Skinny Style

I'm always looking for new places to get fun and unique items to spice up my wardrobe, especially items that don't break the bank. I was perusing some magazine in the airport yesterday and came across this site, Skinny Style and I love it! They have great little pieces to complement your summer wardrobe - and you know anything coral, turquoise, or gold and I'm already there! I really love this unusual bracelet!

If you aren't into buying online, they have a list of stores that carry it, such as Flat of the Hill in Boston as well.

Happy Shopping!

Carrie Bradshaw and Bebe

I cannot tell you the last time I went into a Bebe - maybe briefly in 2000? I've always figured it is for Eva Longoria types, both in terms of style and size. So I was taken by surprise when I found myself wandering through this week, some unexpected pull weaving me through the slightly slutty attire. But lo and behold - I found myself openly grinning (by myself) at many of the whimsical tops and dresses that would make Carrie Bradshaw squeal with delight. Mind you, like SATC, these are not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking to go out on a limb, this is the place to do it - feathers, ruffles and bows oh my!

Remember how you felt wearing a boa around the house as a kid (wait was that only me?) Well this is the grown-up version - be bold, be daring and smile confidently knowing how bad-ass you are wearing one of these shirts. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

How to Have Style

Isaac Mizrahi although kooky is pretty genius or maybe because he is kooky is genius...He brought style to the masses with his simple collection for Target and now has published the book "How to Have Style." While I have not read it yet, I did read an excerpt and am already sold! He stresses that you should always dress as if you have a crush -- I love it!! because it is so true -- when i think back to high school or college and the countless crushes I had, I'm reminded of the way I dressed when I knew there was a possibility of their presence. [sigh] Now I work with 80 chicks and sadly have no crush in my daily routine, but the trick is to his statement is the as if -- Give yourself the subtle mind trick needed to put that extra effort into your choices in the morning and who knows, you may just end up having a little crush on yourself!

Making SATC Proud

I get it, I’m terrible, I've been very remiss in posting and I have no good excuse as to why! Perhaps I was saving up for the Sex in the City Movie!!! No worries, I won't write any spoilers and to be honest, the plot was secondary to the clothes anyway!!!

Anyone that watches the show, knows the clothes are principal to the plot and act as a 5th or 6th (if you factor in NYC) character. Though it felt a bit over the top in the movie, I'm all over it! Most of the ensembles the women wear I wouldn't dream of wearing, but in the same way that they revolutionized the idea of being female and single in the city, Patricia Field and SJP created a wonderful sense of freedom to the fashion we wear. On the one hand they introduced us to the impossibly expensive shoes of Manolo and the coveted bag of next season, but on the other they showed us real city dwellers that it is absolutely fine to throw caution to the wind, on occasion.

More than once, I've stood in front of my mirror thinking, jeez, can I really get away with wearing this? Isn't it too bold? Too sleazy? Too demure? Too much?

When I have these moments of doubt I only need to think of Samantha’s choices and think, if it floats my boat why not??? What exactly am I afraid of? Making a fashion faux pas? If we didn't experiment and enjoy the sometimes perilous trends where would our individual style come from?

I was especially struck by the plethora of exposed bras. Personally I’ve never been a “bra-less wonder” in fact many times I’ve thought I'd love to wear this, but I couldn't wear a bra, and with a sigh of defeat walk away. The SATC ladies simply rock it like they mean it and while I don’t necessarily care for this style, I applaud the fact that they did! Everything from their bras, to color choices and mix of style and texture was simply outrageous!

To that end, recently I’ve heard a lot of mumblings on the present day dilemma of matching? It goes kind of like this, "OK, so I don't want to match?" with a one-eyed tilt of the head, trying to grasp the fact that after 20 or 30 years everything we’d been taught about matching was in fact wrong? I won’t throw the universe off of its course and say that matching is a no-no, but I think we have to be conscious of overkill and looking like an overgrown 3rd grader...And I say 3rd grader, because before that, I think most of us were just lucky to be dressed. I spent much of pre-school in cowboy boots and a red t-shirt. I preferred to wear Easter hats with the ribbon forward, much to the chagrin of Grandmother Muse. And you know what, every picture indicates I was happy as a clam. I think so much of our lives are tied up in the details of client meetings, and budgets that we forget what it is like to color outside of the lines. When I'm in a subdued suit (rarely I admit) I feel not only uncomfortable but crushed of creativity and freedom to be me. I want to be the little girls I see with boldly colored striped tights and polka dot dresses that I look at with a mix of fondness and envy.

Who knew fashion could say so much? I'll end with the advice that next time you're wondering if you can "pull-off" an outfit think of our fashion-forward friends of SATC and go for it!

All Things White

As the weather turns from what should be spring to full-on summer...my mind is on all things white!

This immediately makes me think of the never-ending question of “Can you wear white before memorial day or after labor-day??"

Regardless of what stylists have been saying, I was a strict supporter of the rule, must be the Puritan in me. But this year I've tossed my own rules to the wayside, because style is about marching to the beat of your own drummer (most of the time).

For those of you who thrive on rules and this still leaves you a bit befuddled -- my own drummer what? -- I'd stick to this: White can be worn year-round as long as you adhere to the appropriate fabric for the season -- like wool for winter, linen/cotton for summer and denim which is my idea of the 3-season suit. That said, try to use common sense, like, bright white top and bottom doesn't really work in early spring (I've tried it trust me) and in winter cooler "winter whites" seem to work best.

So what happens if you make a misstep with White? Nothing. As long as you bring a good dose of self-confidence you'll be fine.

Neiman Marcus for Up and Comers: CUSP

This is interesting...

Just came across Neiman Marcus' newest venture, CUSP.

They say, "the stores are designed for the current, hip affluent woman with a strong interest in fashion and trends. A highly edited selection of contemporary apparel, shoes, handbags, accessories and beauty is presented in a modern environment. Personal stylists service the customer by helping them select either the season "must have" accessory or an entire wardrobe."

Only a few stores are open now, but you can shop online and orders over $150 are free shipping.

For all the DC and LA muses (where they have shops now) have you been, thoughts?

Men's Style Part One

It has come to my attention that I need to devote more time and effort to men's fashion. I'll admit I find this task pretty daunting, where to start!!!

As I've said before, whether we like it or not style is how we present ourselves to the world. I've needed to remind myself of this on more bleary-eyed days than I can count. So I'm always a little bit in awe when I see a dapper-dressed man. Sure we see men that aren't afraid to be stylish in the media -- the era of grunge and hip-hop has given way to a slew of men that want to look good, just look at Justin Timberlake and Tom Brady. A tremendous example of the grown-up look was NKOTB (New Kids on the Block) on the Today show dressed in fashionable suits, quite the change from when they first came on the scene.

BUT what about the REAL world? In most cases this hasn't caught on to the masses quite yet! That being said, at my office we have the Scottish Style Invasion! As we all know, European men have never been afraid to show their style -- and I love it! Always work-appropriate but polished and fun at the same time, I think all men can take a page out of this book.

My hope is to get real men to share their secrets in the near future, but today It is just me! So here are a few things I think most women want to see...

Clothes that fit! Too big or Too small are Too much...

Just say NO to uber-designer jeans. We still want you to look like a man, Go Levis or even Diesel but leave the Sevens to the ladies...

But indulge in Luxe fabric...Let's face it, you're wardrobe is smaller and you most likely rotate more frequently, so invest in the coziest Cashmere and best qualities...

Aviators are just HOT...

Mix dressy and casual -- Jeans with tie and vest...

This may seem obvious, but no tank-tops ever...

And while we're at it, save the sweats for home...

Ladies what am I missing???? Would love to hear comments on this! There is oh-so-much more on this subject so To Be Continued...

Spring Clean Your Wardrobe

I've never been the most organized person. Add to that the number of items in my closet and lack of decision capabilities and my closet has been known to scare away friends and family. And I've tried, really I've tried to be clean the same way I try to be on time, and it just never seemed to work. Happily both of these things are changing with the help of SisterMuse2. After many reluctant attempts, I finally allowed her to go Oprah my ass! It was not pretty. Even when you think you've sent as many bags as humanly possible to the Salvation Army, I promise there is still more that will be ripped away.

It took a full weekend to get into working order, there were tears that led to therapeutic moments on the couch "what's wrong?" I was overwhelmed. All the disrespect I'd been showing my clothes was being thrown in front of my face -- and I've learned to never go back. As I enter another season it will be easier than ever to change over my wardrobe (something I'd never done before). Here are some of the difficult to learn things I've found the most useful -- And I hope that there is at least one person that can benefit from me showing my extreme naivete at clothes-caring.

1. Get the vacuum-sealed bags to put the majority of out-of-season clothes away. I never really understood the point of this, but having more room in your closet allows for easier access. I do tend to leave out a few items so that only colder evenings I can add in something unexpected like a turtleneck with shorts!

2. No matter how limited your storage space is, do not use the top shelf for stacked clothing. While obvious, it never really dawned on me how to solve the problem of the entire stack falling onto the ground. It is simple, find another place. Use the top shelf for clutches, headbands and other accessories.

3. And because I can't say it better myself look at this In Style article for tips on how to edit and rebuild your closet. It should be a fun experience, like shopping in your favorite boutique!

4. I cannot remember where I read this last tip (maybe Real Simple?), but I love it! Pull out 8 basic pieces, then 8 trendy pieces lay them out and mix/match outfits complete with jewelry, shoes etc. Here is the clincher -- snap photos of the outfits for easy reference when you are getting dressed.

Look fab in a flash!

Fabulous Finds for Skin

Call it the arrogance of the young, but like many things in my life, I'm just starting to get it. This also applies to the things I already knew like sunscreen, I am pretty sure I started taking that seriously when I turned 20; daily moisturizer with SPF when I turned 23. Now that I'm about to slam into 28, I've finally begun to understand the importance of a full skin care regime and have to wonder how much damage I've already done?

A few weeks ago I was at Trish McEvoy getting some new make-up. While I understand they try and peddle every serum under the sun, I knew she meant business after seeing her reaction after she asked if I used an eye cream (it reminded me of Mother Muse back in the day when I was frequently reminded that I "couldn't trick a tricker.") So I had to admit that my emphatic "yes" was more like occasionally dousing a little eye cream when I remember.

This woman was clearly seeing the bigger picture -- I wasn't getting it. So when she sent me on my way with a tote full of trial size products I became obsessed. When I'm looking through the magazines I actually read the skin care articles now and have found some great products for those of us that are just graduating into the "frig, I'm getting older" or "you want how much for an ounce?" groups of women (and men).

As a newbie the following are the most important additions to your skin care regimen -- eye cream, at-home peels, and moisturizer with SPF. With so many options it can be really easy to say the most expensive must be the best, but often that is not the case and is purely marketing.

For eye cream look for products that have collagen boosters like retinol, antioxidants like Vitamin C and peptides. The entire Muse family has been turned onto Dr. Wexler 3 in 1 eye cream as well as all her other products.

At-home peels and microdermabrasion, they sound a lot scarier than they actually are -- I hear it and think of Samantha in SATC, follow the directions and you won't notice a thing. Try Ole Henriksen, Murad or RoC from your local drugstore.

As for moisturizer -- I think this is a totally personal experience...Sister Muse1 likes La Mer but I'm allergic. I like L'Oreal Future E because it is light and easy on the wallet. In fact I like L'Oreal's products in general because they have the same owners and often use the same ingredients as Kiehl's and Lancome.

Oh and give it a few months, because if you are like me, there are years of damage control going down!

Transitional Clothing

I woke up this morning and went about my business getting ready when the most terrible thing happened! I opened my window to see snow gathering on my deck. It took my eyes a few moments to take in the scene because I dismissed winter at least two weeks ago and the first day of spring is tomorrow!!! HELLO, its EASTER!

This happens every year, I stubbornly decide its spring and Mother Nature laughs in my face. I put my frumpy puffer away in favor of a lighter suede trench only to freeze and catch a cold.

What's a muse to do???

Well coats and closed-toe shoes are still a necessity, but there are steps we can take to let Mother Nature know who's boss!

First, lose the dark nails, at least for a while. It is so LC (Lauren Conrad) anyway. Opt for a bright fun shade or neutral for those less daring.

Take baby steps towards letting go of some of the black that's been dominating your wardrobe by shifting to something gray then spice it up with a punch of color like a yellow cardigan or belt.

Probably the easiest way to achieve transition is with a scarf which will completely add life to a basic outfit. Old Navy has some great gauzy scarves (see above) that can be casually strewn on, looped, or put into a 1/2 knot. Or try out the new Boho trend with this great Forever 21 tie-dye scarf -- cheap and easy so when it is SO out next season you won't feel bad discarding.

Start small with accessories, jewelry and make-up and let the weather catch-up to you!

Mother of the Bride

Why is it so difficult to find an MOB (Mother of the Bride) dress? I've been looking high and low for an age appropriate dress that won't have Mother Muse looking like a Vegas Show-Girl that never had the chance to go to the prom!!! For example, perusing Nordstrom's Mother of the Bride section I came across this fab dress and I say fab for me! I mean on what planet does a boomer MOB want to wear this to her daughter's wedding? Conversely, I don't want Mother Muse to look matronly. Factor in budget, body-type and season and I know this quest is not for the faint of heart.

The race is on!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Perusing some of my favorite sites this afternoon (everyone deserves an afternoon tea break) and found this amazing flirty dress on a MAJOR sale!! Sadly the stylemuse is on hiatus from shopping at the moment, but all the better for my friends and family! I'm really enjoying the plethora of ruffles out at the moment. This dress from Kenneth Cole is a perfect bright -- but I would recommend buying a bigger size than the model is wearing (and definitely different shoes, try gladiator/metallic flats).

As I've said before, I'm sad that JCP has hit the mainstream mags and can only hope it doesn't jump the shark prematurely!! But I'm happy to report that there are some real finds right now. Get into the nautical theme with a ruffled stripe shirt (again not sure about this model's outfit).

And totally out of the blue, I found this amazing jewelry site Max & Chloe with the most ridiculous earrings ever!!! I have always loved Jem & the Holograms and with these I finally feel like I might get the chance!!! HA! Admittedly, these are a bit out there, but the site has great stuff from R.J Graziano and Kenneth Jay Lane in one convenient location!

Celebrities Are Just Like Us

I usually try to avoid the "If only I could look like her" in regards to the rich and famous. I try and remember it is their job and that they have a TEAM of people to help them look that way (and almost always when you bump into them at Whole Foods it is a disappointment).

Though, I was very moved by this photo of America Ferrara. She looks stunning, but in a very attainable way. The dress is beautiful in a regal eggplant (one of my favorite hues) and cinches at the smallest part of her waist,drawing attention away from other areas (I suspect the hips). The hair and make-up are done but in an all-American way (kill-me)! This looks should be an inspiration to us all. Got any evening weddings coming this spring?

Get Over Your Bad Self!

"Get over your bad self" is something the Mother Muse tells me frequently, and depending on the context can have all sorts of meanings, but for you today it just means I'd like us all to be free from the preconceived labels we give to certain stores. Just because its Arden B. doesn't mean it is cheesy, and Talbots does not have to mean your grandmother's Sunday best. By holding these notions, we severely limit some serious fashion triumphs! Not to mention, by rising above you'll avoid a fashion rut and leave everyone guessing where you scored the fabulous look.

Still don't believe me??? Well, if Target hasn't sold you on celebrity labels like Isaac and maybe Vera isn't enough to get you to Kohl's, consider this - many of the creative directors behind labels you love are actually not creating the pieces you're wearing.

For example, I bet many of you wouldn't buy Liz Claiborne but tote your Kate Spade proudly...Would you still if you knew that Kate Spade is no longer the creative force behind her brand?

Or would you still pooh-pooh Talbots if you knew the very well-respected Michael Smallbone was behind the brand (formerly of Anne Klein).

phew, ok I think I’ve made my point! You will never find all the things you want in one store, nor should you! A terrible fashion faux-pas would be to look like pg. 76 from a catalog...

So in the essence of sharing, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems:

JC Penney has stealthily built up its brand and now is in many of the mainstream fashion mags. Love the play jewelry and cheap summer dresses! (Check out the jacket above, so cute and just $40)

Victoria Secret has great selection on bathing suits and shoes

Talbots is totally under the radar on handbags, shoes and the occasional party dress. For all the lucky Boston girls -- head to the outlet in Hingham, best deals out there!

When all else fails try the usual suspects: Kohls, Target, H&M, Limited, Marshalls etc.

Getting over your bad self never looked so good!

Shop It To Me!!!

Friends of the Style Muse have been simultaneously thanking and cursing me for the introduction to "Shop it to Me" Alas, I can not be given the credit for this amazing little find, all the credit is bestowed on my Sister Muse.

Quite simply, "Shop it to Me" gathers all your sizes and brands you are interested in and send you a daily email with the sales of the day from your favorite shops. Brilliant!!!

Shop Away!

http://www.shopittome.com/salemail/signup.jsp

Where are the rest of your pants?

I recently had dinner with a dear old friend of mine and as we reminisced I realized how much I missed having his honest male opinion at my fingertips. Even today certain advice still rings true, so I've decided to share a bit with you all.

Capris have long-been in style. I remember this pair of light-pink Old Navy capris I'd paired with a cute black tube top and flip-flops -- "stylish and comfortable" my naive-self thought. My friend picked me up for the party and said "Where are the rest of your pants?" Just when I thought his criticism was finished he added ever-articulately, "And tube tops do nothing for girls, I don't know why they bother, they're so stupid."

With that I was finished! Before I even entered the door to the all-important high school soiree my confidence had been blown (although I'd never have him know it). While that night came and went, the poorly-timed advice has stayed with me -- as a general rule, capris and tube tops are not friends to the female form and will leave most men wondering where are the rest of your pants? (I've done a highly thorough audit of this opinion and find that it does hold true)

Am I suggesting you throw them out completely? Not necessarily, but just because J.Crew has displayed an impossibly cute model on its pages wearing a similar outfit does not mean it will work in the real world.

And while my male friend doesn't usually listen to me, he has no choice but to learn from me as well. Last time he came to visit, he sported the most hideous pair of "mandals" I've seen, so I took matters in my own hands and hid them from him before he left...for his own good.

The Superbowl of Fashion

Oh, how I love the Oscars! Let me count the ways -- 1. the Jewels 2. the Hair 3. the make-up 4. the dresses and 5. oh yeah, the little gold statues too! This year was somewhat disappointing -- No Vanity Fair after-party, No really star-making moments during the show and I still can't get over the fact Tilda Swinton won Best Supporting Actress -- but I digress.

Who got it right? And Who should fire their stylist? :) This year was not filled with many flagrant fashion missteps, but not many stood out from the pack either. The usual risk-takers were absent like Keira Knightley or Natalie Portman and their presence was missed. For example, Katherine Heigl (why was she there again) looked beautiful, everything just right, but she doesn't make my list. I'm so tired of her Old Hollywood Glamour bit. I like Glamour as much as the next person, but it is 2008 and I wish she would mix it up a bit.

So who did make the cut? I have a surprising choice for my #1 pick of Best Dressed this year -- It goes to Ruby Dee from American Gangster. She was flawless: perfect hair, make-up, jewels and dress. And they were all age appropriate which is no small feat!

Other toppers of the evening were:

Dresses: Cameron Diaz, Heidi Klum, Renee Zellweger

Hair & Make-Up: Jen Garner, Marion Cotillard, Kristin Chenoweth

You would think with the stylists, money and time the Red Carpet-brigade could hit the trifecta, but few made it happen.

Best Overall Goes to Penelope Cruz, Keri Russell, Miley Cyrus and Amy Adams (I'm a sucker for Red Hair/Emerald frock combo).

And... The Oh Dear! Awards: Jennifer Hudson, Diablo Cody, Tilda Swinton

My final thought from the event was DAMN you Hollywood stylists!!! In one evening they made sure that the one-shoulder look (which I adore) will jump-the-shark faster than you can say Tory Burch.

'Til next year!

Dreamin' of Summer

Dear Muse, I am starting to think about the summer and want to get a cool beach cover-up. I like the fitted tunic style, but they all seem to be very mumu-like or designed for an evening out. Any good hints? Thanks, Dreamin' of Summer

A. Oh summer!! It seems to be on everyone's mind lately. I blame the resort collections cropping up all over the place. For those lucky enough to get away, and those that pin the bikini to the closet door for inspiration, beachy items are all over the place! For those that hit the latter category, I definitely suggest waiting a bit for items to go on sale. In fact, Banana Republic is having some decent sales on spring-like inventory including some great orange blouses which I love!

On to the question at hand, cover-ups! Oh how times have changed!!! When I was younger I would strategically wear cover-ups to hide parts I deemed unsightly, and sadly as the years press on, its more about covering up from the sun's harmful rays (and maybe still a bit of the former). Either way, I agree they can be hard to find. While there is always the ubiquitous Juicy Couture terrycloth sundress (and I do love terrycloth), for something a bit more grown-up try this J. Crew light-weight and summery cotton tunic. Or for something easier to get on and off, try a cover-up from Lands' End -- they have this great turquiose zip-up cotton number for just $28.50 http://www.landsend.com/.

Less is More, except, when More is More

Dear Muse: I love your blog so far. With summer quickly approaching, which means the amount of exposed flesh will soon be on the rise, what is your opinion in regards to classy cleavage vs. trashy cleavage?

A. As a well-endowed female myself, I've spent a lot of years addressing this issue much to my father's raised eyebrows. And after much trial and error, I've come to a few opinions on the way.

Sadly, for those of us with cleavage in practically everything, we must come to grips and admit that the stunning attire of Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is just not going to fly.

So my opinion is this: at the office, NO cleavage EVER. It is too much of a distraction to everyone around. However, on those summer nights out with friends -- show off your best assets, no matter what those assets might be -- but keep the rest demure like Scarlett Johansson instead you'll look like Pam Anderson.

Business Casual is Still Business!

Dear Style Muse, I just started a new job at a large company. The dress code is business casual, but on the more conservative/dressy side of the spectrum. I have my fair share of slacks, button down shirts and cardigans, but I wanted to see if you have any other ideas for work staples to look out for, or particular stores to visit, when I go spring shopping. Any advice you might have would be appreciated! Yours truly, D.C.

A. Oh have I struggled with this concept! You want to be respected, but you want to be comfortable. It sounds like you are on the right track in your wardrobe. The good news about business casual is that it allows for a bit of creativity, by pairing something more conservative with a few bold choices. For example, a fun dress belted and paired with a blazer and heels will take you from the office to drinks. Blazers also work well with jeans (not torn jeans but a tailored pair in dark hue). The easiest fail-safe advice on the business-casual front I can give anyone is to keep a client/meeting appropriate outfit at your office in case of emergencies.

As far as stores to look at -- it sounds like you are frequenting J. Crew, Banana Republic etc. --I'd add in some cheaper trendier counterpoints for layering with the basics: Zara and H&M as well as Nordstrom and other Dept. stores during their bi-annual sales.

As a last note, I think this is a good place to point out that nude-pantyhose are always a NO! When you can get away with it, go bare, and when you can't, match your stockings to your shoes.