Wardrobe Essential: Classic Watch

The difference between style and fashion is quality - Giorgio Armani

From Bulova to Rolex to Cartier...invest in a great stylishly classic watch.

No matter how many zero's are in your investment make it worthy...think your white shirt.

It goes with almost everything in your wardrobe, transcends time, trends and travel.

There is something effortlessly chic about menswear intermingling itself among feminine couture.

Cliche'...maybe. Alluring...definitely! Think of it as putting on his shirt because it's the first thing you saw on the floor.

A man's style watch that is cut for you is intriguing and powerful whilst still being accessible. Dainty or petite women should purchase the lady's version. However, if you are taller or have larger hands try both on and see which fires up your confidence.

No matter the investment...you will exude class and elegance!

Ciao'

Bulova Men's Leather Watch $150

Runway to Realway: Asymmetrical Top

Looking for a dressier top that is as comfortable and blendable into your wardrobe as a tee but with more style....meet:

Asymmetrical Top.

I love tops and I'm always in search of unique styling, flattering cuts, and interesting structure. Pants are basic...tops are where I have fun!

Rick Owens, one of my favorite designers is the quintessential creator of unique designs for tops, tanks, skirts and jackets. His pieces are always interesting in structure and shape. Think...Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Richie & Uma Thurman.


So, whilst browsing the latest and greatest creations from Banana Republic I had to feature this lovely piece. It truly reminds me of a Rick Owens creation for a much affordable price.

• Flutter sleeves allow for flow across the tops of the arm where cap sleeves are often not so flattering. Cap sleeves though cute are not always the best option for some clients...thus I recommend the flutter sleeve. Loose and billowy sleeves create shadows which actually can give the look of a slimmer arm.

• An asymmetrical neckline narrows the shoulders and delicately graces the collar bone. Paired with a long statement necklace the look is super chic!

• Smooth rayon and a hint of stretch offers a flattering fit. Hugs your curves and hides your flaws...what could be more perfect!

Chic styling give this asymmetrical top a level of interest with jeans, trousers or skirts. Dress it up or down, layer with a jacket, slip it on under a cardigan.

Savvy...stylish...own it...in BOTH colors!

Ciao'

Banana Republic Asymmetrical Top $39.00

Cuff Me: Bold Bracelets

Spring is just around the corner which means dainty wrists will be on display...adorn them this season with bold cuff bracelets.

Nina Garcia, a favorite style editor, writer and stylist recommends owning one great cuff when building a classic wardrobe. Bravo!

Cuffs are universally flattering, mix with everything in your wardrobe and can be found relatively inexpensive. Retailers from Saks to Forever21 carry a wide variety of styles, colors and metals.

When selecting a cuff it is an accessory so your personality should shine. This is a drama piece, meaning it is not required to complete a wardrobe full of essentials, so it can be more interesting.

• Choose a cuff that is comfortable on your wrist to ensure you will wear your lovely purchase.
• Behold bold colors to give your basics or wardrobe essentials a pop of color, drama and interest.
• Wear it alone or with other bracelets in your collection...mix it with bangles, your watch or even a diamond bracelet.
• Embrace your inner diva...large jeweled cuffs are spot on.

Choose what you love, make the investment and wear it...cuff!

Ciao'

Kenneth Jay Lane Single Enamel Pyramid $60

Evelyn Knight Crystal Bubble Cuff $165

Wardrobe Essential: Great Bag

Innovation! One can not be forever innovating. I want to create the classics - Coco Chanel

From the lips of this style icon remember classic is always fashionable, in season, and stylish.

When selecting handbags most stylists will agree: you need one great bag.

Though I agree, you DO need one great bag.

But I believe you need at least 3 more to completely build an essential wardrobe that can be mixed and built upon with pieces of glamour.

So, in my professional opinion when building a classic wardrobe based on essentials, basics or bones (what ever you want to call those fabulous pieces in your closet that transcend time, trends and travel) you need 4 great bags!

• Day Bag (Think: Hermes Birkin): Over sized tote, hobo, satchel or shoulder bag in a classic color that will mix with most or all of your wardrobe. Typically this bag is black or a rich dark brown. It's large enough to carry all of your daily essentials, versatile for after work cocktails, and trustworthy enough for travel.

• Midsize Bag (Think: Louis Vuitton Speedy): Midsize satchel or shoulder bag in a classic or neutral color that is suitable for all those times in between work and elegant events. Shopping with friends, lunch date, going to the market...pairs beautifully with jeans or even a dress.

• Classic Bag with a Chain Strap or Thin Strap (Think: Chanel 2.55): Smaller than your midsize but larger than your evening bag. Perfectly paired for a night out or a day trip. You can pack basic essentials and a few extras.

• Evening Bag (Think: Judith Leiber): Tiny and glamorous. Holds practically nothing...a mere credit card, I.D., lipstick & blotting cloth. Elegantly accessorizes your cocktail dress or formal at all of your black tie or black tie optional events.

When building a wardrobe, start with the classics or wardrobe essentials to best create a closet full of clothes that will mix perfectly and build upon one another.

Handbags are like shoes...we are attracted to them because of their color, texture, or structure. Shop away from the "it" bags for the most mileage for your investment.

Save purchasing 'of the moment' totes and bags of color for shopping with drama.

And like shoes...one can never have too many!

Ciao'

Wardrobe Essential: Classic Trench

From Burberry to Old Navy designers all know the one staple that will last the test of time, trends and travel is the classic trench coat!

Khaki to black to bright a trench can give your outfit an effortless touch of glamour and style.

Paired with jeans, trousers, dresses or skirts a trench gives a bit of warmth whilst being enduringly chic.

• Be creative and show your personality with a trench in an 'of the moment' color such as yellow, blue, red or fuchsia. Old Navy has created some jewel tone trench coats for this season that are savvy and stylish.

• Remain true to the classic black or khaki. In a sea of trends, fads and fashion fax pas the trench is the one item that has remained to keep it's head above water.

Whether your bold in brights or classic in khaki...buy it, own it, wear it!

Ciao'

Trench coats for you to try:

Burberry Belted Trench $695

William Rast Belted Trench $436

Ellen Tracy Trench $138

City Style Trench $44.97

Women's Belted Trench $49.50

Wardrobe Essential: Classic White Shirt

As classic was the Aston Martin DB5 for James Bond the crisp white shirt is for women.


It's alternately masculine with surreal femininity and sex appeal.


Often times clients dread and totally disregard the white shirt falling back to childhood. They cringe with fear of appearing in uniform.


So, lets journey back...shall we!?!

• Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction, white crisp shirt tucked into fitted black capris, ballet flats & strict black bobbed hair. She hit the dance floor, gave John Travolta the come hither look and instantly the audience melted and wanted to be just like her in that moment!

• Sharon Stone rocked the fashion world when in 1998 she paired her lavender Vera Wang ball skirt with her husband's crisp white shirt from the Gap! Delicately cinched at the waist and fastened with a dragonfly broach from her personal collection.

• Kate Hudson recently paired one of her white camp shirts with a slinky black mini. Left unbuttoned, crossed in the front and fastened in the back the shirt instantly become uber sexy.

All of these women have one thing in common: confidence!


They envisioned a look, used themselves as a muse and created an assemble that is still discussed today amongst fashion writers and critics.



Paired with classic jeans & a black blazer; a gray cardigan & boyfriend jeans; a short satin or pencil leather skirt the classic white shirt is always fashionable and always chic.


No bobbie socks and plaid skirts here!


Ciao'


White shirts for you to try:


James Perse Long Sleeve Lined Button $185.00

Ann Taylor Cotton/Nylon Sleeve Pleat $69.00

Gap White Stretch Fitted Shirt $44.00

Old Navy Sheer Cotton Camp Shirt $24.50

Wardrobe Essential: Black Trouser

What Coco Chanel did for the classic suit Yves Saint Laurent did for the classic trouser.


Seen on style icons from Katherine Hepburn, Claudia Schiffer, Katie Holmes to Ashley Olsen black trousers are a fashionable option to a L-B-Dress.

A stylish woman not only fills her closet with essential pieces that will carry her through any season but will also transcend time and trends.

Classic, reliable and often unremarkable are the bones or essentials in your wardrobe.

These pieces are meant to be layered upon with other essentials and drama/interest pieces in your collection. Taking you from day to night, season to season, trend to flawed fad...your classics will always be fashionable.

• Trousers should be a blend fabric to easily take you from day to night and summer to winter. Select a good weight such as a wool blend or a cotton blend with some stretch. Having a bit of stretch will allow the trouser to hug your curves, hid your flaws and flow with you throughout the day or night.

• Straight leg or often called 'trouser leg' which is just a bit wider are both flattering fits for most body types. Avoid flare, bell bottom or skinny leg styles...save those cuts for drama or interesting pieces in your wardrobe.

• Fit: Trousers instantly become sexy, flattering and chic when the fit is right.

1. No bulge or droop in the front.
2. They should not create that weird 2nd bum when they are too tight...you know the one..the pucker that forms below the bum on your thigh...we've all seen it...don't you dare wear it!!!
3. They should not be too long. Find a great tailor and have them hemmed.

Style is being confident in who you are and what you wear...or at least what you choose to wear today!

Ciao'

Martin Trouser $69.00

Wardrobe Essentials: The Basics

Basics are the bones of your wardrobe.

Previously we discussed Wardrobe Essentials: Top 10. This list was composed to give a quick breakdown of 10 Essential items every closet should own.

Basics are those classic pieces in your wardrobe upon which you will build. These pieces transcend time, travel and trends.

Essential items that layered upon or mixed together will evolve your wardrobe into a stylish collection involving interest and your personality.

These basics provide you the ability to launch drama into your wardrobe by adding to them with statement pieces.

1. Black Trousers
2. White Button Shirt
3. White Tee & Black Tee
4. Longer Length Tanks (white, black & neutral)
5. Black Jacket (cropped, longer length or suit)
6. Black Dress
7. Pencil Skirt
8. Dark Jeans (straight or boot cut)
9. Classic Black Pumps
10. Ballet Flats
11. Trench Coat
12. Cashmere or Cashmere Blend Turtleneck or Cardigan
13. Great Bag
14. Men's Style Watch
15. Diamond Earrings

Price will vary when searching for these items. Some can be found at outrageously high costs and others will be outrageously low bargains.

They can go from day to night, season to season and can be worn 5 to 10 years from now. The key to selecting your basics for your wardrobe is to remember the simple question: "Will I wear this piece 3, 5...even 10 years from now?"

The bones of your wardrobe are those essential staples that go with almost anything, never go out of style and are enduringly chic. A blank canvas for you to layer on to. They supersede fads so stay clear of trendy items.

The more you know, the less you need!

Ciao'

Be sure to check back as I will be posting individual segments addressing each of the essentials!

Go GREEN: Grocery Tote

Ever since Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" totes were snatched up by celebrities and fashionistas alike everyone wants a chic-I-love-my-earth-grocery-getting-tote!

So no surprise when I stumbled upon this surprisingly cute tote I just had to share.

A quaint little shop: BagLadies has created these environmentally friendly totes that make it fashionable not to use plastic.

Not only do I love this tote for it's obvious cheekiness but also for the whole attitude BagLadies has toward the creation of their totes.

A typical gal just like us who on occasion would forget her bland green tote she had purchased from the market...I know purposeful perhaps!?!...Immediately began to think of a way to be green whilst stylish. So, forgetful designer became creator of chic totes that you WANT to carry!

Stylish, practical and reusable bags that raise awareness and support the cause to help save our environment...what could be better!

Prada not your flavor...no worries they have several styles to choose from including Wallpaper, Louis Who? and Plastic is so last season.

Measuring at 17"x16" and made of sturdy canvas these bags are sure to tote all of your lovely veggies and fresh finds safely home.

Fashion meets function meets the environment...viva la terra!

Ciao'

My Other Bags Are Prada canvas tote $29.95

Wardrobe Essential: Cropped Jacket

What a refreshing little piece to add to your wardrobe that will give you miles of wear: the cropped jacket.

Why I love a cropped jacket: it's the perfect classically simple layering piece.

Waist length, 3/4 sleeves and single row button closure makes this particular style a worthy addition to your closet.

Giving you a bit of warmth over a sundress, layered over a long sleeve tee or paired with your suiting pieces for dressed down look the options are endless.

• Single breasted styles are often more flattering cuts than double breasted styles. Typically with a cropped jacket the buttons are left undone and a single row lays best along the side of the body and won't create a swingy look.

• Cotton blend: always stick with cotton blends when purchasing cardigans or casual jackets. Fabrics will last longer and hold their shape whilst giving some stretch for a streamline fit.

• Classic Black is always a wise wardrobe essential choice. However, if you are more a brown or neutral wearer select a similar style in khaki or stone.

Layer over tanks, sundresses, suiting, tees, blouses...it will be your go to piece to define your outfit and your waist.

Don't shy from putting 3/4 sleeves over long sleeves just simply pull out the longer length for an elegant layer...very chic!

So when your outfit needs something...toss on your cropped jacket and go from basic to suddenly well put together and fabulously stylish!

Ciao'

Kenneth Cole Cropped Black Jacket $149.98

Bangles for the Boys

Unless the men in your life are fashion forward or favor themselves as metro sexual chances are the only piece of man-jewelry they will ever wear is a wedding band....& good luck with that one!

In search of a contemporary piece to add to my metro-man's collection I immediately went to one of my favorite shops: Oye Modern.

Oye Modern is THE place for contemporary jewellery designed by emerging and independent artists.


All of their pieces are unique, original and hard to find. So, keeping in check with my oath toward collecting pieces that are meaningful statements, Oye Modern is my go to shop.

Bangles:

• Rubber material that is comfortable, durable and wearable...it's definitely a guy's guy bracelet
• Slips on. So no fumbling with the locket in the morning or interrupting your yoga time to fasten the bracelet for them
• Color options of red, silver or black element to give your guy's wrist a pop of color, coordinate with his outfits & add personality to his jewelry
• Two size selections: small or large. Oye Modern states the small typically fits ladies & the large fits men. However, take a good look at your guy's wrist before you order!

Who said bangles were just for us girls!?! Savvy enough to pick up all three and if you like them so much...get the small size for you!

Ciao'

Rubber Bangle 6mm by Loop $38.00

Make Mine Red: Strappy Stilettos

Strappy stilettos are always chic and whenever is a better time to strap some on than Valentine's Day!

These strappy pumps exude sex appeal and suggest the wearer is confident and fashionably thinking forward.

• Wear red strappy stilettos with a simple chic black dress. Update your LBD with these sexy shoes, a silver statement necklace & a black python clutch.

• Roll up your boyfriend jeans, loosely tuck your white button shirt, grab your black hobo or cross body bag & boy meets girl makes a statement in these red sandals.

• Muse inspirations: Nicole Richie & Heidi Klum. Slink into your opaque tights, Mini black t-shirt dress, clutch your studded bag and instant rocker glam with simple sophistication.

• Show off your long pins in dark skinny jeans to show the delicate ankle strap. Pair with a clingy cowl neck top, longer blazer & pile on the gold chains...runway to real way.

No matter how you wear these sexy strappy stilettos...wear them for you!

Ciao'

Oh Deer Strata $209.95

Opposites Attract: Stylish Color Selections

I'm in love with this necklace from Banana Republic...yes I confess!! If I splurge on any single piece of jewelry this season it will definitely be this necklace!

Wear this statement with the unexpected...mocha.

Navy is so often forgotten as a stylish color for accessories. Simple, classic and so chic!

• Subtle blue undertones in the dress offer a sophisticated pairing of opposite colors: blue & brown

• Layered delicate discs of navy shells give the lightweight fabric of the dress a heavier feel with keeping feminine lines against the strapless neckline

• Classic pump with a modern design of a hidden platform toe and 5" stilettos create legs for days against the shorter hem

When selecting accessories for that favorite dress try the unexpected! Mix up your basic and classic with stylish and sassy.

Think: taupe & blue; yellow & violet; green & brown; navy & orange; grey & camel.

Stylist tip: use the opposites of a color wheel....the pairings are so attractive.

So, I suppose it's true...opposites DO attract!

Ciao'

Vera Wang $156.13

Beaded Disc Necklace $125.00

Jessica Simpson Teluride $59.99

Valentine's Day: Make it Meaningful

Where is it written that amore' can only be expressed by lovers on Valentine's Day?!?



Not in my rule book...



Friends, sisters, mothers...all deserve an expression of our affection.



So, when I saw these unique Metalsgirl necklaces by Laura Gibson I just had to share. To know me is to know that I thrive on finding interesting pieces of jewelry with meaningful statements.



Thus, I love these handmade dainty pieces of art to adorn the necks of my friends...and yes mine! She makes bracelets too...for all of you bangle loving girls out there.



Simple Statement:

• Sterling Silver necklace with a sterling hand-hammered hoop

• Choose a sentiment from the word charms: bliss, giggle, grace, happy, love, peace, or queen

• Select a color each incorporating an herb with special meaning: pink, light blue, purple, orange, red, brown, fuchsia, royal blue, yellow & aqua. Herb meanings include: prosperity, love & wealth, bliss & strength, home blessing, protection, fertility...just to mention a few.

Inspirational, one of a kind, pieces of art, handmade....what's not to love!?! Give the gift of simple style & make it meaningful. Be sure to pick up a couple for you too!

Ciao'

Metalsgirl Design Your Own Necklace $10 -$25

Trend to Try: Boyfriend Jeans

Boy meets girl....and it's a most fashionable introduction!

Boyfriend jeans are not your guy's jeans, just the inspiration...these are cut for you.

Lower on the waist, baggy, straight or peg legged styles give this denim a guy's comfort with feminine cuts.

Narrower through the hips and thighs give boyfriend jeans a more flattering girly look.

• Cuff them 2 to 3 times and pair them with your feminine tops, scarfs & bags to balance the look.

• Keep in mind the jeans should fit delicately on your waist or on your hips...these are meant to look over sized not slouchy!

• Pair with simple tops, cardigans or a button down blouse that is fitted. Remember to balance your proportions: loose bottom/fitted top; skinny bottom/loose top.

• Accessorize the only way a girl can...shoes shoes shoes! Grab your most favorite interesting pair that is rarely seen in flares and show them off!

Menswear inspired looks have graced the runways for years and each year celebs find a new way to take those looks to the streets. Find your muse and make the runway your real way!

Ciao'

Some boyfriend jeans for you to try:

7 for all Mankind Josefina Boyfriend $198.00

J Brand Steve Boyfriend $225.00

Degaine Rigid Boyfriend $196.00

Victoria's Secret Relaxed Boyfriend $69.50

What to Wear: Upscale Dinner with Friends

Going out...take advantage of the night and the opportunity to be that girl!

Jeans are my wardrobe staple and just as most modern women I usually grab my best fitting jeans, a sexy top & strappy stilettos for going out to dinner with friends.

Why not dress it up a little!?! Rather than slinking into those jeans dazzle your date & friends in an updated black dress.

What to Wear segments will feature options for you to wear to various occasions whilst keeping in mind your existing wardrobe.

This week's segment: What to Wear: Upscale Dinner with Friends

• Black Dress: Low cut front & back with cut out flutter sleeves & a cinched waist will flatter any figure. Hip flattering with a flared skirt and sex appeal with a touch of sheer along the hem. Take basic...to statement!

• Python Print Pump: Modernize your black dress with a python print pump. Select a sling back, peep toe or strappy stiletto to give your basic dress an interesting flair. Be brave...mix your printed shoes, colored shoes or fabric shoes with your basic pieces. This is where your personal style really shines!

• Studded Clutch: Trend item that will offer a touch of personality & punch to your overall look. It adds an element of rocker chic whilst still giving you tons of style without appearing too 'of the moment'.

• Jewels: Add your favorite cocktail ring & a statement necklace to complete your look. Always remember the accessories! If you wear a statement necklace opt for minimal or no earrings. Opt for dazzling earrings...sans the statement necklace.

Wear what you have...buy what you need!

Ciao'

Tocca 'Julieanne' Drape Dress $198.00

Na Na Dizzy Python Print $95.00

Rina Studded Clutch $16.80

Say Love...Necklace

Another month...another holiday...another reason to buy something lovely!

The season of love is upon us...a whole day dedicated to celebrating the love we may or may not have in our life.

So whether you are attached or single what a more perfect excuse than Valentine's Day to purchase yourself a dainty little bauble.

Personally, not a big fan of wearing the word LOVE, hearts, bows, arrows or lips as a statement around my neck. Though often very popular around this time of year...they often look a tad cheeky.

For me jewelry must be meaningful, timeless and classic. I look for unique and often one of a kind pieces that are worthy of being added to my collection.

When I stumbled upon this 'LOVE' necklace at Max & Chloe it yearned to adorn my neck.

• Meaningful in it's statement of LOVE without actually screaming it as it lays delicately on the neck
• Classic gold is timeless and effortless...dress it up or down
• LOVE written in Sanskrit gives a unique and individualistic air
• Creates a conversation piece & added drama for the secret of it's unknown font

Single...attached...in between...regardless you are spectacular & even more so by proclaiming your everlasting faith and love for yourself. Be Yours!

Ciao'

Rosena Sammi Love Letter Necklace $99.00

Label Lust: Tom Ford at Ideeli

is coming to Ideeli!

Use invitation code: chicsavvy to get in on the sale.

Tom Ford knows how to turn up the heat. After studying at Parsons in both New York and Paris, he moved to Milan to design heart-pounding womenswear for Gucci. Ford's penchant for dramatic silhouettes and sleek detailing soon breathed new life into the established brand, and he became the design director in 1992 and the creative director in 1994. After a decade at Gucci, Tom Ford broke away to begin his own self-titled label in April 2005.

His label launched with a collection of beautifully crafted Italian-made sunglasses in daring styles. Features like over sized lenses, crisscrossing frames and sophisticated colors make Tom Ford shades unique in their sex appeal. Like the designer himself, his sunglasses are unapologetically bold-perhaps that's why they've become a favorite of both fashion plates and celebrities alike. Tom Ford eyewear can transform even an ordinary ensemble into something extraordinary, letting you look smoking hot while keeping cool.

Get in on the first row to this exciting label lust sale!

Visit ideeli & enter invitation code: chicsavvy.

Be sure to sign up for an email alert for when the sale starts. Follow this link:

www.ideeli.com/invite/chicsavvy0

Ciao'