July is Here! So bright and shiny!

My one and only favorite blog photo -
"Oh the places we will go and look stylish!

Oh I write this post in the New Year, at least for me.  I have started and stopped writing my blog so many times battling health issues. I have undergone back surgery, two knee replacements and then had to fix my left ankle with 10 pins and a plate - few more surgeries in between. Boo hoo, right? I try to put things in perspective on most days because I am blessed with a family supporting me throughout the better part of 3 years. Oh, and in the middle of all this, my role was consolidated after 13 years of visionary creative and strategic planning for our clients. What can you say, really? It is time to move it forward and I am finally ready to return to the many things I enjoy doing like blogging for all you wonderful people!

Still one of my fav style icons Jenna Lyons. Afterall.
She and J. Crew were the main inspiration to start my style blog.

Tod's women's kitten heel going u
p to my seller site soon!

Exquisite Lafayette Layering Sweater
with beautiful collar gem beading - up to eBay soon!

So where is the silver lining? I ask myself this every time a boulder comes rolling down the hill with me right in its way. So I had to decide if I was going to get out of the way and fight or lay down with backless courage and pity. Well, I'm still here.

I am trying to get back to my blogging, tweeting, pinning, eBay-in  - all for my namesake "alittlecrewzy". Please like me on Facebook as well! I give a heads up when I am posting designer and high retail items for men and women. Since I have taken an executive break if you will, I have a lot to share for a price you will get far less than I did!

I hope this finds you all well. I am excited to getting back to writing about fashion, beauty, pop culture - all to which attach themselves to the arty train which I love. I could talk about tulle for an hour and I know many of my readers could too!

Life is about not taking yourself so seriously and this has been a hard lesson for me, but certainly my writing and sharing keeps me on the straight and narrow.

My nearly perfect vintage, authentic Chanel quilted, chain strap handbag.
All criteria met for authenticity which will list on eBay;
however, I would consider an offer offline.
you are welcome to see more pics and present an offer.
My personal business email is c.rosatiyoos@aol.com.

Seychelles tie up boots going up to
my seller site soon!

Come back to see me and engage and certainly check alittlecrewzy as my seller name on eBay. I am getting ready to post many wonderful items including a near ly perfect vintage padded Chanel bag.  It has taken a little longer than expected because my photos were not uploading properly, but think we have it resolved.  I already sold both Kate Spade handbags that were up and I have a pair of Women's J. Crew Owen lace-up boots, at $129 it is a steal and I am not lowering it further after this post. I have reduced it twice.

You can find me on Twitter @chrisrosatiyoos which is marketing focused and am currently working on a separate feed for alittlecrewzy focused to fashion, beauty, arts, pop culture musings...

J. Crew Women's Summer Slip-ons posted up to eBay shortly.

On Pinterest you will find me at Chris Rosati Yoos aka alittlecrewzy. Instagram - chrisrosatiyoos, Facebook - alittlecrewzy and my professional detail on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisrosatiyoos...

Cheers! (some of my fav summer images so far including my Chanel bag I am getting ready to sell!

Chris

Jimmy Announces The Pocket Dial Available at J. Crew

I have to admit, I love this pocket square and iPhone case-in-one and who wouldn't with Jimmy Fallon behind it. He came up with this idea and is coined the Pocket Dial.  Is this kind of like the First Lady and the J. Crew coat; well, on some levels you must agree this has garnered major points for J. Crew considering the comedic icon that Fallon is. Michelle O'bama wore J. Crew clothing because she liked them, but Fallon brought this idea to Crew's doorstep.  Price is a bit steep at $48, but hey, who doesn't want to help the elephants?  One hundred percent of the net proceeds go to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which provides Africa's elephants from ivory poaching and extinction. (Learn more at www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org)

I am not sure who will love this more, the tech geeks, nature conservationists, loyal J. Crew followers or those just otherwise intrigued by Jimmy Fallon's relation to J. Crew.  It is a clever idea so kudos to Fallon. I will say though that many Apple users may never have the need given that the Pocket Dial is for a suit. Many tech-lovers or creative folks may wear a suit next to never, but it is cool conceptually.

For J. Crew, this creates another "buzz-worthy" partnership which should carry them right through the New Year.  J. Crew, what will you do to score again with such a hip celebrity bringing forth this little gem?

Well, the future remains to be seen, but I know it made me smile and like my J. Crew products just a little bit more.

Cheers!

alittlecrewzy goes eBay!

Friends,

As you may be aware, I am moving many designer items (clothing, shoes, handbags and more!) to my Seller account name on eBay which is alittlecrewzy. It's going a bit slow (eek!) as I've had to deal with some of eBays issues Saturday!

With that, many more items will be posted tomorrow (Sunday) and then consistently or until I run out of immediate pieces. Keep checking back because we have a lot of inventory to move!

Cheers,

Chris 

P.S. Here are some other places to see my love for fashion, marketing, etc.)

Twitter @chrisrosatiyoos

Facebook alittlecrewzy Blog page

Blogspot alittlecrewzy.com 

Pinterest Chris Rosati Yoos

Ffashion obsessed, beauty, and other relevant info!

Instagram in transition 

Personal website through Strikingly in the  works 

alittlecrewzy goes eBay!

We are counting down, 10 days for my eBay listings with higher retal items including J. Crew! I have beautiful shoes, clothing in multiple sizes and more! If you are looking to buy, you can find me on eBay with my Seller Name as alittlecrewzy! Look for items starting on on June 19th!

Happy Spring!

Hello to my wonderful followers, some new and some that have been there since the start of my blog called alittle"crew"zy.  I've been disconnected for awhile having gone through several surgeries mostly due to old sports injuries, but were exacerbated by my osteoarthritis. We all get some hard knocks and it seemed like mine were on a major role particularly with my health. In the middle of these serious surgeries, my executive role was eliminated along with many of my marketing staff due to a company-wide consolidation.  There are far worse challenges, but it has been rough.

So on to my guilty pleasure...I've always loved fashion and design so I'm anxious to get back into my social media writing and sharing. Your comments and questions along the way have made it even more fun for me to blog.  For my new followers, here is quick description of how/why my blog alittle"crew"zy started. I have a passion for all things J. Crew which is how the actual name came to be, but I love all kinds of fashion with the changing trends from season-to-season, color, textiles, aesthetics and the creativity needed by so many talented designers of clothing, accessories, shoes, beauty products and so on.  I've adored all these things since I was little. 

The arts be it fashion, design, music or dance has the power to open and inspire the mind, lend creativity and spread joy across the world.  So thanks for hanging with me and I look forward to sharing with you again soon!

Fashion Trending...My Favorite Trends for Fall '14!

Pantone Fashion Color Report - Fall '14 Runway

Obviously there are numerous lists covering fashion trends for Fall each year so let's just say I've selected my very favorite.

Fall is my favorite time of year as it relates to wardrobe.  For those of us that live in the Midwest, it seems like a short window, but we get the cooler weather days, falling leaves and some warmer days as we'd refer to as Indian summer.  I'll take them all! I only wish that we could swap that extra month of Winter and stick it into Fall!  I really love classic trends so swapping out warm weather months to Fall clothing is one of those things I get excited to do.  Endless sweaters, pea coats, tweeds in either pants or jackets are just a few of those classics I love year after year.  But this Fall/Winter season brings some unexpected surprises with so many nods to classic and wearable clothing.

Color Solutions International - Fall '14 FASHION
SNOOPS Runway

Color planning and inspirations range from brights to soft neutrals.  The Pantone Colors lean bright.  I also check the Color Solutions International "SNOOPS"which categories color themes from the runway as following for both men and women Fall/Winter '14:
with radiant orchid being my favorite.

• Brights
• Highlighter Brights
• Jewels
• Industrials
• Neutrals
• Romantics
• Soft

So with a little planning of your older classics and some in with the new, it will be Fall fashion time before you know it. The neutrals are beautiful and I think pulling in a combination of both bright and neutrals will be a refreshing change from my typical Fall colors in my wardrobe.

My Favorite Trends for Fall/Winter 2014:

1. Gray is the New Black

photo through Harper's Bazaar

On the street with Bill Cunningham (NY), "Gray is the new black." http://youtu.be/Fw16uYo0-Hc
For those that don't know, Bill Cunningham is a revered fashion photographer who captures trends from runway shows to the streets of New York City. I love this particular street video on gray because it is everywhere! I don't think I'll ever tire of having black as a go to color in my wardrobe, but it is great to see gray so prevalent particularly in NYC where so many people also turn to black this time of year!  Here are some of his great fashion videos through the New York Times online.

2.  Classic Coats

Elle's Top 75 Best Coats from NY Fashion Week - Fall'14

A beautiful coat is an asset to any Fall wardrobe and frankly, I'd rather invest in one that is classic both in style in color so you may get many years out of it.  Camel coats are always a good choice and neutral tan/camel color will move from season to season.  Elle has a great list of the top 75 coats from NY fashion week with everything from long camel coats to a beautiful wrap coat with brighter colors woven in.  I'd definitely recommend a more neutral color is you don't want to invest in more than one coat.  The key trend for style this season is all about the wrap coat.

2.  More Than Just Sweaters - Wearable, Soft Knits
Another trend from Elle's short list previewed knits being more than just a sweater.  Consider knit 

Derek Lam/Photo through Harper's Bazaar

coats, pants and multiple layers of knits on for one outfit.  I personally love this one not only for the comfort, but it takes knits to a whole new level of style; which is not uncomfortable or stodgy.  I love Derek Lam's cool, minimalist vibe, sometimes the trend actually represents the designer in so many ways.  I love the layering of these pieces, the softness and the easiness of the cut.  This is a trend that just about everyone can take on with minimal investment.  

3.  Sneakers

Don Ashby/FirstView (photo credit)
Huffington Post

Vans Slip On for J. Crew

Sneakers are a popular staple this Fall; from the runway to retail.  Chanel has shown them and also DKNY.  I love this and J. Crew's "borrowed from the boys" look has come full circle.  I hope this trend sticks around so our high-heeled feet can take a rest! Vans for J. Crew offers this sleek slip ons, but they are currently backordered so you can go online and click your size to see the estimate time for availability.  I personally like the minimalist look for sneakers unless I'm heading to the gym!

4.  Mod - the 60s Return 

news.bgfashion.net

nymag.com

Without showing my age ;), mod is back and I love it from cropped dresses and skirts to wildly graphic colors!  Mod not only popped up on the NY runway, but European as well.  Nymag.com featured this now hip look for Fall and not just with the mid/mini skirt, but the over the knee boots as well.  I can see mixing and matching with this trend, but personally wouldn't go with a full-on 60's look. I do love the bright colors that are showing up this season.

www.stylecaster,com

5.  Boots, boots and more boots!
I love that this Fall/Winter brings on boots in every shape, heel height, color; my personal favs for this season are over the knee.  I'd love a shiny black patent tall boot to dress up any outfit.

And boots look great on all women so you really can't go wrong.  My only recommendation if you are planning to make an investment for designer boots, go to a Gilt.com to Ruelala.com where they have been popping up at a discounted price.

6. It's All in the Details
This season brings beautiful dresses, skirts and

Image from fashiongonerogue.com

even coats with very ornate beading, sequins, threading - and married with amazing jewel-tones.  These are definitely investment pieces and very trendy, but like all trends, it will come 'round again so keep these luxuries for the long-haul.  This gorgeous Mary Katrantzou Fall/Winter 2014 piece is just stunning.

And to the left is another Katrantzou number in an evening gown length.  This one is almost too beautiful to take out of the house! It has a slightly bohemian vibe and her work is just so beautiful and intricate.

image from Vogue.com

7. The Suit

Dior image by Dan/Corinna Lecca

This is a great season to update a suit.  And with gray being the new black, I would consider this as well.  High-end, Giorgio Armani presented what I would describe as a more modern suit, but still has the wear of a classic.  The fuller pant with single button jackets are beautiful.  I always love a beautiful suit and this one by Armani has a femininity to it, less structured, softer fabrics.

The Dior suit is beautiful, almost has a sheen to it.  The great thing with each of these suits is being able to wear a wilder accessory be it a handbag or shoes.

8.  Rich Tapestry

Image by Dan/Corinna Lecca

We are seeing a lot of tapestry whether it is in a skirt, blouse, jacket or all three together.  I purchased a gorgeous tapestry coat several years ago through Nordstrom.  At that time I received so many compliments so I will be pulling that beauty again!  It is another one of those trends with so much detail.  I love this Etro ensemble and the rich burgundy is amazing.  I love that this is head to toe, but each piece could be paired into different outfits.

9.  Anything Goes
I am a Michael Kors fan and he followed the Fall trends and orchestrated them beautifully without being too ornate.  This knit sweater, unstructured and loose pant along with it all being monochromatic gray! It's a triple play and I think Kor's aesthetic is easy, but sophisticated. This collection has to be pretty appealing to a variety of women.

Valentino

10. Expecting the Unexpected
The color wheel takes some of the most dramatic offerings I've seen in awhile, such as pink.  I personally love pink with a very soft hue.  This Valentino dress is so feminine and girly to which I'd never expect for Fall! And pairing it with a boot no less!  This is totally monochromatic without feeling "matchy, matchy!"

So many choices, so many different color palettes, so many cuts from clean lines to wild shearling coats!  I really like that so many of these design houses are adding a practicality to fashion so it is more wearable to the average woman.  Like any season, decide which trends you are missing or where you can add without blowing the bank.  If you're going for the wild, shearling coat then cheers to you, but I think my closet might only have one - forever!

Cheers to all and please share your favorite hits and misses!

Dolce & Gabbana in Capri - Spectacular Imagery Emerges Through Social Media

Nothing says summer like Dolce & Gabbana and if you were part of the lucky group of editors, high rollers or buyers, then you were whisked away to a "secret Cove off the Italian island" of Capri where you got a private viewing of what the luxury fashion house calls "Alta Moda" as part of the "haute couture collection", from www.huffingtonpost.com. I often dream of Capri or others that may look similarly, though they don't compare to this beautiful refuge of rocks, crashing waves and jet-setting celebrities.  So, I'm not surprised D&G picked this magical island to preview such luxury in their haute couture show.  

Huff Post online also said that their Capri Fashion Show "was even stunning on Twitter." @voguemagazine That @dolcegabbana #AltaModa show was absolutely enchanted:
http://vogue.cm/1qYhD0P  @hamishbowles.  And enchanted it was with bold celebratory colors fit for a queen where the models dramatic entrance was topped with a crown as shown left.

This coastal wonderland would seem fitting with each detail carefully arrayed on floral fabrics only bold enough to take note against Capri's beauty.

I also love the floral accessories from head to toe with draping earrings and stunning white peonies against a model's cheek (right).

Other social feeds such as Instagram boasted the all Italy-themed looks. Harper's Bazaar UK shared this gorgeous backdrop with "Alta Moda" extending into the boat. This kind of show really transports the viewer into something special. Maybe it is the feel of old Italy and definitely grand with color and design; something only Dolce & Gabbana can do so dramatically.

French Vogue captured @Nadja Bender in @dolcegabbana #AltaModa show. The photos on Twitter almost reflect the graininess one would expect to see with such a scene and Italian-esque models. The detail across the sleeves of this red striped dress are stunning; each applied with vision and clarity to catch the beauty of some of the world's most beautiful flowers.

One thing is for sure, most of us would never be near such a fashion event, but the social media coverage spawned remarkable photos of this Capri Runway show and they are nothing short of spectacular. I felt, if even for a moment that I was there in Italy and in all its glory.

Cheers.