I intended to post a little something about the fun of gift giving and encourage everyone to wear a little a extra dazzle on this jolly holiday; however, Santa arrived very early in the form of a surprise ambush from my Sister! Talk about a San Francisco treat! How kind, thoughtful and successful her family was in surprising our hometown family is the best gift possible! As I head off to my other Sister’s house for yet another surprise ambush (this time I’m in on it!), I can only wish that you too are surrounded by your ‘favorite’ family and friends as well. Merry Christmas to all, and may a Christmas Miracle (in any form) land on your doorstep as well.

1. Nike Air Max Run Lite

2. New York & Co. Sparkle Skinny Belts

3. Lauren Conrad Embellished Wool Jacket

4. Marrikas Egyptian Cotton Bathrobe

5. Clarins ‘Delicious’ Self-Tanning Cream

6. Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

7. Kors Michael Kors Olympia

8. Chloe ‘Chloe’ Eau de Parfum

9. Citizens of Humanity ‘Hutton’ Mid-Rise Flare Jeans

10. Anne Klein Ombre Scarf

11. Apart Epaulet Bateau Tee

12. M.A.C. 266 Small Angle Brush

13. M.A.C. Fluidline

14. Beyond Vintage Sequin Cardigan

15. Ugg Dakota Slippers

Recently I was approached with a style challenge: take an outdated bridesmaid dress and make it modern, wearable and chic. This is the only kind of sport that I know how to play, so I was immediately game to tackle this challenge! Frankly I’m over the ‘LBD’ fixation after witnessing too many unfortunate Audrey Hepburn impersonations. However, this fashion makeover has proved quite satisfying after transforming a dumpy dress  into tailored Mad Men perfection. Here’s the part where I get style shy: I have to present two fab ways to wear the dress on a local tv show. Uh, yikes! This is way unchartered territory and perhaps my biggest style tribulation ever. While I work on my 5.5 minutes of fame, check out what I plan to wear. I figure even if I make a fool of myself at least I’ll be sporting a cute outfit… right? Well, you’ll have to be the judge of that.

1. Cara Accesories Bib Necklace

2. Topshop Shrunken Ruched Sleeve Jacket

3. L’Oreal Elnett Extra StrongHold Hairspray

4. Bare Minerals Matte Foundation

5. Essie Lollipop Nail Polish

6. Forever 21 Instant Glam Ring

7. Forever 21 Square Stone Ring

8. Old Navy Citizen Surplus Cargos (borrowed from my mom!)

9. Calvin Klein Sandie Patent Pump

10. Lucky Brand Shane Sequined Tank

Last night was my annual holiday gathering at work. We don’t have the traditional office party where co-workers get wasted and show their true colors (we save that for private functions), but this doesn’t stop anyone from going over the top. In fact, you’re expected to work it in your holiday best, and it’s a bit of a fashion showdown (this also happens when CEO’s drop in and it’s fantastic!). Of course I rocked my Badgley Mischka vintage dazzler and paired it with the navy corduroy shorts I made a zillion years ago in design school. I toned it all down with basic black and went light on the makeup, yet opted for glam red nails. (Sidebar: nails should always be short and manicured. Long and square tips are all shades of wrong and a serious offense in most cases). Anyhow, in the holiday hustle we forgot to snap a group photo so I don’t have any clear evidence (Mr. D-LD-DF wore white Hugo Boss & Miss Manager would kill me for even mentioning her, but she looked hot in her black mini).  Hopefully this diagram will at least prove my case.

1. IRO Tuxedo Jacket

2. Vince Sequined Crepe T-shirt

3. Anna & Ava Crystal Teardrop Necklace

4. Sephora Glitter Eyeliner

5. Forever 21 Grand Dame Cocktail Ring

6. Deborah Lippman Nail Color in ‘It’s Raining Men’

7. Stuart Weitzman ‘Kilgore’ Booties

8. DKNY Opaque Tights

9. Old Navy Cuffed Cord Shorts

As a kid I was super jealous of kids who celebrated Hanukkah. I mean, hello, that’s like eight days of Christmas and a lot of Peaches ‘n Cream Barbies to be had. I now understand that Hanukkah is not a super-sized Christmas for the lucky kids, but a holiday full of meaningful traditions (note: yummy fried foods!) celebrated with close family. I’m a dreadful cook, bad singer and impatient game player, but I do shop for a living so I couldn’t help but think of a few fun gifts to exchange.

1. The Jewish Museum Lights of Hanukkah Dessert Plates

2. Jonathan Adler Peacock Menorah

3. Arthur Schwartz Jewish Home Cooking: Yiddish Recipes Revisited

4. Golden Cockerel Jewish Rabbi Nesting Doll 5 pc. set

5. Schmaltz Brewing Company HE’BREW The Chosen Beer

6. Lush Cosmetics Fizztival of Lights

7. Modern Tribe Happy Hanukkah Dreidel Cards

8. World Market Kosher Gourmet Gift Basket

Thanksgiving has once again proved to be the day that my mom cooks way better than your mom; needless to say, I’ll be wearing a uniform of stretch pants + baggy sweaters for several days to come. In fact, I’m so full up on gluttonous grub that it’s difficult to think straight about style, shopping and the dawning of Black Friday. As a shopgirl, I don’t know how well I’ll hold up with this food coma situation, but style never sleeps so it’s time to snap out of it come tomorrow morning! I’m not much of a doorbuster myself, but there’s going to be a helluva lot of commotion tomorrow for those in search of a deal. Unfortunately, nothing on my wish list will be on clearance, but that’s what you get for having expensive taste, right? I kid.

This holiday season I suggest giving the gift of deluxe basics: sassy Sorel’s and plush Ugg’s  that are a treat for the feet; a classic black handbag and sunglasses that are built to last; interesting books and beautiful home goods that liven up a room; quality underwear that doesn’t ride up your arse; and a get-noticed jacket that becomes the life of the party. Oh and maybe another pair of stretch pants just in time for Christmas dinner.

Happy Shopping!

1. Berliner Mauer Kunst, Vincent Van Gogh A Biography, The Ellements of Personal Style

2. J.Crew Disco Sequined Jacket

3. Ugg Rylan

4. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong

5. Regina Andrew Antique Mercury Glass Lamp

6. Sorel Tivoli Plaid

7. Dooney & Bourke Satchel

8. Oakley Polarized Frogskins

This week I have been quite excited with the news of  “commoner” Kate Middleton’s engagement to Prince William. You’d think Kate was my dear friend as I’ve grown so fond of her. She is poised, gorgeous and has a well-chosen, classic sense of style worthy of a million inevitable imitations. All this hoopla over Kate reminds me of a similar affection our country felt for Carolyn Bessette when she married into the Kennedy legacy in 1996. Born in Connecticut and educated in Boston, Carolyn then moved to New York City and worked as a publicist for Calvin Klein in the early 1990’s (the designer would later go on to dress her in his established signature look). Her style clearly reflected her New England prep-meets-New York high society lifestyle. What set Carolyn apart was her sleek, no-nonsense approach to hair, makeup and wardrobe. If she were with us today, Carolyn would still be a fashion icon undoubtedly wearing the same style of timeless investment pieces. Much like her mother-in-law, Jackie O, Carolyn’s style has continued to influence designers and “commoners” alike.

1. Labour of Love Double-Breasted Trench Coat

2. Gitman Brothers Sisters White Button Down Shirt

3. Topshop Kacy Fringed Loafers

4. Sephora Lip & Cheek Stain

5. Calvin Klein Draped Jersey Dress

6. Charles Jourdan ‘Blair’ Stilletos

7. Bailey 44 Werewolf Faux Fur Coat

8. Closed V-Neck Cashmere Pullover

9. Adriano Goldschmied ‘The Stilt’ Corduroy Pants

10. Bandolino ‘Codi’ Boots

11. Topshop Calf Length Flannel Skirt

The official dress-up day of the year is right around the corner, and I hope to get your party started if you haven’t already begun the hunt for rad October. You can imagine how much I value Halloween, as it’s a holiday devoted to fashion fun. Even when I have trouble brewing costume ideas, my dear friend Mrs. J acts as the Halloween Whisperer. She calls out clever characters for me, and in true Style Trial fashion, she opts for costumes which play to my strengths. In this case it’s typically my “gams” that garner attention, hence the Risky Business pants-less stunner back in ’08. This year she immediately had me at “Kim Kardashian!” and the rest is asymmetrical LBD + smoky eyes + hairspray history. In case you have yet to get your costume on, here’s a couple style icons for inspiration. I kept the cost at a minimum and some add-ons you may already own. Halloween should not break the bank, but it should be the most Style-ized day of the year, no trials neccesary.

1. Forever 21 Stripe Round Sunglasses, $6

2. Designer Skin Gorgeous Gams Bronzing Tanner, $24

3. Modcloth Chic Challenge Dress, $105

4. NY & Co. Faux Croc Tote, $40

5. Jessica Simpson ‘Wallin’ Pumps, $75

1. LC Lauren Conrad Round Bow Sunglasses, $30

2. Arden B. Belted Faux Fur Vest, $69

3. Arden B. Hacci Drop Waist Dress $49

4. Spanx Tight-End Leggings, $32

5. Restricted Siren Suede Over the Knee Boots, $70

6. Starbucks Coffee, $3

1. Forever 21 Rhinestone Chandelier Earrings, $8

2. Capezio Leotard, $18

3. Forever 21 Extravagant Ring, $6

4. Forum Novelties Biker Glove, $6

5. Windsor Rhinestone Cuff, $13

6. Sephora Glitter Eyes Palette, $36

7. Type Z Monisa, $90

8. Hanes Silk Reflections Hosiery, $8

This month my style spirituality is very Nirvana. I am “easily amused” by the idea of watching Reality Bites and Singles or hitting the 1990’s streets of Seattle with E.D. while serenading her with my best Vedder impersonation (personal fave: Hunger Strike).

} On the short end of things, I’ve taken a liking to showing off my gams thanks to opaque tights.  With an undeniably broad selection of hip hosiery on the market, I hereby declare a ban on nude legs for many months to come.

} Get ahead this month by adding a touch of unexpected glam to your daytime look thanks to a sparkly tank! At the very least you’ll be appropriately dressed to meet the gals for happy hour without having to run home and change clothes first (oh how I dread those “quick change” moments). Note: no jewelry allowed when your bodice is already bedazzled!

} Layer with a long, tailored coat to keep those sassy stems covered when that October chill sneaks up on you. Don’t break the bank here: these can be found everywhere from Old Navy to Goodwill. It may be wiser to invest in some alterations to show off your shape instead.

} To top off the glam grunge ensemble throw on a wide-brimmed hat which will add intrigue while warding off the wind. Hat head is better than a rat’s nest any day.

} Though my new look may not be what you’re crushing on this fall, my challenge to you would be to take a fashion risk this month. Feel free of judgment from others and don’t be afraid to clash! If you’re genuinely in love with each piece you put on then you’ll naturally own your layered look the moment you step out into the bitter breeze. And hey if you’re not into it, well than Nevermind all that.

1. Forever 21 Wool Floppy Hat

2. Old Navy Wool-Blend Trench

3.  BCBG Tab Pleat Short

4. Gap Black Solid Tights

5. Dr. Martens 1460 Black Nappa Boot

6. DKNY Jeans Sequin Tank

7. Miss Me Plaid Tunic Shirt

Lately I’m loving a look worthy of The Great Outdoors. I can’t tell you the first thing about camping, chopping wood or hiking because I’m the world’s most indoorsy person. However, I don’t need to freeze my arse off or jump off a cliff to get in touch with inner Paula Bunyan. Knowing that bitter cold weather is on its way has me embracing flannel, feather down and fur like it’s my shield from the impending storm. I had to restrain myself from buying out Target last week after spotting plaid tops, Nordic print hats, duck boots, suede slippers and cozy socks galore! Oh and don’t even get me started on the selection of adorable outerwear and cute cords at Old Navy right now. If retail therapy is a positive way of dealing with the harsh elements and seasonal depression, than people I have found The Secret! Otherwise, I should really be heading towards the cabin to curl up with a good book while stylishly sipping on a hot toddy! No pitching tents necessary.

1. Boden Fair Isle Trapper Hat

2. Eddie Bauer Crystal Ridge Down Vest

3. Ecko Hatchet Men’s Flannel Shirt

4. Melissa Blank The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing

5. Zealand Ultrasuede Sherpa Tote

6. Gap Argyle Socks

7. Sperry Topsider Ladyfish Fold-Over Boot

8. Free People Twill Cargo Pant

 

 

I just can’t get over my newfound crush on shorts + tights + boots as this season’s cutest combo, and it’s definitely a look worth adopting this fall. Tweed shorts seemed like the perfect start for a series of DIY projects that I’m hoping will save everyone  some cash (and use up a little creative energy). My apparel design degree has resulted in some seriously mediocre sewing skills, but if you’re a beginner I would encourage a basic sewing skills course before tackling patterns, zippers and waistbands, etc. The best place to start your sewing party is at a discount fabric mega-store, but be sure to budget your time and money wisely. For this project I spent 30 minutes picking out a pattern and another 30 selecting my fabric and notions. Though my intended budget was $20 the total ended up at $32. Oops. To simplify the sewing process I opted for a side zipper and ditched the belt loops… oh and when I was really running on empty the cuffs didn’t make the cut either. I guess I forgot how much patience it takes to make a quality, tailored garment. After several very long hours the shorts were ready for their debut at no better place than Portland Fashion Week. Perhaps next year I’ll take on New York, Paris or Milan, but this year my hometown will have to suffice.

 

 

Check out my Portland Fashion Week recap on The Neat Sheet.