BrandHabit

Mulberry Opening in San Francisco

You may recognize the brand Mulberry from the latest fashion magazines. Singer Lana del Rey has been sporting their Del Rey bag which was inspired by the singer herself.

Lana del Rey sporting her very own Mulberry

The other night, I attended the opening party for Mulberry’s first store in San Francisco. Mulberry is an English luxury brand that got its start in 1971. Mulberry designs are what I describe as “classic English.” You see a lot of quilted fishing bags, poacher bags, riding pants; items that are inspired by life in the English countryside. Though the brand has evolved over the last two decades, the country roots are still strong and can be seen predominately in their handbag and jacket designs. This is what differentiates Mulberry from other brands.

Classic Mulberry

I’m not a huge fan of logos. Mulberry’s signature Daria cut-out logo plaque is too flashy for me. Nonetheless, Mulberry does have some awesome pieces. Here are my favorite things from the party:

Alexa Bag. It reminds of me of Proenza Schouler’s PS1 handbag. The Alexa is more structured and rugged. The dark brown and pinky beige are great colors for the Fall season.   

Can you tell which is the PS1 and Alexa? PS1 (left), Alexa (right)

Pointy Toe & Tapered-Heel Pumps. I love pink! Thais my favorite color. These shoes make a statement and put a spin on a classic cut. These pumps would look great with even a black pencil skirt and top.

Mulberry Signature Pump

Blurry Bloom Dress. A fun print. The colors are vibrant and rich. The cut is playful and not overly sexy, which is refreshing from what we commonly see in stores. Add a pair of black zippered ankle boots and a leather jacket and you are ready to go!

Love Sleeve Gathered Dress

Hetty Shoulder Bag. A foldable clutch that can be worn be three different ways; folded over, cross body or as large clutch (not folded over with strap detached). The textured leather bag (to the right) is the one I have my eyes on.

Hetty Shoulder Bag

Bayswater Ostrich Purse. This is Mulberry’s classic staple handbag, the Bayswater. Reminiscent of Hermes’ Birkin handbag, the Bayswater is a sturdy bag that can move from the office to the evening. The bag is lightwieght. I found this to be suprising since most bags with this shape are heavy. If a purse is heavy to begin with, imagine how cumbrous it will feel once you place your belongings inside it! Steer clear of wieghty hardware and bulky materials. Sometimes, it is better to get a classic item in a bold color so it stands apart. Hot fuschia is eye-catching.

Bettina Glenning and I (Sunny Hira) fighting over the Bayswater bag.

To read about the store opening, check out this posting from SFWire.

xoxo Sunny

Key Trends: Look#3- Casual Cool in San Francisco

Hello World,

This is the last post of the three-part series that reported on key trends in fashion. The last two posts covered the “Mediterranean” look and asymmetry in fashion.

With summer around the corner, casual cool is all about effortless fashion. The idea behind this concept is to look fashionable in a of pair jeans & a t-shirt. New York and L.A. are dressy cities. You will see people dressed-up and looking polished while running their daily errands. For cities like San Francisco (my home), the culture is different. People don’t (often) get dressed to the nines and they are not flashy like Angelenos. San Francisco has a laid-back style. At the same time, just because you aren’t wearing heels or the most cutting edge designer duds doesn’t mean you still can’t look good. This is where is casual cool comes in.

Sunny’s Must Have Items:

1. Maxi Dress— these dresses are comfortable and can be worn everywhere. Go for a fun color or my favorite, stripes. My favorite dresses are by Ella Moss, Fluxus, and Butter by Nadia. Things to avoid: don’t get to gaudy. Excessive beadwork or sequins on a maxi dress looks tacky.

2. Denim Jacket—  an essential item because it can tone down a dress (i.g. cocktail) and it is a nice alternative to sweaters. Jean jackets work well with colored denim and fabric/twill pants. They are great for layering. I have a Hudson denim jacket. I’m wider in the chest and shoulder area and this jacket fits well and it’s comfortable. I can raise both arms!          

3. Aviators— so fun and add a touch of coolness. Ray Ban makes great ones.

4. White Dress— nothing looks better than a white dress in the summer. There are so many to choose from. I like this dress by Jen's Pirate Booty. Note: when you wear white, make sure you have smooth lines (no VPL’s, i.e., Visible Panty Lines) and no black bras. Wear nude or brown undergarments depending on your skin tone.

5. White jeans— a nice alternate to light blue and fun for the summer.  Tip: Adding a single, plain aspirin to each load of laundry will keep the whites from getting dingy.

6. Gold or silver flat sandals (depending on your skin tone)— these look great with jumpsuits and dresses. A comfortable alternative when wearing heels looks over the top.  The pair shown are from Ash.

7. Hat— instant style and it protects your hair color from the damaging UV rays and helps with fighting frizz. Hat Attack offers a great selection of hats from beach cover-ups to fedoras.

8. “Hammer” pant— this is a term that I use to describe pants that are harem or cargo or gypsy-like in style. They often look baggy. They come in all ranges from cropped to full length.  I wear my favorite pairs with ankle boots or even flat sandals. 

9. Micro flair jeans— when you want something in between a skinny and a dramatic flair. I love my J Brand jeans. They make your legs look long and they fit great on the behind.

10. Plaid shirts— look great with a pair of boots or a pair of heels (with bell bottom or flair jeans). My favorite shirts are by Rails. They are made of good material and the sleeves can be rolled up (the shirts often have a contrast print inside the sleeves). These shirts also look great tucked in.

Personalization is what makes your outfit memorable. Show off your tattoos, add layers of Chan Luu wrap bracelets or wear a bright colored lipstick. In the streets of SF, every neighborhood has a different personality and that shows in the clothing that people wear. Nobody looks the same even if they are wearing jeans and a plaid shirt!

xoxo Sunny

 

Welcome Back to Earth

by Sara Caspi

Hello my long lost friends! It has been months since my last post (apologies) but I was caught up in finishing my final year of lingerie school and the pace at which I was working made it difficult to connect. Since we last spoke, I was able to get to the Paris lingerie trade show, Interfiliere - which is just about the most amazing lingerie trade show in existence at the moment, and certainly the largest. I was able to catch up with a few designers there and will get more into detail on them in a future post. For now though, I really wanted to do a quick catchup, and reveal a concept that I had for showcasing some of my amazing coursemates and future lingerie designers that you should get to know.

As an overview, this year was the toughest for me thus far. My burnout had reached a climax and I was already operating at about 60% of my max, but giving every last ounce of that 60%. It was emotionally challenging, because after living abroad since 2009, homesickness and my long-distance relationship coupled with the dreary and endless English winter made it feel near impossible to finish at times. I can honestly say that while I thought I had reached the precipice of self-sacrifice and willpower in 2011, 2012 breathed an entirely new meaning into those words.

I felt like a toddler learning to run; quickening my pace only to trip on my own feet and fall over while having to drag myself up repeatedly, occasionally staying seated and stalling out of frustration, before getting up to try again. I have never known the limits of what I was capable of before I came on this course, and I can honestly say, that I have, and I've passed them now. 

A highlight of my course is that once a year, the final year students get to compete for 1 of 20 spaces on a catwalk held in London, sponsored by various companies in the lingerie industry, targeted at Press people and buyers, and is an opportunity to showcase the best of what my university has to offer. Today, I was selected for one of these exclusive spots and could not be more humbled and proud. Our final collection of 6 outfits are a way to showcase ourself, and one of the ways that we want to have our 'coming out' into the lingerie world. It's a voice of who we think we are as designers, pushing ourselves to utilize the skills we have been developing and sharpening since we arrived. It doesn't mean that the style we choose is all we can do, but it's the best way we felt we could demonstrate our vision, skill and execution. In addition to the elation I felt today, I also felt a sadness for the girls that didn't make the final cut. Our year has become a sisterhood, a lingerie sorority of ambitious and talented women who share the same drive and passions, and the final collections that have come out of it are so incredible, I thought that I wanted to do a series of features on some of my coursemates, to give them a voice, and you an introduction of up-and-coming lingerie designers to keep your eyes on.

I hope you're as excited as I am, as the styles are as different as their personalities, and I could not be more proud to be part of this graduating class of 2012. A true honor to work alongside each and every one of them. 

xx Sara

Key Trends: Look#2-Asymmetry in Fashion

Asymmetry is not new to fashion. As long as I can remember, John Galliano has been using asymmetry in his designs, from his early days at Givenchy to his latest stint at Dior. The late Alexander McQueen also used asymmetry heavily in his haute couture collections. It was his signature style. In haute couture, asymmetry is extravagant, bold and raw.

Asymmetry also has strong roots in European design. In 1995, Josephus Thimister, the head designer for Balenciaga, was playing with lines and creating balance. Thimister created a new look for couture and introduced sleek & modern silhouettes that were individualistic. The dress to the right is from his spring 1995 collection. Asymmetrical designs have evolved. Today, asymmetry is mainstream and it can be worn day to day.  

Take the outfit shown to the left; it is designed by Helmut Lang. This outfit is fun, fashionable and easy to incorporate into your wardrobe. Asymmetrical cuts work well for all body types. If you have a boyish figure, this trend is great for your body. You can even can go for plunging necklines and ultra high slits.

Asymmetry is futuristic and minimalistic at the same time. That is what makes it memorable. My favorite collections are from Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, and Phillip Lim (3.0). Their collections have taken asymmetry to another level and prove that asymmetrical cuts can be worn from work to evening.  Phillip Lim’s collection uses pastel colors, silks and simple silhouettes. My favorite pieces are the black jumpsuit, and the pastel pantsuit. Simple designs that are eye catching. I love the back of the pastel pantsuit (see below).

 When looking for asymmetry, go for something cutting edge. It is more than just one shoulder tops & dresses. Think zen. It is all about creating a balance and harmony.  Play with shapes and cuts. Unlike the Mediterranean look (which I covered last week), asymmetry is not about wearing body hugging clothing.  Boxy cuts, angular skirts and sweaters are items to look for. This trend is fun and you need confidence to pull it off.  If you want something more classic, purchase pieces in black, grey, white and blue hues. If you are more on the trendy side, try pastels, bright colors or prints with subtle hues. Color blocking is a great way to pull all the pieces together.

Helmut Lang has wide array of blazers that capture this look. From V backs, to angular lapels and boxy cropped cuts. If you are more on the conservative side,  I recommend going with something like the blazer shown below to the left.  It will allow you to add some couture to your wardrobe.  For those of you who want more cutting edge style, try the Helmut Lang blazer to the right.

 For accessorizing this look, you can go one of two ways:

1) Take this trend all way— add neon and mesh. You can have so much fun accessorizing this look. Go with pointy toe shoes or wild heels. You need a more structured shoe so don’t limit yourself. The options are endless! The pieces shown below are my favorites from Alexander Wang’s 2012 spring collection.

 
 2) For the understated look—add silver or gold jewelry. You want jewelery that is bold (think clunky and big) yet simple in design. I also like adding clear lucite. That is fun. Clear shoes add a futuristic look. Nude color two piece pumps are good alternatives to clear shoes.

Lastly, keep your hair simple— sleek hairdos or even buns work great for this look. Add some silvery or gold highlighting eye shadow and you are all set to go.

The asymmetry is bold, experimental, free, classy and timeless. Now is the perfect time to try something new!

xoxo Sunny

PS: If you need some cinema inspiration, watch Bladerunner or Metropolis. These two movies are classics and my personal favorites.

 

 

Key Trends: Look#1-The Mediterranean Look

Over the next three weeks, I will cover key trends that are making big waves in fashion. The trends can be grouped into three main categories. The first is what I call the “Mediterranean” look, the second is Asymmetry and lastly, Causal Cool. Tune in every week to get your fashion fix. I promise there is something for everyone.

My favorite collection, hands down, is Dolce Gabbana’s Spring & Summer collection. This collection encompasses my personality and favorite design details-- black lace, colorful floral prints, ruffles, corsets, and flared skirts. Reminiscent of an old Italian movie, there is something sexy, feminine and refreshing about the collection. This “Mediterranean” look highlights a woman’s silhouette without trying too hard. It has an air of confidence and sophistication.

When I go out, I have been channeling this look. I tend to look “resorty” as though I stepped out of a plane from the South of France, but I don’t care. I love this look because it captures my personality and spirit. I like pairing harem pants with a floral corset tank top and my Lee Angel chandelier earrings. I also wear my Betsey Johnson black cotton floral dress (from three seasons ago) with my Dior pumps. Ideally, you want to be able to mix older items in your wardrobe with new ones.

How can you achieve this look? It’s simpler than it looks. Fabrics are critical. You want cotton, lace or silk. These fabrics capture the vintage look. For skirts and dresses, stick with knee length plus or minus an inch or two. White with colorful flowers works well for lighter skin tones as black fabric may look too harsh. Take a note from D&G and find fabrics with fruits or vegetables.

Be careful, as you don’t want to look like you are wearing a bed sheet or look as though you stepped out of a western movie. The idea here is to capture the Mediterranean essence. Focus on the details, high waisted skirts, eye and hook closures, ruching on the sleeves. If you have nice shoulders, be bold and go with cutout shoulders. The cutout dress shown to the right is from Fendi's Summer Collection (another one of my favorite fashion houses).

The next step is selecting the accessories.  You need big earrings.  Have fun with this and go with chandelier or gold earrings. I love Indian style earrings. Alexis Bittar makes earrings that mix metal with precious stones. His designs have gypsy/middle eastern vibe. He also makes great lucite studs if don't want to wear long earrings. For your shoes—pumps, dorsays, espadrilles (think Valentino) and flat sandals in metallic hues work great. I suggest sticking with heels that are 3.5 inches or lower. I also like cutout sandals. Urban Outfitters has a great selection. Your shoes should have a soft, feminine look and be understated. Add a wicker purse when appropriate.  Remember, you don’t want something that resembles a picnic basket.

The finishing touches: makeup & hair. I suggest eyeliner, mascara paired with a soft blush and lip color. For evenings, go with plum or darker lips. You want to look natural and have a subtle glow.

Hair is critical. If you have long hair, go with a volumized blowout. I’m thinking Sophia Loren. Creative updo’s with braids also look great. For those of you with advanced hair styling skills, try a messy chignon.

I challenge you to find your inner “Sunny” and wear something Mediterranean! Next week, I will cover asymmetry and the sporty look.

xoxo Sunny

P.S. If you need more inspiration, I suggest watching the film Malena. Not only is it a good movie, Maurizio Millenotti (the costume designer) captures the fashions of 1940's Italy superbly.

Coachella Style Report

Coachella is a three day music festival that takes place in Indio, California. My friends & I got tickets to Weekend 2 (April 20-22). After securing our lodging and airfare— my first thought was, what will I wear?! For music festivals, I envision playing up the bohemian look. Fringe, denim shorts, maxi dresses, aviators, layerable necklaces and straws hats. You want your clothes to capture the spirit of the festival— laid-back and with a casual cool sensibility.

I have a painted a nice picture and I can imagine the outfits in my head. The reality is: Indio gets into triple digit temperatures. Approximately 80,000 to 85,000 people attended Coachella Weekend 1 (April 16-19) and let’s face it—this is a party—people are drinking, acting crazy and things aren’t clean!

Fashionistas, you ask, "What did you wear?" I brought a few pairs of short shorts, Wildfox tanks, corset cotton crop tops and my Puma H-street tennis shoes.  Given the amount of walking + bike riding that will take place and the amount of dirt & garbage on the ground---I want to keep my feet protected. I left the flip-fIops and wedges (at the rental house) for the pool parties & the Ace Hotel. I accessorized outfits with feather earrings (which are lightweight) and my plastic F21 bow ring. All these are items are comfortable and sturdy.

Here are some of my favorite looks from Friday! I loved seeing everyone reflect their unique sense of style.

 

If you are hitting a music festival soon, remember you don’t have to sacrifice being fashionable. Be comfortable, show your personality and get ready to rockout! Think Kate Moss (one of my favorite fashion icons) at the Glastonbury Festival in 2005.  Also don’t forget your sun protection- sunblock, hats and sunglasses are essentials.

xoxo Sunny

P.S. How did my outfit hold up? Really well. I biked over 10 miles in the heat and no blisters or problems. I was comforable and able to dance. I also highly recommend Stila's Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner. This eyeliner lasted a full day in the desert. A must have!!

What I Want Now: Blazers

I wouldn’t describe myself as a blazer type of  girl. I purchased my last blazer 8 years ago, on Sunset Boulevard, when I graduated from college. It was a part of my interview suit. Back then, the word “blazer” brought to mind an image of something long and shapeless with huge shoulder pads.

Blazers have come a long way since then, and they don't resemble anything like the ones you saw in the film “Working Girl.”  Blazers are now an essential fashion item and every woman’s closet needs at least one.  Blazers are functional: they provide warmth, they are an alternate to a coat or sweater, and these days, they are more stylish than their bulky counterparts.  The traditional blazer can be worn at work. Blazers also look great with skinny jeans, ankle boots and a graphic cotton tee.  This is my favorite look because it is sexy, confident and understated.  

You only need 2-3 blazers for the year.  Finding the right blazer will take some work. The cut should be flattering and it needs to be well made. 

There are several styles to choose from. For the last few seasons, we have been seeing blazers that are relaxed with little structure. Here are the some of the hottest trends:       

Boyfriend Blazer: this blazer tends be a little longer, has a relaxed fit and often times the sleeves can be rolled. This is inspired by menswear and has a casual undertone. It can also look super sexy when it is styled correctly.

Tuxedo Blazer: these come in an array of fabrics and the lapel will be in a contrast color or fabric. For example, a black crepe blazer will have a black stain lapel. This is a great piece for evenings.  For those of you, who want something with more pizazz, opt for a tuxedo blazer over the boyfriend blazer.

Tweed Blazer: this reminds me of Coco Chanel.  This blazer has a boxy cut. It is often shorter so it hits at the waist or a little below it. It looks great with jeans and pointy toe pumps. It is a classic look and very feminine.  Don’t go with black or gray hues.  I recommend getting a tweed blazer in a vibrant hue. Chanel makes great tweed blazers and if you cannot afford Chanel, Trina Turk makes cheaper substitutes.  This piece is also good for the fall season as it is heaver and warmer.  

Sizing: this is perhaps the most important quality. You will need to try on a variety of styles. The blazer should fit nicely on your body and a good blazer will highlight your figure. This is an item that is worth spending extra money on. You want to be able to raise your arms up. Does it fit across the chest and button without riding up? Does it fit around the waist? I’m slender with broad shoulders so certain brands don't work on me. Theory and Rag & Bone are fabulous brands that fit me well. 

How about the arm length? If it is a full length jacket, it should stop at the wrist or a half inch after it. It shouldn’t look shrunken.  On the other hand, ¾ sleeves are an easy bet. I also like this length as it lets you wear bracelets and cuffs. I love Symthe riding jackets and blazers. They are cut to fit me and the sleeves are long!

Materials and Colors: this is where the fun begins. Once you have determined what style flatters you best, you can play with the color and fabric. There is a myriad of selections.  Swap out traditional black for black lace. Grey is fun and a practical bet that can be worn year round. If you want to make a bold statement for spring, go for bright colored hues, like yellow or fuschia. For those of who like to take more risks, a velvet blazer is fun for winter. This might be something you can find on sale now.

 I purchased the Lace Rag +Bone Lace blazer (seen below) and can’t wait to wear it! Whether you want to look sophisticated & polished, lady-like, or rocker inspired, a blazer is key item that will help you achieve your look.

xoxo Sunny

New Site for Fashion: Cocobop

I was invited to see a preview of Cocobop’s March Collection called T.G.I.F. (Thank Goodness It’s Friday).  Cocobop provides a service, what I call “a fashion subscription”—you become a member and on a monthly basis you select pieces that you like and they are shipped to you. You keep what you like and return what you don't want (free return shipping). 

Thanks to the internet, we don’t have to go to the store to get our fashion fix. Today, with subscriptions, everything comes to your doorstep—you never have to leave the house!  It’s a hassle free experience.

Cocobop creates a 30-piece collection composed of accessories: jewelry (rings, necklaces, & bracelets), sunglasses, watches, shoes, scarfs and handbags on a monthly basis. Each month’s collection explores a new theme. Being a member of Cocobop is a great way to get new items without spending a lot. Each item is $24.95. It is also convenient, since everything is shipped to you by Priority mail.

For those of you, who don’t have time to hit the stores & keep up on trends or feel overwhelmed with all the choices that exist- joining Cocobop is a practical option. They filter for you and present you with 30 items.

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the T.G.I.F. collection. This collection was inspired by the working woman. The pieces are intended to transition from day to evening.   

Sparkly rhinestone studded watch: a fun item that adds bling to your ensemble. This piece is unconventional and you don't often come across a tasteful sparkly watch.

Glittery lace boots: these boots are fun and funky. They remind me of dancing to 70's music and having a good time. They are very eye-catching and only $24.95! What a steal.

Seafoam clutch: the clutch has a gold chain strap that can be removed. The clasp on the purse is reminiscent of vintage handbags and the inside lining is a vibrant seafoam satin. This piece is great for spring. It adds color to your outfit while being dainty.

For the image to the left: posing with me is Lindsay Daniels (Cocobop Merchant) with our favorite Cocobop merchandise from the T.G.I.F. collection.

To learn more and become a Cocobop member visit: www.Cocobop.com.

Have fun fashionistas and get your bling on!

xoxo Sunny

Press Play: A New Year and Look - Part 2

Hi Gals, Following is a continuation of my last post about creating a new look for a new year:

Focus on 1-2 looks per season. This is essential.  It will help you build a foundation and have a closet of items that will complement one another instead of having several “one-off” pieces that don’t get enough wear.  When you find the looks you like, think about what you own that will work with that trend. Soon enough you will have a great wardrobe that is functional and fashionable. The image to the right is from Valentino's 2012 Spring show (my favorite design house).

Fashionistas, here is my list for 2012.

Outerwear: Grey Blazer, Black Blazer and a Sturdy/Multi-purpose black jacket (must have hood)—Burberry 3 piece jacket?

Jewelry: Skull pendent charm necklace (Sydney Evans?), David Yurman bracelets and 2-3 Alexis Bittar pieces

Accessories: 2 belts, a scarf, a hat and sunglasses

Shoes: Brown or Taupe flat boots, brown or nude mid-heel wedges (causal wear)

Clothing: 2-3 dresses (must be casual so I can wear to work), a skirt, a few printed tees or tanks (this looks great with blazers), 2-3 pairs of jeans and a Lise Charmel bra set

Handbags: One designer purse + brown purse + one fun (cheaper) clutch. Choose from: Chanel, McQueen, Dior  or Valentino.

MISC: 1-2 Wild Card items!

3. Budget: Put a budget in place and research items that you want.  Quality, fabric, and cuts matter. Check out the material and stitching.  This will determine how the item will fit and hold up. Is the item comfortable? Can you raise your arms in a jacket? You have the right to be picky and don’t purchase something foolishly.  Do your brand research. Ask your friends what are their favorite brands and why? Note: No matter how much research you do, you will never know how an item will fit and hold up until you wear it several times.  This is where the return policy comes into play. Nordstrom is good place to shop because the return policy is very friendly.

Use your list to help you determine what to purchase. The purpose of the list is to help guide you and prevent you from making impulsive purchases.  Put a certain amount of money aside each month for your fashion fix or try to spread out purchases throughout the year. You want to look fabulous and save money. Nobody wants to be in credit debt.  

 Last but definitely not least: Don’t pay price full unless you have too. Thanks to online shopping, you can almost always find the items you want for cheaper. Shop around—you will be surprised on how frequent markdowns happen and how the deep the discounts go.  Have fun!

xoxo Sunny

Press Play: A New Year and Look - Part 1

Reset. Play.  With the New Year comes a new beginning.  My goal for 2012 is to fine tune my wardrobe and purchase key items.  I don’t want to buy junk or waste my hard earned money on substitutes.  Here are some tips to getting your wardrobe and spending habits in shape.

1. Assess your wardrobe: Take a look in your closet. What items do you love?  Hate? Why? I took a long hard look in my closet and had some realizations.  I tend to buy into impractical trends.  How many Betsey Johnson dresses can one own? I own over 16! How often do you wear the items that fill your closet and drawers? I still have things with tags on them.

What three items do you feel were your best investments and worst ones of 2011? Why?  My best investments of 2011 were a David Yurman ring,  Givenchy ankle boots and a La Rok jacket. These pieces were unique, practical and functional.  These are the types of things you should be investing in - items that make bold statements, work with your current closet and are comfortable enough for daily wear. Less is more. You don’t need five pairs of shoes or tons of jewelry. You need to invest in a few key items and build upon that.  

 2. Create a list: Think about what your wardrobe is missing. My problem is that I love buying unpractical things.  I love dresses, high heels and bright colors. Thus, my closet tends to have a lot of looks for a night out on the town. This would be great if I had a Charlize Theron lifestyle, but I don't!  Your closet should have things that you can wear to work that can transition into evening or the weekend.  You want to look stylish and age appropriate. Take my advice; you only need a few “Saturday night” outfits.  This is not as easy as it seems.  When you go shopping, you’ll see that buying a sexy dress is a lot easier than finding a pair of black pants.  

When you create your list, think about items that you really want. Trendy items that will last a few seasons are great to buy at stores like Forever 21. On the other hand, having nice staples goes a long way.  Clothes that fit your body well will make you feel good and it will show.  Do you want a nicer handbag or do you want to upgrade your jeans? Invest in denim, handbags and outerwear as these are things you can pull out every season. With shoes and accessories, be careful. You want things that are practical for your lifestyle.  Once in a while, splurging is okay on fun items. I love my Prada double bow platforms and my Betsey Johnson dresses.  You should love everything in your closet. But remember, no junk!  

This is the End of Part 1.  Fashionistas: Check in next week for Part 2 and I will share my 2012 list with you.

xoxo Sunny