BAF Weekly IT List

BAF Weekly IT List from top left: black shoulder bag / star necklace (under $100, use code CathyO-20 to save 20%) / Chanel nail polish / Dior spring nail polish / spring sweater / straight jeans (on sale, under $50) / silver bracelet ( use code CathyO-20 to save 20%) / green handbag / black classic satchel / ivory moon shaped bag / lug sole boots /

Can you believe it is already the end of February? Where did this month go? Mother nature gave us a few spring-like days in February, but now the weather is back to freezing: despite the beautiful blossoms on display all over town. I love seeing the Cherry Blossoms, pear trees, and magnolias in full bloom. The camelias bloomed late this year, so they are still putting on a show, making it a beautiful sight around Silicon Valley, this almost-spring season!

Looking at all these blossoms as I drive around, bundled up in my coat, makes me dream of the spring season. Therefore, I am making sure my closet is ready for the day when 70 degrees hits again!

This spring we are looking at straight leg jeans, flare jeans, and wide legs jeans for casual days. For office attire, look for straight trousers, and wide leg trousers. Skirt lengths are above the knee for structured looks, and for flowing looks, it’s all about the maxi.

Of course, when it comes to handbags, small or medium satchels, shoulder bags, and hobo bags are still hotter than hot. Shoes are trending towards a square toe, and street sneakers are still a thing.

The overall vibe this spring, as well as throughout 2023, is classic, investment style dressing. When it comes to jewelry, look for classic, thoughtful pieces. I am in love with these silver pieces from Lois Hill Jewelry right now. They are timeless and can be layered or worn alone. Lois Hill Jewelry looks fabulous with office attire and casual looks, as well as going out ensembles. I love them so much, they gave me a coupon code to share with you. You can use code CathyO-20 to save 20% on your purchase on their website! Love that!

Stay tuned! My spring 2023 trend report will come out soon!

Shop the BAF Weekly IT List online:

What are you looking forward to this upcoming spring season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Spring 2023 beauty essentials

Spring 2023 beauty essentials from top left: neck cream / skin cream / eye cream / hand cream / concealer / foundation powder / eye pencil / Moroccan Oil / makeup bag / body cream /

The blossoms are popping up all over town; signaling spring has sprung! With the warmer temperatures we are starting to see, the increase in sunny days, and all these beautiful blossoms, it is time to start transitioning from winter skin care into spring beauty.

You might be tired of hearing me say this, but this neck cream is amazing. I have been using it since I was 28, and now that I am getting closer to that half century mark, my neck looks really good! I highly recommend investing in a good neck cream and continuing to use it everyday. Love!

You might be wondering why you aren’t seeing color products such as lipstick, eye shadow, and nail polish in this post. These are just the basics; your beauty base for the spring season.

I love a good eye pencil, and this one from Laura Mercier has been my go-to for close to two decades. I am also in love with this concealer and foundation powder; also favorites of mine for close to two decades. Love!

Of course, you need the perfect way to store everything! I love this makeup bag. I use it everyday, and since it is also perfect for travel, it pops right into my carry-on suitcase. I can also pop it into my gym bag. Check out my full review here.

My hair gets dry in the winter from the heater, then again in the summer from the sun. Moroccan Oil is my saving grace. I recommend picking up a bottle for home, and also a travel size for when you are on the go. Love it!

Shop my spring 2023 beauty essentials online:

What is your favorite spring beauty go-to?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

Fall 2023 trends from NYFW

Pictured: Sally LaPointe / Tanya Taylor (PR Photos)

The last model has walked off the fall/winter 2023/2024 runway in New York, and we are left with continuing trends, as well as a few new ones. So get ready!

The fall 2023 season is looking a little bit brighter, and also giving consumers celebratory styles to covet in the next cool weather season. Designers opted for bright hues, sparkling fabrics, cold shoulder necklines, asymmetrical and dramatic hemlines, power suiting, menswear inspiration, and looks which really show off all the work we have been doing at the gym. Get those abs of steel people!

Pictured: Sally LaPointe / LaQuan Smith (PR Photos)

It doesn’t matter how cold the weather gets; you better be showing off those abs next season! Designers are showing all sorts of cut outs, low waistlines, and cropped styles. Make sure you don’t skip Pilates class, because your abs will be on full display next fall.

Pictured Sally LaPointe / LaQuan Smith / Son Jung Wan (PR Photos)

Classic black and white combos graced the majority of the runways for the fall/winter 2023/2024 as well as all-black ensembles. In contrast, bright hues from all over the rainbow also graced the NYFW runways. Look for solid, tonal looks in bright hues you would expect in the spring or summer, not the fall. Be bright! For the more popular hues, check out the top ten from Pantone.

Pictured: LaQuan Smith / Kevan Hall (PR photos)

Not in the mood to suffer through high heels and a dress? Yeah, I feel ya. The feminine tuxedo is back! This trend is fabulous. It evokes power, plus, you can make multiple outfits with one tuxedo. Invest in one; especially if you go out a lot. Love it!

Pictured: Tanya Taylor / Sally LaPointe / Tadashi Shoji (PR Photos)

Metallics are still hot! Next fall, you will find shiny fabrics, sparkling fabrications, and metallic handbags. You can add a shiny blazer over another outfit for an understated look, or go full head-to-toe metallic. How bright do you want to be?

In addition to the five trends featured in these photos, also look for more oversized bags; we shall see if consumers pick up this trend, so far, it’s a no-go. Also watch for more small satchels; in the fall you will see more kitschy shapes instead of classic lady bag silhouettes. Also, faux and real leather, as well as faux fur, puffy coats, and statement coats. Of course, let’s not forget shoes! The square toe is coming back, so watch for square toes; you will already see them on store shelves now. Start investing!

What do you think of the trends coming in for the fall/winter 2023/2024 season?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

*All Photos courtesy of designer PR, collages made by me. Kevan Hall photos by Arun Nevader, courtesy of PR.