Good morning!
A wet, cold and very dreary day needs a pop of color to clear out the cobwebs don't you agree?

   I am usually drawn to more neutral colors when making a new handbag selection, but when this beauty came into my life at a charity event auction not too long ago, I was quite thrilled at my good fortune.  This being said, I wasn't quite sure if carrying a fushia colored handbag really felt like "me" - my personal style is typically more understated.  I decided that to make the best use of this bag I should gift it to my daughter Jaime - and she was very happy to accept :)   Fast forward a few months time...  as luck would have it,  Jaime and her husband now live very close by. They were getting ready  to leave for a lovely week's vacation.  I thought this might be a great opportunity to try a little experiment. I asked Jaime if I could come over and "borrow" back the handbag. I wanted to see how it would fit into my wardrobe for the upcoming week. Would it work with everything? Here is how it went...

Day One:   Saturday night casual dinner out with friends
                      Neutral color sweater, black flares, print scarf, luggage color block heel - so far so good..

Day Two:   Stroll in the Park..  
​                        Oversized sweater, T shirt, cropped flare jeans, loafers...

  Day Three: Walking Maggie my Yorkie
                            I literally threw this on to walk her but the bag still looks good!

 Day Four : Dinner with Hubby..
                         Floral Blouse (from the Scoop sample sale last week) and brown backless loafers

Day Five:  A visit from Matt ..
                       Trench coat, jean shirt,  jeans and those same loafers...

Day Six:  Out and About...
                   Army Green Jacket, Black Floral Scarf

Day 7  -  Friday night movie
                 Brown leather jacket, purple and grey scarf

 Funny how no matter what I pulled out to wear during that entire week, the handbag really was perfect with everything.  I didn't change my style at all - wore my regular jackets, shoes, scarves etc.  It was actually really refreshing to wear something so not what I thought was in my fashion comfort zone.  Maybe you will be inspired to do the same!

Thank you for reading,
​Lori
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Good morning! I'm  ready to enjoy this beautiful day.  Ready to leave my boots and coats in the closet for a few months...ready to "spring forward" with a few new pieces to update what I already have. 

NEW DENIM TRENDS

Denim is always a staple in my wardrobe and probably yours too.  This season we can all finally take a break from straight skinnies and try one of the many great new shapes and styles. Try a flare, a crop flare, or maybe DIY - cut your old boyfriend jean a little shorter and fringe the hem. I did, and  love how my old jeans feel new. These shapes are comfortable and fun and will instantly update your look.  A few of my favorites below:

Denim on Denim looks great too.  I also love the resurgence of jean skirts. Great alternative to shorts and they come in a lot of  new shapes - A -Line is my favorite :)
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New pant shapes require new footwear to make everything look just right.  Thankfully these new styles are much easier to walk around in than spiky heels...  

MINI HANDBAGS OR BETTER YET ....SMALL HANDBAGS
I love the idea of not lugging around half my life on a daily basis.  Mini bags are the trend but don't always make sense.  The trick is to find a style that can still fit your wallet, phone and maybe a small water bottle.  A great way to add a pop of color too...

Spring is the perfect time to lighten up and take a break from somber winter colors and styles.  It is also a great time for a fresh start - maybe get out and try something new?  This week I went to my first opera :)  I loved the whole experience...people watching, the champagne at intermission and of course the beauty and the talent that unfolded before my eyes. Magical!

Enjoy the beautiful weather and I hope it inspires you!

Thank you for reading,

​Lori

Hello and happy January to all,

Are you one of the many who made a New Year's resolution this year?  Out with the old and in with the new?  Have you started a cleanse, a new exercise program, organized your home, been more productive, kinder etc?? Diet and exercise have topped resolution lists for as long as I can remember but interestingly "de-cluttering" whether it be one's home or one's wardrobe and has become quite a hot topic as of late.  I'm sure by now you have heard about and maybe even read "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo.  The simple premise : a detailed guide for determining which items in your home "spark joy" and which do not, tossing out the ones that don't. When we reduce what we own it has a "detox" effect on our bodies and our souls. Sounds like a great way to start the new year, although I will say I had to take some of Kondo's advise with a grain of salt. (The idea of dumping all of my belongings into the center of each room and sort through was a bit overwhelming.) This aside, I was intrigued by the chapter on wardrobe and wardrobe editing and would like to share a few thoughts… Get some garbage bags ready...

"Being around things that spark joy makes you happy" 
Yes -  but sometimes it's all in the mix and how you style something. Finding new ways to wear something that you were about to discard is definitely joyful!

"Learning that you can do without"
Agreed - Most of us are guilty of having way too much. We don't even know what we have. I like to sort clothes by category to get the true sense of volume of what I own. Discard everything that looks dated and doesn't fit or flatter. 

"Downgrading something to loungwear is taboo"
Yes and No - We all have downtime - especially now that the weather is so frigid. I will admit that last year when I did a makeover on my husband Alan,  I kept one of his cashmere sweater discards and wear it all the time in my cold house. Not that you need a closet full of blah-  just a few pieces.

"Eliminate the need to store off-season clothes"
Nah - disagree. It's not a big deal to move seasonal things to another part of your house if you have the room to do so,
however, before you store for the season, purge.

"Unpack and detag new clothes immediately"
Disagree - Changing your mind is OK :)

"Empty your handbag every day"
Not sure about this one either. No explanation needed...

There are a lot of chapters in the book devoted to folding, storage etc… to become neater and tidier - all good information, but for me a little too unrealistic to put into practice. 

What I did take away -A wardrobe that consists of things that spark joy does make you feel good. Getting rid of the rest feels good too. How simple is that?

Happy New Year and Happy Tidying,
​Lori














 

Good morning!  I am sitting here in my warm kitchen, (heat is officially on) cup of coffee in hand, writing this. After a magnificent summer and equally lovely fall, it does seem that cooler days are probably here to stay.  I'm not complaining. With the inevitable winter chill comes an opportunity for some new and innovative fashion choices. There is a lot to choose from. To be perfectly honest, most of us do not really need anything more than what we already have. My question to you, "If you were only going to add a few new things into your fall/winter wardrobe what would you choose.?"  Here are a few of my picks  - some new and some not so new...

                                                                              Alexander Wang  Boot
My criteria for a new boot purchase was fairly simple :
     1. Something that I could really walk in (no big heels)
     2. Something significantly different from all the other boots in my closet. I'm really trying not to keep buying the same things over and over...

I ended up choosing this one.  It comes in a few colors and two heel heights. Really soft leather, edgy, but not too edgy, not inexpensive, but not over the top either.  Definitely a luxury and not a necessity, but will update my current footwear wardrobe nicely. Perfect day into night. For me a good purchase...

                                                                                             Flare Pant
I still love my skinnies! They will always be a staple in my wardrobe and probably in yours too. If you want a chic, sophisticated alternative,  buy one pair of flares in basic black. They will make you look taller and thinner instantly. (Always a great reason to buy something :).  I got mine at Compliments Two,  Livingston, New Jersey.  

                                                                                                Fun Furs
Faux or real, ( I would opt for faux if making a new purchase but this is a personal decision) "furry" is a must in my closet this year.  I am usually fairly understated as far as my personal style, but after freezing my butt off last winter and yes -  ransacking my mothers closet (with her blessing) I have jumped big time on this band wagon! A few of the really cool things she held on to that I now own:

Mink Stole
I will wear this either alone, or make it more casual over my puffy jacket for warmth in place of a scarf… 

Leopard Vest Lined with Leather
 Originally a stole from the 1960's that my mom made into a vest.  Very creative of her ...

Fur Jacket -  Fox and Sheared something, not sure what..
Glamorous and quite eccentric for me. I never thought I would go for it but I'm going to try! This was from the "80's disco era… 

My own Faux Fur 
I bought this last year on sale at Max Mara and have worn it a lot.  It's perfect with anything from jeans to a sheath dress. 

                                                                                          Leather Tote Bag

Possibly the perfect tote bag if there is such a thing.  My daughter gets the credit for this one.  It's light weight, durable and well priced.  Beautiful, soft, pebbled leather. Comes in a variety of colors.  You can also personalize with your initials - such a nice touch... Prices from $150.00. Available on line only.  Cuyana.com 

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Final thoughts: if you happen to find something you love, chances are you will want to wear it all the time - springing for it can be as smart a buy as that seemingly more reasonably priced, not so exciting piece that ends up sitting in your closet. Be selective,  but don't be afraid to make a statement: your own personal statement! 

Thank you for reading,
​Lori

Hello!  Hope this post finds you relaxed, and into your summer groove (and with a nice tan )... 

Who among us doesn't enjoy  a sultry summer day spent relaxing at the beach or lounging by a pool?  A
bathing suit, cover up, a pair of flip flops and some good company are pretty much all you need to complete this perfect picture. Seems that summertime fashion choices are easy right?  Easier said than done…

Fact: Summer days on the east coast (when not poolside) are muggy, sticky and sweaty, especially in the city - think communal steam bath :)  In fact, I just read an article about a comedic performance art group  "Improv Everywhere"   - they turned a subway platform into an ‘unauthorized luxury spa’.  

One way to embrace the heat!

All kidding aside, it can be a challenge for anyone past a certain age to stay stylish, cool and comfortable on these high humidity days and nights. 
The good news: summer is the one season you can find on-trend pieces at amazing price points.  
The not so good news:  It's hot and the temptation is to wear less.  Less is usually more in my opinion most of the year but not necessarily now - 

A few  thoughts:  
Resist the temptation to go too bare:  Not the most flattering choice for most of us - 

Shorts:
Shorts are OK if you are sea side or exercising, or young, but there are better options . I will admit I'm one of those people who pretty much hates shorts—they are just not cool and not flattering … I know for many they may seem easiest but there are many other better choices: 

Skirts and dresses….
You can wear with sneakers or flats.  Pretty and comfortable too…
Add a few interesting accessories - maybe an across-body bag and some layered necklaces for a casual cool finish.

The summertime version of the LBD - why retire the most popular of color choice when a heat wave strikes?  

Culottes? 
I was resistant at first but they are a great alternative to skirts and better than shorts… Even my mom bought a pair  - denim ones!  She looks great in them too..This seems to be  a trend that is gaining momentum - so don't be afraid to try...

 

We are coming into the home stretch of summer  - be ready for some cooler nights..

Stock up on summer classics  – a plain white shirt, white jeans , a denim jacket, denim shirt and skirt – these are some of the most basic wardrobe staples and are truly timeless.  Always in style and always perfect together.. and perfect with most everything else.

One last thing on a separate subject..
My daughter Jaime has a friend who writes a very funny and fabulous cooking blog:  Plumbers Daughter
Jaime and I made one of the pasta recipes from the blog last week for dinner. It was good!  Healthy, fresh and delicious.

Enjoy these beautiful summer days and thank you for reading,

Lori

As I sit here writing this early morning post I can't help but take notice of the forsythia in bloom outside my window, the green grass that is not covered in snow and the sounds of birds chirping. With much relief spring is here and I think we can safely say that the paralyzing winter weather is behind us.  That being said,  stores have been promoting spring fashions since February.  I for one was not able to wrap my head around any new purchases back then - the idea of taking off all those layers of winter garb to try anything on was a feat in itself.  More importantly, I think it takes a bit of time just seeing what is new and what is trending before buying anything new.  For me this strategy helps to eliminate impulse purchases which can drain your budget and over stuff your closet. 

After a quick seasonal closet self - edit and careful consideration ...my new selections….

Multi Purpose Jacket
I absolutely love this look !  I found mine at "The Kooples" sample sale which was held  at 150 Wooster Street last week. (This location is a great venue for sample sales if you are a fan, and they usually have a new sale every week.) I've worn my jacket with everything from dresses to jeans and sneakers, and also out at night with heels and a silky blouse. It is perfect every time...

Lazer Cut Leather Dress

I have a very stylish friend who introduced me to a cool little store in the West Village : Diana Broussard. What a gem of a boutique! I strolled in one day and saw this beautiful piece. Literally made my heart skip a beat :) The dress is not nearly as short on me as on the model below and it needs a bit of tailoring  - so I can't show you the finished product just yet… 

Gently Used Chloe Leather Handbag

I used to be a bit of a snob when it came to buying anything that was not brand new but that is no longer the case.  You can find the most amazing things! It's important to go to a reputable store or website so that you know you are getting what you are paying for.  My leather Chloe may not be the latest style but it is positively perfect for me. The straps adjust so it can be worn cross body or doubled up and made shorter as a chic ladylike shoulder bag. It can dress up or down any outfit.  The color can be worn year round.  Meets all of my criteria for a new bag purchase! 

Final thoughts:
When looking ahead to the new season I try not to get caught up in trends and also try not to buy anything that doesn't suit my lifestyle, age, or body type.  I look for quality pieces that will enhance what I already own.  I'll try a trend,  but only if I can adapt it in a way that suits me.  We are all such visual beings - it is easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest of the moment styles, but usually what works on the catwalk doesn't translate so well in every day life. 

Enjoy this beautiful weather!  Happy Spring :)

My husband Alan and I spent last Thursday and Friday in the city. The weather was gorgeous - sunny and mild.  I am a very light packer as some of you know and packed accordingly : one pair of shoes, one pair of jeans, two tops, black blazer, scarf, etc... As an after thought I threw in my Nike’s just in case we felt like a long walk or run.  

For me, the sneaker, worn with anything but your gym/tennis clothes has long been a fashion don't. I still have bad memories from the 80's of commuting and wearing a pair of white Treetorns with my skirts and dresses - not a great visual.  This being said, at the end of our first busy day/night walking the streets of New York(and yes dancing at the Eagles concert at MSG) my feet were killing me. The truth: even the most comfortable shoe on earth feels pretty bad when pounding the pavements non stop. The following day was going to be a first for me..  here’s how it went:

Who would have thought? Definitely not my first choice in footwear, but it did get me thinking - or rather rethinking this wardrobe staple.  Maybe because NYC is such a walking-person's city, track-worthy trainers can look just as good in or out of the gym.  This season more than ever, sneakers are everywhere and are available in every possible fabric and finish imaginable. Some options:

Slip Ons- Classic and Cool
A great way to try the trend. Slip ons kind of look like a shoe yet have the comfort of a sneaker. 

Lace up when you feel ready.  
I love how the looks below integrate athletic looking footwear into chic every day style.

Lady like Chanel bag with chain and lace ups - perfect imperfection… (Don't save it for a nice evening out- wear it :)

Are you ready to try a pair? 

Your feet (and podiatrist ) will thank you.  

Enjoy your weekend and thank you for reading,
Lori

September is my birthday month.  When I was growing up, it never felt quite right having my birthday at the same time my whole world as I knew it seemed to be in transition.  It was a little unsettling, but also very exciting.  Summer was ending, new beginnings were rapidly unfolding. Certain rituals I remember: picking out my outfit for the first day of school, shopping for a new pair of jeans, a new pair of shoes, etc. etc.  A fresh start!  The same can be said for fashion and what to wear during this transitional month of unpredictable weather.  It's cool in the morning, and hot by mid day - especially this year -  September has been hotter than even the warmest days in July and August. Finding weather-friendly choices can be a bit challenging  -  beachy summery pieces seem not quite right. To be seasonally appropriate (and sweat free) requires a bit of strategy...

Change/update your accessories:

  Handbags: 
 Add a chic new silhouette to your collection...
   The Bucket Bag
There will always be a brand new bag, and this season the bucket is the shape to have.  Left to right:
1. Gucci "Bright Diamante"- $1290.00 available at Gucci.com and Neiman Marcus
2. Mansur Gavriel- $495.00 insanely chic but sold out everywhere - please let me know if you find one!
3. Elizabeth and James:- $485.00 available in a variety of colors at Neiman Marcus -Not the greatest picture but I really like this bag - a great choice for the money - there is a suede version too that's really pretty..

Scarves:
 I have always been a fan, but this season scarves have made a resurgence. Try a light weight version in deeper colors -
Pair with your favorite white tee shirt or tank top for now, cashmere sweaters for later..

Shoes:
There are many shoes/booties out this season that utilize cutouts and backless details - perfect when it’s warm with a bare leg and later on with tights or stockings. Wear with dresses, jeans or slim pants for an instant style update.

Switch your color palette:
Swap your whites and brights for a more subtle color palette. Grey is a great alternative to black, and compliments a variety of skin tones - can be worn with anything from denim to neutrals. 
 

 Shades of burgundy and green pair beautifully with everything. You can mix with black, navy or neutral colors. Subtle and fresh for the upcoming season...

Thankfully there are no longer "rules" on what to wear after Labor Day.   The force that drives fashion is personal. It's not about shopping the latest trends, but about our own individual sense of style and how we choose to present ourselves. What's in your shopping future?

Thank you for reading, 
Lori

 Sandy beaches,  farmers markets, warm sultry days…  Summer is in full swing.   It's my favorite time of year and I'm sure I'm not alone. Everything seems more relaxed in the summertime especially fashion. Simple clothes plus interesting accessories and a nice tan (bottled is just fine) and off you go!  Less is definitely more, but there are always a few "must haves" that make the living really easy - Here are  some of my favorites ... 

Vinylux Nail Polish - Shine On..

This is the most amazing polish!  My good friend recommended it to me and I used  before my recent beach vacation.  My polish stayed shiny and didn't chip the entire two weeks I was away.  You can find your favorite shades at Amazon.com. and possibly at your local nail salon - mine had a few bottles stashed away in a drawer..I had to ask several times before she gave in and unveiled it -  I  got the feeling she was not looking to promote - probably bad for business..


Sheshido UV Sun Compact Foundation

Another great find from a great friend. Not only does it truly protect your skin from the sun, but it also makes your skin look flawless and shine free. It has incredible coverage and can be applied with a light coating or you can build the coverage as the day goes on. Start with your favorite liquid sunscreen first and apply as needed.  

Dresses for every occassion
Dresses are the core of my summer wardrobe.  My current obsession is with simple shapes in stretchy fabrics and interesting prints.  Change your shoes and handbag and transition your outfit from day to evening - 

Try simple linens in solids and patterns for cool and casual days - timeless fashion that will look fresh in the city or at the beach..

An all purpose shoe
My most favorite this summer, a classic by Jimmy Choo.  I first discovered these last year but was too late in the season to purchase.  I found this pair back in April at Neiman Marcus, snapped them up and have pretty much lived in them ever since.  Comfortable and kind of goofy looking but this is what makes them cool.  The color goes with  everything and the rubber sole makes them basically indestructible. I have worn these with dresses to make a more casual statement, skinny jeans or shorts for every day, and basically everything else in my wardrobe. (But do swap these out in the evening for a beautiful strappy sandal…)

White Jeans 
A summer "must have" staple. These can be tricky to pull off but with a little extra attention to detail you will be fine - I re -evaluate mine every single year.  Let's face it, bodies/sizes change and it's better to know the truth in the privacy of your closet than to walk around in tighty whiteys. A good rule of thumb is to  go up a size when buying white. Paige is my favorite brand, but try on many different ones to get the best, best fit. It will be worth the extra effort :) Great for day or evening, change your accessories and go… 

Enjoy these last few weeks of summer!  Thank you for reading, Lori

Happy Monday!  Back to school, back to work and unfortunately back to the bitter cold - well we did have a beautiful spring like weekend respite. In addition to hacking the residual ice off of my driveway (a functional form of exercise) I spent a few minutes breezing through the remaining sale racks at a local favorite store.  As luck would have it - I came away with one perfect piece … a grey and white textured Isabel Marant unconstructed jacket. Great price, versatile, and perfect fit.  Met all of my criteria for a new purchase...

 Finding something on sale is all too easy  - who doesn't possess a few "have to have" items that were just too good to pass up, sitting around in the back of our closet - maybe even with the dangling price tags.  When considering something on sale -  here are my basic "rules" :
 a. Must fit perfectly or require one simple alteration
 b. Season neutral 
 c. Can be dressed up or down
 d. Age and lifestyle appropriate
 
In todays world, sales and store promotions occur continuously.  Being super selective is the only way to avoid buyer's remorse. Let's face it  - no one has unlimited funds or closet space.

 My great purchase!
 It may not look like much by itself but it has a lot of possibilities: 

Here is how I styled it.  For the polar vortex:  layer up… and maybe add a printed scarf that doesn't "match"  - Stop with the matching!  Imperfect perfection.

In what seems to be the unlikely event that the weather does warm up - add a pop of color via a pretty pink T shirt -  Comptoir Des Cotonniers is a favorite brand of mine. 

This jacket will also will look great over a dress or pencil skirt - Just swap out the yellow handbag for something more neutral during the winter months...

Other ideas to try :  a black leather skirt, pastel jeans or pants,  sneakers and a white T shirt, a favorite scarf...
Here's mine which I've had forever - 

It's OK to be excited by the incoming spring fashions and trends - whats even more OK is to create your own fashion statement by incorporating todays newest "look"  in a personalized classic manner. The result: A wardrobe inventory that will withstand the test of time.

Thank you for reading, 
Lori