It's the Cat's Meow

A friend recently asked me for some ideas on how to revive the “going out uniform” consisting of jeans, a black top, and strappy sandals. While I would definitely recommend the addition of a few dresses into your wardrobe (see previous post on dresses), nothing beats the comfort and style of a great pair of jeans for a girl’s night out or a Saturday night date.
Many of us can’t afford to (or want to) spend $200 on a new pair of jeans, but a fresh pair of denim will definitely aide in updating the look. There are many new cuts available, and one of the most popular is the “Boyfriend.” I really like the playfulness of a boyfriend cut, and the way the rolled up cuff showcases your shoes. But I don’t like how many of them take away from a woman’s shape. With that in mind, I found the perfect pair of jeans that aren’t too slouchy and compliment almost any figure! The jeans shown in all of the looks are the “Easy Straight Patched Jeans” from The Gap. Super cute, and flattering, and only $79.50. I’ve created three great looks based around these jeans:

Look #1: The Grecian Goddess

Victoria’s Secret One Shoulder Tank Top: I love the asymmetrical trend. It’s a sexy silhouette and allows for an elegant departure from the mounds of cleavage we’re so accustomed to seeing in Southern California. A women’s shoulders are so seductive and the look is very sophisticated. This top is from Victoria’s Secret and features a built in bra as well, and it’s a “Level 2″ bra which means it actually will support the naturally blessed AND keep the headlights in check. This top is on sale right now for $29.50 at Victoriassecret.com, and is available in a variety of colors. I’ve shown it in “Ultra Indigo” which is gorgeous, and judging by all the blue dresses at this year’s Oscars, blue might very well be the new black.

Accessories: The shoes are from BCBG and were on sale at Nordstrom.com but are only available in limited sizing. However, Marshall’s has a lot of shoes, featuring the caged trend, for less then $50 (that retailed for much more.) The bangles and earrings from Forever 21 complete the look, and are available for less then $15 for both! You can shop Forever 21’s jewelry online here.

Look #2: Jewel Toned or Bright-Colored Tops
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, color is the way to go for any Spring update! This top from Fredflare.com is a gorgeous shade of orange and I like the short cap sleeves. It’s work appropriate and the light knit is great for Spring. There are lots of tops like this available in the stores right now for great prices.

The Perfect Khaki Blazer Since the nights are still chilly, a great blazer is a wonderful addition. This khaki blazer from The Gap is nicely fitted and will coordinate well with these outfits as well as existing attire. It’s a great wardrobe staple that will take you from day to night. Get it online or in the store for $88.00.

Accessories
The jewelry, is once again, all from Forever 21. Now to even better part: shoes! I love Michael by Michael Kors shoes! They are probably my favorite shoe brand that aren’t over-the-top expensive, but feel like they are. I own several pairs of “Michael” shoes and all of them are sexy AND comfortable. Who doesn’t like a killer heel that doesn’t kill? Shown here in Teal, the Michael Kors Gansevoort Platform Sandal will have you pounding the pavement or the dance floor in high style. These shoes are $165 and well worth the investment. Click here to buy online at Nordstrom.com or for store pick-up.(Sometimes his shoes end up at Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Loemann’s so it’s worth checking out. Last year’s styles were very similar and very much still in style.)

Look #3: Flutter Sleeves/Ruffles Nothing signals the arrival of Spring more then a butterfly, and this top looks just like one. Flutter sleeves are a big trend for Spring 2010. This one incorporates the trend in a subtle way, and is feminine without being fussy. A top like this can be found for under $30 at Forever 21. This particular top is sold out, but I found something similar that I really like. Click here to view and shop F21’s tops. I love ordering from F21 online, because if it doesn’t fit or you don’t like it, you can return to the store for credit.

Accessories Of course the jewelry is all from Forever 21. I’ve also found a lot of higher quality costume jewelry at Macy’s (on sale) and Loemann’s. There are some great deals to be found in this economy so be sure to check out the accessories next time you’re in these stores. As for the shoes, If you want a more versatile shoe that can be worn to work, I recommend these Michael by Michael Kors platform pumps. The “Pressley” platform is available at Nordstrom or your nearest Michael Kors store for $140. There are a lot of great shoes in the collection, so check them out.

3 Comments | In: Shop, Wear | tags: BCBG, Boyfriend Jeans., Forever 21, Fred Flare, Loemann's, Macy's. Michael Kors, Marshall's, Michael by Michael Kors, Spring Fashion, Spring Trends, The Gap, Victoria's Secret. | #

A flirty and fun dress is a must have for any girl’s closet. I recently discovered a great online store, lulus.com. The site was founded by a stylish mother and daughter team, and features trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories fit for any fashionista’s closet. The prices are great, and perfect for today’s budget-consious shopper who still wants to look cute and stylish. The dresses featured here, would be great on any blonde this Spring. (And brunettes, too. But, this goes out to my fair-haired friends.) Stay tuned for for my next post, which will feature a fresh update of the “going out” uniform.

Dress #1: I love the sleek and chic look of the this dress.  It’s sexy, but not too short.  And, the perfect choice for a night out with the girls or dinner date. And at $52, the price can’t be beat.

Ferngully Dress

Dress #2: Some of this seasons’s biggest trends are color, graphic prints, and draping. This dress takes care of all three. Very versatile as well, and can definitely go from day to night pretty easily. This vibrant little number is $52 as well.

Life Aquatic Dress

Dress #3: Floral prints are big for spring. It might be the biggest trend of the season, however, floral prints are best for day dresses. I really like this dress because it incorporates the trend but works for evening as well. This fantastic find is only $48!

Botticelli Dress

Dress #4: While color is huge for Spring, black and white is big as well. I love the sweetness of this dress and the modern abstract take on the floral trend. This too, is very versatile and can be worn with tights for work and bare legged, with some strappy sandals, for a more sophisticated evening look. At $37, the price can’t be beat!

Laws of Attraction Dress

1 Comment | In: Shop, Wear | | #

While it would be a ton of fun to be at any number of the shows during New York Fashion Week, I’d be equally delighted to snag a ticket to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. For now,  I’ll have to settle for watching the parade of breeds and competition from my living room. Held every year at Madison Square Garden, the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, is the event of the year for show dogs, and a must see for dog lovers! Favored to win this year’s event is a 4-year old Scottish Terrier named Sadie.

Sadie The Scottie-Favored to Win 2010 "Best in Show."

With my beloved Westie, Chloe. I miss her!

My Parent's Westies: Roxy and Zooey as Puppies

Roxy all Grown Up

No Comments | In: Love, Pet, Uncategorized | tags: Best in Show, Sadie the Scottie, Scottie, Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier., Westie, Westminster Dog Show. | #

Spring is only a few months away,  so it’s not too early to start thinking about the fashion offerings that come with the season. One of the hottest colors for Spring 2010 is yellow,  and it’s  already popping up all over! I’ve found some great items in the sunny hue. Choices range from fun accessories, sexy heels, pretty little dresses, and fun tops for a night on the town. Yellow goes great with blue (ocean to navy), gray/silver, and shades of brown. You want the yellow to pop, so best to keep the color your pairing it with on the subtler side.

Star Ling "Cypress" Sling Backs, $69.95

Floral Dress from Forever 21

Bellatrix Ruffle Shoulder Chiffon Top, $78

3 Comments | In: Wear | | #

The ’80s are still hot! Bananarama is blasting in the background and I’ve found the perfect outfit for a day at the mall. Coming to an H&M near you, are tons of ’80s-inspired fashions that will have you crying with a rebel call for more, more, more!  I put this outfit together, based on something that I might have worn in Junior High School—those booties were so comfy! And the best news is the price—the entire outfit is less then $100. Yes, I remember the fashion rule: “if you wore a trend the first time around, you’re probably too old to wear it again.” Some rules were meant to be broken.

No Comments | In: Wear | | #

There would definitely be more salad days if I could dine at Cafe Beau Soleil every day! This quaint French Bistro located in Fashion Island, Newport Beach (attached to the American Rag store) is home to some of the freshest and most original selections of salads I’ve ever seen on one menu. The day I visited, I enjoyed the Casablanca Salad which featured two of my favorite delights: goat cheese and figs. Recreated in my very own kitchen last night, it was as tasty as I remembered. It’s the perfect choice for a healthy and light evening meal. Bon Appétit!

Casablanca Salad
(Yields 4 Side Servings or 2 Entrees)
Ingredients
Mixed Spring Greens
Figs (Dried Mission Figs from TJS are great; will be even better with Fresh Figs when the are in season.)
Goat Cheese
Cucumber
Avocado
Roma Tomato
Cumin
Prep
1. Finely chop: 8 Dried Black Mission Figs, 1/2 Cucumber, 1/2 to a whole Avocado, and Tomato.
2. Mix finely chopped ingredients with the Spring Greens.
3. Add 3oz of crumbled Goat Cheese
4. Season with 1/2 tsp Cumin and 1/2 tsp of Salt
4. Toss with a 2-1/2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used Newman’s Lighten Up Balsamic)
Wine Pairing
Pairs nicely with a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, such as Nobilo 2008 Sauvignon Blanc.

2 Comments | In: Dine, Eat | tags: Cafe Beau Soleil, Fashion Island, Light Dining, Salad Recipes. | #

I am about as far from a vegetarian as one can get, however, I do watch my caloric and toxic food intake. I heard a 5 year-old raving about the meatless corn dogs from Trader Joes the other day and trusted his recommendation. Boy was he right, they are Hot Diggity good! And, boy do I  dig a corn dog! I think I had one last year from Hot Dog on A Stick and enjoyed every bite, but it’s definitely not something I eat on a regular basis. The Trader Joe’s corn dogs are a mere 160 calories and contain 4-grams of protein. They are also 65% less fat  (3.5 grams) then a typical nitrite meat corndog brand (10 grams of fat and 410 calories). Best heated in a toaster oven, they are a tasty treat for any kid or kid at heart!

Don't Let the Junk Food Temptress Seduce You

No Comments | In: Eat | | #

Looking for the perfect tune to add to your chillout mix? Then you’ve got to download the song “Vancouver City”, featuring the ethereal voice of Linda Ganzini. In her first collaboration with InnerLife Project, the songstress takes you on a dream-like journey backed by melodic downtempo beats. The intoxicating sounds are sure to relax the body and mind. So buy it today, pour yourself a glass of wine, and chill to the beats of this great new tune!

‘Vancouver City’ is available now on iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody and eMusic.

New Single from Innerlife Project Featuring Linda Ganzini