Fab Finds: A Great Bag

I just got this bag at Nordtroms. Love it for several reasons: nice and roomy but not too big, neutral color that can be used all year and smooth, buttery leather. Click here if you would like to order it.

Long and Comfy

Maxi dresses have been in trend for the past couple of summers. Why not try a long skirt for fall and wear it right into winter. The long skirt is a really nice option to a black pair of slacks. This look is very tailored with the crisp white shirt. A burgundy ( waist length) or honey color buttery leather jacket would be beautiful with it. Other things I would pair with it would include a scarf, cashmere sweater, turtle neck top, denim jacket or shirt, a fur vest....So many options. Try adding this staple to your wardrobe. And may I add, a very comfortable way to travel. (this skirt is not available but if you would like to order other black skirt options, click on the highlighted links right below)

Other black skirt options:
click here or here

An Alternative Piece

You know how I love to add interesting pieces to complete a look, making it unique. Making it yours. Here is a maxi cardigan I found last year. I think it is a fun alternative to standard one. If you are petite, I suggest you wear heels. Since I shopped my closet for this item, I will be on the look out to see where I can find one for you this year.

Photography by Kaelynn Serena

An Afternoon Sail

We have discovered that sailing in the afternoon is our favorite time of day. As unpredictable as the winds can be we usually manage to get some good sailing in. This is a great time of year. The farther we get into fall the more the winds blow. It will be a beautiful time of year to sail in the next six weeks. Fisherman sweaters, blankets, some jazz music and Port wine.  We have a ritual now that we love. Cocktails back at the dock at sunset. What's not to like right? Being out on the water or even around water has always felt so calming and enjoyable. While I must admit that I enjoy being on a motor boat on occassion, the experience on a sail boat is very different. Talk about calming. Instead of listening to the motor you find yourself listening to the water splashing against the side of the boat and the sounds of the seagulls singing.

Enjoy the quality time this weekend may bring.

What To Pack For a Trip

What to pack and how to pack for a trip when you are flying can be challenging and frustrating too. I was out with the girls the other night and our girlfriend, Mary Beth, was telling us how she goes about it. She takes a portable coat rack (from the Container Store) and hangs combinations of everything she is going to take. What a great idea. Anyway, I thought I would share with you some other helpful hints to try to take some of the stress and time out of the whole ordeal.

 Stick with neutral colors such as black, khaki and grey (add white or cream in summer). Accessorize with color. That can be done with scarves, wraps, belts, bags or whatever else you like to accessorize with. Do have a neutral wrap for every day though. To avoid over packing bring only two of each staple piece such as two pairs of jeans, slacks and dresses for example. As far as shoes go, take one pair of flats, one pair of heels (for me that would be boots in the cold months) and of course slippers. And to really cover all our bases, always take an extra pair of undies. Another hint: roll your clothes instead of folding. They won't get as wrinkled. 

Bon Voyage!

Last Call For White Pants

The never ending question: Can you wear white pants in September? Yes! It is an old wives tale that you can't. It's really a climate thing. In California they wear them all year round but here they just look out of place in snowy 30 degree weather. So while we do have to hang them up for a few months it is still very warm and sunny in September so go ahead and wear them. Just a couple things to keep in mind as we are transitioning into fall. Wear your denim ones instead of the really light cotton ones. Wear peep toe or closed toe shoes instead of strappy sandals, especially in the evening when it is a lot cooler. Add a cardigan or light jacket. Switch up your top colors to grey, black or brown. Leave your floral summery tops aside now and hang up the white jeans at the end of the month.

with a lightweight jacket

with a lightweight leather jacket

Sam Edelman shoes

I SHOPPED MY CLOSET FOR ALL ITEMS.

Fab Finds: Extra Touches

Yves Saint Laurent Ring 

Tory Burch Iphone Case

Wanted to share these fun accessories with you. By the way, if you love them and would like to order you can do so by clicking on the description. Many readers have told me they were not aware of that. Have a wonderful weekend.

Georgetown Shops: Dalton Pratt

 I love Georgetown. I think it would be so wonderful to live there (as said in a past post). First off, the charm of it all. The cobblestone streets, the beautiful row houses, the restaurants and the shops, the shops, the shops. My sister and I visited a boutique by the name of dalton pratt. It was recommended in the Washingtonian magazine. Your heart will go pitter patter as you walk into this shop where you will be greeted by the two lovely and friendly shop owners. There you will find beautiful fashion accessories, home decor and furnishings, gifts and an incredible assortment of soaps candles and perfume. We enjoyed looking around and had fun trying to decide which french soaps or custom candles we were taking home. We did not go home empty handed.

Beautiful and unique necklaces.

I brought home a clutch, scented hand soap and lotion (love) and a jar of "Real French Dressing" (marinated chicken in it, yum)

From Plain to Stylin'

This is from my "shop your closet" collection which means it is something that I have had in my closet. By the way, I can help you "shop your closet" and weed things out too. You would be surprised at what combos we can come up with. Not to mention how clean and clear your wardrobe and closet will be. Click on the "Services" link and contact me by email. In the meantime, check out how I chose to add some spunk to a simple or basic dress. 

A matching scarf and pair of tights along with a pair of Audrey Hepburn Opera gloves.

Opera gloves are great for fall when wearing a heavy coat is too much. Wear them with a cape or a wrap. Click on the word Gloves down below to order.

Shoes: Nine West

Dress: Zara (last year)

Gloves
Clutch: Dalton Pratt Boutique

The Art of A Dinner Party

I really prefer a dinner party to going out to a restaurant. No kidding. To me, it is so much more enjoyable, comfortable and relaxing. Especially when the hosts have such a flair for it. The meal does not need to be elaborate. Being that I am a very visual person, I love a beautiful table and ambience. If the party is at my house (this one was not) candles are abundant. As a matter of fact, my hubby counts them when they are first lit so that we don't forget to blow them all out at the end of the evening. The fact that someone has invited you to their home and put their personal touches is really special and inviting. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to linger with friends and family out on the porch in the summer or in front of the fireplace in the winter.  You just don't get that at a restaurant.

A statement necklace can "make" an outfit

New fall nail polish color. OPI Romeo and Joliet (yes it is Joliet)

 Avocado Crostinis

Fall Trends

Opera length gloves

Fedora Hats

Capes (I just got this). Wear the opera length gloves with it.

All items at Nordstroms: Click below to shop

Cape
Hat
Gloves

Leather Tee

How do you wear a leather t-shirt? Hmmm, some of you are thinking it may be a little too wild or something that is just not you. C'mon ladies. As you know leather never goes out of style especially in the way of jackets or coats. You can totally make leather look soft and feminine without having that hard edge look to it. This top is very soft buttery faux leather overlay. Here I have softened the look with a white jacket and a pretty necklace which is a gift that came from Paraguay. Wear this with skirts and heels and a cardigan. But I think my favorite look will be with a pair of winter white trousers which I will totally post for you once I find the perfect pair.

Find this look:

Jeans
Tshirt: Saks
Jacket: Zara