9 Things to Know about Nancy Gonzalez

We recently viewed the Resort 2012 collection of handbag designer, Nancy Gonzalez, who is known for her handbags and clutches made of precious exotic skins. We were totally amazed by the beauty and craftsmanship of this luxury line, which boasts bright beautiful colors inspired by the designer's native city, Cali, Columbia.

Nancy Gonzalez launched the line in 1988, a woman entrepreneur from a Latin American company who eventually took her eponymous brand worldwide and whose bags are sold at high-end boutiques and the department stores, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.


Here are nine fascinating facts about this fabulous line:



1-  Each skin is selected and matched by experts as it takes multiple skins to fabricate a single handbag, and each design is hand-sewn and hand-dyed.

2- Due to the particularities of precious skins and the dyeing process, no two bags are ever identical. Furthermore, each bag is lined with a different, randomly-selected shade of suede, making the bag-lining color combinations varying and unique.

3- If all the above-mentioned features weren't unique enough for you, every season, the company also creates a diversity of singular one-of-a-kind designs, which is an incredible opportunity to own something exclusive and unique.

4- Nancy Gonzalez's designs are surprisingly practical; even the smaller handbags and little clutches open to reveal deceptively roomy interiors and offer organizational features like tons of pockets and slots for credit cards.



5- The company's Cali factory employs hundreds of local artisans, 90 percent of whom are women.

6- Nancy Gonzalez recruits single mothers and provides them with training and on-site day care, according to a book about the company by Pamela Golbin. Golbin quotes Nancy Gonzalez as saying, "For me, if a mother has a job, then her child has a much better chance for a healthy life and a successful future."


7- The company actually raises its own crocodiles in-house- by farm-raising their own animals, they can guarantee the quality of the skins and the sustainability of the species; they keep 25 percent of the crocodiles on the farms in order to maintain the species.


8- Nancy Gonzalez's designs have been featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.

9- If you are ready to make an investment handbag purchase, Nancy Gonzalez's bags are a great value. They are stylish yet timeless and delicate yet sturdy enough to stand the test of time. They are the kind of bags you can pass down from mother to daughter! Check out the collection at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Star Style: Cindy Crawford's Daughter Makes Modeling Debut

Cindy Crawford's daughter, Kaia Gerber, age 10, has debuted as the first face of the newly launching Young Versace children's clothing line.  The photo of Kaia for Young Versace is above, juxtaposed next to a photo of her supermodel mother.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Young Versace will hit stores in the spring and that "the kid's line (ages 0 through 12) will feature signature Versace details such as Medusa heads, gold studding and an overall edgy, rock 'n' roll vibe." In a press release, Donatella Versace said, "Like her mother, Kaia has a very special gift."

At just 10 years old, Kaia is very young and the ad campaign has not been without controversy, but she does look beautiful in the photograph and bears an amazing resemblance to her model mom. 
 
Kaia doesn't just resemble her mom in the Versace ad; check out how much Kaia looks like her famous mother in the family photo below:

The Versace children's campaign may be Kaia's first modeling job, but based upon her genetics, it will undoubtedly not be her last!

A New Spin on Cuff Bracelets

How fabulous is the above-pictured cuff bracelet? It is the work of a super-talented local designer here in SW Florida, and would you believe that the inspiration for this bracelet began with a pile of old LPs at a garage sale? Let us explain.

Kris Isenberg, a former children's birthday party planner and mother of four, says that the inspiration for her jewelry line began in the Spring of 2010 when she had a garage sale, and was left with a stack of vinyl records which did not sell. Just as her husband was about to pack the stack up to take over to Goodwill, Kris said, "Wait, I can do something with those old records!"

After a little research and a lot of experimentation, Kris figured out the perfect formula for transforming old records into fabulous jewelry. By heating, cutting, cooling, sanding and then painting the LPs, Kris creates custom cuffs from old records- yes, the bracelet shown above is actually made from an old LP, as are these other great designs:

Some of Kris' most beloved designs center around a Wonder Woman-theme:

Kris explains that the Wonder Woman cuffs actually have a very inspirational message. "A lot of people give them as gifts to women in their lives who may be in crisis and who need to be reminded of their own inner strength, such as women who may be ill," she explains. "It's a good thing to wear as reminder of the strength a woman has within."

Kris has many more fantastic designs, and each piece is handmade, hand-painted and totally gorgeous. Our Om Bracelet (like the one pictured at the very top of the post) has even been mistaken for vintage Chanel!

The bracelets retail for a very reasonable $25 each. Shop the Lucky Power collection on Etsy here.

Susan Says: Hair Advice from the Experts

I am always looking for the latest and greatest hair-care tips and products. In an effort to gather some great ideas, I went to some of my favorite sources, including my own personal hair stylist and two of my favorite magazines. Here is some of the hair-care wisdom:

 
Brian McClain, Hair Stylist 

Since hair is usually the thing that people notice about us first, the first thing I sought out when I relocated to Florida (yes, even before a finding a physician) was a skilled hair stylist who "gets it." Your hair style is your everyday accessory and your hair color should be updated to complement your skin tone and keep a youthful appearance. 


Our personal hair stylist is Brian McClain.  Before bringing his talents to Naples, FL, Brian was Artistic Director of his own salon in Chicago for over twenty years.  I asked Brian about the latest trends in hair and he replied,  "Full, textured hair is very of the moment and rightfully so after ten years of stick straight hair. ... I personally love lush, textured looks with color that is artistically painted with a variety of gorgeous hues blended with definition.." 

Brian's favorite new hair product? Paul Mitchell Texturizing Sea Spray.  Brian raves, "It is a hair spray that a day at the beach would give you.  I prefer applying it on wet hair and adding a little throughout the day."

You can make an appointment for a consultation with Brian by phoning him at 239-200-9710.  He is offering 15% off your first visit for cut and color services.

Ladies' Home Journal

In October 2011, Ladies' Home Journal had a wonderfully insightful article on communicating what you want and, more importantly, what you want to avoid when communicating with your hair stylist. Here are some pointers that are worth remembering:

1.  If you don't want high maintenance hair, say so.

2.  Note any feature you would like to highlight or downplay.

3.  Take a gradual approach to change.

4.  Ease into bangs; specify length and whether side or straight .

5.  Brings photos to clarify; a picture is worth 1,000 words!

6.  When you ask for a trim, specify exactly; a trim typically is one to one and one half inches.

7.  Never say "whatever you think is best."

LHJ also offered these tips for what not to expect from your hair stylist:

1.  Instant dramatic lightening - When people wish to make a dramatic change in color, from super dark hair to blonde or red, it cannot typically occur in one sitting.  If you do so, it could possibly damage the hair.   For major lightening, allow for a number of appointments.

2.  Exact photo matching - If you have an old photo of yourself and wish to replicate the color, remember that our skin tone changes with age.  Also, a change in style can change the appearance of the color on you now.

5.  Total long lasting coverage - The texture of most grays make them tough to color and tough to keep colored.  To date, nobody has come up with the perfect formula to keep gray away for as long as we would like.

6.  Never simply request a texturizing cut:  What it could amount to is a razor cut which can often be too feathery; when asking for a cut to add volume, specify root volume; otherwise you could end up with a mushroom look!

Prevention Magazine

Finally, Jennifer Goldstein, Beauty Editor of Prevention Magazine stresses the importance of frequent trims, and offers some helpful hints, such as that if you request a "dusting," which is less than 1/4 inch, you may pay less than you would for a regular haircut.  Also, frequent shampooing is very drying to hair.  It is wise to wash hair less frequently and instead massage a dry shampoo into sectioned hair, which also provides volume.  

I personally love Alterna products; in fact, they make a dry anti-aging shampoo.  Another award-winning product for your consideration for restructuring hair is Redken Time Reset Corrective Defense. I just received a sample of Alterna Ten Shampoo, which is sulfate-free and rebalances all hair types; I found it to be moisturizing and volumizing.  Appropriately, I will give it a perfect 10! 

A Beautiful Book

The Beauty Book is an absolutely breathtaking collection of exquisite photographs of beyond-beautiful celebrities, all bound into a collectable coffee table tome. It contains over 300 pages of photos of over 120 models, musicians, actors and actresses, including Jessica Alba, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Hugh Jackman, Amy Adams, Nicole Richie, and of course the above-pictured cover girl, Scarlett Johansson. The celebs are gorgeous- and they are beautifully styled, right down to their makeup and manicures- and the photography is first-class.

But that's not the reason to buy The Beauty Book. The reason to buy The Beauty Book is that all profits from the sale of the book benefit brain cancer research.

The book is the work of photographer Darren Tieste and his partner on the project, Sarah "Pantera" Uphoff. After Tieste lost his close friend, 35-year-old Natalie Sattler Esposito, to brain cancer in September 2008, he says, "I used all my Hollywood connections to give brain cancer a voice and The Beauty Book was born." He soon partnered with Uphoff, who lost her mother to the disease, and who was able to rally her own Hollywood connections to contribute to the cause.

Brain cancer is a devastating disease that afflicts more than 35,000 Americans a year, according to the National Cancer Institute, including many young adults in the prime of their lives, and even many children.  Every year, too many beautiful people are lost to this horrible illness.

So it is inspiring to see the vast array of famous beautiful people who came together to be photographed for this book. And it is a good feeling to do something- anything- to help raise funds and awareness for this awful disease, even if it's something as simple as buying a book.

Bow Tie Blouses: A Timeless Trend

Lately we've been blogging about our favorite trends- such as color blocking, Peter Pan collars, pleated skirts and printed denim. Another standout style is the bow blouse, which was huge for fall and which is still a fresh and modern look for spring.

Before we discuss bow blouse options and styling tips, first let's address a common misconception about this trend, which is that this is a trend that is not appropriate for every age group. We beg to differ! Often we hear older women say that they can't wear a bow blouse, lest they appear too old-fashioned or frumpy. We also hear younger women say they are concerned that a bow blouse won't look young and fresh enough. We believe that with appropriate styling, a bow blouse is a great choice for any woman, from a teenager to a grandmother.

The easiest way to make a bow blouse look fresh? Just add jeans and you have an instantly modern look.  In this photo from US Weekly, Pippa Middleton models the look:

While jeans are the easiest, fool-proof way to style a bow blouse, check out how totally modern and fun a bow blouse looks on TV personality/socialite Olivia Palermo, who wore her white blouse with shorts at a fashion show this fall:

There are so many fabulous tie-neck tops to chose from in stores and online now.

Equipment is known for making some of the best shirts on the market, and this tie-neck style is especially fabulous, with its sheer style and subtle polka-dot pattern. It's $218 at Nordstrom now.

We love the pattern and the fringe on the bow on this Waverly Blouse from Tory Burch; it's on sale now for $212 on Tory Burch's website. In addition to this printed style, there are also solid-colored versions which are priced at a few dollars less, and which are really luxe, classic and gorgeous- choose from pink, ivory or a great shade called Arabian Spice. Check out the full selection here.

A fraction of the price but also super cute, this Tinley Road bow blouse is on sale online on Piperlime for an astounding $19.99- and Piperlime offers free shipping with no minimum purchase! The top is available in two colors- the grey/black combo featured below and a super-sharp-looking white/black combination as well.

After you make your shopping selection- or dig into your wardrobe (or your mother's closet!) for a bow blouse from the past, here are a few more ideas for how to style your shirt, from one of our favorite fashion resources, InStyle magazine. This article from the January 2012 issue shows you four ways to tie your bow tie to complete your look. (Also note the photo of Jessica Biel looking sharp in a bow blouse and blue jeans!)

Bow blouses have a great, long history in fashion and we think a bow blouse will tie up and complete any outfit.

Food, Fitness & Fashion

We are always looking for ways to eat well, improve our nutrition, build strength and bolster our immune systems through optimal diet. And all the better if eating well helps to improve our skin, hair, nails and overall appearance.

That's why we were so excited to be introduced to Jenia Yashaya. Jenia has a unique background which combines nutrition, fitness, and what else? Fashion!

An FIT grad who worked in high-end NYC retail stores for many years, Jenia also has her B.S. degree in Nutrition Therapy & Exercise Physiology. She is also an AFAA-certified Personal Trainer and Aerobic Instructor, and received her holistic nutrition training from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she was trained in more than one hundred dietary theories.

Did we mention that Jenia (pictured above) is also the mother of two young children? Oh, and she also recently launched her own business, which is fabulously named: Holistic Body Couture: Naturally Tailored from the Inside Out.  Her mission? "To educate, inform, and change the way people think and live in more healthy, natural active way to suit their lifestyle."

How does Jenia have the energy to do all this? By eating right, of course! We love that as a fashionista, fitness trainer, and holistic nutritionist, Jenia understands all the elements that go into good health and looking your best.

So we asked Jenia, "What is the one single best thing a woman of any age can eat to improve her overall appearance and well being?"

Jenia's answer was simple: Swap caffeine for water and green juice. Jenia swears that if we skip our morning coffee and dust off our juicer instead, whipping up some green juice (Jenia loves kale), we'll see an improvement in our skin, hair, energy, clarity, and we may even lose weight.

Jenia also gave us a list of power foods to create super-smoothies. To begin, put almond milk, bananas, and frozen strawberries into a blender. This alone sounds yummy and healthful but Jenia recommends adding some of the following for a beauty-health-energy boost:

• Hemp powder for complete protein
• Maca powder for libido, energy, to help prevent PMS, to stave off anxiety and for reproductive health
• Cacao- the ingredient that chocolate is made from- for antioxidants, vitamins and fiber

To learn more about Jenia visit her website, holisticbodycouture.com (she has more great recipes on her site as well).

Jenia offers a free 45-minute consultation during which she will discuss your personal health history, diet, and nutrition goals and she is also currently offering a 10 percent discount on her nutrition consultation service. She has a six-month program during which she meets with her clients bi-weekly to provide ongoing personalized nutrition support and advice. She can meet in person, on the phone, or even via Skype, so while Jenia is NY-based, you can connect with her anywhere.

Email Jenia at Jenia@HolisticBodyCouture.com and let her know you saw her on Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Dana's Dream Buy of the Day: Printed Denim

We recently blogged about colored denim, which has been a huge trend this fall. If you thought that jeans in colors like fuschia, purple and royal blue were over-the-top, you have yet to see what is coming up on spring's fashion horizon.

Printed jeans, which range from floral prints to ikat to animal prints to plaid, are a major trend for Spring 2012. But the total show-stoppers are the upcoming styles from Mother Denim, which are known as "landscape jeans," and which are pictured above. These denim delights are deliciously dubbed "Day in Paradise" and "CherryPickin," and I can't wait until they hit stores.

A little background on Mother Denim for those of you who are not yet familiar: The brand was launched in 2010 by designers who previously launched the denim juggernauts 7 for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity, and the line is know for its super-soft fabrics, seventies-inspired styles, and superb fit.

Some of these styles can seem pretty wild, but I totally believe they are not only fun but also easily wearable. Pair them with solid tops, simple shoes and minimize accessories, and voila! You have a show-stopping look that is easy and effortless to put together. 

Until these dream jeans come to a store near me, I'll just indulge in a little fashion fantasy about wearing jeans named "Day in Paradise" while on some fabulous vacation, strolling some exotic port...

Susan Says: You're Never Fully Dressed Without a (Bright) Smile!

Nothing ages a person more than faded, dark, dull or uneven teeth.  A great smile and white teeth are basic to looking good and can bolster self esteem and confidence. So how can a person improve their smile?

Dr. Andrea Cameron, a partner in Naples Dental Studio, is an expert both from professional and personal experience.  

Dr. Cameron says, "I have been a teeth whitening guinea pig over the course of twenty years.  Teeth whitening products first came out in the early 1990s.  Back then many people had yellow teeth that really showed their age . . . . the early products for whitening were messy but very simple and gave people a great smile."

But today's teeth whitening technology is more advanced. 

Dr. Cameron explains, "Today, whitening techniques are much faster and give terrific results to remove stains that happen with aging, wine, coffee, tea, cola and dark colored fruits and vegetables.  The whitening gel contains carbide that penetrates the tooth enamel and oxidizes the stain deposits that lead to discoloration." 

There are two superior methods of tooth whitening:  in-office laser teeth whitening and the custom tray system: 

• In-office teeth whitening uses light energy to activate the whitening solution and produces immediate results.   
• With the custom tray system, you simply wear trays containg the gel for an hour and a half during the day or while you sleep for two to three weeks.  There are many companies that create this sysem like Contrast PM and Nite White.  The  most common concentration of carbamide peroxide is 16-22%.

According to Dr. Cameron, both whitening systems "give amazing results, far superior to over-the-counter whiteners that are much weaker in peroxide concentration and can lead to chemical burns on the gums due to a lack of custom-fitted trays." 

After consulting with Dr. Cameron, I personally opted for the custom tray system.  I wear the trays containing the gel for an hour and a half during the day or at night. I found that after two weeks there was a very significant whitening of my teeth.  

I have noticed that you can get trays online (they send you a mold to make on your own) but, as Dr. Cameron advises, that could wreak havoc on your gums.

I can speak from personal experience in endorsing the trays.  It was messy having the technician make the molds but I am very pleased with the outcome.  I also had cosmetic bonding applied to my front teeth which were uneven.  I had the bonding applied about five years ago and they still look as great today as when they were initially done.  A bit more expensive are porcelain veneers, very thin shells that can be placed over stains, cracks and chips to give a smile a youthful and natural-looking shine.

A bright, white smile never goes out of fashion and is definitely the best investment you can make in yourself for your personal well-being, self-confidence and style.

If The Shoe Fits: Susan's Shoe Shopping Tips

Being "shoe fit certified" and working for many years at the # 1 retailer known for its amazing shoe department, I can give you some sage advice:  never scrimp on shoes; always remember, FEET FIRST!! Your feet support your entire body and it is important to treat them right! Here are some tips to be sure you put your best foot forward:

• You can put together an outfit on a very limited budget, but do buy the best shoes that you can.
• It is important to have your feet measured periodically.  Go to a retailer who provides shoe measurement, including width, as very often your shoe size may change.  
• Look for sufficient inside padding and good support; especially as we age these things are vital.
• If you consult with a shoe fit professional, you will save time, money and possibly a trip to the podiatrist.  I have seen first hand how people have ended up with severe problems with their feet due to wearing ill-fitting, tight or very high-heeled shoes. 
• Be sure to shop for shoes at the end of the day, because our feet expand as the day progresses, especially in the heat.  
• Never wear the same shoes day-to-day; switch off because the shoes need time to air out.  
• I love Cole Haan shoes because they have Nike Air sneaker construction even in their highest heeled shoes.  Also, Munro shoes come in wide widths, are made in America and are superbly comfortable. 
• The number one website for shoe deals is 6PM.com.  We have blogged about this website previously; many of the shoes are up to 70% off and some of the styles are "just off the department store floor."
   

Now that you are all set with some insider tips for your next shoe shopping trip, here are some of the hottest spring and summer trends to be on the lookout for when you are in the stores:

• You don't have to be a cat lover to wear "kitten heels."  They are feminine, classic and above all comfortable, especially if you stand for long periods of time. Check out these adorable printed kitten heels from Tory Burch's Spring 2012 collection.
• Nude shoes have already been a hit; this year pastel colors will also be showcased.
• Sheer booties and other transparent shoe styles are seeing a comeback for summer.
• Metallic toes dominates. We've already blogged about the VC Signature line from Vince Camuto which features a fabulous metallic toe heel, and there are many more amazing metallic-tipped styles coming for spring/summer.
• Metallic shoes in gorgeous golds and silvers are still going strong; check out some of the exquisite new styles from Elie Tahari.
• Ankle-strap sandals are a strong trend; these from Isabel Marant have been seen on numerous celebrities and are sold out online. 

Getting Uplifted in 2012!

Building your fashion wardrobe begins with the right foundation. But did you know that 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size? Yikes! That means only a small minority of women are actually walking around in bras that fit properly!

Did you know that to perfect your look you should have your bra size measured every two years?  Breast size changes over time due to pregnancy, menopause and weight loss or gain. So if you think you know your bra size, but you haven't been measured within the last couple of years, you could be in for a surprise when your measurements are taken. 

Here are some tell tale signs that you are probably wearing the incorrect bra size:

• Straps that slip off your arm (annoying!)
• Bra strap cutting into shoulders (ouch!)
• Wrinkled bra cups
• Bra band riding up in the back
• Underwire discomfort

The correct bra size provides support and comfort, uplifting to reveal your waist and aiding in good posture (an absolute must!). Also,  a properly fitted bra can help eliminate back pain and can help eliminate tension. Ahh, that sounds good!

Of course if you haven't been measured in a while, it's a great idea to go to a trusted store and have a professional fit you for size. If you can't make it to the store, check out Soma Intimates' online Fit Guide Video which will walk you through the process of taking your own measurements so you can then buy a bra online.

Soma Intimates is actually running its big Semi-Annual sale which will be in effect for about another week; (they do not have an official end date for the sale).

 
Soma is also running a bra donation campaign now through February 26- they explain that "bras are the most needed yet least donated item of clothing."  We never thought of this before, but it makes so much sense.

Soma is partnering with The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV); donate new or gently used bras to benefit local shelters in your area.  Bring your bra donations to a Soma store near you, or mail your donated bras to:

Soma Bra Donation

National Network to End Domestic Violence

2001 S. Streeet N.W. Suite 400

Washington, D.C.  20009

 

Color Blocking 101

Yesterday we reported on the pleated-skirt trend, which is still going strong for spring. Another trend which is here to stay for spring is color blocking, which as been re-emerging on the fashion runways.

Perhaps you are wondering, what is color blocking? Color blocking is creating an outfit by putting blocks of solid colors next to each other. There's no need to go out and purchase color-blocked items of clothing; you can create your color-block style by simply combining pieces already in your wardrobe! 

Here, the actress Freida Pinto models a Michael Kors look in this image from InStyle, which has a fabulous gallery of celebrities of all ages- everyone from Julianne Moore to Michelle Obama to a pregnant Jessica Alba- donning color-blocked looks galore.

The main rule when it comes to color blocking is to keep it simple: color-blocking can cut the body shape, so limit yourself to no more than 2-3 colors in your outfit, and limit yourself when it comes to accessories- choose what you want to color block and keep the rest simple.

Color blocking can actually help to accentuate your figure- you can use a darker color to detract from problem areas. If you want to accentuate your waist, for instance, try a block of color around your middle. If you want to de-emphasize a pear shape, keep the darker colors at the bottom of the ensemble and draw attention to the top with a bright bold shade. To create a slimming effect, wear a darker column down the front of the torso, and then wear a colored jacket or cardigan over top to create the color block.

You can play around with various fun color combinations, such as complementing shades of blue (cobalt, navy, deep blue) or complementing shades of pink, purple and fuschia.

Another way to incorporate the trend into your look is to simply select a color-block accessory. We adore this awesome Marc Jacobs bag in fuschia multi:

A lower-priced take on the trend is this SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Colorblock Clutch which comes with detachable strap.

A simple and casual way to color block on the weekend is to simply experiment with one of the vibrant shades of colorful denim now available. Add a contrasting top or accessory and voila! You have a color block outfit! If you still need more selection, there is a huge assortment of colorblock dresses here.

Spring's Pleasing Pleated Skirts

When we think of "pleated skirts" we conjure up images of unflattering school-girlish uniforms which add bulk.

Fast forward to 2012 and we now see a slew of slimming and chic iterations of old-school pleats. Pleated skirts are a huge trend which is only gaining momentum and there are so many flattering styles available to suit any budget and any age.

A quick glance through any current fashion magazine will yield evidence of the strength of the pleated skirt trend; for example, the fashion story below is from the January issue of InStyle:

And of course we can always look to celebrities as our trusty fashion bellwethers and plenty of celebs have modeled the look, showing how on-trend pleated skirts are, and how modern and flattering they can be.

For example, this photo from US Weekly shows the youthful celebrities Taylor Swift and Blake Lively looking lovely in pleated skirts:

But lest you think this style is just for the younger generation, check out our own First Lady, the elegant Michelle Obama, modeling the look:

The First Lady has actually rocked a pleated skirt on more than one occasion; check out her absolutely gorgeous skirt designed by Suno in this photo:

For a high-end example of a classic, on-trend, grown-up version of the look, check out this midi-length style from Ralph Lauren, which retails at Saks for $798:

No need to have sticker shock, however- they are plenty of pleated skirts at every price point!

Nordstrom has this sweet style from Collective Concepts in two bold colors,  Kelly Green (pictured above) and Watermelon. It retails for $68.

The skirt above is aptly named the Bold Flame and it's for sale for $42.99 on a shopping site called  ModCloth.com, which specializes in fashion from independent designers. The company was founded by a husband and wife team and offers free returns and exchanges and free shipping on orders over $50. 

The Gap also has lots of super styles and on they are sale! Check out their wide selection here, including this adorable metallic pleated skirt (above) which is on sale and is a steal at $24.99.

Finally, if you needed more suggestions for affordable styles, never fear: designer pleated skirts will soon be arriving at a Target store near you, thanks to the upcoming debut of Jason Wu for Target.  The collection is a pleated skirt bonanza. There is this black version (below) which will sell for $29.99:

...and there are also florals, stripes and dress versions galore! You can see the entire lookbook here.  

We've already blogged about the phenomenon that was Missoni for Target and we generally can't resist the temptation of buying low-priced designer clothes while also grabbing groceries at our local Super Target; the whole concept is very hard to resist, and this forthcoming collection looks super cute, so we are totally excited to make a dash for Target on February 5 when Jason Wu for Target arrives in stores!

All Tied Up

Why do we love scarves? Let us count the ways!

1. Regardless of the weather, a scarf can add flair to any outfit. 

2. A scarf is a great and potentially inexpensive way to try out a trend, such as polka dots or animal prints. 

3. Scarves are available to fit any budget, with price tags in the low to high-end range (depending on designer).

4. And of course a scarf is a fabulous accessory for fashionistas of any age, so anyone can make a scarf their signature piece to complement or change the look of an outfit.  

Sometimes we hear people say they can't wear scarves because they don't know how to tie them, but really anyone can learn to style a scarf! If you live near a Nordstrom department store, you can inquire at the Accessories Department as they offer ongoing group tutorials in the art of scarf-tying. 

A latest trend is the infinity scarf.  As the name suggests these scarves are circular and thus fool-proof to style; simply pull it on like you would any sweater. One affordable version which looks great with jeans is this style from Frenchi, which retails at Nordstrom for a mere $22.

While some may associate scarves with cold-weather climates, we beg to differ! A scarf is actually an essential for those who live in warm-weather climates as well.  Those who live in Southern climates will attest to the fact that you never know when you may enter an ice-cold air-conditioned office, store or restaurant. Thus it is a great idea to keep handy a stylish scarf which can double as a wrap; pashminas are great for such purposes. Again Nordstrom has some super styles; check out these reversible wraps which come in a multitude of colors and which are are made of a wool-silk-cashmere blend; they retail for under $100. 

You can also score a great deal on some beautiful scarves today through Friday on the members-only flash sale site Gilt.com. If you are already a member of this site, check out their shop called "The Winter Scarf." If you are not already a member (membership is free of charge), consider joining to have access to the sale, which includes fabulous finds such as this Buddha Scarf by Yarnz, which is offered at $39, discounted from its MSRP of $165:

If you are not already familiar with how Gilt and similar flash-sale sites work, they offer deep discounts for limited times on fabulous merchandise. If you become a member of Gilt and refer a friend to the site, you will receive a $25 credit from Gilt after your friend's makes their first purchase on the site. Because these flash sales have limited inventory, they sell out quickly- if you like a style and are disappointed to see that it is already sold out, it's a good idea to add your name to the waiting list- Gilt will email you if the item in question becomes available again, and you can decide then if you still want to purchase it.

Priscillia of Boston Massacre

 
Recently, dozens of brand new white wedding dresses were reportedly found draped over a parking lot of Priscilla of Boston in Edina, Minnesota while two men sprayed red paint on the gowns, priced in the thousands.  One wedding gown, priced at $6,000, was a Vera Wang design.

In August, 2011, David's Bridal, the parent company, announced it would close its Priscilla of Boston stores on December 30th, 2011 after 65 years in business.  The blatant destruction of the gowns, rather than a decision by the corporation to donate the gowns, caused an uproar, and David's Bridal responded with a statement saying, “While it has been Priscilla of Boston’s policy not to make donations of sample dresses that are in poor condition, we recognize that some of these dresses could possibly have gone to worthy causes. David’s Bridal has already begun bringing together all of the remaining Priscilla of Boston gowns to evaluate them and ensure that they are donated to our charitable partners wherever possible."

The practice of destroying merchandise is not unique to this situation, unfortunately.  A news report out of Pittsburgh revealed that employees at a local JC Penney were instructed to destroy rather than donate merchandise from Ralph Lauren's American Living line.  There have also been reports of merchandise destruction at Victoria's Secret as well as H&M and WalMart. Dr. Audrey Guskey, a consumer expert at Duquesne University, told the ABC News affiliate in Pittsburgh that sometimes retailers "prefer to slash the merchandise rather than slash the prices, and that's very unfortunate."

We are big believers in recycling clothing and shopping for previously used goods when possible, as well buying products that support charitable causes.  And it's especially appalling to think about something as intricate, sentimental and valuable as a wedding gown being destroyed rather than donated, when there are so many brides who need access to affordable gowns and so many worthy causes that can benefit from having the ability the sell such gowns for charitable purposes.

We know first-hand of a wonderful nonprofit bridal boutique in New York City called The Bridal Garden. They sell the absolute best names in bridal design for up to 75 percent off retail prices, with the proceeds going to support education for New York City children. If you have a wedding gown, considering donating it, and if you know any brides-to-be in the New York City metropolitan area, send them to The Bridal Garden store!

Other worthy organizations that accept donated dresses include Brides Across America, which donates gowns to military brides, or Brides Against Breast Cancer, an organization which provides support for cancer patients and which holds bridal gown sales to raise funds for their endeavors.

We are hoping that the "Priscilla of Boston Massacre" - and the bad press it generated- will give retailers food for thought as to the merits of donating, rather than destroying, superfluous or flawed merchandise to worthy causes.

Star Style: Donna Karan and Gabby Karan De Felice

Donna Karan is a global fashion legend with her eponymous fashion lines, the high-end Donna Karan label and the more affordable DKNY line.  But did you know that, while the brand-name bears her initials, the inspiration behind DKNY was actually Karan's daughter, Gabby?

According to the DKNY web site, "Karan’s quest for the perfect jeans, as well as her desire to dress her daughter Gabby, resulted in the 1989 birth of DKNY." Wikipedia says "DKNY was founded in 1989 in New York by Donna Karan inspired by her daughter, Gabby." 

This mother-daughter duo is incredibly close; they live next door to each other and their businesses (Donna's Urban Zen store and Gabby's restaurant, Tutto Il Giorno) are side-by-side in Sag Harbor, NY.  Gabby interviewed her mother for Hamptons magazine, and Donna explained that she and Gabby "share so much—Sag Harbor, our homes, the garden in between the store and restaurant, our work habits, our friends and, of course, our closets."

The fact that the Karan women share a wardrobe is easily evidenced by photographs of the designer and her doppelganger daughter.  In the photo above, Donna and Gabby were photographed at the 2009 amFAR Gala in New York City wearing similar black dresses.

Here, three generations- Donna, Gabby, and Gabby's daughter, Stephania- were photographed for InStyle magazine wearing similar styles from Donna's Urban Zen Initiative.  Notice how Donna, Gabby and Stephania not only have coordinated dresses, but also matching necklaces and bracelets.

Just as Gabby inspired her mother to launch DKNY, Donna Karan and Gabby Karan De Felice inspire us with their wonderful close relationship and fabulous shared style.

Peter Pan Collars: A Grown-Up Look for Any Age

Back in the '50s, Peter Pan collars were all the rage for changing the look of a blouse or dress.  Peter Pan collars recently took the fashion world by storm again when they were featured on the Louis Vuitton runway, where they made a great sensation. These collars can change a mundane dress or shirt into something retro, feminine and fun.

Peter Pan collars are an awesome look for any generation. Here are some case in points.

Recently, Mason Disick's grandma, the Kardashian family matriarch Kris Jenner, wore an exquisite Peter Pan collar with a velvet tie on national television:

 

Meanwhile, the young stars Elle and Dakota Fanning were featured in Vogue wearing similar styles...

...and Pippa Middleton also donned a dress with a Peter Pan collar.

And if you needed any further evidence that Peter Pan collars are au courant for any age group, look no further than Exhibit A below: the ultimate fashionista Victoria Beckham modeled the look in London recently.

This trend isn't limited to just the Peter Pan style, however. In fact, collars of all kinds are cool right now. One fabulous take on the trend is the collar-style necklace. Dannijo makes some unbelievable styles, including this totally over-the-top, handmade crystal-embellished beauty:

We also love the collars made by our favorite local designer here in SW Florida, Dixie's Daughter. We've previously featured their fabulous fasincators on our blog and we are also big fans of these exquisite Chinese brocade collars:

You can just button one of these collars on and change up any look.

Dixie's Daughter's collars can be special-ordered for $25 and up. Dixie's Daughter makes a diversity of collar styles and certainly can custom-make the collar of your dreams; simply send an inquiry to dixiesdaughter@aol.com and let them know we sent you!

Notable New Shoe Line

We are glad to be back to the blog after being away due to a serious medical situation. During our health crisis, there were few brights spots- but one of them was reading a magazine at the hospital and spotting an ad for these awesome shoes.

When we first spied them in the magazine, we were sure they were the work of a super high-end designer. Upon inspection, we noticed the advertisement simply stated the manufacturer as "VC," which was kind of mysterious. We were delighted when we finally deduced that the "VC" in question was none other than Vince Camuto, who we love for his fashion-forward, wallet-friendly designs.

When we checked out the entire VC Signature collection online, we also discovered these  incredible rhinestone heels which are available for pre-order for spring.  

In this interview, the designer explains that the VC Signature line "is more feminine, delicate and not so trend-driven. There are a lot of low heels. We use real snakeskin and Italian leathers."  With prices ranging from $295 to $495, VC Signature, which launched at Nordstrom, is priced at more of an investment than the regular Vince Camuto line, but with such timeless designs and superior materials, we think they are worth the splurge.