Is September the New January?

Everyone knows that New Year’s resolutions don’t work, right?  But still, every year right after January 1^st there is a ton of social pressure to better ourselves.  TV commercials are a barrage of women's weight watching clubs and sales on gym memberships and home storage systems, etc. etc…  But who is really motivated to change their life after the gluttony of the Holidaze?  And - It’s 70 degrees in LA every day but if you live on the east coast, January is so damn cold that all I want to do is drink red wine and hibernate. 

I love New York in Fall. How about you?

I just took a break for most of August (which is what most civilized people do in the rest of the world but that’s another story…) and now, 2 days after Labor Day, I am implementing a new social media strategy, organizing a new mailing list, reading a mind blowing business coaching book (blogpost to come on that!) and scheduling new clients through November.

Fall is just a much better time to change our lives.  There is something to school starting in the fall and we should all revert back to our childhoods and revise, renew and recreate in September instead of January.  The way I see it, we have 3 solid months before life gets usurped by the holidays, family obligations and a really good excuse to eat, drink and be irresponsible.  So I for one am using the time productively, which includes consulting as many clients as I can. 

Fall organizing is the new Spring cleaning....

What do you think?  Are you in?  If yes, awesome.  Please share this post and let’s start a productivity revolution. 

And - call me for a FREE 10 minute Skype session and let’s talk about transforming your image this fall.

  

Summer Sale Shopping Tips

As the great Billy Joel once said, “This is the time to remember – but it will not last forever…”

You may have noticed in June that many stores were announcing new summer merchandise, but everything was full price.  Now that July 4^th has officially come & gone, it’s a very different story.  July is THE best time of the year to shop clothing sales.  This month is especially great if your wardrobe needs a major overhaul.  You can get a lot of clothing at a great price. However, beware the pitfalls of sale shopping. 

5 rules for shopping sales:

• Go as early as possible for the best selection - both in the day and in the season.
• Don’t get sucked into the sale vortex.  There is a lot of merchandise and it can be overwhelming.  The sales are so good that it’s easy to buy a bunch of stuff just because it’s cheap.
• It’s best to have a clear objective of what you are shopping for before you go into a store.  You can pre-shop online to find some shopping goals.
• A bargain is only a bargain if the item is right for you – in terms of style, fit, color and price.
• If you are not entirely certain about a purchase, ask about the store’s return policy.  Most stores offer a full refund within 2 weeks with a receipt.  So – you can take it home and think about it.

Also - have fun!  It's summer, which is full of color and prints and...

If this is all sounds like your worst nightmare, it’s a great time to hire a personal shopper.  Give me a call. 

Hollywood Glamour - by Kate Hudson

There are always hits & misses on every red carpet but at this year's Golden Globes, Kate Hudson got it SO right that I don't feel the need to display anyone else.  

This form-fitted Atelier Versace gown in white is sexy and elegant, the jeweled detail on the sides adds sparkle and a bit of edge and her pulled back sleek hair with small Forevermark diamond earrings is clean & classic.  The entire look is a perfect modern take on old Hollywood glamour.  Oh - and she pulled off the plunging neckline because her breasts are on the small side.  

(Take notes JLo!) 

I don't know if anyone should ever bother to wear a gown to an awards show again. 

 It has now been DONE to perfection!

Bonobos Fall Menswear Challenge

A great menswear line called Bonobos reached out to me with a challenge to submit some looks to compliment their new Fall line of suiting.  I love dressing men and can dress them up or down, but my all time favorite thing is a man in a great fitting suit.  Or, even better - a tuxedo.  Below is the Bonobos look I chose.  I love the textured patterned fabric and the smooth, dark shawl lapel of the jacket paired with a narrow satin tie.  The flap pockets on the jacket also give the look more texture and versatility.  It's a modern take on a classic tux - urban chic with a nod to a bygone era.

   

Often my work is not about putting together a style piece by piece but simply finding it and defining it for my clients.  I was inspired by the ensembles below while pre-shopping for a new client. 

There is a lot of dapper, British inspired suiting being shown and worn right now - and I for one approve wholeheartedly.  I love this ensemble by Ted Baker because it is contemporary and also quintessentially English.  The grey tweed is very traditional but the bright blue and green in the tie and lapel pin give it a playful vibrancy and the tiny dots in the striped shirt make it not so corporate.    

 

This next look from Black Brown 1826 at Lord & Taylor is studious but still stylish and the maroon in the tie brings a richness to the baby blue patterned shirt.  And in 2014 - the choice to wear a bowtie versus a long tie is a major statement.

This look below could be in the same guy's closet as the Bonobos tuxedo - just for slightly less dressy occasions.  I love the two tone and piping on the jacket, which is obviously inspired by a private school uniform.  And again - the bright colors in the tie perk up the black & grey and the pattern on the shirt brings more fun to the whole look.  The only thing I don't love is the button on the jacket, but that is very easy to alter. 

 

I apologize for this not so great photo of these super great pants.  I love this bold plaid pattern from Ted Baker (and believe me, they look so much better at the store)!  One of the reasons I flipped for these is that they are unique statement piece that can be dressed up - with a crisp white shirt and a black tuxedo jacket, or dressed down - with a dark turtleneck.  And plaid is always slightly preppy, so they still have that classic element. 
 

Thank you again Bonobos for inviting me to take your Style Challenge!  I am very excited about dressing my clients this season and will see you at one of your Guideshops soon...  Happy Fall everyone!

Fash-Inspiration Friday!

Summer has finally arrived and my new friend Miguel, maitre d' at Cafe du Soleil on the Upper West Side, shows his effortless comfortable look.  Great service with easy style.