Friday, November 19, 2010

The Hunt.

A couple of months ago I assisted a very talented NY stylist on the TJMaxx Holiday Shoot. This was the first week that I saw our work up in stores and it feels like a dream come true. That's why I would like to tell you why I love the hunt.


TJMaxx falls into a category of beloved stores for me and my family. Loehmanns, Marshalls, Fliene's Basement, and Nordstrom Rack finish out the category. (I would add Home Goods to this list but our focus is clothes and accessories here.) At these amazing stores you can find a treasured wardrobe investment piece for half the price. **Bonus: More parking, no food court smells, no santa exhibit, and you can also grab a great french soap for your home on the way out.


When you treasure hunt in these stores you need to follow a few rules: be patient, stay focused, leave time, bring a list, and have a clear head. Also put a snack in your purse if you must. You have to be willing to dig and be able to edit your finds. You must also feel comfortable leaving the store empty handed. Otherwise, please see the warning below.


Your list should include the items you are searching for to fill the holes in your wardrobe. Do not stray from the list. Also, know your designers. You don't have to plaster the designer names across your chest but these brand names will help you discern the quality of an item and quickly set your item apart from the disposable clothing category (also found at these stores). The treasure in these stores are the high quality items found hiding in between the blouse with the crooked seams and the plaid pants that not even Giselle should be wearing. It's called a hunt for a reason.


Here are some of my favorite treasures found in the ongoing bargain store hunt:


Charcoal Grey D&G Cape (TJMaxx Runway Collection)- How cool is the lipstick and high heel lining!







Black satin Calvin Klein Blazer (TJMaxx)- Darts in the perfect waist accentuating place, tags still on waiting for the holiday season.
My Everything-but-the-kitchen-sink Statement Necklace (Nordstrom Rack)
Silk floral Yumi Kim Blouse (Nordstrom Rack)
Black Theory mini skirt with box pleats (Marshalls)







My favorite Loeffler Randall rain boots (TJMaxx $49.99!)- Gotta love that narrow feminine toe! Most rain boots have a blocky toe box.


Style Goddesses Beware: Marshalls Dementia, Loehmanns Dementia... you get the idea. These conditions are the only known side effects of the hunt. As I said, when you walk into these stores you need to follow a few rules. If you can't follow all the rules, you should not start the hunt. Without rules, the (fill in bargain store name here) Dementia will set in. Like a casino, there are no clocks in these stores and the easy listening satellite radio can lull you into thinking you need a particular item in your life. Unfortunately, hours later you will find yourself pulling things out of an ugly plastic bag in your home. You will wonder how they made it there, what you were thinking, and when you have time to drive back to the store to give these items back. Remember, instant gratification has an evil side. Step away from the "so ugly it's cute" bulky sweater with pink leopard spots (my most recent dementia purchase and return) and hunt by the rules.


Now tell me about your recent treasure hunt. What is the best deal you found and where?


Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Loeffler Love

Every woman should own a pair of flat leather boots that are comfortable enough to chase children around in (or in my case unload a truck full of garment bags and props to a third floor studio) and chic enough that they complete any outfit you put them with. Bonus if you can find a pair that allows you to feel as sexy in them as you do in your favorite heels.


I found mine.






Meet the Loeffler Randall Matilde boot. I have 3 pairs of these (4 if you count the rain boots). Okay, so I may have gone overboard by accumulating so many pairs, but I am able to sleep at night knowing I will wear them forever.


I bought my first pair in 2008 and I remember questioning my sanity when I first saw the total of my shopping bag online- $695. However, I've never looked back or regretted the investment. Every single time I wear these boots,  I get compliments.  Plus, when I'm not in my beloved high heels, they are the only pair of flats that I wear and still feel sexy in. I wear them for 9 hours at work and then out on the weekends. They are the kind of perfect leather that have molded to my foot and look brand new every time I treat them with leather lotion at home. 


Note: These boots are NOT a new item. They have been around since 2007. However, they are a classic wardrobe staple that I think every woman should have. I know the price is STEEP. But a good pair of boots is always a great investment. For me, cost per wear (a concept I live by) is around $10 by now.


Still unsure? Check out the celebrity style goddesses below. :)








These boots come in pretty much every color and are available at www.revolveclothing.com and www.loefflerrandall.com with free shipping.  


Tell me, do you have your go-to pair of boots for every season?


Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

My Confession.

I love style. I love clothes. I love accessories. I am a fashion addict. I am constantly translating 'runway to realway' and now I would like to share my passion with you. Welcome to my blog.

After experiencing style in warm climates for the past five years, I immediately saw something missing when I returned to my home state of Massachusetts four months ago. Very few women here seem willing to acknowledge their inner style goddess. (And yes, we all have one.) I have several theories about this.

1) Six months out of the year New England weather presents a serious obstacle to your inner style goddess. It's not easy to be stylish when you are putting on everything you own in an effort to stay warm. But here's the bottom line, everyone should know how to layer and be chic at the same time.


2) Let's face it, the blue button-down shirt and sports jerseys/ t-shirt/ sweatshirts that our male counterparts sport everyday in MA can make it difficult to stay style motivated ourselves.  They seem to make little to no effort most of the time, so why should we?  Answer, because we can. And maybe just maybe it will inspire them to clean up their own acts. Esquire says "There is a name for men who can pull off wearing sports jerseys. They're called professional athletes." Sorry Celtics fans, save the jerseys for the game.

3) Their schedules got in the way. Life keeps us all very busy. For some, personal style just falls off of the priority list. (And some never had it on their list in the first place!)

It is possible that my theories do not apply to you. Or maybe you are a style goddess looking for some new tips. The rest of you, fear not. I would like to help you get back on track.


Goddess Note: Personal style doesn't need to be difficult, time consuming, or expensive.  Stay tuned and I will help you navigate local boutiques, translate current trends into something you can wear to the grocery store or drinks with your girlfriends, provide product reviews, and share my adventures as a wardrobe stylist. Enjoy my blog.

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.