In the clutches... of the best designs of the season

I have always been a fan of a great clutch, so I'm delighted to see them trending for Spring 2012. Designers have taken them to new heights, with many of the clutches being true art pieces. Here are some fabulous examples (all available at Neiman Marcus): from Alexander McQueen's wild & wonderful, to Prada's brightly hued, to Diane Von Furstenberg's practical chic.

Alexander McQueen De-Manta Lace Print, $525.
One bag, 3 ways:

Alexander McQueen Encrusted Skull Box, $8295

Alexander McQueen Lace Knuckle Clasp, $3145

Alexander McQueen Embroidered Satin, $2795

Prada Daino Pouch Wristlet, $425

Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Patent Minaudiere, $325

Diane Von Furstenberg Cork Tonda, $345

Nina Ricci Jeweled Minaudiere, $2150

Kotur Ombre Sequined Espey, $495

Judith Leiber Pave Striped, $3995

Kara Ross Flora Confetti, $690

Judith Leiber Fluted Minaudiere, $3995

Elaine Turner Summer Bamboo, $225

Prada Raso Stones, $1460

Kotur Barnes Raffia with Tassel, $450

Kotur Motley Croc-Embossed, $400

chicTip: Get a head start on purging

While it may still be chilly outside, use these days staying warm indoors to start thinking about purging that wardrobe to prepare for Spring. If you have trouble letting go of things,seek the assistance of a professional and email me! Throughout the year, have a spot (a bin in your laundry room or closet) for discards you may come across. Rather than letting them pile up, know the location of the closest donation drop-off (I visit the Hannah Home at Whole Foods on my weekly trips). This will make future purging much less time consuming!

Ready those winter knits for hibernation

As Spring approaches, it's time to think about storing those winter knits.  Here are some tips:
1) Make sure they are clean before storing! Even if a garment looks spotless, invisible spots of food, perspiration, etc., can cause discoloration and - worse - attract moths!
2) You CAN hand wash your knits (even cashmere and merino wool), and in fact, it is preferable to dry cleaning. If you have a big sink, go for it, if you prefer to use your washing machine on Ultra Delicate cycle, just MAKE SURE you remove before any sort of spin cycle!
3) Skip the Woolite and use a Shampoo/Conditioner 2-in-1 combo
4) Do not twist or wring. To dry, GENTLY squeeze excess water, then roll up in a towel, pressing with your hands.
5) Reshape and lay flat to dry.

ChicTip: Magic Tape

You've heard that tape has a million uses (specifically, the double-sided variety in this case)...
Forgo the expensive "fashion tape" (the only difference is marketing and pretty packaging) and cut custom sizes of good-ol' Scotch (or similar brand) to fit your need. Here are a few handy uses in the keeping-you-stylish realm:
• Secure the loose tail of a belt
• Temporarily fix a snagged hem (only works with lightweight fabrics)

• Seal down a plunging neckline
• Keep the back of your strapless bra from sliding up above the back of your dress or top/ Keep bra straps from falling down
• Close a gape in between buttons of a button-down shirt

Holiday Attire Done Right

Diane Von Furstenberg "Pauletta"
embellished sheath, Saks Fifth Avenue

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, snowmen, 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. The fact that there are "tacky Christmas sweater parties" being held across college campuses should be a huge red flag. Also resist seasonal accessories which include, but are not limited to, ceramic reindeer pins, bell earrings and flashing Christmas tree broaches. With the exception of a watch, jewelry should not have batteries.

Milly "Liza" jacket in gunmetal,
Piperlime.com

Now, I can appreciate the desire to be a little festive during the holidays. Metallics and sequined garments continue to trend, both a great way to add a little sparkle to an ensemble. Think a black sequined blazer paired with black satin cigarette pants. Or a fitted long-sleeved gold sheath contrasted by black opaque tights and platform heels. Fur embellishment (either real or faux) can add a festive element, as can bold color. Look for rich jewel tones, like plum, deep jade and peacock blue, as well as vibrant shades, such as tomato red, cobalt blue and fuschia.

Suede & faux fur bolero, Chico's

"Hutton" trouser in peacock silk faille,
J.Crew

Giles & Brother pave accented
chain link necklace, Saks.com

Modern shift dress in cobalt blue, Ann Taylor

Accessories are an important part of holiday dressing. Select beautiful, interesting jewelry that will last you throughout the year and coordinate with a variety of outfits, not just holiday attire.  Even then, don't get carried away. Choose focal pieces, instead of over-accessorizing, but don't be afraid to try statement pieces. Anything too delicate will simply get lost on you. Try chandelier earrings, chunky cuffs, multi-layer necklaces and sparkly cocktail rings — just not all at the same time. The "statement" that a piece of jewelry is trying to make gets lost if there's too much going on all at once. A good rule of thumb is to give some breathing space between bold pieces: so instead of big earrings AND a big necklace, try big earrings and a cocktail ring or embellished cuff.

Above all, be joyful! Never be intimidated again by the invitation that instructs "Festive Attire." 

Ponte knit high-waist seamed pencil skirt
in Mars red, Express

Sneaker Alternatives for Yoga/Pilates

Q: Any suggestions for slip on footwear for yoga pants in fall/winter?  

Puma "Sneakerina"

A: In winter, UGGs (or a knockoff style) keep my tootsies warm pre and post sun salutations. But I also like the no laces, slip on athletic shoes - those with a back are preferable so your heels don't freeze. Merrell, Puma and Sketchers all make good options. When you're talking about a "sneaker alternative," color choice is key, and all white looks more "tennis shoe." If the majority of your yoga pants are black, consider a shoe that includes black in the color scheme.

DIY weekend...getting ready for Fall

Finished product

First I needed to get my beloved Donald Pliner boots that are my go-to fall wardrobe staples in shape. These sleek boots in pewter and bronze have been such faves that I'm not ready to give them up yet, thus I wanted to see what I could do to get them through another season. Since they don't make shoe polish in pewter or bronze, I hand-mixed paints from Michael's and applied to the scuffed toes with a brush, wiping away any excess. It worked remarkably well!

Self application of 2 different OPI polishes

Next, I decided to polish myself - my nails, that is. By layering OPI's "Rising Star" over their "Chopsticking to My Story," I achieved a nice fall metallic, rather fitting for Halloween as well. 

Treat tissue tees...like tissue

Tissue tees have become popular summer wear, and indeed their lightweight structure feels good on sticky hot days. However keep in mind that this "barely there" feel is because the fabric is actually quite delicate. Wash and/or dry these tees with anything adorned with buttons or zippers, and you'll end up with a shirt that looks like a family of moths got a hold of it. So wash separately and carefully!

Trendy at the office?

Attention businesswomen: while I do like the Spring 2011 nail trends of ice-creamy aqua and vibrant turquoise, keep in mind these shades are not appropriate for certain workplaces. Unless you work in the fashion or other creative industry, this look is too trendy. Especially if your office dress code is professional, you should opt for a more subtle shade (and keep nails reasonably short), saving edgy colors for the weekend or vacation. Keep in mind these colors look best when perfect - so you should probably have applied by a manicurist unless you are particularly good at it. Because they are somewhat youthful shades anyway, a professional looking application will add a bit of sophistication.

Donning your Easter bonnet

Easter hats (or "bonnets" as they were called back in the day) were all the rage among early American women. Having denied themselves luxuries during the 40 days of Lent, many bought a new bonnet to wear for the Easter day's celebrations. The bonnet-buying custom stems from a larger 16th century tradition of a wardrobe renewal in conjunction with the earth’s renewal.
Wearing hats on Easter has gone in and out of fashion, but one tradition has remained true: NYC's Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival, held each year on Easter Sunday. As you can imagine, hats range from demure to outrageous, and many costumed pets join the festivities.

chicRec: Prescription for hydrated lips

Winter weather and season changes can make lips dry and chapped.  I keep by my besdside a tube of Weleda's Everon Lip Balm. This organic, petroleum-free, long-lasting balm is a luxurious and nourishing treatment, containing jojoba seed oil (hydrates), shea butter (smooths), beeswax (protects) and rose wax (heals) is an effective, skin-smoothing emollient that renders your lips palpably softer. Apply before bed to wake up with a healthy smile or carry with you during the day to say ultra-kissable. Available at Whole Foods.

Fashion Camp 2011

The dates for The Summit's Fashion Camp 2011 (THE stylish day camp for girls aged 6-12) have been announced!  See below for specific age breakdowns per each day. While registration does not start until the beginning of April, mark your calendars now.  Last year sold out within a week and had a waiting list of over 100 girls, so plan ahead!  Should you have any questions, call the Summit office at 967-0111.

Ages 6-7 Agenda A
June 6, 20
July 13

Ages 6-7 Agenda B
June 21
July 14, 25

Ages 8-9 Agenda A
June 7, 22
July 15, 26

Ages 8-9 Agenda B
June 8, 23
July 27

Ages 10-12 Agenda A
June 9, 24
July 11, 28

Ages 10-12 Agenda B
June 10
July 12, 29

Sorority Girls: No Frumpy or Gross Plastic Shizz

While this excellent blog post from Fashionista.com was shared with me almost a year ago, having just finished assisting a client prepare her wardrobe for sorority rush at the University of Virginia, the memorable blog has been on my mind, and I feel it worth re-sharing. The blogger was fortunate to come across 6 pages of dress code requirements for Cornell's Pi Phi Chapter, with such Elle Woods of Legally Blonde-worthy lines as "Booties ok if you can pull them off, aka probably not." The entire dress code, attached at the end of the blog, is worth reading. And as my client visits her top 3 sororities on this very eve for "Pref Night," I am rewarded by the fact that feels confident in her non-satin dress and sans plastic shizz jewelry. Enjoy: Sorority Dress Code

National Championship Style

As we gear up for the much-anticipated BCS Championship Bowl, the thought on this fashionista's mind is, "What will they WEAR?"  

Both Auburn and Oregon will have new components to their uniforms (or "outfits," as I have called them since I was a little girl).  Oregon will wear practically an entirely new ensemble from Nike, while the changes Under Armour has provided for Auburn are more subtle. "Auburn and the SEC have a rich heritage in football," said Matt Mirchin, SVP of sports marketing for Under Armour. "Auburn didn't want to change the uniforms. They don't really need gimmicks to their uniforms to authenticate themselves." The tigers will be sporting new "accessories," in the form of gloves and cleats. The gloves offer two designs, one with a tiger print and AU logo, and another with "War Eagle" on one of the fingers.

The new cleats worn will be from the Nitro III line, which have lightning bolt graphics on the bottom and several different looks from which to choose -- low-tops, mid-tops and high-tops. Heisman winner Cam Newton will continue to wear the Nitro CompFit, which he's tested in games since October. The cleat has a neoprene compression sleeve that surrounds the ankle, giving the low-top cleat the stability of a mid-top. Under Armour has added the Auburn logo on the tongue, a special touch for the big game.  Auburn Director of Equipment Operations Dana Marquez isn't taking any chances with the newly laid turf at the University of Phoenix stadium, thus planning for any conditions with several different types of cleats (screw in, molded, etc.). That's 3,500 pairs of cleats to be exact.  He also is prepared for each and every player's and coach's wardrobe preference and, in some cases, superstitions. 

Assistant Coach Jay Boulware wears the same orange hat every game.  Defensive Coordinator Ted Roof wears the same pair of stained pants. When Marquez put a new pair of pants out for Roof early in the season, Roof maintained, "I need that stain." As for the short-sleeve white pullover Coach Gene Chizik dons on gameday, Marquez cuts off the sleeves to the length the head coach prefers, revealing those mock turtlenecks he loves.  Marquez's staff keeps busy as well: helmets get new decals, stripes, snaps and screws for every game and are checked daily to make sure air bladders are properly inflated and chin straps and facemasks secure. Every helmets is even run through an ozone machine to kill bacteria.  Rumors have circulated about a possible blue helmet for Auburn, but most say Auburn will stick to tradition. 

While Auburn may have "classic style," Oregon has anything but, with no other team changing their look more than the Ducks.  The University of Oregon has been partnered with Nike since 1996 (Nike co-founder and chairman Phil Knight is an Oregon graduate and booster) and continues to push the envelope with its teams' uniforms.  In fact, the Ducks have worn a different combination for every game this season. Oregon Sports Information Director Dave Williford said the last time they wore the same outfit in back-to-back games was probably 2003. According to Williford, Oregon has four helmets, five jerseys, four pairs of pants, four sets of socks and four pairs of shoes, creating a possible 1,280 combinations. That does not include a throwback ensemble or the BCS title-game outfit.

Oregon's specially made championship game duds will feature the latest in sports apparel technology, including "Flywire," a seaming technique which allows uniforms to be lighter, and Vapor Carbon gloves with SureGrip technology, which allows increased range of motion in the gussets between the fingers for a firmer grip. For added effect, a big 'O' graphic on the glove's palm is revealed when a player holds his hands together to catch a pass. Nike will also unveil its next generation of skin layer gear through its arm bands, each displaying the player's number.  Perhaps most noticeable will be the players' feet, swathed in neon green socks to match their new Alpha Talon cleats, designed to create a blur effect when players run. 

Finally, there is the helmet, manufactured by Riddell but designed by Nike.  Todd Van Horn, Global Creative Director for Nike Football points out that 10 years ago Oregon experimented with a green helmet that had refractive colored paint, supposed to mimic a mallard's head.  Nike played with the design through the years with various colors and sheen applications. 

According to Van Horn, the helmet Oregon will wear in the national championship game "has a carbon fiber aesthetic previously used on Oregon's wing patterns and in their number font. The players liked it, so the natural progression was for it to be used on the helmets." 

Monday night's game should prove to be a feast for the eyes in both athletic skill and apparel.  So, what does this fashionista - and Auburn grad - think about it all?  I think my 70-year old mother said it best, upon my recounting Oregon's fashionable history: "They still look like Ducks to me. Shoot 'em."

Rodarte designs for Black Swan film

If you haven't yet seen Black Swan starring Natalie Portman, I recommend it, but be prepared for a VERY intense ride. But the acting is fabulous, the story intriguing, and the ballet costumes by Rodarte beautiful. Laura and Kate Mulleavy, the sisters behind the brilliant Rodarte line, have always expressed their interest and love of films, particularly those in the horror genre.  While it's debatable whether this movie falls under that category (I prefer "psychological thriller"), the 40 costumes the pair designed for the Swan Lake performance at the film's core are at the same time haunting and dramatic.  Portman, who has been spotted in the Rodarte on the red carpet and in the front row of Rodarte runway shows during New York Fashion Week, had an existing relationship with the designers.
Speaking of runways, expect to see a ballet influence in this Spring's styles: feathers, knits and even tutus.
Lagerfeld's Spring/Summer 2011 collection already reflects a feminine-with-a-dash-of-darkness theme, complete with dark eye makeup, sheer materials, and jeweled fabrics. BCBG Max Azria and Lipsy of London are due to sell tutus this Spring.

Product Recommendation for Luscious Lashes

Want luscious lashes without falsies? (or Latisse, which I actually do recommend as well!)  L'Oreal's Beauty Tubes Mascara works wonders.  The two-coat procedure really does make my lashes the longest I've ever seen.  For the first time, I've actually received compliments on my normally wimpy fringe. Tip: Don't wait between coats of the base and top coat, your lashes will be stiff as a board if you do, making application difficult.  Also, don't be alarmed when you remove it at the end of the day, though, and it looks like all of your eyelashes are falling into the sink.

Carrie Underwood's CMA Style - Hit or Miss?

Carrie Underwood may not have won a CMA award, but she scored pretty well when it came to her 8 wardrobe changes as host of the 2010 show.  The girl has a good stylist, and I normally like most everything he/she puts Carrie in (and being an attractive girl, it's not hard to make her look good, especiallys ince she obviously has a great haristylist and makeup artisit as well), but I had a few problems with some of the evening's ensembles.  Let's review:

Above: Carrie's red-carpet arrival dress, an overly tiered Talbot Runof gown, Stuart Weitzman shoes, Swarovski clutch and a sprinkling of Johnathon Arndt jewels.

Above: For her kickoff performance, the country star showed off her rocker side in a custom outfit by WTB (which stands for "White Trash Beautiful" and is a label co-owned by Richie Sambora) and scarlet patent heels.



Left: Joining fellow MC Brad Paisley, Carrie dons a sequined Ina Soltani mini with a dramatic ruffled embellishment (which reminded me of those trick snakes that pop out of fake peanut cans), Jimmy Choo "Cosmic" platforms and Bochic baubles.

Left: In one of her best looks of the night, Underwood opts for a feminine and frothy baby pink Randi Rahm rosette confection, Stuart Weitzman sandals and Bochic jewelry.









Below #1: Carrie in a green Ina Soltani from the 2009 CMA.
Below #2: Same song, second verse. From this year's CMA, a bit-too-familiar intricately pleated green Rafael Cennamo number that came closet to overpowering the petite singer, glittering Jimmy Choo "Viola" platforms and pentagonal Bochic earrings.

AND THEN...
Below #1: Carrie's long yellow dress from last year's CMA.

Below #2: Carrie's long yellow dress from THIS year's CMA, a Pamella Roland gown, Rene Caovilla heels and Bochic adornments.

Shall we keep this game going?...
Below #1: Carrie in her "I'm taking over the stage" ballgown, a deep plum custom couture Randi Rahm (that she actually loks really pretty in, and is pretty fitting in Nashville as a prelude to Loretta Lynn's performance) and sparkling Johnathon Arndt jewels
Below #2: Carrie in LAST year's "I'm taking over the stage" ballgown

Left: Unfortunately, the cute singer save my least favorite for last.  A buttery tiered tulle ballerina dress by Georges Chakra couture with red rhinestone flower detailing, more reminicent of the "other" Carrie (Bradshaw), but that doesn't quite work on this one. Stuart Weitzman shoes and Ippolita hoops.