Free tote from Neiman Marcus Spring Trend Event

Last night I attended Neiman Marcus’ Spring Trend Event in Palo Alto.  When you checked in you were given a free tote and instructions for a scavenger hunt throughout the store of their top spring trends. I think this was a great way to introduce the customers to spring. They had models in the trends and signage highlighting each one such as bold prints, pinks, the “new neutral” yellow, silver shoes and the clutch. After you completing the scavenger hunt you could  put your name in for a drawing for a $250 Neiman gift card. While searching you were treated to an appetizer (only one kind in either vegetarian form or with ham), a cookie treat and water or lemonade. Although the nibbles and drinks were limited compared to previous event, I thought it was a well conceived event.

Overall I was pleased to see lots of color for spring in the store and a couple of low wedges in the shoe department from Jimmy Choo. The sales staff seemed genuinely interested in my opinion of the trends and if I would wear them. Yes, I will be wearing some of them, and I can help you wear them as well. Please see my list of services at www.ilkastyle.com

Find Delisch jewelry at www.delisch.com.

.FashionArt Santa Cruz 2011

My new olive green wide brim fedora!

Also, to avoid “hat hair” flip your hair to the opposite side of your normal part. When indoors remove your hat and flip hair back. This should protect you against any flattening.

From the Christie's Catalogue for the sale of Elizabeth Taylor's Estate

Here’s a nice follow up to my entry about Elizabeth Taylor. Back in October my Mother and her girlfriend flew to LA ( we live in Northern California) to see the preview of Taylor’s jewels for the Christie’s sale. I was wishing I could go! My Mom worried about what she would wear, especially the jewelry. She ended up wearing her triple strand of pearls with the diamond clasp, matching earrings and a silver Max Mara jacket. One could not possibly attend the preview wearing costume jewels!

Luckily, my Mom did bring me back a catalogue. One of my favorite pieces is not one of the famous ones but something with some history. It is a necklace made of ivory turn of the century theatre tickets collect by Edith Head, the leading Hollywood costume designer. Ms.Head left it to Elizabeth in her will. Edith Head was the precursor to the fashion stylists of today. I think this is one of the coolest pieces!

Are you spending precious minutes each morning wondering what to wear?

If the answer is yes then let me offer you a few solutions.   Whether you are just starting to transition from college to the work force or you are already employed, building a wardrobe that works for you can be difficult.

Your closet should offer solutions that make it easier for you to get dressed in the mornings.
To develop the wardrobe you need start by focusing on a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is …….

Start With a Fitted Jacket

The jacket should hit you at your hip bone with clean simple lines. Go with a fabric that can be worn year around like a wool crepe or gabardine.

But, Which Color?

I suggest going with a neutral other than black. Black doesn’t mix well with other colors except black, white and gray. Instead opt for gray or navy or brown depending on your coloring. These color look great with a much larger selections of other colors, which will lead to a more versatile wardrobe.

You Need a Pair of Pants.

The best cut will be a flat front wide leg trouser. You can match them to the pant; then you will have one suit you can rely on. Your pant should hit the lower half of your foot with your shoe tip showing. This will give your legs a nice long look.

Get a Skirt That Coordinates With the Fitted Jacket.

It can be a print or solid color. It should be in the shape most flattering to your figure. If you have curves think about an a-line or pencil skirt. If you more straight through the hips go for bias cut or flared shape.

Now That You Have The Basics

You will want to have 5 shirts that will coordinate with the above pieces. These can be a variety of styles, ranging from conservative button downs to a draped blouse. The styles you choose should reflect what is appropriate for your work environment and your personality. I also recommend a button front cardigan. This can be worn layered with a blouse, tank or over a dress. Some people will also like to add in a dress. The dress could take the form of a sheath or a wrap dress. The dress should be able to be dressed up or down with accessories.

The Main Point of All These Pieces

Each of these pieces should all be able to be worn with each other. Each item should be able to be worn at least three different ways. This is how you get the most mileage from your wardrobe. From my description of a capsule wardrobe you will be able to make sense out of your closet and spend less time wondering what to wear!

photo by: Anne Oeldorf-Hirsch

As much as I adore Coco Chanel, one thing I cannot thank her for is the now ubiquitous LBD or Little Black Dress. When Chanel introduced it in the 1920′s the idea of wearing black for something other than mourning was a new idea. In 1926 a simple knee length black Chanel dress appeared in the pages of Vogue and caused quite a stir. It was likened to a Model T; appealing to the masses and acceptable for all classes. As the LBD progressed it became the perfect yet simple dress that everyone should have in the wardrobe. The dress you go back to time and again and always feel great wearing.

My problem is not with the concept of a reliable dress in one’s closet. My problem is with the color- BLACK! I do not believe everyone should have a LBD. Blasphemy, you say? Ha! I do believe everyone should have a dress that is the perfect shape for your body, simple and classic in style so it will last a long time. I just don’t believe it needs to be black. For a lot of people black is their worst color. It drains their their complexion, leaving it looking sallow and with no sparkle in their eyes. What I do believe in is the LGD or the Little Great Dress! It should be in a person’s best color, knee length, and flatter the wearer’s figure. You should be able to dress the LGD up or down depending on the occasion. This should be the dress you turn to when you need to look fantastic but be comfortable in at the same time.

So, do you have a LGD?

Photo by: Pintucks