Ten Trends for Fall 2008 August 6, 2008
It seems that each season there are a gajillion new trends. For fall 2008 I’ve chosen ten of the ones that I like best, so start stocking up! (And remember that although I love them, these are just examples of the trend I’m recommending.)
- The ‘Statement’ necklace; store your dainty chains for another season.
- Chunky knits. Even though I’m in SoCal, I’m usually able to eek out a few days in January for these.
- Tall, flat boots. Motorcycle boots are also hot, so I’ve chosen a style that combines the looks.
- Oversized bags - STILL. I happen to love big bags since I can throw all the kid’s stuff in with mine.
- Stilettos! The higher the better and combined with a platform, they’re a sexy replacement for your summer wedges.
- Plaid. I’m not really a huge fan but hey - all things in moderation.
- Lace and it’s EVERYWHERE; dresses, pants, shoes, bags, tights…lace accessories are an easy and inexpensive way to update your look.
- Bow tie blouses, but choose carefully - you want to avoid looking like a librarian.
- Full, calf length skirts can be cozy and chic with some bold tights, not to mention the perfect venue for your new boots!
- Camel, black and berry tones (Especially berry at night - go for bright!)
(Clockwise form top; Chloe ‘Poppy’ Necklace, Burberry ‘Eura’ Metallic Cardigan, Miu Miu Buckle Biker Boots, Bottega Veneta Full Pleated Skirt, Chloe ‘Pearl’ Leather Shoulder Bag, YSL Tribute T-Strap Sandals, Graeme Black Wool Flannel Dress, Temperly London Crochet Detail Blouse) All items are available at net-a-porter.com except sandals which you can find at barneys.com.
Top 10 Signs That You’re Working The ‘Mom’ Look June 26, 2008
-Your jeans almost touch your boobs, and they aren’t the trendy high-waisted ones
-Your ‘dress shoes’ are Merrell Mary Janes
-A friend tucks in your t-shirt tag that reads ‘Talbots’
-You have an elastic waistband on anything besides your underwear
-Someone compliments your Cloisonne ‘Cookie Monster’ earrings
-Your swimsuit looks like a gown
-Your handbag is the gratis, eco-friendly, reusable one from Target
-You just can’t get enough of the ‘Appleseed’s’ catalog
-When shopping, you’re thrilled upon finding items labeled ‘Wrinkle Resistant’
-You purchase mayonnaise, motor oil and clothing under the same roof
Things In My Closet That I’ll Wear Forever June 3, 2008
I was doing a bit of spring (summer) cleaning, or at least trying to. I needed to get rid of a few things - okay, a lot of things. As I was digging through my closet, I took note of the items that I’ve worn for years, and hope to continue wearing as long as they’ll hold up. Here’s a mini inventory of some of the things that I love…
- The bezel set, diamond solitaire necklace that I had made out of my mother’s engagement ring from my father.
- A cream and tomato, color blocked linen Anne Klein dress that my mother wore in the 70’s. (It has seen me through countless showers and daytime weddings)
- A pair of vintage, black satin “Shoebiz for Henri Bendel” platform heels, with big red satin rosebuds on them.
- My grandmother’s gold charm bracelet that is PACKED with charms, marking many of the important events in her life; several are engraved with notes and dates from my grandfather.
- A silver leather, Valentino trench coat that I bought 20 years ago at C-Mart in Baltimore. Originally around two thousand dollars, I paid three hundred.
- A classic pair of diamond stud earrings.
- My beloved black, orange, and pink wide-brimmed Pucci sun hat. (Similar to the one pictured)
- A pair of Anne Klein Couture, black, peep toe sling backs. I got them for twenty bucks at a sample sale because one is a 7 and one is a 7.5 - I can wear either.
- A vintage Gucci interlocking G bag that I dug up at a thrift store for thirty-five bucks.
- Last but not least, a black chiffon, Alberta Ferretti trapeze dress that I’ve worn (as have several of my friends) to many of the weddings that were too dressy for the linen Anne Klein.
Weigh In: The Top Ten ‘Must Have’ items in any fashionable Mom’s closet May 4, 2008
This is my list of the no fail items that I think every woman should have in her closet. Since you might have some different things on your list, I’d love for you to weigh in. Let us know what your ‘Must Haves’ are! Looking forward to hearing from you…LASM
1. A flattering and timeless ‘Little Black Dress’ A lifesaver for those last minute dressy events.
2. A good pair of jeans. By good, I mean ones that fit well and can be worn to dinner or pre-school pick up.
3. A pair of black pants. Never underestimate the black pants. They’ll flatter you on a sexy date night as well as the times when you feel too fat too put anything on.
4. A nude colored bra and thong (and by ‘nude’ I mean the color of YOUR skin) These are invaluable pieces - the basis of looking good AFTER you’re dressed.
5. One versatile, good quality bag. Something of an investment, but a smart one. Get one that’s neutral and will work for day OR night. A classic style that isn’t going to be ‘over’ by next season (or the one after that…)
6. A great pair of black heels. Whether they’re pumps or strappy, they should work with your little black dress, jeans and black pants.
7. SPANX! Whatever your problem area may be, there is a SPANX style to fix it. Nothing makes an outfit look better and you’ll instantly feel five pounds thinner.
8. One great coat. I like a trench, but ideally as long as it’s year round, a neutral color, and can be worn with both dressy and casual outfits, you’re good to go.
9. Diamond or CZ studs. Timeless and pretty, they go with most anything from jeans to ball gowns.
10. A suit. An all-purpose closet staple, a suit that fits well will work in numerous situations. Wear it to the office or team it up w/ a sexy cami and heels for a night on the town.
LASM’s Top Ten Fashion “Do’s” May 1, 2008
I think that Julie Christie is perfection in every sense of the word. She’s one of my all time favorite, timeless, style icons. She inspires me. Here is a list of fashion ‘do’s that won’t turn you into Julie Christie, but you just might find them inspiring. LASM
1. Leave the kids at home when you go shopping. Taking your time and being able to focus, allows you to avoid buying random things in a rushed manner.
2. Try things on. Even though you think you know your ‘number,’ no two pieces of clothing are cut exactly alike.
3. Build on your existing wardrobe. Take a mental inventory of what’s in your closet and add to it, instead of having to buy an entire outfit every time.
4. Know what looks good on your body. If you have 38 double D’s? You do not look good in that tube top.
5. Dress appropriately for your age. I cannot stress the importance of this ENOUGH. If you’re pushing 40, you shouldn’t have ‘Juicy’ written across your ass.
6. Invest in one, good, versatile handbag. Even if you carry it every day, it’s better than having 25 cheap ones.
7. Wear things that are comfortable. A big part of looking good is feeling confident.
8. Have things tailored. The difference a good fit makes is exponential.
9. Buy a few trendy pieces each season. Accessories are a good bet since they aren’t a huge investment and can be added to what you already have.
10. Know what your best assets are and play them up!
LASM’s Top Ten Fashion “Don’ts” April 29, 2008
There are fashion mishaps too numerous to count, so I’ve just chosen the worst transgressions to share with you. Let’s hope you aren’t guilty of any of these - if so? We’ll fix it! Until then wear your SPANX…LASM
1. NEVER, under any circumstances, wear stockings with open-toed shoes.
2. Don’t wear ‘big girl’ undies with pants.
3. If there is anything in your wardrobe with a Disney character on it - throw it out.
4. Workout clothes are for working out. Period.
5. Unless you’re hiking, backpacks are for carrying books to school.
6. Leave the fleece at Old Navy.
7. If you think you’re overweight, don’t wear baggy clothes - they make you appear heavier.
8. If you think you’re overweight, don’t wear skintight clothes - they make you look like a sausage.
9. If trends don’t look good on you, don’t wear them just because they are trendy.
10. Don’t buy the number you think you should be - buy the size that fits you.
