"What are you wearing?"  This is probably the single most asked question among women of every age when ending a conversation about an upcoming occasion.  It could be as simple as an evening out for dinner, a night in the city or especially when an invitation to a party/social event arrives in the mail- this  is what the chat ultimatley ends up being about.  We all want to look appropriate, feel beautiful and "get it right" - the trick is how to pull it off in an effortlessly chic perfectly "undone" way. With all the choices in fashion and the endless new trends that are constantly changing faster now than in past years, it definitely can be tricky to figure out how to always have "stand out" style - and more importantly how to make it your own.  When I look at women whose style I admire a few things seem to always remain constant...

1. * Less is more*
  A festive occasion is a great excuse for women to really do it up -  out comes all of the jewelry, the sexy, sparkly dress, the makeup, the hair style etc.  It could even be said that "getting ready"  is often half the fun of a great night out...  Before you overindulge and risk looking over the top,  try taking it down just a notch: an elegant, understated dress , simple hair, a sensational piece of jewelry (OK or two)  and just a bit more make-up than you usually wear-  think Breakfast at Tiffany's...

2. *More is more*
Little, tiny, and too short- dresses that show a lot of skin are great if you are young and fit - not so great on the rest of us. Even if you are young at heart and very fit - just my opinion...
 Just because something fits doesn't mean you should wear it... 

3. *Balance*
I know I say this a lot week after week but its true - If you are wearing really fitted bottoms, try a looser flowy top, and/or a chunky sweater or scarf - same goes for the opposite- wide leg pants/full skirts  look great with shorter, fitted tops.

If you choose a really basic outfit - say jeans and a T shirt or a simple dress-- throw on some great jewelry and an interesting handbag ...maybe in a bright color  - for a fun, playful effect. 

4. *Dont's*- (see below ...)
   Don't make everything match - so safe and predictable.
   Your earrings, necklace and other jewelry don't need to look like a "set"- Wear them separately for a much more interesting effect. 
   Handbags and shoes do not need to be the same color!  (Even if your mother tells you differently...)
  Don't go too tight and too bare!  A little goes a long way, really...
  Don't over do /over think ...trust your instincts -

A few things remain constant when it comes to pulling "it" all together whether for black tie or everyday- Think in terms of opposites - 
Clothes in simple basic shapes pair well with bold accessories- i.e.. oversized bags or jewelry-
Prints and bold clothing choices are fabulous- just tone down your hairstyle and choose your accessories with care.
Make up is festive and fun - just pick one feature you want to play up not your entire face.  
Be bold and try a new trend or two - just not at the same time.  Think classic with a twist, lady like with an edge-

If everything in your look is the "focal point" no one will see you.  You should take center stage every time, not your outfit!  Lead with your personality and charisma and the clothes will look great no matter what you have on :)

For the last however many years, the "go to" item in my wardrobe (and probably yours too) has been a pair of  denim jeans.  Easy and comfortable for day or for night, blue jeans with the appropriate tee shirt/silky top/ blazer/ button down , etc., etc.,  was and still is the perfect not too dressy, not to casual, bottom of choice for women of every age.  So what has changed?  Last spring it started - with lots of colorful, printed, patterned, jean choices.  This new trend transformed the way women looked at denim and wearing pants in general.   Fast forward a few months and add on to this the resurgence of the cropped/ankle pant. Fresh,  glamourous and available in a variety of fabrics, prints and patterns, the cropped/ankle pant will no doubt make you abandon (at least temporarily ) your old basic blues.... How to wear?  Think sexy, ladylike, a la Betty Draper - a hint of ankle or
maybe mid calf... the length and width really depends on your body type. Also key to pulling this look off - appropriate footwear and blouses/sweater choices... A few examples:

The best footwear options are kitten heels, flats, or a small wedge or platform.  And please stay away from a very high heel if you are not a celebrity or under 30- The goal is to look understated and chic not fashion victim! As far as tops go, look for something  a little looser and fuller.  Or try tucking in your silky blouse in the front and leave it out a bit in the back.  Blazers are great, as are chunky sweaters.  The correct proportions of the other items in your outfit are really important in pulling off this trend- think effortless, fluid and easy on top, to balance a narrower, shorter leg on the bottom. 

A few versions of this trend to really steer clear of- 
1.Wide and short
2.Wide and ankle length
3. Cargo style with anything other than a flip flop, sneaker or a flat shoe...
A few examples ...

As you can see, the proportions of the outfits above are all wrong.  The tops are too short and skimpy and the shoes just don't work.  If you are going to tuck in your shirt blouse it out a little...

Be creative and enjoy wearing this trend!  Jeans are here to stay and will always be a wardrobe staple, but it's always refreshing (and fun) to try something new. - 

Cooler weather is finally here in the northeast this week and whether (no pun intended ) you are ready or not, it is fall- back to school, routines and lots of activities-  Mums are everywhere, in warm rich tones replacing the summer impatiens and geraniums. Flowers and fashion -two of my favorite things... Just happens to also be one of my favorite trends this season - There are so many beautiful choices when it comes to fall florals and how to wear them.  Here are a few different options you can try using the same (J Crew) floral pencil skirt...

 As you can see it's really easy to take this one piece and make it dressy (top group)or very casual( bottom group) just by changing the other pieces in your outfit.  You probably have that denim shirt, chunky sweater, ballet flats, white T, etc in your closet already.  A quick tip before you shop this fall for a lot of new things: take a good look at what you have stashed away in your closet and don't keep buying the same thing in a slightly different version over and over again.  Chances are you don't own a floral piece - go out and get one! Whether your style is classic or a little daring, the floral trend is one to try - maybe out on a Saturday night, to work, to lunch with your girlfriends, or on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in the city. Keep the rest of your outfit simple- let your floral piece be the main attraction.  J Crew Pencil skirt $120.00 at J Crew stores or at J Crew.com.

In my opinion, one of the most basic and versatile ( and underrated!) piece in anyones closet would be the basic white t shirt /tank top.  It seems like every designer/manufacturer in the world has their own interpertation ( or several ) of this wardrobe staple.  That being said you would be surprised how many women do not own even one "acceptable" white t /tank top  - My suggestion:  get rid of those piles of old, grayish, stained, shredded, worn out t's/ tanks in your closet today and replace them with just a few fresh new ones -sounds like an easy task -  but which brand is best you might ask? How much should I spend? Fitted, loose, draped, built in bra? Ribbed, stretch, no stretch, oversized, cotton ??   I have been asked these questions more than any others surprisingly - The answer is - there is not one perfect tee/tank but many.  Here are my favorites and why I like them: 

Left photo - Gap "Pure Body" tank - $14.95 at The Gap.  This super soft knit cotton tank is my go to piece for under a sweater in the winter or by itself in the summer - I wear them to sleep, over a bathing suit with a sarong, under a silk blouse etc etc - Dress it up with some jewelry and a scarf , your favorite jeans and go! Every year I toss the 5 or 6 that I keep on hand and replace - Bonus - They can often be found for less at The Gap Outlet stores-
Right photo - Eileen Fisher Organic Tank - $58.00 at Neimans, Bloomies, Saks or go to Eileenfisher.com- This tank feels super silky- it has a finished scoop neckline, moderate length, and is great under a jacket or a cardigan.  A little dressier choice... They also run a little fuller and fit beautifully - great for almost every body type.  

Left Photo - The ultimate short sleeve T Shirt - American Apparel Poly/Cotton Women's T- $20.00 - at American Apparel Stores.  This form fitting, ultra comfy T is perfect in every way and easy on your budget- The slight scoop neck is very flattering - not to high or low...
Right Photo - James Perse Long Sleeve Casual T- $55.00 at Jamesperse.com  This style had a relaxed fit, scoop neck and is super light weight. Great when you need something to throw on fast - Add a puffy vest and a scarf for the fall season and you are set. 
Remember that the most important thing in finding/buying anything new even a basic item like a t shirt is how it fits your body.  Take a little extra time and try on - even if something looks like it will fit it may not be right on you -  be picky... There is always something else out there in the stores (or in cyberspace ) Enjoy the weekend, Lori