By Michelle A Heath, on 10.16.11 |  With the ever-so-talented and stylish, Wesley Nault Still basking in the light of last week’s 2nd Annual Catwalk for a Cure. I am honored to be a media sponsor and to have the opportunity to work with passionate, organized and professional people like Bryan and Nick, meet the amazing designers, like Wesley Nault and capture the spirit of survivors like Marybeth Fratus.
It was amazing to capture the models from the end of the runway – I told Marta, my ever so stylish +1 for the evening, that I felt like a kid in a candystore. The shoes, the fabrics, the talent, the strength, the pride – it was all so touching and overwhelming.
I was proud to have my girls there to support me – Lisa, Stacey, Diane, Marta, Julie – you guys are amazing! I am already looking forward to next year and have lots of ideas for the team.
Want to see all the pictures? Check them out on The Stylish Eye Facebook fan page – become a fan too…stay up to date on the latest trends and style happenings about town!
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 01.11.10 | It’s winter here in New England, in case you haven’t noticed. That means bye-bye bare legs and hello bundle up. I did see a girl walking down the street in the North End today wearing a skirt and Uggs. Um, yeah, that’s nuts when it’s 22 degrees out. So, in my effort to be stylish and warm, I have been on the hunt for cool legwear. I’m not talking your average tights from the bargain bin. I’m talking funky designs, luxurious fabrics and no-tear wearability.
I am proud to tell you, my fellow style maven, I have found them and I am addicted.
 Wolford Diamond Stripe Tights Wolford has been around pretty much since the invention of panty hose and quickly took what was becoming mass-market and turned it into a luxury brand. They premiered the Perlon seemless stocking back in 1954 and continued to innovate women’s hosiery through the 60′s with synthetic yarns, to the 70′s ladder-proofing patented process to the 80′s with a partnership with LaPerla and into the 90′s with the launch of beautiful lingerie and swimwear to expand the line. Wolford’s hosiery is absolutely beautiful. They have everything from plain black panty hose to a saucy pair of tights with knee-high boots stiched into the fabric. (Serious sauce!) I just love how they are willing to take a risk with design and give women a fun accessory – for legs. I am digging the Diamond Stripe Net Tights and the Flora cheeta-print tights are just to die for. I will tell you that these beauties come with a price of close to $60 per pair. Yes, I know, my stylista, steep indeed for hosiery. But, I will tell you that in addition to their fabulousness, I read a story about a woman who had her pair of Wolford hose for close to 10 years. I certainly cannot say the same for my bargain bin one-season tights.
Go ahead, bundle up and let those legs be your stylish accessory.
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.30.09 | Do you own a pair of peep-toes? Wondering what to pair them with?
 Well, I’ve gotten questions from several stylish ladies over the past few weeks asking what to wear with peep-toe shoes. The peep-toe is such a fabulous trend. A great summer-to-fall, sprint-to-summer shoe that can be matched with everything from a cocktail dress to a pair of jeans.
The dilemma starts as the glow of summer disappears and the chilly fall nights take it’s place. Here’s what these lovely ladies asked.
“Looking for a quick answer and thought of you and your web site, the Stylish Eye. Quick question…Is it ok to wear pantyhose with open toed shoes? It is fall and my legs are a little pale and unsightly but the shoes I have that go with my dress are open toed-what a dilemma! How about open toed booties – tights or no tights?”
Ah, dear stylista. Not to worry. I have a bevvy of suggestions to make your legs dazzle in your terrific shoes.
1. Spray tan. I will clue you in to my dirty little secret. Spray tan. I’m not talking go-to-a-salon-and-get-airbrushed. I’m talking use sparingly, under $10 a can at CVS. You might have had a bad experience with spray tan and streaking. Who hasn’t? But it’s come a long way and, if you use it lightly, it can give you a year-round healthy glow. I use Neutrogena spray tan, available at any drugstore.
2. Fishnet. Not everyone feels comfortable in them, but they can be a HOT compliment to any dress for a night on the town. I happen to be  partial to black fishnets, especially with patent leather and suede. If your shoes happen to be a lighter color, the nude fishnet can be a great choice as they give your legs a little somethin-somethin without looking like pantyhose.
3. Opaque tights. If options 1 or 2 don’t work for you, I would get a really dark pair of black opaque tights, with no de sign on them. This option is great with peep-toe booties and platforms. Be sure to hide the seam under your toes. Hate to see those seams sticking out:)
My opinion on a cocktail dress with open toe is to go lighter on the legs but ultimately, you need to feel comfortable. Either way, dear reader, this is one thing I absolutely BAN with peep-toe shoes. You must never, I repeat, never wear panty hose with peep toe shoes. My only exception to this rule is…my Gram, who I love for her stylish flair and, god love her, she is almost 90 years old. You go, Gram. So, if your not my Gram or pushing 90, you are NOT allowed to combine pantyhose with exposed toes.
That’s your peep-toe etiquette from The Stylish Eye. Have a style question? Drop me a note and I’ll include it in a future “Ask The Stylish Eye” post. Until then, go forth and be stylish. 
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.18.09 | The biggest question I’ve had over the past few weeks is…”What’s your top-five must-haves for Fall?” I’ve been thinking about it alot and, I’ll tell you that it’s not easy to pick only 5 must-haves for Fall. It’s hard to pick only a handful of things to add to your wardrobe when confronted with the many choices of great Fall trends. But, IMHO, these trends will survive more than one season and will easily mix, match and update your wardrobe in no time. Why 5? It’s easy to remember and nice to your wallet. So, focus on the Fab Five and consider it your personal shopping list. Each picture is a link to the item in case you want to consider adding it to your Fall wardrobe. Here goes…
 Robbi & Nikki Bow Shoulder Chiffon Top @ Nordstrom 1. Leopard-print anything. There’s nothing like a little call of the wild to spice up your Fall wardrobe. It’s an interesting trend that keeps coming back every few years. This year I’ve seen boots, pumps, belts, scarves, blouses, sweaters and coats (okay, the coat goes too far). I have a leopard-print J.Crew sweater that I bought about 10 years ago and it has somehow survived the test of time. Look for more “subtle” versions of the big cat, which will likely mix and match easier with the other items in your closet. I love this flouncy beauty – great shoulder detail and goes great with Fall Fab #2 and #4.
2. Ankle boots. I bought several pairs of these last season including an amazing pair of purple leather Faryl Robins, which I have already worn several times this season.
 Pour la Victoire grey woven patent 'Elise' ankle booties @ Blue Fly I am semi-obsessed with ankle booties and believe they will last more than one season. Here’s what’s great about ankle booties…there’s alot of different ways to wear them. You can wear them under a straight leg or bootleg pant or jean, which is a nice alternative to a tall boot against your skin all day or all night. You can wear them with a pair of skinny jeans for a very hip look a la Fall Fab #4. You can pair them with a super-opaque pair of tights and a short skirt. I think these grey patent leathers would look Fab with a red plaid miniskirt or kilt and black tights.
3. Colorful, textured scarves. Scarves were everywhere on the run-way and in the fashion mags. Everything from bright colors to ruffles to lace trim. Scarves are a great fall and winter accessory for a bunch of different reasons. They can take a very simple black blazer or navy pea-coat and add a serious punch of color and interest.
 Hollywood Intuition Rouched Scarf in Purple @ Target Scarves draw the eye up to your oh, so fab face – what’s better than that? They are a great way to update your wardrobe on a shoestring. Target, Kohls and all the discount stores have some great scarves for under $20. I say pick up a few different colors or patterns and see how you can mix and match them with your Fall wardrobe. PS: This Target scarf is UNDER $10. Now that’s a must-have!
4. Skinny jeans. I can’t get enough of these staple jeans. I love the J Brand jeans – they have great stretch and come in a fabulous dark wash and a super dark black wash.
 J Brand Jeans 910 Super Skinny Jeans in Ink @ Cusp They are great when paired with a long or flowy top or a layered cardigan and long tee. Contrary to popular belief, these jeans work on a wide variety of body types. I’ve heard so many women say “I could never pull those off!” Then, they try them on and they look amazing. But, if you don’t feel you can pull off the super-skinny look, try a straight-leg instead of the wider bootleg. It’s a nice change, an update for Fall and looks great with Fall Fab #1 and #2.
5. Long, layered necklaces. Again, another trend I can’t get enough of. I’ve seen lots of mixed metals, which is a fun way to combine gold and silver for a new look.
 Aqua Multi Chain with Flower Necklace @ Bloomingdales It’s a great way to integrate the embellished “rocker-chick” look that is a big trend this Fall and do it in an inexpensive way. A fab, long necklace can transform an outfit from blah to bling and take a tired dress or top and breathe new life into it. The runway is showing everything from pearls (not your grandmother’s pearls, mind you) to flowers, to chains to beads. I love this black and gold 22″ necklace from Aqua. It’s a great combo of feminine flowers and bows with rocker mixed metals…and a steal at $35. I think I might have to get one for myself.
As I think about how to make your Fall wardrobe fabulous, it’s not about buying an entirely new wardrobe – who has the time or money? It’s about picking a few great trends and transforming or rejuvenating your existing wardrobe. Now that’s smart and stylish.
There were so many other items that I could have thrown into the mix but these were my top picks. So, what’s on your Fall Fab list? Would love to hear your style ideas.
By Michelle A Heath, on 09.06.09 | Just in time for Fashion Week, my son appeared in the living room wearing his sister’s party dress and a strand of pearls. Let’s just say that personal style is cultivated early in my house. Whether it’s my 6-yr old donning one of my dresses and strappy gold heels or my son wearing his “fancy clothes” or sometimes my favorite stilettos, they share a passion for fashion. That’s why I’m so excited about the latest website I came across by way of Sarah McIlroy, Founder and CEO of Fashion Playtes.
Fashion Playtes is a revolutionary online custom clothing company where tween girls design clothing they can actually wear. I love this idea for so many reasons. First, girls often succumb to wearing what everyone else is wearing because it’s safe and they can blend in. They never develop their personal style and just end up dressing like everyone else. Do you really need to see one more AF or Hollister shirt? I think not. Second, girls’ self-esteem is formed very early and the encouragement of thinking outside the box leads to confidence and trust in their own personal style. Third, it’s creative, fun and stimulates an artistic side of the brain which leads to lots of great ideas and spurs new passions. Okay, I could go on but suffice it to say, I am a huge fan of getting girls involved in fashion early.
Sarah was kind enough to give me a coveted invite to the Fashion Playtes beta. My daughter was beyond excited to design something so  we went online and got started. The site is very easy to use and the application takes you through exactly what you need to do to get started and move through the design process. I’d consider my daughter computer literate but she’s certainly not a tween. Even still, the site was well designed for her and she was able to do most of the designing herself. She selected an empire-waste bohemian style dress and went to town trying out colors, customizing underlayers, ribbons, ruffles and rhinestones. The best part was designing her very own label, which is both a great word of mouth marketing tool for Fashion Playtes and a confidence-boost for a 6-yr old fashion designer. We clicked “buy” and we waited for our dresses to arrive (yes, we ended up ordering two additional dresses for her friends’ birthdays:).
About two weeks later, the dresses arrived. My daughter called me at my office to tell me “Mommy, it is exactly the way I designed it!” I  came home to find her still in the dress and jumping around the living room. I gave it the once over and was very impressed with the quality of the dress. The fabric was a very soft cotton with a bit of lycra for a good fit and the ribbons and designs we chose were adorable. Most important, my girl was ecstatic to see her name on the label on the back of the dress. Priceless.
So, if you’re a fashion-lover like me and have a young girl who is following in your footsteps, check out Fashion Playtes. It’s a perfect place to watch your child develop their stylish eye and build a passion for fashion. I can get a few beta invites for anyone who wants to create a label and let the designing begin!
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