Just Blaze: The Blazer Steps Out Of The Boardroom

What's one of the hottest
coverings for Spring?

It's our usually buttoned up corporate companion, the blazer! And this Spring it's time to roll up the sleeves and get down to the real order of business-looking fabulous. The good news is, you may not have to buy a thing to sport this trend. It very well may be already hanging up in your closet (if not, there's some great options out there for you). Instead of pairing the blazer up with usual suspects (i.e. a matching pant or skirt), choose edgier pieces like a mini skirt or a ultra feminine floral dress. Avoid going preppy and mix it up with something unexpected like leather. All those in agreeance with this trend say "I" (in that case, meeting adjourned). Is the blazer a look you'll pull off?

left photo: Gywneth Paltrow in Valentino
right photo: Elie Tahari Spring '09








Herringbone Ecole Jacket $59.99, J Crew
A versatile option available in four other colors.















Hobson Blazer $65.36, Ben Sherman
Classic and cool.

You Better Work: Easy Stylish Options

We all have to work for a living if you enjoy sleeping in a warm bed and eating meals from time to time. But some of us have really conservative jobs that can really put a damper on a girl's style. Why settle for the old, boring predictable suit. Try wearing more dresses to work for a more feminine look that's done in a snap (just throw on and go). Banana Republic is my favorite spot for work options. They always have classic styles with a little twist and are priced pretty reasonable (and they're always having a sale). If you have to pay full price check back in two weeks for a price adjustment (forever the savvy shopper). Look how easy (and fun) dressing for work can be. If you can remember to set your alarm you'll be ready for that promotion in no time. Besides, how else can you get away with buying an entire work outfit for around $100-$150?

(above photo: Cotton Belted Shirt Dress $110, Banana Republic -Simple, easy and effortless!)

Cap Sleeve Knit Lady Dress $130, Banana Republic

Very ladylike but still professional in a soft feminine color.

BR Monogram Princess Sleeve Dress $149, Banana Republic

The black dress reads conservative but the princess sleeves add a little drama.

Floral Print Dress $150, Banana Republic

Everybody loves flowers. Tone this down for work by adding a cardigan with a belt.

Somebody Has To Wear The The Pants (and boy do we have a lot of options)

Pants were all over the runways for Spring. This masculine option is all about the ladies this time around. You have your choice from any material from cotton and linen, to baggy silk. With the most daring option being the harem pant. I don't know if everyone is going to be ready to dive into this blast from the past. Our most recent visit from the harem pant was the exaggerated pair that served as a staple in MC Hammer's closet (please Hammer don't hurt 'em). While I will say a no to Dolce & Gabbana's silk pants and jacket duo (a pajama themed travesty), I think I'll say yes to the modern harem pant. Who's it gonna hurt? I'll stay on the safe side and rely on stores like H&M and Forever 21 to support this trend. Look what I found at Forever 21 for $15.80 in a nice jersey material. For that price I can take the risk and give them a spin. Does anyone think I'm crazy?
(right photo: Jill Stuart Spring '09)


Black Harem Pant $15.80, Forever 21

You can always make your own pants inspired by MC Hammer's (didn't think so)

I Want That Bag (and the coat and I'll take the belt too)!

Ladies, ladies, ladies...If you want to feel shopping bliss close your eyes and imagine yourself surrounded by the most beautiful designer items and imagine them 30-50% off retail. Open your eyes. It's not a dream if you're in a high class consignment shop. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you can't underestimate the power of a good consignment shop. Today a friend of mine urged me to stop by I Want That Bag, an authentic bag resale shop on L.A.'s famous Robertson Blvd. It's filled with lightly used (and occasionally new) designer shoes & handbags. You can find any bag from Chanel, Chloe, to Louis Vuitton (there's tons of bags and hard to find luggage trunks) in this well edited shop. I tried on a hot pair of never worn Christian Dior heels dropped off by a famous (basket) ballers wife. If you are ever in the Los Angeles area do your designer bag research and make sure this shop is a must see. But before you leave make sure you scan the room for wallets and belts in the display case. They also have a small collection of clothing (a coat or a dress here or there). I can't believe I almost walked out the place without noticing this beautiful Dolce & Gabbana navy wool coat for $389 (retails for around $2500). F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S (this picture doesn't do this coat any justice)! Know of any hot spots in your hometown (spill the beans already)?

P.S. Doesn't my girl look glamorous in the photo above (the mink is for sale but hadn't been priced yet)?

LA SPECIAL: SOLUTIONS The Premier Denim Store

You know I love a great store and if they're having a great sale even better. Once again I'm minding my own business and bump into this store, Solutions . They have a vast selection of denim in their denim bar and are currently having a sale on variety of designer jeans like J Brand and Chip & Pepper for $100 a pop (if you know your designer jeans, you know this is $100 well spent). But don't be fooled by the name, Solutions solves your dilemma on where to find a cute dress (casual and club ready), tops and accessories too. And you won't be turned away by the prices. I found some hot options for around $75 (and all the dresses in the window are under $100). So if you need new jeans or even if you don't, stop by (or check them out online). I'm sure you'll find something to make you smile (or at least make your butt look good given it contains the right amount of spandex).

Solutions

The Premier Denim Store

4677 Hollywood Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90027

323-644-0021

Dolce and Gabbana's Silk Pantsuit Hot Off The Spring '09 Runway: HATED IT

Okay, hear me out on this one. I'm fashion's biggest fan but even I have my limits. This time I think Dolce & Gabbana have gone too far with this one. Usually they can do no wrong on the runway but this silk pantsuit trend is way too Hugh Hefner for me. I love pants, I love silk, and adore a hot suit but no one's going to get me to pay several thousand dollars for something that looks like I purchased it at Victoria's Secret and can wear to bed. I recently saw another designer do a similar look for Spring '09 in a pale pink (can't remember who-where's my memory when I need it). Did they all attend a sleepover together and come up with this idea? Anyway, just my thoughts. Oh look, I think this one comes with a robe. Do you think they've gone to far?

New Year, Cute New Website: 4raresisters.com

Happy New Year ladies! I'm excited for a fabulous 2009. And in keeping with all that fabulousness I have a fab new website for unique accessories. It's called R.A.R.E Clothing and Accessories and they sell beautiful scarfs and custom body jewelry (at really great prices too). Started by four sisters and what do you know, one of the sisters is an alum of my alma mater. When I met her I immediately noticed her scarf (super cute) and she told me her sister made it. All the while I'm thinking, "wow, she should sell those". Hey, they must have read my mind. Check out the goods for yourself and if you can't find anything (doubtful) just remember I have a birthday coming up. Let me know what you think.