It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

I love to decorate. I am one of those post season Pier 1 shoppers, grabbing my items (that I have stalked previously) at 50 - 70% off. I love anything and everything with glitter. Ornaments, home décor (my favorite is a penguin standing with one foot in a cupcake!), stocking holders, etc. are all bought by me every year, after every season.

Now don't get me wrong. If I absolutely LOVE an item, I will buy it before it sells out, but I love a great deal on decorations after each season. My boyfriend makes fun of me every time I start to unpack all my decorations, because he says I love unwrapping each item and being surprised by things I have forgotten I'd purchased (it's true!) and it's like Christmas morning or my birthday every time.

I also like to be comfortable when I'm running around the house decorating. I love sweaters. Chunky sweaters, thin sweaters, cardigans, you name it - I love it. I am a fan of loose sweaters, those I can move around in easily. I fell in love with a sweater I bought recently at Kohl's (we all know I love Kohl's!) and it is from Simply Vera Vera Wang's newest collection. The sweater has an asymmetrical hem line and is made from linen and rayon. I love the ease, comfort and style of this sweater and I am planning on buying this in a few more colors! I can place my Santas and penguins all around the house or reach close to the top of the tree and place my glittery ornaments about. I can run up and down the steps to each of my themed rooms and carry bundles of items without any constraint.

I find that as long as I'm comfortable (and perhaps a little stylish!), it is easy to concentrate on other important things in life: my glittery Christmas decorations!

Liz

 

 

Sunglasses: Kenneth Cole Reaction; Beanie, Necklace, Sweater and Booties: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Suede Leggings: Jennifer Lopez; Cocktail Ring: Juicy Couture

Fall In Love

I love Fall. I mean, I LOVE Fall. It's my favorite season.

I love that first day when I feel the first chill in the air and grab a heavier scarf or pashmina to wrap around me. I love the smells of Fall: apples, cinnamon, spices and vanilla. I love the overall look of Fall, blanketed in red, orange, and gold. Fall is the time (the only time) that I will stop by Starbucks to get my favorite white hot chocolate to warm me up (F.Y.I. - I'm a Dunkin Donuts kind of girl) and it is also the time to get in the spirit of the holidays, starting with Halloween, a holiday I love.

Fall is a season that's great for fashion. I love wearing sweaters and stepping outside in the cool, crisp air while taking in the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. It's the time to pull out all my cute boots, including my favorite pair of all time: my beat up, worn in, fabulous black BCBGeneration riding boots that I bought my first Fall in New York City. It has taken me five years to get these boots looking and feeling JUST RIGHT and I practically live in those for months at a time. Fall is a great time to layer as well. How often do you bundle up to run to your car and then once you are inside a store, you are burning up due to the heat being on? It's simple to grab a tee, a long cardigan and a scarf to wrap around your neck to run errands, and once inside, you can take off the scarf or sweater or both!

Overall, I love the way Fall makes me feel. The hustle and bustle of Summer is over and it represents a time for me to relax and get comfortable. And what better way than by throwing on a cute outfit and taking in the sights and smells of my favorite season....Fall.

Liz

 



 

 



Hat and Gloves: Gap; Sweater: DKNY Jeans; Hammered Bracelet: Unknown (gift); Link Bracelet: Dana Buchman; Brooch: Unknown (gift); Leggings: Juicy Couture; Boots: BCBGeneration

Playing With Fashion

As with others, I'm sure, my fashion has evolved over the years. Though I will forever classify myself as a "jeans and tee shirt" kind of girl, I have stepped outside of my comfort zone and I'm finding that I'm enjoying it. I like to play with fashion.

I find inspiration everywhere: Fashion magazines, TV and movies and even people I come into contact with on a daily basis. How many times have you looked at someone with a flair of style, whether in person or in media, and thought, "I could NEVER pull that off!?!?"

Why can't you?

The fact of the matter is, you never know unless you try. In my last blog, I paired a football tee shirt with a sequin skirt. I had so much fun with that pairing that I decided to use another football tee and pair it with paisley patterned trousers, lace peep toe pumps and a faux fur vest.

Why not?

Fashion can be so much fun. It is fun to transform your usual look with something new and unexpected. Remember, there are no fashion rules! If you love it and it makes you feel good, than by all means, wear it!

I challenge my blog readers to look in their closet and throw together a new look. Pair something unexpected with one of your classic pieces! Who knows? This pairing could turn into your next favorite outfit!

Liz



 



 

 


Aviators: LC Lauren Conrad; Earrings and Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Faux Fur Vest: Jennifer Lopez; Tee: NFL Team Apparel; Pants: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Peep Toe Pumps: Guess; Oversize Clutch: Liz Claiborne

Are You Ready For Some Football (Fashion) ?!?!

I love that there are no rules to fashion anymore. You can pair different prints and patterns together. Your handbag and shoes do not have to match. You can even wear white after Labor Day if you so choose. So, with all the rules thrown out the window, it makes perfect sense to wear your jerseys and tees for your favorite teams with whatever you want! A few years ago, I joined a Fantasy Football League and after doing a bit of research, I decided to go with Drew Brees (of the New Orleans Saints) to be my quarterback. I did pretty well, I believe I came in third, and since then I have been a fan of his.

 

I decided to buy a tee shirt showcasing his name and number and was excited to pair this with something other than denim. I combed through my closet and found this Joe Fresh sequined skirt I bought a few months ago. I absolutely LOVED this pairing (the cream color of the skirt was perfect against the gold in the tee) and decided to go with my favorite Simply Vera Vera Wang zippered peep toe booties. We all know I love my accessories, so I grabbed some eye catching crystal bracelets and bangles and was out the door!

 

So next time you want to support your favorite team, think twice before reaching for your usual outfit. Throw on a statement necklace! Grab an eye catching heel! Throw on a moto jacket or blazer and give your jersey or tee a whole new look!

 

Liz



 

  



 



 

Sunglasses, Crystal Bracelet with Black Bow and Booties: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Earrings: Napier; Tee: Nike; Skirt: Joe Fresh; Crystal Bracelet: Swarovski; Thin Bangles: New York & Company; Other Bangles: Unknown (gift)



And The Emmy Goes To...

If you are like me, you get excited when award shows come around. I try to never miss the red carpet and I am glued to my TV screen, not only to watch the show, but also to gaze at the amazing fashions each show promises. This year, I decided to have fun with it and compile my own Top Ten Best Dressed List. And the winners are...

#1 - Hayden Panettiere - This sparkly gown by Lorena Sarbu is stunning. Hayden looks absolutely beautiful and I love love LOVE how she did not try to hide her pregnancy but embraced it with a form fitting gown.

 



#2 - Sofia Vergara - Now, Sofia is always a red carpet favorite of mine, and once again she did not disappoint. I appreciate the simple detail accenting her enviable curves on this Roberto Cavalli design and I was very excited to see pops of white on the red carpet this year. 



 

#3 - Halle Berry - Here is another red carpet favorite of many. The award winning actress is gorgeous as always in her elegant Elie Saab design in this complimentary shade. 

 

#4 - Sarah Hyland - This look by Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame) was perfection on Sarah. It was youthful, playful and the color combination is fabulous.

#5 - January Jones - I loved everything about this Prabal Gurung gown. This hue was perfect against her complexion, the graphic print was subtle, yet eye catching and the dress even had pockets!

 

#6 - Melissa Rauch - This is my second favorite color on the red carpet this season. I'm enamored with white, but this shade of blue is to die for. Melissa looked gorgeous in this figure flattering floor length gown by Pamella Roland.

 

 #7 - Lizzy Caplan - This gown by Donna Karan Atelier is very eye catching. I love the design of the open shoulders and cut outs at the waist, and the white train was unexpected, but fun.

 

#8 - Louise Roe - The model looked amazing in this striking Monique Lhuillier gown. I absolutely love this print and appreciate the simple accessories that let the design stand out.

#9 - Julia Louis-Dreyfus - I think this Carolina Herrera number is absolute perfection on Julia. The color is very complimentary and the simple design is both beautiful and figure flattering.

#10 - Anna Chlumsky - I've said it once and I'll say it again. I love a white dress on a red carpet. Anna looks very chic in this soft and sophisticated design by Zac Posen.

 

I want to hear your opinion! Do you agree or disagree? Who else do you think should have made the Top Ten?

 

 

All photos courtesy of People.com

 

Summer Days Drifting Away...

Top Ten Things I Love About Summer Fashion:

1. Breaking out the Panama style hat that works with anything from dresses to tees.
2. Tank tops that layer perfectly over one another.
3. Matching my bright nail polish with my bright sandals.
4. Sun catching jewelry.
5. Shorts. Shorts. And more shorts.
6. Easy, breezy maxi dresses that are non-constricting.
7. Raffia everything: Sandals, floppy hats, tote bags, etc.
8. Sunglasses of all shapes, sizes and colors.
9. Endless options for bikinis and swimsuits.
10. Oversize wristlets that fit all my necessities: lip gloss, ID, credit card, gum, eyeliner, keys and a hair band.

I don't care if Fall is soon approaching. I will hold on to Summer (and it's many fashions) for as long as I can! Who's with me?!?!

Liz

 

 

 

 

Panama Hat: Gap; Necklace: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Tee: Rock & Republic; Jean Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters; Bangle: Pier 1; Bracelet: Dana Buchman; Watch: Guess; Cocktail Ring and Espadrilles: Juicy Couture; Oversize Wristlet: Coach

Color Me Fab

I love color. Always have. Now don't get me wrong. I can rock a head to toe black ensemble with a little bit of flair and a whole lot of attitude, but all in all, I will always choose color. Normally, it does not matter what the season is. I will choose bright jewel tones for Fall/Winter, and in Spring/Summer, I choose soft pastel colors.

I have fun with color. For instance, when I was choosing my photo for this specific blog, I immediately went to my Ralph Lauren light pink trench. Once that was pulled, I knew exactly what colors I wanted to pair with it: white, lavender, baby blue, mint green and silver.

Playing with color makes me happy. Call it my love of fashion. Call it my career in visual merchandising. Either way, I love picking out clothing that compliments each other. Not only is it visually pleasing, but it also makes me feel great inside and out. It makes me think of the saying, "Your smile is your best accessory."

Well....that, and maybe a cute little dog, too.

Liz



 

Sunglasses: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Earrings, Ring, Necklace (worn as a bracelet) and Clutch: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Scarf: Vintage; Top: LC Lauren Conrad; Trench Coat: Ralph Lauren; Jeans: DKNY; Pumps: Kenneth Cole

 

 

Adorable Puppy Model : Miles

 

Big thanks to my sister Jennifer for loaning him to me for my blog shoot!



 







Lost and Found

I'm baaaaccckkk !!!!

Sorry for the hiatus, I recently moved to a new place and have been unpacking like crazy!! Sadly, I lost my walk in closet; however, I gained forgotten clothing! By packing up my old closet, I found items that have been long forgotten!

For example, this dress I have on. It's Lauren by Ralph Lauren and hugs me in all the right places. This is a great dress and I LOVE the colors in it. I cannot believe I forgot I had this!

How often do we do this? It can be a favorite tee from years back that was pushed to the back of a drawer. Or those sandals you bought on sale at the end of summer last year and kept in the shoebox on top of other boxes? Organization plays a key role in closets, do not get me wrong; however, sometimes it's also nice to do a closet inventory.

This should be done at least once a year. Go through each item in your closet. Do not just glance at it and move on. Pull out the item. Ask yourself these questions:

~ Have I worn this in the past six months? In a year?
      ~ If not, odds are you will not wear it again.

~ Does this still fit?
      ~ Take the time to try it on. The worst thing you can do is assume it fits and is flattering at all
         angles. If you like, have a friend with you and get their opinion as well.

~ Is it still wearable?
      ~ Check to see if the clothing needs to be repaired or requires any tailoring. If it is stained, ripped
         or faded, toss it. If the item needs repaired, place it to the side. DO NOT PLACE IT BACK IN
         YOUR CLOSET. Either take it to a tailor or fix it yourself.

~ Do I still love it?
      ~ This question is very important. Why have a piece clothing in your closet if you don't love it? If
         you find it boring, are tired of it, or if you are questioning why you ever bought it in the first
         place, get rid of it.

         Do not make snap decisions, however. If you have a hard time answering this question, you
         need more time. Place the item in the front of your closet for a while. After a couple months,
         look back at the item. What are your feelings now?

~ Can I name three other items I can wear this with?
      ~ How often do we buy an item and think, "I'll find SOMETHING to wear with this!" and then
         the item sits in our closet? More often than one would think. Make sure your clothing can be
         mixed and matched with other items in your closet.

If you answer no to any of these questions, it is time to get rid of the item. There are plenty of options for these discarded pieces. If you would like to make some money, you can take the clothing to a local consignment shop. If you like, you could take your gently used clothing to donation centers such as Goodwill. Or, if the clothing is in good condition, you can always give it away to friends or family who may get more use out of it (just ask my sister!).

By doing a closet inventory, you are not only getting rid of items that you will never wear (and that are taking up your closet space), but also finding long forgotten items that you can incorporate into your current wardrobe!

Earrings and Necklace: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren 



Earrings and Necklace: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren; Pumps: Jessica Simpson

 

Clutch: La Regale 

 Earrings and Necklace: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren; Clutch: La Regale; Pumps: Jessica Simpson



Earrings and Necklace: Nicole by Nicole Miller; Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren; Pumps: Jessica Simpson