Finding the Right Winter Coat

During these financial times, you probably want to buy yourself a winter coat you can wear daily and is somewhat classic. You don't need to forgoe embellishment completely though, just make sure it's subtly chic! You also want to make sure you purchase a coat that fits in with your personal style. If you only wear pastel babydoll dresses, you probably don't want a dark, military-inspired coat... though sometimes contrast like that can be fun!
It's also tres important to shop for a coat that flatters your shape! Those with an undefined waist (apple shaped) should aim for swing coats. These also look good on pear shaped women, especially if the swing coat has an empire waist. A belted waist also really help define your shape if you're on the curvy side. And don't be afraid of color, a bright coat always cheers me up on a cloudy day.
PS Will someone please buy me the Nanette Lepore coat?

Lust for Less: Five Fall Trends

Hmm, if you were going to go for five trends this fall I would go for a smart blazer, a fringe accessory, oxford booties, a leather jacket of motorcycle or bomber style and some bold lace. So I've found two of each, one affordable and one OMG what are you thinking that's my rent money, just for you!

Casual Friday

I have a pet peeve about people who dress way down on casual Fridays. Of course every office is different, if your company has a dog and people cook their lunch on a George Foreman at their desk maybe you can get away with flip flops. And people who work in fashion can get away with almost anything as long as it's designer! But for the average office, certain rules still apply such as no sweats, no torn jeans (no matter how in they are right now), no flip flops, no white athletic shoes (maybe that's just my rule), no bare shoulders, no offensive slogan tees. That doesn't mean you can't be more comfortable, but remember you still have to look professional! Here are three casual Friday outfits I've created for you:

Proper Shoe Fit

Proper Shoe Fit

Here are some tips for getting a proper shoe fit:
• The size of your feet changes as you grow older so always have your feet measured before buying shoes.
• The best time to measure your feet is at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
• Most of us have one foot that is larger than the other, so fit your shoe to your larger foot.
• Do not select shoes by the size marked inside the shoe but by how the shoe fits your foot.
• Select a shoe that is shaped like your foot.
• During the fitting process, make sure there is enough space (3/8" to 1/2") for your longest toe at the end of each shoe when you are standing up.
• Make sure the ball of your foot fits comfortably into the widest part of the shoe.
• Do not buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit.
• Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk.
• Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right. Then take them home and spend some time walking on carpet to make sure the fit is a good one.

My Ideal Gym Bag

1. I hate carrying gym bags by the handles, so I have a sling backpack by Adidas. I couldn't find it exactly, but these two are found at eBags.

2. There are now travel kits available with bottles you can fill with your favorite products, or you could go the lazy route and get a tiny gift set with everything you need! But don't forget extra deordorant too. And I prefer Pond's face toilettes over anything else I've tried, especially the exfoliating version!

3. I have a pair of Red Door Salon sandals for my shower shoes, but these St. Tropez flip flops are anti bacterial and anti fungal and have massaging action!

4. When I had short hair I never really thought post-gym styling, but if you're working out during a lunch break you definitely need a wide tooth comb for detangling. There are also mini hair dryers available, but I prefer a wet/dry straightening iron as a quick way to dry. Make sure it's wet/dry, no any old iron. A super absorbent hair towel helps too!

5. As for makeup, I usually have some powder, eyeliner and a curler in my bag, but at the bare minimum I recommend an eyelash curler.

My Ideal Traveling Outfit

Chances are you'll be taking a vacation this Summer! Whether flying, taking a train or having a road trip, it's actually quite easy to dress comfortable.
First, I highly recommend a pair of stretchy knit pants. I actually wear leggings, but if the thought appalls you, any knit pants will do. I find even my softest denim too rough for long periods of sitting and trying to sleep.
Second, a soft cotton tee. James Perse is great for this, but really any will do!
Third, a long sleeved cardigan. Airplanes and trains tend to be cool and do you really want a disgusting, mud brown velour blanket that's been washing maybe once?
Fourth, a scarf is key! It's perfect for using as a pillow, as well as covering your eyes at the same time, just in case your neighbor insists on leaving the window open.
Fifth, a pair of ballet flats. Easy to walk in and simple to slip off when you want to curl up, go through security. Better than flat sandals because they protect your feet better from a cold terminal, etc.
Sixth, a giant purse that's practically a second carry on. Because one just isn't enough ;) Make sure it has at least one outside pocket for your ticket and ID and passport to live in.
Seventh, minimal jewelry. Again, you want to minimize your time in security, so you don't want to wear a giant metal cuff or anything. Keep it simple and chic.
Finally, oversized sunglasses for that touch of glam!

Packing for Summer Vacation!

Hooray, it's officially Summer vacation season! I'm going to test out using Polyvore on my blog (and the start of an advice category!) and pack a virtual suitcase for all of you!

1. First and most important is the suitcase! The one show is only $99 at Target and comes in the shown silver as well as green, blue and pink.
   
2. I recommend bring at least two bathing suits, even if you're only going for a long weekend! This way you can fade tan lines from one suit to the other! I mean, you should be wearing sun screen!!! A bandeau suit is good for lounging in the sun and this pink one has sides that prevent muffin top that aren't as skimpy as side ties. It costs $170 at Net-A-Porter. The reversible halter is better for most active endeavors such as wind surfing and the like. Plus it's like two suits in one! It costs $194 at Couture Candy.
3. Don't forget a cover up too!
4. A sundress is key, which can take you from a stroll down the boardwalk to hitting the local club. This bright yellow one from Topshop is only about $71.
5. Shoes are usually the biggest space suckers in a suitcase. Whenever possible, I recommend wearing your largest shoes when traveling, and packing the smaller pairs up. So don some wedges in the car / plane / bus / train, like these silver ones that match almost anything. And they're only $104 at Nordstrom. As for your actual beach shoes, I actually recommend something with a decent sole so you can use them for tourist-y walking too. These Birkenstocks from eLuxury fit the bill perfectly!
6. Last year Juicy Couture came out with a beach bag that included a straw mat. Now Newport News has one for only $34! Though I admit, I do prefer a regular, absorbent beach towel, like this one from Old Navy.
7. Eek, we're running out of room in our suitcase, even if we do stuff some things in the beach bag separately! We should also bring a small purse, one that matches our nice shoes like this mini bag from from eBags, only $42!
   
8. You should also bring jeans (boot cut would be the most versatile) and either a pair of denim shorts or a denim skirt, depending on your plans. I usually prefer a skirt because it's easier to dress up in a pinch, like this dark mini from American Eagle.
9. As for jewelry, I love the idea of wearing jewelry on the beach, but it's not always the most practical. Plus, tan lines! I recommend wearing some studs in your ears and that's it.
   
10. Finally a few tops, including a long sleeved cardigan for brisk nights.
    

If you're run out of room, remember you can always use a hotel towel to lay out on! That should buy you at least four more pieces space-wise.
You can click on my image to get to Polyvore, which should how all the individual items clickable!