Just say "no" to Soap on a Rope

Stay tuned for Christmas ideas for the men in your life!...

Beauty Update

What colors of nail polish are stylish for Fall 2009?

I personally like dark polish in the Fall and Winter: deep eggplants, burgundy, etc. These hues look best if you have relatively short nails - and, incidentally, keeping nails shorter than longer continues to look more current.  One of my favorite new polishes is Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri in "Uptempo Plum." It's a metallic shade, which I don't always like, but the sparkles hardly show. It advertises one coat, one swipe with the special brush and a 60-second drying time.  I prefer 2 coats (though I have worn one when in a hurry and it looked fine, just a bit lighter than I like) and for larger nails like my thumb, I use more than one swipe so it takes a little bit longer to dry, but in general I think this is a great product.  I don't have the patience for regular nail polish, so it's perfect for me. At the nail salon, I usually choose Opi's "Lincoln Park After Dark" or their new for Fall 2009 shade, "Give Me Moor."  

If you just don't like dark polish, sheer nude or pink is always classic.  I wear shades in this color palette in Spring/Summer, but think it is fine for Fall?winter, too.  For some reason I don't think I do a good enough job painting my own nails when "going nude," so I always default to the salon and usually choose Opi's "Bubble Bath."  Opi has a great site for checking out their latest and greatest shades.

Mind Your Manners

As continued from November's B-Metro Magazine...

This month's Style Icon is Pamela Reed, Fashion Etiquette Consultant. Pamela offered answers to some commonly-asked questions about minding one's manners when it comes to style.   At chicmadesimple, I get questions all the time relating to avoiding the dreaded "fashion faux-pas."  Here are a few:


Q: Can I really only wear white between Memorial Day and Labor Day?
A: NO! As long as the fabric is season-appropriate (i.e., not white linen), you can wear white year-round. In fact, the Emily Post Institute in 2004 ruled it "a thing of the past." That "rule" stemmed from days of old when furnaces were coal-burning and emitted bits of soot into the air.  Thus, when weather turned cooler (often around Labor Day in some parts of the country) and the furnace turned on, white and light-colored clothing was moved to the back of the closet to avoid stains from the dirty air.  When the weather warmed again (usually around Memorial Day) and the furnace was turned off, people felt free to wear their white clothing again. SO...the moral of this story is, unless you are burning a coal furnace (which if you are, you've got bigger worries with the EPA than the Fashion Police), wear that white year round! Just don't be surprised if you get glares from older, Southern ladies who hold steadfast to their rules or yore.


Q: Can I wear black and navy together?
A: Yes! Colors that used to clash now look cool. Navy and Black, Brown and Black, Pink and Red...just make sure you are wearing true representations of the color in question (a true black, for example, not a faded one) and pair somewhat carefully.

Q: Is it a faux pas to wear hose with open-toe shoes?

A: While nude pantyhose worn with open sandals definitely is a fashion no-no, basically because nylons faking invisibility over your bare toes is just creepy, opaque tights worn with peep toe heels (particularly ones with a sturdier platform or wedge) looks sassy and trend right.  Just make sure there's not a visible seam at the toe (buy sandal foot or tuck under the seam.) To stay classic, wear dark tights and/or ones the same color as your shoes. For the more fashion adventurous, try a pair in a bold color or interesting texture or pattern.  


Q: When should a man keep on or take off a hat?

A: I'm glad you specified a man, because the rules for hats & men are much different than for hats & women (for which there aren't many rules). These days there aren't the hard-and-fast rules about hats that there used to be, but here's my take: In situations other than sports, I like hats when worn as outerwear.  So basically, when you take off your coat, take off your hat.  However, whether you have on a coat or not, hats should be removed in most public spaces, like restaurants (or any other dining table, public or not), churches, office buildings and courtrooms.

Favorite product alert!

I am a big fan of opaque tights in the Fall/Winter. In my opinion, everyone should have at least a pair in both black and in chocolate brown...and probably in charcoal grey, too.  I prefer as opaque (non-sheer) as possible for most looks, so at 90 deniers (a denier is a unit of measurement of linear mass-density in textile fabric...see more detailed info here), Hue's Super Opaque tights (93% nylon, 7% lycra) are a leg above the rest (excuse the pun). However, for dressier ensembles, I prefer a slightly more sheer leg (READ: slightly...I'm not talking sheer hose here...we're still in the tights category), so Hue's basic tights (87% nylon, 13% lycra, around 41 denier) are a good choice.

How Fashion Took to the Runway

New York. Paris. Milan. Birmingham?

Birmingham joins the list of U.S. and international cities hosting “fashion weeks,” multi-day events created to celebrate the latest style trends. While Birmingham’s first foray into the fashion-show scene will focus on the retail (as opposed to the design) side of fashion, The Summit Presents Fashion Weekend is a chance for Birmingham to show its stylish side. Trunk shows, makeovers and creative activities form the event, the highlight of the weekend being the September 12 Saturday night party “under the tents” on the rooftop of the new parking deck, featuring decadent food, drinks and a professionally-produced runway show.

While New York still hosts the godfather of all fashion weeks, other cities are giving the Big Apple a run for her money. The second and third largest Fashion Weeks in the U.S. are Los Angeles and, oddly enough, Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland’s success lies in part to their efforts to be “the educational fashion week,” not just a series of shows but an annual convention incorporating exhibits, films, lectures, and workshops at cultural and educational institutions that seek to inform consumers and industry leaders of the cultural importance and economic contributions of the fashion industry. Other cities that have developed niches with their shows include Portland, Oregon, which showcases eco-friendly designers and boasts an entirely green fashion week production including a bamboo runway, and Miami, which dedicates its week to swimwear. Charleston, Kansas City, Gainesville all host Fashion Weeks, and, like Birmingham, Philadelphia will be hosting its first Fashion Week this fall.

Politics and Fashion

So what inspired these style parades in the first place? Would you believe WWII was the catalyst for the

modern-day “Fashion Week?” American fashion designers and editors, seemingly co-dependent on French couture for inspiration, panicked when Germany’s occupation of France in 1940 prevented trips to Paris salons. New York fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert seized on this auspicious moment for emerging American designers and created something called “Press Week.” What later morphed into “Fashion Week,” began as a series of showings by American designers held alternately at the Pierre and Plaza hotels. Lambert’s plan worked, and the soon the editors of magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, who had only had eyes for French fashion, began to focus their gaze closer to home. By the 70s and 80s, American designers were staging their own shows in lofts, clubs and other urban venues.

The event as we know it today - under the tents in Bryant Park - did not come about

until the 90’s. Fern Mallis, then executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (the group founded by Eleanor Lambert in 1962), answered the growing call from editors and buyers, who had grown weary of venturing to all corners of the city to attend cramped shows, where falling ceiling tiles and blown generators were all-too-common, to organize and consolidate these showings. While designers were reluctant at first, concerned that a group-setting would impede creativity, they quickly realized the opportunity for greater visibility and in 1993, Spring collections were sent down the runway. The semi-annual event that now hosts more than 100,000 attendees each season has outgrown Bryant Park and thus will move to Lincoln Center in 2010.

Just as fashions change from season to season, so do the venues in which consumers experience these fashions. But whether in a downtown department store, suburban mall, outdoor center or under a tent - the promise of style remains a powerful lure.

Fashion Week(end) in Birmingham

The Summit hosts Birmingham's first-ever Fashion Weekend

September 11-13, 2009

Three days of exclusive events, trunk shows, activities & giveaways

Get your tickets now for the main event!

The Runway Fashion Show benefitting Junior League of Birmingham

Saturday, September 12, 6:30PM

"Under the tents" on the rooftop of The Summit's newest phase

>Pre-show cocktail hour featuring drinks by The Wine Loft (cash bar) & food by Summit restaurants including Flemming's

>Runway show featuring the latest trends from favorites like Saks Fifth Avenue & Belk, new stores including Remon’s, Mary, Mood, and many more

>After-party with live music, drinks & dessert

*$35 General Admission

Cocktail hour featuring hors d'oeuvres from Summit restaurants; 1 complimentary glass of wine from The Wine Loft; Swag bag; General seating at the runway show; After-party featuring live music & desserts

*$60 VIP

Cocktail hour featuring hors d'oeuvres from Summit restaurants; 2 complimentary glasses of wine from The Wine Loft; Deluxe swag bag; Preferred seating at the runway show; After-party featuring music & desserts

Tickets may be purchased at The Summit Guest Services office (located by Aveda and J.Jill), 205-967-0111.

*Proceeds benefit The Junior League of Birmingham.

For those budding fashionistas...

Fashion Camp 2009

@ The Summit Birmingham

The Power of Fashion...The Empowerment of Kids

It's like fashion week in Paris,

a session with a Hollywood stylist,

and finishing school...

all rolled into one!

This fun (and now infamous!) one-day camp led by fashion stylist Tracy Robinson sparks creativity and encompasses all elements of stylish living on a youthful level.

You’re never too young to learn how to be stylish!

Registration begins April 3rd!

Space is limited to 12 girls per class

Cost per child is $60, which includes lunch,

swag bag (with $25 gift card), graduation certificate and, of course, lots of fashion knowledge!

Registration form and detailed agendas available at Summit Guest Services (near Cheesecake Factory by Aveda) or online at www.thesummitonline.com

Camp dates:

*9:15am to 1:30pm each day*

Ages 6-8: Agenda "A" - June 11,23 & July 9,21

Agenda "B" - June 12,24 & July 10,22

Ages 9-12: Agenda "A" - June 8,25 & July 6,23

Agenda "B" - June 9,26 & July 7,24

Ages 13-16: Agenda "A" - June 10,22

Agenda "B" - July 8,20

Make your child’s summer a stylish one!

Hands-on learning via various activities at stores including:

Hair Reflections, Saks, Claire's, Barnes & Noble,

Swoozies, Belk, Private Gallery, Aveda, Vera Bradley,

Sephora, J.Crew, Old Navy, Gymboree, Abercrombie,

Bath & Body Works and American Eagle

Top Ten Trends for Spring 2009

1) Patio Dress

2) Asymmetrical

3) Statement Shoes

4) Refined Safari

5) Prints

6) Ruffles

7) Carryall

8) Relaxed Tailoring

9) Jumpsuit

10) Colorful Cardigans

Style Tips for Moms

As moms, we welcome Spring’s warmer temperatures that allow children to play outside, but often stress about what to wear during the sports season that comes with it. One of the biggest complaints of many of my clients who are mothers is that when they took on the rigors of managing a family, out went any sense of personal style. I tell these women that while their lifestyle may not require the wardrobe of a supermodel, there is no reason they can’t feel attractive and stylish even when chasing kids and grocery shopping. Just as she endeavors to please the members of her family, a mother deserves to feel pleased about her own appearance.

There is a fine line when it comes to proper dressing for such occasions. Moms want to look suitably casual, but not sloppy. Perhaps a bit dressier than athletic wear, but not so glitzy that one appears to be “trying too hard.” Being age-appropriate is also a concern: be too trendy and risk looking like you are trying to emulate a teenager, but god forbid falling too far on the other side of the spectrum and being labeled “frumpy” or “matronly.”

So what to do? I recommend that instead of focusing on trendy fashion, focus on the fit of basic pieces that work for your life. Often, it isn’t the style of clothing that someone wears that makes them look frumpy, it is the fit that does. Take, for example, a pair of capri pants and a T-shirt, which is a staple summer outfit for many moms. They call them “mom jeans” for a reason, you know, so be careful about how frumpy your pants are fitting. I am not implying that your pants should be so fashion forward that your teenage daughter will want to wear them, but there is a broad spectrum between pants your kids will wear and pants th

at are just plain dowdy.

Start by investing in some basic casual pieces. Look for items that are easy to care for and comfortable, but well-fitting. The tendency is to buy casual clothes solely for comfort and not for flattery, thus too large or baggy. When it comes to fit, casual clothes should be held the same standards as dressier clothes. Just as you do for those dressier clothes, think about building wardrobes. For example, choose cohesive pieces built around basic styles and colors for the best mix-and-match wardrobe. Here are a few tips to help you find your own casual style without falling prey to the “soccer mom uniform.”

Tees

A great tee shirt, one that fits correctly (in no way baggy but not skin tight either), is a weekend staple. For best fit, look for tees with at least some lycra/ spandex content, as this will help the tee hold its shape. When you try tees on, be certain that the shoulder

seams hit AT your shoulder (not half way down your arm), that the hem is long

enough to cover your waistband when you sit down or cheer for that scored goal/base hit, and that the body doesn't tent out around you but

rather gently hugs your torso. Crew necks are always easy, but look also for tees with a scoop or V neck or (good for those with larger chests), boat neck (can balance wider hips) and square neck (elongates a short neck). With a few exceptions, polo-style shirts are generally dated for women and should be left to dads. And when in doubt of whether a neckline is too low, layer a fitted tank underneath!

LEFT: GAP Favorite V-neck, $14.50

RIGHT: Three Dot Scoop neck $44

DONT’S:

-Team uniform (unless you are a coach and absolutely required)

-Bared (or even peeking out) midriffs

-Tees with “cute” logos, sayings, cartoons, etc.

Lightweight Sweaters

A simple cardigan, hoodie or pullover sweater is easy to layer for outdoor activities; wear over a tee or tank. Cotton and cashmere can both be washed at home; both make good layering pieces for those windy spring baseball games. As with tees, look for interesting detailing

on the sweaters - three quarter sleeves, for example, which can be

worn over a long sleeved tee for a cool layered look - and cheerful colors.

LEFT: J.Crew V-neck short-sleeve cardigan, $59.50

RIGHT, Juicy Couture Striped Pointelle Hoodie, $248

Simple jacket

Spring often means winds and temperatures that can veer from positively summery to quite cold in a matter of innings. Having a lightweight jacket - including one that can withstand

wind and rain and cold - is a must for sporty weekends. Choose a tailored cut; warm or weatherproof without being bulky. Some days will be merely crisp and allow for just a zippered jacket or hoodie. Avoid windsuit or overly athletic looks (leave those to the mall walkers and joggers, respectively). Instead opt for fitted jackets in fun colors and rich fabrics like velour or terry.

RIGHT: Addidas “Street Graphic" Fleece Hoodie, $44

Yoga pants & Jeans

Yes, you read that right: busy moms need a pair of yoga pants, because inevitably, some Saturday, your son or daughter will have an 8:00AM

game, and it will be all you can do to get everyone fed and dressed and out the door in time. The important thing here, though, is that you wants a pair of yoga pants that FIT PROPERLY, particularly through the back

side. Look for a fairly substantial fabric, because thiner fabrics will cling, and something with some stretch, too, because it will smooth out the parts of you that may not be so smooth. Pair yoga pants with a hoodie or a tee and a sweater.

RIGHT: Old Navy Yoga Pants, $19.50

Jeans are a no-brainer. Just make sure they are NOT the dreaded “Mom Jeans!” Avoid this by buying jeans with a darker wash, lower waist and modern fit. I am a proponent of the “premium denim” jeans, aptly named not only for the quality but also the price! Once you get over the sticker shock, in my opinion, these jeans are well worth it because or the superior fit, look and durability. Be prepared to try on a LOT of different pairs in different brands, styles and sizes. It can get kind of frustrating, so if you don’t want to hire someone like me to hold your hand throughout the process, go to a shop tha

t has a denim specialist (Belk, Soca, Doree) who knows how different styles fit. Brands to check out include Joe’s, 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, David Kahn and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.

DONT’S:

-”Mom jeans”

-Jean shorts

Dresses

Many women can’t imagine wearing a dress to the ball field, but I’m not talking about ladies’ lunch frocks. I’m talking about loose, comfortable jersey

knit dresses that are perfect for those hot days. Paired with cute flip-flops (I recommend a go-with- everything metallic pair), a soft, cool dress is my favorite for those sweltering Saturdays.

LEFT: Ecoganik Jersey Dress, $108

RIGHT: Sol LeWitt Dress, $34

Cute casual shoes

Since you’re probably not actually PLAYING a sport in these shoes, they

need not be actual athletic shoes. Puma, Rocket Dog, Privo and Merrell are among the vendors who make great sporty slides and slip-on sneakers; wear them with jeans or yoga pants. Ballet flats, driving mocs or cute flip-flops are a nice alternative with jeans, shorts and summer dresses.

RIGHT, J-41 “Leo,” $90

DONT’S:

-Keds

ACCESSORIES

Not much is needed in the way of jewelry with the exception of a watch and a simple pair of earrings. As an alternative to an athletic watch, I wear a man’s stainless watch - the size and style makes it appropriately casual and sporty. As for earrings, a pair of diamond studs (faux or real) is classic and simple.

DONT’S:

-Scrunchies

When it comes down to it, most important is to take the stress out of dressing for sports season so that you feel comfortable and attractive in your clothes, allowing you to focus on cheering your child to victory.

And the Oscars for Best and Worst Dressed go to...

Not only is The Oscars the creme de la creme of the award shows, but also of the styles on parade.  This year offered its typical fashion hits and misses, with none of the occasional oddities (think Bjork's swan and Lara Flynn Boyle's tutu.)  Trends included asymetrical 

and sweetheart necklines, light colors, molded bodices, mermaid hems and statement necklaces.  

Who looked Fab and who looked Drab?

First, the Fab.

 

Penelope Cruz in vintage Balmain gown and Chopard jewels:  With all of the designer clamoring to dress this Best Supporting Actress winner, I loved the fact that she chose to wear a vintage gown she had spotted and loved 8 years ago at top vintage curator Rita Watnick's Beverly Hills shop, Lily et Cie.  Luckily, the museum quality 60-year-old strapless lace gown embellished with gold threads was still there, and Penelope wore it gorgeously.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive gown and Cartier jewels: The body-conscious, champagne-hued fishtail gown perfectly fit her figure and glittered with half-dollar sized clear paillettes and a Swarovski crystal strapless neckline and waist. She hardly needed jewels, but wore Cartier bling worth more than $1 million anyway, including a onyx and black crystal broach affixed to the back of her dress.

Marisa Tomei in Versace gown and Van Cleef & Arpels jewels: The Best Actress nominee worked it in the dove-grey gown with all-over fan pleats, somehow managing to perfectly display the dramatic train on the red-carpet.  In addition to the fitted bodice highlighting her fit figure, the asymetrical neckline complimented her toned shoulders and arms.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte gown and Kwiat jewels: With all of the light-colored gowns, her orchid-pink number was a refreshing change.  Obviously grecian-inspired with the ruched bodice and draped skirt, the gown's Swarovski crystal detailing added glam. Keeping her jewelry simple was smart, and her vampy manicure added a modern edge to her otherwise sweet ensemble.

Other stars who looked fab included:

Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent gown and Choprad jewels

Taraji Henson in Roberto Cavalli gown and 19th century Fred Leighton jewels

Amy Adams in Carolina Herrera gown and Fred Leighton "Cleopatra" necklace

Now, the Drab.

Jessica Biel in Prada: When the words "dishwater" and "dinner napkin" come to mind, you've chosen the wrong dress. Not to mention this ill-fitting blah of a dress does nothing for the great figure we know her to have. Justin was obviously lulled to sleep by the ensemble and stayed in the limo.  

Sophia Loren in Armani Prive: A screen legend deserves better than this "Hello Dolly," lemon meringue mess. And the Tammy Faye eyelashes don't help matters.

Beyonce in House of Dereon: While I appreciate the kind gesture of wearing one of your mother's designs to a big event, The Oscars is not a time for charity. Beyonce is too beautiful to don this dragon-lady disaster.

Best Hair and Makeup

While "the dress is the thing," those frocks are either complemented or devalued by the hairstyles and makeup palettes chosen by the wearers. Because walking the red carpet is a dressy affair, hair and makeup often are (and should be) kicked up a notch as well.  My favorite hairstyles of the night were those of Freida Pinto's modern take on the french knot, Angelina Jolie's loose gather at the back of her head that showed off those amazing Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings (the only interesting thing about her outfit), and Jennifer Aniston's loose, wavy locks with subtle side-swept braid was pretty - a natural look only Jenn could pull off at such a formal event. 

As for makeup, artist Jeanine Lobell did a fantastic job dramatizing Natalie Portman's beautiful chestnut eyes while still keeping the young star looking fresh and glowing.

From Runway to Red Carpet

And who says celebrities don't buy "off the rack?"  Ok, well, off the runway. Check out these red-carpet styles ripped from the runway (and how some of the designers alter their designs slightly for their clients)... 

Alas, the Oscars marks the end of award season and red carpets, but the stars are sure to be seen strutting the sidewalks in Spring's latest styles.  Stay tuned... 

BAFTA's: Back in Black

For those of you who may not keep up with what goes on across the pond, the "BAFTAs" are the British Academy of Film and Television awards.  This year's ceremony was held Sunday, February 8, at the Royal Opera House in London, and many Brits and Americans alike seemed to err on the side of caution by choosing safe (but always classic) black for the occasion.

 

Pictured: Penelope Cruz in Alaia, Kate Winslet in Zac Posen and Emma Watson in Temperley.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Freida Pinto ("Slumdog Millionaire") was a shining light amongst all that black in a pretty pink Oscar de la Renta with feminine ruffles. 

Grammy Style NOT Rockin'

While there may have been songs and stardom, style was lacking at the 2009 Grammy Awards.  

Zooey Deschenel's frock looked like she made it in high-school home-ec, Jennifer Hudson's would have been OK if she haden't rucked her dinner napkin into her collar and Paula Abdul reinvoked superfriend's Isis. 

 

While Gwenyth Paltrow

 tried to be modern by paring opaque tights with her cocktail dress, she fell short. 

As for those who at least passed: Miley Cyrus' black Max Azria was chic, albeit a bit mature for her. Audrina Partridge's teal gown was pretty, but accentuated her too-thin physique-a few more pounds would have made the dress more flattering.  

Tip of the Day

In the washing machine, zippers can cause snags and small holes in certain clothing items (especially knits), so invest in a mesh laundry bag in which to place zippered items, which will protect the other items in the wash.  With some zippered items it may be sufficient to turn items inside-out.

Quote of the Day

"What is a closet, really, but a catalogue of the different personas we have auditioned and discarded? Hanging there in our closets are reminders, both good and bad, of who we are, who we've been, and who we've hoped to be." 

- Tim Gunn, A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style

Award Season Continues

Personally I thought the style at SAG Awards, where bright color and one-shouldered gowns ruled, was superior to that of the Golden Globes.  Can the Oscars (February 22) top both? Here are a few of my faves:

Viola Davis in David Meister

Kate Winslet in Narcisco Rodriguez (could she look ANY better these days???)

Evan Rachel Wood in Monique Lhuillier

Inaugural Style

Not in recent history have the celebrities come out in droves for a new president like they have for    President Obama. With all of the

pre-inaugural events (like the star-

studded "We Are One" concert at Lincoln Memorial, attended by hundreds of thousands) and the 12 Inaugrual Balls celebrating the new First Family, everyone had a chance to strut their stuff in honor of the changing of the guard.  The members of First Family themselves looked awfully chic as well! Here are some pics from the various Inaugural events:

And the winner is...

My vote for Best Dressed at the 2009 Golden Globes?...

In leaps and bounds it was Eva Mendes (whose style has been impressing me a lot lately) in a white silk taffeta Dior gown, complimented perfectly with a gorgeous vintage turquoise and diamond statement necklace and cocktail ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. 

And the worst?  I knew Renee Zellweger would wear Carolina Herrera as always, but..really, Renee?  THIS is the outfit you chose? I wanted

to like the 2-piece look, if for no other reason than for her effort to be different in wearing separates, and I might have liked it on a different woman, but with Renee's pale skin, prom hair and muddy makeup, it was just a mess.  The usually completely unadorned Zellweger did wear two Verdura Maltese cross gold cuffs , but alas, it was too late. What is her aversion to earrings?

HO-HO-NO!

First of all, let's talk about what NOT to look for in holiday attire.  Do not, do not, do NOT wear any sort of attire that features reindeer, wreaths, holly berries, etc...and resist the temptation to wear red and green together, period.  You will just end up looking costume-y, cliche and frankly, tacky. Look for rich jewel tones, like plum, deep jade and peacock blue.  Also resist “seasonal accessories” which include, but are not limited to, ceramic reindeer pins, bell earrings and Christmas tree broaches.  Accessories are an important part of holiday dressing, but instead buy timeless, beautiful, interesting jewelry that will last you throughout the year with lots of outfits, not December.  Even then, don't get carried away.

Choose focal pieces, instead of over- accessorizing. Choose

bold over quantity. Anything too delicate will simply get lost on you. Try chandelier earrings, chunky cuffs, multi-layer 

necklaces and sparkly cocktail rings (J.Crew has some beautiful ones!) — but not all at the same time. A good rule of thumb is not to put items too close together on the body. Instead of big earrings AND a big necklace, try big earrings and a cocktail ring.

MUST HAVES FOR HOLIDAY PARTIES

1) A sassy, short cocktail dress either in a metallic, dressy material, such as thick satin, and/or with a little sparkle or embellishment.  See below for examples:

Maggy London Beaded Waist Strapless Matte Jersey Dress, $118 @ Nordstom.com

Diane Von Furstenberg Victoire Silk Wrap Dress, $425, Net-A-Porter.com

Loeffler Randall Cotton Sheath with Ribbon Detial, $375, Saks.com

Moschino Cheap And Chic Jacquard Lamé Dress, $795, Saks.com

2) A chic evening clutch: sized only to hold the essentials like lipstick, cell phone and a credit card

3) an evening coat or wrap : Nothing ruins a party dress more than throwing on your big bulky overcoat over it.  Even worse is wearing your husband's suit jacket by the end of the night!  An appropriate outer-layer can be anything from a pashmina to a knee-length brocade coat.  My favorite and the most versatile is a knee-length version.  There are even evening trenchcoats.  To ensure the most wearability, choose black or a metallic.

4) Bold jewelry - like a statement necklace, jeweled cuff or cocktail ring:

J.Crew Giant Starburst Ring, $68

Banana Republic Broach Bangle, $39

White House/Black Market Candlelight Necklace, $54

5) A fitted velvet jacket: November thru January is about the only time I like velvet, and usually only in the form of a structured jacket.  great to pair with a ruffled blouse and trousers for a semi-dressy or office occasion, and jeans for something more casual.  This goes for

 men, too!  My favorite outfit of my husband's holiday attire is his Diesel jeans, white button-down shirt with French cuffs (special cuff links are a great way for men to accessorize!) and deep cobalt blue velvet blazer.

Ann Taylor, $158

Banana Republic Brown Two-button Velvet Blazer, $250

John Hardy Midnight Cuff Links, Bromberg's, $1595

NOTE: Christmas parties start in early December, so shop now!  Definitely don't wait until The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year (day after Thanksgiving) when your choices will be limited as things will all be picked over.

chicGIFTING

TWO WAYS 

to be stylish 

this Holiday!

1) Give the gift of style with a Gift Certificate from chicmadesimple!

-Specify an amount & a service (a Personal Shopping trip; a Closet Re-Vamp...see website for more options)

-Your gift certificate will come personalized & stylishly gift-wrapped

2) Ensure EVERY package is a chicGIFT with chicmadesimple's

     NEW gift-wrapping service!

-Everybody knows that a gift beautifully wrapped on 

the outside makes what's inside even

more special. So, after years of request, self-described gift-wrap fanatic Tracy Robinson is offering holiday gift-wrapping services.

-Each package will be uniquely wrapped 

according to gender & desired motif (traditional, modern, etc.)  Simply drop off your p

ackages & pick up at your convenience!

-Prices (which include labor & superior-quality supplies) are as follows:         

XX-Small: $2.50

X-Small: $3.50

Small: $4.50

Medium #1: $6

Medium #2: $8

Large: $10

X-Large: $12

Jumbo: $15

Chic Made Simple's ABC's of Fashion

...What every woman should have in her wardrobe...

A- A-line Dress (so flattering!)

B - Blazer (fitted)

C- Cuff (the classically elegant bracelet)


D- Diamond Studs (real or faux)

E- Evening Bag (sized to hold only the essentials)

F- Femininity (make sure your softer side is represented)

G- Gloves (preferably leather)



H- Heels (2 1/2 inches or higher)












I- Investment Piece (have one expensive piece you love- a bag, a shoe - to spruce up those budget items)






J- Jeans (note: so called "premium" denim is worth the money! And the darker they are, generally the dressier & more flattering they are.)






K- Knee Boots (musts for Winter/Fall in black & dark brown)












L- Little Black Dress




M- Metallic (go-with-everything pewter & bronze)







N- Necklace (go bold: a statement piece)











O- Overcoat (pick the right size & shape for your frame)


















P- Peep-Toes (appropriate year-round)


Q- Quality (not quantity)


R- Runway to Reality (interpret the trends to make sense in your life)






S- Suit (whether pant or skirt, always a good staple to have on hand)










T- Trench Coat

U- Umbrella

















V- Valise (be stylish even when you travel)

W-Watch (the one you choose says a lot about you)

X- X-Factor (have at least a few items in your closet that push the envelope for you)


Y- Young-at-Heart (be age-appropriate, but have a sense of fun in your wardrobe!)

Z- Zen (don’t stress about your style!)