Summer Get-a-way!

Summer travel is always fun. Also fun, planning out my get-a-way outfits! This summer we are planning a Napa Valley sweep San Fran, California vacay. Here is what I'm planning to wear. Won't my breezy outfits look chic in the summer sun!??

First I'll need the all important bathing suit.. This year I'm really into the retro styles that evoke a romantic, feminine vibe. Here are few I like including two I just bought! This summer try them in warm neutrals like tan, peach and white! So of the moment!

From JCrew and Victoria's Secret, respectively.

The Second item: The Cover up. Almost as important as the swimsuit, the cover up is usually worn even more than the suit itself, so it must be divine! Here is a nautical look I LOVE!! You could also try a great maxi dress or a boyfriend shirt!

Third: A great pair of travelling pants! I love a worn in trouser fitted just enough to be feminine and cuffed at the bottom. You can slip this great staple on with almost anything...a great t-shirt, a cozy sweater for those San Fran evenings, or a floaty tank and heels to dress them up. They are MAGIC pants, I'm telling you!

Here are a few things I would pair with my traveling chinos...

A tribal T...I love the Native American print!

Or a flouncy silk tank in a fabulous mango color!

And a favorite cardy... Madewell has the best ones! (madewell.com)

Fourth: You will always need one "evening look" for any good vacation. If you feel as though you don't, you are simply not vacationing correctly. I love the thought that an exciting evening on the town awaits me in a new city! I might go dancing or attend a new play but I'll do something that requires a dress! Here are some options I love for a summer evening out:

Silk tank dress with a lace hem and detailed button back!

Sequined stripe tank dress, this one is by French Connection.

Day Excursion outfits: Now these you will need a lot of: Cute looks that are versatile and great for sight seeing and traveling! Here are a few of my own:

A romper! Don't judge them before you've tried one...rompers are divine! Pair this one with some flat sandals and bring a cardigan and some cat eyed sunglasses...and what aren't you ready for?? Nothing!

Here is another day look I love! Stripes in red or navy...you can't go wrong with this classic!

Or try a great Henley with some texture and a pair of rolled 501s!

Now that my outfits are all planned out I don't know that I'll be able to wait til Calli to wear them!! Oh well:) I hope all your summer plans are fun and fashionable!

~S

Online Only!!!

This one's for Hillary! I've decided to compile a list of the best websites to shop from when you live further from a metropolis! Isn't the internet wonderful? In 5-7 business days you can have the runway delivered to your front door! Here's how to get started...



The key to internet shopping is knowing your measurements. Every site will have a size chart that explains the measurements in inches of their sizes. (Any local tailor can help you with this)This is most likely a bust, waist, hip and height measurement. Sometimes with pants you will need your inseam too.



The second step to sucessful internet shopping is knowing the return policy. Knowing is half the battle! Make sure you know how long you have to return these items should they not work out!



Next, do your shopping from reputable sites! This is where I come in...



Here are some of my favs:

http://www.theoutnet.com/ a reputable place to buy discount designer! And one of the only places that carries clearanced Louboutins and other designer shoes that you won't have to worry about the authenticity. Just look at this pair of killer Loeffer Randall boots for 65% off!!



http://www.jcrew.com/ and get this, the site has a wider and better selection then the store! Great for work and play.



http://www.netaya.com/ for great and not fake earrings that won't break the bank!


http://www.renttherunway.com/ If you just need an event dress and you can't bare to buy...rent! This site has an amazing selection of occasion dresses that can be rented in multiple sizes for short periods of time! Great selection of Catherine Malandrino and Herve Leger.

Happy e-shopping!

Love, -S

Summertime Shoes

A friend, Jennifer, requested that I advise her on her shoe wardrobe. She asked what 5 kinds of shoe should every woman have? I couldn't bring myself to think of 5 shoes that would take you through the entire year so Jennifer here are 5 types of footwear to get you through summer!


1. The Ballet Flat: A neutral color, but please not black, at least not for summer. Appropriate for work or weekend, these will get you far.


J-Crew makes wonderful fine leather ones that will last and last.



Tory Burch makes a great variety that are adorable.



2. The Gladiator: Yes they're a bit trendy but its no crime to participate in pop culture every now and again:)



Sam Edelman has great styles that won't break the bank and so does Steve Madden.


3. The Platform Pump: A hidden platform makes these comfortable and easy to walk in...You can watch me walk, if you want to, want to.... Kelly Pickler wears the red ones but I like them in every color! Though if your work environment is conservative, stick to neutrals.

The ultimate is Louboutin but for those of us who can't seem to find them in stock anywhere Joan and David's version is great!



4. The Biker Boot/Cowboy Boot: whether your a little bit country or a little bit rock n' roll you need a great pair of boots made for walking to pair with summer dresses!




5. The City Sneaker: I love Tom's or Converse. These are a must have for summer weekends full of antiquing, and trips to the cape (or to the lake if your land locked in MN with me)!

Hope this helps Jen!

~S

What I want for SPRING!

Here are my most wanted for Spring!!!


The most perfect NAIL COLOR: grey but kind of taupe but kind of not....its kind of FABULOUS!
This is the new Particuliere color from Chanel. Trust me on this one:)

The New Wayfares!!

love them in tortoise, love them in the new shape, love them, love them, love them.

A chain link strapped purse: Quilted or not, it doesn't have to be Chanel, but it has to have that trademark chain link strap! Try it in a nude or tan to go with all your new spring colors!

This one's from Marc Jacobs, the second from Ann Taylor.

A perfect new color pallet of pale blue and army green. I love the sky meets the rolling meadows look of this combo, perfect for spring outings!

A great gold skirt!!! enough said, I'm a sucker for shine!

New Neutrals! Mixing neutrals is so now! I love this dress from H&M and the outfits to follow are how its done!

Happy Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!

love,

~S

Blazing!

The blazer has come a long way baby! What used to be strictly for suits, is now the perfect topper to almost any outfit! Here the blazer goes from day to night and back again!

Classic tailoring: Heels and tailored pants, this is put together for any day meeting.

Wonderful in White: A great contrast to the dark version, wear this over dark jeans and over the knee boots!

The blazer goes on a date: pair it with a sparkly dress or skirt.

Windy City-ware: Paired with a scarf the blazer is sufficient outer ware for a brisk day!
Leggings!! A blazer and of the moment leggings...you are so NOW!!

A weekend look: The blazer goes from your work week to your weekend wardrobe when worn over a cardigan and jeans.

Gladiator sandals, a jumpsuit and a blazer: three pieces and you're ready to see and be seen out on the town.

Here is one for my few followers of the male persuasion! So sharp you're blazing!

I could totally keep going too! Bottom line is the blazer is a must have piece that you will wear over and again!

~S

Happily Ever After

When finding the all important bridal gown you will be met with words like dropped waist, fluted, A-line, Organza, or Faille. The minute you walk into the bridal salon its like you've crossed the border into a country that speaks fabric, a language you recognize but can't yet speak fluently. Of course its not because you are foreign to fashion, it's just that bridal fashion is its own animal. Here is some help to tame the beast... Here in English for the first time is your bridal gown guide to the shapes and styles of the moment.

Here is the Best in every shape....ok so I am a little partial to these brands:)

1. The most common shape (A-line) really just means that its a full skirt..but not too full! It hangs like an A , go figure, from the waist:)

Priscilla of Boston organza with velvet and swarovski belt: Organza is gauzy romantic fabric that is see though, but when layered as it is here it creates a full sea of a skirt!

This one has a dropped waist, notice the fitted bodice through the hips! The A hangs dropped from the hips!
JL104 by Jewel for Priscilla

Priscilla silk faille gown.... faille is a rough silk that feels a little less formal. This dress add a Michael Jackson belt that takes it to "thrilling" new heights!

2. Ball Gowns: fuller than an A-line and more formal too! Easy to see the difference right?

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston, by Kenneth Pool

Platinum for Priscilla with tulle skirt tufted in rosettes: Amazing! Tulle is the ballerina tutu fabric but here the designer keeps it long so it falls softly.

3. The fitted gown: can be called fit to flare, fluted, trumpet or mermaid this shape shows off the whole body.

Reverie by Melissa Sweet "Capri": This version is chiffon with straps. It has appliqued bows and roses down the sleeves and at the skirt...so romantic!

Melissa Sweet "Wallis" : Chiffon rosettes cover the entire dress...your like a living walking rose garden!
Priscilla of Boston: beaded lace. This gown is my favorite, All over beading made to look like lace with a frothy organza layered hem! Heaven!

Wedding Bells are ringing!!

~S