Upcoming changes

If you have reached Passion for Style: The Blog expecting to reach the Passion for Style website, you have not mis-typed. I am in the process of reworking the PFS website and changing hosts, so for the time being, this is home (however humble it may be.) Once things are worked out, the usual URL will take you back to the website as before.

For now, let’s chat! What fall styles are you enjoying so far this year? Has anyone given the country/plaid/flannel look a try? If so, how was is received? Did you feel comfortable or ridiculous? What clothing lines are you finding to fit your style best this season? Are you already checking out the holiday/winter lines? Started holiday shopping or planning holiday outfits? Here in Georgia, the weather has just started dropping into the 70’s for daytime highs, so I am s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g it by wearing jeans and light sweaters. My summer capris are still appropriate (although transitioning from pastel/whites to more autumnal shades is seasonally appropriate.) I am feeling the urge to transition out of sandals, but my peeptoes are a bit dressy, and my casual shoes/boots are mostly suede.

Oh, the frustration of building a wardrobe for a new climate.

Fun, Funky – and FREE!

Wasn’t I surprised to receive a small package in my mailbox the other day, addressed to me and from J.Crew. (I had not placed an order, so I was not expecting anything – but a package from J.Crew always stirs excitement!) Upon opening it, I realized that this is the time of J.Crew’s semi-annual Thank You gifts to customers. (Really big spenders get really good gifts, while less vigorous shoppers receive lovely, albeit less costly, tokens of appreciation. Last time, I received a box of notecards with artsy little drawings of J.Crew items in the corners.) Anyway, I was thrilled to open my little package and find these inside:

Aren’t they cute? Since I started making jewelry earlier this year, I have not bought any other jewelry, so this is a lovely treat. Furthermore, they are not earrings I would have chosen for myself, but they are right on trend for this fall. (See ornamentation

Now that I have them, I am eagerly putting together outfits in my head and cannot wait to wear them!

Fall 2009 Fashion Trends

I love In Style magazine, and I always look forward to their fashion trend reports. Their Fall 2009 trend report is right on, and it makes me wish I still lived in New England, as some of these styles are completely unrealistic in my current locale, where the temperatures this weekend are still well into the 90’s. For those of you who are enjoying crisp mornings and turning leaves, here are your Fall 2009 fashion trends:

Country
Why We Love It
The earth tones are rich and plaids complex, while shearling, blanket coats, and waders abound. These are plush clothes for an idealized rural utopia. The pieces feel like you’re spending your day in a featherbed.



How to Wear It
Top a textured glen-plaid vest over a short silky dress, or match a densely knit skirt with nubby tights and a flat ribbed turtleneck. Roll up wool pants to expose suede boots. Find a great brown leather belt and wrap it tight. Denim goes with everything. And trust that indulging in all these autumnal hues will flatter every skin tone. So complement that glow with a pink lip.

Dark Sparkle
Why We Love It
These clothes manage to evoke the ’80s without resorting to retro. In fact, shapes are sporty. It’s all surface interest.



How to Wear It
Though it’s occasion dressing, lighten the mood by tossing it on with something more basic instead of dressing it up. Jewelry is overkill, but you can show some leg.

Ornamentation
Why We Love It
While this opulent look owes a lot to the exoticism of the Far East, it is a testament to modern technology with its incandescent fabrics and intricately woven details.



How to Wear It
Worn head to toe it’s highly dramatic but probably too theatrical. One standout piece paired with a solid is a more likely choice. If your tastes are even simpler, the embroidered ballet flats or earrings will do quite nicely.

(Mostly Faux) Fur Accents
Why We Love It
It’s not exactly the moment for a full-length sable. Ostentation is out. Coziness, in. A touch of fur offers just enough warmth and fuzziness.



How to Wear It
One piece at a time is plenty. Our favorites are the shawl or loose collar and the vest. Note: The faux pieces are amazing.

Draping
Why We Love It
When strategically placed, it’s a gift from the goddesses to every woman—the Grecian formula for figure flattery ensures sensuality while masking insecurities. Plus, in this frantic world, draping demands you move with a hint of stealth.



How to Wear It
Choose fabrics with weight as well as motion (you don’t want fluttering). Matte jersey is perfect since it flatters with understatement. Minimal draping works for day. One-shouldered or shoulder-to-shoulder folds are the easiest options. If you want to accentuate your curves, look for draping below the waist.

Structured
Why We Love It
The exaggerated details of this season’s tailored pieces are sculptural more than menswear-inspired.


How to Wear It
You want to look impressive but not confrontational, so aim for balance. A sharp-shoulder coat over slim flannel trousers or a wide-lapel jacket with a straight pencil skirt comes off strong but approachable. Complete the silhouette with a framed bag or a grounded closed-toe pump and you’re in business.

City
Why We Love It
So unrepentently hard-edged, it’s aimed at living it up in the dead of night. If leather, metalwork and shine don’t seem overly romantic, that’s because the effect is deliberately predatory.


How to Wear It
It all starts with black—and can end there too. Color only works when it’s deep and saturated. Skinny jeans are the key piece. If looking tough isn’t the real you, your little black dress adorned with a chain necklace or a studded heel can confidently take you anywhere without your having to pretend you pulled up on the back of a bike.

Legs

Why We Love It

Whether you step out in killer boots rising halfway up your thighs or in a mini whose hem doesn’t drop far enough down to meet them, you’ve gotta show off your striders. And we don’t mean in tight jeans. The longer they look, the better.

How to Wear It
It would be a breeze if microminis and second-skin tooled leather were your natural uniform. However, patterned tights—or even cowboy boots—can pack the requisite punch. You can even resort to good ol’ black leggings under a safely short skirt—but it helps if your black heels are at least 4 inches high.



(Text and photos courtesy of In Style magazine)

Saks “Friends and Family Weekend” Sale

It’s that time again, friends – the semi-annual Saks Fifth Avenue Friends and Family Weekend! This fall’s F&F sale, which runs Thursday, October 15- Sunday, October 18, adds a new and meaningful twist, as Saks will donate 2% of all sales (up to $250,000) to a variety of local and national women’s cancer charities. This sale provides 25% off of most items, 20% off of jewelry, 10% off of cosmetics and fragrances. Some brands are excluded, and Saks will post the list of brands on its website closer to the sale dates. However, the general list I have currently includes: Select Designer Collections, Select Leased Departments, select Cosmetic Collections, Bridal Salon, Select Fine Jewelry and Watch Collections and Jewelry and Watch Repairs. Now, while the current specific brands have not been released, I do have the list from the previous F&F event, during which the excluded brands were:

David men’s and women’s jewelry; Cartier watches, jewelry and sunglasses; Bvlgari watches and jewelry; Prada men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and handbags; Prada Sport women’s apparel and shoes; Gucci men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, watches, accessories, shoes and handbags; Miu Miu women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and handbags; CHANEL women’s apparel, jewelry, watches, accessories, shoes and handbags; Balenciaga women’s apparel, shoes and handbags; Marni women’s apparel, shoes and handbags; Azzedine Alaia women’s apparel, shoes and handbags; Loro Piana men’s and women’s apparel and accessories; Dries Van Noten women’s apparel and shoes; Akris women’s apparel; Oscar de la Renta women’s apparel and special orders; Jil Sander women’s apparel; Givenchy women’s apparel and shoes; MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela women’s apparel; Maison Martin Margiela shoes and handbags; Lanvin women’s apparel and shoes; UGG® shoes; St. John Caviar Basics women’s apparel; Dior handbags; Fendi handbags; Christian Louboutin shoes and handbags; Manolo Blahnik shoes; Jimmy Choo shoes and handbags; Bottega handbags; YSL shoes; Valentino shoes; Alexander McQueen merchandise; Charvet men’s merchandise; Zegna men’s merchandise; Ralph Lauren Purple and Black Label men’s merchandise; Vilebrequin men’s merchandise; Kiton men’s merchandise; Brunello Cucinelli men’s merchandise; Breuer men’s merchandise; Bugaboo merchandise; Quinny merchandise; Stokke merchandise; Bridal Salon items; Graff White Diamonds; Pomellato; H. Stern. Additional in-store exclusions may apply.

Once the current official list is released, I will post it.

The code for online and catalog purchases is FRIENDS3. For in-store discounts, an actual discount coupon with a bar code is required. I have a card that I will not be using, and I am happy to send it off to someone who will use it. I will send it via First Class mail, so please contact me to request the card no later than Monday, October 12 so I can send it out on October 13 – any later and I cannot guarantee you will receive it in time for the sale. First come, first serve – the first person who comments here will receive the coupon.

Happy Shopping!

Rue La La Today

Do you Rue? If not, it is worth your time to check it out. Rue La La is by invitation only. If you would like to check out Rue La La, click here for your invitation!

Current Rue La La boutiques:
Diesel
J. Lindeberg
Zobha
Devon Leigh
Laundry by Shelli Segal
Mitchell & Ness
Pratesi

Upcoming Boutiques:
Tahari
SPANX
Forte – Men’s
The Next Big Thing Jewelry Boutique
MaxMara
‘S MaxMara
Born
Born
Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati

Now, go Rue!

A Passion for Perfect Jeans!

Searching the mall for a pair of jeans that fits . . . 3 hours. Buying pair after pair of jeans that don’t fit right . . . big bucks and hours of returning to the store. Feeling like you cannot look good in jeans . . . aggravating. A personal consultation that guarantees you a pair of jeans you will love . . . priceless!

Passion for Style is happy to announce a new service: the Perfect Jeans Package. We guarantee that you will find a pair that works for you, or you don’t pay! Specific details of the Perfect Jeans Package are available on the Passion for Style website so take a peek to see how we can help you with your denim dilemma!

In addition to personal consultations, another option is a Perfect Jeans Party! Passion for Style will come to your get-together with your family, friends, church group, Bunco group, Wives Club, Moms Group, etc., provide each attendee a recommendation for the best pair of jeans for her AND teach each attendee how to choose the most flattering jeans for herself in the future. (Choose a pair of jeans for a woman and she gets one pair today; each a woman to choose her own jeans and she becomes a Denim Diva!)

Get ready to look Fabulous in your jeans!!

Help Your Bridesmaids Love Their Dresses!

Anyone who has ever been asked to be a bridesmaid knows that the question almost always brings up conflicting emotions. First, she feels honored to be asked to stand up for the bride on her wedding day, but then comes the next emotion – anxiety! What bridesmaid has not been worried, wondering what she will be made to wear? Will the color be flattering? Will the style be too skimpy or too frilly? Brides and bridal salon salespeople love to think that a bridesmaid’s dress will be multifunctional, that it can be shortened and worn a a cocktail dress. How many bridesmaids have actually done that? How many have actually wanted to?

Brides, there is a way to help all of your bridesmaids look and feel beautiful in their dresses. Sound like a daunting task? Not anymore! Let Passion for Style make it possible with our Bridal Party Consultation. During this process, you will discover options for creating a beautiful and enjoyable look for your bridesmaids while flattering their unique figures and colorings. The process begins with your free Pre-Consultation, during which we will discuss the location, time of day and formality of your wedding and use your wedding gown as the basis for the choice of bridesmaids’ dresses to ensure a harmonious look. We will then conduct a consultation with each bridesmaid (in person or by photograph), during which her individual profile will be determined. The Bridal Party Profile will be derived from the individual profiles and will be used to guide you in choosing the most flattering dress for each woman.

If your bridal party is not made up of identical quadruplets, then you need the Passion for Style Bridal Party Consultation! The sooner you begin the process, the better the results for you and your bridesmaids, so contact Passion for Style today to schedule your Pre-Consultation. You will enjoy knowing that your bridesmaids will look lovely at your wedding, and your bridesmaids will love you for it!

Attention Military Wives!

Passion for Style has arrived in Kings Bay, Georgia, and we are ready to help the Navy, Marine Corps and Army wives here look and feel fabulous! We are offering a special Homecoming Package for all of you wives who are eagerly awaiting your husbands’ return from patrol, from a school, or from Unaccompanied Augmentation. Check out the Passion for Style website for details on all of our services and our 20% military discount for all of our other services!

Trust Passion for Style to make your special day one you both will remember!

Georgia (on my mind)

Yes, Passion for Style has completed its relocation to Georgia, and it’s time to get back to work people! I have been working on jewelry during the past few months (during the time in which working on my Wardrobe consulting business any further would have been fruitless due to the impending move.) I’ve begun to move from simple beading into wireworking, and it is SO much fun! I will post some pictures sometime in the next week. And now, the Top Ten Style Lessons I’ve learned since moving to Dixie:

1) Bare feet are perfectly acceptable at home, both inside and out.

2) But only if you don’t mind your feet being eaten alive by the no-see-ums.

3) Mineral powder foundation is really the only option

4) Camisoles, tank tops and halter tops are absolute necessities

5) But women over 35 really need to think about how they are wearing them and what they are wearing them with.

6) Always bring a cardigan is you will be going inside ANYWHERE! The AC really kicks, and indoors can be downright chilly!

7) Sunglasses, sunscreen and baby powder are necessities.

Oh yeah, and bug spray, and AfterBite, and topical cortisone and Benadryl

9) People at the beach really are not critiquing your bathing suit body, so relax and have a good time.

10) Make sure you have some fat pants until you get control of your Waffle House addiction!

Family Portrait 2009

Family Portrait 2009

Originally uploaded by Passion for Style

My very handsome family!