Love me do

In line with a holiday where people express how much they love each other, I figured I'd go above and beyond and declare my love for something other than bags, shoes, etc.

Weddings.

I love everything about them. From soup to nuts. But of course, I find nothing more exciting than the style that is incorporated into the Big Day. 

I think every bride looks beautiful, every groom handsome and every occasion just wonderful, mainly because each moment belongs to the happy couple and regardless of whether your cousin also did the same color font for her invitations or you wore a Pepto Bismol-pink taffetta bridesmaid dress because the bride loved it so much* (*yes, the day belongs to the bride, but that's one color I'd say no to). I have been honored to be part of family and friends' weddings: I will be a bridesmaid in April and a spectator in the fall, and I couldn't be more excited! In both roles, I have the following responsibilties: smile, have fun and dance the night away.

But looking fabulous also is a necessity.

For bridemaids, having an accessory that has personal flair could do the trick, since the majority of bridesmaids wear the same color and style as others in the wedding party. Another idea is to have a unique beauty palette: go Hollywood Glam or soft and subtle. For guests? Be daring but discreet: Try to figure out what type of wedding it is (e.g., black tie, cocktail, casual, etc.) before jumping ahead. Looking like Lady Gaga may cause you to be known as, "the jerk who wore the too-short Big Bird spandex dress."

If you need good fashion and beauty tips, check out The Knot, Bridal Guide or Brides. You'll be glad you did.

Spring Fever

It's official. I am feeling the heat.

It happened shortly after Groundhog Day. I woke up with the sudden urge to put on bright colors and linen and pack away anything that had shearling, wool, rabbit hair or anything that possibly could make my skin itch.

Yup. I've been (self-) diagnosed with spring fever.

Although I love donning my cashmere coat during the harsh winter months, the world is renewed when the ground finally thaws, and we can ditch those heavy coats for something much more fun.

My first official spring purchase? A bold, silk floral dress from Maggy London. After letting it drape across my body, I instantly felt alive. And to those with spring fever, you will too.

Happy spring to you all. And happy shopping!

Raindrops on roses...

After a long (and I do mean long) hiatus, I have re-entered the blogosphere.

And while a lot has happened since my last post, I am going to get right to what we care about: fashion.

In line with Oprah's final "Favorite Things" episode, I thought it was fitting to share a few of my favorite things from this past year and beyond.

Kate Spade: Kate and I have a long, loyal friendship. Never once has she steered me wrong or stabbed me in the back with a bad product. She easily has created some of the most practical yet sophisticated pieces I've ever owned.

This love story started when I was 13. And now, I present you with one of my favorite birthday presents: the Book of the Month Clutch.

Kate managed to marry my passion for fashion and books into one. What began as a classic story of a man's quest for love and the American Dream continues on. This time, between a girl and her handbag.

Moving right along to...

Dresses: As my investment in dresses has tripled over the past year, the payback is worth it. I love that dresses can go from day to night in a few simple steps! I can wear them to work and wear them out without fretting. Transition pieces are the secret to my closet success.

And last, but certainly not least...

Scarves: Whether you pile 'em high or wear them lightly around your nape, scarves have become *the* accessory. (Let's just say Macy's continues to consider me a valued customer for the time I've spent in that department!) Such neckwear adds a certain playfulness or a hint of personality to a suit or a plain old t-shirt that you can't bear to toss.

I'm sure I will be adding more favorite things to this list. After all, holiday shopping is just around the corner!

Transition Period

Spotlight on: Best Discount Shoe Stores

As a fashion addict, I do not discriminate when it comes to vital wardrobe staples. But my all-time favorite wardrobe enhancer is shoes. (I have the desktop background to prove it).

By channeling my inner Imelda Marcos, I have enhanced my closet until the point that it is overflowing with fancy footwear.

So where do I find such great shoes? Below are just a few of my favorite discount shoe stores.

Famous Footwear: this store carries the likes of Steve Madden and Franco Sarto, but also carries lines whose main goal is comfort (among them being Easy Spirit and Aerosoles). What's great about this store is its range. It is the one place I can find shoes for work and sneakers for the gym without breaking the bank.

Best for: wear to work, cross training, families on a budget

Love My Shoes: New Yorkers in particular should take a closer look at this discount store. If you're looking for a "statement shoe", footwear found at L.M.S. does just that. While some brands are virtually unknown, they never fail when it comes to receiving compliments. My favorite from this store is a pair of Jeffrey Campbell espadrilles in red, white and blue (I was feeling really patriotic). On the whole, however, the store, which has an extensive line of products available on its Web site, has the sexiest, most dramatic foot fashions.

Best for: going out, brightening an everyday outfit

DSW: This store is a combination of the above two. While it can be overwhelming to see rows and rows of shoes, it gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling that there are so many options. It is probably the only place I was able to buy Uggs 25% less than retail price. It never ceases to amaze me that it carries lines found in high-end department stores, but at flea market prices.

Best for: those who want variety

Other favorite shoe sites (discount or otherwise): Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Piperlime.com, Bluefly.com

Accessories galore

I am a major fashion junkie, but what I love more than anything is finding a killer deal. One of a kind of accessories is my bag (pun intended). That's why I turn to Alltherageonline for new and exciting jewelry.

From a to zebra print, this site has pieces for a special occasion, the every day, for work and for play. Almost every item is less than $30. But beware: hot items sell out fast!

Fashion Philosophy 101: An Introduction

I sometimes compare shopping to gardening. Weed out the unnecessary, keep the basics, and always add a touch of you for the final flourish… I am a big believer in trends, but what I believe more is making it your own. 

For instance, getting a sexy satchel from a high-end designer is worth a mortgage payment, but an alternative like Botkier for Target works just as nicely. Personally, I think some fashion trends are not me. And that’s okay. Smart, sophisticated women can decipher between what looks good and what, well, doesn’t. 

You, as a fashionista, should never compromise who you are. While you may have a certain style (say, bohemian), nothing says you can’t incorporate billowy tops with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt. For example, opt to combine funky jewelry with a simply white blouse and slacks. Be a trendsetter by modifying classic and revolutionizing looks. 

Don’t follow the rules… bend them!