In this economic climate, $995 may seem pricey for a little black dress. BUT, what if I told you that for the same price you would get 7 dresses? Donna Karan's Infinity dress is a black jersey dress can be worn 7 different ways, giving the illusion of 7 completely looking outfits. Now that's a deal! You can completely reinvent yourself over and over again. Mix up the shoes and the accessories and NO ONE is the wiser. The only one in on your fashion secret is you! And for those of you that are forever trying to cover up your arms, Donna made a long sleeve version for you. It's a win win if you ask me.
Tonight, once dinner is done, the dishes are put away and your curled up on the couch with tea and cookies --make it a night with Bravo and the anticipated premiere of Rachel Zoe's second season -- I just want to see what she's wearing. The fashion emergencies, her team and the constant interjection of Zoe-isms will be the frosting on my cookies. It's going to be "am-ah-zing"...
It's NO secret that I love skinny pants, skinny jeans, leggings or anything that resembles the aforementioned. It's been my secret weapon during my tumultuous struggle of gaining and losing weight. Who would have thought that a pant starting with the word "skinny" would be my weapon of choice when it came to APPEARING as if I slashed a few pounds?! Let's just say, it works. I like to think of myself as the skinny pant ambassador destined to convert skeptical women everywhere!
I spent a portion of my week-end catching up on fall fashion magazines, reviews, pictures, blogs etc. As I perused and drooled over the best of fall, I found myself gravitating to the same trends irrespective of what publication I saw it in. I'm consistent, if nothing else. Similarly, if I'm not into a trend, I skip right over it. Well, perhaps until now. Being that my first love is the skinny pant, it goes against everything I believe in to entertain a baggy trouser, with pleats no less!
I'm not talking just pleated -- I'm talking about pleated AND droopy, cropped, cuffed and resembling the equally popular harem pant. I cringe just thinking about it. Truth be told though, the pants are spectacular! Somehow the ratio of the waist to the pleats to the roomy legs (mind you the pant should be coupled with a serious heel) seems to do work!
A woman's hips, bum and thighs get lost in the fold of the fabric -- the fit of the pant is forgiving. You get the look of wearing a full skirt while getting the relaxed boyish ease of pants. Seems like a no brainer to me. Of course, like any trend, you have to find the right fit for your frame. Too much fabric can be a fashion disaster.
Pair the voluminous pants with a simple tank, some show stopper jewelry (layered pearls around your neck), knock out heels and a short tailored or crop jacket to balance the look. Add a jeweled clutch or a animal skin (faux is great too) handbag and you've got style maven written all over you!
Any article of clothing that gives my hips, bum and thighs an opportunity to "get lost" -- I'm all over it!
There are great trends to follow this fall, one of which is "hardware" for both clothing, shoes and accessories--sort of a dominatrix twist on fall fashion. There is a hard undertone to quite a bit of what is on the runways this upcoming season.
Truth be told, I love some of it and some of it, not so much. Studs, exposed zippers, grommets and chains have been on all types of clothing from blouses to evening wear but it's even more prevalent on accessories. Clothing with this type of embellishment may seem cumbersome to reinvent. But if you stick to something as basic as denim and a crisp tshirt, you can add the gamut of "hardware" accessories and look equally on top of your style game.
On a personal note, I've added some zippers and a beautiful chain necklace (available at iniam) to my wardrobe. Not sure about sunglasses though...think I'll pass!
Over the knee boots are all the rage this fall. Designers are making them both flat and with varying heel heights. If you are anything like me and love the look but aren't quite sure whether you want to take the plunge--look for a pair that allows you to fold down the portion that goes over the knee. This way you can make a more daring statement with the boots over the knee or change it up for a more subtle look when you fold them down. It's 2 looks for the price of one. Gotta love that!
Monday, August 17, 2009
The mom in me can't resist sharing news on upcoming kids lines. Of course I don't have little girls but there are a few little girls in my life that deserve being spoiled!
Katie Holmes, famous Scientology wife to Tom Cruise, is ready to unveil Holmes & Yang, the collection she’s been designing with her stylist, Jeanne Yang. "The duo’s “premium designer” line, which includes women’s and children’s wear — presumably inspired by Suri Cruise — and is said to be full of classic fare, will launch exclusively at Maxfield in Los Angeles for fall."
iniam is anticipating new arrivals this week--fall fashion is trickling in and I can't wait! As you build your fall wardrobe, here are a few must haves to keep in mind.
1. Exaggerated Shoulders: Look for this trend in dresses, jackets and blouses. 2. Leggings: There are so many options to choose from. Solid, printed, lace, leather and even metallic leggings are all exceptional options to add pizazz to your tunic or dress 3. Leopard Print: Add a little leopard to your accessories, clothing, shoes or handbag. 4. Statement Jewelry: Take a classic outfit and transform it by by adding a bold necklace, a wow cocktail ring or dazzling earrings -- this is also a sure bet when taking an outfit from day to night. 5. Red: Add a pop of red color to your outfit with shoes or accessories or be bold and let red be the star of the show. Choose a red dress or red coat and really make a statement.
It seems like an eternity since I've been on vacation. With 2 kids, it's challenging enough to go out to eat much less getting on a plane. Unlike me, so many of my customers have gone away this summer -- every where from Aruba to Paris to Vietnam. Even though fall fashion is hitting me in the face and coming into the store at rapid speed, August is still a big travel month and thus buying fall clothing, for some, can seem too early.
I've had several inquiries on how to pack light and pack right when going on summer vacations. Naturally packing "light" and packing right don't always fit in the suitcase together, if you know what I mean. Here are a few suggestions on what to take to your summer destination:
1. Tanks for layering: Take basics: black, white and gray and/or a fashion color like turquoise 2. Cardigan 3. White Jeans 4. Linen Pants: white or black 5. Shorts 6. Dress: Take both short and long. Offers you the most versatility for day and night 7. Swimsuit 8. Flip Flops, sneakers and sandals - wedge or espadrille 9. Printed Tunic to be worn with jeans/linens or as swim suit cover up 10. Scarf/shawl: You can use this as an accessory or for warmth in the evenings
Bonus: Make sure to include accessories to give a little punch to your outfits. Long layered necklaces, colored or sparkly bangles, silver or gold hoop earrings, and straw handbag or hat will add something special to your stylish ensemble.
Have fun ladies...make sure to layer on the sun screen!
I feel terrible. I lied. If it makes you feel better, I'm on the losing end. If I had a penny for every time I came up with a new hair style I wanted...well let's just say I could afford a closet full of red soled shoes. My recent obsession has been getting bangs.
I went to a going away party a few weeks back and the girl who was moving away had the best haircut. She's beautiful to begin with but her hair was spectacular. She had longish hair like mine but she had these soft and wispy bangs across her forehead. Her hair looked fabulous and effortless all at the same time. "I want that hair!", I thought. And then I became obsessed. I talked about it, I looked online for pics -- I even practiced folding may hair so it seemed as though I had bangs. I don't have a "regular" hair stylist -- I did but it's a long story that ended with a traumatizing haircut. I did some Yelp research and took a chance with a salon on College Ave. I won't mention the name (unless you ask me off line).
Now here is is where is the part where I lied. I DID cut bangs. I've had friends ask me if I did it and I have been saying "no!". It took a day to even admit it to my husband. My bangs are frightful. They are too short and my "stylist" did some ADDITIONAL layering to blend the bangs (which, incidentally, I did not ask for) that makes the cut seem even worse. I have been pinning my short bangs back everyday and every night praying they will grow. So far no one has figured it out. Well at least not until now.
My story gets worse. I find out that Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves, stylist to the stars, have come up with "CLIP-IN" bangs. I almost died when I found out! I knew that they were collaborating on a line of clip in hair extensions -- BUT bangs? Why oh why couldn't I figured this out before?
For obvious reasons, I haven't tried them out. No point clipping potentially good bangs on top of my horrible bangs. That would just be pouring salt in the wound. I'm curious though. If you try them out, please let me know what you think.
I'm sorry I lied, but I'm still not showing them to anyone.
iniam is a women's contemporary clothing and accessories boutique located in Oakland, CA, in the Rockridge area. iniam prides itself on empowering women to feel confident in their personal style by providing them with fine clothing, excellent customer service, a wide selection of designers, and a beautiful environment.
If you would like to contact me, please email info@iniam.com
Looking for a chic and easy way to host your next soiree? Schedule your party, catering included, at iniam. Our 1500 sq. ft. venue with vaulted ceilings and its bright and airy decor, promises to make your bridal shower, fund-raiser, birthday party, or happy hour a success. Call to inquire about our various event packages.
closet consultations
Do you feel you have a closet full of clothing but nothing to wear? iniam has the perfect solution: Closet Consultations, where we come to your home and help redefine your wardrobe, streamline your closet, and update your look with ideas and solutions to your fashion woes.
There is a hard undertone to quite a bit of what is on the runways this upcoming season.
The mom in me can't resist sharing news on upcoming kids lines. Of course I don't have little girls but there are a few little girls in my life that deserve being spoiled!
iniam is anticipating new arrivals this week--fall fashion is trickling in and I can't wait! As you build your fall wardrobe, here are a few must haves to keep in mind.
It seems like an eternity since I've been on vacation. With 2 kids, it's challenging enough to go out to eat much less getting on a plane. Unlike me, so many of my customers have gone away this summer -- every where from Aruba to Paris to Vietnam. Even though fall fashion is hitting me in the face and coming into the store at rapid speed, August is still a big travel month and thus buying fall clothing, for some, can seem too early.
I feel terrible. I lied. If it makes you feel better, I'm on the losing end. If I had a penny for every time I came up with a new hair style I wanted...well let's just say I could afford a closet full of red soled shoes. My recent obsession has been getting bangs.
Posts
