By Michelle A Heath, on 09.16.11 | There is nothing like a sharp dressed man. You might be thinking ZZ Top’s 80′s hit. I’m talking well-tailored suit, eye-catching shirt, well-planned tie, properly-polished shoes, precisely-folded pocket square…the whole nine yards.
Suiting up a client is something I love. And, I love it even more when it’s for a great cause.
 My client, Jeff, was selected to participate in the Project Smile 5th Annual Charity Date Auction. What a great concept. A bunch of hot single guys and girls who are bid on. The highest bidder enjoys dinner and a fun night out and a potential love connection with a devilishly handsome guy like my client or one of the lovely ladies up for auction. The best part is that all the proceeds from the evening go to Project Smile, a non-profit that donates stuffed animals, coloring books/crayons, small toys and children’s reading books to police and fire departments for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to give to children involved in traumatic situations. As a mom to two kids, I love that this charity is focused on children and helping them through tough times.
So, the first order of business for Jeff was to plan his outfit. The invitation for the event said “business/cocktail attire.” This is where most people have the “holy crap, what does that mean?! moment.” Do I wear a suit? Do I wear a ball gown? Do I wear jeans and a blazer? The problem with telling someone what to wear is that, unless it says “wear a suit” or “wear a tux,” everything else is up to interpretation.
Jeff and I brainstormed on what he was most comfortable in. He works in sales and is used to being dressed for work – shirt and slacks. We decided that a full suit and tie felt too dressed and instead we would work with what he had and go from there. The starting point  was a great shirt. A great shirt is a staple and an amazing outfit can stem from this simple piece. I’m not talking a white button down or a pinstripe shirt. I’m talking about a statement shirt. You’ve seen them – bolder patterns, color, interesting details like fabric-lined collars and reversible-patterned cuffs. Robert Graham is the master of such shirts and it so happens that I had already helped Jeff pick out a beauty. They’re not cheap, but again, it’s a wardrobe staple that goes with jeans to a bar, dress pants to a club, a suit to a wedding or event and with just about anything to dress it up and take the hip factor to another level.
I decided that I wanted Jeff in a classic black suit. It would be a perfect way to showcase the shirt and show-off Jeff’s fun and adventurous side while helping him invest in another staple for his wardrobe – the black suit. We set a budget and I knew exactly what I wanted. Simple lines, no stripes or checks, straight leg, European-cut jacket, flat-front pants. Stylish. Classic. You’ll have it and wear it forever. We set a budget and set off for the Men’s Shop at Lord & Taylor on Boylston St in Boston. L&T has an amazing Men’s store – great selection and prices, along with serious sales and coupons that can save lots of $$, which I love.
The first order of business was getting the right fit. The shoulders should fall perfectly. Sleeves hit perfectly at the top of the thumb, not too roomy in the jacket. Then, the fabric. All season is key here in Boston and is the most versatile. I chose a European-cut Calvin Klein suit for him to try, along with a DKNY suit. Both similar but I knew they would fit differently. A guy might be a 44R but each designer is cut in a unique way so one designer’s 44 is another designer’s 46. Gotta try the jacket with a shirt and the pants.
 To the dressing room we go. He came out in the Calvin Klein and…wow! It looked amazing! The pants needed a hem but the jacket fit perfectly and with the shirt, it was stunning! He looked like a million bucks…and felt like a million bucks. Iliana came and took up the hem, promised them in two days (love that) and off we went to the register. No joke – 45mins tops from selection to try on to hem. The retail price for the suit was over $500. The sale price was over $300 and with the coupon I printed out for Jeff, he got an amazing suit including alterations for about $200.
I cannot wait to see the pictures from the event and hear the final bid. Knock ‘em dead, Jeff…you look amazing!!
By Michelle A Heath, on 08.27.11 | Boston has never been known for it’s high-style or runway fashion. We are no Manhattan, LA, Paris, Milan or London. We are known for waspy and preppy not so much edgy and trendy. We are certainly not the first city you think of when you think of fashion.
But, my stylish friends, that is all changing. As a city girl, I am always poking into local boutiques to check out the latest threads on the rack. I live in the North End, known for cannolis and raviolis, not so much for fashion. When I moved to the North End 11 years ago, there was one boutique on Hanover where you could buy cool jeans or a going-out top. One. Now, the North End is a shoppers delight. Interwoven streets give style lovers lots to choose from. Everything from that perfect party dress at Twilight, to the perfect jeans at Injeanius, to the perfect accessories at Lit…and the list goes on.
 And now, Boston is home to Fashion’s Night Out – the one night every year where fashionistas from around the world get together to celebrate the latest trends and what’s next in high style. What’s so cool about this year is that it is Boston’s first “official” FNO. We’ve had loosely organized events in past years but nothing as hot as what you’ll find at this year’s FNO. Many thanks to my friend and fashionista, Michelle McCormack, for her insatiable passion for Fashion’s Night Out and elevating Boston as a style hub for the world to see. Michelle worked with Rue LaLa, The Ames Hotel, Mayor Menino and many other influencers here in Boston to make this year’s FNO the real-deal. Here’s what you need to know…oh, and all of this is totally FREE.
 Michelle & Mayor Menino at FNO press conference Date: Thursday – September 8, 2011
Time: 6:00PM – 11:00PM
Location: Boston City-wide (Copley Place, Shops at the Prudential, Newbury Street,
Downtown Crossing, South End, Charles Street, North End, and the neighborhoods)
PARTY: Rue La La and the Ames Hotel will host parties on two separate stages, from 6pm-11pm at Quixote Movie Studio (184 Everett Street, Allston). Details:
- stoli open bar all night
- sushi rolled by haru all night
- china glaze stations set up giving manicures
- the ames woodward bar experience
- rue la la mitchell gold living room on stage w/photo booths and models, fashion show
- paparazzi, celebs, the Mayor, me
- best part, and in the true spirit of FNO totally free, all inclusive and open to the public!
And be sure to follow FNO on Facebook and Twitter and let me know what you’re planning for Boston’s first official Fashion’s Night Out!
By Michelle A Heath, on 07.16.11 | A friend of mine recently shared the dress code her HR department sent around to be sure that everyone is looking office-appropriate for the summer. I wanted to share it (anonymously) with you because it continues to completely baffle and frustrate me that companies need to send out memos like this to their employees.
With the warm summer weather, we all tend to get lax about adhering to X company’s dress code policy. We ask that you uphold the standards of business casual attire, which means dressing professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and pulled together.
For women: A reasonable length skirt (not miniskirt) or trousers of a non-jeans material combined with a top (such as a dress shirt, polo, or sweater set) is considered acceptable. An informal dress with appropriate skirt length is also acceptable.
For men: A combination of collared shirt (such as a dress shirt or polo shirt), cotton trousers (such as khakis or blue, green, brown, or black trousers), and modest shoes (such as loafers) with socks is generally acceptable. A blazer or business jacket can optionally be added.
Unacceptable for either gender: jeans, shorts, gym clothes, rumpled or ripped clothing, miniskirts, flip-flops, underwear as outerwear, inappropriately revealing attire such as bare midriffs, and flip-flops.
As with all X co policies, the dress code is reviewed on a regular basis, and as our business needs change, this policy, in particular, may be subject to change.
 Source: www.britishcomedy.tumblr.com Now, after reading this, I was left bewildered. First, does my company honestly think that I would wear my underwear as outerwear? Well, maybe if I were John Cleese. Second, they say no inappropriately revealing attire. How do I decide what “inappropriate” is? My definition might be that a low cut dress is not too revealing – does that mean HR will call me into their office?
I know that companies feel the need to provide boundaries for office attire. I get it. I’ve worked at big companies, mid-sized companies and little companies. This whole “business casual” thing has thrown everyone for a loop and there are always people who push the limits. I came across this post on Resume Bear, that gives some great tips for summer office attire. In my opinion, the most important rule for dressing for the office, regardless of the season, is to think about what you want your attire to say about you. For example, a strapless sundress dress might say – “Pick me up at 6, big boy,” while a fitted cotton shift dress says – “I know how to rock mad powerpoint skills while looking totally put together.” See the difference? I thought so.
I work in start-up life where anything goes. This mantra can be great because you can wear your cutoffs and ratty t-shirts to the office but, in my opinion, it’s a tragic state of the working world. Since when did it become okay to look like a cast-away from Gilligan’s Island in the office? How can I take you seriously when I’m wondering when that shirt was last washed or what the hell you were thinking when you pulled on those knee-length white socks with your shorts?! Oy…I digress.
On the other hand, the new business attire of khaki pants and polo shirts makes me equally mad but for a different reason. It screams “everyone look the same.” You might as well just call it a uniform and call it a day. Everyone in shades of tans and beige and that is a different kind of horrible. But, if I had to pick one, I would go with the business casual attire because it means, well, business.
Here are a few rules to follow as you expand your summer wardrobe and to knowing what’s not appropriate for the office.
1. If you’ve worn it to the beach, it’s not appropriate.
2. If you’ve worn it on a boat, it’s not appropriate.
3. If you’ve worn it to a cocktail party, bachelorette party, booze cruise or other such alcohol-induced festivity, it’s not appropriate.
4. If I can see your bra, it’s not appropriate.
5. If I can see your boobs when you bend over, it’s not appropriate. (sorry, fellas)
6. If I can see your undies when you sit down, it’s not appropriate.
7. If you think twice about whether it’s appropriate before you leave the house, it’s not appropriate.
8. If your mother would make a comment that it’s not appropriate, it’s not appropriate.
9. If your opposite sex co-workers are spending more time at your cube than usual, it’s not appropriate.
10. If you wear it to a club after work, it’s not appropriate.
So, I hope this was helpful as you navigate the world of summer style in your office. I’d love to hear what you think is acceptable and appropriate.
By Michelle A Heath, on 07.14.11 | In case you missed it, the recording of my radio debut on the Loretta LaRoche radio show, Get a Life, with co-host and dear friend, Sue Burton, is now available online. I have to say that I am completely hooked on radio and loved every minute with Loretta and Sue. They are like the Howard and Robin of local radio!
 Loretta LaRoche & Sue Burton Looking for a good laugh and some great discussion on everything from pajama pants to capris, to fanny packs, to Crocs to maxi dresses? We also had some great questions from callers – maybe something you might have asked? Do tell.
You can listen here: www.lorettalaroche.com/getaliferadio
It’s the June 29, 2011: “Fashion: If It Doesnt Fit, Dont Wear It” episode.
Thanks, Loretta and Sue for having me…I hope I get invited back to talk Fall fashion!
By Michelle A Heath, on 07.04.11 |  Miu Miu Flared Heel Pump $595 Miu Miu just launched their fall line of shoes and with it came the “flare heel.” I am curious what othersthink of this trend. My initial reaction is that they are more runway than everyday and seem overdone to me. Priced along with Choos, which I love for their trend-forwardness but classic lines, I’m not sure the $600 is worth it for something that kind of feels more like Felicity Shagwell than something you’d wear to a hot night on the town.
What do you think – Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.29.11 | They say video killed the radio star but I’m gonna be one! I am humbled to be invited to Loreta LaRoche‘s
 Loretta LaRoche Get a Life radio show. I’ve never done radio before by my good friend and huge fan, Sue Burton, says “I will be a glamorista!” Well, those are big shoes to fill, but I will give it a try. Would love you to tune in Weds June 29th at 6:15pmET. Details below. Please tune in – would love you to call with your style questions! <grateful>
Have questions and/or funny stories? 1-800-570-0698
By Michelle A Heath, on 06.27.11 | I often get asked “what are some of the trends you can’t stand?” or “what are the ones that you love and are here to stay?” Well, I present The Stylish Eye Top 5 Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em just in time for summer. You be the judge.
Love ‘Em.
5. Wrap belts.
Belts have been, and continue to be, a huge trend for summer. A favorite of mine that emerged last fall is the wrap belt. Think of it as Karate Kid meets high fashion. A wrap belt is great because it can transform an
 Another Line Obi Inspired Belt $48 outfit in an instant and can be found for a steal. I bought a muted gold faux-leather wrap belt at H&M in the Fall for $15. It is almost like an obi and wraps twice and is finished with tassels. (Tassels are also huge this summer.) I also love that wrap belts come in a variety of fabrics and colors so you can really change-up an outfit in an instant. There’s also no pesky belt notches and they typically come one size fits all and can be loosened or tightened depending on your shape and how high/low you wear it. Must-have accessorty for Summer and Fall.
4. Wedged sandals.
I am a HUGE fan of the wedge. I recently had a client who had major foot problems. She wanted to wear heels but comfort was key. The wedge is a stylish and comfortable solution for a hip and sassy summer sandal. I love the platform wedges, which give you more height (I can use it) but the platform evens things out and you feel more balanced than teetering on the balls of your feet. I bought a few pairs of wedges last summer and am glad to see they are still here to stay. I encourage a bright color – perhaps a vibrant coral, or maybe a cobalt blue. Mix it up and try a new texture or color and see how it can make a simple white or black skirt really pop.
3. Short denim.
We’re talking hot denim skirts, shorts and even cropped jeans that will turn Luke Duke’s head! I’m loving a short, white denim skirt for summer. Perfect for everything from a day at the park to a trip to the Vineyard.
 Glam White Denim Skirt $40 Pair it with a simple black or navy tank for a more urban look or perhaps a pink or orange tee or kaftan for more of a laid-back island look. The one trick to buying a great denim skirt is to ALWAYS, my dear fashionista, ALWAYS sit before you buy. Sit down on a bench in the fitting room. Make sure you’re comfortable with the length – denim can be a tricky fit. Length can be deceiving and no one wants to see your bloomers when you’re getting up from the picnic table at the family reunion. I’m also a big fan on denim shorts – make your own from an old pair of jeans that have seen better days. Cropped jeans are a great, almost year-round, staple for your wardrobe. Just be sure they are not to wide at the bottom or they can look more like culottes and…well, those are another blog post, indeed.
2. Maxi dresses.
MaryKate & Ashley started this trend years ago. The bohemian look gone wild. Maxi dresses really hit the scene this summer and they are a great staple for your wardrobe. CAUTION: The wrong dress will make you look like a) you borrowed one of the Golden Girl’s mumus b) you’re Cher’s other lovechild or 3) you’ve been eating too many cheeseburgers for lunch. The key to the maxi dress is the fit. They can be super-flowy, which is part of the appeal, but too much flow can make you look like you’re on the grow (get my drift?). Look for cuts that are either cinched or fitted at the waist or can be belted, or are more drapey and form-fitting. Also, length is important. I prefer to the ground, can’t see my toes when I am standing still. But, that can be a challenge to walk it. Do what you’re comfortable with, but longer is better. I also prefer flats to heels with maxis. Take that Bohemian Rhapsody to it’s maxi!
1. White shirts.
Nothing says summer more than a classic white shirt. I own lots of white. White t-shirts, tank
 J Lo in a classic white button down turned hot tops, button downs – my new fave western-inspired shirt in white polka dots. White is classic, sexy and looks great with a little color during the summer. You can pair white with anything, including white. A white linen or cotton button-down does double-duty as a great day shirt or as a fun change to the usual sweater over a strapless top or dress at night. Again, fit here is key. Everyday, I watch women walk around the city in shirts that are too big: HINT: If you can take your shirt off over your head without unbuttoning it, it is too big. A more fitted style shows your curves and contours and can often take off 10lbs.
.
Leave ‘Em.
5. Boat shoes.
 A.P.C Boat shoes If you are not on a boat, forget the boat shoes. I honestly never really understood this “fashion” trend. Boat shoes are HUGE in Europe and I often see Europeans who are visiting here in Boston wearing them around town. I try to give them a free pass because they are European typically have great fashions sense but, the boat shoes are so awful! Please, pass on the boat shoes unless your manning the deck or steering the boat, ahoy matey.
4. Harem pants.
Worst. Fashion trend. Ever. These pants look good on no one! Even 6ft tall super models look like they’re ready to break down some MC Hammer. Why would you want to wear pants that are super baggy around your hips and thighs? Did it in the 80′s. Pass.
3. Crop tops.
No one needs to see your belly hanging out. I don’t care if there’s a 6-pack of abs under that little shirt. The
 Runway only way these tops are acceptable are with a tank top underneath – but they are not for everyone. The reason longer tops often work better is because they create an optical illusion. They make your torso appear longer than it is, which gives you longer slimmer legs. Crop tops cut your midriff in half and can make you look short and stumpy – who wants that? I say skip this fad.
2. Leggings.
I see them everywhere. They make me nuts! First off, leggings are NOT pants. Say it with me now. I continue to see women wearing leggings as pants and they look awful. You are basically wearing a pair of tights (sometimes even thinner material) and every bump, crinkle and crease is there for all the world to see. Walking down the street in the City the other day I was behind a rather curvaceous woman who was wearing white leggings and a crop top. It was all I could do from going right up to her and pulling a Fashion Emergency on her legging wearing backside. Ladies, please pass on this excuse for wearing a properly fitting dress or shirt. Thanks.
1. Crocs.
 Foam clogs? Enough said. See my blog post and please don’t let me catch you sporting these around town. I’m watching.
So, what’s on your fashion do/don’t list? Seen any fashion disasters lately? Would love to hear from you. Until then, love ‘em or leave ‘em.
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.10.11 | I talked about leopard print as one of my 2010 Fall Fab Five. This purrfect print also made it into my 2009 Fall Fab Five, so I ask you..
What have you done to incorporate some leopard into your wardrobe this season?
 via Globe Magazine I saw the Purrfection article in Sunday’s Globe Magazine and thought to myself: “Why is this new news?” I’ve been talking about animal prints – most specifically leopard – for a good 2 years now. The amazing thing about leopard is that it seems to weather the fashion-trend storm. Never really going out of style. Sure, the lines or the fabric or the details may change slightly but not enough to make last winter’s leopard beauty obsolete this winter. The Globe article made a great point about the benefit of leopard for all skin tones – that is something hard to find with a print. Leopard flatters just about every skin tone and I’ve seen all shades from the bold “looks-just-like-a-leopard” print, to more subtle or muted tones, which give you lots of choices to find one that looks great on you.
I’ve heard some of you say that leopard is “too much”. To that I say…try it before your judge. I have a leopard scarf and every time I wear it I feel stylish and like a wildcat (okay, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration:). Leopard can go bold – like a coat or some hot stiletto boots, or be more of an accessory – like a great clutch or a drapey scarf.
In my closet, I have the following leopard goodies:
1. J. Crew cardigan – about 10 years old. Still wear it and it’s gorgeous.
2. Tory Burch flats – my first pair of TB flats. They are a staple in my wardrobe and, three years later, still look like a million bucks with everything.
3. Ella Moss halter top – Hot leopard print bandeau top with halter strap. Cute with jeans, pencil skirt, vinyl pants…
4. Pashmina – $25 purchase in Soho. Dresses up any fall/winter/spring coat.
5. Cuff – Needs a new clasp but the leopard print cuff I bought last year is still rockin this year.
I don’t know why, but there is something exhilarating about leopard. It’s luxurious and unique and can make anything ordinary look saucy and purrfect. So, I ask you, my style maven, how will you incorporate leopard into your wardrobe this season?
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.02.11 | I recently heard about the Pajama Jean – “Looks like denim, feels like pjs,” and I think I actually threw up a little bit in my mouth. I have to say, I am pretty outraged by this creation. Why? Well, there’s a bunch of reasons but let’s start with my practical reasons. First off, the pants have no zippers or buttons. Okay, last I heard, pants have zippers and buttons. Pants without zippers and buttons are usually called – leggings, sweatpants or…yes, pajamas. Even the jeggings I buy have some button/zipper styling. More than that, the idea of your pants being so comfortable you would wear them all day AND want to sleep in them? I just don’t get this. Yeah, I do get it on a pure comfort level. Believe me, I love my yoga pants as much as any other girl out there. But, there is a time and place for my yoga pants and they are not part of my “get dressed and go out” wardrobe and never will be (hint hint).
My biggest beef with this comfort-first invention is what it says about women and our ability to be stylish and comfortable. Ladies, do we really need to wear our pjs around town to be comfortable? I think not. I buy jeans and wear jeans a lot. And I have learned how to buy jeans that look great, fit great and feel great. I work full-time and my office is casual attire. I wear jeans to work almost every day. And, I sit at my desk most of the day in my jeans. I could not imagine wearing Pajama Jeans to my office. They are not jeans, my stylish friends. They are cotton pajama pants made to kinda look like jeans…but not really.
In my opinion, products like this are what’s wrong with fashion and style in America. Can you imagine a woman walking around Covent Garden London in a  pair of these? Or down the Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Paris wearing jeans that look like pajamas? Never. It would never happen. I don’t know why here in the U.S., we have gotten lazy enough to think that it’s okay to wear sweats, yoga pants and now pjs to the mall, to the grocery store, to lunch with friends, on a date with your man – it’s just not okay. I grew up in house where my mother would never leave the house unless she looked “acceptable.” This meant: hair done, make up on, clothes to match the occasion. Her motto: “You never know who you’ll run into.” That was drilled into my head and it’s how I dress every day. Think about the impression you make – the first impression you make – when you run into someone at the mall or at the movies or anywhere outside your home. People are visual creatures like it or not and they check out what you’re wearing and how you look. It may sound superficial. It may sound ridiculous. But it’s true.
Please, my lovelies, leave the pajamas at home. There are so many other ways to be comfortable and look stylish. I promise.
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.07.10 | It’s that time again, my stylish darlings. The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping here in the East and fall fashion is on the menu. I went back and looked at my Fab Five from last Fall:
1. Leopard-print anything
2. Ankle booties
3. Colorful, textured scarves
4. Skinny jeans
5. Long, layered necklaces
What’s interesting is that everything from last Fall is in this Fall – some stuff has evolved a bit into new fashion trends. Here’s a few simple ways to update what you bought last Fall with my Fab Five.
1. Lace
 MM Couture by Miss Me Lace Top in Black $70.00 I’m not talking about your grandmother’s lace doilies. I’m talking feminine but sexy lace. I’ve seen it in everything from trim on a skirt to a layered blouse to hosiery. When buying lace, fit is really important because there’s typically no give, unless it’s a blend with spandex or another stretchy material. Lace skirts are beautiful for the holidays and parties when paired with a simple white blouse or sexied up with a tank or camisole. Lace blouses are all the rage. I eyed this gorgeous black lace top on Revolve Clothing. Very rocker chick. Wolford’s has done it again with a lacey racey addition to their Fall line. Must have. Lace takes what’s usually reserved for under your clothes or behind closed doors and brings it to the center of your wardrobe. Take caution as lace on lace is too much and the lace piece of your outfit should be the standout – everything else should be minimal and streamlined. I love this trend and encourage you to add a little lace to spice up your Fall wardrobe.
2. Over-the-knee boots
Over-the-knee boots came on the scene last Fall but didn’t make my list. Why? Well, unfortunately, they missed the list. It was really more about the ankle bootie until Nov/Dec and the over-the-knees started appearing on models in fashion mags. I bought a pair last year and will tell you that I got quite the looks when I wore them. Here’s the deal with this trend. You’ve gotta get it right.
 Cole Haan Air Zelo Boot $328 @ Zappos The good news is now more people are wearing them so you probably will not get the scorn I received last Fall. The thing you’ve gotta get right is the height which requires trying on alot of this style boot to figure out what’s going to fit the best. What you want to achieve is the boot hitting right above your kneecap – we’re not talking hooker boots here people – and you want them to be fitted not slouchy or you’ll be tugging at them all day. The shaft of the boot is always tricky and my clients often complain that boots aren’t made for girls with larger calves. It’s true that most boot shafts are slimmer in style but I have found that certain brands like Aerosole make a wide-width calf. They have a handy double zip on some of their boots that can be extended for a larger calf or zipped up for a slimmer calf. The other decision with over-the-knee boots is heel height. I am a fan of the flat heel – very versatile with jeans and great for lots of walking. The flat heel can also dress up a dress or skirt. If you decide high heel is the way to go, keep in mind my caution about shaft height and don’t go too far over your knee, unless there’s a pole near-by:) I love these Cole Haan boots. Definitely an investment but the leather is goreous and they are versatile in that you can wear them over-the-knee or cuffed and under-the-knee. Two boots for one price. Always thinking, my stylistas. And investing in a top quality leather boot is an investment that pays off for years.
3. Jeggings
In August, I wrote WTF Are Jeggings and Why Do I Care? Well, jeggings are huge for Fall. I recently helped convince a friend to try them out. She thought she could never wear them and that they would never look good. She bought a pair from Lucky.com and tried them on for me. They were super flattering and she loved the stretch and comfort. One word of advice is to order one size down. I know, they will look like they are made for little kids but I promise they stretch and no one wants a baggy jean (saggy = bad). Jeggings I love are from Citizens, Hudson and J Brand. They are also great with this seasons tall boots as you get no jean hang-over (like a muffin-top around your knee-cap = bad).
4. Hats
If you know me, you know I love hats. I always have and look forward to the rain and winter so I can break them out. Hats are huge this Fall.
 Betmar Fedora $54 Everythingfrom the Justin Timberlake style Fedora to the page-boy cap or raspberry beret (sorry I had to). I know most of you are thinking – I look terrible in a hat. Really? When’s the last time you tried one on? I bought a really hip tweed hat at a local boutique here in the North End called Bobbles & Lace (they have other locations on the North Shore). $25 and every time I wear it I get compliments and feel like I walked into a 1950′s movie. Betmar is one of my fave hat brands. Very stylish and not too pricy. Love this red beauty for just $54. Try out a fun hat and see how it makes you feel.
5. Faux leather & fur
No Fall wardrobe is complete without a little faux. I’m excited that faux is big this season for a few reasons. First off, designers have been trying to perfect the faux look for a few seasons now and are finally getting it right.
 Vena Cava for Aqua Faux Fur Vest @ Bloomies $188 I bought a faux leather jackets a few years ago and it looked more like pleather than leather. Designers are working to get better materials that more closely resemble leather or fur and are paying better attention to the details to make the coats and vests look more realistic. Second, faux is the way to go especially when it comes to a trendy accessory like a fur vest or a leather blazer. Might not live to see another season so why spend $300+ for it to hit the consignment shop next season? And last, but certainly not least, it’s friendly. Lots of people don’t like to buy leather coats or real fur so the faux route gives you the stylish look without the sad face. Ideeli recently had some hip faux leather bomber jackets for under $50. What a steal! A good friend recently bought a faux fur vest and was disappointed last week when it was too warm to sport for a local fashion event (bummer, Chris!). I spotted this faux fur beauty at Bloomies. A little pricy for a trendy piece but it looks very real.
So, my stylish friends, I ask you…what’s on your Fab Five for Fall? Would love to hear what you think about my picks and what you think you’ll add to your wardrobe this Fall. Go forth and be stylish.
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was a great shirt. A great shirt is a staple and an amazing outfit can stem from this simple piece. I’m not talking a white button down or a pinstripe shirt. I’m talking about a statement shirt. You’ve seen them – bolder patterns, color, interesting details like fabric-lined collars and reversible-patterned cuffs. Robert Graham is the master of such shirts and it so happens that I had already helped Jeff pick out a beauty. They’re not cheap, but again, it’s a wardrobe staple that goes with jeans to a bar, dress pants to a club, a suit to a wedding or event and with just about anything to dress it up and take the hip factor to another level.
To the dressing room we go. He came out in the Calvin Klein and…wow! It looked amazing! The pants needed a hem but the jacket fit perfectly and with the shirt, it was stunning! He looked like a million bucks…and felt like a million bucks. Iliana came and took up the hem, promised them in two days (love that) and off we went to the register. No joke – 45mins tops from selection to try on to hem. The retail price for the suit was over $500. The sale price was over $300 and with the coupon I printed out for Jeff, he got an amazing suit including alterations for about $200.