Bringing the Bag Back

Recently there has been a revival of the bucket and satchel bags of the 1970s. With long handles that can often be slung across the body, these bags are both chic and functional. A style for all ages, it would be wise to invest in one of a good quality leather that will stand the test of time but age gracefully. Find the right one, and all of your casual bag needs can be met with one style. A little bohemian, a little vintage, but very classic, the bucket and satchel bags that have reappeared on the streets of New York and Los Angeles remind me of the women of the late 60s and 70s (or at least how I imagine them), a la Bridget Bardot and Pam Grier.

A great bag for everyday wear, these styles leave your hands and arms free to tackle what your day might throw your way. Even though these bags are available in every color, brown is my personal favorite for its versatility. Also brown tends to be the best color handbag when it comes to wear and age. The breaking down of leather and suede and the creases that come with everyday use show up much better on a rich brown than they would on a black bag.

Here are three of my personal favorites in this style.

Alexander Wang $895 - Available at Shopbop.com

Hermes 'So Kelly' starting at $5500 - Available exclusively at Hermes boutiques

J.W. Hulme Co $353 - Available at Shopbop.com

Miss Louise -- A Hidden Gem

Nestled down a cobblestone pathway off of the main shopping thorough way on Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne, is Miss Louise, a shoe boutique like none other that I've been to before. As I spent my day shopping up and down the streets of Melbourne, ducking in and out of stores to a. avoid the rain and b. spend money that I probably shouldn't, I found Miss Louise. A shop very small in square footage but huge in inventory, Miss Louise greets you with two glass windows filled with shoes and bags. There were no strategically placed displays or spotlights on the newest arrivals, rather rows of shoes and the absolute best shoes at that. With a large sticker plastered on the door reading WINTER SALE NOW, I knew I had to at least visit. I was not expecting to be overcome with joy and a feeling of "where should I start."

With the newest styles of Alexander McQueen, Giuseppe Zanotti, Christian Louboutin, YSL, Balmain, Chloe, Azzedine Alaia and every other top shoe designer, Miss Louise completely caught me off guard. I was caught off guard not because of the selection but because of the presentation. Usually when you find a boutique or even department store with high end designers, shoes are propped up and displayed as if they are desserts on a platter. Sometimes you almost feel as though you shouldn't touch because you are afraid that you'll disturb the setup. But Miss Louise was different. All shoes were treated equally, nothing seemed unattainable, even though some shoes had prices upward of 2500 AUD.

It was the most welcoming environment when it could have and should have been so pretentious. Maybe it was the Australian spirit of open arms that Miss Louise tried to capture. Established in 1964, Miss Louise has brought the best of international shoe and bag designers to Melbourne, a bustling cosmopolitan city and the fashion capital of Australia. While many automatically think of Sydney as the leader of everything Australia, Melbourne's fashion and business districts lead the way.

Of course I couldn't leave empty handed, especially since it's winter here and most of the summer styles were on sale in addition to not having to pay tax. Unfortunately for me and my big feet, they didn't have my size in stock, but were able to locate my caged Louboutin bootie in their warehouse. On top of the the lovely small boutique environment, all of the ladies in the shop provided wonderful attention to detail and impeccable service offering to have my shoes delivered to my place I'm staying in Australia free of charge.

Now that's unforgettably chic.

Compromising Style for the Cold

I've noticed recently, both here in Australia and in the states, that often women tend to compromise their fashion sense when the cold air hits. A woman who was so well put together during the spring, summer and fall months can suddenly loose the desire or will power to "get dressed" when its so cold outside that all they are concerned about is keeping their ears, face and feet warm. I've always found that winter is the BEST season to dress well. While summer is filled with linen, cotton and gauze and tank tops, shorts and flat sandals, winter brings out the most luxurious fabrics, architectural shapes and layers upon layers.

In winter layer a leather jacket, over a boyfriend cardigan, over a cowl neck sweater and couple that with a pair of skinny jeans tucked into a pair of supple leather boots (cashmere socks inside of course) instead of always resorting to Uggs. The idea that having style has to be hard is a myth. Style is merely taking an extra 2 minutes every morning to just think of how you would like yourself to look and act on it. Chances are you have something in your closet resembling that idea in your head.

Now I know my counterparts back in the good ole USA are probably laughing as a I speak of weather that requires cashmere socks, but it should actually be a wake up call to stay on top of your game for summer. When it is so hot outside, that you'd rather be naked than think of draping yourself in any type of fabric, remind yourself that covering up is often the best way to stay cool. A colorful linen blouse tucked into a pair of white jeans or pencil skirt, complimented with a tan leather belt, funky sandals (flat or heels) and some great statement jewelry, takes little-to-no effort, can carry you from day to evening and simple yet always chic.

While it is probably easier said than done, we should never let the weather control how we present ourselves. Just imagine sitting in a restaurant by a window in the winter time and seeing a woman walk by in a great shearling coat, a simple turtleneck, dark denim jeans tucked into a pair of flat over the knee boots topped off with a newspaper boy cap. Dressed from head to toe, chances are she is still very comfortable AND warm. Now imagine that same window in the summertime. As a woman walks by in a belted maxi dress, jeweled sandals and big clutch. It probably took her less than 5 minutes to get dressed and yet she still managed to create an effortlessly stylish look, all while staying cool as the mercury continues to rise. Both of those women caught your eye. What they remembered is that presentation is everything. I guarantee it takes just as little time to "get dressed" and is does to throw on something/anything just because it suits the weather. Sloppy can always be prevented.

Never compromise your style because of what the weather man says.

Mini skirts are universal

It was my first night out on the town in Australia, and boy was I surprised. With a temperature high of about 14C (57F) during the day and around 6C(42F) at night, the Australian winter is mild compared to that of many cities stateside, but still chilly nonetheless for a California born and bread girl like myself. Maybe it was all the alcohol pulsing through the veins of the young women filling the sidewalks waiting in life for the pubs and clubs, but the miniskirt/dress seemed to be the item of choice for the evening as girls were unfazed by the brisk air. It has always amazed me, what lengths women will go to in order to appear sexy and desirable. While I comfortably enjoyed the evening in leather pants, I wondered what was going through a lot of their minds while they got dressed.

I've realized that no matter where you go, what season it is or the crowd their will always be the miniskirt-wearing women around. I would hate to make assumptions or generalizations about these women's motives, so I will leave that alone. I'd rather just say that while mini skirts are universal, they are a not for everyone or for every occasion.

Always be aware of your surroundings. Even if you are extremely warm blooded and are not affected by the cold in the least, be mindful that other people are. When your the amount of fabric that you have on is so drastically different than what everyone else is where, you stand out... but not in a good way. The same goes for be bundled up in warm weather. The goal with fashion and style is to make your own statement, but when you go too far in one direction, for whatever reason, people tend to not take you seriously. You never want your style sense to negatively dictate your circumstances and influence people's ideas about you.

Back from Down Under

So it has been over a month since I've posted and so much has happened. I have relocated to Australia for a couple of months, and while only having been here for a few days I have already learned so much. While I came here for an adventure of a lifetime, I seem to have been drawn to the fashion world down here without even trying. The family that my husband and I know down here own three clothing stores; two women's and one men's store (Mixture, Mix and Pitstop)

I didn't quite know what to expect when it came to women's style in Australia, but I am surprisingly impressed. In the Victoria region of Australia, in the city of Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs, the women are very fashion forward. They take a lot of risks with color and shapes. With designer's like 'Sass and Bide' who have already begun to make their impression in the states, the women here definitely know how to dress and know what it means to have an individual sense of style.

Unlike it the states, where people are so concerned with labels and designer threads, I find that the women here are more concerned about presentation. They don't care so much for the cost of an item defining its worth but rather knowing how to put together a complete wardrobe, even in the smaller country towns. With the winter season in full affect here, boots, leather and wool are the current staples.

Chunky oversized sweaters, boyfriend jeans, cutout shapes, knit dresses, animal print and well tailored jackets/blazers seem to be big trends for their winter season.

With both scenic and style pictures alike, Australia is sure to be unforgettably Chic.

Back with a Bang

Forgive me for neglecting the blog, last week was overwhelmingly busy. But what a day to start up again. Last night was the biggest night in fashion for the United States, with the annual Met Costume Institute Gala. Everyone who is anyone shows up for this night on which the Metropolitan Opera House in New York city hosts this fashion extravaganza. A night for risk taking, the Met Gala had an array of looks from simple to completely over-the-top. With so many favorites of the night, I had a hard time narrowing down what I believed to be the best dressed women of the evening.

My Top Ten Best Dressed Picks of the night (in no particular order):

10. Anne Hathaway in Valentino

9. Eva Mendes in Dolce & Gabbana

8. Kerry Washington in Thakoon for Gap

7. Kristin Davis in archival Rochas

6. Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein

5. Cassie in Versace

4. Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein

3. Jessica Szhor in Atelier Versace

2. Alexa Chung in 3.1 Phillip Lim

1. Camilla Belle in Jason Wu

For several different reasons, these women captured my attention. Alexa Chung for her disregard of the traditional Met Gala looks, Diane Kruger and her simplicity, Kristin Davis for being the best dressed SATC star that night and Eva Mendes for taking something we have all seen over again (the Dolce & Gabbana floral print and mermaid silhoutte) but making it her own. These women were the best dressed, not only for their clothes, but also for their confidence!

While these are my top 10 looks of the evening, I left one off the list because she deserves a category of her own. The woman who stole the night, as she has done on many other occasions. Seems like she is becoming a favorite of mine. The Met Gala All-Star: Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad.

Step into Color

I've been talking about incorporating color into your wardrobe a lot recently. I think it adds so much character to an outfit, but a lot of women are scared of wearing it. While it definitely takes time to introduce bright patterns or shocking neons into your usually monochromatic wardrobe, a great way is to use accessories to brighten up your typical color palette. Great with black, navy, tans, and white a  little pop of something bright whether its your bag, your shoes or a belt can really help to liven you up. It's all about baby steps.

The other day I went shopping with my friend and we stopped in one of my favorite stores in Atlanta, Jeffrey's. Every time I walk in there, I go straight for this shoe because it really captures my attention. I love that its vibrant, but a pastel. The coral color is definitely anything but practical, but yet so easy to pull off at the same time. Also available in lavender and teal, the only thing that stops me from adding all three of these to my closet is the idea that I would be standing around 6' 5 1/2."

Another great option for a colorful heel, are these two sandals by Aldo. At a fraction of the cost of the Christian Louboutin pumps, these make the same fun and flirty statement. What I think really draws me to all three of these shoes, is that they are bright but not over the top. Perfect with a pair of jeans and white t-shirt or a shift dress, they are complementary without drawing too much attention away from you. Always wear your clothes (and shoes), never let them wear you!

SunDressing

Now that spring has officially arrived, you will start to see more women in dress. Going from wool and cashmere to lightweight silks, cottons and linens is always a nice change of pace. Dresses are a great way to show your spring spirit, and often they are the most flattering piece of clothing a woman can wear. While jeans and pants tend to camouflage the natural shapes of our legs and blouses and shirts add to our frame, a dress can accent all of the best features. There are many styles of sundresses available this spring. Go for something vibrant or a pattern, save the black for fall and winter. Also look for versatility. Dresses can carry you from morning until night with the switch of a few accessories. Who doesn't enjoy making life easy. Don't always assume that the smallest dress is the sexiest either. If you are voluptuous, show cleavage but don't show too much leg. If you have long legs, show them off with a mini but have a sleeve or a higher neckline. If you best feature is your small waist, go for a wrap dresses that cinches at the waist with a blousy top and pencil or a-line bottom. Love your toned arms and back, highlight your upper body with a one shouldered  or low back dress.

Here are a few dress options that are sure to get you in the mood for spring.

Seen on the Scene - J. Lo Edition

When Jennifer Lopez is out on the town, she is bringing her 'A' game and everyone should move out the way. With the upcoming release of her new film 'The Backup Plan,' J. Lo has been gallivanting around New York City and Los Angeles in promotional mode dressed like she means business. Within just a few, she has been seen in dozens of outfits around town, in addition to several wardrobe changes for various interviews and appearances. Although she is notorious for oozing sex appeal, as she's gotten older she manages to do it without revealing too much skin. She is all about fit, fit and fit. Knowing what works best on her shape and wearing pieces that compliment her assets! Notice how she will wear an embellished dress, but it won't be revealing or a very fitted silhouette, but in the form of a black trench. The high hemline on her Roland Mouret red dress is countered by the high neckline. Again when it comes to sexy, its all about give and take.

                                                                               

 

Leather Okay for Warm Weather?

Recently, the Wall Street Journal went out on the streets of New York and asked what people thought about leather shorts. A noticeable piece in many designer's collection for spring, leather shorts seem to be a bit contradictory, at least without further examination. Most people typically associate leather with fall and winter, a material that is meant to keep you warm. Over the years designers have begun turning the traditionally cold-weather fabric into a hot (no pun intended) item for warmer times.

It got me thinking about my favorite leather pieces. When I worked in retail, the designer was great at using leather for every season. Lightweight buttery-soft leather jackets, pencil skirts and pants were all staples in his designs and people loved them. Definitely an investment when you find the right pieces, but completely worth it because you will have them for years. And when you buy a quality leather piece, it can only get better with age. The leather develops its own character and the scratches and marks, which you try to avoid in the beginning,  become the best part.

Because the weather is warmer, naturally any leather item that you wear will contain less material. I recommend either short or tight, not both. Otherwise you end up looking like a biker chick. Stick to one leather item per outfit, and make it the focal point. Build around that piece and allow everything else to gently compliment. You don't want to be caught in some magazine as a "Fashion Don't" wearing a complete leather ensemble (In my honest opinion, that applies to every season, I don't care how cold it is). I found a couple of leather pieces that can be great for summer, but also transitional pieces depending on how you wear them.

The best top for the Chloe and Cynthia Steffe short would be something simple and classic, maybe a crisp white blouse or a colorful blousy top. The Helmut Lang short is a little more edgy, so an off-the-shoulder graphic printed top would work better.

These leather jackets will go with any and everything in your closet. Great with a pair of high-waisted twill trousers, a pair of denim shorts, a linen pencil skirt or a mini, these pieces will carry you from day to night, from the office to a girl's night out.

So it seems that leather in warm weather works after all!

Fashionista Spotlight

When it comes to having personal style, Tracee Ellis Ross definitely knows . While she hasn't been in any major projects since the cancellation of the hit show 'Girlfriends,' Tracee just like her mother Diana Ross, will always leave a lasting impression. Never holding back and always taking risks, she is a stylist's dream. With killer curves, she knows how to dress her body in the most flattering way. Never one to shy away from color or patterns, she is bold and eccentric. Even with some looks that are slightly left of center that not everyone can appreciate, she stays ahead of the game but manages to look classic in everything she wears. In my opinion, she is the definition of Unforgettably Chic.

I must admit her fashion sense is at times very quirky, but when you take risks with your personal style it happens. It is called 'personal' style for a reason. Yes, she knows how to work a fitted dress but she portrays sexy in a number of different ways. Women are so caught up in wanting to be sexy all the time that they get lost in a sea of women who look just like them. If anything, Tracee Ellis Ross shows that sexy is about having the confidence in yourself to be an individual and think outside the box. Young women could stand to learn a thing or two from her.

Around the World We Go

When it comes to spring and summer fashion, I don't think I love anything more than color. When you drape yourself in strong, vibrant colors it awakens the senses and you can't help but feel alive. Here in America, I think we tend to be a bit more conservative with our choice of color and patterns for fear of what others might think. But take a trip around the world, and color is all you will see. Besides the sampling of local cuisines and learning about other cultures, observing how people clothe themselves makes travelling to different countries my absolute favorite hobby.

India

Ethiopia

Korea

Brazil

Tanzania

Thailand

Although the modern, cosmopolitan woman around the world might wear jeans and sun dresses just as we do in the United States, often reserved for traditional ceremonies and in rural villages these colorful ensembles are such beautiful expressions of the local cultures. Looking at these images cannot help but unleash positive vibes.

When it comes to personal style, don't take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process of choosing pieces to drape over your body, just as you should enjoy chewing each delicatable bite from your favorite dish. Never be afraid to express your emotions, not just through your words, but through your image. If all of our senses were taken away, except for sight, I imagine that people would take more risks when it comes to fashion. Somehow, someway find inspiration in the simplest things.

Menswear for Women's Wear

It is unfortunate that a lot of women think a sexy look only results from clothing that is short, revealing or tight. You don't have to let everything hang out though to be the most attractive woman in the room, and any real man with tell you that. One of the funniest observations I've made in consulting women on style, is that women dress to impress other women, not men. We think that showing off our "assets" we'll either make the next woman jealous of what our body looks like or force her to give us a compliment. Neither should ever be an incentive to get dressed each day.

I've always thought that menswear inspired pieces for women were some of the sexiest items of clothing I've ever owned. An impeccably tailored trouser, a tuxedo jacket or a pinstriped suit always seem to empower women with a confidence that isn't displayed in a mini dress. Every year, every season you will see designers whose collections never fail to feature menswear for women. The looks are chic and timeless, sometimes androgynous, often seductive but most important powerful.

This spring spruce up your wardrobe with some menswear inspired clothing. When buying these pieces, pay most attention to the fit. A wide leg trouser usually looks good on most women, but if your curvy try pairing them with a fitted top to counter the proportions. If you are boxy or shaped like a pear wear a jacket that does not cut you off at the hip. Try one thats longer and darted to create the illusion of curves. This is also the perfect time to get familiar with a great tailor in your area, alterations are a woman's best friend!

Rachel Roy, currently one of my favorite designers, did an amazing job with this concept in her Spring 2010 signature line.

Zac Posen for Target

On Thursday, famed designer Zac Posen held a 24 hour party in his honor celebrating the launch of his Zac Posen for Target line. While often designer collaborations with mass retailers result in diffusion lines that fail to live up to the standards that the designers are best known for, Zac Posen's line was actually quite impressive. With less than ten years under his belt on the fashion scene, Posen is most celebrated for his attention to dramatic details and impeccable tailoring. Obviously less exclusive and detailed than the signature collection, the Zac Posen for Target line still offers buyers designs which stay true to his aesthetic but at a significantly lower price.

It is always great when celebrities and models lend their support to these events and such labels, because it reinforces to the general public that being well dressed is not a result of the price but rather the clothes.

Supermodel Alek Wek graces the Zac Posen for Target red carpet

A Housewives Showdown

In honor of  'The Real Housewives' series which airs every Thursday evening, I decided to highlight the style sense of the first ladies of Bravo TV. In looking at the four installments of the 'The Real Housewives' casts: Orange Country, New York, Atlanta and New Jersey, it's not hard to notice that the women in each of the cities dress very differently. While not my favorite for entertainment sake, in typical New York fashion, the ladies of Manhattan have no competition when it comes to style, especially this season. Rather than looking mildly trashy, age inappropriate and slightly cheap, the six women of this extenstion of Bravo's hit really know how to pull it together. With the exception of a few outfits, they really dress the part. Stepping into the forefront as a fashionista this season is Jill Zarin, the Upper East Side fabric store owner, who rarely misses a beat when it comes to being chic.

Having spent most of the first season in darker colors and black, Jill camoflaged her well pronounced curves. After a recent breast reduction and a slight weightloss, Jill is still holding onto her hourglass figure but showing it off more in printed tunics, fitted dresses and slim jeans. I admire Jill's fashion sense because as a women with a shape, she always dresses for her figure, is always age appropriate, but never dull. Whether she's in a full length gown, day dress or jeans her style is unforgettably chic. The other members of the 'Real Housewives of New York' cast are not far behind Jill when it comes to pulling together an outfit. Each of them brings something unique to the fashion table. I appreciate their individuality and feel that when it comes to personal style they get "it", especially Kelly Bensimon, the former model and single mother of two girls. In a world where women follow trends to be like other women and dress like 21 year olds to remain "young", its rare to see a group that stays true to themselves and remains chic.