Warm summer nights call for something festive and not so serious don't you agree? Think fresh and colorful for a nice change of pace.  Summer typically inspires me to brighten up as well as lighten up my typically classic and somewhat "safe" wardrobe choices.  With so many options to choose from (and a lot of enticing sales going on) why not step out of your comfort zone just a bit?
 Tuck that little black dress away (and the black in general) for now and stretch your boundaries a little...maybe a printed dress is in your immediate future?  Refreshing and glamourous at the same time! Here are a few for every occasion...

1.Summer Wedding Attire- sophisticated and modern prints by Roberto Cavalli,  my latest warm weather obsession...

I love prints that are high impact and slightly edgy like the Roberto Cavalli dress above.  I purchased one recently myself, wore it last weekend and felt fabulous! (see below)  Great for that summer wedding I have in August, a trip to anywhere (packs nicely) or just a fun evening out. It won't owe me a dime by the time this season is done I hope.  I did have to go up a size- didn't want to feel inappropriate... To complete things:  shoes (old) were purchased at the Jimmy Choo outlet at the Woodbury Commons - they often have a great selection of shoes and bags at very good prices. The handbag was a gift from my husband a few mothers days ago - one of my favorites.

 2. Cool Effortless Summer Chic- A long flowy dress in a soft color palette looks fresh and on trend for warm evenings out, backyard cocktail parties or weekends at the beach...a step up from the standard jeans and silky top. This one's by Mara Hoffman and looks great over a bathing suit too... take on your next vacation and wear day into night!

Keep in mind when you’re choosing accessories to wear with prints: make sure to keep them clean and understated. You want the print of the dress to be the focal point.  Add a sleek simple hair style to creat a perfectly balanced head to toe finishing touch.

3. Weekday choices  - great for running around town, going to work, or maybe a weeknight event... feminine and pretty. 

A  printed dress is unquestionably cool and so much more exotic than a basic solid color choice -and can hide a multitude of figure imperfections too-  a definite closet must-have!  You don't need to go super expensive but do be mindful when making your choice.  
1. Going really inexpensive when it comes to prints is hard to pull off after a certain age.  (If you are 20 something go for it! )   
2. Don't go to tight or too short.  (My personal motto in general)
3. Attitude is everything.  Know that you are going to be noticed- prints are not for shrinking violets!

   Next time you are in the market for a new "frock" try out a print- an instant mood elevator and  a perfect seasonal update.  Step into summer in style!

Have a wonderful week and thank you for reading,
Lori

 For many of us May and June seem to always be the busiest most hectic months of the year.  Schools are out,  and with that - end of season parties, awards ceremonies, moving up ceremonies and of course the most important of all milestones - graduations!   Why does  it always seem that graduations take place on the hottest days (with lots of humidity and /or rain ? )   Under these conditions it’s definitely difficult to put together an outfit that keeps you cool AND looks cool.  How do YOU tackle the challenge of what to wear when it’s super hot ?  Ahead a few thoughts on how to beat the heat that are literally, "no sweat."

1. Light weight layers: Sounds like a strange way to beat the heat... but it makes sense -  

Look chic in a cool summer dress.  Leave the bermuda shorts at home or in your locker at the golf club where they look best...

A great fitting pair of white pants - Not an easy task I know.  Make sure you check the back view before you buy because white can be so sheer.  It also might be necessary to go up a size.  

A crisp white summer shirt - Love this all year but especially when the temperature rises... A statement piece of jewelry is all that is needed to complete this look. 

Thank you for reading.  Hope that you are getting ready to celebrate the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and also the start of the graduation "season"  -  endless backyard BBQs and patio happy hour parties.  Be safe and enjoy. Don't forget your sunscreen!  Lori

Mothers day- is it just an invention of the retail world? Cards- hopefully made with love and a gift or two?  My family and I have done many things over the years to celebrate this day- gone to ball games, big barbeque bashes, even treked out to Queens to one of our favorite Italian restaurants (Don Peppe- right by Kennedy Airport- it's worth the trip) - There was the year my kids and AJ made me breakfast in bed.  Only problem was none of them realized there was a difference between instant coffee and brewed - I had a big hot mouthful of coffee grinds...  This year is actually kind of special for me.  My mom and dad will be here for the first time in several years as will two of my three kids. Almost a full house! Seriously no matter who is home, no matter what we end up doing, Mothers Day is all about family and just being together.  This year I'm going to have everyone over, make a big easy meal, drink some wine and probably end up watching some random golf tournament on TV. Perfectly ordinary and also pretty perfect.  What will you be doing this year? 

My mothers day BBQ...
 Grilled Salmon, Flank Steak, garlic bread, a great salad and maybe a fluff cake from Natale's for dessert.  I'm not from the cooks, but I do like having people over and I've been told I make a good salad...

Easy Arugula/Mixed Greens Salad

Ingredients:

Vinaigrette: wisk all ingredients together
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:
arugula
mixed greens
cherry tomatos
corn - preferably grilled first
Coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
a handful of pomagranites

Easy and delicious... 

 Hopefully the weather will be nice... It's been beautiful this past week but still a little on the chilly side at night.  (Make sure you have a few extra sweaters on hand for cold guests)

Think casual and comfortable ... 

Looking to do a little shopping for your mom, wife or girlfriend?  A new handbag is a great gift idea -stick with a small one in a pretty new shade - they probably already have a favorite larger one that's in use for every day. This is a great way to amp up any basic wardrobe by adding a single pop of color.  Below are a few great choices for every budget.  Especially great for moms on the go -  the cross body bag -  A must have this season but also practical, stylish and hand free. 

Perfume, a beautiful scarf, maybe a golf or tennis lesson - or even better a massage or facial.  All great choices. A handmade do it yourself gift - my favorite!  It is really the thought that counts.  One thing more - it's probably a good idea to skip that box of chocolates - I never understood that one - what are you trying to do to me?!?

To all the amazing, compassionate and understanding moms and those who celebrate with them I'd like to wish you a most wonderful mothers day.  

Thank you for reading, Lori

Happy Wednesday!  I'm here in sunny San Francisco for a few days visit with Jae.  And it is SUNNY!  An amazing high of 78 degrees these last two days.  Kind of unusual for this part of California but I'm not complaining... As you probably know, for me,  a short trip like this calls for a very minimal pack.  I'm here for four days. Here's what made it into the carry on...
My plane uniform - see below:  Navy sweater jacket, printed scarf, navy driving shoes - Tory Burch, white short sleeved Tee shirt -The Gap, Paige "Skyline Straight" jeans, Gucci tote.  These pieces just make sense for me - they all can be mixed/matched with the other things that I'm taking - which isn't much...

Into my bag: 
* Workout wear - Jacket, yoga pants, tank top.  Great for running around San Francisco in the morning, hanging with Jae during elbow surgery (my reason for the trip) and afterwards - back at the hotel, etc.
* Short Sleeve Tee shirts:   One striped and one flowery.
* Cashmere cardigan in coral - just picked this up from the Lord and Taylor friends and family sale...  fresh and pretty and very inexpensive.  Perfect on trend color for spring too!
*Messenger Bag: I bought this two years ago when I was traveling to Israel.  Just the perfect size for all my essentials. I find this "hands free" piece essential for travel especially when you will be walking a lot.

Below:  My favorite "accessories".  These are definitely investment pieces (except for my phone -that's just the  most important one...) but the fact is, I wear one or all of them almost everyday. A simple and easy way to add my own personal touch to any outfit. What are your favorites?

 Although the reason for my trip this week was  Jae's elbow surgery (which went very well!) the bonus of course is we get to spend four days of uninterrupted time together. A rare treat for me, since we live 3000 miles away. Here we are yesterday...

A few more photos of Jae I wanted to share with you,

Beauty comes in so many varieties.
Jae, you are my heart, my inspiration and my teacher. This post is dedicated to you.  

Have a great week and thanks as always for reading, Lori

I remember being in high school getting up at the last possible minute racing against the clock to get ready - standing in front of my closet trying on item after item hating how it looked, throwing it into a pile on the floor or my closet. Too small, too baggy, too wrinkled, where was the mate to that shoe I liked...stains I didn't notice?  My mother would be yelling from the kitchen adding more angst and pressure making an already stressful situation worse. Sound familier?  I am sure at one point or another you have done the same thing and maybe still do. Why is getting ready whether it be for your day running around with kids, going to work, or  to a beautiful Saturday evening affair never as easy as it should be? A few thoughts...

1. Having way too many things.  Ever put something on, decide it doesn't look quite right, take it off and put it back in your closet?  If you do this more than twice with an item, get rid of it.  

Too many pieces that stand alone and not enough basics. 

 You need to have the basics!  Not very exciting to shop for and not very visually appealing but you must have -  for starters:
1. Tank tops/ under pieces -not clingy cotton t's from the Gap - althought you need these too, but nice silky sleeveless ones  to go under jackets, cardigans, and for layering in general.  Freshen up your assortment every season.
2. Great fitting jeans/pants to suit your body type and lifestyle.  Get rid of the old ones that are not current and just don't fit.
3. Perfect Little Black Dress  - feel free to spend a little more on this peice- you won't be sorry!
4. Beautiful white blouse 
5. One great handbag
6. A classic blazer


  

Things that you paid a lot for, really like but don't fit and don't flatter.  I know a good consignment shop...

I know I have devoted other posts to this topic but less is really more.  Take a few hours to go through your things every so often and be critical.  Be mindful of changing styles (and our changing bodies - thing just don't stay in the same place, even if you are a size 2) 
And when possible be prepared - do what your mom used to always tell you to do ( mine did ) - lay out your clothes the night before!  I'm not kidding - this will actually save you time when your life is really busy.

Above:  My picks  - Navy Jacket, Cardigan, Jeans, and my favorite driving shoes.  Available at Toryburch.com

Thank you as always for reading,
Have a wonderful weekend, Lori

  Tan, camel, sand, natural, almond, ...the names may vary but to me a neutral color palette screams  "spring has sprung ".  Sounds like a snooze?  Doesn't have to be - it's all about the mix.  Think cool, modern and very classic. What's your preference? 

1. Add basic black- it's anything but basic...

Or your favorite blue jeans...

  My Choices yesterday:  Blouse and footwear- Tory Burch, Cardigan- Ralph Lauren, Handbag - Prada ( I broke down and made this purchase after a lot of handbag research) , Jeans- Hudson, Pashmina-not sure!  An old, but really good sample sale purchase... 

 P is for Pastels - just plain pretty... 

Layer in your favorite jewelry and accessories for a polished, sophisticated finishing touch... 

Still itching for more excitement? Add some brights - 

Whatever direction you choose, whether it's sticking to a minimalistic neutral palette or adding an extra shot of the color (s) of your choice, starting off with the basic shades is an easy and fast way to refresh any spring wardrobe. 

Enjoy your day and thank you for reading, Lori

"Don't rush the season!"  This mantra coined by I'm not sure who, but repeated to me countless times over the years by my mother, has being ringing in my ears as of late. Picture me as a teenager heading off to school, March 19?? - tank top, "cold, no I'm not cold at all",  a brand new  pair of landlubber/viceroy jeans in a pretty spring color...  I know I'm dating myself but you know what they are... and not a sweater or long sleeved shirt in sight.  Fast forward to March 2013:   Spring fashions have literally taken over every store I've set foot in during these past few weeks,  however mother nature has not been as cooperative... Between the snow, (yesterday) rain, and temperatures not much out of the 30's it's hard to think about wearing anything other than the same old wintery mix of black, beige, brown and grey.  Your closet is probably still filled with mountains of ankle boots, sweaters, scarves and jackets  - and with good reason- it's chilly out there!  I'm definitely tired of walking around this way, every day, for the past six months, so what to do?  Here's a question for you - how many of your fall pieces can you actually re-invent and continue to wear now but in a fresh new way?  Quite a few actually - it's easy!  By simply mixing in a few new colors (and a few new pieces)  with my winter staples, I can leave the house feeling warm and comfortable. (not to mention seasonally appropriate :) 
  A few suggestions:
1. Swap out your winter bootie for a  "kitten" or "stubby" heel- 

2.  A trench in a light color creates the perfect balance to winter scarves, boots and sweaters. 

3. Or maybe just change your handbag - this is the most fun for sure and definitely easy... Here are a few of my favorites - do you see a trend here? 
Left to right: Marc Jacobs, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tory Burch

Still need those cashmere sweaters?  Top with a new scarf in a delicious color- or some bold gold accessories...

Below left to right: Bindya, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Theodora and Callum.  All available at Bloomingdales.

Or simply lighten up your color palette - on trend and classic head to toe!

 

Keep the faith -  the cold weather can't last forever, but in case we are in for a week or two more, try adding in a new accessory or two for an instant wardrobe upgrade.   Happy Passover and Happy Easter to all who celebrate.  Thank you for reading, Lori

     March 21st marks the first day of spring - finally!  I don't know about you, but this past week I've been feeling the urge to purge- my wardrobe, my kitchen cabinets, my basement, even my junk drawers. Since this is a fashion blog I won't bore you with my hours spent sorting through my tupperware and furnace room finds (which I did do - it wasn't exactly a pleasure but it did feel good afterwards).  Instead I'd like to share with you my "closet/wardrobe manifesto" - sorting through your clothes, handbags, shoes etc. once (or twice) a year.  

     Make sure you have a decent block of time.  It helps if it is raining, snowing or a bad weather day in general - no anxiety about missing anything in the outside world..
     Supplies:  big black garbage bags, option : a glass of wine or two  ( only if it's after five- but it's probably after 5 somewhere )

•   Do the easy things first- the ratty t shirts, sweatshirts, clothes with stains or the ones that just look past their prime - don't forget your underwear and sock drawer either -  
  
•  Shoes  - the ones that never fit right , the beat up ones that are beyond saving, the ones you got on the sale rack that were never worn but were a really great deal... (If you have to keep the ones from that special first date, your wedding etc., than you have my blessing!  Just put them up top somewhere so as not use up precious closet space..)
  
• Handbags - Here you should be really picky - keep the ones you love and banish the rest! 
  
•  Ok now comes the "hard" part - your clothing.  Don't panic...  

  Start at one end of your closet and piece by piece ask yourself (silently)

• Does it still fit?
• Does it flatter?
• Do I still like it?
• Would this look better on my daughter even though it still fits me?
• Does it suit my current lifestyle?

      If the answer is "no" to any of these questions let it go.  I promise it will feel so good to live with less. Consign your good pieces or just give them to someone who will love and appreciate them - your sister, your daughter or maybe your daughters friends. Call a local charity to haul away the rest - A win win!

     Remember, if you can't successfully reimagine a piece to fit into your current lifestyle, get it out!   If you are still unsure, remove it from your closet to see if you can live without it. 
     And:
     If the task of  sifting through extra clutter in your closet is still overwhelming, contact me...

      The end result:  reward yourself this season and go shopping for a few new things....
  
     Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for reading, Lori

So many new trends present themselves every season.  Which ones make sense and which to take a pass on?  Trends that you see in fashion shows or magazines are generally exaggerated –so how do you go from runway to reality?  A few things to consider before the next shopping excursion...

     1.   Adapt a single element - Maybe try incorporating one fresh new color or one new trend into your outfit- head to toe of the moment ensembles might look great on a mannequin at the mall but don't usually translate well on most of us!

     2. Don’t go too retro or vintage – especially over 40 –Personally I loved this when I was younger, but trends that reference the past too literally are always going to look costumey- if you want to do vintage try a handbag or a piece of jewelry.  

     Prints are a huge trend this season.  I love them and wear them, but proceed with caution!  They can be hard to pull off.  Keep your shoe, handbag and even your hair and make up really, really simple.  Stand out and look understated at the same time...

      3. Be honest with yourself.  Just because something is in style or it looks great on your girlfriend, doesn’t mean you should own it or wear it - it just might not be right for your body type/age etc.  

     Trends I love and plan to wear this spring:

• A cool new tote/satchel- Below are four classic choices at every price point in the most perfect color...

And a few I'll pass on: (but go for it if they work for you..)
Patterns/Prints on pants or jeans 
Transparency /cut outs on tops and dresses
Geometric prints 
Neon Colors

What will you choose?  

Thank you for reading, 
Lori

What are the most essential pieces to take with you on your next trip? I'm referring to those "must have" items- the ones you really need.  Of course it depends on the type of trip, the weather etc.  I'll share with you my most recent trip packing challenge... 

The challenge: We are going for a three day weekend to San Francisco (temperature 60-75 degrees) and then driving 3 hours to Lake Tahoe to ski for the week - think snow, cold and ski clothes. Nine days and my husband is not big on surcharges for extra luggage (an understatement) so I needed to figure out how to manage this and get all my ski clothes, regular stuff and everything else in my allotted single suitcase.  

My goal: To have exactly what I needed and nothing more! (Truth- there wasn't room for more)  Here's what I came up with...

Outerwear

• Must haves: Ski Jacket, Shearling Coat, and my choice for balmy San Francisco - my North Face Down Vest.  Wore the bulky shearling on the plane and the vest was a perfect choice instead of a light weight jacket for San Francisco. It is now working double duty on our ski trip.
  

3. Footwear
Here is where I could really get into trouble.  So bulky - My must haves: Furry snow boots, hiking boots (for snow shoeing), and sneakers. My one additional choice - a pair of motorcycle boots. I figured these could work in both cities and go with everything- and they do! 

4. Pants
Ecru - a  brand that I have never tried for myself (until now) but always liked on other women- I am now hooked - they fit/look amazing. And my Paige jeans which I've mentioned before.. 

Other accessories that make sense when you can't take a lot: 
  .  A fun pair of earrings, a cuff and maybe scarf or two.   Nice finishing touches - especially when clothing rotation consists of the same two pair of pants and four tops.  

Below:
Left photo: cozy scarves picked up at sample sales.  Right photo: Eyewear- Tom Ford, Leather Wrap Bracelet- Tory Burch (old), Earrings- Alexis Bitar on left, gold hoops, gift for my 16th birthday- really!
 

What are your travel essentials?

Hope you are having a great week wherever you are, Thanks for reading, Lori