winter wonderland

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you should hibernate or make an excuse to wear baggy sweats everywhere. Take this time to wear fantastic clothes. There are many options to feel like cozy and sexy at the same time!

1. Sweater dress with suede boots
2.Skinny jeans with tall leather boots
3.Leggings with all sorts of dresses and boots depending on the occasion.

HOLIDAY PARTY DRESS CODE

It's finally the time of year when there are tons of parties. Get excited about adding a little dazzle to the night and wear that dress you've been waiting to take out of the closet. With some creativity and different accessories you can make your favorite dress the perfect outfit for all the holiday parties. Remember to dress appropriately according to the occasion. I thought I would share some tips so you don't have to break the bank.

1. Find your LBD (little black dress). This dress is the foundation of all of your outfits and can be changed around so that it will be the look of the night.

2. Figure out what type of atmosphere the party is going to be and whom you will be with. You don't want to be wearing anything too flashy when you are mingling with your co-workers but you also don't want to look like you are at a funeral when you're out with the girls.

3.Go in your closet, or of course if you are okay with treating yourself to a nice holiday gift...head to the store. Pull out a belt with sequins, sexy booties,below the knee boots, big dangling earrings, and bangle bracelets.

4.For an office party you will want to tone it down a little, but still have some fun, because this is finally a time when you see your co-workers outside of the office. Now that you are all set with your LBD, add your below the knee boots as long as they do not look like hooker boots. Nice suede ones, if you have them, are a good choice and the heel shouldn't be too tall. Put on those dangling earrings and bracelets, if you want, and you are good to go.

5.For going out on the town, have some more fun. Wear the LBD and you can add some sparkle. Sexy stilettos or booties would go great. This is where it is perfect to add your sequined belt, which you should wear below the bust, to create an empire waist of sparkle. Put on the dangling earrings and definitely wear some bangle bracelets. After that you are all set for the night.

Iris Apfel

If there is one to be learned from Iris Apfel, it's to be free! She is known for her larger-than-life style. The Peabody Essex Museum is holding an exhibit showing off Iris' Park Avenue closets. Her style is inspiring, crazy, unique, and iconic.

Even though some of the looks may look a little silly on most people, and break a few "rules" in the fashion world, that is why they are great. Her attitude and ideas really send a message of "do what makes you happy" and be creative. She loved to layer and layer...and layer jewelry even if it covered her entire body. Normally I would say, if you are someone who loves to wear jewelry, you should stop at the door before you leave the house and take off a piece of jewelry no matter what, but Iris Apfel makes it work.

The exhibit includs maniquins wearing her wonderful winter jackets, dresses, hats, pants, everything that you would love to wear if you were a regular in Aspen. Her clothing collection is enriched by her experience with fabric design as an interior designer.

This is definitely an exhibit to see and will hopefully spark your fashion creativity.

Rock the Runway II

Last night I got to enjoy seeing the the best model rocking it on the runway. The fashion show was put on by Reggie Productions at the Hyatt in Boston for the benefit of the American Cancer Society's Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Clothing was provided by Betsy Johnson, Lit Boutique, Cameo Couture, Isabel Originals, Lily & Migs.

I attended the show with no expectation regarding the fashion, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was very excited to see Amber show off her secret life as a model and her outfits were great. The adjectives that would fully explain the night would be sparkly, tight, black, and mini. The outfits I liked the most included a long sleeve v-neck mini dress that was pearl white with silver sequins, a dark gray mini sweater dress, a high-waisted ruffled black skirt with a purple tucked in blouse, and a long black high-collared jacket.

This fashion show was a very good example of how to take different pieces and combine them in many different ways to make beautiful outfits. Since a lot of the styles were a little over the top and sometimes crossing into the inappropriate level, it was important not to just disregard them but to be able to visualize how individual pieces could be used differently. While you shouldn't wear mini shorts with a low cut shirt, the mini shorts would look cute with a blouse shirt or jacket. Some of the mini dresses that don't actually reach an appropriate level over your knees would look very cute with leggings and booties.

The trends highlighted in this fashion show were sequined dresses, high collared coats, high-waisted skirts, and mini sweater dresses.

SPARKLE

It's almost holiday time and fall fashion is kicking in. The new big thing, whether inspired by Michael Jackson or people ready to shine, are sequins. Usually the best way to shine is with a little touch of color or glitz, but this fall, dresses are full of sequins. Shining silver sequined skirts are the way to go. Don't be afraid to get the attention you deserve when going out for drinks with friends or getting your dance on. Find these different pieces at any store whether it's neiman marcus, H & M, or local boutiques. Don't try to dress down the sequined look or it will look like a confused look. This is the type of look that you go all out with and have fun. The things that you still need to be aware of are fit and color. Keep in mind of your body type and figure out what works best for you.

leggings solve the problem

Do you have that special dress you love to wear in the warm weather and now you think you can't wear it? Don't worry because if you just wear the right stockings or leggings with it go for it! It's a great way to wear many things you thought you couldn't wear in the cold weather. You can even wear those cute booties you thought wouldn't be warm enough to wear.

Be careful with too many patterns. It's great to add some style with your leggings as long as your dress doesn't have too much pattern.

Must-haves for Fall

While some may be upset that it is getting colder, the fall brings a whole new excitement about fashion. When you first think about what to buy or what you are going to wear, remember to focus on a few essentials that should be in your closet.

-classic trench coat (can be worn in any weather or occasion)
-suede boot (perfect with most outfits like skirts, dresses, and even over skinny jeans. If it has at least a little heel it can be worn in any occasion).
-fitted jacket that can be worn with any outfit. (Fitted also means that it should fit to your particular body shape.)
-leather hand bag
-sheath dress (can be worn to work and out on the town)
-Splurge on a nice pair of jeans that are perfect for your body
-pear shape: wide-leg, or flared jeans
-apple shape: bootcut, or flared jeans
-hourglass shape: wide-leg or flared jeans
-rectangular shape: straight-legged jeans