From Drabulous to Fabulous

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2012-01-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

This week flew by! I was debating this post since it's already almost week old news but it's just too much fun to look at these dresses not to post. By now I'm sure everyone has seen Angelina in all her stunningness, so here's a bunch more of the Golden Globes fashions that you may have not seen . (The good, the bad and the ugly.) Basically the theme of the night was one extreme to the other, either you were in a subtle nude, the drabulous, or a brilliant bold color, (or color accent), the fabulous! With basic black, lace accents and sequins in between. Another words, anythings goes as usual on the red carpet. Make sure you scroll to the bottom to see my pick for best dressed :)

AND MY PICK FOR BEST DRESSED IS UGGI, SIMPLE AND UNDERSTATED

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2012-01-11T16:20:00.000-08:00

WU WU!!! Too Corny? Maybe , but puh-leeze , I'm SO EXCITED, I know by now we all expect great designers every once in a while from Target and I admit I'm always curious as to who the next designer collab will be , but for me I think this one will be the best so far. So in case you haven't heard mark your calenders for February 5th - March 6th , (huh, like anything will last till March), because it's Jason Wu!!! Whose clothes I happen to love . It's a 53-piece collection of A-line dresses, high-waisted skirts, button-up blouses, printed scarves and handbags. Here's a peek at some of the collection.

"As with my main collection, special attention has been considered into every detail and I can't wait to see girls wearing and enjoying the collection." ~ Jason Wu

How cute are these.

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2012-01-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

Reaching For The Sky !

HAPPY 2012!!! This morning was our first dog walk into the mountains for 2012. I snapped this picture from the top of the hill, I'm always joyful when I stand in this spot, and it's totally indicative of my key words for 2012, expansion and freedom. Nothing like the crisp blue sky, it makes me feel that there are no limits! Interestingly, one of the first writing projects that got completed and produced for me in 2011 is called "Live Without Limits". Hmmm

When I did my year in review I was so truly grateful for all I had accomplished for 2011, from personal biggies like getting married to professional goals being fulfilled and new ones being plotted. I'm also proud of how I navigated the bumps in the road along the way, staying healthy, focused and positive, even if it meant downing a bag of chocolate every now and then, that's my wine .

I want to thank you all for reading my blog, it means so much to me! And a special thank you to my fellow bloggers who inspire me on a daily basis.

I hope you continue to follow along for 2012 as I get deeper into turning the drablulous into the fabulous, on a working girl's budget. Lots of fun things planned!

May all of your dreams come true in 2012, and please dream BIG!

"shoot for the moon, if you miss, at least you'll land among the stars"

xoxo
Julie

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-12-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

Hi all, hope everyone had a fabulous holiday week with more fabulousness to come with New Year's right around the corner! That's a double celebration/contemplation time for me as it's also my birthday so I've been busy planning my 2012 dreams.

On a techy note; for those of you who get my blog by subscription in your Google Reader, it still says Style File , 365 days of do's, don'ts and get back in the closet, when it should say From Drabulous to Fabulous , 365 days of do's, don'ts and get back in the closet. This is a Google Reader issue which I can't fix and won't change unless you re-subscribe but if you just click on the Style File title it will take you to the From Drabulous to Fabulous page . No biggie, but just wanted to mention it.

Now taking myself from Drab to Fab, I was on a last minute gift run to H & M last week when I passed the Napoleon make up store . I'm always drawn to their gorgeous decor of big black stripes and chandeliers, so in I went. I was definitely suffering from too much shopping, (is that possible!?!), too little sleep, too much eating, of all the wrong things, (if I never see another chocolate truffle :o), and that need to cram in all the last minute things before the year ends, left me feeling drabulous. Hello - one great make up artist, a little serum, (LOVE serum), a primer, a new base and blush and poof, from drab to fab! Never underestimate the power of good make up!

And if you think Napoleon is just one of those mall pop ups catering to prom goers, think again. Napoleon cosmetics is the brain child of famed make up artist Napoleon Perdis, named make up "Genius" by Elle Magazine . He's a beauty guru with a global reputation and a heavy hitter celebrity client list.

Getting make up done is free with a purchase of a few products, and for the holidays it's 20% off and there's a free gift of sample products (and a full size lip gloss that smells good enough to eat) in a cute little red jewel box which came in an even cuter leopard tote, hellooo free stuff!!!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-12-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

Tis' The Season To Be Sparkly!

The idea behind great Holiday style is to pick one special piece that you feel fabulous in and has just the right amount of sparkle.. The beauty of these pieces is that I guarantee you have something in your closet that will go with any of them. A sequin tunic goes great with your old faithful black leggings or black skinny jeans and can be paired with an embellished flat or a heel. Under a sequin blazer your plain black tank top goes from Drab to Fab ! A great look if you're going to a house party that's festive but not too fancy. Same with a sequin skirt or shorts, match then with an understated piece in a complementary solid color. For a big bash out on the town, or a New Year's Eve party at a restaurant or club, opt for a sparkly dress or a bright festive color. And of course the old faithful little black dress in the back of your closet goes from Drab to Fab when you add sparkly jewelry, clutch and shoes.

Here's some Binge and Budget pieces:

Holiday Sparkle by julieshops featuring short shorts

Holiday Sparkle by julieshops featuring ballerina flats

Here's some great Budget Buys:

Holiday Get The Look for Less by julieshops featuring a silver evening dress

And then there's the color:

Holiday Brights by julieshops featuring forever21 dresses

Sparkle on !

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-12-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

For the launch of my transition from STYLE FILE to From Drabulous to Fabulous I had to share these gorgeous pictures taken by The Teen Fashion Police, (AKA Fashionloft8), as we strolled through the AH-MAZZZ-ING Rolling Greens on Beverly Blvd. This store is the perfect place to loose yourself in beauty. Their artistic displays are fantastic and their prices run the gamete so there's something for everyone. Any purchase here will definitely take any space from Drab to Fab!

*Be sure to watch for my book From Drabulous to Fabulous coming in 2012!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-11-27T19:18:00.000-08:00

A little DIY goes a long way in taking your look from office appropriate to party pretty in less than 5 minutes and without dragging a lot of extra clothes with you. I have a lot of business related holiday gatherings on my calender. I live outside the city so I can't go home and change and it never fails that I run out of time at the end of the work day to allow a lot of time to change and get ready so I stream line with these EZ ideas.

Clip on earrings, I love them, just not on my ears! But when it comes to giving your work pump a quick party upgrade clip on earring are fabulous! They'll take a shoe from *drab to fab in less than 5 seconds! Be on the look out the next time you're at a flea market, shopping vintage, or in the old family attic. These were my grandmothers.

Quick change of the work handbag to the evening clutch.

Add a sparkly brooch, I can't say enough about the brooch. I use them on scarf's, coats, my DIY wallet, pretty much anything you need to add a little sparkle to. Adding a pin to this scarf makes it party ready in under 2 seconds. 4 if I can't find my glasses :/

Swap out work hoops for dressy drop earrings and you're ready to party!

*That's a hint! Watch for the new name and new look of my blog coming with my next post, so excited to share!

xoxo
Julie

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-11-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

I love it when I can legitimately be a peeping Tom into some extraordinary homes. Nothing like a little relaxing break with a cup of tea and a tour of the Beverly Hills home of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, with a Napa Valley Vineyard compound, a French Chateau and a family friendly modern Brazilian thrown in for good measure. And all for the budget friendly price of $5.99 and a trip to the newsstand for the November issue of Architectural Digest...

Love the eclectic mix of Ellen and Portia's home, and check out the shoe closet, hilarious!

So many interesting pieces of art.

Amazing kitchen island.

Love this eat in area off the kitchen, bringing the outside in.

I'm a sucker for book shelves.

Very tranquil, don't you think?

Gee, which is which?

Great tub!

Now onto 40 acres on a vineyard in Napa Valley.

Another amazing kitchen design.

This is gorgeous!

Now here's a tub to sink into! And love the purple ottoman.

Now off to a Chateau in the Auverne region of Central France.

This is just dreamy.

And oh-so French.

This is poolside in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The fireplace is made of stacked Quartzite.

Just like with fashion, I love finding gorgeous high style items at budget friendly bargains, AKA, the thrill of the hunt. Check out stores like Home Goods where all this gorgeous bedding comes from.

This ottoman may not be purple but its' leather and what a find at Ross $69

Lots of out door candle holders priced under at $15! at TJmaxx.

Wouldn't this look good in Ellen and Portia's garden? Don't tell it's only $14.

Lot's of wrought iron accents for your Napa vineyard at Ross.

These vases all priced from $9 - $20.

And this little french clock for the desk of the bedroom in the Chateau, Oui?

And more ottomans, because I like them, and they all open for storage.

Happy Hunting!

xoxo

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-11-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

BINGE or BUDGET:

I just LOVE this gorgeous skirt for the holidays. I won't ask you to guess the price because it's a long shot. A hint would be that the designer is Balmain and if you are familiar with that name you would guess high. No, higher, higher! This gorgeous skirt is $10,800. And even if I could afford it I'd rather feed a country, (no offense to anyone who actually owns one.)

BINGE

Martha Lux by marthalux featuring a lace up bootie

BUDGET

holiday casual by julieshops featuring sheer tops

Forever21 sheer top
$23 - forever21.com

Zara short mini skirt
$129 - zara.com

Charlotte Russe - Bead-Tip Knotted Necklace
$6 - charlotterusse.com

Sterling Pearl Floral Studs $59

Aviators $12

Rhinestone clutch $98

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-11-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY FINDS: A Hunting We Will Go!

Last week I made an impromptu stop to pick up a belt for the hubbs. His belts are BAD and I keep having this vision that he will be cross examining a witness in front of a judge and his pants will fall down! Could happen. And a stop at Ross for a little retail therapy never hurts, right?

I did go straight to the men's dept., I swear! Found him two great belts and two great sweaters, $60 Izod sweaters for $14.99! I ask you, how is a girl to resist that! One of the sweaters is a gorgeous dark pumpkin color, not shown above because the man had the nerve to think he could actually wear it and leave the house before I had a chance to take the picture! Anyway, after that I was telepathically pulled to this adorable bag. As a dedicated bargain hunter, I just love a find that has the original manufacturers tag on it. In this case the Steve Madden $98 tag. I paid $29.99! Then came the gorge Calvin Klein black sheath dress, those lines are actually zippers, very cool. An Alpaca and faux fur Nine West vest, a maxi dress, and of course a doggy toy. Total cost of this therapy session around the original price of the CK dress.

It's the thrill of the hunt! (for me and Daisy)

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-11-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

FALL/WINTER TOP TEN MUST HAVES - OK Top 17, I got carried away;

A colorful coat
A fabulous hat
A big cozy sweater
Faux fur
A versatile wrap/poncho/cape
Something lacy
A little military detail
A colorful handbag (tip- if you can't spend for the trend stick with basic black and tie a colorful scarf around the handle)
A little sparkle, sequins/glitter
Boots, flats and heels
Patterned tights (tip-mix with old skirts for a new look)
Trouser pants in colors (I got a yellow pair, completely out of my color comfort zone!)
Flared jeans (I just had to dig in the bottom of my jean drawer to find these, you?)
Over the knee socks
A long flowy skirt
Colored jeans
Animal print anything
Colorful coats at Forever21 under $45 Cozy sweaters at Zara (to spend what you saved at F21)
Handbags at LA Trunk Show

Faux fur New York & Company The Hoodie at TranquiliT watch the video on the versatility of this line

Something lacy for the holidays at Victoria Secrets (they're not just undies)

Boots, Booties and more Boots

Red Teal

Flare Jeans

Pattern Tights Socks & Leg Warmers

Long, Sparkly and leopard flats

In this photo my Teen Fashion Police rocks this purple H&M hat. What I love about this hat, besides its fabulousness, is that it looks good on me too. When one accessories works for two generations, SOLD! And if you are a fellow hat lover do not miss the Target limited edition line from Albertus Swanepoel, in stores and on line now. His hats usually sell for $300 - $400.

Happy November!

xoxo

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-10-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

Have a fun and safe Halloween weekend!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-10-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: A little DIY, a fresh start and an organized purse!

Yup, that's it, the contents of my purse after I dumped it out in frustration on Friday after taking an embarrassingly long time to dig out my business card for someone who was patiently waiting.

It's like my closet, it's perfect at the beginning of the week and then tends to take a dive. The amount of mess usually reflects how busy a week I've had. It's just like having an ICM (Immobilized Closet Moment) only in my purse. I realized that although I love my flat wallet, it fits so well in every purse, it just isn't working anymore when it comes to stashing receipts and other things that belong in a wallet. I decided it was time for something with more compartments. But before rushing out to buy a new wallet, I did what I always do, I went hunting in my closet.

I found this nylon wallet with 3 zippered pockets and more pockets in between. Never used.

Technically, just what I wanted, fashionally (yes that's a word) very boring.

So I hauled out a little bling by way of some old broaches.

Too blah...

Too blingy...

Just right. Every time I took this wallet out over the weekend someone asked me where I got it! That's what a little bling will do. And of course you're just pinning it on so you can change it to fit your mood. Have you hunted in your closet lately?

Happy Hunting!

XOXO

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-10-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FINDS: As much as I am all about the thrill of the hunt when it comes to designer clothes for less I'm not one to risk being trampled when I shop. But I may have to re-think my policy on November 19th when Versace shows up on the racks of H&M! Said to be a little more Gianni than Donatella the line is full of classic Versace shapes and colors along with the lines latest trends. Not only will there be a fashion line but also a home decor line, hold me back. Prices will range from $19.95 for jewelery to $299 for the leather jacket that I've already made room for in my closet.

Feast your eyes...

2011-10-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: PUMPKINS!

I've always loved Halloween. Something about fall and the pumpkins. Over the years I have collected more than my share of Halloween decorations, that's for sure. This year, with our house for sale and our garage full of packed boxes, I fear it's all buried in the back beyond husbandly retrieval. So I have been on the hunt for some new and interesting DIY Halloween ideas. We started with glitterizing some pumpkins, (yes that's a word), they may not be Martha Stewart worthy but they were so much fun to make. I'm a glue and glitter kind a gal.

First, getting our bargain on as usual, we found big pumpkins at Home Depot for $4.00.

A quick stop at the crafts store for some glue and glitter, and glitter glue. (the glitter glue is great for outlining)

We had a swirl time.

Here's some other fun DIY ideas from my Pinterest Hollidaze board.

Apple slices with peanut butter and mini marshmallows for teeth. Too Cute! And what's a Halloween without a guacamole graveyard?

Leopard Painted Pumpkins // Glue on beans and seeds // Glitter!

Who is that masked Pumpkin?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

XOXO

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-10-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

Binge or Budget: We just need a hint of fall here in LA and we all want to break out our boots and trench coats. Honestly, we're desperate! These wardrobe must haves always signify fall to me, maybe because I grew up on the east coast, or maybe just because they're fabulous. And as with most things there's the top of the line, the bottom of the closet, and lots to be considered in between.

The trench coats here are gorgeous, and they should be, they are Burberry Prorsum at $2,595 for the cream and $2,305 for the black. Take a moment to revive.

These high boots are Valentino, Studded patent-rubber, $695 and the Moto Boot is Rag & Bone, $535.

The Michael Kors Hamilton Large North/South Tote, $348. LOVE the bag, not the price.

Trench Classic by julieshops via polyvore

Those are the Binge choices, here are the Budget choices, get the look for less!

Get The Look For Less by julieshops via Polyvore

The Belted Trench-Style Coat $149 Trench Coat with Folded Lapel $89

Jenna Coffee Ostrich Kelly Tote $54 Jenna Black Ostrich Kelly Tote $54

Tall Topstitch Riding Boot $42 Belted Low-Heel Western Boot $40

Get Your Bargain On!

xoxo

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-10-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

Design Sponge Book Tour. When interior design writer Grace Bonney started her blog Design Sponge in 2004 I'm sure she never imagined that 7 years later the site would draw 75,000 daily readers on its blog, not to mention over 121,000 on RSS feeds. Those are stats every blogger dreams of! And when a fellow blogger writes a book, and comes to my city, I'm there. And of course I'm not the kind of girl to pass up a Red Velvet Mud Pie and a Lavender Lemonade, all served at the incredibly gorgeous Anthropologie Flag Ship store in Beverly Hills. I had my mud pie on the plush couch inside the Tepee that sits in the middle of the store, but of course.

The book if filled with the homes of different people in different cities and I really enjoy peeping (legally) into the homes of others.

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-10-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I stopped in at my hair salon on the way to work after having one too many bad hair days. It was time to change it up. I like change, which is why I was really surprised when I figured out I have been going to the same hair stylist for 18 years. WHAT!?! I have to say I shocked myself! Yes, I love the familiarity of my salon, where I have known everyone for ages and they will always squeeze me in for a hair emergency, you know those times when one day your hair looks great and the next you wake up and your roots are 4 inches long? But lately my hair has just been weighing down my face and who needs that, bad enough we have to deal with gravity! His reaction was "what's wrong with it?" and "you just need to let it grow longer." I love when they say that like we're the Barbie with the belly button you push to make your hair grow.

As I drove off unsatisfied I thought "what's a curly girl to do?" Google curly hair experts, of course! And I found John, the 'Guru' of curls. I did a 'stop by' to check out the salon. I liked him right away as the salon was busy but he still took the time to walk over to talk to me. He pulled on my hair and said "what's this? You got nothing going on here." Two minutes later I had an appointment. I wasn't after some huge change, just a shorter layered cut I could manage curly, straight, or somewhere in between. So this past Saturday Guru John transformed my hair. It was interesting going to a new salon after so long. I learned my natural part is on the opposite side than the one I wear it on, probably why I always had bangs vs cowlick issues.

And there is the un-scientific experiment being conducted by Eric the hair washer. While washing my hair he asked me if I was an artist/creative person. I said yes, and he said he knew by the dent in the top of my head. Yes, I have a dent, I actually call it a crator, it's big. I always just assumed that someone dropped me on my head when I was a baby until I realized that my daughter has the exact same thing. According to Eric creative people have this dent and intellectuals do not. I couldn't wait to feel my husband's head. He is a creative intellectual and sure enough he has half a dent! So feel the top back of the crown of your head right in the middle where the top meets the back and feel if you have a dent and let me know if his theory is true or has Eric just washed too many heads?!?

The moral of this story is, (yes there's a moral), don't get in a rut! I have a friend who was getting a divorce after many years of unhappiness and when I asked what took him so long he said "it's like a nail in your shoe, it hurts but you get use to it." So beware of nails in your shoe, and bad hair days!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-09-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

More and more celebrities are not just lending their names to clothing manufacturers these days but they are calling themselves 'designers'. I'm not convinced, but I thought it was worth checking out these new arrivals. Now let's not assume that these lines will be tacky (although I admit I did assume that) and poorly made, (umm Kmart) and not a washing machine, (last purchase I made in a Sears). Let's be open minded.

The Kardashian Kollection for Sears - I like some of the looks but some of the pieces that look good on line, (and in this picture) like the romper, I didn't like the fabric in person, it felt cheap. The pants suit paired with the lace tie blouse is nice. And the accessories, especially the evening bags, worth a look.Kardashian Kollection

The Jennifer Lopez Collection for Kohl's launch didn't go as expected (supposed to be a husband and wife design launch and we all know how that went) but as with the Vera Wang for Kohl's collection some very nice pieces, and some not so nice.

The Sofia Vergara line at Kmart all looks like lingerie and Vegas night club to me. But check it out if you like that look.

The Queen Latifah's line for HSN is very mediocre when it comes to style, but it has sizes from XS - 3X.
Queen Collection Belted V-neck Caftan Tunic

These stores are trying to change their images by using celebrities to up their style and still keep it at a working girl price, always exciting, sometimes disappointing.

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-09-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NYC Spring 2012 has come to an end. And thanks to the wonders of modern technology I get to bring you some highlights! So grab a nice big glass of ice tea, click on the pic's and sit back and enjoy the shows!

Tory Burch

Diane Von Furstenberg

Adam

Tadashi Shoji

Narcisco Rodriguez

Victoria Beckham

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-09-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY WANTS:

Yes, it has arrived at Target and not only is it fabulous they've done all the work and put together some great looks, click here and shop the collections.

look 18

look 21

look 4

look 8

look 12

Shop Missoni Home Exclusively at Target!

Shop Exclusive Missoni Accessories & Shoes at Target!

This entire line is serioulsy flying of the shelves with many items already out of stock on line, and hopefully re-stocking any minute!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-09-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

COLOR:

I'll be the first to admit that when you look in my closet there's an awful lot of black, white, beige and brown. But I am ready to break out! So along with contemplating cutting several inches off my crazy wild hair I'm adding some of these fabulous colors to my fall wardrobe. Here is the fall 2011 color palette.

And here's how to wear them

Red Jeans and Polka Dots on the gorgeous Dana Melanie of FashionLoft8.

Throw on a blazer and this is a great transition outfit for fall.

The beautiful Blair Eadie is an expert at putting together color. Her sense of style will make you drop. See more on her style blog Atlantic-Pacific.

Yes, we are still wearing sandals here in LA but a pair of great boots would look perfect too.

So when shopping for a few fall pieces to add to your wardrobe think outside the usual box and inside the crayon box!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-09-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Last night was Fashion's Night Out around the globe and the kick off of New York Fashion Week, Spring 2012. The Teen Fashion Police and I did it up Beverly Hills style starting at The Beverly Center and then heading over to Robertson and Rodeo. Although I'm not in NY this year I will be posting all the Fashion Week deets, including live streaming video on my Julie Shops Face Book page, thanks to all my fabulous fashion friends and fellow bloggers in NY, like it here to get all the up to the minute news, and my personal favorite, the fashion week street style! Here's last nights photo's. See more on The Teen Fashion Polices' personal style blog FashionLoft8.

leather

color block

faux fur

animal print

love this photo in the window of Lousi Vuitton

and of course, champagne and macaroons to complete the night ;)

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-09-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Grab your girlfriends and get ready for a night of gifts, goodies and retail therapy! Yup, Fashion's Night Out is back and the kick off of NY Fashion Week is not just in NYC. For the third year in a row this event has gone global!

Click here to Find all the events in your area click on the events tab and then enter your state, a list of towns will come up so you can find the participating locations in your area.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-09-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: (On Tuesday) Working in the fashion and entertainment industries makes one a very lucky girl who often finds herself on the receiving end of a very fabulous gift bag or two. Among other goodies these bags usually have a mascara that is being promoted so over the years I have probably tried just about every mascara there is to try, well almost every. But when the gifted tube is empty, and it's time to buy, I always go back to that old faithful pink and green tube of of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara. You too? If so, you won't want to miss these fun new tubes, yes America's best selling mascara has gotten its own make-over in honor of its 40th Anniversary! These new limited editon tubes designed by designers Max Azria, Tracy Reese, and Vivienne Tam are available at Target. Still priced at only $5.49 these designer tubes are a must have bargain. Maybelline Great Lash Limited Edition Mascara Vivienne Tam - Very Black $5.49

Don't miss another big change coming this fall, the new nail colors. Say buh-bye to typical red, pink and frenchy and hello to bold dynamic colors you never thought you'd see in a nail polish bottle. And lots of new stick on print nail bling.

And watch for the very smoky eye

Lots of changes, don't be afraid to be bold!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-08-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: Scarves!

This is my annual scarf post. I've updated the photos and re-written it a bit but the info is the same and you need to know it! I find it so important to post this every fall because a scarf is such a fabulous accessory. They're inexpensive, they make every outfit, even a T shirt and jeans, look chic and fabulous and they continue to fit in spite of that extra slice of pie.

Notice how good celeb's always look in their scarves? How do they tie them like that? Only one way to find out. I had to consult The Teen Fashion Police, (aka fashionloft8), who is the queen when it comes to looking fab in a scarf.

(I'm told it's spelled with an f when singular and a v when plural, who knows tomato/tamato)

Anyway, here we go.

1. The Drape It. That's it, you just drape it, throw it over your neck like you're a hanger. YES, just drape it!

And don't forget to be creative and find multiple uses for your favorite scarf like Nicole Riche here using hers as a headband. Some scarves also look great as a belt or sash.

2. The Knot. First do The Drape It then tie a simple knot and let it hang a bit low from your neck. You can tuck under the ends like Jessica Alba or let them hang like Hilary Duff , both are famous for how they wear their scarf -ves.

3. The Backwards Tie. Just place the scarf evenly with the middle against your neck facing backwards, (hence the name), cross it in back and let the ends hang in front and wha-la!

A variation on The Backwards Tie is to then tie the ends in a knot in front like Jennifer Aniston. You'll need a long scarf for this to look good.

4. The Button It. Doesn't this look great, and warm too! Fold the scarf in half and wrap it around your neck with both ends to one side and then separate the scarf in the middle and put the ends through. Creates this nice fluffy look. And don't forget the shades darling.

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-08-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FINDS: Just a bit of this & that.

When I started my blog way back when, it was really out of a need to vent the dysfunctional moments that went on in my closet, that's how I came to coin the expression ICM, Immobilized Closet Moment! I went through a phase where nothing seemed to be working and I'd literally get stopped on the way out of the house by my daughter, who became know here as The Teen Fashion Police. She would drag me back to the closet to work her styling magic. So I'm very excited to share with you that The Teen Fashion Police has launched her own blog fashionloft8. Please check it out and spread the word!

I saw a post today that said Christmas is four months away, I broke out in hives!

As earth quakes and hurricanes hit and kids go back to school you may be getting ready to evaluate your fall wardrobe, I however am writing you from LA where the temperature is in the triple digits. I long for scarves and boots but it may be a while. So next week I'll start posting fall trends, because I'm from the east coast and September is fall, in spite of temperatures to the contrary. Until then, I'll be in the pool!

Our blooming cactus

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-08-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, the word's been out for a while now, and I just can't wait for September 13th when Target will launch a limited edition line from one of the most coveted luxury brands in the world - Italian designers Missoni!

Missoni for Target is Target's largest designer collection to date, with 400 pieces, including knit dresses, sweaters, swimwear, shoes, scarves, beauty items, cosmetic cases, brush sets and hair accessories. A men’s collection, a kid's collection, a gorgeous home collection of bedding, luggage, dinnerware, stationery, bicycles, (drooling for the bike), outdoor furniture in variations of their iconic stripes, zigzags and abstract floral patterns. Whew!

(Dear Santa and Hanukkah Fairy, I really, really, really want this bike)

Prices will range from $2.99 to $599.99 (my bike!) with most items less than $40 and will be available only from Sept. 13 through Oct. 22, 2011. Some items will only be available on line, so check back here on Sept 13th to shop! I predict these items will fly off the shelves.

My first pick - these flats in Missoni's signature pattern. Can you tell the $432 pair from the Target $29 pair???

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-08-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

MAD STYLE - MAD MEN - I'M MAD FOR THESE CLOTHES!!!

On August 11, 2011 Banana Republic launched a new line in collaboration with Janie Bryant, the costume designer from the show Mad Men. As clever angles on launching lines go, I'd say this fall launch was major. I could tell because I had to wipe the drool from my chin. Banana Republic stores around the country, and of course right here in LA at The Grove, celebrated the launch with a MAD STYLE Cocktail Party, complete with MAD - TINI's.

The pieces sell from $39.50 (scarfs) to $250 (Leopard Satchel) with many price points in between.

So I want everything, is that so wrong???

Daizy's lazy daze of summer

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-08-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

What to pack for a summer weekend getaway: Friday we were off to our friends vacation home in the mountains. My goal was to pack light but with enough choices to mix and match and consider hot weather in the day and cool at night.

Maxi dress, T-shirt, shorts, navy tank that goes under everything, small purse for life's essentials, phone, camera and lip gloss. Comfy flat sandals, sun hat to protect freshly ~~died~~ I mean done red hair and a color cuff bracelet, just for fun.

Yes, my stripe obsession continues. A romper and a sundress, just in case...
and an extra pair of sandals

Denim jacket for at night which works with everything, extra hat (in case one flies away, hey it's happened!) bathing suit and sunglasses.

On Saturday we took canoes out on the lake. I have never been in a canoe. I've been in a row boat, a paddle boat, a motor boat, ferries and on a yatch. But never a canoe, probably because it's the one that can tip over.

When it comes to outdoor sporting adventures, although I adore the outdoors, I'm not exactly a dare devil kind of gal. In fact if there's a chance of bodily harm I usually opt out. I like to be the one safely on the ground taking the pictures of everyone else risking their lives.

So we're about to get into the canoe and I have on a life jacket (of course) and the instructor on the dock responds to my many 'concerns' about the boat tipping and says to my husband "you probably don't want to go under the waterfall then because the boat could fill up with water and tip". NO!!!... he mentioned a waterfall! I'm SUNK! I knew my adventurous husband, didn't hear anything after the word 'waterfall'. I carried on as he rowed toward it, at a very eager pace I might add, and I reminded him my hair was straight! A big deal if you have curly hair that's about to get doused with water, not to mention my fear of drowning! As we got closer, and my screaming got louder, I braced myself and quickly tucked my hair into my hat. I screamed all the way through, it was ice cold, and the entire lake probably heard me scream "Mike I'm going to kill you!" And then just like that we were out. No water in the boat, no tipping over. And just as my husband would have predicted I bragged about it. "I canoed through a water fall!!!" His adventureous side jolts me out of my comfort zone and I love the feeling of doing something that I may not have tried had he not dragged me kicking and screaming.

Moral of this story, in fashion or in life, if you've never worn sequins or sparkly nail polish, ate spagetti for breakfast and cupcakes for dinner or gone through a water fall in a canoe, what are you waiting for!?! I challenge you to do something out of your comfort zone this month.

Happy August!

XOXO

Julie

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-08-04T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today in the closet is really today in the kitchen, as I cheat on fashion with food. I just have to share this amazing recipe I got from eat-drink-smile for a pizza crust made of cauliflower! Yes, cauliflower!!! And I swear you will not taste it one bit. Just think no gluten, no flour, no preservatives, none of the things that put pizza on the don't list. After all, we can load the top of a pizza with healthy choices, it's the crust that's the enemy. Here's a picture of how mine turned out. It's not a thick crust and we ended up eating it with a knife and fork but it's really crispy and delicious. For my toppings I caramelized red onions, (how to for that in my onion soup recipe which you'll find right below the pizza recipe), fresh spinach, Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Sauce and feta cheese. You can use anything, be creative! Recipe

And now for something completely random... fellow blogger Susannah Conway came up with a fun idea called The August Break 2011. The idea is to have fellow bloggers post one picture in August on each blog they post of something random that represents August to them. So no matter what the blog is about, during the month of August, you'll see this fun glittery button along with a picture of, well, anything. As of today 613 women bloggers are participating. I think that's amazing. Here's my first.

A summer night at The Hollywood Bowl

Happy August

Julie

xoxo

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-07-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FINDS: Flat Sandals! Recently my husband and I were at the Ahmanson Theatre to see an amazing performance of Les Miserables. I like going to the Ahmanson because it's upscale and people still dress up to go. As we where leaving I noticed two women in front of us both in very nice outfits, and then much to my horror, as I scanned down to their shoes, they were both wearing flip flops! To that I say "Get Back In The Closet".

I know this is LA and perhaps I still have my east coast mentality, even after all these years, but unless you're at the beach or by the pool, there is no reason for you to be wearing flip flops and at the theatre no less!!! Even if they both were on their feet all day and needed to ditch their heels there are so many flat sandal options there's just no excuse. And if they had those Dr. Scholl's foldables in their bags (Fridays blog) they would have been stylish and comfortable! They killed my theatre fashion buzz.

Silver Chain flat gladiator in black also available in tangerine, and gold and silver metalic $13.99

Coral Faux leather tong rhinestone wedge $13.99

Black Buckle Gladiator wedge $22

Grecian black double strap $33

Fushia Strappy $20

Brown T Strap Thong Sandal $13.99

Payless Montego Bay Club Popstar Embellished Gladiator Sandal $19.99

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-07-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Wants: DIY Leopard Blackberry Case

I love everything Leopard. Some people call it Cheetah. What's your preference? They both look the same to me even though they are two different animals, and I checked. (What did I do before Google searches?)

I have looked all over to find a leopard/cheetah phone case for my style Blackberry. I even considered switching to an iPhone just for the cover! (but not up for the techy learning curve). And then on Sunday night my phone happened to be sitting next to my big role of Leopard tape. Yup, 5 minutes later, problem solved!

Then came the Teen Fashion Police revamping some old bangles with the same tape and some fabric scraps. Details here

My pink gel phone case was part of a set of 2 found at the 99 cent store, so that's 2 for 99 cents and I used maybe 4 inches of tape off a big role from Michaels that was about $2.00. So all and all I figure I'm in for about 80 cents. Now that's a bargain!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-07-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY FINDS: Beauty buys - 10 under $10

Here is a great little secret of hair and makeup professionals. It's called a Spin Pin and lets you create a chic updo like this in minutes. You just make a ponytail, twist and screw the pin into your twisted hair. It comes in different hair shades too. An instant chic salon updo for $6.29

Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin $6.29

Love these Dr. Scholl's foldable flats, best $9.99 you'll ever spend if you spend your days in heels like me. Stash them in your purse for when you have to walk an unexpected few blocks or slip them on for the ride home at the end of the day. A treat for your feet.

Dr. Scholl's Foldable Flats $9.99

St. Ives Apricot Gentle Scrub $3.49 Burt's Bees Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm $7

Fedoras - Style and Sun Protection

Forever 21 Color Block Trim Fedora $9.80

Forever 21 Knit Headwrap $4.80

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara $5.94

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Any Angle Self Spray $6.50

EZ to use, make sure you exfoliate first.

.Sonia Kashuk Skin Tint $12.99
OK, so this is over $10 but I had to include it. A friend raved about this product to me at the beginning of the summer and I bought it being sceptical about a tinted moisturizer that actually has good coverage. It's now replaced my foundation and I'm going to use it year round. I love it! It has a SPF 15, it's light, smooth and it covers!

Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo $4.79

I may be dating myself but remember Psssst? If you have never used a dry shampoo you have to try this. Let's face it there are days when our hair is just not perfect and you can't sit at work all day in a hat so spray, brush, fluff and go!

Get Your Bargain On! Beauty Style
xoxo
Julie

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-07-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Wants:

Crazy For Stripes! Had a little ICM this morning and looking around my closet I realized that I have gone absolutely crazy for stripes this season, so I grouped them all together, now that's a lot of stripes!

Nina Garcia calls them a wardrobe staple, I love them and I'm in good company.

Classic and Timeless

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-07-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: Simple Pleasures

Lunch. I love lunch. There, it's that simple. A break in the middle of the day to relax, catch up with friends or hubby, plot and plan with my Teen Fashion Police or just ponder alone with my trusty planner pad. I love lunch. My favorite place to go, when I'm lunching solo, is a French Cafe in West Hollywood, nothing fancy but the chef is very creative and always trying new lunch recipes, he loves lunch too. Last week it was warm brie with fig jam and walnuts on whole grain bread. I cannot describe it because when I took the first bite I died and went to heaven, seriously.

On those days when I'm too busy to get out to a favorite lunch, and I eat at my desk, I use a very pretty favorite plate. It's bright and cheery and almost makes eating at my desk OK, (almost). Last week the women who cleans my office accidentally broke it. Feeling bad she replaced it with one from our employee kitchen. A really, really ugly one. Not the same. I realized that I may be a dish snob! I also realized the importance of simple pleasures, be it a beautiful plate or a favorite tea cup, when we surround ourselves with favorite things we love we add soothing moments to our hectic days.

My favorite tea cups

My pool raft, my favorite place to spend Sunday afternoons

Favorite wedding gifts that come in Kate Spade boxes!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-07-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

Monday Must Haves: Jewelry! Statement necklaces, big earrings, and bracelet arm candy can pull any outfit out of the dull drums.

Whatever your personal style there's nothing like splurging on some fun and funky new jewelry pieces to perk up and change some of your looks without breaking the bank. Here's my recent haul from Forever 21.

1. Pink leather choker with crystals covered in lace

2. Stone pendent

3. Multiple strands (in one necklace) of gold chains with black stones

4. Large gold and silver hoop earrings

5. Fun flashy gold triangle earrings

Grand total $24.00

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-07-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Getting In The Spirit: Here's some great July 4th budget friendly holiday ideas to get you in the spirit. Set a holiday table and fashion yourself a little patriotism! We all have (I hope you have) that wardrobe staple white T-shirt right? Or that great navy and white stripe T, any red or navy accessories stashed away?

If you're getting in the spirit at home use fruit, a big bowl of deep red apples on a white table cloth or some bowls of fresh blueberries, red cherries or strawberries will do the trick!

Have an old red and white checked table cloth? You can pick up a felt backed plastic one, very inexpensive. Even if you just have a white table cloth pick up some red and blue paper napkins and your table will be instantly July 4th festive.

Love this idea, setting candles in red, white and blue sprinkles, you can also use use red hot candy, white rice, or red, white and blue jelly beans.

Yum!

Stars and Stripes by Polyvore featuring a denim vest

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Friday Finds: Budget Basics by Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia Essentials: Polo

Shirt, White T-Shirt, Button Down, Striped Sailor

Oxford Striped Blue T $12.99

Ultimate Crewneck Tee Fresh White $8.00

Button Down Blouse $12.58

Ultamate Polo - Navy $12.99

Nina Garcia's Accessories Essentials: Sunglasses, Bracelets, Turquoise Jewelery, Hobo Bag, Men's Watch

Rhinestone Bangle Bracelet Set $9.98

Geneva Platinum Leather Band Watch $19.99

Block Turquoise Ring $36.99

Black Leather Hobo $129

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: The Sexy One Shoulder - I used to think that I couldn't wear this look, (excessive boobage and all), but prompted to try one on recently, I was really surprised that it worked. I was also at a fashion event with a plus size model and she was wearing one and it looked great on her as well. So, no matter what your size, shape, rank and serial number are, if you have never tried it, do! It seems to look good on everyone, and it's fun and sexy. These from $20 - $30.

Rose Damaged Oblique Tee

Asymmetric Ribbed Knitted Tunic

Off Shoulder Chiffon Sleeve Wide Tee

Sometimes fashion should be 'off balance'.

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

Avoiding an ICM ( Immobilized Closet Moment): This past Thursday I had the pleasure of attending the Crystal and Lucy Awards, an event hosted every year by Women and Film, an organization I am very proud to be a part of. I had an unreasonably short amount of time to make the quick change from office to cocktail and I really could not have done it if not for my fashion boarding. I had three good possibilities on my board that I have recently worn to events and that saved a lot of time. Since I find that different colors are right on different days I always need to give myself a choice. Usually black is my fail safe but on Thursday it made me looked washed out, same with my cream color choice so I ended up with a color block dress black bottom, turquoise top. Here are some of the looks from the evening, the theme seemed to be simple understated elegance.

Women in Film honored actress Annette Bening with the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film

The event was hosted by the hilarious Melissa McCarthy

Katie Holmes received the Max Mara "Face of the Future" Award

Nina Tassler, the head of CBS Entertainment, the Lucy Award for Excellence in Television.
Pamela Fryman, the director and executive producer of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother," the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award.
Cinematographer Reed Morano, the Kodak Vision Award.

Elizabeth Taylor, with the Humanitarian Award, accepted by her granddaughter

Neil Patrick Harris

Martin Sheen

Pamela Fryman, the director and executive producer of CBS' "How I Met Your Mother," with the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award.

Me & Director Gina Levy, we are working together on a current Women In Film Project

Garcelle Beauvais

Sarah Shahi

Nicola Maranotti of MaxMara

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Everything Old Is New Again:

Recently I was helping my Mom move around some stuff and we came across my Dad's vintage Seiko gold watch. One new battery later, here it is. (If my sister is reading this, don't worry, there's another one for you!) I love wearing this watch as it brings back great memories of my Dad.

Is there an attic in your life? A basement? Or some old stash to plow through on a trip home or maybe in your own closet? A few years back during an episode of Sex and the City I nearly brought down the house with a blood curdling scream when Carrie, (on a boat cruising Manhattan and running into Big), was holding none other than the plastic clutch made to look like a Bazaar magazine that I carried all through high school! And being the hoarder I am, still had stashed away somewhere. I have never seen this clutch anywhere else ever but Patricia Field, the Sex and The City Stylist, apparently came across it in a NY thrift store put there no doubt by another girl who went to high school when I did and knew how to purge. Thank God I didn't! I found it in the back of my closet and here it is.

And don't discount your neighbors garage sale either, remember one girls trash is another girls treasure. I adore a vanity chair I picked up at a garage sale in my neighborhood for $10. I'm going to re-cover the seat and now I'm searching for a vanity to go with for my new house. (Still searching for that too). A few more treasures, this leopard jacket bought this summer in a consignment store in Santa Barbara, and this mink collared sweater that was my Grandmas.

Happy Hunting!

xoxo

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-06-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

There are 2 ways you can utilize a gift card, buy something for just the amount on the card or get something you’ve been wanting that you haven’t been able to afford and add to the card. Well, in the case of Barneys New York and my lovely $100 gift card I decided to stick to option one. Those of you familiar with Barneys know that there’s pretty much nothing you can buy under $100. In fact I worked part time in Barneys New York very briefly in college, I quit to take a job at Macy’s because what good is an employee discount if you can’t afford the clothes!?! So option one would be a challenge.

With my cohort in shopping crime, (aka The Teen Fashion Police), in tow we headed off to Barneys New York, Beverly Hills. We began at the beautiful and chic roof top café. We had a gorgeous view of the Hollywood Hills, and it took me by surprise when I was handed the menu for Barney Greengrass. (a NYC Deli est.1908!) Liking the juxtaposition, and not one to pass up an opportunity to connect with my NY Jewish roots or a good bowl of Matzo Ball soup, I ordered like a NY’er, just about the last things I expected to eat there. And it was delish.

Knowing my plan to stay within my gift card budget, but still enjoy the splurge, we headed to the makeup counters. I spy Chanel! Ahh Ha are you feeling it? Although we were just looking for lipstick the Chanel rep wanted to give us each a ‘complete face’. Oh twist my arm! I love expensive makeup but I also love my Maybelline Great Lash so I knew what I would and wouldn’t splurge on. I’m proud to say that we did not go over the $100 on the card, but we did spend it all, and as you might guess it didn’t go very far at the Chanel counter but it was an awfully fun treat and after all, we’re worth it!

Don't Forget to Treat Yourself!

xoxo

Julie

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

THURSDAY TREND: COLOR BLOCKING

The skirt and headband are both home made. Although some of us might require a bit more fabric then shown here, the skirt is a really EZ sewing project, it's stretch fabric sewn only with one seam up the side. Have you been buying all of your sewing items at stores like Joannes Fabrics? If sew, you may want to check out other options in your city. For us here in Los Angeles, the LA Fabric Mart has rows and rows of fabric stores that line the streets and are so competitive that we literally buy fabric for as low as $1.00 a yard!

Color Blocking on the Runway

Try these color combinations (They work vertically and horizontally!)

Today In The Closet:

2011-06-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY WANTS: Versatility!

In these photo's, same shirt, same shoes, same purse, same jewelery. The only thing that changes are the jeans/skirt. How EZ is that!?! Think of this for your own wardrobe when shopping. A great white T-shirt is so versatile and easily brings this outfit from casual to dressy.

White shirt - Love Culture Sale $4.50
Jeans - Forever 21 $17.99
Black Skirt - H &M $7.99
Shoes Love D. - $32 (and a 2nd pair half off)
Purse - LATrunkShows $40

What a Steal: Betsy Johnson Watch Originally $49.99 discounted for $29.99 at Ross For Less.

Check your area if you are a fan, T.J.Maxx and Nordstrums Rack also carry Betsy Johnson watches.

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY TO DO'S: Mix And Match To Multiply Your Wardrobe.

It's not everyone that is lucky enough to have their very own 'Teen Fashion Police' on premises. Here she is, Dana Melanie, AKA my daughter. You may be seeing a lot of her in my upcoming blogs; she is an actress and she is just about to launch a fashion line, Donavon Bentley, which is totally fabulous!

Now mind you it's not all peachy as many a day I get sent back to the closet for a re-do, (ouch), you're NOT wearing that are you? But she is always right (shhhh). I'd like to say she takes after me in her ability to re-do, re-invent and create and I will take credit for teaching her how to seek out the best bargains, but her ability to 'style' is all her own and it's fabulous!

In these pictures the same pair of pants and purse have been used for two very different looks. The T-shirt on the left was from the Men's Department at Target for $10. As you can see, it had a sassy run in with a pair of scissors. The blazer was a great find at a store called Love Culture for $27. The flats were $29 from a store in our local mall called Love D, they always have a buy one get one half off. The peach top is from Foreign Exchange, on sale for $19. And for fab-u-less purses, (as always), bounce through my home page at LATrunkShows.

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: Parisian Chic- Get The Look For Less. Last Wednesday I blogged about Parisian style and then I came across these cute bargain pieces, all of which I think have a bit of French flair.

Esprit Warehouse Silk Blouses $17.99

Ribbon Fedora $10.97 H & M Straw Hat $12.95

Amy Quilted Black Frame Bag $54.00 The 7th Avenue Crop $39.99

Jamie's Black Heart Evening Clutch $40

Jennifer Celebrity Inspired Large Squares $14.00

H &M Stripe Sress $12.95

Get Your Bargain On!

Courses Heureuses!

xoxo

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-06-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

So what is it about French style that makes us say "I wanna look like her"?

I've always been a lover of croissants, macaroons, brie cheese and cream puffs, but lately I've noticed not just my own fascination with everything Paris but others as well. Paris seems to be the 'in' thing right now. But haven't we as women always had a fascination for the romance of Paris and intrigued by what gives French women that 'Je ne sais quoi'?

For me it all started when Carrie Bradshaw roamed the streets of Paris aimlessly working her way through the chocolatier shops and sidewalk cafes while waiting for Alexander Petrovsky to finish playing with his light installation. I fell in love with Paris. (And her sweater.)

From the huge popularity of the book Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by former French model Ines de la Fressange, to the new exhibit at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, (April 27 - August 7th) Paris: Life & Luxury. Paris is in the air!

I just finished reading Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide To Finding Her Inner French Girl, by Debra Ollivier, the May selection in Kimberly Wilson's book club, another girl after your French heart, read about Kimberly's fabulous up-coming Paris Retreat. And stop over at Accidental Chic and get lost in Tiffany Rogers beautiful photos of her recent birthday trip to Paris.

Over the weekend we saw the new Woody Allen movie Midnight in Paris. It was a lovely movie but had it not been, who cares, I was in Paris for two hours! And not just modern day Paris, the Paris of Hemingway, Monet and Toulouse Lautrec as well! I was struck by the look of the Parisian tour guide in the movie. She was in two very brief scenes but her look was unmistakeably French chic. Simple white blouse, tan slacks, leather flats and again the same paired with jeans, she just oozed that chic simplistic look that French women are famous for and that American women covet.

Whether it's a simple black or white blouse, a stripe top or a lacy dress with pearls, the key is to keep it simple and have great accessories! Don't forget your scarves and sunglasses! Today at lunch I saw a striking women wearing black leggings, ballet flats, a black tunic and carrying a bright orange Hermes bag. C'est très magnifique!

Paris by Becky A

created by Marianna♫

Kiss Me In The Library by 5oclockinthemorning

Created by hurricane nat

My trip to Paris may not be scheduled just yet, so until then...

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-05-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

DIY WEDDING PART 4 - FINALE: Wanted to share a few photos of how all of our DIY wedding projects turned out. Including my vintage $80 wedding dress. I shared this photo in DIY Wedding Part 1. My 100% silk dress with pearls and beads brought home from the thrift store in a green garbage bag!

That's Daisy investigating the loot

At the Dressmaker undergoing transformation

The dress needed a re-do and although I sew, taking on your own wedding dress alterations is something I wouldn't recommend, you have enough to do if you're the bride! The first thing to go where the 80's puffy sleeves which I used to make a drawstring purse to carry on my wedding day for lipstick, camera, cards, etc. (Please excuse the defective date on my camera, this was March not July.)

The 10ft long train, most of which got cut off, I made into a shawl. We shortened the dress to show off my pink sparkly shoes, a take off on a pair of Christian Louboutin's I saw for $3,295, slightly out of the budget, mine were $35 and comfy enough to dance the night away in, which I did. (my thighs were miserable the next day but my feet where fine.)

Our beach shots were taken the following weekend by our photographer friend. It was so much fun, no pressure! I highly recommend an additional photo shoot, of course it helps to have a friend doing it as a gift. (see shawl and shoes)

I was so proud of the aisle my Groom built me (so my heels wouldn't touch the sand.) Considering he's an attorney by profession and a football referee by vocation, neither of which involve tools, he did a great job.

Remember my 40 cent 'message in a bottle' bottles from DIY Part2? Well, we put names and table place's on cards that we printed at home and cut to fit perfectly into each bottle. The bowl is an old salad bowl we had, the sand free. Everyone loved these, they were really fun. One of my girlfriends had a bunch of glass crabs with claws that were perfect to hold the table names that we made by color copying pictures of sea shells and naming the tables after things from the sea. Free, free, and free.

The guest book and the sign on the welcome table were home made by my daughter. The frame is salvage and although it looks like a chalk board it's just a 50 cent piece of black paper from the craft store glued down.

I'd recommend planning your wedding some place that you connect with. Our wedding was at the beach because that's where my husband lived when we met and spent most of our dating days, so it had meaning to us. The ceremony was on the beach and he was great at setting up all those details from permits to chair rentals to the back up arch (after ours fell apart on the trip down!) The spouses of my bridal party, made up of family and friends, all helped set up the site when everything arrived, we didn't even have to think about it. When you're planning your wedding, people want to help, I encourage you to let them! If you are your own wedding planner the key is an organized file and time line. And my husband was Mr. Wedding, the epitome of organization. The 'wedding file' was stellar. All I cared about was decorating the file with pictures on the outside. He's the Yin to my disorganized Yang.

Our DJ was amazing and so experienced at every facet of a wedding reception. Once we found him we really relaxed about everything. He ran the entire reception so smoothly and had generously met with us 4 times before the wedding regarding music and details. If you are planning a wedding in Los Angeles I highly recommend Michael McNeal of Ovation Entertainment. He also had put together a list of songs we chose for the beach site while people were waiting for the ceremony to start, a great mix everything from Rascal Flats to The Beatles, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, even Louis Armstrong's 'It's A Wonderful World'. I walked down the aisle to Sarah McLachlan's 'Ordinarly Miracal' a beautiful song, which I actually heard for maybe a second before I spaced out into bridedom. And at the end of the ceremony our friend queing the music cranked up The Monkey's 'I'm a Believer'. We used an iPod with powerful speakers. Had we set up a sound system it would have been an additional $250 on our $300 beach permit so we opted for the iPod which worked fine. Our wedding song was an unconventional 'You Make Me Smile' by Uncle Cracker.

Sadly both our Dad's are gone so our wedding bands have extra special meaning. His from his Dad and mine from my Mom given to her by my Dad on their 45th wedding anniversary.

We got all of our flowers at the Los Angeles Flower Mart, and used the jacuzzi in our hotel room to keep them in water DIY Part 3. We had a blast picking them and they were incredibly cheep. If you live in a big city check out all of your options for discount flowers. If you live in the country grow them or find a cutting garden. A huge savings and more fun and meaningful.

I made the bouquets for everyone out of Chinese Mums and my bouquet out of Hydrangeas, it was so easy, just cut the stems and wrap with Tulle. I even made the Mom's and men's corsages. My daughter arranged all the flowers for the tables in glass vases we had bought wholesale and we used additional vases for lots and lots of white candles.

Loved these Chinese Mums

On the hotel room floor ready to go!

My girls all wore beautiful pearl and Swarovski Crystal necklaces and matching earrings made by my sister (3rd from the right)

The reception was held at a restaurant/bar on the Hermosa Beach Pier which has a dinner room open to the outside as well as a big separate dance floor. We had been to a party there and loved the food and ambiance, a mixture of rustic stone, tile and brick. The dance floor they chic'd up with leather mirrors and crystal chandeliers. It was a beautiful setting, the only thing we added to the room were some different size inexpensive Chinese lanterns that we (my wonderful friends husbands) hung from the wooden beams. The only thing I wasn't crazy about at the venue was the ladies room. So with a little wrought iron stand from home, some black and white damask hand towels, a bottle on vanilla hand lotion, a nice pump soap and a battery spa candle (didn't want to burn down the bathroom) I gave the rest room a face lift for under $15.00.

Our colors where black, white and yellow and I loved the cake we got, it was beautiful and delicious. We choose from the standard options at Torrance Bakery to kept the cost down and then when the cake arrived my daughter added fresh yellow tulips to the front. Had the bakery done yellow frosted flowers the cake cost would have gone up $100. And for the 'Grooms Cake' which is a popular wedding thing now, and for the groom who's a football referee, naturally I shopped for football cupcakes. Much to my surprise they were as expensive as the wedding cake! So at the last minute and with the help of my wonderful cupcake baking girlfriend we whipped up a big batch of football cupcakes. Total cost $12.99.

Not bad huh?

A fabulous time was had by all, especially us!

And we live happily ever after :)

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-05-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

WEDNESDAY WANTS:

Photo: Danny Kim

I love this picture, I love jeans, and I love white jeans, or in this case, 'pigmentless' jeans. But I was astounded at the copy "Pants without pigment, at every price point." The least expensive pair is $80. On what planet is that "every price point" seriously???

From left: Michael Kors $95, J.Crew $98, Shipley & Halmos $260, Phillip Lim $275, Tommy Hilfiger $98, Club Monaco $129.50, Guess $89.

Here's some other price points, granted they have pigment, white, but you'll get the look and have money left over. And there's nothing like crisp clean white jeans.

White Crop Flare Jean $39.95

Bootcut Jean - White $19.99

Truck Jeans High-Waist Stretch Flare Jean $39.90

TODAY IN THE CLOSET:

2011-05-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MUST HAVES: It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Targèt designer collaborations and this one may be the best yet. If you have never heard of the fabulous French designer Calypso St. Barth, here's the scoop:

Calypso St. Barth is a favorite of celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and is a huge brand name for resort wear. They have launched a limited-edition collection of fashion and home items for Target on May 1st in stores and online. Hurry because it's only scheduled to stick around from May 1 to June 11.

Jennifer Aniston wearing Calypso, Calypso pieces Credit: Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic; Courtesy of Calypso

The Looks

Dresses from this french designer usually sell for $195 - 400, so lucky for us this luxury lifestyle brands capsule collection for Targèt has items ranging in price from $1.99 to $79.99!

So whether you are packing for an island getaway or your own back yard the casual tye-dye, floral prints and crocheted bikinis from this island line are so much fun you'll feel like you're on vacation where ever you are.

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Embroidered Skirt in Blue $29.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Tiered Maxi Skirt in Academy Blue or White $34.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Votive Glass Set of 4 $15.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Serving Bowl - Blue $12.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Candle Collection $17.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Multistrand Wood Bead Necklace With Pendent - Brown $19.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Petites Tie-Dye Maxi Dress in Pink $39.99

CALYPSO St. Barth for Target® Multistrand Beaded Necklace - Coral $39.99

TODAY OUTSIDE THE CLOSET:

2011-05-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Wants: Wake up and smell the flowers! This past Sunday I went on a garden tour and had to share these images of this one particular house that was on a 3 acre lot in Thousand Oaks CA. Ten years ago the homeowners purchased an empty three acres. Now it's a beautiful home with a place for miniature horses as well as big horses, a chicken coupe (I want a chicken!) and the most wonderful art studio that sits in the backyard which my friend practically had to pry me out of. What I loved about the garden was all the inviting vignettes along the paths, they just spoke to me of peace, quiet and serenity.