Party Like it's 2009

Already have your party plans secured for the holidays and need help with deciding what to wear? I found this helpful guide for men and women that answers the question of what to wear for those occasions that call for casual, cocktail, business or smart casual attire.

I've already started my search for the perfect party dress. While I was in Winston-Salem, NC recently, I stopped in at Nitsa's Apparel to look for holiday attire and saw this red cutie and other fashionable finds.

Happy Holidays!

Happiness in the Mountains

On a recent day trip to the North Georgia Mountains, I found what I think is the best store I've ever been to - The Loft.

The store's Web site states, whoever said money can't buy happiness simply didn't know where to go shopping.   I did find happiness there, a fabulous coat (on sale) and some of the nicest people including one of the owners. 

Handbags, accessories, shoes, candles, I love this store!

Coat Check

When I was young, I loved the TV show That Girl. I vowed to one day have a coat to match every outfit just like the main character Ann Marie did.  Well, now I have quite a few coats thanks to Ms. Marie's influence and some of my favorites are vintage finds from Goodwill.

If you don't have time to go to vintage shops, then just go to Vintage Trends to find coats like the one pictured here.

My Obsession

I think I'm obsessed with the notion that people can't throw anything out and keep a cluttered home. I'm not judging them, I'm just fascinated by the idea.

If there's a TV show about house cleaning or a documentary about hoarders, I'm watching. I feel your home should be peaceful and from what I've seen on television shows it stresses people out and it's not particularly stylish.  The photos here are from one of my favorite shows Clean House. Watch it and then schedule your own Clean House Day.

If you need help, there are people who can help you get organized and of course there are stores selling organization aids to help you put your things in order.

Hair Style

A few months ago I saw the movie trailer for the Chris Rock documentary Good Hair. It's in select theaters now and in theaters nationally Oct. 23.  I can't wait to see it and then have discussions with my friends about the movie and of course hear their hair stories.

Also on the topic of hair, I recommend reading Queens, Portraits of Black Women and their Fabulous Hair written by Michael Cunningham and George Alexander. This is a fabulous book and I love reading the stories and seeing the images of the women featured in this book.

Guy Style

I love a guy who has great style. How do you describe a guy with great style? Well it depends what you like to see your guy wearing.

I don't think a guy has to be dressed in designer labels but comfortable in his own skin. How do you like your guy to dress? Do you like to see him in suits, jeans, fitted clothes or baggy jeans?

Much has been written about one of the newest style icons for men, President Obama. His style has been has been documented down to the color of his tie. This image of the President from the impossiblecool.com is well, just plain cool.

Guys and girls, who is your male style icon?

Color Trends Fall 2009

There was a time when I only wore black, white and tan until I was introduced to color. Now I look forward to knowing what the color trends are each season.

If you want to be in the know, then read Pantone's Fashion Color Report Fall 2009 which features the top 10 colors for women's fashion for fall '09 along with designer sketches, quotes and headshots.

What Not to Wear

After a long week at work, one of my favorite things to do on a Friday night is watch What Not to Wear on TLC. And I'm really digging the new hair stylist, Ted Gibson, pictured right.

Well, WNTW seems to be on hiatus now so the show's Web site will have to help ease my withdrawal pains. Judging by the comments posted on the Web site, I'm not alone in missing the show.

Great fashion tips, cool before and after photos and videos of makeovers, and style quizzes.  I was quite proud that I received an excellent score on the quizzes I took.

My favorite episode from a few years ago is shopping in Paris. I can't wait for the show to return.

Mrs. O.

If you love Michelle Obama's fashion style and want to know what she's wearing, you should go one of my favorite blogs mrs-o.org.

Photo by Mary Riley / Reuters

The Great Hair Debate

I've fought the good fight. Four years ago, I did the unthinkable (for me) and decided to wear my hair "natural." It's natural in that it doesn't have a relaxer to straighten it but I do color it so I guess it's not completely natural.  I discovered I do like my natural hair and the freedom. But, periodically I go back and forth trying to decide to keep the natural hair thing going or going back to using a relaxer.  I'm not alone; my friends and I discuss this often.

People often stop and ask me what I use on my hair and I always say it depends on your hair texture. Like everyone else, I experiment with new products and am always open to trying new lines. I recommend that you consult with your hair care professional about the shampoos, conditioners and other products that best fit your hair texture and hair style. What helped me was going to Urbanbella, located in Atlanta. They taught me to style my own hair and what products to use.

According to the Madam C.J .Walker Web site, there have been so many innovations in hair care products for black women since Madam Walker's day and so many new product lines on the market, that it is impossible to select just one company.

Fabulous Store in Athens

I wandered into the coolest store this weekend, Agora. There was so much to look at first I didn't know where to begin. After a couple of trips around the store and after talking to the woman at the counter, I started to figure it out. I saw furniture, clothing and jewelry. I even saw Hermes and Louis Vuitton bags. It was so amazing! Definitely check this place out, it's worth the look.

Agora

260 W Clayton St.

Athens, GA 30601-2712

(706) 316-0130

Let's Get Physical

Remember the Olivia Newton John song, Let's Get Physical? If so, then you're a child of the 80s and you probably remember the workout fashions. Yes, there was lots of spandex, headbands and leg warmers. And oh, the step classes. Now there's Group Power, Pilates, and Spinning Classes to make you sweat and what you wear matters less than just making sure you move your body. A healthy body is the ultimate fashion statement no matter what decade you're in. In case you don't know or remember the song, enjoy this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQXECBdPgEA

I Can See Clearly Now

I've always loved glasses. When my sister got glasses, I cried because I wanted a pair as well. In school, I was attracted to boys with glasses. I perceived boys who wore glasses as being smart. When I grew up, I liked men in glasses but now I think men look sexy as well as smart in a cool frame.

Well, I've been wearing glasses for a while now. I don't know if they make me look smart or sexy, but I do enjoy being able to see clearly. And what I now see is that I should have gone into designing eye wear. Frames can be expensive and a major investment but I've discovered there are inexpensive options available online.

It's important for me to get the right pair that I want to wear every day. In addition to seeing better, they must be stylish. In the last few days I've tried on numerous frames - Prada, Channel, Ray-Ban, Dolce and Gabbana, Tiffany & Company. Frames now have temples with an array of designs, rhinestones and logos. So many choices but the upside is there are many frame styles to choose from than when I was a kid.

Pick a frame to match your personality or pick several to match your mood or outfit. It's just another way to express your individual style.

All the Pretty Dresses

I like change, and separates have been my staple for years. Mix this top with this jacket, mix this skirt with this blouse, you get the idea. I've recently added dresses to my wardrobe and now whenever I'm out, I'm on the hunt for a new one.

Some days I love the ease of slipping into a dress without having to think if something will work or not.

Banana Republic, Nordstrom Rack, I love scoring a nice dress for a great price Recently, I found a Lilly Pulitzer dress at TJMaxx for under $60 retailed price $268!

Happy hunting!

Sunday Morning and Afternoon with J.Crew

I like to spend Sunday afternoons browsing in stores. But yesterday, before I hit the street and while having my morning cup of coffee, I saw an interesting story on CBS Sunday Morning about Mickey Drexler, the CEO of J.Crew. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/07/12/sunday/main5153538.shtml#comments

That news story prompted me to stop in J.Crew at the Mall of Georgia. Sales are abound there but also check out the J. Crew Outlet in Commerce, Georgia for great deals, if you're in the area. Sales can also be found online at www.jcrew.com.

I recently rediscovered J. Crew thanks to Mrs. Obama and I'm glad I've taken a second look.

Izod, Aigner and other early influences

I'm the youngest of five girls and the only one who seems to follow fashion. I always wondered why I was different. I think by the time I came along, my mom was tired of sewing clothes so I got the benefit of shopping in department stores.

In elementary school looked at catalogs and fashion magazines. I watched people and imagined having a classic and conservative style. I grew up wearing Izod before I knew what Izod was (see photo to the left). I had an Aigner rain coat with a matching hat in college that I still can't seem to let go. And sadly, I wore bowling shoes and used safety pins for earrings; it was a short-lived fad.

After college, I worked in banking and mortgage lending. I wore the Brooks Brothers suits and as my jobs have changed so has my style.

My hair has been long, short, red, black, blonde, straight and now natural. I have more red shoes than anyone person should probably have but then I may have more clothes than any one person needs. It does allow me the opportunity to create a multitude of combinations and rarely repeat the same outfit. I guess I like change.

I enjoy looking for unique items to incorporate with what I already have and would much rather purchase jewelry or clothing when I travel to remember the trip. I think's it's better than having a t-shirt to chronicle my journey.

As I'm out and about, I'll share some of my favorite places, cool finds and fashionable things I find.