Happy Holidays!
Not all of you can be as lucky as I am: I have a 17 hour drive prior to celebrating the holiday with my family. So how do I rock that drive and arrive looking lovely?
Tip #1:
The Scarf.
I have this great scarf I bought during my last trip to France. It's meant to be worn wrinkled. When you wash it you actually let it dry crumpled in a knot, practically impossible to ruin its look and nothing says "Oh look, I'm all dressed up." like a scarf does.
Hide a wrinkled top, hide a stain from the 3 gallons of starbucks you needed to consume to make the drive, hide a missing button, and still look pulled together and dressed up. Scarves have been my secert weapon for years.
You don't need a wrinked scarf either, you can use almost any type. My favorite ones are long and can be worn a variety of ways. I usually prefer scarves that have nice texture, they stand up well on those long car rides as well as at the airport during those long holiday lay overs.
Tip #2
Wrinkle resistant clothes.
Traveling is not the time to put on your best silk that wrinkles as soon as you take it off your hanger. When you have a flight or a long drive ahead of you, think about the business casual part of your wardrobe. Think about colors and textures that you can wear all day at work that still look great at your 4:30 pm meeting with major clients. Those are the clothes that will travel well. And you probably the perfect outfit in your wardrobe right now.
Tip #3
Comfortable Shoes.
This is the time to ditch the heels and got for the most comfortable shoes you have. When flying I prefer to wear shoes that slip on and off of my feet easily for airport security check points. I also like to be sure I have really comfortable shoes when I'm driving. When I need to take a break I pull over at a rest area and do a little power walking, it's refreshing and great for your circulation.
Another secret tip (whether I drive or fly) is that I keep my heels in the outside pocket of my bag so when I arrive at my destination I can slip off my travel shoes, slip on my heels, and I'm ready to go.
Although my drive is longer than most I am still really looking forward to seeing my family and life long friends in Virginia as well as the wonderful man I am dating in Philadephia on my way back home. I wish I had time to see my extended family and all of my friends all over the world so for any of you I am not able to see, please know that I am thinking of you this holiday season and sending you lots of love.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Great Style for the Holidays
With all the Holiday Parties, Family Gatherings and upcoming events this season comes the question: What do I wear?
Most of my family celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah and there are always lots of events to attend including of course the Holiday Office Party. While these events can be as different as night and day I have found a few simple rules to stick to that really help this time of year.
Having great style is all about finding your personal comfort level and wearing things you really enjoy. Personally I am not comfortable in snowman sweatshirts, christmas tree sweaters, deer antlers, santa hats or flashing christmas tree lights but I still want to look appropriate for the season and the occasion.
Tip #1. Dress up. Whether you are going to a family party or just the office party chances are there will be lots of pictures taken and this is a special event so look your best and dress it up a bit more than you normally do.
Tip#2. *Sparkle*. While flashing christmas tree light necklaces are a no, this is a great time to have fun with fine jewelry or faux jewelry. I have a great rhinestone necklace that is simple and elegant. It adds just a touch of flash and can transform an every day outfit to an outfit for a speacial occasion.
Tip #3. Texture. The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in luxurious textures and fabrics. Think Velvet and Cashmere. When you get those holiday hugs from friends and family, you and your wardrobe will make a great impression.
Tip #4. Color! This time of year people can go overboard on pattern. Avoid those pink pastel snowman plaid printed flannels and try a simple red cashmere sweater with great jewelry. Green is another great color choice for the season but so is any color that you feel comfortable with. Classic black is another great choice especially when you add the perfect jewelry accents.
When you see how great you look in those holiday pictures you'll be glad you took the time to dress your best and your happy holiday memories will last a life time.
Most of my family celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah and there are always lots of events to attend including of course the Holiday Office Party. While these events can be as different as night and day I have found a few simple rules to stick to that really help this time of year.
Having great style is all about finding your personal comfort level and wearing things you really enjoy. Personally I am not comfortable in snowman sweatshirts, christmas tree sweaters, deer antlers, santa hats or flashing christmas tree lights but I still want to look appropriate for the season and the occasion.
Tip #1. Dress up. Whether you are going to a family party or just the office party chances are there will be lots of pictures taken and this is a special event so look your best and dress it up a bit more than you normally do.
Tip#2. *Sparkle*. While flashing christmas tree light necklaces are a no, this is a great time to have fun with fine jewelry or faux jewelry. I have a great rhinestone necklace that is simple and elegant. It adds just a touch of flash and can transform an every day outfit to an outfit for a speacial occasion.
Tip #3. Texture. The holidays are a perfect time to indulge in luxurious textures and fabrics. Think Velvet and Cashmere. When you get those holiday hugs from friends and family, you and your wardrobe will make a great impression.
Tip #4. Color! This time of year people can go overboard on pattern. Avoid those pink pastel snowman plaid printed flannels and try a simple red cashmere sweater with great jewelry. Green is another great color choice for the season but so is any color that you feel comfortable with. Classic black is another great choice especially when you add the perfect jewelry accents.
When you see how great you look in those holiday pictures you'll be glad you took the time to dress your best and your happy holiday memories will last a life time.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
A little Thanksgiving Day tip
Thanksgiving only comes once a year, unless you live in a part of the country where you are 7 hours from your closest relative - like me. And you have wonderful friends that invite to share Thanksgiving with them. Last year I had 2 Thanksgivings on Thanksgiving Day and this year I'm living in a house share and had Thanksgiving *today*.
Even though I'm not with my family I still like to help out with the cooking, cleaning and of course the adorable child holding (you should see the little darlings at my house now - they are such cuties) which makes it nearly impossible not to end up with some type of food some place on your person - no matter how excellent your table manners are.
Liz Claiborne comes to the rescue! There is a great selection of stain resistant clothing at my local Macy's that was put to the test today and come out beautifully.
One tip that I have found always works for me is to put cold water on a stain as soon as you notice it and super-saturate it [this does not work for all material - check your labels] with cold water. Warm water sets stains, cold water makes it easier to get stains out and I sometimes wash garment in cold water only if they have a stain before washing them, it has worked wonders for me.
Happy Holidays!
Even though I'm not with my family I still like to help out with the cooking, cleaning and of course the adorable child holding (you should see the little darlings at my house now - they are such cuties) which makes it nearly impossible not to end up with some type of food some place on your person - no matter how excellent your table manners are.
Liz Claiborne comes to the rescue! There is a great selection of stain resistant clothing at my local Macy's that was put to the test today and come out beautifully.
One tip that I have found always works for me is to put cold water on a stain as soon as you notice it and super-saturate it [this does not work for all material - check your labels] with cold water. Warm water sets stains, cold water makes it easier to get stains out and I sometimes wash garment in cold water only if they have a stain before washing them, it has worked wonders for me.
Happy Holidays!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Jil Sander's New Little Black Dress
I have been a fan of fashion for many years and one of the best things about watching the runway is when you spot pure genius in a single item that stays with you long after the show is over.
Jill Sander's has reinvented one of my favorite fashion classics, the little black dress, and it is a triumph!
I'm not sure of the exact material but the dress seems to be made almost of black string that fell along the model's frame like something from a dream. The cut was heavenly, the dress fell just slightly above the top of the knee with a square neckline achieved by two staps in the sleeveless garment. The string cascaded in curves down the front of the dress and left the sides exposed, while covering the middle of the torso.
The dress felt incredibly modern and elegant.
If I was going to name a "must have" from the runway this season, this is absolutely it!
Not only is this a fantastic dress exactly as it is, but I can not wait to see how it translates into the ready to wear world. Congratulations Raf Simons on an your remarkable collection!
Jill Sander's has reinvented one of my favorite fashion classics, the little black dress, and it is a triumph!
I'm not sure of the exact material but the dress seems to be made almost of black string that fell along the model's frame like something from a dream. The cut was heavenly, the dress fell just slightly above the top of the knee with a square neckline achieved by two staps in the sleeveless garment. The string cascaded in curves down the front of the dress and left the sides exposed, while covering the middle of the torso.
The dress felt incredibly modern and elegant.
If I was going to name a "must have" from the runway this season, this is absolutely it!
Not only is this a fantastic dress exactly as it is, but I can not wait to see how it translates into the ready to wear world. Congratulations Raf Simons on an your remarkable collection!
Revenge of the Jumpsuit
*Trend Alert!*
Just we we though Elvis had really left the building:
Jumpsuits are back!
For Spring 2009 nearly every designer you can think of has a JUMPSUIT in their collection.
Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger, Halston and Derek Lam - just to name a few.
While these are updated versions, and some of them are incerdibly lovely, I have to admit that this is a trend I'll be skipping. I have always found jumpsuits to be a bit limiting and you have to have exactly the right body type, not to mention a great deal of height to pull them off properly.
Those of you who are gazelles and want to enguldge in Spring's trendiest item, be sure to pay special attention to the fit and focal points of your jumpsuit to get the best possible look for you.
Just we we though Elvis had really left the building:
Jumpsuits are back!
For Spring 2009 nearly every designer you can think of has a JUMPSUIT in their collection.
Donna Karan, Yves Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger, Halston and Derek Lam - just to name a few.
While these are updated versions, and some of them are incerdibly lovely, I have to admit that this is a trend I'll be skipping. I have always found jumpsuits to be a bit limiting and you have to have exactly the right body type, not to mention a great deal of height to pull them off properly.
Those of you who are gazelles and want to enguldge in Spring's trendiest item, be sure to pay special attention to the fit and focal points of your jumpsuit to get the best possible look for you.
For the LOVE of Gloves!
Trend update from the Fall/Spring Fashion lines:
GLOVES are hot, hot, hot!
Just in time for winter in the United States, designers have started showcasing gloves heavily in their collections. Not just as utlitarian items but think *20's* *fabulous* matching every outfit you own!
Shorter gloves that stop at your wrist in wonderful colors seem to be all the rage, they don't need to match your purse.
I love how acessable this trend is and the blend of fashion with function.
GLOVES are hot, hot, hot!
Just in time for winter in the United States, designers have started showcasing gloves heavily in their collections. Not just as utlitarian items but think *20's* *fabulous* matching every outfit you own!
Shorter gloves that stop at your wrist in wonderful colors seem to be all the rage, they don't need to match your purse.
I love how acessable this trend is and the blend of fashion with function.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Welcome to Avec Fashion!
It's better to be Avec [with] Fashion than without it.
This blog will offer advice on style, trends, shopping tips and much much more.
Thank you for stopping by, the fun is just beginning
This blog will offer advice on style, trends, shopping tips and much much more.
Thank you for stopping by, the fun is just beginning
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