Style Dilemmas: What to Wear

Closet full of nothing to wear!?!

As a stylist I find a concern of clients is often not their lack of clothing but their lack of knowing how to put those clothes together.

With this in mind I am going to add a new segment to Chic & Savvy...Style Dilemmas.

Each week I will feature a style dilemma and offer outfit options for you to use as inspiration when you go to your closet to make selections.

So for all of those dreadful moments when starring aimlessly into the abyss that is your wardrobe...you will no longer not have anything to wear!

Stay tuned for the first segment: What to Wear...Upscale Dinner with Friends

Ciao'

Stylist Tip: Shopping List

Typical client conversation:

Client: I went shopping today!

Me: Do tell!?!

Client: I got frustrated and didn't buy a single thing!!!

Annoyed, overwhelmed and emotional about her shopping trip and lack of chic merchandise and she came home pouting and empty handed.


There were plenty of sales, cute clothes & chic accessories but still she stares aimlessly into her closet with a grump look on her face. Thinking why didn't I purchase that great cardigan in Banana Republic it would have been perfect with this strapless dress! Only to pull out the same old outfit to not wow her adoring friends again.

Don't be a member of the annoyed and empty handed club: Make a List!

You wouldn't dare go to the grocery store and wander haphazardly through the aisles with your buggy trying to decide if this peanut butter would be appropriate with that jam.

So why dear shopper would you go looking for pieces that you are going to be seen in, invest money on and last a lot longer than food without a list?!?

Shopping Lists:

• Basics/Wardrobe Essentials: pieces that every wardrobe should contain. These are timeless, lack of trends and stylish. Often a bit more pricey...but invest now save later!

• Items I want to add to my wardrobe: pieces that are fun and show your unique personality. Architectural heels, statement necklace, bright scarf, wide leg trouser, nude beige strappy wedge sandals. Basically those seasonal items that will add to your existing wardrobe.

• Items I need to replace: pieces that you own and are unfortunately for your friends still wearing in public that....well let's face it... have seen many better days! Write them down...purchase new ones....throw the old ones away!! Replace is the big key word here!

• Dream Items: the day a girl stops dreaming about that Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag or a pair of Christian Louboutin Rolando Black Pumps is the day a girl well...I guess it's just a day she woke up. Seriously, as shoppers we dream, wish, long for those coveted items that our eyes label lust after. Write them down...who knows you may get a great steal on eBay, save your pennies, or your great aunt may leave you an inheritance. Which ever the case...it's fun!!

Lists will keep you focused and aware of the items in your closet whilst you are not standing in your closet.

Shopping can become overwhelming when we can't SEE what we need or want. A list will simply remind your eyes what to look for. Carry it with you on shopping trips...I promise you will come home with a shopping tote and a smile!

Ciao'

Image provided by: Pulp Factory Mod Squad Fashion Note

Trend to Try: Mixed Metals

Mixed Metals: Gold & Silver

Break the old fashion faux pas: Mix your metals!

Mixing metals gold and silver offer such a simple & elegant touch to any outfit. Modern styling a matte silver and gold are tasteful rather than gaudy. I love this bracelet for it's structure and contemporary take on a basic style. Mixing metal and shape gives this bracelet interest and texture.

• Load up your arm with a mixture of gold and silver bangles
• Wear your silver & gold cocktail ring stacked on the same finger
• Wear a bold gold watch with a mixed metal bracelet
• Pair your silver hoops with stacks of gold bangles

Make your mix modern, simple & elegant!

Ciao'

Mixed Metal Square Bracelet $34.00 Banana Republic

Trend to Try: Hobo Bag

• Runway to REALway: Hobo Bag

Spring collections showcased hobo style handbags in a multitude of shapes, colors, sizes and materials.

Typically, I'm not a fan of hobo style handbags due to their lack of structure and drappy look. For some odd reason I always relate the style to being very casual and not so functional as all of my day to day necessities fall to the bottom.

All of my inhibitions toward a floppy hobo have been put back in the closet thanks to this Badgley Mischka bag!

• Quilted leather gives this bag the texture and originality that I crave in handbags
• Zipper front pocket allows for quick access to my keys
• Single strap that is not too long or too short...carry on my shoulder or my arm
• Interior pockets keep lipstick, cell phone & key card at hands reach
• Lack of floppiness...it has structure, still casual but would easily wear well into the night

Chic and savvy and a trend worth trying!

Ciao'

Badgley Mischka 'Tania' Quilted Hobo $195.00

Stylist Tip: Buy the Sale

Buy the sale...no matter the season!



One of the greatest pieces of advice I offer my clients when they are shopping on their own is to purchase items on sale no matter what the current season.

• Perfect example: Last week while running errands I happened upon a perfect black pea coat. Regular price: $250. Purchase price: $49.99!!!

• Currently we are coming to the end of the harsh winter season so how often will I grab my black double breasted, cashmere-wool blend, hip length pea coat...maybe three more times?!?

• In my opinion...I got my money's worth. The best realization is how many times will I toss on that great coat next year!!

• When in search of wardrobe essentials such as a casual coat don't get stuck in the season. We all talk ourselves out of items at the end of the season because we don't think we'll get enough immediate gratification for our investment.
  
  
  
• End of season sales are precisely when you should purchase some of your wardrobe essentials. They are the pieces that are timeless and void of trends. These are the pieces you will wear time after time...year after year. Often a bit more pricey than other items in your wardrobe so it only makes sense to grab them up on sale!

So if ever in doubt or trying to talk yourself out of a killer bargain...remember there is always next year and it will look a lot better on you knowing you got it at a steal!!


Shop the sale...no matter the season!



Ciao'

Wardrobe Essential: Classic Trench

As part of my "Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials" I recommend that every stylish woman own a trench coat.

Style Dilemma: Finding the perfect trench

I've scoured the web in search of the perfect trench that has both stylish features and a savvy price tag. Drum roll please....

• Double breasted styling with horn buttons add a touch of timeless elegance
• 3/4 Length can be worn with slacks, skirts or dresses; pumps, flats or knee boots
• Classic khaki mixes well with most anything in your closet and the black brown fiasco is simply not an issue
• Tied waist rather than a belt: much more flattering during those times we need an extra inch & allows for going with or without the belt
• A simple pleated back takes this trench from boxy to a flattering menswear inspired shape made for a woman

Dependable. The trench transcends time, trends and travel. It will go from causal to dressy, season to season and will still be stylish five years from now.

Ciao'

Belted Trench $49.50 OldNavy

Resolution: Ruching

If your New Year's Resolution was to loose some weight...resolve to try ruching!



Think of this styling as another way the designer gods are offering down their mercy for those of us who need a few more core fusion sessions!



Ruching is a pintuck styling in which the garment lays in a gathered form on the body. It basically cinches in and hugs your curves...or lack there of.


Ruching is perfect for all body types...it hides what you don't want and shows off the curves you have.

• A square neck such as the top shown is often more flattering than a v-neck as it often times goes to low on busty gals or just accentuates what's lacking.

• 3/4 sleeves can transition for year round wear. Pair with a blazer or cropped belted jacket for cooler weather and worn alone with a delicate scarf for spring.

• Ruching looks best when it is placed along the sides of the blouse. Side ruching gives the most flattering appearance and will whittle your waist.

• Jersey fabric will cling and flatter the body without loosing it's shape. I love jersey because the texture mixes with any other fabric already in your closet. It sustains time and travels exceptionally well.

Keep crunching forward with your resolution...but in the meantime try ruching!!


Ciao'


INC International Concepts Ruched Square -Neck Jersey Top $34.99

Trend to Try: Python Print

Runway to Realway: Python print was seen from Salvatore Ferragamo to Gucci for fall and spring lines. Rather than investing in a dramatic python jacket or toting a heavy new bag try your style in some python footwear.

Python works best in neutral colors or the look starts to appear a bit plastic or cheap. Black, grey or beige will also get a lot more mileage and mix with items already in your wardrobe.



Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let these python prints be the statement accessory.

• Flats: I love the little pop of color with the green piping along the edge of this flat. Mix with denim, black trousers or even a grey skirt.

• Mary Jane's: Not typically a fan, however in the python print mixed with suede gives these more of an edge rather than looking like tap shoes. Wear with black tights & a skirt or with your black suit trousers.

• Basic Pump: The old stand by with a kick in python print. Wear with a short and sexy cobalt dress or skinny jeans.

Pick a pump that is best for you and wear it: Python Print!

Ciao'

Nine West Logan Python Flat $69.00

Lovely People Oliva Python Mary Jane $148.00

Calvin Klein Sarika Python Pump $98.00

Chic Statement: Coat

Surrounded by a sea of black and grey make a chic statement with this savvy coat! Inspired by one of my favorite fashion muses, Nicole Richie I scoured the web to find an affordable version of her Blair Waldorf-esque pea coat.

Rather than a typical shorter length pea coat this coat is cut longer and has a small pleat in the back for a slight flare. I love this coat for it's details! With larger buttons, a double breasted cut, wide collar and large button cuffs makes this coat effortlessly chic!

Paired with all black certainly makes the coat the statement but feel inspired to pair with jeans, a navy dress or white.

Stylist Tip:

• Coats should fit. Don't buy a size up because you need to make room for layers. Unless you live near the equator how many layers are you seriously going to pile on!!
• Buttons should all be in tact. If missing a button & can't sew...glue it on at least it's there. Don't you dare wear it without!
• Sleeve length should be at the bottom of your wrist...NOT your hand. It's a coat not a multifunctional blanket with built in gloves!

Keep your outfit simple and let this chic coat make a fashionable statement!

Ciao'

Double Breasted OverCoat $68.99 MangoShop

Front Row Fashion

Invitation Only:
Front Row Fashion Sale!!

Chic & Savvy has joined with ideeli to offer you an insider invitation to join the exclusive first online invite-only shopping community!


Sit front row at your laptop and shop with privileged access to sought after products including fashion, beauty and home. Simply enter: chicsavvy for your free membership!!



Shopping events are featured every day with secret sale alerts for exclusive members only. Every Monday, members can check out the shopping events in 'coming soon' on ideeli.

Sneak Preview of shopping events:

• Salvatore Ferragamo Handbags: 1/7/08 Save up to 62%!! Ferragamo unites Hollywood glamour with Italy's sophistication making each of us feel like a star!

• Helena de Natalio Handbags: 1/8/09 Save up to 54%!! Using only the finest Argentine leather, the bags with their unique detailing and gorgeous color palette couldn't be more chic!

• Te Casan Boot Sale: 1/8/09 Save up to 76%!! Boots equal happiness!

• Ideeli Red Sale Scrumptious Handbags: 1/9/09 Save up to 90%!! There's nothing like a great handbag to update your wardrobe and uplift your spirits! This sale includes drool worthy bags from: Andrea Bruckner, Bulga, Misela, Treesje, and yes Fendi!

Save the dates!! Get your exclusive membership now. Simply visit ideeli and enter invitation code: chicsavvy for your free membership and start enjoying front row fashion deals and steals!!

Ciao'

Chic & Savvy: Featured as a Trendsetter

Chic & Savvy has been featured on ShopItToMe!!

Check out my link and many other trendsetter blogs on: ShopItToMe.

(Follow the link at the bottom of the home page for Trendsetters.)

While you are there be sure and sign up for Salemail. Let ShopItToMe be your personal shopper for free!

Select designers you crave, your sizes & frequency of e-mail. ShopItToMe will scour the web looking for all of your favorites that are on sale and send you a detailed e-mail!!

It's so simple, chic and definitely savvy!

Thanks to all of my fabulous readers for making this a chic beginning to a new year!

Ciao'

Trend to Try: Blue Dress

We all have or should have a LBD hanging in our closet that adorns our figure for all the perfect moments in life.

Leave it in the closet one night and try this trend: Blue!!

Jersey knit is possibly the most forgiving fabric you can own. It has some stretch but also some flow to keep from being too clingy. A lightweight fabric with some weight can be worn year round but won't loose it's shape after a few wears.

A wrap dress with a belt is a jewel for the figure...think of it as the designer gods' way of saying: enjoy dessert! This cut will accentuate the bust & waist and allow you a few more sessions in lunge pose by hiding hips & bums!

Seriously, a wrap style dress provides an hourglass figure for all body types...it's the perfect cut. If you are more busty add a tank underneath that hugs your body. Try one with a touch of lace on top to keep the sexy & dressy factor up.

Dark navy is universally flattering hence my selection. I recommend selecting a hue of blue that works best with your skin tone because the options are endless: from cobalt to midnight.

My favorite pairing with blue are metallic accessories: think silver pumps & a patent navy bag OR gold jewelry with lacy navy pumps.

Stylist tip:

• Cobalt (bright blues): silver, nude or black
• Navy: black, gold & red

So the next time you are craving to wear that little dress make it a Little Blue one instead!!

Ciao'

Design History Indigo Jersey Wrap Dress $42.00 BlueFly

Wardrobe Essential: A Great Bag

A new year always deserves a new bag...okay honestly a new day always deserves a new bag!!

I must admit my main weakness are handbags! Even from a young girl I would scour second hand sales with my Grandmother to find the most fun, unique...in my opinion the greatest find to splurge my hard earned allowance. Only to spend the entire next week dreaming of the next greatest find!

A a stylist I recommend purchasing one great bag as part of your wardrobe essential collection. Assess your total wardrobe to determine black or brown and then begin the everlasting hunt to find the one that you will grab & pack every day.

Your wardrobe essential bag is the bag you want to use daily so it should match most everything in your closet. This bag should be big enough to carry all of your essentials while still small enough to not overwhelm you whilst traveling.

Depending on your preference select a bag that has carrying options: shoulder, wrist, arm or cross body styles.

I selected the featured pleated satchel for several reasons:

• Black leather & black patent: works for all seasons and provides an edgier look


• Pleated body: adds texture


• Frame style: gives a more modern look


• Silver accents: mixes better with existing jewelry & accessories


• Detachable shoulder strap

With distinguishing characteristics and an edgy look this bag is definitely style & savvy worthy. So save your allowance and go in search of your wardrobe essential!

Ciao'

Pleated Satchel $79.00 Spiegel