Rocker Shoes

I love these shoes. They're so not what I would typically buy myself, but I really love them. The flats are by Be and D, also the designer of my beloved Kan Kan Tote. That bag is still on my "must have" list, though I think I am leaning to Lanvin for this year's handbag purchase. My husband and I have a "one handbag per year" quota. Some years I can slip in 2, but I try and stick to the "rules." -- I digress.

I saw these shoes last week while I was in NYC. Of course they didn't have my size so I just stroked the soft buttery leather and then ordered them online. The beauty of the shoe, aside from the obvious, is that the the studded band can be moved to the back of the shoe for a different look. I'm thinking of tight skinny jeans, tshirt, oversized cardigan and of course the flats -- big bag and some sunglasses, and I'm off.

I hope they are comfortable...

I'm Back

I'm back home from NYC. I thought the trip was going to be so much more glamorous than it was. Of course I was there to work, but I kept thinking about being alone with my husband, fancy dinners, shopping, afternoon cappuccinos, shopping, chanel, seeing old friends, shopping...you know what I mean. Instead it was NON STOP appointments and all the fatigue that comes with being on my feet all day. It was HOT and though I took what I thought would be appropriate "walk around New York shoes", my poor little feet were dead by the end of each day. It's hard to put together a fashionable ensemble that has to coordinate with "comfortable" footwear. I mean come on, I was in the fashion mecca working with VERY stylish colleagues. I couldn't just schlep my way into those meetings. I wore flats and flat boots, but even that was too much for my feet. I've tried pricey shoes and not so pricey and when I put both price points to the all day walking test, they both failed. Why is it so hard to find beautiful shoes that are actually good for your feet? I'm on the hunt, and I WILL keep you posted with new finds! If you have any suggestions...do share!

All in all it was a very productive trip. I picked up some exciting new lines and a handful of new accessories, too. I have another buying trip in LA this October. Once that is done I'll share my thoughts on spring 2010. I will say this -- iniam is going to look beautiful!

I love RED

Roses are red
Violets are clementino
That makes no sense -- but who cares, we're getting VALENTINO (Red)!!!

It's a celebratory day at iniam. Lot's of giddy laughter and tears of joy. The iniam girls are doing everything from hugging each other to crazy dances that involve the "roger rabbit" and the "kid 'n play". I was on the brink of wetting my pants when the orders were finally submitted. Now it's official. Starting this January, iniam will carry Red by Valentino!!

What a beautiful line! It's a bit pricey, BUT the style, cut, fit and timelessness is...well, Valentino! Really, need I say more?

I did the buying for iniam -- a small but wonderful collection. After that was done, I saw an absolutely beautiful gown that I had to have for myself. Of course I bought it. The other UNWORN gowns in my closet were getting lonely so I thought I would add one more. I'm constantly scouring through city news to find fancy shmancy balls I can sneak into. In the meantime, if you see an overdressed woman at Safeway with two kids -- Yup, it's me!

Lots to report now that I am back from NYC. Mostly news about exciting new lines. Stay tuned...

The Big Apple

I'm in New York City! I dont' think I have ever been in New York, in Manhattan, in a hotel, with a boy - my husband is here with me. I'm here to do the buying and he's here to admire the models and enjoy the fancy lunches the showrooms offer. The weather is fantastic and we have already picked up some fabulous new lines. Stay tune for new designers, styles, colors, and silhouettes. I'll be back at the end of the week and will have lots to share!



How is it that EVERYONE here looks good?

Tuesday Tips

My bangs are finally starting to grow out. Thank god. They're at a length that looks decent enough to be worn down instead of slicked back with product and hair pins. The only down side is that I find myself touching them all the time. Naturally that makes my hair oily. I would do just about anything to avoid washing my hair. Correction. I love the washing part, it's the styling thereafter that kills me. I've heard about "dry" shampoo. Basically you can avoid washing your hair for a couple days AND your hair looks great! Recently, I was at a showroom looking at spring clothing when I heard 3 buyers oohing and ahhing over dry shampoo that has revolutionized their lives. Two of the three woman said they can go 4 to 5 days with out washing their hair. Both women swear by Stila dry shampoo and soon so will I. I just bought some and you betcha I am going to put it to the test!

Featherd Beauty

I live close enough to Berkeley that wearing these Pedro Garcia feathered shoes might be the catalyst for getting egg'd. I'll take my chances. I don't own them, YET, but I do have a few pairs of PD and I love them --they're comfortable and just as current now as they were when I originally bought them.

The feathers come in 2 colors, but I'm in love with this iridescent green. You can also find this feathered beauty in a flat, which I have also added to my shopping wish list. I just can't decide. Monday morning decisions are tough, no?

Adriano Goldshmied, Joie & Robindira Unsworth TRUNKSHOW!

You don't want to miss THE trunkshow of the season. Come in on saturday sept 12th and see brand new pieces by AG jeans, Joie and Robindira Unsworth jewelry. Sip champagne, nibble on chocolate treats and shop till you drop.

We have recieved a plethora of new fall inventory and it all looks fantastic. See you saturday!

Fashion's Night Out

Looking for something fun to do tonight? Pop into Neiman Marcus downtown from 6 to 9 for "eats, beats, and special treats - plus all the fabulous fall fashion you can handle". That sounds like a perfect night to me!

Belt It

Anyone who knows me knows I have a small wardrobe. I'd like to think it's well edited but let's just say I have more floor length formal gowns than I do jeans. Now if I just had a soiree to attend, I might be able to put some of those dresses to use.

I don't shop often, but when I do, I like to buy things that will live in my closet for seasons and beyond. Of course if an item is going to be around for a while, I need to be able change the style/look of it. A sure fire way mix things up in your wardrobe it by adding a belt.

* Fitted tee, jeans and skinny hip belt: bravo.

* Loose tunic, leggings, knee boots, and a wide waist belt: hats off to you.

*Strapless dress and double wrapped skinny belt: kudos.

Belt your coat, belt a formal dress, belt an open drape james perse blouse...constantly bring excitement and diversity to your outfit. Look for belts that are metallic, animal printed, hardware embellished and in varying colors of leather -- the options are limitless.

Iniam is getting a beautiful collection of belts that should arrive in the next few. There are more than a few with my name on it.

Tuesday Tips

Happy Day after the long week-end -- I took a few extra days off last week but I'm back!

There are a lot of exciting things brewing at iniam right now. Can't share just yet, but trust me, it's exciting stuff. I'll keep you guys posted. I will say that we have added some new lines -- Milly, Tracy Reese and Tibi -- AND there are more great lines to come! BEAUTIFUL pieces by TR are "just in" and Milly and Tibi or on there way. We have also added a great selection or leggings -- everything from basic black and chocolate to gray herring bone. If that wasn't exciting enough, iniam is also building a great assortment of foundations by Yummie Tummie and Spanx. In fact, we will be adding on to that category...stay tuned for new arrivals!

As for the blog, I feel that beauty rituals, products and regimes are all a part of what helps perfect our look. Going forward, from time to time, iniam's blog will also include beauty tips, discoveries, tricks, products and services.

Today's Tip:
I hate shaving my legs...but it's gotta be done. For best results, shave your legs within about 5 to 10 minutes of being in the shower when your hair has softened. If you stay in the shower for for 15 minutes or longer, your skin may wrinkle or swell from the hot water which will prohibit your razor from gliding smoothly against the base of your hair.

White Blouse

When I think of the things in my closet that are my most favorite, naturally my mind goes to handbags and shoes and a variety of floor length dresses that I never wear. But the reality is that my favorite clothing is the piece that I can wear with jeans, a skirt, or a great pair of trousers. It's a piece that requires little to no fuss and can dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. It's my "go to" when I need to be dressed quick but still look put together.

Right now the best thing to have or to add to your wardrobe is a white blouse. It's an easy, versatile way to look fabulous in no time at all. Tucked in and worn with a skinny belt and jeans or trousers, un-tucked with a high waist skirt, or worn as a tunic over skinny pants or leggings -- you look fresh and appropriate for all the fashion seasons. Try a simple button down that can be dressed up with jewelry or choose an embellished blouse that is a stand alone show stopper. Either way you can't go wrong.

It's really a must have item that is being done, beautifully I might add, at a variety of price points and with a varying levels of detail to best fit your individual style.

With all the options....I think I might have too many favorites!