Fashion Find - the Blue leather jacket

Those who know me know I have a closet full of blue.  Born and raised as a Kentucky Wildcat, I am always searching for anything blue; blue shoes, blue pants, blue blazers...you get the point.  This summer I fell in love with this blue leather jacket by Michael Kors:

At an over $500 price tag, I couldn't pull the trigger, but my hunt for the blue leather jacket was on!  I ended up with these:

Jackie from JackieZ helped me with this Lovers and Friends All Day Moto Jacket in Navy Vegan Leather ($227 at http://www.loversandfriends.us/shop/holiday-2013/all-day-moto-jacket-in-navy-vegan-leather/).  She was gracious enough to answer my 100 questions, took tons of pics to send me and mailed it to me overnight.  Not to mention, Jackie gave me a better deal than the $227; check out her website http://www.jackiezstyle.com/ and her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JackieZStyleCo.  A cool thing about this jacket, the sleeves are removable so the shell can be worn as a vest.

Some of my bestest friends surprised me with this Cobalt Quilted Zipper Leather Jacket from Bebe (on sale for $199.99 at http://www.bebe.com/Clothing/Jackets-Coats/Jackets/Quilted-Zipper-Leather-Jacket/pc/636/c/227/sc/230/56439.pro).  This 100% leather jacket is soft, stylish and bright; exactly what I wanted.

In the end, I'm still lusting over the MK jacket, but with the help of my friends, ended up with these fashion finds!

xoxo

Fashion Quickie - go nude.

The nude shoe; a must have for every woman.

1.  A nude shoe will elongate your legs. For someone who stands at 5'3" on a good day, this is a way to add the illusion of a longer leg.
2.  Nude shoes go with EVERYTHING!!  That sparkle dress, check. Jeans and a white tee, check. A pencil skirt and blazer for work, yep, that too.  That bright dress that you just can't find the right shoe to match; go nude.
3.  You can go nude for every season.
4.  Because Anna Wintour does; do you really need another reason?  In fact, Wintour has worn nude shoes almost everywhere since 1994 when Manolo Blahnik made-to-measure the perfect pointy toe sling back.

If you are considering a shoe splurge, I recommend starting with a nude pump. In my experience, you'll wear it more than black and it has a classy, sophisticated way to complete every outfit. My go-to is the Christian Louboutin 100mm nude Simple Pump ($625 at http://www.barneys.com/Christian-Louboutin-Simple-Pump/159016433,default,pd.html).  The heel is low enough to to be work appropriate but high enough for night.

If you like the Louboutin's but not the price, try the more budget friendly MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Ionna' pump ($129.95 at http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-ionna-pump/3294223?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=60153599&fashionColor=Nude&resultback=967&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_3_B).

Go nude with a wedge, Jimmy Choo 'Prova' Cork Slingback wedge sandal ($425 at http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/jimmy-choo-prova-cork-slingback-wedge-sandal/3584139?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=NUDE&resultback=3504&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_10_C).  

Simple sandal like this BCBGeneration 'Dulce' sandal ($88.95 at http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/bcbgeneration-dulce-sandal/3577342?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=WARM+SAND&resultback=0&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-2_2_C).  

Finally, try this flat by Joie Positano ($145 at http://www.zappos.com/joie-positano-natural-natural).

Enjoy and go nude!!

Xoxo

Take me to Beirut

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE high fashion, runway and couture.  I can pick out a Lebanese designer from a mile away.  Their creations are delicate, well-made and simply stunning.  Here are my top 3 Lebanese designers:

Elie Saab:  Saab's main workshop is in Lebanon with additional workshops in Milan and Paris.  Saab is known for dressing celebrities and royalty.  Saab uses delicate fabrics, detailed embroidery, crystals and silk threads.  His gowns are fluid, light and airy.  

Zuhair Murad: Murad currently has 2 boutiques: one in Beirut and a second in Paris.  He has dressed many celebrities including: Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, among others.  His style is haute couture and aesthetically gorgeous.  

Ziad Nakad:  Nakad is known for his love for details.  Every dress sparkles and fits a woman's body flawlessly.  Nakad mixes feminine silhouettes with edgy colors and delicate details.  Each creation is brought to life by Nakad's passion and unique design.

xoxo

Fashion Find…let a Personal Shopper do the leg work

Everyone needs a personal shopper.  Yes, everyone.  I'm not necessarily talking about the official, professional, personal shopper offered by many high end department stores.  My best experience with a "personal shopper" is someone who is not even a personal shopper at all.  Rather someone I randomly meet in the store, and our styles click immediately and he/she understands, and most importantly respects, my price points (for instance, I will not hesitate to drop a lot of money on some Louboutins, but rarely will you see me spend $100 for a shirt).

Finding the perfect personal shopper is difficult!  You want someone who knows the merchandise but is not pushy.  Someone who remembers what you have purchased in the past so you can build upon pieces and not simply recreate new outfits every, single, time.  And someone who is interested in you and your lifestyle but can push you out of your comfort zone a little.  The best shopper is someone who is not just trying to get the one-time commission on the $1200 Moncler jacket that just isn't you; but someone who realizes a commission off today's $59 skirt is just the beginning of a long relationship.

Once you find that perfect shopper, get ready to enjoy some benefits.  Here are some examples of the service and benefits I have received:

1. You know those designer sales that happen once in a blue moon?  My shopper will pull aside items he knows I will like the exact moment the sale starts; before everything is picked over.  He'll send me photos of the items and if I'm interested, he will hold them for me.
2. I can send in photos of clothing I like, and along with giving his opinion, he will tell me if it's located in-store and if not, he overnights it to me without charge.
3. Those shoes you're dying to have, like now, a good shopper will tell you to hold off until next week when they'll be 40% off.  A great shopper will hold them for you.
4. Find a personal shopper for makeup.  The amount of samples you will accumulate will help you to determine what really works for your skin.  Or give you just enough La Mer eye cream to hold you over until that next pay check.

I have "shoppers" in many stores and various departments within the same store.  For instance, at Nordstrom, I have someone in shoes, someone in clothing and someone in makeup.  Each have helped me build a style I love and even pushed my comfort level.  As a result, I have some great pieces, often at great deals, in my closet.  Here are some of my favorite personal shopper finds:

Saint Laurent "Tribute" T Strap Sandal in rose gold metallic ($875 old; find similar here http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/saint-laurent-tribute-t-strap-sandal/3404267?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Tan&resultback=230&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_1_D).  At first glace I wanted to barf.  So. Not. My. Style.  My shopper insisted I try them on.  OMG heaven.  They not only look amazing and make my legs look a mile long, they are some of the most comfortable shoes I own.

I feel absolutely in LOVE with an Alice + Olivia blush blazer, but not with it's $598 price tag.  But my shopper kept an eye out for blush blazers and we found this nearly identical Three Pocket Blazer by Trouvé and at a "must" friendlier price ($98 at http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/trouve-three-pocket-blazer/3655096?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=461&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_A).

He keeps me ahead of the curve by introducing me to up-and-coming designers.  Knowing my obsession with Louboutin, Valentino and Jimmy Choo, my shopper introduced me to the "next big thing" in shoes, Pedro Garcia.  Pedro Garcia, Clary charcoal castoro sandal ($480 old; find similar here http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/pedro-garcia-clary-sandal-item-10313360.aspx).

So next time you're at your favorite store, be it The Limited, Nordstrom, Henri Bendels, Top Shop or wherever you may shop, make friends with one of the sales people.  The benefits are worth it!

xoxo

What's your go-to outfit?

I often find myself shopping for the perfect outfit to merely run errands.  It's an art really, to look comfortable yet stylish on the streets of Chicago.

This was today's pick for running errands with a friend:

BCBG Asten Beaded Sweatshirt (on sale $95.04 from $198 at http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/bcbgmaxazria-sweatshirt-asten-beaded?ID=861782&CategoryID=2911#fn=spp%3D3%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D%26spc%3D255%26kws%3Dbcbg).  I love how it has detail and sparkle, but is still soft, comfortable and wearable.

I paired with my favorite Alice + Olivia waxed 5-pocket jeans ($220 at http://www.aliceandolivia.com/waxed-5pkt-skinny-jean.html).  I love the dark wash and they truly have a nice stretch.  Alice + Oliva's website often has great sales, often better than what I've found in department stores.

To finish the look and keep with the metallic theme, I went for my old faithful Tory Burch Reva flats ($225 at department stores and at http://www.toryburch.com).

What's your go-to outfit?

Fashion Quickie

Who doesn't love a statement ring like this Henri Bendel Noir Blue Cocktail ring (old).

Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE blue.  I adore the way the Noir Blue Cocktail ring pops and is an instant conversation starter.

If you like this, check out these other Statement Rings from Henri Bendel:

LovetTatum Stalactice Ring ($598 at http://www.henribendel.com/LoveTatum-Stalactice-Ring/267314,default,pd.html?dwvar_267314_color=1310&start=29&cgid=shop_rings_statment).

Bond St. Crystal Coil Ring ($118 at http://www.henribendel.com/BOND-ST.-CRYSTAL-COIL-RING/259113,default,pd.html?dwvar_259113_color=2537&start=20&cgid=shop_rings_statment).

The Waldorf Cluster Ring (which has red gems on the other side that cannot be seen here) ($148 at http://www.henribendel.com/The-Waldorf-Cluster-Ring/262065,default,pd.html?dwvar_262065_color=2534&start=15&cgid=shop_rings_statment).

Bendels often has promotions, Happy Hour deals, and jewelry specials for up to 40% off.

Enjoy!

xoxo

What are you wearing for NYE?

I love NYE fashion because:

1. There is no such thing as too much sparkle;

2. That sweetheart jumpsuit you've been wanting to try, anything goes;

3. Sky-high platforms; and

4. Blinged out accessories.

My NYE fashion muse is J.Lo. circa the 2013 Grammy Awards.  Major Fashion Lust!

Naturally, J.Lo. is flawless in her Emilio Pucci mirrored dress and Christian Louboutin Very Mix spiked pee-toe platforms, but for those of us who don't have a multi-million dollar budget, have no fear…I've created a budget-friendly alternative.

Tony Bowls offers amazing cocktail attire.  I went with this sleeveless version courtesy of Tracy Johnson at Ann Maree's boutique in Benton, Kentucky.  Tracy was great, sending me various pictures from in-store and shipping to Chicago.  Follow Ann Maree's here: https://www.facebook.com/annmareesbentonky.

I'm not going to lie, I contemplated splurging on the Christian Louboutin Very Mix spiked peep-toe platforms.  Lucky for my wallet, they are no longer available.  Instead, I decided to break my ankle in these from Steve Madden ($99.98 at http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=102318&np=163_382).  I got an additional 25% in store at Steve Madden.  The light hits them gorgeously and their sparkle is amazing.  They reflect silver in person and what looks gold in this photo is more a nude background for the sparkles.  I practice walking in them daily.

To mimic J.Lo.'s dangle earrings, I chose Henri Bendel's Bond St. Crystal Fringe earrings ($138.00 at http://www.henribendel.com/BOND-ST.-CRYSTAL-FRINGE-EARRINGS/262159,default,pd.html?dwvar_262159_color=2534&start=6&cgid=shop_jewelry_earrings).  I also got an additional 30% for a "Happy Hour" special.

To top off the look, I wanted a sparkle clutch that wouldn't break the bank.  I found this steal at The Limited during a 50% promotion ($22.47 with promotion at http://www.thelimited.com/product/glamorous-shine-clutch/1379045.html?ppid=c20&start=20&dwvar_1379045_colorCode=127&cgid=handbags-purses).  This clutch has similar rhinestones as the Steve Madden platforms and they compliment each other nicely.

Now to hit the gym and work on getting those J.Lo. legs!!  I'll post pics of the final look from NYE.

Enjoy!

xoxo