Good Manners

Red Hot

I've always been wary of red dresses.  Who wants to summon the drama of Scarlett O'Hara or Jessica Rabbit's cartoon curves for a black tie event?  But when I found THE dress, and it happened to be crimson..I knew I had to find a way to paint the town (a classy shade of) red.  Naturally, I did the style research, and this is what I learned:

• Don't go overboard.  Save the false lashes and big hair for a black dress, when you need the added flair.
• Don't get matchy-matchy.  Resist the temptation to don a red lip, red clutch, red shoes, or ruby jewelry.  Instead, pick subtle makeup and nude shoes.
• Control the va-va-voom.  The color is guaranteed to bring out your inner Marilyn.  Be cautious about adding extra sex appeal. 

Mission accomplished?

Make It Yours:
My Dress - Badgley Mischka

Tuxedo Time!

Itching for my very own penguin suit...

St. Patrick's Day

Extra points for sequins. 

All-American Look: Levi's & Andy Warhol

When in doubt, pick a theme!  This look works for a spring baseball game, riding rollercoasters, or enjoying a beer at the local sports bar.

Make it Yours...

Jacket & Jeans:  Levi's

Shirt:  Eileen Fisher

Bag:  The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts 

OOTD - Feathers

Put on a feathery frock and fly away!

Make it Yours...

Arrow Necklace:  Stella & Dot

Feather Skater Dress:  Cynthia Rowley

Pretty in Prep

Prepare for spring fever affliction when you see this Upper East Side/Ivy League/Nantucket-esque garb.  

The key is to keep the look modern and crisp.  You're more likely to look fresh as a daisy (instead of pushing up daisies) if you choose bold colors and daring details.  A clever print can double as a conversation starter - so look for fruit, horses, keys, and cupcakes!

Here's how:  layer all the gingham, florals, ruffles, pleats, and stripes you can find.  Pair with a headband, pearls, a tie collar, and a skinny belt.  Take a cue from these ladies:

OOTD

Make it Yours:  

Top & Sweater @ Talbots

Shoes - BCBG

Watch - Michael Kors

Necklace - forever21 ($2.80)!

Dress the Population

This early March transition from winter to spring can be a challenge.  One of my favorites has some great transition pieces. 

Make it yours...

Shop Dress the Population.

Saying goodbye to winter...

Winter may be my favorite season for fashion. It's time to put away the faux fur and pull out the pastels. After switching out my wardrobe, I already feel a little nostalgic. 

Make it Yours...
Sunnies from Trussardi
Yoga Headband from In Balance Yoga
Jessica Simpson Drop-Waist Dress
Tie Dye Top with Pleated Butterfly Sleeves: MM Couture
Dress:  Kirna Zabete
Faux Fur Vest:  Ivy & Leo

SOS - spring of shorts!

Extra points if you wear yours with booties!

"Thanks...It's vintage!"

Need plans for the weekend? 

Find an auction, flea market, or estate sale in your area and go for the GOLD, literally. Don't waste another penny on overpriced (but actually "cheap") jewelry you may also see on the person in front of you in line at Starbucks. Get a few one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

WHY?

• You will get more *Bang for your Buck*

• Prettier than Wall Street - but you're still investing! While everything else in our disposable society decreases in value...antiques increase! 

• Pick 1905, 1925, or 1955! Pick Moroccan, Parisian, or Native American!  Topaz or turquoise! The possibilities are endless. Dive into history and you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

A few tips:

If you're making a big investment (like my big ol' gold link bracelet) - have it appraised. You want to know what you're buying, and it will help you track the increase in value over time.

Check for engravings/stamps & then Google to be sure it's authentic (like a Weiss bangle).

Don't forget to say, "Thanks, it's vintage!" as you flip your victory roll 'do. 


Make it Yours...
Brazilet featured above - Live Worldly
For auction finds, visit Farmer Auctions.