From the Hills to Kohls....







Doncha know I'm LOCO?? Loco for Loca that is....Lauren Conrad, aka LC, aka made a career out of thin air, aka annoying, aka The Hills star. Putting aside my personal feelings about her as a person and the success that she has pulled out of her ass, I do like her line of clothing at Kohls. Recently, while traveling, I picked up a gossip magazine and there was a tiny article about how much people love her designs. Out of complete curiosity I got on the Kohls website (never been on the site or in the store before) to check it out. I am very critical of Lauren because I think she has only gotten to this point in her young life by an extremely superficial route, but regardless, the clothes are pretty darn cute and soooooo affordable. The black and purple flower tunic is a whopping $23.00 and can easily be paired with skinny jeans, leggings, or jeggings. The turquoise blouse at $29.99 will look lovely with big, fun earrings or underneath a blazer. I just love the detailing on the collar and how it stands up. Check out: http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/lclaurenconrad.jsp for more ideas!










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In a Cowboy Boot



By popular demand: me in my Rebecca Taylor dress and an electric blue cowboy boot. It wasn't mine - in reality I was wearing nude colored pumps, but feed me a couple vodka sodas and all of my common sense goes out the window. This boot was another guest's and although hot and moist once on my foot, it actually ended up looking quite fashionable. So....without rhyme or reason, please enjoy this picture because it is insight to my drunken soul!!!

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Rejuvination of THEORY



So.......after the overhaul of my closet on Sunday, I discovered a Theory suit jacket that I had purchased two years ago. Theory pieces are very expensive, but I had picked mine up at Filenes Basement for a fraction of the price ($70.00 vs the full retail of $398!).....I had never worn it before because I had been in search for the Theory pants that match. When I pulled it out of my closet I stared long and hard trying to figure out how I could use this tailored, grey jacket when it dawned on me that maybe if I just rolled up the sleeves it would reveal something! Anything! And it did.....a sharp pin stripe on white! Perfect.....paired with jeans, an interesting top, and flats I knew I could make it work - in theory, my Theory jacket would look delicious and this morning it did!!!!!

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BeltStop - Make it your next stop!




My beautiful friends Adi and Sivan own a company called BeltStop. Although they originally started with belts, both fabric and leather, they also offer hair accessories. Born with unusually thick hair, I constantly find myself on the prowl for new and exciting ways to style. With options like reversible headbands that go with every outfit in my closet and bandana bands which are great to throw on for yoga, BeltStop introduces a new concept...... Decorated with a flower applique, "Head Wraps" can be worn several ways to keep you warm this winter. My weak attempt at modeling is shown here, as a quick neck warmer (like a modern day "turtle" or "neck-up" - remember those from skiing?) or as a cute headband (think 80's ski bunny meets hippy chic). Visit http://www.beltstop.com/ to see all of the styles that Adi and Sivan have in their line!
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Transition of Wardrobe.....

I threw up a post yesterday about "wardrobe transition" and how challenging it can be. As I was perusing Rue La La today I found a very helpful article pointing out 5 ways to combat the "I have nothing to wear" complaint that I hear most people spewing on these early fall days.....

1.) Prep your space - make sure it's clean!!

2.) Edit your wardrobe - eliminate anything that is unflattering or has been sitting in your closet untouched for more then a year!!

3.) Categorize and color code - put like with like, similar styles should be grouped together and then color coded light to dark!!

4.) Create Space - put up hooks or move summery clothes to another closet to optimize room!!

5.) Create order for shoes - buy a shoe rack and again, put your flats with flats and boots with boots!

I know what I am going to do for the rest of my Sunday - GETTING ORGANIZED for the transition!!! It's official - summer is over. Go to it, but before you do, check out

http://www.ruelala.com/blog/2010/10/06/stylist-spotlight-switching-over-your-wardrobe/

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They've GONE TO PLAID!!!!


Just like the beloved movie Spaceballs (that I could quote from all day), I've gone to PLAID! Mad for it.....I didn't really buy into this whole trend because it makes me think of my dad's standard winter outfits when he was working out in the cold, but now I think it's kind of sweet and will definitely help to keep me warm this fall under my puffy vest or trench coat. Two different tops that I recently purchased are both from 4-EVA 21. I realize that I am too old to be doing a bulk of my shopping there, which is why I only buy the pieces that will make my wardrobe look current, but won't break the bank! Alas, here is the heavy flannel plaid button down that I ended up with. Do what you wish, but be sure not to go overboard with this look - a little goes a loooong way!
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Blanket or Sweater - how about both?



I heart the fall weather in a big way. Summer slowly melts away and the beautiful cool breezes sneak in. It's a sign of delicious pumpkin spice lattes and snuggling in cozy down vests and perhaps a sweater or two. The warm days bring cold nights and it can be a tough time on your closet. Transition-wear is what I like to call it. Wrap sweaters are perfect for this "transition" - they are also perfect for long plane rides, lounging around the house, or cold theromstats in the office. Basically I can find a use for them every day and usually don't leave home without one. So.....when I stumbled upon these gorgeous Blanket Sweaters I knew that it was going to be my next investment. Although, with the two pictures I have attached, you can choose whether you want to splurge or not! Both found on www.piperlime.com, the tan one is by Laurie B and retails for $190.00 while the dark grey one is MinkPink and retails for $64.00.
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Black Flats, Neutral Scarf, Jeggings, and the Perfect Fall Handbag

People who know me know that in a couple senses I am an old lady - I can't hear and I wear flats on the regular.....I probably own 6-7 pairs of Sam Edelmans (formerly of Sam and Libby - the famed bow flats we all wore as little girls) and they are by far the most comfortable and durable shoes I own. And I am HARD on my shoes. The Sam Edelman Calypso has it all - black patent, quilting, and small bead work gives this pair a luxurious and classic feel, while keeping the typical edginess of SE's by the finishing details in the interior and twine bow on the toe. On Zappos right now for the reduced price of $95! These will be a staple in my closet for fall into winter.

Besides my affinity of older ladies, most of my friends understand
my addiction to scarves. In a basket in my room and also in my spare bedroom closet I have a plethora - every trip I take I collect one and every winter I knit at least a couple (including infinity scarves which I will blog about as the cold weather sets in). Today I picked up a neutral colored linen/cotton one that I know will work with pretty much everything in my closet and compliment my fuscia Rebecca Taylor dress that I am wearing to a wedding this weekend. Kelly Ripa shows it paired casually with a bright yellow shirt....

Jeggings - yes leggings/jeans are A-MAZING. I still wear and love
my Citizens of Humanity black matchstick jeans from last year, but looking for a similar fit in a dark, crisp denim was tough. After searching all summer for what I knew would be my uniform for the fall, I finally found them at Urban Outfitters. They are Levis and fit like a glove - so comfortable - perfect length - and the best part is you can eat/drink as much as you want while wearing them because they are JEGGINGS after all....delish!

Lastly, it's been awhile since I invested in a handbag (embarrassingly since last spring!). I have been researching a new bag called orYANY. The company is based out of NY, but other then that I don't really have any history on the brand other then that the bags are gorgeous. Check out the stone colored one - easily goes with black or brown....
soft and versatile - can be worn two different ways, on the shoulder or across the body. As a commuter, I use cross body bags quite a bit, after all, as an old lady, convenience is key! orYANY bags are sold at Neimans and retail around $300-500.

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It's Time to ROMP Miami in this ROMPER!



Shopping yesterday with my bride-to-be friend, Whitney, we were casually perusing the sale section of Anthro yesterday when I came across this fabulous romper. Black and blue stripes with a sweetheart neckline and perfectly placed little pockets, this number accentuates my small upper body while disguising my bigger butt and hips. Next best part is that it was on sale for $49.95! The line was long at Anthro so I started off buying a size 6, tried it on at French Connection (our next stop) and found that it was swimming on me - I immediately exchanged it for a size 2 and I couldn't be happier! This romper is about to take Miami in less then a month......now what shoes should I wear with it? Any ideas or comments?

Whitney also scored a sexy little dress for our Miami excursion - this bright green really pops on her skin tone and will look gorgeous with an additional item that I have in mind for her to wear! That will remain a secret though....stay tuned.
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Mexican Mama


Recently two of my friends went to Mexico and loved it (one bought a timeshare). It got me thinking...years ago I used to have all of these great bohemian tops that were super light and airy in the summer time, paired with cute shorts or boyfriend jeans. My quest for Mexican blouses began...and in my search I stumbled across a very cool site called www.greatgreenapple.com. There is something enticing about the fact that it has limited quantity available on each design - it drives home the fact that these pieces are handmade and unique. Frustrating as it may be to find an embroidered pattern that you love, only to find out that it's sold, don't fear - scroll a little bit down the page and another one is right at your finger tips! www.etsy.com also has some decent options, but beware of authenticity, it appears some are made in Thailand?
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South Beach Bound


My girlfriends and I are heading to West Palm Beach and Miami at the end of April for a fun celebration before Whitney gets married in June! Being a true New Englander, my idea of sexy is a tight pair of jeans, an ever so slightly revealing top and heels.... obviously not going to cut it for a night in a city filled with beautiful, tanned women! My version of sexy-cute was found at Free People in the form of the Patras Ruffle Dress. It is understated, but for my style - it works and hopefully after one day of being in the FL sun I will have some color! Rows of ruffles and a vibrant grape purple color (shown here in black), cheers to many drinks with good friends....

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Chi-Town's Roscoe Village: Boutique Haven








On a recent trip to Chicago my friend Amy and I took a whole day to wander around her neighborhood - Roscoe Village - popping in and out of boutiques. This city was often visited by my grandmother and grandfather on his many trade show trips, and I recall my grandmother saying how much she loved it! She grew up w/ very meager means so when my grandfather's frozen food company became profitable they got to travel quite a bit domestically. She even became a pilot and chartered her own single prop airplane. 

As I walked thru Roscoe Village, I realized that there is not one neighborhood in Boston that has sweet little boutiques that offer cool just hit the ground brands at affordable prices. Someday when Lillian Alice is feasible I hope to be the beginning of a new pocket of store owners.  For the present I will learn from those that are successful.... the likes of Cinnamon Boutique who carries Puella and Tulle. Or Glam To Go which is an interesting mix of accessories, children's items and select clothing brands.... like Dame Designs and Kevia, bold out of the box pendants and bracelets. 

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To be or not to be? Tano or not Tano??







I am constantly on the lookout for up and coming handbag designers. I found Isabella Fiore about three years ago and fell in love with their bags, Aaneta followed shortly thereafter (a mother/daughter team who creates beautiful leather bags).....now, an affordable bag hits the Neiman Marcus website - TANO. LunaBoston has been carrying this line for years and they are very unique, but casual and so reasonably priced that it will become your every day bag! As  low as $275.00 @ neimanmarcus.com or $159 @ tanobag.com. Bold purples and greens make up this season's brightest of leather..... 

Also check out Melie Bianco Woven Fapover Clutch...gorgeous and only $64!! 


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20 degree balmy November day brings winter white hats and big scarves.....


Briefly looking at the 25 degree temperature outside my bedroom window this morning I realized it was time to bust out the necessary cold weather gear. I have been hesitating to wear Alice's 1960's crotchet/knit slouchy beanie because I wasn't sure it was my style even though I adored it. The thing I didn't quite get was that the hat paired with a scarf knotted and tied in all different directions was just the right look to keep me warm and stay true to who I am. On my 1/2 mile walk to the bus I kept catching glimpses of the hat in shop windows and not only was it adorable, but it was my Alice.....
The above hat, from Banana Republic, is very similar to the one my grandmother made 40 years ago. The scarf is a gorgeous print that you can find at Anthropologie and is tied exactly the way it should be, messy and warm.
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In a time of recession, I want more....

Why, in a time of absolute crisis and when everyone else is "battening down the hatches" do I feel the need to buy staples for my wardrobe? I am pumped about this blog because I am going to bring to all of you fabulous finds! Items that are day to night by integrating jeans, hoodies, dresses, tights, flats, and great boots with perfect finishing touches. I will share all of my online secrets - the websites I sweat over - really it's a labor of love and the things I can't live without....... I think on a blog it's okay to say that I am good at finding diamonds in the rough - staple wardrobe pieces from various retailers ranging from Target to Bloomies to Neimans - I search endlessly because it's my passion and I believe it's also an art form....

My Current Obsessions:
- Frye Riding Boots - black and flat
- Gap off the shoulder (soft as butter) tunics w/ brown tights and flat boots
- J.Crew headbands and bow belts
- Ben Sherman black and white checkered high collar wool coat
- LuluLemon yoga pants

So, please enjoy and give me feedback - I am always looking for that unique piece and it doesn't have to cost a ton!!!

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