shopping list

Basic must-have’s for spring 2014

 in General Fashion / Handbags / Shoes / Shopping / Trends  tagged drawstring bag / sandals / satchels / shopping list / sneakers / spring 2014 by

spring 2014 basics

 

From top left: Crop Top / Drawstring Bag / Mini Satchel / Jeans / Slip-on Sneakers / Lace-Up Sandals / Ankle-Strap Sandals

Spring 2014 is here and there are so many new and continuing trends for the warm weather season that shopping for essentials can seen daunting! So here are few spring 2014 must-have trends which can instantly update everything in your closet from past seasons! Love that!

For the office: Office attire has not changed much from last year, so the easiest way to update your office look without spending a ton of money is by investing in one or two pairs of shoes and one handbag. The hottest shoes for the spring 2014 season, which you can wear to the office, are lace-up sandals and thick, mid height (2″-3″) heeled sandals. It is easy to add these shoes to a suit, trousers or pencil skirt from your closet. They will take your office look from 2013 to “hot-off-the-runway” in spring 2014! Love that!

If you work in an extremely conservative environment such as a financial office or law firm, you may not be able to get away with lace-up sandals; or any type of sandal! Stick with pointed toe pumps for the spring 2014 season. They are probably already in your closet from last year and are still the hottest pump style around. Now you can save your clothing budget for casual pieces! 

Whether you are looking to update a work wardrobe or casual ensemble, the easiest way to enter into 2014 without spending a ton of money on new clothing is by updating your handbag. There are two hot handbag styles on the market for spring 2014. At least one should fit your lifestyle!

1) The drawstring bag is the ultimate “IT” bag for all of 2014. To make the drawstring take you from spring into fall, look for solid fabrications in black, red or any shade of brown. If you want your drawstring bag to be seasonal, look for perforated leathers and fabrications as well as white, yellow or light tan.

2) The other “IT” bag of 2014 is the mini satchel. This trend began in 2013 and has exploded in 2014. It is the perfect handbag for Fashionistas who do not have a lot to carry around. Look for seasonal bright or pastel hues as well as blocked fabrications. The mini satchel is the ultimate trendy “IT” bag so have fun with it!

Skinny jeans have enjoyed quite a ride over the past few years; and they are still important! But, and this is a big but, the boyfriend jean, which has been in the background as #2 over the past few years, has moved into #1 for a tie with the skinny jean. Look for boyfriend jeans in destroyed fabrics, white, very light blue or indigo for the spring 2014 season. You can wear your boyfriend jeans casually with slip-on sneakers or dress them up for lunch or a casual work environment with lace-up sandals!

Slip-on sneakers are the hottest thing to happen to ultra-casual fashion since Levi Strauss gave Gold Miners jeans! The slip-on sneaker is chic and the perfect casual shoe for weekends. Hello high-fashion and comfort! Who knew they could go hand-in-hand?!?!

The crop is the newest, hottest shirt in town for spring 2014. Crop tops are casual in nature and should not be worn to the office; no matter the environment. (well, if you work in a creative environment you might be able to pull it off!) Please do not wear them underneath a suit at work ! It is a fashion don’t unless you work in a VERY creative environment. Crop tops are fun and should be worn on the weekends or for non-work related activities such as parties, shopping at the mall and other events. Look for crop tops with matching bottoms or in seasonal colors. A crop top is the perfect way to instantly update your casual or party wardrobe for the spring season without buying entire new outfits. You can wear it with with jeans one day, and with a black pencil skirt from your closet another day. Crop tops can be toned down under blazers and leather jackets. Look for a color which matches most of your basic bottoms and voila! You will have numerous new ensembles in your closet with the addition of just one crop top!

There you have it! These are the most basic of spring 2014’s trends which can easily update everything in your closet from last year. Which spring trends do you love so far? 

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event Spring 2014 : my picks

 in Beauty / Nail Polish / Shopping  tagged neiman marcus / shopping list / spring 2014 by

nm beauty feb 2014

 

From top left: Fragrance / Blush  “Praline” / Lipstick  “Brigitte” / Nail Polish / Powder / Cream

The spring 2014 Neiman Marcus Beauty Event is here! This is the perfect time to stock up on all the hottest beauty trends, as well as daily beauty essentials, for the warm weather season! The beauty event at Neiman Marcus is the perfect time to shop since you not only receive a fabulous tote filled with goodies from Neiman Marcus when you spend $125+, each brand has their own special gift with purchase depending upon how much you spend! Love that!

The beauty event at Neiman Marcus has already started online, and today, it launches in stores! When shopping the beauty event at Neiman Marcus, look for  nail polish in purple hues, lipstick’s in peach and orange hues, bright cheek colors with a peachy tinge and creams with SPF. For fragrance, look for warm florals and spicy florals which are perfect for the moderate spring weather.

In the photo above I show my top “must-have’s” for the spring 2014 season from the Neiman Marcus beauty event. Follow the links to shop my picks! What are your top picks for the spring 2014 season from the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event?

More picks from the spring 2014 Neiman Marcus Beauty Event:

Fashionista Survival Guide for the County Fair

 in General Fashion / Shopping  tagged county fair / shopping list / summer 2010 by

County fair season has hit the Bay Area and Fashionistas everywhere are wondering what to wear! The county fair can be such a challenge for Bay Area Fashionistas. The thought of walking around in dirt while the sun is beating down on freshly high-lighted hair can cause panic for the fashion savvy. If Fashionistas across the Bay Area follow a few simple rules of county fair dressing, the panic will cease and everyone will enjoy the rides, funnel cakes and chickens 

What NOT to wear to the county fair:

Rule #1

No Christian Louboutin. I know, I know. This is killing you. Designer high heels and platforms need to stay far away from the county fair. The ground is made out of dirt and you will be petting farm animals and riding on the water bumper cars. Do you really want to ruin your $800 Manolo’s? The answer is no. Prada must stay home.

Rule #2

No sandals of any kind. Yes, it will be around 90 degrees outside and chances of finding shade are slim, but remember, the ground is made out of dirt. You will have dirt under your toes for the entire day if you wear sandals.

Rule #3

No fanny packs. Do I need to explain this? Afraid so. Fanny packs are very convenient, but they can easily be pick-pocketed. I do not need to explain the fashion faux-pas portion of this rule; correct?

Rule #4

No skirts. You will be riding on the ferris wheel, water bumper cars and who knows what. Remember the saying: I see London I see France I see that Fashionistas underpants! ‘Nuff said.

Rule #5

No $2000 shoulder bags. Please leave your Chanel 2.55 , Gucci Hobo and Balenciaga City Tote at home. Not only will they attract attention from unwanted, possible pick-pocketers, you need to remember the water bumper cars. Water + designer handbag = destroyed hunk of leather.

Rules for what to wear to the fair:

Rule #1

Wear shorts. Shorts will give you the ability to ride on carnival carousels and upside-down rides without worrying about exposing yourself. Since the rides are outside and there could be water involved, it is important to wear shorts that will not show dirt or react badly to water. Denim shorts and thick, cotton twill shorts are a Fashionistas best bet. There are plenty of city short styles from Marc Jacobs and at stores such as Banana Republic.

Rule #2

Wear a cotton top. It will be hot at the county fair and cotton, being a natural fabric, will be your coolest bet. Stay away from a boring tank top or tee-shirt. There are fabulous cotton tops on the market from Juicy Couture, Marc Jacobs, Velvet and at stores such as Banana Republic.

Rule #3

Use a cross-body wallet on a chain. The best way to keep your hands free is with a cross body wallet on a chain or mini-bag. Here is the key, wear it under your cotton top. This will safe-guard you from pick-pockets who could clip the strap behind you, plus it will not ruin the look of your outfit. The wallet on a chain should hang a few inches below your top’s hemline. Fabulous! Chanel has the perfect, black caviar leather, wallet on a chain. You can find it at Neiman Marcus in Palo Alto or San Francisco as well as the Chanel boutique in San Francisco.

Rule #4

Fabulous tennis shoes. No no, not the ones you wear to step class; the fabulous ones made by Chanel. You can also find affordable styles at Target made by Converse in a mix of colors as well as metallic sparkles. These will protect your feet and not ruin your outfit.

Rule #5

Protect yourself from the sun. The UV rays will be strong and it is important to protect yourself from skin damage. A fabulous hat  and the perfect shades  will complete your look.

Remember, the county fair is fun and it is not a runway show. You can look fabulous without sacrificing the fun to be had on the rides and visiting the farm animals. Have fun, happy shopping and stay fabulous.