WWLD: What Would Lincoln Do?

Happy President's Day (remember, that is why you have the day off )! I know last time Abraham Lincoln was wearing his famous top hat it didn't work out very well for him. But I've been thinking, hats really add a special touch. What else can elevate a simple white tank and jeans to the next level with such ease? It's easy to pull together a look by just adding a cute hat and hot shoes (I believe we have rock star status). But if Lincoln were here I have no doubt he would probably tell you "hats are cool, maybe you should get one too."

Wide Wale Corduroy Fedora $33.60, Lauren by Ralph Lauren. I think the Fedora is the modern version of the top hat (the top hat would never work with my hair). And look it has a feather (so Rat Pack, I bet Sammy Davis Jr. would be proud)!

Spillane Straw Fedora $28, Urban Outfitters. Where's my Cuban cigar?

Pinstriped Fedora $40, Grace Hats.
The brown stripes add a little twist. This would be great with slacks and stiletto pumps.

Brownhill Fedora $30, Puma. Sporty and ultra cool in White. Pair with an all Black ensemble.

P.S. I Love...

In honor of Valentine's Day what better time to talk about random things that make me all warm and fuzzy inside.

1. Puppies ( I did warn you by saying this was random didn't I?) Photo by Ann Gordon
   




2. Good food that's easy to make. Wow your sweetie with this meal from the Barefoot Contessa.
   




3. A relaxing massage. Why not book yourself an appointment? I love the bare bones approach to spas like The Massage Company; get a great massage and go home. They skip all the pomp and circumstance of the spa facilities and you pay about $40 bucks for the massage. Then go home and take a warm bath using a delectable scented oil like this one from Jo Malone (I think it can do double duty as a massage oil just in case you want treat someone special). Lime Basil & Mandarine Bath Oil $60
   
   
   




4. Movies for us girls. I must admit, I can't get enough of movies that involve a little romance, a lot of laughs (and an occasional tear) and are high on fashion (i.e. Sex & the City, The Devil Wears Prada-love them). Sex and the City's style chief, Patricia Field, is on board for the latest movie catering to fashionistas, Confessions of a Shopaholic, opening today.
   
   
   

Have a happy Valentine's Day cupcakes!

Michelle Obama Snags the VOGUE Cover

Look for the fabulous Mrs. O on the cover of Vogue's March issue. America can't get enough of the First Lady and why should the fashion world be any different? It's no secret that Michelle's loves fashion and does a great job putting a twist on classic style. But there's no need to pay Jason Wu to whip up a designer gown for you when you can rely on some of Michelle's more accessible favorites like J. Crew. You can conjure up the spirit of Michelle Obama in your own closet.





The Classic Sheath Dress: A staple in Michelle's wardrobe in a color that pops.
Super 120s Jayne Dress $180, J. Crew

The Sweater Set: A go to favorite for Michelle. She's not afraid to take off the conservative cardigan sweater to reveal her well toned arms.
Cashmere Jackie Cardigan $99.99 and Cashmere Shell $49.99, J. Crew

Bold Accessories: The First Lady knows to never underestimate the impact of a statement necklace or a great belt.

Pearl Cluster Necklace $125, J.Crew

Karma Necklace $100, J. Crew

Go Ahead, Get The Brazilian

...Shoe that is! Brazil is known for it's hot beaches and sexy barely there bikinis, but they also churn out some fabulous, high quality shoes. I think it's hard to find the balance of great (sexy, high heeled) shoes and comfort. But I do have a couple pairs of shoes that I absolutely love that have one thing in common, they were made in Brazil. Brazilian women practically live in heels (and thongs for that matter) and we can too (just the heels please). Who doesn't want to look the part of a sexy Brazilian bombshell all while being extremely comfortable? So don't forget to check the label for quality leather and craftsmanship, great style and comfort; sign me up Brazil. Who's coming with me?


right photo: Aaliyah Sandal $292, Pour La Victoire. These come in a variety of colors; but Electric Blue nubuck, heaven.



















Paige Motorcycle Sandal $292, Pour La Victoire. Black not bold enough for you, these come in green too.
















Fen Pump $316.90, L.A.M.B. These pumps are so versatile they can go with anything from pantsuits to mini dresses.

















Tamika Slingback $316.90, L.A.M.B















Greer Sandal $175, Corso Como














Pollyana Boot $202.98, Corso Como. Not exactly a sexy heel but a girl needs and cool boot too.












From my personal collection: past season Pour La Victoire sandals (left) and Corso Como booties (right). Both super comfortable and hot (I literally get stopped constantly on the street when I wear the Corso Como booties)!

Ladies Listen Up: He's Just Not That Into You!

He's Just Not That Into You, the catch phrase made famous by an episode on Sex and The City (my favorite series of all time) then turned into a bestselling book is now a movie, opening today! I actually got the book for a birthday gift four or five years ago (uh, thanks girl-I think). I was a little uncomfortable and borderline offended but, boy did I have a great time reading it. I'm actually looking forward to the movie (don't mess this up actors, director or script writer). The best part is, this is a perfect excuse for a girl's night out! Check out the movie's site to find out more and take some fun little quizzes (perfect opportunity to look busy at work). So get your girlfriends and go see it this weekend and let me know what you think. Worst case scenario: the movie's bad but you got your girls to have drinks with afterwards.

Here's the book. It's a good read although it's not rocket science. But, it will make you think and possibly examine what's going on in your relationships (sometimes the truth hurts-ouch).

It's Not Easy Being Green

Trying to be kind to the environment can be a challenge. But trying to be kind to the environment and being fashionable may seem impossible. But don't give up, there are some options for the eco-conscious available out there. But keep in mind being Green may not come cheap (that's why you buy on sale). I found a website, The Green Loop , that does a nice job editing women's and men's clothing and accessories without sacrificing style (no need to look like you should be barefoot and eating granola).

Tiered Kelleigh FLIP Dress $170, Lara Miller. Same dress, different style. Wear this dress a variety of ways: One day wear as a cowl neck and the next FLIP it to an off-the-shoulder dress (as you can see in the pic). You can help save the environment and local jobs. This 100% bamboo dress was made here in the USA (doesn't it feel great to be a good Samaritan?).

Allison Dress $121, Sublet. This dress has a hidden kangaroo pocket (whatever that is- I am a sucker for pockets though) and is made of organic cotton and bamboo.

Women's Slim Leg Jeans $74, Good Society. Cute skinny jeans in 100% organic cotton. The jeans have a low rise in the front but a higher rise in the back (organic jeans that save the environment and the person behind you from seeing your thong).

Does Green make a difference in your fashion choices?

A Toast To New York

I love New York! There are so many things to get into in NYC, but hands down my favorite is shopping. You can shop just about anywhere in New York (boutiques, at the train station, on the street) but so far my favorite place is Edge ny*NOHO. This store features over 60 independent designers in different booths (that operate like separate stores) under the same roof. Shop here for anything from unique clothing to accessories (jewelry, hats, bags). I discovered this place last year when two of my fab designer friends (Kimi Wear/Sistahs Of Harlem) shared a booth. I could spend hours going from booth to booth checking out all the up and coming designers (heaven). You will find that the designers may move in and out of these spaces but you won't find everyone on the street running around wearing what you just bought. Do you have any fave spots in NYC?

Edge ny*NOHO
65 Bleecker St (bet Broadway & LaFayette)
NY, NY 10012
212-358-0255 (call for hours)








Platinum Earrings $40, Kimi Wear (clothing Sistahs of Harlem NY)











Check out Kimi in action!