Monday, August 30, 2010

Fall Fashion 2010 - Pencil Skirts

Oh the pencil skirt. What's not to love? Classic style, perfect for work wear, can be worn to many functions and downright flattering. The pencil skirt was created in the late 1940's by French designer Christian Dior and quickly became popular.

So exactly what is a pencil skirt? It's a skirt that has a straight and narrow cut and falls at or just below the knee, some feature a little slit in the back. The beauty of the pencil skirt is that most women regardless of size can wear one. Follow these tips when purchasing one:

  • Take your measurements. The skirt should fit smoothly over the hips and rear and the waistband should fall just below your natural one. Look for one that accents your shape and is not constricting.
  • Check the length. For fuller legs a slightly longer skirt might be more flattering. 
  • The skirt should be free of pockets, pleating, trims or belt loops. The look should be sleek.
How to wear:
  • Keep the look simple and clean. Pair the skirt with simple tops that flatter the lines of the skirt. Keep jewelry to a minimum.
  • For fuller figures pair it with a jacket or shirt that is slightly longer than the widest part of your body.
  • Pair your skirt with a short jacket or cropped cardigan think Coco Chanel.
  • For a trendy look pair your pencil skirt with a mismatched jacket.
  • For a slightly more relaxed look pair the skirt with a slightly oversized cardigan, add a belt and a pair of simple flats.
The pencil skirt works well with other trendy items for fall - animal prints, pearls, tweeds. See just a few smart choices this fall and you are going to look spectacular!


 

Friday, August 27, 2010

Fab Finds!


Ann Taylor Loft
From the website...We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of women who want feminine, stylish and versatile fashions that offer great quality and value and that inspire women to look as beautiful as they feel.

What an absolutely beautiful find from Karen of Cleveland. This dress from Ann Taylor Loft is perfect for taking us right into fall and maybe even spring 2011. The cut is flattering for all shapes and in a soft jersey knit - comfortable and fashionable. Karen says she shops at the Loft frequently (she would not provide us figures). We love the Loft too! Great find Karen and thank you.

Karen paired the dress with a cotton/spandex legging for $38.00 from Ann Taylor and a pair of slouch platform boots from DSW for $79.95 (try coupon code 'fallshop' to save $10.00). Did you notice the boots are in camel? How would you wear the dress?

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Fall Fashion 2010 - Animal Prints


Animal prints are still in style! That's a good thing really it is. Fortunately there are many budget friendly options for the trendy girl to choose from. The trick is to pick a few key pieces and incorporate them into other outfits. Which is good because wearing head to toe animal print is hard to carry off. Think shoes, belts, bags, and cardigans, even a sexy skirt.

Let's start with the jeans and t's kind of girl. We're loving this heather gray cardigan from Banana Republic. Ok a bit pricey at $69.50 but think of the possibilities. With jeans and a tank top, for work paired with black pants or black pencil skirt - another fall trend. How about for lounging at home with a pair of yoga pants. Now the price becomes a bit more manageable considering how many times you will be wearing this! **note now through August 29 save 30% with coupon code PBHPV at Banana Republic.

A bit more daring? Check out this great outfit from Macy's - all from Jones New York and each piece only $39.99.

Not comfortable wearing so much animal print? Not a problem! Look for accessories to add a bit of wow to your look. Shoes, scarves to dress up any suit, or even a simple bracelet and of course you can always add an animal print bag!

With so many options the key is to find something that works for you and your body type, stays within your budget and makes you feel sexy. A couple of do's and dont's:
  • Avoid head to toe animal print.
  • Keep hair style sleek
  • Stick to one animal print
  • Keep the overall line of your outfit simple and sleek
  • Pair your animal prints with neutrals, especially black, white, chocolate brown, and beige.
How would you wear animal prints? Share your thoughts!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Too good not to share


Newport News
Be sure to check out the sale at Newport News. Jeans starting from 2 for $29.00 with seven different fits! We're loving the stretch denim skinny scrunch jeans for $39.00. With coupon code 530 for 20% off it comes to $33.15. Not bad!

Fab Finds!



ModCloth
From the website...Founded by high school sweethearts, Eric Koger and Susan Gregg Koger, and built on a foundation of love for vintage and retro clothing, ModCloth.com is an online clothing, accessories, and decor retailer that aims to provide a fun and engaging shopping atmosphere for you,our customer.

The color camel sophisticated! This beautiful dress for $57.99 says I'm confident and know how to look great. Paired with these fabulous pumps for $39.94 and finish with a black obsidian necklace for $40.00. When you step into a room all eyes will be on you!

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Fall Fashion 2010


Here in Cleveland there is a tiny hint in the air that fall is around the corner. While I am not ready to give up my flip flops or tanks quite yet, I do have to consider getting the fall closet ready. Some of the trends I am seeing for fall include the color camel, animal prints, pencil skirts, capes, tweeds and pearls. Lot's of pearls! Hmmm...the possibilities.

So what do these trends say? To me they say stability, classy chic with a bit of daring (I am sure it all has to do with the current economy). Over the next few days let's explore how we can incorporate some of these trends into our closet - of course without breaking the bank.
Let's start with the color camel. The experts say the color is flattering for all women. What do you think? The nice thing about camel - you can pair it with just about any other color - navy, black, red even white.

My personal favorite is camel and denim whether it be a camel sweater or even a pair of camel shoes. Camel can be blah so be careful when pairing it up with other items. Look for textures to pair it up with like tweed. Have you seen the cover of the new Spiegel catalog? Camel trench with an animal print blouse and wide belt. Perfect. Not so daring? Pick up a soft camel scarf and wear it with all your jackets. Now that's effortless.



Monday, August 23, 2010

Fab Finds!


Chico's
From the website...For 25 years, we’ve helped millions of women look as great as they feel. Our chic prints, artisan jackets, and wrinkle-free Travelers collection have built quite a following at our boutiques—but we hear it’s our combination of great style, one-of-a-kind details, and warm, personal service that has captured the hearts of women nationwide.

Is this jacket not gorgeous! What not to like? Tweed, fully lined, great color and on sale. Chico's has some great clothes but yes they are on the pricey side. But when they offer a sale it's pretty hard to resist. We love this jacket and it's cut and length is flattering on all women. Original price is $139.00 but with coupon code 4063 for 50% it comes down to $69.50! Coupon terms are 50% off any item with a $100 purchase through August 29.

Now how to wear? Let's pair this jacket with those jeans we found at Ruche.com and those shoes we found at metrostyle.com. See how easy it is to move pieces around in your closet and create new looks. What's your favorite jacket from Chico's?

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Secrets of a fashion bargain hunter


Who doesn't like to save money? Making a purchase and knowing you got the most bang for your buck is a great feeling. Here are some insider tips and tricks that will help you do just that as we all get ready to transition our wardrobe over to fall.
  • Use the internet! When making online purchases always do a simple search to see if one store is selling an item at a lower price. Check out Fat Wallet for deals on everything from clothes for the entire family to travel.
  • Now that you have found the store that sells at the lowest price - check out Coupon Cabin or Retail Me Not and see if you can snag a coupon.
  • Pay attention to the fabric content. It may be a great blouse at a great price but if it's made from a fabric that will not withstand multiple washes than it's not really a deal, is it?
  • See something you love but not sure you love the price? Ask a sales associate if that is the best price they can offer you. Ask with a smile!
  • Shop with an open mind. Don't buy something just because it's a great deal, buy something because it's a great deal for you.
  • Shop clearance racks and bring a friend. They may spot something you would have never looked at.
  • Consider a great piece even if it needs a small bit of tailoring. You probably know someone who would not mind helping you out with that hem.
  • Know when to buy. Check out this great calendar!
  • Remember go for the best quality you can afford. It's better to have a few great pieces than a closet full of nothing to wear.
The outfit, all from Metrostyle.com, came to a total of $68.97 and with a coupon code from Tjoos.com for 30% off any item made it $60.87 (plus shipping). Not bad - you can wear all the pieces with other items in your closet! Boyfriend tee $14.99; Boyfriend jean $26.99; Strappy sandals $26.99.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Fab Finds!


Shabby Apple
From the website...After years of not being able to find stylish dresses that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip), owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it.

They visited trade shows, marketplaces and designer studios only to discover the problem was not that department stores weren't buying the right dresses, but that designers weren't designing them.

Shabby Apple is proud to offer you fantastic dresses that allow you to look fabulous, without having to compromise anything else.


Now we know you don't want to think about any other season right now, however we all know what's coming sooner or later. That's why we love this t-shirt inspired dress for only $49.00. It's one of those pieces that will easily take you into fall and beyond. It's a matter of changing accessories! For now we love it with these oh so trendy sandals $39.95 and a must pair of earrings in a beautiful branch setting $17.00. For summer let's add our Veronica clutch in oriental floral for a pop of color!

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Fab Finds!


Banana Republic
From the website...Delivering elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices, Banana Republic has been credited with helping make fashion more accessible. The brand offers elevated essentials and sophisticated seasonal collections of accessories, shoes, personal care products and intimate apparel. From work to casual occasions, Banana Republic offers covetable, uncomplicated style.


Todays Fab Finds! is courtesy of Jennifer M. of Solon, Oh. She loves the simple effortless dressing of tee shirts and jeans. But she insists on ones with style like this yummy tee for $39.50 from Banana Republic. We can't agree more! A modern approach to a carefree look. Jennifer suggests you wear this with a pair of boyfriend jeans or a pair of skinny dark denim jeggings. She said to pair this look with our Morgan in Paris Gray. We couldn't agree more! Thanks Jennifer for a great Fab Find!

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Fab Finds!

Athleta
From the website...Athleta offers women's yoga clothing, swimwear, running clothing and athletic clothing for fitness, golf & tennis. Designed and tested by women athletes for women athletes. We also realize there is life after sport, so we fashion our apparel to take on your entire active lifestyle.

Even if you are not the active type Athleta will have something for you! We checked out the dresses (with this heat they are sometimes the only option) and found an amazing selection. We went right to the dresses with support page and found some stylish options. How about this dress in sangria or maybe seaspray? Dress it up or dress it down. Wear it to work and then out for the evening. Comfort and style for only $29.99 and now through August 8 you can save 20% on all sale items! See site for details. Let's pair this adorable dress with our Meredith in Geisha print - for those counting we now have three outfits for this little bag.

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Fab Finds!


Ruche
We couldn't help ourselves...Ruche part 2...compliments of Jessica of Blue Orchid!

Plum cotton top $42.99 with intricate pleated floral embellishments, simply gorgeous. Paired with skinny black jeans $32.99. Slip on this classy and elegant bracelet $13.99 and now you have a second outfit to pair with our Meredith in Geisha print bag.

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!

Careful in those dressing rooms!

Ok we all know that you should try everything on before buying it. But be sure to view the return policy before purchasing! It appears more and more shops from department stores to smaller boutiques are using those familiar tactics to make us all look better - tilted mirrors and soft amber lighting. Check out this great article.

Take a friend shopping or look at yourself with a very open eye!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Style ebook now available

Finally! My new ebook "Reinvent Your Wardrobe - Shop Your Closet" is now available for download. 22 pages which will help you know what to keep and what to pitch. Includes lists of essential items for each season and a guide to analyzing current trends and how they relate to your individual style.

An excerpt...
Fashion designers design collections, complete wardrobes that work together to form individual outfits that have style. You should shop for pieces with that same mind set. Think in terms of a collection and how the individual pieces should complement each other.

It’s easy to update your wardrobe without spending too much money. Start with a basic wardrobe, consisting of key pieces, as they form the backbone of your wardrobe and make it work for you. For versatility and longevity, these items are best in neutral colors allowing for mixing and matching and easy accessorizing. Remember a neutral color will give you more...


Check it out here!

Fab Finds!


Ruche
From the website...
RUCHE is a modern women's boutique with a vintage touch. We try to find items that are new, in-style, trendy, yet still inspired by a vintage look. We handpick each product to give you the perfect selection of clothing, accessories and more.


Once again we find a fabulous one stop shop. Vintage yet trendy at an affordable price - Ruche has that free spirited look to it that us girls at Blue Orchid just love. Personality should always shine in your outfits and with Ruche you get an opportunity to look stylish yet let the 'you' shine. Just a couple of our favorites (too many to share in one post) include this heather gray skirt for $47.99 and this Victorian inspired blouse in peach for $32.99. Finish with these super cute gray suede pumps $84.99. Ok so what bag to pair this adorable outfit with? How about Meredith in our geisha print?

Click here to submit a Fab Find! and be entered into our monthly drawing to win something fabulous from our website!