Party like it's 2011...

New Years Eve is upon us.  The most overrated "holiday" of them all.  Everyone is supposed to be doing something fabulous and most people rarely are.  Seriously.  Can anyone even get a babysitter?  But, if you are one of the lucky ones with a great night out planned...this is the time to dawn a serious party dress.  Back when I was a single gal, my good friend and I would go to San Francisco for New Years every year.  The best!  And a great place for fashion.

For me, the key to New Years Eve was sexy, sassy, festive but comfortable too.  It's a long night...if you do it right.

For this post, I started to search part dresses and it seemed that everyone that caught my eye (sexy yet elegant, stylish yet comfortable, drapey and effortless) all came from the same designers: Riller & Fount.  I'll admit, I am not too familiar with this brand, but I like the understated sexiness.  I NEED one of these dresses. love. love. love.

Here is a sample...check them out!  Click on an image to browse retailer (shopbop) and buy.  Good for many festive occasions and the price is right.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!  I hope this holiday season is filled with love and happiness.

With 2 little monkeys in my house the season has been hectic so my posts have slowed a bit.  But, 2011 will be full of more fabulous fashions and stylish picks that I hope you all enjoy.

Thanks for reading!

More sweater obsessions

My tunic sweater obsession has gotten longer...literally!  Now I have moved on to the sweater dress.  Perfect with this season's opaque or textured tights and heels, boots, bootie.  Even skinny jeans or leggings.

They key to a sweater dress is fit -- no sweater bags allowed.  There has to be some shape, some hug to the body or else you risk like a major frump.

Here are a handful that I love...

More BCBG MAX AZRIA...

My little stylish gal is also jumping on the trend... (A steal for $15 at Target - click below to buy.)

The Circle of Fashion

It's true, fashions come and go...and they usually come back again.  I am seeing some thing very reminiscent of the late 80s and early 90s right now.  And, even the mid to late 90s.  That is why I am so glad I held on to my black velvet blazer.  Yep....it's BA-ACK!  And, I am happy about it. Now if only my Mom hadn't gotten rid of that beige leather coat with the fur trim.  Someone scored at the Salvation Army.

Here is my 2010 twist on the Black Velvet Blazer. Distressed jeans (I love this pair), simple button down from J Crew, gray booties, and a big green handbag (I spotted a gal carrying a similar one the other day and fell in love.)

Longsleeve Tops by J.Crew
Boots at DSW

To spice this up, add a layered beady necklace and you could go day almost anywhere - day or night.

Tis the Season for Sweaters

…and I need some…bad. This post was inspired by an event I had to attend. A boat parade…on a boat. I wanted to be warm, stylish, comfortable, and stable since I would have my two little ones on board. So, no heels (rats!)

As I searched my closet high and low I realized that my sweater supply is seriously lacking. Many are California sweaters (i.e., loosely woven so the air penetrates, not really a sweater – just a knit, or warm until it drops below 68 degrees). In California we are still having warm days (75+) but the nights are pretty chilly (for us wimps – we admit it so please save your chuckles if you live in cooler climates.)

Cashmere Sweaters by Victoria's Secret
Boots by Coconuts by Matisse

I muddled through the evening with my sad sweater choices, but the experience inspired me to create this look so I can help some of you in similar situations (and myself for a few upcoming holiday events.) The sweater hunt produced this beautiful tunic sweater in a rich burgundy. I vowed off jeans for this look (because its just so easy to turn to jeans) and found a great pair of skinny black pants by William Rast -- on sale! I think I must buy. Black riding boots are a perfect way to go flat and comfortable while still stylish. A baubly silver bracelet (a steal from Free People at under $20) completes the look, just add hot cocoa or spiced cider (and a coat if you are in “real” weather).

I am obsessed with tunic sweaters now, so here are a few more options…

More Forever 21...

And, for those who just can’t go flat…

What I Wore: Casual Tuesday

Some readers contact me curious what I wear to specific occasions.  I haven't mastered the self-photography and I can't say I am all that comfortable with it.  So, I have recreated my look of the day here.

It was just a casual Tuesday, nothing major on the agenda except work (from home) and a few errands.  But, I liked the look I pulled together in my 3.5 seconds before loading the kiddos up and getting out the door, so I am sharing it with you.

My cognac faux leather bomber is a favorite right now.  Since I love blue and brown I paired it with a long blue cowl neck top, medium blue cropped jeans, and my favorite Tahari flats I featured in a previous post.

Note to those outside of California: It was about 72F today, hence the cropped jeans and exposed ankles.

Tanks by Alexander Wang
Flats by Tahari

Style Stalker: Mad for Plaid

Recently I went on a business trip, that explains my lack of posts for the last week...sorry.  The good news is that airports provide a great venue for style stalking.  It is a people watcher's dream!  Sometimes when I am in a fashion funk and want some inspiration I go to a place rich in people (a mall, airport, event) take a seat and take it all in. What better way to see wearable fashion and assess what might work for you?  Copying others is not punished in fashion...hell, they'll never know.

So, I am going about my business sitting at the gate C30 in the airport when a flash of yellow plaid catches my eye.  I look closer. This fashionable gal is boarding my flight in a plaid top, jeans, and a light beige/tan pair of boots with a big brown handbag.  She looked great!  I tried to whip out my iPhone for a pic, but I missed her.  So, I have re-created the look here.  Great for a flight, casual shopping, a lunch date, etc.  Casual chic.  I don't think I've worn plaid since I borrowed my boyfriend's plaid shirt in college, I think I have to change that.

Click any item below for more details or to buy.

Longsleeve Tops by Forever 21
Boots by Franco Sarto

The plaid shirt featured above is a steal from Forever 21.  The beige tan boots are simple and versatile.  And, who doesn;t need a big brown bag?

Big and Sexy....Hair

No matter how you slice it, your hair can be the best fashion accessory. 

Ever since my high school days, hair spray has been one of my best friends. I love it.  I always use it. It has seen me through my days of big hair (big blonde hair!), sleek straightened hair, and my current attempts for controlled bounce and volume.

I have been a loyal user of Sebastian Shaper for ages.  Some of my friends smell it and think of me (a good thing? not so sure...)  But, a new product may have one my heart and loyalty: Big Sexy Hair Spray and Stay. (I have been mastering bang manipulation to hide the sad Michael jackson baby hair regrowth that occurred after I lost a lot of hair after my son was born.)
This stuff works!  My hair stayed put all day without looking sprayed.  Major control and hold, and I am a sucker for cute product names.

Click below for more info or to buy. (Also available at your local beauty supply.)


For those of you interested in my trust friends of many years Shaper you can click to buy below.  (Also available at your local beauty supply.)
Sorry Shaper, I may be leaving you for a bit but you will always hold a special place in my heart. And who knows? I may be back.