To Accessorize or not to accessorize

I'm back to answering one of the questions posted on Facebook:

GC: How to accessorize without spending a fortune. Problem: I've always purchased cheap jewelry because I lose small items frequently. However, I'm tired of cheap jewelry staining my skin & breaking (go figure). I go to bloomies to get nicer pieces, but I don't want to spend $200 on one ring. I need a few key pieces to pull my look together & look polished at work, but don't know where to start. Also- I'd be OK with dropping some money on some key, quality pieces, but how do you know when you're getting a good deal on jewelry?! (She lives in Beverly Hills, works in an office setting by day, student by night, in her 20’s and very fashion conscious – she shops too much)

OK GC, you may not like my response, it's definitely not your typical fashionista's opinion and I know stylists across LA focus on accessories....so to take a risk and go against what most stylist say......I'm not a big accessory girl and here's why.

Being raised with a Persian family, real jewelry was common for everyone to wear. Children received gifts of jewelry instead of toys. I have gold charm and bangle bracelets that were given to me when i was a toddler, they are so small I can't wear them now.  Most gifts consisted of jewelry, that's just how it was. So we never wore fake jewelry. As I grew older and wanted to accessorize, I couldn't get myself to pay more than $20 for fake jewelry. I have the same problem you do, the fake stuff starts to fade, smell like wet metal, or turns your skin green. That can't be good! The only good fake jewelry I have is a multiple strand pearl necklace, this I love and makes my outfits look "smart". 

So that being said, I wear mostly real jewelry. It's worth the investment, they are timeless classic pieces that work year after year. I wear the multiple pearl strand, a few long silver necklaces with charms and mostly scarfs for accessories.

If you really want to invest in some key pieces, I would first decide are you going gold or silver? Invest in one metal first, then the other (that's if you want both). I'm going to guess it's silver. I hope I'm right. I would invest in 2 rings, one for each hand, one big maybe with a stone and the other a bit smaller. One big cuff bracelet, one or two link bracelets, and earrings, simple. Keep in mind, jewelry is very personal, you have to choose what stands out to you. 

If you don't want to lose anything make it a habit to put your jewelry in one place. I have a decorative box where my everyday jewelry goes, I have silver and gold choices (each metal: 2 rings, 1 watch, bracelets, 1 set of earrings, 2 necklaces). When I walk in the door, I take my jewelry off and put it in the box. If I go to the gym, I have one pouch in my purse with a zipper I put the jewelry in and when I come home I empty it into the box. It's a habit that was hard to create, but after losing some jewelry I made sure to make this habit.

So I heard you say this is to wear for work and be polished, so here are some suggestions, again this is my taste, but choose your own:

Michael Kors rings (you don't have to purchase his rings, I just like the big size)

Bangles:

However if you are dying to accessorize I would do a few things. I've said it before, Ebay is awesome. If you can plan out what you want, not be impulsive, you can save tons of money. I would go to the mall, find name brand costume jewelry you like and then try to find it on Ebay.  For example my Michael Kors watch was $300 in stores and $175 on Ebay  plus it's the real thing, no fakes. 

Another place to shop is www.baublebar.com, they have some nice costume jewelry and the prices are reasonable.  

I hope that was helpful......

No sweats!!!

I get asked on a regular basis, where did you get those (shoes, bag, pants, etc) or how did you know to put that with those .... or you're outfit is so cute, you always look so great. I love the compliments, really I do. I am just now realizing that shopping isn't easy for everyone like it is for me. Or putting outfits together is really hard for most of you, what to wear, when to wear it, how to put it all together....and all that! So at the risk of looking like I think I'm all that....I'll be posting on a regular basis what I wore, where I purchased it and for how much. These are my trade secrets, and I really rather not do this...so that's why I am doing it. I've learned contrary action has always been best for me. So here we go.....

My mom and I were going shopping. I wanted to be comfortable and I have to wear decent shoes if I am going to walk a lot. I would never go out in sweats, in my book sweats are for the gym or walking the dogs, that's about it.  So below this is my version of sweats, this is my casual.

From the top down: (1) Scarf - blue/black/grey leopard pattern recently bought on ebay for $3.00. Yes that's right, $3.00 no shipping fee. Ebay is my new obsession. I used to be scared of ebay, but it's the easiest shopping ever!  If you know what you want, go on there and you'll find it for less.  I love scarves, they are my version of jewelery, I wear them as often as possible, they spruce up an outfit. (2) White tank top - you can't see it, I wear tanks underneath a lot of items. I'm not a fan of showing a lot of cleavage so I wear tanks to keep it classy when being casual.  I usually buy them on sale at Jcrew (they always go on sale) but this one I bought for $6.00 about a week ago at Gilly Hicks in Glendale, you can also go online, they are having a huge sale right now. They were going out of business. (3) Jacket - made by "Free People" this is thin sweat-shirt material, oatmeal color, totally casual, but because it has so much detail, zipper that goes sideways like a motorcycle jacket, fancy collar, etc. it looks fancy. I bought it at Nordstrom @ 2 years ago for about $50.00 on sale. This look is very popular now and you can find it almost anywhere. (4) Pants - Army green, "cargo scout chino's" from Jcrew, on sale @ $30.00. I buy them about 1 size to big so they hang on my hips, I don't have much of a butt, so this looks best for me. When these are tight they look yucky on me. (5) Shoes - Jack Purcell slip-on's in blue. I love these! They are comfy and hip. (6) Jewelry, I am not a fan of a lot of jewelry, I would rather have a few expensive key pieces and wear them often. Micheal Kors silver men's watch (the face is bigger then women's watches, I wear the band loose so it's more like a bracelet $175.00. 2 rings one with diamonds and one with a peridot (lime green) stone - both gifts and small diamond earrings - also a gift (as it should be :-).

So if you minus the jewelry the outfit cost $154.00.  There's my version of casual sweats!

"I'm short and chubby (NOT) Help!!!"

Yesterday my “lovefabu” (www.lovefabu.com – go there already!) girls called me and said they want more posts! Geesh, I’ve never been told to blog. “Don’t tell me what to do” was my favorite sentence growing up, or “you’re not the boss of me” that was the other fav. I had a little panic, what do I blog about? I’m usually inspired and then I blog. I had no inspiration. I just see bad choices everywhere I go. That saying “you can’t judge a book by it’s cover” well it’s true, however that’s the first way you are judged until you open your mouth. I was fortunate, I grew up with a father that was clothing designer, a family of Persians who would rather be dead than be caught in sweat pants or mom jeans and how you presented yourself was important.

So I posted on facebook asking if anyone had fashion questions, figuring I would get snarkey silly remarks and I was super surprised! Here’s what they said:

EF: I'm short and chubby.... Help (lives in Studio City, CA, professional woman over 40 – not chubby!)

TM: When do I wear a tie? (Eclectic guy, works in the entertainment industry, lives in Los Angeles, over 40)

PH: I can't seem to get myself out of flip-flops. Wear them everywhere, with everything. Think I need help? (Lives in Florida, professional woman over 40)

GC: How to accessorize without spending a fortune. Problem: I've always purchased cheap jewelry because I lose small items frequently. However, I'm tired of cheap jewelry staining my skin & breaking (go figure). I go to bloomies to get nicer pieces, but I don't want to spend $200 on one ring. I need a few key pieces to pull my look together & look polished at work, but don't know where to start. Also- I'd be OK with dropping some money on some key, quality pieces, but how do you know when you're getting a good deal on jewelry?! (She lives in Beverly Hills, works in an office setting by day, student by night, in her 20’s and very fashion conscious – she shops too much)

SKS: Age appropriate fashion tips. I.e. even though it's Southern California, at what age should a woman no longer bare her legs and go with stockings? What about swimwear- I don't care about the fact you CAN wear a bikini, when does it become inappropriate? Skirt lengths for 45+ and exceptions to the rule. #keepitclassyLosAngeles (she just got engaged! Lives in LA, she’s a mom and a professional woman)

AV: Tops that are longer. More flattering on me. I think? (Over 40, she’s a mom of 4 all under the age of 13, she’s a full time mom, wife and works from home)

AC: 1. Basics for each season - good prices and how to get past being overwhelmed in department stores/malls. 2. "Breaking up with Black" - how to bring color into your wardrobe. 3. Coats, sweaters, stuff that can be versatile and lasting. (Avoiding "paper clothes" that only last a few washes) 4. How to use what is in your closet now am spruce it up with a few pieces. Love. (She’s over 40, works a professional full time job, goes to school at night)

OE: My dilemma is my husband just won't listen to me...he has fashion dilemmas (Professional woman over 35, and fairly new mommy of 2)

SB: Dear Katya, I am a full-grown man. I wear a 38. I love a good cool pair of jeans. However, it seems the majority of cool jeans, let's say... Have a minuscule zipper and groin room cut for a "short draw" like that of a pre-pubescent boy. I need a cool jean for a FULL grown man. Any ideas?? (He’s in the real estate industry in Santa Clarita, CA, married with a young daughter)

FP: Katya, I'm fairly disappointed with the over all reflection of myself in the mirror (Where do I start!)

So today’s blog will answer; EF: I'm short and chubby.... Help (lives in Studio City, CA, professional woman over 40 – not chubby!)

pe·tite

pəˈtēt/

adjective

1.(of a woman) having a small and attractively dainty build.

"she was petite and vivacious"

synonyms: small, dainty, diminutive, slight, little, tiny, elfin, delicate, small-boned; size-zero; wee; informal pint-sized "these dresses are designed for the more petite woman"

First of all you’re not chubby at all, you’re just not crack skinny like when you were 20 (ummm none of us are!).  Now you are not short, you’re petite (everyone under 5’3 is petite)– learn that word P.E.T.I.T.E Petite! Doesn’t that sound classy, dainty, and cute? Much better than “Short”, short sounds harsh, yucky, and unattractive.  Go to the mall, there isn’t one department called the “short” department…. it’s petite. OK so now that we are clear on that.

Second of all, petite is nice. All men are taller than you, pants will never be too long, you can refer to yourself as “tiny”, you fit everywhere you go, your legs will never be crushed when you sit in a plane, I can go on and on.

Thirdly, everyone petite wants to be tall, stop it. Stop it and own your height. 

Here’s how:

Don’t:

• Wear heels over 4” tall.  You will never be tall, so wearing heels that are super high heeled just look silly (unless you’re under 30 – you can’t help but wish you owned a pair of Christian Louboutin’s so you’re wearing copy’s that have heels 6” and higher plus you can’t walk and look funny – you go guuurrrll!)
• Wear capri’s, they cut your leg off where the pants stop, so you shorten your short legs. Either pants, leggings or shorts – no capris.
• Wear big wrap sweaters, big over sized sweaters; you look like you’re drowning in a blanket.
• Wear jackets or sweaters that hit you at the hips – this is a bad cut for you.
• Wear anything over sized; big clothes do not look good on petite women. 

Do:

• Wear flats, a good pair of ballet flats with cigarette pants, JCrew calls them “café Capri pants” but they are not capri’s. (No cheap shoes, never buy cheep shoes, they look cheep) buy leopard, pink, orange, pattern – get fun!
• Wear jackets and sweaters that stop at your natural waist or just below.  Or coats that are ¾ length.
• Wear flat boots with leggings (thick leggings in one size too small – they suck it all in) and a sweater that has wide waste that hits you right at the middle of your but cheek.  Or flat boots with skinny jeans and a jacket/sweater that hits you at your waste.
• Shop in the petite department.  Find a cut and style you like then shop on line for more.
• Wear mini’s!! Yes because you are petite you can still wear a mini without looking like whore! YAY! Especially in winter with leggings, tights, flat boots – too cute!

Here's some visuals for you. Now some of the colors and patterns are probably out of your comfort zone....take a risk sista!

Get unstuck!

Oh My Gosh! Hallelujah and all that good stuff!!! I can finally get back into my blog! It's been so long, where do I start? OK let me catch you up just a little bit. I've been working at Abbyson Living since January 2010, the job has been great, it's full time and I've put my desire to be a stylist on the back burner. I have a few clients I style, but it's just here and there. What I've found is, I love it, I miss it and it's in me, so it has to come out. It's my passion (well one of them).

My friends started an online magazine www.lovefabu.com, I heard about this and it sounded great, my friend is the "dear Abby" and I asked her what were they doing for fashion? I mean, how can you have a woman's magazine without fashion? She said "you'd be great" and then that was it. We dropped it and moved on to talking about her man, my lack of men, her kids, her new job, etc.

So God is funny, if you didn't know that, you have to open up and get to know him. He's not funny mean or funny sarcastic, he's funny, kind and funny love. He's also extremely efficient. He'll see an opportunity to affect multiple people at once and he'll make it happen. I've seen him do it throughout my life. I know I'm being vague, simmer down, I'll explain!

I'm at Dear Abby's house and 2 of the 3 creators of Love Fabu are there, they just finished filming the videos that will be on www.lovefabu.com (hey we're in 2013 darn it!). The video advice was great, to the point, snarkey, funny, just great! The girls got to talking about fashion, asking me questions and wanted to see my blog, they loved it! Then they separately started talking about some challenges they've been having with people and turns out I gave them the exact advise Dear Abby did, it freaked them out. I had to swear on a bible that she didn't prep me for the meeting. So being I gave them the same advise, it was the confirmation they needed. They left the house feeling confirmed in what they needed to do, I left fired up about fashion.....it was a win win.

Just to remind you, I'm not your typical fashionista. Anyone can spend thousands and thousands of dollars on expensive designer duds and look good (almost anyone). But I am your average girl stylist. I'm practical, I'll take you up one level and change how you feel about yourself without bleeding your bank account.

So here is my recent realization. If you are over 35ish (there's no exact number) you are stuck. Unless you work in fashion, marketing, entertainment, music, there is a very good chance you are stuck. You are stuck where you felt your best, in your 20's. You were hot, no care in the world, boys were after you  or visa verse, you were on top of the world, you were thin, you ate crap, you stayed up all night and looked great the next morning..... do you get it? You felt great!

For me it was the 80's. Big ass hair was the thing and I have more hair than any girl in Jersey! So I worked that big hair hardcore. Have you ever heard the statement "the bigger the hair, the closer to God"? Well God and I were tight! As time went on, big hair was becoming a thing of the past, but no matter how much I tried I couldn't have a flat head. I would see girls with flat hair and they looked great, I would go home and try to go flat and would look in the mirror and thought I looked weird. Needless to say, my 80's hair went into the 90's.

So if I do this, you all do this!

I recently went Christmas shopping with a guy friend, he's 37 and here's his fashion statement:  Either it's a suit for a dressed up occasion (wedding, banquet, funeral) and he wears a suit well. Or it's t-shirts, jeans with a lot of leg room, converse and hoodies. We went to H&M and he went straight for the hoodies, asking me if I liked this color? I said "JB why don't you change it up, you own 25 hoodies!" and the look on his face said, well I'd like to but I don't know how to. AH HA! That's just it. You see the fashion changing, but how do you make that transition without looking like a fool or a fraud?? That's where I come in. Just because it's in fashion does not mean it looks good on you, and I will tell you, oh guurl you know I'll tell you (but you have to ask). Well JB is a smart man and he asked for help and it was like a fire was lit under my ass! The Tasmanian devil unleashed all around that store asking him; "would you wear this, what about this, what about this?". I had this look I wanted him to wear but he kept putting the kabosh on it. Until he looked at a mannequin and said "I would wear that". Ummm hellerrrr.....that's what I've been showing you! One thing I'm a wierdo on is size, if you wear clothes too big/too small, it's a pet peeve of mine. So I quickly assessed he needed to go up one shirt size. The T-shirt he was wearing was almost a mid-drift, too short, too small! I know guys want to show their muscles, but not like this, please.  We grabbed a bunch of button up cardigan sweaters with button up shirts to go under them (no t-shirts, no hoodies) ah ha I've achieved victory!  This is a look only Mr. Rogers used to rock, but now it's hip, it elevates your look, you appear more grown up and more put together. It's sharp, sharp is good. Women like sharp.I tried to talk him into some different pants, but he wouldn't have it.


 This is JB the "before photo" and checking out at H&M. PS super affordable.

I didn't take enough photos, forgetting I was going to blog, I pulled some photos to give example of what he bought.

Then we went to Zara. They have some cool clothes and some STUPID ones, so please if you don't know what you're doing, don't go in there alone. Once we were at Zara I found this bad ass coat and talked him into it. Its a step up from a peacoat, but you can still wear it with jeans. I realized as we were in Zara I should blog about this, I asked his permission and asked him if he would humor me and try on different pants with the new tops we got and pose for photos, again he agreed. yippee!! I am sick of seeing guys in huge jeans. They are OUT! big baggy pants are out, trim is in. I found a pair of grey slacks and a pair of grey cotton, kind of like jeans.  And don't you know it, once the pants were on, he liked them and bought them. Check out JB!

 And here he is is after shopping! Hey this is hard work!

The most interesting thing was his attitude a few days later. He was wearing his new duds talking about how he felt about his new look. He wanted to change it up, dress more his age, but didn't know how to go about it. Now that he has his new look, he feels sharp, like he's entered the next phase of his manness. I don't know if I'm expressing it quite like he did. Basically he said what I think, if you dress the part, you might start to feel the part. Clothes aren't everything, duh! If you're an immature jerk, you can look great, then open your mouth and it will cancel out your look immediatly. However, if you dress good, you look good, you might just feel good. 

Here's to feeling good and looking good! 

Welcome back!!!

February 2010 was my last blog. I started a new job for a furniture manufacturer and thought I was out of the fashion industry. My private clients started to dwindle so I just figured this was just another one of those phases in my life.

I went on a double date a few weeks ago and as the four of us sat at the dinner table, the two men and my girl friend started talking about their experiences being dressed by me. All 3 of them were dressed head to toe by Katya, and I must say they all looked great. They were laughing, imitating me when they tried to pick something out on their own and how I would "shoot it down", one of the guys swore I had eyes in the back of my head. He was at one end of the store and I at the other, he was looking at a jacket and he said I shook my finger at him from behind my head, like "don't even think about it". It made me feel so great sitting there listening to them sharing their stories. I guess it makes them feel special to be dressed by someone. I wouldn't know because no one has ever dressed me, except my gay uncle Sebou when I was 13.

Fashion moment #2, the girls and I were going to the Prince concert and we stopped at the Coffee Bean and "A" complemented "TT" on her jeans, when she promptly said "Katya made me buy these" and the "A" said they look great! Then "Q" said "I don't buy any tops without Katya" and "A" said where did you get the top you're wearing now, she said "Katya got it for me". "TT" was telling a story about when we went shopping and she wanted to buy a Theory maxi dress that I though looked awful on her plus is was almost $300. She looks great in short dresses, so why would she want this schmata which makes her look short and heavy? She said it was comfortable. Comfortable? Sweats are comfortable, PJ's are comfortable ~ but WE don't buy $300 dresses that make us look fat!

I suggested (insisted) if she really wanted this "make you look short and fat maxi dress" go to Old Navy and for $25 you can have it. Which she did and was shocked I knew it would be there. Of course I knew it would be there. I know what most stores will have before it's in the store. It's usually exactly what they had last year with just a few tweaks. See the dress to the left, this is what TT tried on, but keep in mind, this model is over 5' 9", anorexic AND see how she's modeling the dress out and flowing it to one side? That's because if she just stood straight, she would look wide. But women all over LA, shorter than 5'9 heavier than 125 will see the label "BCBG", buy it and walk around LA looking like they are in a moo-moo (notice that is the same sound a cow makes).

Then the girls and I were at Starbucks and I can't remember what we were talking about when one of them said, "you should start blogging on your fashion blog again, I miss it". I thought really?? Hmmmm

So here I am, back sharing my opinions and ideas about what I think looks best on you and me, despite what is "in".

My most recent rant.....cork and twine. I need some heels that aren't too dressy, not too casual and go with everything black does not go with. I need something brown or light brown/tan. I went to DSW and there was nothing that wasn't cork or twine on the heel. Now let me say a bit about these two selections. They aren't bad, but I just don't like them. Twine will get dirty in a minute and it's almost impossible to clean them. Cork just looks clunky and chunky - it's not a clean look to me. Also, I have a quality problem, I am 5'9 and most of the heels out there are so tall that they make me 6'1 and I don't feel like towering over everyone. The other BIG issue I am having is all these heels are strapped around the ankle. Just do a quick search on sandals and it looks like every designer was told, "that shoe looks great - now add a bunch of material and straps all over the top of the shoe and ankle". Now, unless you are skinny, I mean Olive Oil skinny, these shoes make your ankles look thick, and they shorten your legs. My goal when shopping for any clothing is always this: look my best, not spend the most $$ and comfort = if the shoes are killing me, I will wear them once and throw them out. Here let me give you an example of the shoes that are out there:

Do you remember the show "Land of the Lost"? It was about a father and his daughter and son, they were on a white water rafting trip, they went down a waterfall and ended up in the past where dinosaurs lived. Remember? They befriended a pro-magnum monkey boy named Chaka - I always thought his named sounded like mine and it embarrassed me. I digress - anyways remember the sleastack? They were these monsters that were very thin with fish like heads and they wore platforms. Well these shoes make me feel like a sleastack!

I am on the hunt for comfortable, tan/brown, sexy, slightly casual heels under $125. I've gone to DSW, Nine West, Piper Lime, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. If anyone can find them, it's me. I'll be sure to report back real soon.

Even Oprah is doing it!

Cleaning out her closet that is! Her most recent issue is about cleaning out her closet. She's such a copy cat!

I've been cleaning out my closet since February 2009. I moved out of my house the last week of February 2009. I didn't have the time or energy to organize what I wanted to keep or dish. So I moved all my clothes to my new place here in Woodland Hills. I don't have half the space for all those clothes and as I was putting everything into my new place, realized I had a bunch of stuff I don't wear. I put all the things I wanted to sell at a garage sell in storage bins. Not thinking I worked most weekends so when would I have this garage sell? Plus, I hate garage sells. Then summer hit, I took all my summer clothes out, and also realized I have stuff I don't wear. Into storage bins they went. I'm diligent about organizing my clothes, if I haven't worn them in 2 years, if I know I don't feel good in those clothes, or they don't fit and can't be altered - then they go! I've made mistakes in my shopping, buying things because they are a good price.....2 pairs of Michael Kors suede boots, one brown, one black. Worn them one time!!! Grrr I hate it when I waste money like that. I know better now.

So with all this, my closet now looks beautiful, my drawers are organized, everything is item organized, and color coded, so beautiful!!! I'm keeping my closet doors open, just to bask in it's beauty. It's a Virgo dream.

I have bins and bins full of clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, etc. all waiting to go.

I'm having a private sale - not a garage sale. I envision a beautiful day, a platter of pastries and good coffee, a backyard filled with clothes, and women finding treasures and a good deal.

March 7, 2010 10am-2pm. If you'd like to come, email me and I'll send you directions. fashionkatya@aol.com

Finally Inspired

Funny - this is the longest I've gone between blogging on this site since it's inception.

My 2nd to last blog was about staples and standards, then I was supposed to come back to you and tell you what you could add to these to spruce up your wardrobe. A ton of purple and teal was invading my department, and I just couldn't get on this bandwagon. Purple was in when I was in 7th grade, and it should have stayed there.

I never got inspired, until now.

I have two items on my mind which I think every 20-70 year old, up to a size 12 should have. Boyfriend jeans and leggings.

Boyfriend Jeans:

Now please don't look at the way they are being worn - just look at the jean. Not too tight, can be a bit looser than this.

I was not going to give in to this phase, I thought it would be out before it's in. I was at Old Navy one day during summer, don't ask me why, most of their stuff is craply made. I came across these BF jeans. They were $40 and no where on them did they say "Old Navy" so I tried them on and they looked cute. I wore them all summer long with flats, flip flops, heels, dressy tops and t-shirts. Finally comfy jeans that looked cute.

I thought they were going to be put away with the rest of the summer clothes, until one day I saw them on a girl in the mall. She had cute/girlish combat boots, white socks showing at the top, BF Jeans and a short chunky sweater. TOO CUTE! So there it was, my BFJ's were going to last for the winter. I have similar boots, I have white socks, I have cute short jackets and sweaters, plus funky belts.

You should get a pair, but please, not too tight, they should be sort-of baggy. Also, if you are short, have them hemmed so you only roll them up twice, no more, or else they will be bulky on the bottom.

Leggings:

I have no pics yet, I am trying to find them dressed like I like.

I was against leggings, they show every darn dimple and curve that I don't want to be seen. Until I went to Zara. www.zara.com

They have the most amazing leggings. They are thick and tight, they suck stuff in and smooth stuff out. I still won't show my butt, but at least if the wind kicks up I won't want to be sucked into a sink hole.

So far I've worn them with my riding boots. Please, please, wear them with flat boots. Unless you are going clubbing, or a super hot date and want to get lucky that night, flat riding boots are the way to go. At the knee or over the knee (the latest style). I stress the flat boots because the leggings are sexy, they are, trust me. So leggings with high heels or tight small tops = trampy.

I wear them with sweater dresses (which are mini's), I have a 3/4 length light fabric trench I wear them with as well. Now today I saw the cutest thing. A girl at work was wearing them, with her riding boots, with an over sized jean shirt, I think it's called chambray - it's very light, and she had it open a bit and wore a white tank underneath. Super cute!!! This is my next look.

So the thing to remember with leggings, they must be thick - not thin or see through, tight, and buy one size smaller than you think you are.

You do not have to be skinny to wear them. You just have to have the right tops that cover your butt and upper thighs.

I'll be looking for some photos, but until then, happy shopping.

Where it all started

This last week has been a history lesson for me, on where this fashionista got her start.

I went to see "September Issue" with my friend Quincy. For those of you not familiar with this movie (I really wasn't either) it's about the real life "Devil Wears Prada" Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue. It's a documentary about the 2007 September issue of Vogue - the biggest issue ever, which takes approximately 5 months to create. While watching the movie, I have to be honest, some of the fashion portrayed was so over my head, very Couture. I am your everyday woman stylist, that's really my niche so far. Avante-guarde, cutting edge is not my thing - at least not yet.

When we got out of the movie Q shared with me the meaning of this movie to her; her father was a photographer, did some shoots for Vogue (he was mostly an album cover producer/photographer) and they would comb over each Vogue issue and look at the photos as art. (Q forgive me if I am not telling the story correctly) Then I mentioned how my Dad was a clothing designer and had a showroom in the California Mart when I was in elementary school. I started to remember how my dad would bring home swatches of fabric and samples of the clothes he would be sending into production. How I wished I could fit into those clothes, but for once in my life I was too little. Then I had a flash back of designing clothes for kids: I was in 4th or 5th grade, I was frustrated with the jeans they had at this "hip" store for kids. All they had for design were a star on the pocket, and I wanted more. Satin was very in at the time as were rainbows, moons and stars so I drew several pairs of jeans with satin pillow stars and moons on them. The stars and moons would be raised and puffy, like a little pillow. I remember thinking, these would sell!!

Fast forward to today. I attended my Fathers, cousin's, wife's funeral in Glendale. She was a huge socialite in the Armenian community (she was Persian Armenian, I am Jewish Persian - they are Christian - same but different) anywhoo, I think it was held at the biggest Armenian Church ever. The place was packed, standing room only. I went with my Grandma (Dad's Mom) and my Aunt (Dad's sister). During the service, most of it was in Armenian, all I could understand was when they said her name and Jesus name. I was left with my mind to wander. Every time I get around a large group of Persians I am fascinated by their mannerisms, their formality and their sense of style. I mean you could pick out the non-Persians from a mile away, they were dressed appropriate (it was noon) but simple. Not the rest of our gang, from the young to the very old, there was Dior, Channel, Prada, Christian Louboutin and more. I was sitting there next to my Grandma and realized RACHAEL ZOE HAS NOTHING ON MY GRANDMA! My grammy was accessorised to the hilt! She had two rings on each hand, one small real jewelry and one big - I mean big, costume, fashion rings. She had bracelets on both hands, a long necklace, a french manicure, a black cardigan which had ruffled pleats on the sleeves and down the center. Now look, this woman is in her late 80's, she's getting injections in her eyes so she can keep her eye sight, one eye is no good, she lives on her own, no one dresses her. She was her own fashionista! I got a big "ah ha" sitting next to her.

When I was younger my Grandma used to say to me "terrem merra coocheek or terrem merra bizourge" which means your butt is small or your butt is big. She would tell me when I was too skinny or too fat. She was always fussing over me, telling me how models wear their hair and I should wear it that way - she's say "cut hair like this - very model". It used to bother the crap out of me. My dad would ask me what I was going to wear before we went to a function, and then tell me "you are NOT wearing that". Oh I hated the fuss the Persians made over our appearance. And look where I am today!

I don't mention my Mom much with all this glitz and glam. She wasn't glitzy - she was classic. She was more focused on my manors, my grades and how I treated my friends, (I didn't listen to her much). My Mom used to put her hair in a bun, put on a bit of green shadow (70's my friends), mascara, a light lipstick and she was stunning. All that Persian glitz would have looked silly on her, she didn't need it. She's a natural beauty.

So there's a bit of my history.

Staples and Standards

Fall season is upon us. It's coming. The day before Halloween you'll be thinking to yourself, when is winter coming? Then the day of Halloween there it is. It happens every year for us Californians.

Before you starting shopping for fall clothes and getting caught up in all the purple and teal that is out there. Ask yourself this question, how are my staples? Are they in good shape? Do they need updating or replacing? Make sure your staples are clean, hemmed properly, in style, don't look worn out and then you can go and add fun colors and a few trendy items.

Now most people have either black or brown in their wardrobe. Some have both, but most have a majority of one. I do have brown and creams, but all my staples are in black.

Here's what should be in your closet right now, if it's not, these are the first things you should look for.

To make it easier - I am going to assume your choice is black and not brown.

Staples in Black:

Slacks = nice, dressy, wool gabardine, fully lined. Depending on your shape, slim leg or boot cut is good. Big wide legs are out. I have 3 pairs, all slightly different styles.

Coat = one 3/4 length (unless you are under 5'2, your length should be just above your hips) wool, double or single breasted. Be careful not to buy one too cheap - target etc. They tend to pill if they are made cheaply. It's worth it to spend some money on this coat, it should last you for at least 5 years.

Skirts = I have a wool mini I wear with tights and flat riding boots. 1 pencil skirt, wool gabardine. If you are 5'7 or above, a long straight wool skirt looks great with a bulky sweater that sits just above your waist and riding boots.

Boots = one pair of good, flat, just below the knee boots - riding boot style. These are great to wear with dresses and skirts, add in some fun patterned tights.

Shoes = ankle boots, flat and high heeled.

Sweaters = I have several black sweaters: small cardigan to wear with dresses, bulky cardigan for warmth, thin layering v-necks, crew necks and wrap sweaters - all in black.

Tights = thick opaque, sheer, and fun patterns.

Shirts = long sleeve t-shirts = preferably from JCrew

So search your closet and see what you have that resembles this list. If you are missing them, go out and get them. Nothing else. Then once you have them, let me know.

My next blog is about how to add to these staples for a fabulous fall wardrobe.

Shopping

I believe shopping is an art. I mean shopping well. Getting the most for your money. Some people know how to do this well, some just don't care - because money is no object, and some just don't know how. I am blogging for the "just don't know".

I was at a few stores yesterday, and could not believe the sale prices. They were slashed low, low, low. If you didn't know, all fall merchandise is now coming into the stores, so they have to move the summer items out. Some of the summer items are old, been there forever, no one wanted them, and they haven't moved since the beginning of summer. You do not want these items. But how would you know? Well unless shopping is a hobby of yours, like it is mine, you wouldn't.

I like to thank God for my photographic memory. I walk through stores literally taking inventory of their new items. I know I don't need them now, nor do my clients. It's 100 degrees right now, who needs boots, coats and sweaters?? BUT we will want them by mid to late October, and then will be frantically looking for them in November. So I take stock now, in my mind. Same goes with the sale summer items, I know what is fairly new and what's been sitting there.

Back to the sale. Some of the summer merchandise was shipped in only a few weeks ago, it's new merchandise, this excites me! Right now they are slashing prices. I love a bargain. But be careful. Do not buy it because it's a good price, buy it because you need it, will use it, and have more than one or two uses for it. For example: at Banana Republic, they have a high end line, they are copying high end designers and charging a high price for these items. I found a hot pink, silk, designer copy, jacket, it was so adorable, would look great at work, and would definitely dress up my work clothes, which I do need. It was $57.00 - cheap! I asked myself this question, "how often will I be able to wear this?" the answer is maybe 4 times a year. If it were black, I wouldn't have thought twice about it, but it was shocking pink, and would stand out so much, that everyone would remember it. I put it back. Instead I bought a sweater which I know I will get a lot of use out of ($19.99) and a dress which I can wear in summer with sandals or winter with leggings and boots ($34.99). Great buys and more than a few uses.

I hope this helps you during your shopping excursions.

Men - Fall Preview

I have been thinking for weeks of what to say to you men about fashion. It's not as easy as I thought it would be. We women can wear some funky trends and not look stupid. But men, not so much. This blog entry does not apply to rock stars (that means real musicians, who make their living by playing music on stage). Nor does this apply to any guy under 30. 

Please keep in mind when looking at most of these photos, they are taken from the runways in Milan and Paris. The fashions are exaggerated, the looks are fierce, but not realistic for your average guy. Just like us girls, most of us won't dress exactly like the models on the runway, BUT we'll take these looks and tweak them to adjust to our age and figure. 

What's out:

Jeans with a lot of detail on them, i.e. True Religion jeans or anything like them. See picture below. I don't know when True Religion and Ed Hardy hit the streets, but all of a sudden I am seeing guys with these jeans, paired with an Ed Hardy shirt, EH hat, EH jacket and too much silver jewelry, shoes with a ton of design on them and funky glasses. It looks silly. Keep these pieces to a minimum. If you own these pieces, you probably paid a lot for them and you don't want to toss them. So please, wear one item at a time, NOT together. You look like you are trying too hard to be hip and it looks silly.

What's in: The classic look, tailored, not flashy, embroidery to a minimum, clean lines, slim slacks, clothes that actually fit you. Dark on Dark, no pastels. Not over sized jeans - you are not a rap artist, stop with the baggy jeans. If you are slim enough to tuck shirts in.....believe it or not, tuck it baby. 

The trench coat:

Dark or light in color, light or thick in material, casual or dressy. One thing to remember when shopping for all clothes: Please make sure they fit. That means the seam on the shoulder lines up with the edge of your shoulder. If the shoulder seem is over your shoulder, the jacket is too big. Also, if you can wrap the coat around you, meaning if the buttons don't JUST meet, then it's too big. Men tend to dress in clothes that are oversized. If you are short,big clothes make you look shorter, if you are heavy, it makes you look heavier. Stop dressing like a rap star. Notice the pants in the pictures, no wide legs here. Also, a nice pair of boots, not cowboy boots and no boots with emblems on them please.

Double breasted suit:

If you are in need of a suit, this is it. It's so tailored, slim pants, shiny well made shoes, yummy. This is a sharp look. Again, no pastels please. And, please make sure you are fitted correctly. Nothing looks worse than an oversized suit on a man.

Henley

The Henley is in, it's basically a thermal shirt with buttons. But again, notice, it's not 3 sizes too big. Now if you have a pot belly, you should not tuck this in. Notice his jeans, THEY FIT!!!! you can see his thighs and I bet you could see his butt from the back (we girls like that). I know what most of you are thinking, "if I dress like this I will look gay". This is not so. Now, I have nothing against gay men, I love gay men. But I do know you straight, macho men are terrified of "looking gay". Well as long as you don't wear hot pink, tuck your pants into your boots or show your midriff, you will not look "gay". Trust me.

Fatigue Jacket

Love this look!!! Love the guy in the grey jacket......sorry I got off track. OK back to fashion. 

This jacket comes in many styles, long or short - I prefer the long. But if you are short, get the short one. It comes in heavy cotton, almost as thick as jean material, leather, suede or light cotton. You can get a few of these for fall/winter. Just make sure they look very different from each other. It's basically a cargo jacket. Just make sure it does not have a million buttons, snaps or hanging ties.

Again, notice, the pants fit and are slim. 

Slim slacks for the following: Short men that are not overweight, men up to about 6'2 who are not overweight. If you don't fit in this category then the opposite applies:  your pants should still fit your waist, butt and thighs, the width of the pants should be the same from the thigh on down to your ankle, do NOT let the pants taper down from the knees and get slim.

We'll attack shoes on the next blog entry.

Now this maybe a little overwhelming for you. I notice that once a man gets into a style, he stays with it forever and it's almost impossible for him to venture out into a new look. My advice, shop with me or go to a men's clothing store and just start trying some of these items on, ask for help (hard for you men, I know) and just see if you can picture yourself in some new threads. Don't buy anything right away (again, hard for you men, you usually go in, buy it and leave).

Change it up!!!!

MEN

It’s Fathers Day this Sunday and I’ve been thinking about how I can incorporate men into my fashion website? I started doing some research, looking for men’s fashion dos and don’ts. While I was doing this, I thought, no matter how well you are dressed, if you are not groomed – we women notice, I mean really notice. It’s like a girl who's dressed to the 9s and her toenail polish is all jacked up. The look is ruined. So this is my ode to men. Grooming first, fashion next.

For some of you, you probably think spa’s are only for women. This is not true. All women love a groomed man. Some more than others, but we like you to look “clean”. Here’s what clean means:

1. No nose hairs, none whatsoever! If you want us to eat with you, and or kiss you, we cannot see nose hairs sticking out. Go to a beauty supply store or Target and buy a nose hair trimmer, about $20.00 and use it weekly, NOT monthly.

2. Eyebrows. Waxing them is not limited to woman. You would be surprised what a little waxing can do to enhance your face. If your eyebrows look like crazy pubic hairs going every which way on your forehead, if they are trying to meet with each other, if they are big and bushy or all around not groomed looking, get them waxed. Rose in Studio City is the best (Wave Salon (818) 981-9437). She will not make you look like a woman. You will not look like you’ve had them waxed, she is the best!

3. Skin: If you’ve never had a facial, then you have blackheads, period. We can see your blackheads when we talk to you. It’s gross. A facialist will squeeze them out, plus massage you and make you feel great. Ask Todd, he knows. Burke Williams is overpriced and they do not give you a thorough facial (they don’t squeeze enough, they are more pampering than getting the job done).  Ask some well groomed girls in your area where they go and make an appointment ASAP. Buy some moisturizer and eye cream; use them daily, you’re not getting any younger.

4. Hair: Start looking at men’s magazines. Get some ideas, then take them to your hairdresser and update your doo (that’s short for hairdo). Do not, no matter what, get highlights. Unless you are a REAL rock star who performs on stage to more than 1000 people and this is how you make your living, you may not have hair dye touch your head. If you are really starting to bald, shave it and tan your head.

5. Feet & hands: Feet can be gross. If a girl has never said you have pretty feet, then your feet need help.  Are your finger nails jagged from biting, dirty, cuticles (that’s the skin around your nail bed) dry and yucky? If you answer yes….Do your nails look nice and trim? And if you answer no……then for gosh sakes get a manicure! We are looking at your hands thinking, “Those things want to touch me?” Do not, I repeat, do not get clear nail polish on your hands or feet. You don’t have to go that far, just get them cleaned up and buffed.

Do these things and woman will notice. You will get positive attention from us girls, trust me.

Fashion tips coming up shortly.

Cheap vs. Expensive

I've always been a frugal shopper. It started way back in elementary school, my dad owned a women's clothing manufacturing business downtown and we would do the majority of my clothes shopping downtown. I was sample size, so we would get a lot of my clothes at the California mart. My dad would always coach me before we entered the showroom "remember, don't act like you like anything, just let me know what you like and I'll do the rest". My dad was a master haggler and I learned from him. Also this kind of shopping meant that you could not go with a specific need in mind, you just bought what was a good deal. One time I ended up with 10 sweaters, I didn't need 10, but the guy gave my dad a good deal for the bunch. Only shoes and underwear were bought at department stores. I learned how to look through piles of clothes for that one great deal. I didn't know what it was like to walk through a regular store where everything is laid out so nicely with mannequins showing you how to wear clothes.

Not until I was in high school did I start buying in regular stores, and the prices really shocked me. I was used to wholesale prices, and here were jeans for $80 and I knew I could get 4 pair for that price downtown!  Needless to say shopping at Marshalls, Ross, T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack is easy for me.

BUT I caution you, you must know what you are doing.

Having worked in Nordstrom for the past 5 months I have been exposed to some of the best clothing. I have tried on clothing which I normally would never try on because I couldn't afford it.  

There really is a big difference between cheap and expensive clothing.  Case in point - t-shirts: I used to shop at Target for t-shirts. I thought why pay more, it's just a t-shirt. Well after 2 washings the shirt fell apart and was so thin it looked see through. So now I buy all my t-shirts at J Crew. They are 2 x the price, but the quality is magnificent. 

Trendy: There are a lot of trendy looks out there right now = the peasant blouse for one. I had my eye on a Diane von Furstenburg blouse, it was over $300 and was a bright melon color, I wanted it so bad! I even saw it on Donna on 90210 (I am now recognizing designers clothing on tv- this is new). I did not have that kind of money to spend on one blouse and the color was so bright, I could only wear it a few times. So I went to Forever 21 with this exact blouse in mind. You can't go to these less expensive stores without a plan, you have to know what you are looking for. Well I found a similar replica and bought it. It looks fabulous and it cost $21.

Expensive: I was recently at the outlets in Cabazon. Here's another retail scam you have to look out for. Did you know that some of the clothes there are made ONLY for the outlets, which means they are made cheaper? Also, they advertise something that's on sale - but not really. Example: I was in the Michael Kors store, being we have MK at Nordstrom I know what's new, old and all the prices. They had trouser jeans advertised as being on sale from $119 now were $99. Well those exact jeans are on our sale rounders for $59 and I got an additional 40% off. So the outlet is not always the lowest price. However, I did go a visit Diane von Furstenburg, again because she's in our store, I knew what to look out for. I found the blouse I had been eyeing, but it was in a black & white pattern, much more subtle and could be worn on numerous occasions, plus it was $130. So I bought it, my first designer shirt.

I've just recently been going through my closet, cleaning out what does not fit or what I don't wear and I realize now that I can't afford to buy cheap anymore (something my Mom told me her Mom used to tell her) . Do you know how many shoes I am tossing? Mostly because I didn't want to spend the money on more expensive ones. Looking back, I wish I could trade in my 3 semi-cheap shoes for one good pair.  So from now on I will only buy cheap clothes if they are super trendy and I know I won't wear that look by next year. Everything else I will buy in quality not quantity.

Spring / Summer must haves

I posed the question "what should I blog about next" on facebook here's the responses I received:

"How women with 38DD's can find something to fit into... That shows some skin w/o looking so cheap!" "Or Women that owe sizes on their bra size, so they don't look like little boys!" "How about a few ideas of clothing or accessories that are "must have" for spring and will work to freshen up your current wardrobes staples?"

I will try to answer all three questions:

For the "Must Haves" I think tops & summer dresses are it. 

Tops = Fun, flirty, blousey tops in fun colors. No black. I couldn't find pictures of tops with jewelry, but a long gold or silver necklace with charms/tassels at the end look great (Forever 21 for $6). (Jewelry note: big necklace+small earrings OR Big hoop earrings+small necklace - for both, add a few bangle bracelets. )You can wear these tops with jeans and flats or dress it up with heels. Or go a little dressier and wear some hot black or if you dare white slacks and some heels and you're done! Also, bermuda shorts and heels or flats with these tops are CUTE! No big skirts - you will look too puffy.

Tip for tops & spending your money wisely: I've been at Nordstom now for 5 months. I've been exposed to designer clothing, trying it on, seeing it on stars in magazines and tv (which helps me get ideas of how to wear it).  So now, when I go to less expensive stores (Forever 21, H&M, etc) I know what I am looking for. Think about it, where do these cheap stores get their ideas?? But if you go to these stores and you don't know what you are looking for, you will come out looking cheap - we don't want that! Now, for staples (shoes, handbags, jeans, sweaters, slacks, suits and dressier items)  you must spend good money - or else it looks cheap and that's not the message you want to send out.

The other must have is a summer dress. I used to think I would look like I was wearing a schmatte (Yiddish for rag), but I was pleasantly surprised. If you don't like your arms, you can pair the dress with a cropped cardigan (old navy & H&M) make sure they only hit you under the "girls". Any longer and you'll look like a box. NOW if they are too long, have them hemmed. This look is not just for tall thin girls - believe me! Also, wear this dress with flats ONLY.

PS if you have giggle - jelly - IE, like most of us, your legs and butt are not rock hard - PAH-LEASE buy some spanx and wear them under ALL dresses and skirts. We don't want to see your butt eating your underwear.      These styles above for our girls with "big girls"

 

These styles above for our girls with "little girls"

Hope this helps !