Style Alert! Kat's Most Recent Aquisitions...

Hey now, StyleWise Guys & Fellow Fashionistas!

Some news!
TJ Maxx now has an online presence; no more excuses then! From home you can pick how to beat that  dreaded, terminal case of the schlepps! Hit up the internet Guys and Gals, and banish the blues with an array of Fall inspired oranges and deep forest greens. (TIP: when shopping online, no matter what store you peruse, hit the 'clearance'/'on sale' section first--tell the sort results, for example: clearance/women's dresses/sort by: price/lowest to highest. This ensures you see the best deals first on that dress you're looking for--guys, just substitute 'dress' for Men's 'slacks', 'shirts', 'boots', 'hats', whatever you find you need for Fall.)

Now, for a few of my latest scores for Fall. These include the stylings of Gucci and Two Lips.
This brings me to one of my very favorite style points--cost effective is not only savvy, it's an adrenaline rush!
I don't know about you kids, but I bust my lil' tail for the money I make--I earn it in every sense of the word. So, if you're like me and you work as hard as I do, then not only do you deserve the best, you deserve the best at bargain prices.

Here I have something any girl would love, including me--and including me, most of my readers/clients/friends/family could not afford......a Gucci bag with an emerald green leather trim, just in time for Fall's color palette! (For the 20th time Dear Readers, emerald and forest green are big right now--watch for it everywhere!) How much you ask? Why, $16.00!:

Next we have a handmade bag; the card on the interior is not only signed by the designer, but also shows a note that says each bag is unique--as in, one of a kind. The lining is a soft bubble gum pink, and the fringe around the top edge is reminiscent of the 70's and luxurious shag carpet. (It truly does feel like carpeting--it's not faux fur or some god awful strip of ratty acrylic, merely a bunch of dense, closely grouped and contrasting threads.) How much was this one of a kind bit of funky carpet bag texture?: $9.00, that's right!

Next we have one my buys that I've yet to wear in warmer weather. This dress is a light jersey knit, and it has a delicate lining so there's no need for a slip. There's an exposed back zip for a more modern flair, and the color palette of blues and greens are anything but a boring blend for Fall. How much was this easy, A-line dress that features the ease on a 30 second on/off time?: $8.00, on clearance. Add some nice flats, some colorful heels and bold jewelry, you have style in 3 minutes or less!

Lastly, we have something I'm particularly proud of--one of my most exciting style finds since the recent acquisition of Madden's blue suede heels covered in Christmas tree spikes (BTW, those were another steal at under $30.00). Treasure du jour? A pair of knee high boots for Fall! They're suede, not to mention two shades of pink accented with lavender. Made by Two Lips, these stunners were originally carried by DSW from the sticker still on the bottom. Originally, they sold for $165.00; DSW marked them down to $129.94. What did I pay for them? Drum roll, please.......: $33.00.
That's right kids--$33.00 for a designer pair of boots, still with the stickers on the bottom (and all the tread--the soles look like they've never been off carpet):

 

That's all for now, StyleWise Guys & Fellow Fashionistas--good night, good dress...and happy hunting!!

 

Style Spotlight: FreeStyle Exchange, Citrus Heights, CA

Greetings StyleWise Guys & Fellow Fashionistas!

Style Spotlight on: FreeStyle Exchange

Address: 6412 Tupelo Drive, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Phone: 916-725-3733

Ever wonder where the wisest, both thrift and style conscious stop to shop? One of my many favorite places to spend an afternoon, FreeStyle Exchange. Not only do they buy your old clothes/shoes/accessories, both guys and dolls, but you can use the cred for in store must haves. Say hello to your new best girlfriend's at the front desk and drop off your clothes for sort-while-you-shop service.

Best of all, the Gals here are fantastic--helpful and upbeat (you'll never get that side long too-cool-for-you look like at some local boutiques). The service for the dressing rooms was prompt and polite--best of all it was offered by a nice Gent in a jaunty hat!

Send your guy over to the Men's section for that pair of fall boots, and step on over to the shoes. The organization here is nice--you can play around by shopping by color--there are little islands of shoe heaven atop the racks of blouses, tees, jackets and sweaters. The brands I noticed were Steve Madden, Nine West, Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani's: Harajuku Lover's, the list goes on and on. There's also a sized-out section, row by row, atop the jeans/slacks/skirts.

The back purse wall in the far left in something to behold--there's bags from every designer in almost every style and color. (I myself scored a tan with emerald leather trim Gucci bag with silver buckles for only $16.00--j'adore!!) To name a few I saw today--and remember this all changes quickly, so don't wait to score that treasure--Steve Madden, Gucci, Nine West.

The rear wall to the right painted a cheery bright red (I know, I'm biased, I don't care!) has  the dresses, sized out and best of all--on CLEARANCE! There's also a section of shoes on clearance, some half off of already low prices!

My other scores today were a silken pair of black and pink floral PJ pants (no picture offered; a gal's gotta have some mystery, right?)--all over the place and a huge trend for those that know how to apply the PJ concept.

   Firstly Ladies, you CANNOT look like you just rolled out of bed! If you're going to do this, your hair and makeup have to be done, front and center. Polishing off this look with some metallic jewelry keeps this from looking too "sleepy". (Think chunky pearl necklaces/earrings, and maybe even a red lip. Keep this look classy and ladylike.)
   Secondly, the shoe has the be as far from a bed slipper as possible--to keep this feminine go with a metallic flat gladiator sandal or a bold high heel (keep the heel high and the profile slim, again, on the feminine side).
   Shading: If the top is a bold color, go with a neutral or a sharp contrasting color for the skirt--the opposite holds true as well. If the top is a neutral, then skip standard black on bottom; think a bolder shade like orange or teal on bottom with bold purple bag.
   Lastly, if you go for the silky pant, look for flowing fabrics in darker soft patterns featuring unexpected colors. Navy with a red geometric print would be stunning, or tan with a bold jewel tone print such as sapphire or ruby. If you try the PJ top, don't go too large or flowing if you're on the thinner side--the top should not try to eat you. If you are blessed with a full set of The Girls, treat them well by picking a top with darting/seaming for your bust as well as buttons that close without bowing or gapping. The top should hit no longer than mid hip if worn on the outside of jeans to keep from looking bulky, or be tucked in to a pencil skirt.
    Follow these guidelines and you'll look on-trend, not in-bed. (Since I practice what I preach you'll see this concept on me shortly. <GRIN>)

   Enough about me though--who wants to see a plus size beauty, styled by yours truly?

Casual here is on the wild yet sophisticated side--this top with the bold floral pattern and modern color palette are set off by the pink alligator flats; the extra edge is added to the shoe with the gold toe. This also works off the bold dark blue wash of this jean:

Here's were curves go classy--I hope you're sitting down, because retro meets ladylike in this black, white and pink confection. Notice the black heel which, from the back, offers a peek-a-boo of a silver leather bow:

Here we have a great caramel shade with a pop of emerald, on the beautifully warm complected Michelle. The same skinny jean as seen on our first model are rocked here and as a testament to their wearability, they were worn not only by both models (but Yours Truly):

My favorite pop of contrast in this outfit is the baby pink python wedges--they're so unexpected in that rosy tone against the silky caramel blouse (see how happy she looks?).

If I don't wrap this up, we'll go on forever--through the Vintage and Designer sections, the hats, the jewelry--but we'd be here all night! After all that shopping I'm bushed! The items featured here were all at thrift store prices, so my adrenaline really got going in there.....chuckle! (If anyone wants to go back, just let me know, I'm happy to go shop, I mean, er, escort you!)

That's all for now, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas......Goodnight, and Good Dress!

What's Buzzin' Cousin? Next up on our Style agenda.....

Fall's on the way, slowly but surely.....and you know what that means, right?

The Fall wardrobe harvest--in other words, donating the items that no longer work for you. Not unlike the sickle in the wheat, cut out the items that don't fit, are stained, ripped, dingy, frumpy (and any other adjective ending in "-y".) No more torn sleeves, missing buttons, ill-fitting items that while they don't really make one happy, are clung to nonetheless. No more messed up, scuffed, worn out shoes (this part gets better really quick, read on....). All of this can only mean one thing, my StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas:

I, your personal friend and stylist (in conjunction with the season change) just gave you permission to GO SHOPPING!! This means hit the thrift stores......

TIP: Go to thrift stores and consignment stores in Spring and Fall--why?? Anyone?
Answer--the shift in seasons into the milder climes (ie--no icicles off your nose, and no hot days of death) means that those of us that are going through our closets and getting rid of things.....

I can almost hear you now--but wait Kat! Didn't you just tell me to get rid of my castoffs by donating? Why do I want something like that of someone else's? This brings us to the next.....

TIP: Go hunting!! Not everything get's donated because it's faded, outdated, or worn out! How many of us have been given clothing by a well-intentioned Gifter an item that's too big/small/tight/wrong style/etc.? How many of us have at least one or two items like that in the back of the closet, tag still on? One man's trash is another man's treasure, and this is especially true when picking through a store.

TIP: Patience is key--be prepared to spend a day going through different thrift stores. Check your area's listings, grab a friend or go solo, but make it fun. Grab lunch and take your time; taking the time to make yourself look like your best version of yourself should be fun and relaxing!
       Patience is not only key in the planning of your day, but also in the dressing room. You cannot say there was nothing there if you TRIED NOTHING ON!! Or worse still, tried on two or three things, get discouraged and leave with nothing. Do not invest the time to go if you'll just give up so easily......everyone when learning anything has a learning curve. Most things, with practice, become second nature and Style is no different!
       Lastly, there is no such thing as: some have it and some don't. Define "it" as whatever you want--or rather, as whatever you don't have that you think you need--if something doesn't fit, it's the size, not that your butt is too big or too small. Size is arbitrary--the garment either makes you look good or it doesn't (Style's pretty easy when put in those terms)! Go as many sizes up or down as you need to, and get over the numbers game--and tailoring works too! Don't forgo a vintage Chanel suit at a thrift store prices for lack of imagination--take that to a seamstress. The right one locally won't charge much for a basic take-in, let-out, hem up or down.

For the feet for Fall look to your favorite and mine--the boot. Ah, the versatile boot......guy or girl, this one's a sure fire hit when the temps dip! Go for an unexpected hue; burnished red-brown, a soft gray, or if you're feeling rather bold Ladies--an orange suede knee high boot (shade is key here--olive tones should go for a brighter orange, whereas us pale gals should stick to more muted tones. like that of a falling leaf).

Now--who wants to get Styled for free? Coming up this Sunday, I'll be profiling yet another local treasure of a thrift store, as well as showcasing different Fall inspirations. Style Spotlight #3!
Could there be more familiar faces modeling the tops in personal style? Perhaps--you'll just have to check in Monday morning to find out!

That's all for now Kids--till next time, goodnight and good dress......

Casual meets Class

Good evening StyleWise Guys and fellow Fashionistas!

Tonight's post is about a point I preach often and loudly--casual should be comfy AND classy. Keep in mind, I mean this differs for everyone. This evening's models are great examples of how the classy+casual formula wins for obviously different people--and why? What was it about this evening's models that capture the concept? These ladies all have one thing in common......they stayed true to comfort, color, and most important of all: they stayed true to themselves.

The models you'll notice range in height, body type and overall style. Those that are wild at heart wear funky prints, the charmingly classic stick to simple (but fun/bright) color palettes and cleanly structured lines. No matter if you're wearing a skirt and heels or jeans and brogues, casual will never ever go wrong if it reflects your personality--all the while telling the world with your obvious outward self-respect, how you expect to be treated.

(Pssst.......remember that in dating too Ladies--if the wrong type of guy is consistently hitting on you, it may be the signal you're projecting with what you're wearing.....just a thought.)

Our first model is a fellow redhead.......notice the narrowness defined at the waist with the belt, the use of color, and the spectacular shoe--not exactly what I think was originally meant by 'spike heel', but you be the judge:

Also noteworthy on my lovely fellow redhead: the shoulders are covered, which means......NO BRA STRAPS HANGING OUT!
(Sorry--I just had a moment there....if you know me, the exposed bra strap is a huge peeve of mine. So, for the millionth and likely not the last time--quit showing us your underwear! If a guy was walking around with his pants half open and his underwear hanging out, someone would call the police--why, oh why, is it ok just because you're a girl and the underwear is for boobs??)

Next, we have the classic look I mentioned earlier--simple, feminine, and vaguely reminiscent of Grace Kelly or a young Audrey Hepburn:

Of note here are the soft colors that are still cheerful shades--for this model's complexion, these choices were perfect......and here's the best part: they were instinctual. She chose these colors on her own, I'm certain based on seeing how bright they make her eyes and skin appear. Her relaxed posture shows how comfortable she is in simple cotton separates. Yes--a skirt and wedge are considered casual, for those of my Lovies out there who live in pj and yoga pants.

Pastels are NOT for everyone, BTW......if you have an olive complexion, jewel tones/brights are far better--think eggplant purples, deep wine, or dark emerald. Also, white looks stunning on olive tones--when in the fitting room hold the color up near your face if it's a top or dress--if you appear tired, washed out, or the color simply overwhelms your skin as neons tend to do, put it back. Just because you took it in there doesn't mean you have to buy it. And no, no one is watching and assuming you're putting back because it didn't fit your body. It goes back if it doesn't fit who you are or your coloring.

Speaking of bright neons, we have our next model--this is a perfect example of how a simple sundress, a bright belt and lipgloss can be finished off with a great flat sandal. Here again we have a model with a great color sense--the pink really pops, and with a dress in a print with neutral background, it's the perfect way to add visual interest:

Last, but certainly not least we have artistic and sophisticated, without sacrificing fun--notice the metal accents on the jacket lapels? Fantastic detail! This look says I'm young, intelligent, upwardly mobile; this look is true to the personality of the model. The flat shoe is also perfect--she can stay on the go and still be cute doing it:

 

A big round of applause for our models!!! Thank you!

Ladies--get a new bag on the cheap? Guys--find a new tie or newest cut jacket for a bargain? Send me a pic!

Lastly, if you have any style questions, quandaries or stumpers, drop me a line or join up for Google+ (adding comments is pretty easy and so is signing up).

Till next time, Gents and Ladies alike, (to quote Denis Leary): "It's under-freakin'-wear because it goes UNDER your freakin' clothes!"

Good night, and good dress!

Style Spotlight: Luxury Nails - El Dorado Hills CA

Gather round, BOTH Guys and Dolls--today's profile is another local business, and it's one very dear to my heart:

Luxury Nails: 4540 Post Street, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills CA 95762
Phone: 916-933-7797 (Walk-ins welcome!)
Monday - Saturday, 9am to 7pm

I only recommend/profile the businesses I not only have confidence in, but have frequented myself--this brings us to my favorite nail shop for three years running now, Luxury Nail!

You know you're in the right place when you hear the cheerful "Hi Honey!" from the owner, Sandy. Not only is she professional, she's also genuinely interested in the lives of her clients. Sandy always asks how your day went (or in my own case, how school is going). Coming in to see Sandy and her girls is always like popping in to hang out with your best girlfriends. The staff is quick to offer refreshments to clients being serviced and awaiting service--the smiles are always lingering, and the laughter lighthearted (clients and employees both, a great indicator of a well run establishment). The facilities are immaculate; owner Sandy runs a tight ship!

Not only do they offer waxes and gel manicures, but the service is AMAZING! Gents should pop on in as well--if you've got dirt under those nails (you know it's there, don't play innocent) let the lovely ladies of Luxury Nail give you a soak, a buff, and a hand massage. It's simple, hygenic, and says you take pride in yourself.
.....and Guys, if you really want to throw your Gal for a loop, get a basic pedicure--come home without cinder blocks for heels!
For those wondering what the process is, they soak your feet, trim/clean the nails, trim the cuticles and for most gents a nice nail buff. Splurge a little and have them also do a paraffin wrap--they feel amazing, and make your feet look more humanoid (as opposed to reptilian).

Since we're on the subject of pedicures....who doesn't want one while sitting in your very own heated massage chair? Ladies, play queen for the day--walk right on in. You can get a manicure and pedicure simultaneously whilst melting into your own throne--I mean massage chair.....and the rainbow of colors on the wall an please anybody!

Stop in, relax, and enjoy--and tell Sandy that Kat says Hi!

Next up Guys and Dolls? Co-ed Meets Classy - real students with real Style!!!
Dish with you real soon......