Clean Closet = Happy Closet

If you are anything like me then you have so much jewelry it overflows your drawers.  Well it’s time to get organized!  Getting organized is easy when you have the right supplies.  I recommend you start with these- available at Store Supply Warehouse (www.storesupply.com).  Also check out the Stackable Open Top Trays with Ring slot inserts.

Small Tiered Jewelry Carousel

Wood Countertop Display Case

 

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No Pants Sunday

Lately I’ve been all about comfort.  When I’m not dressed up for work, I want to be comfortable, but I needed to master a look that while comfortable, didn’t look sloppy.  The answer: The Splendid Maxi Skirt in black.  Buy it here.

Reasonably priced at $88, this skirt is super soft and well made.  Now came the challenge of styling an outfit that didn’t make me look like a tree-hugging, birkenstock wearing hippy. I paired my black maxi skirt with a denim button-down layered under a more form fitting grey and navy blue striped sweater. If layering makes you nervous, match the color of your skirt to the same color top.  Black on black is a sure thing.  White on white for summer always works too.

Need more inspiration?  Here are some more of my favorite maxi skirt styles.

TIP:  Make sure your shirt or sweater (top layer) falls above the wide part of your hips.  Your top should be the length that allows you to lift your arms above your head without your stomach showing but no longer or else you will look frumpy and Amish.

 

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Check out these West Coast Summer Styles!

Top: Obesity and Speed, Skirt: Rachel Zoe Collection, Shoes: ALDO, Necklace: Hermes bracelet (worn as necklace), Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Rings and Bracelet- vintage

Blazer: Karen Kane, Top: Zimmerman, Skirt: Karen Kane, Shoes: Tsubo Markov, Necklace: Vintage, Rings: Stylist’s own

Top: Mara Hoffman, Skirt: Love Label, Shoes: ALDO, Bracelet, necklace and cardigan: stylist's own

Top: Junk Food Clothing Co., Jeans: Growze, Shoes: ALDO RISE x Mark Fast, Bracelet: Jessica Grant

Dress: Zimmerman, Hat: David and Young, Jewelry: vintage

Top: Nicholas K, Shorts: Zimmerman, Bracelet: Jessica Grant, Shoes: Tsubo Markov, Necklace: vintage

Blazer: Nicholas K, Top: Mara Hoffman, Shorts: Mara Hoffman, Shoes: Tsubo Markov, Necklaces: Russian dolls by Svetlana, Bracelets: stylist’s own

Top: Rachel Zoe Collection, Shorts: Love Label, Jewelry: vintage

Styling: Lauren Franks

Makeup: Ricky Maluga

Hair: Christiana Nicole

Photography: David Zentz

 

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Dressing for a Summer Wedding

Weddings are a lot more fun when you have a great outfit.  Here are some tips and shopping suggestions for finding the perfect look.

  1. Never wear white.  Better yet, try to avoid any shade that could be misinterpreted for white e.g. ivory, egg shell, pastel yellow, pale purple
  2. No black.  Even if the invitation calls for Black Tie, it’s summer so try your best to be creative.
  3. Do not wear solid red, unless you want to be instantly labeled as the ‘pop tart’ of the group.  Pink is great.  Wine will work.  Burgundy is fine.  Avoid anything you might call fire engine or candy apple.
  4. Be cautious of your patterns.  Avoid small patterns.  They can look cheap.
  5. A maxi dress is a great option for a casual wedding.
  6. If the wedding is outside remember to wear wedges or platforms.  Stilettos only aerate the lawn.
  7. If you’re adventurous, try a short and blazer set.  Stylish, comfortable, and creative.

Diane von Furstenberg Squaretan Dress, $325 available at Shopbop

Nicole Miller Printed Dress, $345 available at Saksfifthavenue.com

Alice and Olivia Leila Pleated Maxi Dress, $440

BCBGMAXAZRIA Asymmetrical-Hem Halter Dress, $218

Co-ord Palm Tree Jacket Navy Blue, $110, Topshop

Co-ord Palm Print Zip Short Navy Blue, $70, Topshop

 

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For the Cool Dad- Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is coming soon, and if you’re like me and you buy most everything online, you have to start shopping now to save on standard shipping.  Now while most everyone can recommend the boring wallet, tie, or tool, I’m going to give you some ideas for the still young and hip dad.  Inspired by my cool old man himself.  Love you Dad!

Billabong LIFE IS BETTER IN BOARD SHORTS tee  $20

Men’s 4 NITE Havianas  $26

John Varvatos Sunglasses $220

Canon EOS 5D Camera $2,199

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss  $11

 

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Inspiration: Andy Warhol

“i wonder if it’s possible to have a love affair that lasts forever.”  Andy Warhol

What’s not to like about Andy Warhol?  He was a genius pop artist, a gay man who lived openly before his time, and the man who invented “15 minutes of fame.”  He also loved celebrities, as is evident in the long lost Polaroids that recently resurfaced.  Taken by Warhol from 1970 onwards, the Polaroids feature many of Warhol’s celebrity friends.  The instants are just as artistic and striking as his paintings.  I’m obsessed.

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Girl Crush: Rose Byrne

Several times published as one of the ‘most beautiful people’ or ‘sexiest women in the world,’ Rose Byrne is looking hotter than ever with her new chic layered bob and full fringe(bangs). Walking the red carpet for the 2012 SAG Award in a Elie Saab couture jumpsuit, her hair framed her face perfectly. She looked utter perfection.  The ‘Bridesmaids’ actress and Sydney, Australia native has been quoted saying she sees herself more of a character actress than a celebrity, although her amazing style and sophistication definitely prove otherwise.  I LOVE HER!

 

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A FASHION NIGHTMARE

Pajamas and Jeans are two different things for a reason.  Then someone went and made the mistake of marrying the two.  Remember tights are not pants, well Pajama Jeans are not pants either and cannot be considered ‘stylish’ in any way.  Pajamas Jeans are cotton/spandex legging at best.  As one of the founding members of Tights are Not Pants explains, “we wanted to drive home the point that leggings are a subset of tights, and should be worn as such.”  To make it simple- avoid these Pajama Jeans all together. Don’t believe me- watch the commercial  THE PAJAMA JEAN

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CELEBRATE: CHANEL

CHANEL, the French fashion house founded by the one and only Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, continues today with its amazing collections by head designer Karl Lagerfeld.  My personal obsession, I believe every woman should own a Chanel Classic Flap Bag and tweed jacket- two items completely worth breaking the bank.

Vintage Chanel pieces available at resurrectionvintage.com.

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Just Plain UGG-ly

It is my firm belief that UGG boots be considered bed slippers.  They are a shoe to be worn around the house, maybe to walk the dog, and only if you are deathly ill- to be worn to the doctor’s office.  Yes, I know they are warm and soft and very comfortable, but so are slippers.

Images below as Refinery29 attempts to make UGGS look cool.  In every case, a Western boot, an ankle boot or a knee high riding boot would have looked WORLDS better.

Hot Tip: Use Uggs sparingly.

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