.

This is one member of young Hollywood that I know we’ll be seeing a lot more of. And that makes me very happy!

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Tagged as bangs, beauty, confessions, fashion, glamorous, inspiration, krysten ritter, movies, polka dots, quirky, shopaholic, style, television, unique

June 29, 2012 · 8:56 am

So, What Exactly Is A Personal Shopper?

Since beginning my new job, I get asked on a daily basis what exactly it is that a personal shopper does. According to Wikipedia, a personal shopper is someone that helps others shop by giving advice and making suggestions. Personal shoppers are also known as fashion stylists. This is true, but let me tell you what it is I do (exactly).
It all starts with a client. This could be someone I know or have met while on the sales-floor, but it can also be someone who has contacted the company specifically looking for a personal shopper. In the initial conversation, I find out what it is they are looking for (an outfit for an interview or wedding, a new wardrobe, professional dress-really, whatever they want and we sell), and ask specific questions so I have a clear vision. We set up an appointment time and I get to work. I pull pieces from the floor that I think the client will love and stage them in one of my fitting rooms. When the client arrives, we first go through the pulls and edit (take out anything he or she knows from a look won’t work for them) and then they start to try-on. I will run and get sizes, additional pieces, ect., and hopefully they will leave with the perfect purchase.
A client can also book a time for me to actually shop with them. If a client doesn’t have time to come to the store, I can pull the items they want and send them directly to their home. And speaking of homes, I can show you how the latest accents and designs can transform a room (and even pick out furniture). Need a gift for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or maybe even someone to do all your holiday shopping? I’m your girl. I’ll even gift wrap and send them to your house. And how about at the office? I offer complete corporate services as well. And it’s all FREE!
Essentially, it’s all about you. What you like. What makes you feel good. Your colors. Your wardrobe needs. How to refresh your look. It’s all about offering fashion and accessory solutions custom-tailored to your style and your needs. Department stores can be overwhelming and a personal shopper can really streamline the experience and take the stress out of shopping. And as a client, you receive advance notice of sales and new merchandise, receive exclusive invitations to events, and receive complimentary gift-wrapping and shipping services.

Sound good? If you think this is a service you’d be interested in, please contact me. I’d love to help you build the perfect wardrobe or make shopping enjoyable for you. Plus, it’s super fun!

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Tagged as client, corporate, edits, fashion, furniture, gifts, home, occasion, personal, pulls, shipping, shopper, special, stylist, suggestions, wardrobe, wrap

June 25, 2012 · 7:24 am

Affordable Minimalism

Remember in the 80′s when Brooke Shields rolled around on the floor saying “No one gets between me and my Calvin’s”? Well, I do. And I know I ran right out and bought a pair of Calvin Klein jeans. As a matter of fact, my sister and I got quite a few pairs from our second cousin Lisa and we’d have our grandma sew the legs so tight we could barely get them over our ankles. Memories…My point is, Calvin Klein knows how to design for a woman and decades later he has masted the art of minimalism. Keeping it simple has never looked so good.
Francisco Costa, a designer behind the Klein brand, has a fantastic limited-edition capsule collection available now at Macy’s. For me, it was love at first sight. I was immediately drawn to the simple, yet chic designs and colors. Costa, a native Brazilian, was inspired by architect Paulo Mendes de Rocha’s imaginative and daring designs, and found them the perfect backdrop for his incredibly chic and minimalistic style. I bring these dresses to all of my clients and amazingly, they look fantastic on almost everyone. Made of viscose, crepe, and jersey, they flow over the body and give a sexy yet subtle silhouette. And with all different sleeve and length options, there is a perfect choice for every body type. Here’s a look at my top three choices.

Short-sleeve viscose crepe dress $155

Long-sleeve jersey v-neck t-shirt dress $135

Sleeveless jersey belted mock-neck dress $119.99

The entire Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein is available exclusively at Macy’s

This collection can take you to any event you may have this summer. And at prices under $200, you get top designer fashion for thousands of dollars less than his couture. And in my world, that’s a bargain.

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Tagged as affordable, architect, brasil, calvin klein, chic, collection, daring, edition, fashion, francisco costa, imaginative, inspiration, limited, Macy's, minimalism, modern, paulo mendes de rocha, sophisticated, women

June 22, 2012 · 9:26 pm

Style Inspiration-Kate Young

One of my idols is stylist Kate Young. Earlier this year she ranked number one on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the 25 most powerful stylists and for good reason. Young is responsible for styling Michelle Williams, who ruled the red carpet for her role in “My Week with Marilyn” and Natalie Portman, who ruled the red carpet the year before for her role in “Black Swan”. But Kate does more than style celebrities for red carpet events, she also styles runway shows and editorials. She got her start working for Anna Wintour at Vogue and eventually went freelance. What I love about Kate, besides her amazing talent, is her individual style. She has really cultivated a “signature” look. White hair, black wardrobe-this is one fashionable woman.

Kate Young, the most powerful stylist 2012