These are a few of my favorite things.. 5 last minute gifts.. In the $100ish and below range.

I know Oprah has her favorite things.. Now here are a few of my favorite things.  Last minute gifts in the $100ish range or under.  Honestly its easy for me to compile a list for the ladies.  I personally have so many favorite things it's difficult to narrow it down. 

1.  Every woman loves a great fragrance.  A top favorite for me this year is Gucci Guilty.   Fabulous scent runs between $75 and $95.  You can find it at top retailers such as Nordstrom or Bloomingdales. It's on my list to Santa.

2.  Ugg slippers.  So yummy! Such a cozy treat.  They last forever i have had   mine for at least four seasons.  I wear them daily.  They run between $69.95 and $99.95  You guessed it time for a new pair!  Nordstrom.

3.  A favorite undergarment hanky panky's  low rise of course.  Nordstrom sells a gift pack of 3 over the holidays for $49

4.  Hunter original tall rain boots.  As seen in Twilight films.  $125.00  Nordstrom.  With all the rain in So. Cal lately these stylish rain boots will come in handy. 

5.  Fingerless gloves.  You Can find these stylish accessories at any major retailer in any color or design from $9.00 on up to $58.

Don't worry I haven't left you guys out.

1.  If you haven't gotten your favorite guy a plaid shirt the time is now.  So many great colors and patterns.  Brands such as RVCA, J. Campbell and Ted Baker.  All ranging from $69 to $129.  Nordstrom.

2.  Lace up boots are a statement shoe for both men and women alike.  These gorgeous boots by Wolverine $325 are true bet for rain sleet snow or any rough terrain a fella might run into.  If that's too much for your budget Timberland makes a gorgeous pair for $125  Saks Fifth Avenue. 

3.  A vintage rock tee.  These are a great casual look or paired with a jacket.  Great for the hipster on your list.  $25 vintagetee.com

4.  For the gentleman that needs that latest fragrance.  Blue de Chanel.  $59-$79  A fresh scent that he is sure to love.

5.  For the guy that likes to be stylish and keep his extremities toasty.  You guessed it fingerless gloves $15 on up at orus.com.

The true spirit of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of baby Jesus.  To me it's remembering that and really being in the true spirit of giving to sharing and loving others.

I grew up as an only child.  As you might be able to imagine I did pretty well with the receiving of gifts.  I could barely sleep Christmas eve in anticipation of what was to be in the  morning.  I was always in awe at the huge pile of presents that  magically appeared under the tree..A best girlfriend of mine also an only child said to me earlier "if I had a dollar for every time I heard you must be so spoiled.  I would be rich."  Or at least have a substantial savings. 

 As a young girl I was so blessed yet I always dreamed of getting  a Barbie dream house.   I do happen to know one little girl that's going to be pretty excited on Christmas morning when she get's hers.  I will live vicariously through her excitement.  Can't wait!  Did you have that one thing always on your list that Santa just didn't bring? 

Such a beautiful season with the decorations on the tree,the lights, the pointesetta''s And good friends and family.  So much here especially living in the United States to be grateful for.

Wishing a merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!



























Jesus is God spelling Himself out in language that men can understand. ~ S. D. Gordon

Add A little bling to your season.. Here's 2 ways to add style to your holiday affairs

As you are busy baking and preparing for holiday gatherings. Break out an already worn dress and be sure and update that look with these simple multi use additions:

1. Get away from the formal strappy shoes and update with a pair of booties. Cynthia Vincent has some adorable bootie cage shoes available on hautecouture.com $197 You'll wear these with skinny's and leggings all winter long! On the west coast unless it's black tie you can feel free to have your style be a little bit edgier and more casual

2. Invest in a cocktail ring. These are so fun and you can get them in a variety of styles and colors by matt and natt. Only $8 to $14! You'll find yourself accessorizing with these cute go to pieces every season.

Now guys my advice to update your style:

1. Invest in a colorful fun pair of socks. Yes socks! JCrew has great ones around $30


2. Have a great karaoke song perfected for your office party or event. (You didn't expect this one.) Guys let's face it you have it a little easier then the lady's. Or better yet you could just bust out a guitar. You'll have everyone singing along and cheering to you with there holiday nogg in no time. Importantly your date or wife very proud and happy to be leaving with you.

Spread good cheer, give to others and create your own personal style.

Ciao~

2 Simple ways ladies to spice up your holiday look... Guarenteed the guys will love it!

As we continue in to the season of yuletide cheer.  With that as ladies we need a variety of different wardrobe looks and options for the various events that need our attending.  I stumbled upon a few little wardrobe looks that were pretty affective so I thought in the name of the season I would let you in on these easy flattering looks.

1.  The sweater dress:  I have accumulated a number of them over the years.  They are great to pullout and pair with a pair of textured tights or hosiery.    I just saw a really cute sweater dress at Banana Republic  $130.00.  

2. Over the knee tights or socks.  You can get really cute designs such as argyle or just plain.  Pair these with a cute pair of heels or boots.  Under or over the knee styles.  It adds a little spice to a otherwise plain sweater dress.  HUE socks nordstrom $11.00 to $18.00

This weekend I did a layered look with a sweater dress. I wore it with textured tights as well as over the knee socks and over the knee boots.   (I know a lot of over the knee) but it worked! I belted the dress a little shorter than I would normally because the hosiery has a slimming affect on the thighs.  Trust me on this one.. I received such positive feedback from the guys and ladies. I had to pass it on.  

These are  2 great ways to slightly change and spice up your look without a huge investment.   Good luck spreading that holiday cheer.  As always  happy shopping!!  

Style update: 5 Ways to Update your Holiday look For Less

It's the holiday season once again.  As we are shopping for others it's still important to refresh and update your look.  Here's a few style tips that will update your look with out breaking the bank.

One:  Attention grabbing lip color l'oreal in True Red $8.95 at your local drug stores.  Or Bath and body works color glosses Pomme Cider $7.00  If you want more bang for your buck.  Invest in one of clinique's gift packages with gloss and lip color in A different grape.  The gift package features eye shadows, eyeliner, and all over eyes eye cream.  $26.00

Two:  A sequin piece.  Either a skirt, tank or jacket.  I have found these pieces available on a few brand name discount websites such as hautecouture.com or beyond the rack.com.  They have looks featured from designers such as Matty M, Bcbg and Splendid. These looks range in price from $29.00 to $68.00.  What a bargain!  As oppossed to full retail from $58.00 on up to $200

Three:  Scarves are very popular.  And can be found at beyondtherack.com, after6pm.com or hautecouture.com anywhere from $9.00 to $59.00.  You can do a fun faux fur or a plaid.  Great addition to any outfit.

Four:  Textured tights.  These come in a variety of colors and looks.  Great paired with boots and a sweater dress.  The best ones I have found are at Nordstrom.com  starting at $10.00.

Five:  A broach or statement necklace.  You can find these at a variety of prices $11.00 on up.  Again Beyondtherack.com and hautecouture.com have some of these great pieces.

Guys It's a little bit easier for you to create a updated holiday look.

  One:  Scarves:  a bright red or plaid will brighten your holiday cheer.  after6pm.com Has some great ones.  Also check beyondtherack.com  

Two:  A velour or velvet Jacket.  Search on Beyondtherack.com the giltgroup.com or hautecouture.com  You can find these from $89.00 on up. You can have this in your wardrobe for years to come!

Three: A cozy red sweater.  These are great layered with jackets or layered with a crisp white colored buttom up underneath.  Find nice quality sweaters at a fraction of the price at beyondtherack.com or hautecouture.com

Four:  Shiny new cuff links.  You can locate these at any of the discount sites I mentioned above.  $34.00 on up.

Five:    A bright red tie.  It adds a holiday flair with a striped shirt and your velvet jacket.  Again you can find some really nice brand name ties for less at giltgroup.com beyondtherack.com or hauetcouture.com  Name your price.

These websites feature different designers daily.  I have seen same season merchandise on these sites at low prices. I look forward to hearing about all your finds!

Happy shopping and to all a good night!

 





 

Fall Trends For the Guys

Hey guys! This has been what you've been waiting for. Fall fashion tips. Interestingly enough the parallels between men's and women's fashion are similar this season. Although men's fashion trends run longer and slower

Ill start with suiting. Just like last year grey is the mainstay on color this season. A dark grey pinstripe suit or a plaid flannel suit has been shown all over the runways. Also 3 piece suits have made a comeback. Also the pants are slim and very European looking. I have also seen a great deal of plaid ties as well. It is hard for me to imagine many of you guys adapting these looks in Southern California much less San Diego where everything is A little less formal. Personally I love these more tailored looks. There is just a sense of sophistication that is very attractive in these styles for men. There are many places that carry these looks that run the gamete in price. Check out bluefly.com Or my favorite new website shopitome

Now for a little more casual looks..Cardigan sweaters are very popular. Not like your old mister Rogers sweater. Longer styles some with front pockets. Looks good worn with a vintage tee of some sort underneath. Its basically the same idea as the blazer worn with a tee underneath.

Tailored denim is the big trend for guys this season. Along with that look a plain pocket darker denim look is key. You can put away all of your True Religion and any pocket detail denim. Think slimmer fit. There is a new designer denim line out every day although a few I really like are rockin republic slim fit and Hugo boss. Look for These at nordstrom or Bloomingdale's. Denim is my favorite so please let me know if you need some pointers I'm happy to help.

Another crossover trend that's been very popular for women as well are Motorcycle or bomber jackets.  Mostly in Black and chocolate brown.They look very good paired with a tailored pair of denim and a casual Tee very nice. Another outerwear look that I'm seeing for you guys is Camel jjackets and coats.  That color has definitely made a comeback.  Oh and one more material is tweed.. Yes tweed jackets.  Great for work or casual with denim. 

Back to plaid.  Plaid shirts are very popular again for you guys.  The colors I like are blue grey and some of the red grey hue's.  I have seen William Wrast have a good one, Dkny jeans, Abercrombie and I think even Hugo boss.  Look at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales you will  be sure to find one to your liking.

The name of the game this fall is tailored.  Speaking of tailored it is VERY important to have a good tailor. They are worth there weight in gold. Guys especially Southern California guys we are moving away from denim and tops that are really baggy.  Think one size smaller.    Also When you guys wear the button down shirts untucked with denim for a night out, the style is still really good just start buying shirts that are cut a little bit narrower.  I know Hugo Boss tends to make them that way.  However It appears other designers are following suit.

I know it is a lot to think about this fashion trend stuff.  Its really hard to wear it when it's 80 degrees in San Diego.  Just remember one thing not every trend or style is for everyone.  Wear what makes you feel good and you'll always look good.

Enough out of me.  Good luck!
Ciao~

 

Fall Looks: Mad for Plaid and the need for a Tweed!

In the name of Fall fashion here are a  my tips for the week! For the third season in a row Plaid is back.  So if your like me and you have a few of them in your closet by all means recycle.  What's old is new!  The celebs like brands such as Rails they run around $98 and Steven Alan that run around $158.  I have some knock offs in my closet one by Lovestitch around $48 and I really like some of the Plaids that Abercombie has.  They run anywhere from $38-$58.  These adorable tops look cute layered with tanks and worn with skinny's and  open toe bootie's or for a more casual look a flat riding boot or flats are always cute.  Another alternative if you want to make the look a bit more updated pair it with some cargo skinny's.  Nordstrom.com has these by Sanctuary.  They have marked the "Peace" skinny cargo down to $52! 


A classic look that has made it's debut this season are cropped tweed jackets. Love love them.  These jackets can run the gamet in price.  A couple of my fav's are LaRok luxe $298 found at Neiman Marcus, Loft wool tweed jacket $148 loftonline.com and the BB dakota 'Herringford" $110 shopbob.com.   These jackets can be worn so many different ways.  Paired with some skinny's and a loose fitting tank complete the look with adding a scarf or some layered necklace's.  A few layered strands of pearls make it a sophisticated ladylike look.  Traditional Chanel.  An all time classic and personal favorite.   For a day to evening look you can wear over a simple constructed sheath dress and tights.  These jackets can be worn a plethora of different ways.  I encourage you to get creative.  Add a broach or a flower to the lapel.  For a weekend look wear over a simple white tee and boot leg denim.  The sky is the limit here.  


My last tip if you haven't already gotten a few of these cozy little must haves.  The slouchy cardigan.  If you haven't seen them you might be blind.  They were big last year and are even bigger this year.  They come cropped, waist length,  and some even go almost full length.  you can find them with buttons or my favorite is a more open flyaway look.  You can get these pieces in almost every color imaginable.  For fall I really like oatmeal, creams, and grey.  Although also very cute and popular in jewel tones too.  This is an easy look that is layered with tee's long or short sleeve and of course worn with your skinny's and boot's or flats.    


If I haven't stressed skinny's enough and you don't have a pair it's time.  Don't be afraid.  No matter what your frame you can wear them with all these popular looks.  And they're slimming! I promise.  A great brand that isn't a big investment is "Just" jeans. Just $44! You maybe able to search for them online.  As well I know an amazing little boutique  called Pretty Please that carries them both in San Diego and Scottsdale AZ. 


Guys  I have so much to cover with the ladies that you'll have to be patient.  


Ladies if you have questions on how to wear these looks feel free to ask me.  I'm so excited to share about handbags, accessories and more Jackets.  I'm really loving this fall because the looks are simple yet the same outfit can be changed all together with a scarf or a simple accessory!    


Happy shopping!

A Month Dedicated to Fall Fashion and Style.. "If the shoe fits?"

Fall is one of my favorite times of year.  It signifies change in so many ways.  From the crisper breeze, the sun setting just that much sooner, kids going back to school,football season, the return of pumpkin latte's and of course fall fashion.  

I needed to dedicate a full month just to this because their is so much to cover.  And don't worry guys I wont leave you out of the loop on this.

 I used to eagerly anticipate  back to school shopping.  First we would hit the anniversary sale at Nordstrom in July.  Then we would do our final push to the rest of my favorite stores the weekend before school started.    I remember the feeling of joy I felt as I had already started planning my outfits.    Although I'll never forget this one time as my Mom and I were  standing at the cash register during one our purchases.  I was deep in thought about what was next on our shopping agenda. Cosmetics or shoes?    She abruptly interrupted my thoughts with, "You really don't need anything else, we shop for you all year around".  What? She's never said that before!  My eyes got really wide.  And I sheepishly nodded.    I'll never forget the panic that overtook me at that moment.  I knew she was right but I still needed to complete my first few weeks of wardrobe options.  I felt like yelling NO!! I'm not done yet!!   And just as we were attempting to leave that department store we walked passed the shoes and almost like superman's ex ray vision I spotted the "one" I had been looking for.   My pace quickened over to the table where they were displayed.  I snatched the display shoe up and looked back at my Mom.  "These are the ones, I love these shoes!"   Looking back I think my passion must have entertained her.  Or she was just plain exhausted from all the shopping.  "Ok get your size" she says.   Almost skipping through the department I looked for the sales person while picking a few others I just needed to try.    Three pair of shoes later.  Mission accomplished outfits for the first few weeks were complete.  

That was a turning point.  I knew my "shopping days" of lavishly spending and getting what I wanted on my parents dime were numbered.

My advice to those of you in this "back to school" shopping quandry is don't buy too much before school starts because inevitably your child will come home with ideas of what they need to be wearing once they see what the other kids have.

Shoes are a very important statement to a woman's  overall look and style.  They can be an accessory or just complete the look of your outfit.  This year the return of the bootie from last year is still very hot.  It's been updated and there are even more options and colors to chose from.   If your feeling a little wild get some purple booties.  They'll be sure to make a great accent to a pair of skinny's or if you dare a micro mini. 

One of my friends a fellow fashionista herself emerged with a cute bootie called the "aphrodite"  by Vince Camuto.    "Everyone needs a pair of cage shoes she says very matter of fact".  I agreed.  And Vince Camuto has them  at a decent price.  $119.00 soft subtle leather and comfortable.  They seem to mold to your foot.  

Boots have become the new comfort shoe.  We wear them here in Southern California from the fall well into the spring.  This year even over the summer.   They are worn with dresses, skinny jeans, trousers and a sleek pair of boot cut denim.  

Now don't worry I have promised to deliver style within a budget and I won't let you down.  In fact I have noticed that Nordstrom along with many other retailers are already marking down fall merchandise.  The only challenge I have found with shoes is that if they are really popular your size maybe gone by the time they get marked down.  However on the other hand if there's a will there is a way.  Sometimes you can find these items sold on Ebay or on some of the sample sale sites that I have mentioned.  

Here is just a start of all the fall fashion trends I'm excited to share with you about.  Don't get overwhelmed.  Choose pieces that work for you.  Not every trend is meant for everybody.  In the meantime happy shopping!  

PS.  I would love to get your feedback. 

Magnetic interchangeable hair accessories.. Create style on a budget

I recentley met a  young, bright woman  named Monique that makes and sells these adorable magnetic interchangeable hair accessories.   It's a magnetic thin headband  that you can add different pieces too.  She sells them in all different shapes, colors and sizes.  You can buy seashells to flowers or even a dressy rinestone piece for the evening.  You can add as many as you want to your headband or barrette. 

They're for all ages.  From little girls to your grandma.  Depending on how hip your grandma is.  I love them because it can change up an outfit just enough to make me feel as if  I have something totally new and different on. But thats not the best part. These hairpieces come with the headband.  Each hair decoration is sold from $4.00 to $15.00.  Every piece is different there are no two items alike.  Monique actually shops vintage stores for each and every item herself.  So you can have a one of a kind piece as well as mix and match them any way you like.   I love it that hair accessories are great all year around.  

 Many of you that know me can imagine that I spent hours looking and creating different looks. 

You can find these pieces on her website Ashliqueboutique.com  Or you can email her at AshliqueBoutique@gmail.com She is a local to San Diego.  Although she only sells online now she is willing to meet up with people interested, or come to your party. 

That's my style tip and feature today.  Happy Shopping!

Style to Styles: "Confessions of a true shopaholic"

Style to Styles: "Confessions of a true shopaholic": "In the spirit of helping others one of my missions is to help you get the best deals possible when shopping for clothing. The key to this ..."

"Confessions of a true shopaholic"

In the spirit of helping others one of my missions is to help you get the best deals possible when shopping for clothing. The key to this is is patience. You may not get the exact thing you want right now but eventually you will. In the process you will find many other treasures! I promise. Make it a game. Especially in these economic times where many of us are conscious of how we spend money. My philosophy is why pay full retail for anything?

There are many ways to go about doing this. For me there are some brands that I really like, I wear them often and they fit me well. I keep my eyes peeled for sales on these items which is a no brainer. My favorite thing to do is shop sample sales. What I have noticed recently that there is an increasing popularity for online sample sales. Unfortunately the for vendors they are having to unload merchandise at a fraction of the cost. As a fashionista it is beneficial to me. And to you! A few of the sample sale sites that I frequent are: The Gilt group, Beyond the Rack and Top Button. The key with these sales is to act quickly. Sizes especially small sizes sell out fast!! These sales can be a bit overwhelming. My advice is have a goal in mind and don't just buy because it's a good deal. That's how you end up with a closet full of clothes you don't wear. Of course I wouldn't know anything about that :)

Im happy to help with any questions or consulting needs you may have. In the meantime good luck and happy shopping!

What is Style?

According to the Web defintion;

• manner: how something is done or how it happens; "her dignified manner"; "his rapid manner of talking"; "their nomadic mode of existence"; "in the characteristic New York style"; "a lonely way of life"; "in an abrasive fashion"
• expressive style: a way of expressing something (in language or art or music etc.) that is characteristic of a particular person or group of people or period; "all the reporters were expected to adopt the style of the newspaper"
• a particular kind (as to appearance); "this style of shoe is in demand"
• vogue: the popular taste at a given time; "leather is the latest vogue"; "he followed current trends"; "the 1920s had a style of their own" 

For me "style" has always been for as long as I could remember and even before I could remember very important to me.  From the stories my Mother would tell me when I was little as she would try to pick out cute little outfits for me, I would just sit in my closet and point up to the dresses and cry.  I would only wear certain dresses and certain materials. Very frustrating for my poor Mom.  Growing up as her and I would often go clothes shopping , I would inspect the materials and styles and of course usually picking out the most expensive things.  She would often just shake her head and say  "I just don't know where you get your taste from".   At the time Neither did I.

Over the years I would go through different phases of style.  Looking back most of these phases have reflected what was going on on the inside of me.  In recent years I have adapted a sort of "bohemian glam" style on the outside.  To me its a relaxed breezy look that embraces certain statement accessories, embroidered looks, yet can go into a complete serious sophistication with tasteful,conservative and effortless glamour.  The people that best fit that to me are Kate Hudson and Penelope Cruz.  I would best describe this look and feeling as a grounded free spirit that is full of love and sunshine.

What is your Style?  and what does it say about you?

My goals for creating this blog is to help create and develop a personal style within you.  Through shopping websites, wardrobe sugestions and advice.  It looks like I have some work to do!  I best be cleaning out my closet.

~Ciao

What is Style?

The definition The basic defining characteristics of a person, everything from talk, dress, hairstyle, demeanor, etc. A majority of the time it is the person's appearance in general and can be categorized (grunge, hippie, preppy, hoochie, nerdy, etc). A few people have their own style which usually makes them unique while most go with whatever is the "in" thing at the time in all the above categories. Can also be used as a compliment of Style according to the Urban dictionary

According to the Webster's dictionary definition