Preserving the Archive: tips for long-term storage

Sometimes, clients will have garments they aren’t currently using, but they don’t want to part with—for one valid reason or another. Here are some tips on how to store items to ensure the best possible outcome for preserving them. Scroll down for my suggestions on what (and what not) to store for the long-haul.

1. Launder and/or Dry Clean before packing away.  Never store unclean clothing—tiny bits of body oils or deodorant/food residue will ruin a garment over time. Remove all dry cleaner’s plastic when storing long term.
2. Protect everything. For folded clothing, use clear plastic bins with snap-on lids.  For hanging clothes, a garment rack with either a sheet draped over top or cloth garment bags with zippers.  You want some light exposure (but not direct) and some airflow (vacuum bags aren’t great for long term). You also want to keep the dust away.
3. Store in a dry area with some natural light, but again, not direct sunlight. Cool, dry attics work well. Dark, damp basements do not. A cool cedar closet with a small window is ideal.
4. Wool is tricky!  Using cedar bricks or even a cedar closet doesn’t always guarantee that moths won’t get at it over time. Clear bins with snap-on lids that let in a little bit of light seem to be the best bet, but click here for some more thorough ideas (DIY moth balls; freezers!!). Moths love soiled fabric so clean completely before you store.

Clear Storage Bins

Natural Canvas Clothing Bags

Deodorant Stain Remover

Wool & Cashmere Spray

Cedar Blocks

Sturdy Chrome Rack

Click on the above images to link to the item (all found at The Container Store).  These are all useful for seasonal (as well as long-term) storage, too.

Clients often ask me what is “OK” to keep.

Store the item if:

• It is super-specific and you may wear it one day in the future to A) an art opening  B) a costume party or C) someone’s wedding.
• It is just a bit too big or too small (5 pounds or so).  No need to keep these in your everyday closet.  The only items in there should fit perfectly and be ready to wear right now.
• You wore it for A) someone’s Christening B) someone’s Bat Mitzvah or C) your rehearsal dinner and it just makes you super-happy to know you have it.
• It was a gift from your A) aunt B) mom or C) mother in law—some female relative or close friend—but you’ll never wear it and can’t live with yourself if you give it away. Only a few of these!
• You really love it; it fits; you’re just not wearing it right now. Not an overwhelming number of these!

I advise against storing items if:

• It is more than one or two sizes too big or too small.  If your weight should fluctuate, you will most likely want something new.
• It’s dated but you paid a lot of money for it.  Prime example:  beautiful business clothing with no stretch in the fabric.  Really hard to wear these items again—between the cut and the fabric, they most likely will never feel “right.”
• You found it on sale; it never quite fit right or isn’t really “you” but maybe your A) daughter B) mother or C) friend’s daughter’s friend's cousin might like it someday. Ask your daughter and if she says no, then release it :)

FIELD TRIP: NOLITA (NORTH OF LITTLE ITALY)

What can you do in two square blocks of Nolita? Here is an itinerary complete with where to shop, where to eat, what else to see, how to get there and where to find the best restrooms (always important!).

First, get some style inspiration from the Cartier-Bresson and Elliott Erwitt exhibits at International Center for Photography Museum. From Grand Central, take the Downtown 6 train for 5 stops to Bleecker Street. Make a left onto Bleecker, walk a few blocks and then turn right on Bowery. Great cafe and restrooms here! Closed Mondays.  After visiting the museum, walk right on Bowery, turning right at Prince Street and then right again on Elizabeth Street to fuel up at Tacombi--don't miss the watermelon juice and pork tacos (or fish or beef or chicken--you get the idea!). Another great restroom--even just to say a little prayer (see photo below).

Time to shop! Head across the street to Marine Layer, Ministry of Supply or Gorjana. Make your way back towards Prince Street, stopping into the small shops on either side of Elizabeth Street (Sézane or In Support Of or Clare V or the pop-up shop full of pretty dresses made in L.A.) on your way to Vince or Maje or Sandro (on Prince).  Also on Prince, you can hunt for treasure at Ina Designer Consignment or pick up a new pair of espadrilles at Soludos. Stock up on essentials across the street at Everlane. There are at least another dozen options on these two blocks alone--explore and enjoy!

Rest and recuperate with a coffee and snack at McNally Jackson Books--one of my all-time favorite places. Find a great book or hard-to-find magazine (use their restroom!). Peek through the iron gate at St. Patrick's Old Cathedral and start strolling back towards the subway. 

Elliott Erwitt: Pittsburgh 1950

Eat at Tacombi

In the bathroom at Tacombi

Perfect T-shirts at Marine Layer

Jean Paul Gautier top at Ina

Espadrilles at Soludos

Outside of Sézane

Everlane essentials

Vince, 16 Prince Street, NY 10012

McNally Jackson Books

Old St. Patrick's

Looking up in Nolita

Most images above are linked to a destination.  Just click on them!

What to Wear on Mother's Day

Whether you're heading to brunch, the beach (or other outdoor activities) or just back to bed for a day of R&R, here are some ideas for what to wear next Sunday. Plus I've added a selection of lavender pieces--it's such a pretty trend this Spring.  Click through to the links in case you need a last minute gift--even for yourself :)

Wear neutrals to brunch.

Wear a white T-shirt and pants-that-are-not-jeans for any outdoor activities you have planned.

Wear a pretty pajama set to lounge around for the day.

Choose any of these lavender pieces to instantly update your Spring '18 wardrobe.

Handbags: every ounce counts

My lovely friend, Kap, needed a good ‘work bag' and asked me to go on the hunt for her. It had to be practical but still stylish. And it couldn’t weigh too much because she needed to carry it all day long and fill it with a lot of stuff.  She reminded me, "Every ounce counts!" Whether we are looking for a ‘work bag’ per se or just carrying a purse, ladies’ bags get heavy—wallets, eyeglass cases, personal items, phones, and seemingly everything but the kitchen sink ends up in there.

When selecting your everyday bag, think lightweight in terms of the fabric—nylon is great for work bags, everyday purses and backpacks.  If you want a beautiful leather “It” bag, be aware of the weight of the hardware or leather itself.  Some softer leathers are much lighter than their structured counterparts.

And then consider everything you’re throwing in there. What doesn’t need to be in there on a daily basis? I use colorful pouches to keep things organized and easy to find (the color of the pouches fends off the ‘dark abyss’ of a black purse—it’s just so frustrating rummaging around in there looking for my wallet!). These pouches are also great because you might need one of them on a certain day, but not the next. When I see clients, I carry a pouch containing thread, needles, fashion tape, jewelry pliers—but when I don’t, I leave that pouch at home.  No need for the extra weight, even if it’s only a few ounces.  Right, Kap? :)

Here are some everyday lightweight options for Spring 2018. 

Clare Vivier Leather Tote $368

All Saints Leather Backpack $398

Bimba Woven Tote $98

Nancy Gonzalez Linen Tote $950

Ted Baker Nylon Tote $169

Highway Nylon Crossbody $126

Annabel Ingall Leather Tote $415

Gap Faux Leather Tote $49

Kate Spade Nylon Backpack $198

Click here to link to all of the above options plus more of my picks...

“Have you ever stood in front of a full closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear!” It may be true. Maria helped me clear out about three-quarters of my closet, eliminating outdated or ill-fitting items (and stashing a few beloved but no longer worn pieces in an “archive”) and showed me how to work with what remained. She didn’t try to make me conform to someone else’s idea of fashion and she worked with my own particular challenges (bad feet which demand not-so-attractive shoes). She took photos and sent me a reference document featuring outfits she built from my closet. She also recommended a few key purchases to round out my wardrobe. And because I loathe shopping, Maria also coached me to be patient as I searched for the right pieces that would both do the trick and be comfortable enough that I would actually wear them. It may seem like an indulgence to hire a stylist, but working with Maria has saved me a lot of aggravation, not to mention money that I would have wasted on clothing that would just take up space in my closet.”

— Thoughts from a happy client, J.B.

Going Somewhere?

Whether you’re headed to sea, ski or somewhere in between, here are some simple suggestions for creating a great travel wardrobe.

Before you start: take a few minutes to visualize what you’ll be doing each day of your trip. For example,  5 days at the beach with casual lunches and 3 dressy dinners or 3 days skiing, 3 days hiking, 2 dinners with friends, 3 business dinners, etc.  This way you’ll know exactly what you need.

#1 Start with your shoes. Choose a dressy night shoe (this doesn’t have to be a heel but it can be); 3 everyday yet still great for walking options (such as fashion sneakers, flats, or booties); and then add in flip-flops or snow boots or anything else specific to your destination. If you’re flying: wear easy on-off shoes to go through security OR conversely, your heaviest boot so that it doesn’t take up space in your suitcase.

#2 Build your outfits up from the shoes you’ve already chosen. Work within a specific color way so that many (or all!) of the pieces can be mixed and matched.  In these pictures, we chose blue—green—orange as our color way.  Notice how we used multiple tones of each of these colors. Typically, I suggest packing solid colored pants so that each can be worn with many different top options. Want to fit everything into a carry-on? Use this formula: 5 tops + 3 bottoms + 2 dresses + 2 cardigans/jackets and 4 pairs of shoes = 7 days of vacation.

#3 Don’t forget specific undergarments and jewelry to go with each outfit. Use an accessories travel pouch with clear, zip pockets or separate your jewelry for each outfit and store in individual zip-top baggies.

In anticipation of Valentine's Day next week, I'm looking for a little love :) Please LIKE my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram. Thank you so much!

Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should: Wardrobe Tips for Women over 50

At a friend’s house just before the holidays, this phrase came up (thank you for the topic, Christina Downey!).  Dressing over the age of 50 can seem difficult—you want to look current and modern without looking like you’re ‘trying too hard.’ You want to still feel attractive and confident—but don’t want to miss the mark and look like you’re ‘dressing too young.’  You also don’t want to head straight into matronly clothes and comfort shoes that say ‘I’ve just given up.’  Here are a few tips…that are really appropriate at any age:

1. Just Because You Can Fit into Clothing from the Juniors' Section, Doesn’t Mean You Should Shop in the Juniors' Section…unless you are actually a junior person (25 and younger).  Those ‘cute’ jeans with large, exposed buttons up the fly or the ‘adorable’ baby-doll top with the tiny pockets and smocking…avoid :)
2. Just Because You Have a Dozen Pairs of Jeans that Are Low-Rise, Boot-Cut and still in Great Condition, Doesn’t Mean You Should Continue to Wear that Style…at any age. Wearing the super-low rise that was popular quite a few years ago will make you look dated; update your denim to a higher rise.  This doesn’t have to mean ‘skinny jeans’—actually the leg can be flared or straight or skinny—it’s more about the rise on the pants (the length of the zipper is a good indication of this).  If your zippers are super-short, time to release.
3. Just Because You Have Great Legs, Doesn’t Mean Your Skirts Should Be Very Short…adding a little bit of length to your skirts, dresses and/or shorts looks more sophisticated, serious and stylish.  Think ‘elegant’ rather than ‘sexy’ and you’ll achieve ‘sexy’ every time. 
4. Just Because You Can Show a Lot of Skin, Doesn’t Mean You Should Do That…unless you’re a movie star on the red carpet, slits ‘up to there’ and plunging necklines ‘down to there’ rarely work.  Strapless and Backless need to hit at the exact right spots or else they are a no-go.  Again, aim for ‘elegant’ or ‘dramatic’ rather than ‘bare’ and you’ll hit the right mark.

Here are some over-50 beauties who are looking very chic! From left to right: Stella McCartney bell-bottoms--NYDJ straight leg Ponte knit pants under a dress--AG black skinny jeans--NYDJ straight leg grey jeans.

And, here are some ideas of things that ALWAYS work well, again at any age, but especially over 50:

1. Make sure your clothes fit well. Extra fabric on the body or too-long sleeves or cuffed-up pants will make you look frumpy.  
2. Use color and pattern intelligently—dress in similar tones of one color and break that up with interesting textures in your accessories.
3. Go for natural fabrics as much as possible—cotton, wool, cashmere, linen, silk—these are breathable and therefore extremely helpful when your hormones are playing tricks on you.
4. Make sure your shoes are comfortable—but not dowdy!—lace up brogues, lower and stacked heels, and the plethora of great-looking fashion sneakers available make comfort easy to achieve without giving up on great style.

Feeling Festive in December

 It’s typical to focus on what you’ll be wearing to holiday parties and family get-togethers, but what about right now as you get your shopping done? A great coat or jacket in festive colors and patterns is what you need while out and about. Add some comfy boots and really simple pieces underneath--a stretchy legging or jean and easy top. And then there's shopping-from-home.  I have some thoughts for looking great for that, too!

#1 Shopping in the Suburbs:  Greenwich Avenue and Westport’s or New Canaan’s main streets offer great gift-shopping all in one stop.  Choose a jacket or scarf in plaid, skinny jeans and black boots.

#2 Shopping in NYC: Up the sophistication level, but keep the comfort. Low-heeled boots and a longer coat will keep you happily in the holiday mood whether at one of the famous departments stores or downtown in smaller shops. Layer a lightweight puffer vest under a patterned cloth coat for extra warmth.

#3 Shopping from home: What to wear for ordering those Amazon Prime gifts?  :) —you can still look chic while shopping from your kitchen counter.  Does anyone else love matching PJs as much as I do?

Summer to Fall Workplace Wardrobe

What to wear to work when it's 60 degrees in the morning and 80 degrees by afternoon? Natural fabrics in darker colors and lightweight shoes with lots of open spaces...

Boden denim dress; navy cotton blazer at Nordstrom; men's breathable dress sock; Cole Haan wingtips; and click here for all of the women's shoes.

If the dress code in your workplace allows open-toed shoes, these alone can get you through the transitional weather of late September.  Wear these styles with cotton pants, jackets and/or dresses in darker colors.  Put away the bright colors in your closet and pull out the navy, dark denim, and jewel-toned cottons and silks.

For the men: buy a pair of lightweight dress shoes designed to breathe (and don't forget breathable socks, too).  A stretch cotton blazer looks crisp (not rumpled like linen), and will keep you cool when the afternoon temperature shoots up outside.

““No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” – ”

— Aesop

I love this quote from The Undies Project website.  This organization is collecting new underwear to send to the people of Texas and Florida after the recent devastating hurricanes.  Such a great idea and effective way to truly help.  Click here to see how to donate.

Closet Therapy

Ah, the satisfaction of a cleaned and organized closet! Now is the time of year to get your closet in great shape.  Before you buy new pieces for the upcoming season, start by releasing any outdated and ill-fitting pieces. Many women have pieces that don't fall into either of those two categories; the garments are perfectly fine, but they simply aren't being worn anymore. It's OK to let those go as well. Someone else will love to have them. Keep only the things that make you feel happy when you put them on!  If you're really not sure about a piece, store it in another closet or bin for now. Get your closet to the point where each piece is in good shape and you would choose it right now.

Pro Tip: hang scarves over pant hangers so they are easily seen.  When they are folded on shelves or in a drawer, they tend to be forgotten and not worn often.

The next step is to really clean the closet. I've been know to get down on hands and knees with a Swiffer inside clients' closets. Once clean, return the clothing in a systematic way that makes sense to you. Typically, garments are hung by type and color. I tend to hang shirts on top and pants on the bottom, but depending on the physical design of the closet, sometimes it makes more sense to do the opposite: pants on top so it's easy to distinguish one from the other; shirts on bottom so that you can easily see the neckline of each.  

No matter the particular choices you make in your own closet, keep in mind this guiding principle: When you open the door each morning, you want the contents to be easy to see, easy to reach and easy to combine into outfits. Good luck in reaching your #closetgoals!! 

Pro Tip: Choose shelves that are at eye-level for your most used pieces.  Here it was better to store sweaters on these shelves and find another home for the scarves and bags.

How to Shop a Great Sale

Few shopping experiences are more satisfying than finding a great deal:  a quality piece at a deep discount that works perfectly for you.  Greenwich offers it's sidewalk sales each July and there is abundant opportunity to find those great deals.  But there's also the temptation to buy something that used to be very expensive just because it's no longer so pricey. Those purchases tend to hang in closets with tags still on.  Here are 3 tips for maximum success at the sales starting on Greenwich Avenue this Thursday.

Lela Rose citrine floral dress, Kate Spade straw wristlet, Lanvin navy suede bag, Agnona beige studded dress, Runhof black stretch cotton dress, Derek Lam patchwork bag, MR. suede and python crossbody. None of the earrings are on sale, but they were just too pretty to leave out!  All at Shreve, Crump & Low on Greenwich Ave.

1) Have a Plan.  Decide what you would like to find before you go. This is the perfect time to search out an 'investment' piece at a great price--something classic that will stand the test of time.  Do you need to update your trench coat? perfect leather pumps? beautiful handbag or earrings?  You can also go in the opposite direction:  find a show-stopper dress for an upcoming event; or statement sandals that will complete any little black dress already hanging in your closet.  A unique and specific piece that you would never spend $$$$ on...but would consider spending $$ on.

2) Don't buy it if it doesn't fit.  We've all been in this situation: you've found a piece you love at an amazing price...if only it wasn't so short; ; if only it wasn't backless; if only it zipped all the way up.  Those who have worked with me know that I'm all about altering favorite pieces so that they work for you.  A hem here, taking in at the waist there, even fixing the shoulders when called for...but letting out skimpy seams (there's never a lot of room in there) or completely re-cutting something to make it fit isn't practical.  Not only will it be expensive and time-consuming, but the final result rarely resembles what you had imagined it to be.  And if it's a matter of only losing 5 pounds to make it work, unless you've already lost 4 of those pounds, release the item.

3) Shift your inner attitude.  This is my favorite one because it always works!  Approach the sales with an appreciation for the amount of choices and great quality to be found in our own backyard.  Isn't Greenwich amazing?  Wonderful community spirit, beautiful amenities like parks, marinas, and the beach, and Greenwich Avenue with all of its offerings to boot.  Focus on this third tactic while keeping #1 and #2 in mind and most likely the perfect pieces will fall right into your lap.

Happy Hunting!

Take Care of Your Clothes

Before Summer is officially here, make sure to give your Fall/Winter wardrobe a little love.

1) Take your sweaters to the dry cleaner before you store them for the season.  Leaving dirt and body oils on the fibers will cause them to deteriorate more quickly. Once clean, they will be fresh and ready to go as soon as there is a chill in the air again.

2) Launder your denim before storing that as well.  There are a handful of jeans that I leave in my closet for the Summertime; but generally speaking, jeans feel too heavy to wear during June, July and August.  For these items, I wash them inside out in cold water and hang them to dry. Once completely dry, I store them on their hangers in a separate closet.

3) Buff and puff your shoes.  Take shoes and boots to the cobbler to be re-heeled (if needed), polished and shined.  Leather will dry out and crack if not treated regularly plus most marks or scratches can be easily fixed at a good shoe repair.

What to Wear on a Rainy Day?

In a nutshell: the correct proportions, the right footwear and a protective top layer.  But this doesn't mean slickers + Wellies are the only options.  

Starting with the proportions of your outfit, you want skinny on the bottom and bigger on the top (don’t want any pants dragging into puddles).

For work or play, choose a roomy top layer and skinny or straight pants.

Next, choose your footwear: leather boots or something with a heel, wedge or lug sole (rubber rain boots do keep you dry, but they get awfully hot once inside).  You want to be literally elevated off the ground.  A relatively inexpensive dark leather boot often does the trick--you don't mind if it gets a little wet or marked up. If you prefer to invest a bit more money, choose a brand with weather-proofed styles like Sorel or Aquatalia.

When the temperatures are warmer, choose a platform sandal or nylon (not canvas) sneaker to lift you away from the puddles.

The following step is to layer up on your coats. If your raincoat is thin, but waterproof, wear it over top of a light weight puffer vest or jean jacket or wool coat to add warmth.  Of course, if it's one of those warmer, wet days (also known as 'great hair days' LOL), a thin coat is all you need.  It doesn't even have to be waterproof because you are going to have a great umbrella :)

And, finally don't forget the power of color on a gray and rainy day. A bright rain hat or umbrella is your finishing touch.  Time to start singing in the rain...just singing in the rain...

For easy purchasing or just for a closer inspection, click here for links to all of the above images.

How Does Your Outfit Make You Feel?

Confident? Refined? Whimsical? Fashion allows us to create different feelings and self-images each day. Put something new on this Spring--see what happens. Perhaps you need a piece to complete outfits already hanging in your closet.  Or, you want something similar to your tried-and-true style but updated and new. Or, you're ready to really step out of your box and try a different color or silhouette or accessory. Spring is the perfect time for self-renewal--follow the lead of Mother Nature: choose something fresh and see how rejuvenated you'll feel.

Click on far right image above to see all eight photos. Who do you want to be today?

Hey Ladies! February Feels Like April

On a beautiful day like today, I want to forget all about boots and big (albeit, yummy) sweaters and head straight into my Spring wardrobe.  I do realize that the chance for more snowstorms is possible, but here are three key pieces that you can wear right now to put a Spring in your step (punny, I know!).

For links to all of these and more, click here.

1) Duster cardigans--adding a long silhouette this season will update every outfit you own from jeans-n-Tees to dress pants and heels.  Height-challenged ladies, don't despair! These will work for you, too: pick a thin knit, no belt and make sure the length stays above mid-calf.  Tall friends: go for it with a duster falling just above your ankles.

2) Pretty striped poplin tops--such a great update on the classic shirt.  Again, wear with jeans and sneakers or dress trousers/evening skirts.  These look so fresh.

3) Slipper Loafers--these have been around for a season or two, but seem to be everywhere this Spring.  Super-comfy and easy on-and-off.  They will update any cropped (or rolled hem) pant.  The point of these shoes is to show them off.

February Fun Facts:  Donate your gently used bras to The Undies Project for Mardi Bra.  Click here for donation sites ~ Check out these full-coverage and beautiful Shape Solver bathing suits. These are by my sister-in-law's sister: according to my big Italian family-of-origin thinking that means we're pretty much related, right? I can hear my husband strongly disagreeing :) ~ The Bruce Museum in Greenwich is exhibiting New York City street photography post WW ll through 1980.  Looks like a great exhibit ~ And going back to my opening salutation in the title of this post, check out Missy Elliott's 'Work It' video.  She says "Hey Ladies" almost at the end, but every time I use that phrase, I can hear her singing it in my head.  Enjoy!

Quick Closet Clean-Out

Out with the old and in with the new!  The beginning of January is the perfect time to do a mini closet cleanse.  Nothing major:  Spring cleaning is still THE BEST and a few months away.  But if you want a quick feel-good project, follow these five steps and your closet will be refreshed with minimal effort.

1. Bye-Bye beat up handbags.  Toss out the ones you are never going to use again---those with broken hardware or stretched out handles, marks, rips and scratches.

2. See You Later white T-shirts, white dress shirts and white blouses that are no longer very white.  Check for stains under the arms and at the collar--see anything? If yes, then release.

3. So long, stretched out elastic.  Work-out gear, pajamas, bathing suits--anything with elastic that is worn out (have you ever heard that horrible cracking sound the really old stuff makes??) goes straight into the recycling bag.

4. Peace out, pilled-beyond-repair sweaters.  If you've taken it to the cleaners already and the pills are still there, it's time to let it go. It's done good by you for a long time.

5. Sayonara, shoes that give you blisters.  We all have them: shoes and boots that are just so cute but hurt every single time they're worn.  Time to say farewell, forgive yourself (we all make mistakes--sometimes this one is expensive) and move forward.

That's it!  All done!  Well...unless you're ready to shop for replacements :) Here are some suggestions (and they are all on sale). Happy New Year, my friends!

Born motorcycle boots,  Zara frilled white blouse, Gap floral PJ bottoms and Lanvin mini shoulder bag.  Click here for links to all the rest plus more ideas. 

His-n-Her Christmas Party Outfits

You can't go wrong wearing red or green to a Christmas party, but avoid a plain red sweater or dress. Here are three ways to wear the colors of the season in a more sophisticated manner.

Brunello Cucinelli suede vest, Brooks Brothers plaid flats, Renee Lewis peridot earrings, J.Crew red pumps, &OtherStories green sweater and skirt.  Click here for links.

1) Choose your palette. Use pattern and texture to add a bit of interest.  A green checked shirt plus a green striped tie plus an olive suede vest looks festive and chic. Adding black and some fur to a red dress looks bright and stylish.

2) Make it shiny.  Look at the red plaid pants, green skirt or red patent pumps above; they all work because they shine.

3) When in doubt, accessorize.  If head-to-toe red or green doesn't feel quite "you," then choose one accessory in a merry color.  A black silk T-shirt and simple black pants plus red shoes or green earrings will make a subtle but effective statement. A red pocket square will pop on a black blazer.

Which Boots Go With Which Jeans?

The chart below shows some options for boots and booties + jeans.  These are just a few of the many, many combos you can make.  Read below for more details and choices.

Straight Leg Jeans:  choose a bootie that does not come up too high on the ankle.  Something with a lower vamp, that even shows a bit of skin, will elongate your leg when wearing a straight jean.  Conversely, don’t be afraid to ‘scrunch’ up the straight leg over a combat style boot. 

Skinny jeans:  choose just about any boot or bootie you like.  These jeans are great for wearing under tall boots (to the knee or over the knee).  Remember to wear more volume on top when you do that.  For booties, these skinny jeans can be tucked into or worn over top.  See the pictures above for ideas. 

Full length Mini-bells, Flared, Wide-leg:  choose a boot or bootie that comes up higher on your ankle, even to mid-calf, so that the jeans fall easily over top.  You want to see the toe and heel of the boot/bootie.  One of my favorite, super-comfy options for this style of pants is a pair of cowboy boots. 

Cropped-Kicks or Boy-friend Jeans:  choose a bootie that complements the particular length of the jean.  The visual effect you’re going for is not too much skin exposed from the end of the jean to the top of the bootie.  So, if your jeans end a bit higher up on the leg, then wear a bootie that comes up above the ankle. These shorter jeans are excellent for showing off a unique and interesting boot.  And again to the contrary, you could choose a black cropped kick jean and a black mid-calf boot—allowing the jean to fall over the top of the boot even though the jean is shorter than full length.  This looks very modern and elongates the leg.

Vince Camuto black bootie with buckle,  Stuart Weitzman leopard print bootie, Nine West light suede cowboy bootie, Gianvito Rossi black quilted leather boot.  Outfit images: Netaporter.com and my clients.

His-n-Her Trends-to-Try for Fall 2016

What do shearling, leopard print, velvet and pearls all have in common?  They are some of the biggest womenswear trends for Fall 2016, of course!  Hmmm…those sound more like ‘classics’ to me. I really do love when the arbiters of style tell us that these classic items are ‘new’ trends.  But as you know, it’s all in the way in which you wear them that makes things feel either new and fresh or outdated and passé.  Here are some of my favorite new pieces for both women and men.  Did you know that pink is one of the biggest trends in menswear this Fall?  According to GQ, it is!  So are plaids (revolutionary!) and bomber jackets. I love this stuff :)

Outerwear and accessories are great places to add a trendy piece into your daily wardrobe.

Here are two examples of how to mix all these trends together.  Click here for links to everything you see in this post.

And here are examples on both ends of the budget spectrum.  With price comes quality.  With savings, comes easy turnover. Again, click here for links to all. Let me know if you see something you like!

Here are a few exhibits on my radar for this season.  Has anyone been already?  I'm looking forward to the inspiration these give!

Klimt and the Women of Vienna's Golden Age at the Neue Galerie in NYC.

Della Robbia: Sculpting with Color in Renaissance Florence at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Jerusalem 1000--1400: Every People Under Heaven at the Metropolitan Museum, NYC.

Summer to Fall Wardrobe Transition

It’s after Labor Day, and “Summer” is officially over.  But the days are still warm and humid. Your Summer clothes don’t feel quite right for the activities on your calendar, but when you wear anything appropriate for Fall, you end up roasting. I'm speaking about this at The Wilton Woman's Club luncheon.  Click here for links from that presentation, and follow the tips below to transition through the month of September until cooler weather arrives.

Yes, you can wear white jeans after Labor Day.  Pair them with black, brown or tan for a chic transitional outfit. Mother white crops from Elyse Walker, Frame white skinny jeans, and Mih jeans at Netaporter.

1. Choose the weight of fabrics based on the outdoor temperature.  If it’s going to be hot and humid, don’t even consider wearing a lightweight wool or cashmere piece.  Stick with your Summertime cottons and linens, BUT...
2. Use color to differentiate between the seasons.  Colors with a lot of ‘white’ in them--light pink, baby blue, bright green--will read Summer.  Put these garments away for now and choose deeper shades such as navy, fuchsia, hunter green.
3. Speaking of color, it is OK to wear white after Labor Day!  White jeans with navy, blue and tan look fresh and suitable for an early Fall day.  Black and white is another great alternative for transitional dressing.
4. Layering is key during this time of year.  It can be cool in the early morning, only to be hot in the late afternoon sunshine and then cool again in the evening.  Use lightweight layers (cotton/linen blend blazers or cardigans and scarves) so that you can be ready for the temperature changes.
5. Last but not least:  Sandals + Pants.  If an open-toe shoe is acceptable for your lifestyle, this will keep you cool and comfortable until the weather turns.

Use natural fabrics (cotton, silk, or linen rather than anything polyester) and choose muted colors (navy, plum, grey); then combine white, tan, and creme in layers. Both of these outfits can transition even further by swapping out the white pants for blue jeans as the days get cooler.

Blue jeans with sandals, a neutral top and strong necklace make an easy and casual cocktail outfit. Natural agate necklace, Lafayette 148 sequin tank, Veronica Beard bootcut jeans.

Back to School Shopping: SoHo NYC

With mixed emotions, I realize it's almost time for the kids to go back to school. Summer is always so great with its relaxed schedules and lots of time spent with family and friends.  It's hard to let that go...but Fall, in my opinion, is the best season for clothes!  And, as you all know, I'm kind of into those :)

To make a Back to School shopping day a bit more fun than a basic trip to the mall, I designed this SoHo itinerary for a client and her daughters and myself. We had a blast and the girls' wardrobes were refreshed and ready for a new year. Mom found a few great things, too!  Read on to learn where to shop, where to stop and eat (molto importante!) and where to continue shopping after lunch...

Cover all the bases: flannel shirts, good jeans, comfy footwear, casual sweats for hanging out, a cool denim jacket for everyday, a pretty dress or top for when you need to 'dress up.' Click here for links to all of the above.

Make Bloomingdale's your home base (504 Broadway between Spring and Broome). Right next door is All Saints, across the street is Brandy Melville and The Levi's Store.  A few steps up the street is Aritzia and across from that is H&M. One block down (still on Broadway) is Madewell, Topshop and Timberland.  Time to break for lunch!  If you want something quick and yummy, go to sweetgreen around the corner on Kenmare St.  If you have a little more time, sit down at Jack's Wife Freda (around a different corner).  After refueling, head up Lafayette to G Star Raw then back over to Broadway to stop into &OtherStories.  Loop back to Bloomingdale's for any final purchases and call it a wrap!

My clients last week were young girls, but many of these shops cater to young men, too. Bloomie's lower level is the Men's Shop; there's TopMan (also downstairs); and Levi's, Timberland, H&M and G Star have great choices for the boys.  Everything above (and more) is listed on the Pinterest board right here.

“Thank you so much for everything today! It has a been a LONG time (maybe never?) since I felt so good after shopping. Your sense of style, plus a great sense of humor, made today much less scary and way more fun than I thought it would be. And I not only got great stuff, but we stayed in budget! ”

— S.W.