Nordstrom Conversation - "Closet SOS" - How to Set Up Your Closet for Sartorial Success!

One of Nordstrom's great sections on their website is a called Nordstrom Conversation.  They have a fabulous feature under "Most Wanted" (Editor, Suzanne Asprea) this month called "Closet SOS".

If you are anything like me, you have a closet filled with what seems like "nothing to wear" this time of year.  And even though I keep packing "must haves" in, there is nothing coming out.  With that,  "Nordy's" (as my daughter and I like call it), has provided 9 great tips for cleaning out the closet.   They've  offered some points to make the process less tedious and a little fun!  

One of the first essential tips is to pick a "playlist" to get the closet cleaning part started!  Well, maybe it is not a party, but what a great excuse to listen to your favorite tunes, sing a little (in private!) and begin this arduous task.  The three tips to start organization Nordstrom illustrates as "Keep", "Maybe" and "Donate".  I am thinking, I can surely do this.

When I see tip 6 on "streamlining small spaces", I appreciate why this has to be done.  We had put a great Elfa shelving system in last year because we live in an old house with tiny closets.  Needless to say I have jammed up every imaginable space of this system and it is starting to look overcrowded.  Now it looks like a big stuffed rack of clothing rather than this cool, but organized graphic they have here on the right.  I'm inspired!

I love tip 7 on "giving shoes a view".  While I do store half and literally display half, I love this tip of putting a little snapshot on the front of the box to save even more space.  I am going to turn this one into an art project.  My husband says that I like looking at them more than wearing them, so will give this a try.  I am going to track the old Polaroid down too so I can give it a more vintage feel!  How is that for positive!

Now that I have talked myself into this little project, I must commit and thanks to Nordstrom, it can be a little more fun.  I may even add a great glass of Pinot Noir and call it a day with my own Step 10!  Hope you like this and someone please also confess to a less than organized closet space!  Cheers!

Behind The Scenes at Ann Taylor's Spring 2011 Advertising Campaign Shoot...

I must say, that I am pretty excited about Katie Holmes being the "face" behind Ann Taylor's 2011 Spring campaign.  I have seen lots of blogs and articles asking whether or not people think it will drive sales.  I am not certain a talent can be totally attributed to boosting any campaign's sales, but in my opinion, it certainly cannot hurt in this case!

I do think that Ann Taylor got it right in choosing her with her down to earth style, grace and approachability that she seems to exude.  Being an Ohioian myself, I can relate to her enthusiasm about Spring around the corner and looking forward to all that it brings fashion brings.  This is about the time we envision breezy dresses, cute tops and jackets.

Katie is very naturally beautiful and not in a supermodel sort of way, but just fresh-faced and not overdone.  I am not excited about her representing AT because I am a follower of her work or married to Tom Cruise or any other celebrity nuances.  She is appealing because I think she strikes a chord with a wholesomeness and like so many of us, she is a working mom that clearly wants to look pretty and is not afraid to be seen in a jeans and sweatshirt or an Armani gown!

Thoughts on Ann Taylor recently or Katie Holmes selected as the face for their Spring campaign?

J. Crew Men's Caught My Eye...Sun-faded washed fleece crewneck sweatshirt!

Good thing for J. Crew Men's Spring items which caught my eye at the B&M tonight because I am still waiting for something special in Women's to come along.  After pacing the store a couple times, my eyes were drawn to this beautiful baby-blue sun-faded washed fleece crewneck sweatshirt ($49.50) in Men's.  This is the most comfy, soft and beautiful blue.  This is one of those sweatshirts I know I will wear all Spring long and on a chilly Summer evening, so, so soft  It is so pretty that I asked the salesperson if they were going to get more colors!  She had no idea of course...typical at this location.  I love french terry.  You must go see this blue as it is not like any I have seen for awhile.  They had them paired up with new sun-washed flannel shirts.  What JC describes as "southport green" would look amazing with this particular sweatshirt.  I am still waiting for some women's pieces to catch my eye.  I am really wishing that JC would move away from some of the military-inspired and neutrals.  It is getting a little bit old. 

J. Crew Goes to Italy!

It is all about the shoe with J. Crew's latest video off to Italy!  Why do they go to Italy to have shoes made?  Well, according to Jenna, it is because one cannot find the level of "expertise" and "detail and quality" that one might find there.  This may be true, frankly anyone who devotes the years and overall history contribute to such fine craftmanship.  One Italian gentleman describes it as being in "the blood".  Jenna spoke to a woman who had worked on shoes for some 30 years which contributes to a "love" for making these shoes.  I love this sort of mini-documentary they have going on here.  It is fun, gives a sense of the design, quality and passion that goes into this process.  I think the team that went with Jenna including herself looked like they spent more time eating, but I loved that too!  What fun would Italy be without such indulgences... What's my favorite shoe in new arrivals?  I like the Avenelle  cutout wedges, but hope they come in some poppin' colors for Spring like coral, raspberry or a beautiful teal.  Anyways, I like a story behind the goods and this is a nice refresher to the site.  I've always liked the J. Crew videos as they take you to another place in the world, even if it is just a few minutes!

MUSTSHOP 40% Off, J. Crew's Glen plaid trench...

I waited until the Glen plaid trench popped up on the 40% of MUSTSHOP J. Crew Final Sale.

J. Crew describes as:


The trench like you've never seen it before. Our designers reinvented a fashion icon in luxuriously lofty double-faced glen plaid (from a cutting-edge Japanese mill) by adding a few key feminine twists: a cutaway neckline, a shaped hem and a top layer that belts into a charming peplum. The buttoned storm flap, graceful collar and belted sleeves are nods to classic trench styling but this expertly cut coat is 100 percent modern. Wool/alpaca/nylon. Half-moon standing collar. Long sleeves. Self belt. Flap pockets. Fully lined. Hits at midthigh. Part of J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Catalog/jcrew.com only.

The Glen plaid trench popped up on the 40% of MUSTSHOP J. Crew Final Sale.  

As part of the Collection originally $350 and down to $249 with 40% off, I could hardly pass up.  I love the detailing on this jacket and have always been partial to glen plaid because it is equally cute on a night out or on to the boardroom.

I also love the trench flap on the back of this coat (left).  It is really adorable.

I will let you know if I am equally pleased when it arrives in the mail, but this is really the only item I have found so far that I would deem as "MUSTSHOP" for me.  I have not felt like stocking up on anything such as sweaters or tees.  I am ready for a change and this one felt like a good piece to do that in!  If you have this item, let me know how you like and any other items on FINAL Sale that you were so excited to get!

Golden Globes Carpet Goes Blush - EyeScoop - Celebrity Photos, Fashion and Lifestyle News - WWD.com

Photo by Tyler Boye

Photo by Tyler Boye

Golden Globes Carpet Goes Blush - EyeScoop - Celebrity Photos, Fashion and Lifestyle News - WWD.com

Let's face it, probably the biggest reason that any of us fashion gals and guys even watch the award shows such as Golden Globes, Oscars, AMA's are to see the beautiful fashion and sometimes completely whacked out choices that would never be considered on the "it" list.  As peach and what I would call evergreen seem to be popular choices, there was also a solid representation in black.

The two dresses right off the bat that caught my eye with their minimalist lines happen to be peach and happen to be from Calvin Klein's "Collection".  Both Claire Danes and Emma Stone looked absolutely stunning and understated, just perfect for this show.

Photo by Tyler Boye

And for truly outlandish, am afraid Helena Bonham Carter takes the prize again with a prom dress gone bad (actually Vivienne Westwood) and two different shoes!  I think it is great that she doesn't take herself too seriously, but the other side of me thinks that dressing like this is almost disrespectful to her felllow actors that come out to celebrate their craft.

Thank goodness Eva Longoria got it really right in a black Zac Posen gown.  I loved how this gown pushed the traditional with a beautiful open neckline and I loved how the capped sleeves wrapped up around the neck.  It really looked stunning on her almost adding a few inches to her petite frame.  This was probably one of my favorite gowns of the night even though I don't typically favor black at these events.

And I love Catherine Zeta Jones, but absolutely did not like seeing this evergreen or emerald green gown showing up across several actresses including Mila Kunis who aged twenty years in this color!  

Photo by Tyler Boye

Photo by Tyler Boye

Photo by Tyler Boye

Photo by Tyler Boye

The gown on Angelina actually looked much darker on television.  It is an awfully strong color to risk and when it pops out several times it is just a little overwhelming in my opinion.  It is not like a classic color such as red or midnight blue where an actress can wear it more uniquely.  It just seemed to be the trendy color to wear and not  a favorite of mine for sure.  My other disappointment if there was one was Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolfe.  It looks like she has a big crystal-like flower just smacked in the center of her bustline.   If you saw the dress overall, it was a lovely shade of petal pink which she can carry quite well and the draping was really pretty, especially in the back.  I always look forward to what she is going to wear and this was just an utter miss (baby or not!).

Posted Sunday 1.16.11 from WWD.com Golden Globes Carpet Goes Blush

Beverly Hills, CA — Stars found themselves in the pink Sunday night at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards here. The collective blush — which ranged from pale pink to fiery fuschia — was also a breath of fresh air on a red carpet that has seen more than enough neutral tones of late. Julianne Moore didn’t realize she’d be leading the charge in a hot pink Lavin gown, which Alber Elbaz asked to design for her “about 15 minutes after I was nominated.” “He said over the phone, ‘How do you feel about pink?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, whatever.’” Clearly other designers, from Viktor & Rolf, who designed Natalie Portman’s satin column; Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein, who did Claire Danes, column to Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang and Giorgio Armani, who designed Lea Michelle’s, Sofia Vergara’s and Megan Fox’s respective gowns, also got the memo.

A handful of A-listers — Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mila Kunis — also popped in green, which was the runner-up for statement color of the evening. Jolie’s Versace gown was so eye-catching that Justin Beiber (who actually got more cat calls than Brad Pitt on the red carpet), stopped to pose for a photo with the actress, causing a minor meltdown among screaming fans. As always, there were a handful of sophisticated black frocks on the likes of Annette Bening, Halle Berry and Piper Perabo, but more interesting were fashion girls like Michelle Williams, who went her own way in beige Valentino dotted with whimsical daisies. “It was the one I liked the most,” she said with a shrug as she rushed off the carpet and into the ballroom of the Beverly Hilton.

Who were your favorites?  

What's In My Bag?

I love Marie's Claire's monthly back page entitled "In the Bag" which features some sort of celebrity with highlights and comments on what is in their handbag.

There is something curious in general about what we all carry around in our bags.  Some of us carry giant hobo's with books, waterbottles and half of our vanity tables.  Other's carry a little clutch with minimum essentials.  I decided I will feature a "What's In My Bag" overview to share some of my favorite "essentials" as well!  It is almost too embarrassing to tell you how much I actually lug around each day, so I've just captured a few!  What are your favorite and must carry items each day?

Lip Love...Three Favorites!

With Winter's harsh cold on the outside and dry air inside, I am always on the hunt for great, soothing products to repair my lips.  And alas, I've fallen in love with three items.  Dior's Creme de Rose Plumping Lip Balm with SPF 10 (can be purchased at Sephora).  It  has a natural, petal pink sheen and a beautiful rose smell.  I love it because it gives a little plump to your lipstick without having too much of a gloss and no sparkle.

Also at Sephora, are YSL's Rouge Pur Couture SPF15 liptsticks.  I have had friends rave about this liptstick and have seen it featured in nearly every one of my fashion magazines so I decided to give it a try.  It is always featured with radiant colors and ultimate staying-power. I went with #20 which is a beautiful berry red exclusive to Sephora and wow, I was thrilled.  This lipstick is so rich and sumptious and has an amazing strawberry/orange-type scent which I can literally smell all day.  I love that it nourishes and protects my lips with an SPF 15 packed in.  This color is the perfect red for me with blue undertones.  And did I mention as with all YSL cosmetics, the gold tube is gorgeous so is the perfect accessory in my bag!

Lastly, I picked up M A C's Lip Conditioner also with SPF 15 (Nordstroms).  With a hint of vanilla scent, it is packed with moisture-rich nutrients such as almond oil, shea butter, avocado extract, wheat germ oil and Vitamins A & E.  I love it because it also has beautiful scent and my lips instantly feel healed.  It is not sticky at all.  This balm has no tint so can also be used over or under your lipstick!

Love...

Talbot's 52 Pick-Me-Ups Just in Time for the Winter Doldrums!

I don't know about you, but right about now I am not ready to consider a Spring wardrobe (resort no less) which J. Crew seems to be touting.  I am not quite ready to part with my heavy Fall and Winter garments, but I am ready for a little tease and some pieces that go between seasons and still offer a little spunk.  I received Talbot's 52 Pick-Me-Up January Lookbook today which completely met this need for me.  I have been raving of recent and think I would definitely consider myself a regular again with Talbot's.  By the way, if you have not shopped in store, the 40% off additional markdowns is fantastic for some of the beautiful Winter pieces that originally came out.

I wanted to share a few classic pieces that in my mind would ride nicely into Spring.  And while Talbot's handbags are not my number one, I do love the recent release of the Beacon Hill ostrich-embossed slouch hobo.  I will wait for a sale on this beautiful bag, but really love the color which they call "dark luggage".  The hardware is stunning and I am a big handbag girl, so this will be a must-buy for me.  There has been so much leopard and python-embossed accessories the last couple seasons and I thought this was a nice change.

Next, I have bought so many skirts over the last couple seasons from J. Crew, Ann Taylor and Talbot's that surely I thought I could not rationalize another AND, despite the ruffles - love Talbot's yarn-dyed cotton tiered ruffle skirt.  I think what I am drawn to with this one is the length.  Finally, a departure from the mini's!  While I love the look of mini's which J. Crew has exhausted in my opinion, they just do not look flattering on my womanly curves!  This skirt is the perfect pick ME up for winter in "blue-dyed yarn voile".

Next on my list is an investment in a lighter suit (cotton/poly, no wool).  I have purchased two suits from Talbot's in the last couple months and as true to Talbot's quality, they are beautiful and classic.  I love the new Uptown Manhattan Chambray suiting.  The jacket comes in the "Grace" fit which is a terrific length.  And I love the two color options in "creme brulee-cotton" and "navy-cotton" which is really more like a slightly darker version of the skirt I reviewed above. I am really adoring this blue suit which is also a nice departure from the classic tan suit for late Winter and into Spring.  And look at this suit with the bag!  This would actually be a great suit and bag to travel with.

Last, love the peep toe platforms.  They come in navy (shown), ostrich embossed in pebble and dark luggage and plain dark luggage.  They are nice height at 3 1/2" and I just think this is a smart, classic shoe that I can see picking up a couple colors in.  If anyone actually tries these on, would love to hear on comfort, but I am usually pretty pleased with Talbot's comfort-level.

Thought you would all love to see some late Winter (which is really not quite the case here in Midwest), but these are great options to get us through.  As continued, Talbot's continues to surprise me and also reassure me that their great pieces are here to stay with their new and modern takes on classic!  Let me know if you loved as I did and did you have other favs...Happy Weekend!