Big Screen Style at Banana Republic

Keira Knightley in the upcoming motion picture Anna Karenina

Banana Republic has created a holiday capsule collection of 19th Century Russian-inspired fashion to coincide with the launching of the movie, Anna Karenina.  The collection will arrive in stores in late October to coincide with the release of the movie on November 9th.

The film's wardrobe designer, Jacqueline Durran, who worked with the retailer in creating the line of clothing and accessories states, "You take (faux) fur, jewels, lace, textures a bit of color .... and reapply them."  The collection contains 75 pieces with prices ranging from $29.50 to $500. According to the creative director for Banana Republic, Simon Kneen, there are lots of military inspired fashions in the menswear collection, a notable silhouette in the film.  

We look forward to seeing Keira Knightley as Anna Karenina and to shopping the holiday capsule collection by one of our favorites retailers, Banana Republic.  

Here is a preview of the upcoming collection:

Dana's Dream Buy of the Day: J. Crew for Fall

I recently blogged about how I still dream of a back-to-school fall wardrobe shopping- even though I graduated many years ago, and am living in Florida, where fall is more of a concept that an actual, wardrobe-altering season. Still, when I received the latest J. Crew catalog in the mail I found myself lapsing into back-to-school shopping mode. Here are the items I am especially coveting:


First, I could envision living in these wearable flats in a fabulous leopard print with just a little bit of (gold!) heel:

J. Crew Janey in Hazelnut/Leopard $298

This sequin top is so effortlessly glam:

ZigZag Sequin Top $138

I loved all the photo-print fashions that were shown on the runways, and this silk top is a great take on the trend:

Collection Silk Popover in Photo Floral $695

You can never go wrong with a great white shirt, and we've previously blogged about our love for collar necklaces for women of any age, so what could be better than this white shirt that comes with a fabulous detachable crystal necklace?

Collection Crystal Necklace Shirt $225

Happy back-to-school shopping- no matter how long it has been since graduation!!

Dana's Inspiration: Renaissance Women

I am always inspired by the many women I know who are attempting to "have it all" ... My friends all inspire me in different ways but since this is a style blog, I wanted to highlight some women who are doing amazing things in the worlds of beauty and fashion!

Alyssa Weisler

Alyssa Weisler with her sons

Alyssa Weisler and I were roommates in NYC back when we were newly out of college and just beginning our careers.  Over the years, Alyssa held marketing and PR positions at such esteemed beauty companies as Avon, Lancôme and Chanel in New York City. 

Back then, as single girls in the city, it was easy to devote ourselves exclusively to our careers and to rising in the ranks of corporate America. As we got older and started families, things became more complicated. Today, Alyssa is a mother of two young sons who, like many women, found that as her family grew, her priorities began to change.   She recently told me about her new business endeavor, and I was inspired by her passion. 

Seeking to balance motherhood with work after moving out of NYC to the 'burbs, Alyssa sought other opportunities in her new geographic area, but she couldn’t find the right fit, until she was tipped off by an old high school friend to a company called Rodan + Fields.  

Rodan + Fields is a direct sales skin care company founded by the uber-successful dermatologists and founders of the mega-brand Proactiv, Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields. The company offers lots of innovative skin care solutions, such as a Anti-Age Lip Serum that was featured in Harper's Bazaar.  I remembered seeing Rodan + Fields products in department stores, and Alyssa explained to me that while the products formerly were sold at Nordstrom, three years ago the company was re-purposed as a direct-sales company in order to reach more people.

What Alyssa loves about Rodan + Fields is that she can "break free from corporate America and become an entrepreneur while partnering with two of the most respected names in skincare."  Now Alyssa is having a lot of success in her new business. Best of all, she is able to balance her passion for skin care and her desire to stay active in the business world along with her wish to be available for her two little boys, as she is working part-time and arranges her schedule completely around her kids. "It's like having the best of both worlds," she says.


Alyssa is excited to share not only the skincare results that one can achieve from the Rodan + Fields products but also the opportunity for women to have their own businesses on their on terms. She emphasizes that while she brings her beauty industry background to the business, such experience is not a prerequisite for success. "What I like is that this business attracts a very high- level, sophisticated group of people from all backgrounds - people that just get that this is a good business opportunity." Alyssa is excited to see what the future holds!


To learn more, visit https://alyssaweisler.myrandf.com/

"5th and Jane"

5th & Jane

You would have a tough time finding a more stylish a duo than the bloggers/best friends who go by the pseudonyms "5th and Jane." They take their names from the streets they live on in NYC, where they comb the sidewalks and the stores for style inspiration, and always find the latest, the greatest and the most fun fashions around. I have had the privilege of knowing both 5th and Jane for many years and I have always been inspired by not only their style but also by their enthusiasm, their energy and their zest for both achievement and enjoyment.

One visit to their fabulous blog and you'll know instantly that these are some seriously stylish ladies, but unless you read their "About Us" page, you might not realize that they are "both women who are trying to have it all." Both 5th and Jane are mothers, as well as successful professionals in their respective fields. 5th is in the business world and has a school-age son, while Jane is a doctor and mother to a young daughter.

What's so inspiring about 5th and Jane is that they have already accomplished so much- as mothers and as professional women, yet they had an unexpressed love for fashion, for which they sought an outlet. And thus, in between meetings and playdates, they are making their style blog happen and, despite the fact that they have only been blogging for only a few months, they have already had tremendous success. I love that they have found a way to incorporate a passion for fashion into their already jam-packed busy lives!


Check out their blog for some NYC style inspiration! 

Fabulous Fall Accessories - for a Cause

Photo: DKNY/Elle

DKNY, a brand long known for its philanthropic endeavors, has partnered with FEED in creating three must-have accessories for fall, with all profits going toward the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

Founded by Lauren Bush Lauren in 2005, FEED creates and sells apparel and accessories and donates a large portion of its profits in the form of food and aid to women and children worldwide.

FEED collaborates with high-end brands to create items you will be proud to take about town. FEED's recent collaborations have been with Clarins skincare and Godiva. 

The new DKNY collection has been dubbed "The Survival Collection." Among the stand-out accessories are some fabulous packable wellies priced at $115; a diaper bag is priced at $220 and an umbrella with tote is priced at $220.  Purchases will provide emergency food and vitamins to women and children worldwide.

Elle magazine reported that FEED co-founder Lauren Bush Lauren stated in a press release: "FEED is thrilled to partner with DKNY on these fashionable and functional carryalls for urban mothers on the go." She added, "The Diaper and City survival bags are sure to please FEED's biggest supporters: stylish mommies and style-conscious shoppers who have embraced the idea of compassionate consumerism and the importance of ending world hunger."

The styles are presently available at Bloomingdales.com, Net-A-Porter.com, feedprojects.com, selecte DKNY shops and DKNY.com.

Susan Says: Pack & Go

Kimora Lee Simmons is not traveling light in this photo from louisvuittonhandbag.org, but here's how you can...

One thing that I really hate is packing for a two or three day trip which involves "carry-on" luggage.  After I have loaded the usual "surprises" for my grandchildren, available space in my carry-on is pretty slim.

So here's a list of my own tips for summer get-aways sans check-in luggage as well as some suggestions gleaned from the pages of InStyle Magazine:

Keep your palette simple:  Pick one or two hues for your neutral garments and add accessories for accent.

White jeans:  Wear with summer jewelry and strappy wedges for evening or sandals by day.

Shoes:  Limit yourself to two pairs:  A neutral wedge will work from day to evening and I insist on wearing a closed-toe espadrille for going through airport security. It's pretty awful to have to walk barefoot through the security gates, so whatever shoe you chose, be sure it is a closed shoe with which you can wear a sock or Ped. (Sneakers may make three pairs to pack if you plan on exercising while away.)

Accessories:  Since jewelry takes up the least space, make it work for you.  A clutch (I am most fond of the ones that also have have an optional strap) and a scarf that can double as a wrap if the airplane is chilly or as a beach sarong (or a head wrap) are a travel MUST! Pack a diversity of necklaces and bracelets so you can style your basics in different ways.

A dress:  "Pick one with a print.  It projects polish." That is the advice told to InStyle Magazine by Pavia Rosati, founder of a travel site Fathomaway.com (the website features write ups on trendy travel destination).

Camp shirt:  A button-up shirt packs a wallop: Wear over a swimsuit, with a pair of shorts or with jeans in the evening.

And last but not least, choose makeup that does double duty.  Benefit "Sun Beam" Luminescent  Complexion Enhancer is a liquid highlighter that can be used on eyes and lips or lips and cheeks so that the overall effect isn't matchy-matchy, makeup artist Toray Surrat told InStyle Magazine. 

Happy Travels!!

Dana's Dream Buy of the Day: Phillip Lim Pop-Art Sweaters

3.1 Phillip Lim The Break Up Comic-Print Sweater @ Saks Fifth Avenue

When I was in my early teens, I would await the back-to-school issue of Seventeen magazine and covet all the gorgeous sweaters and dream about a chic school year ahead.

This morning, I had something of a flashback moment when I checked my email and had received an advertisement from Saks Fifth Avenue entitled, "3.1 Phillip Lim: head-to-toe for fall."

The email featured a photo of this adorable garment which is dubbed "The Break Up Comic-Print Sweater." It looks so cozy and autumnal and I love the playful pop-art print which references Roy Lichtenstein's iconic Crying Girl.  It looks like the sweater is not currently available on the Saks site, but this other, equally cool pop-art-inspired Lim sweater is.

Upon further investigation I learned that Lim has also produced PVC pouches and bags with the same print- which would be perfect for my pencils and school supplies, if I were still school-aged ... (and had a generous back-to-school shopping budget)...

Mom-Inspired Celebrity Launches

This week two stars announced new product launches- inspired by their mothers!

Nicole Richie and her eponymous perfume, as featured in InStyle

Nicole Richie is a reality star, author, mother to Harlow and Sparrow, and the designer behind House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate. She is now a fragrance creator, too. Richie told Women's Wear Daily that the scent was inspired by the layered scents her mother wore when Nicole was a child. “I have a very traditional Southern mom — you never left the house without lotion,” said Richie during a phone interview with WWD.   The fragrance, which is named Nicole, is a blend of blackberry, orange, and amber, with undertones of cashmere and vanilla, InStyle reported. Look for ads for the new fragrance to appear in the September issues of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines, with the product hitting 2,000 department and specialty stores that month.

Photo of Nikki Reed from report in InStyle

InStyle Magazine reported yesterday that Twillight actress, writer and newlywed Nikki Reed has partnered with Pascal Mouawad’s Glamhouse to launch her first jewelry collection which will be called Mattlin Era and will be available this fall.  She too was inspired by her mother, saying in a press statement, "Some of my earliest memories are of my mother sitting behind her sewing machine making clothes for my brother and I when we couldn't afford to buy the cool stuff that was sold in stores." She adds, "When I was old enough to help, we would go and buy fun colored beads to string on elastic and- voila!- I had my first 'jewelry line.'"

Supersized Luxury

Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo

Everybody loves a sale, especially when you can stock up on your favorite beauty items while getting the biggest bang for your buck.

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale will be in full swing on July 20th but  Nordstrom cardholders can begin shopping in store or online today, July 11th (go to Nordstrom.com).

Super-sized luxury beauty essentials, four of which are limited editions, created especially for Nordstrom, will be on sale until August 5th but we suggest you shop early before inventory runs out.

These four popular favorites are:

Kiehl's Creme de Corps 33.8 ounces for $64.

Clarins Baume Corps Super Hydratant Moisture Rich Body Lotion; 14 ounces for $49.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Bath & Shower Gel $69 for 32 ounces (part of a 3 piece set)

Fekkai Glossing Shampoo; 32 ounces, (part of a two piece set) $95.

When it comes to these beauty products, the bigger, the better so take advantage of the opportunity to stock up your vanity!

Who Wore It Best - At Any Age

We always check out the latest edition of US Weekly and of course we always love the "Who Wore It Best?" feature which appears in every issue. This week we noticed that the "Who Wore It Best?" column could be entitled, "Who Wore It Best- At Any Age!"

In the photo above, iconic supermodel Christie Brinkley, age 58, and accomplished actress Amy Adams, age 37, both wore Roland Mouret's Herbert dress.

In the photo below, the legendary Jane Fonda, age 74, wears the same sequin Roberto Cavalli gown as George Clooney's ex, Elisabetta Canalis, age 33.

Also on this page, Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, age 51, is wearing the same Alexander McQueen dress as actress Erika Christensen, age 29.

Regardless of their ages, we think all the ladies all look equally amazing in these gorgeous fashions!

Shady Ladies

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Runway

Tracy Reese Spring 2012 Runway

Could an accessory of old be making a comeback?  In recent years parasols have been spotted on the runways from designers such as Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Tracy Reese, Anna Sui and Temperley London.

The parasol is said to have been first used by Egyptian queens to ward off the desert sun and for sun protection for the flawless skin of  Japanese geishas in the 18th century.  Jeni Elizabeth, a fashion style, told First for Women, "Today women love them because they're fun yet functional."  She adds, "Unlike slathering on sunscreen, carrying a parasol looks lovely as it protects-  it's chic sunblock." 

You can find an inexpensive parasol online; go to LunaBazaar.com  and check out the "Tulips and Hummingbirds" 33" parasol which is only $11.95:

Luna Bazaar Tulips & Hummingbirds Parasol $11.95

Another option is Pamela Parasols; they have a cherry blossom parasol in red which retails for $12.95.

Whether or not you are up for trying out a parasol, certainly no summer wardrobe is complete without a hat, an essential must-have for sun protection.

There are styles to flatter every face:

Heart-shaped Faces:  Pick a bell shape.  The long sloping brim mirrors the shape of a heart face "only inverted," forming a diamond shaped effect to call attention to the cheekbones and deflecting from a broad forehead or a pointed chin.

Juicy Couture Colorblock Cloche $58 @ Nordstrom

Round Faces:  Pick a panama hat. The tall crown and band around the hat draw attention upwards so the face appears longer.  

J. Crew Panama Hat $58

Long Faces:  Chose a wide brim because it draws the eye from side to side which makes the cheekbones look wider and pulling the brim down also detracts from a high forehead.

Eric Javits Swinger Rafia Wide Brim Hat $262.50 @ Bloomingdale's

Square Faces:  Fedoras:  A hat with a height, softens the angles of a square jaw.  Additionally, the short brim which stands up takes the eye vertically so you appear to have an elongated face.

Michael Stars Garden Stripe Fedora $42 @ Neiman Marcus

If you've left your hat at home and find yourself in the summer sun, here is a great tip: Run a stick of lip balms with SPF along your part and hairline.  You will get protection for your head and hair and no hat head (as in squashed hairdo)!

Put Your Best Face Forward

The Today Show featured Prevention Magazine's Beauty Editor Jennifer Goldstein for their "Celebrate your Beauty Awards."

While other magazines give awards for beauty products, this award is unique in that there were 1700 items reviewed by 300 participants and overseen by a dermatologist who employed complexion analysis machines and took "before" and "after" photos of the participants to see the improvement in the condition of their skin over six weeks.

The verdicts are in:

Best Cleansing System: Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Cleansing System $149 @ Nordstrom

The New York Times just did a story in the Style section about the growing popularity of these brushes. Use the system once a day for gentle exfoliation. The facial brush comes with a cleanser but you can use any cleanser of your choice.  By using the Clarisonic, your creams and serums will have deeper penetration.  We both have used the Clarisonic for two years and we swear by it.  The system retails for $149 but Nordstrom is having a promotional on the item which will include an extra brush (which retails for $25; we change the brush every few months). You can chose from two neon colors and a print and it also comes with a traveling pouch. The promotion is part of their upcoming Anniversary Sale which can be previewed or purchased on pre-sale on July 11th if you are a Nordstrom card holder; if you are not a store card holder, you can purchase at the store or on nordstrom.com beginning on Friday, July 20th.

Best day cream: Philosophy Miracle Worker Anti Aging Moisturizer with SPF 55.  

Philosophy Miracle Worker SPF 55 $57 @Sephora

The product contains peptides to boost collagen production and it is very lightweight, not goopy. With the built in sun block, it's one less step for your daily skin care routine.  

Best night serum:  Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

Neutrogena Rapid Repair Wrinkle Serum $15.99 @Amazon

The product contains retinol; it was measured up to be as good as $100 products that were tested. Excellent for dry skin, it was shown in the study to improve the appearance of wrinkles. 

Best Facial Hair Remover: Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Du

Olay Smooth Finish Facial Hair Removal Duo $18.33 @ Amazon

This was the first time Prevention Magazine tested facial hair removers; begin by using the skin guarding balm (contained in the package) before applying product which comes in two different types, one for fine or one for medium to coarse hair. Retails for $22.

Best Wrinkle Reducer: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Wrinkle Resurfacing System 

RoC Retinol Correxion Wrinkle Resurfacing System $26.99 @ drugstore.com

Participants had 20 percent fewer wrinkles after using the product for six weeks.  You can use it each day or every other day if you are sensitive to retinol. 

Best Eye Cream: Lancome Renergie Eye Multiple Action Ultimate Eye Care Duo

Lancome Renergie Eye Multiple Action Ultimate Eye Care Duo $78 @ Nordstrom

This product features powerful eye cream at the bottom and at the top there is a concealer with SPF 15 which is available in three shades. The products retails for $78 but as part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale you can purchase the product at Nordstrom and receive your choice of a Lancome gift beginning July 20 (with pre-sale July 11 for card holders).

To see additional beauty product winners, check out the Today Show web site. 

Susan Says: Express Your Style Indepedence

Jaclyn Smith, age 66, at an event for her Kmart clothing line, looking age defying

Independence Day is the perfect time to be thankful for the many blessings we enjoy, including freedom of expression in our personal fashion and style.  Long ago but not too far away, there were fashion faux pas which ruled our fashion lives.  

Today we can celebrate fashion freedoms. Sleeveless garments can be worn by anyone regardless of your age, as long as you feel confident and comfortable.  I use water weights to help combat arm flab, together with using thick elastic bands to stretch the arms for additional firming.  

Florals were often considered to be aging but if you are over fifty you can pull off a floral top with a solid pant or skirt or, instead, wear a floral shoe, scarf or jewelry.  And as actress Jaclyn Smith displays, leather or leather looks with ladylike blouses or tops are age defying. Or think leather trim on garments which is slated be a big fall trend.

It often was said that hair must be worn short once you've reached the fifty mark.  That depends on your hair type; very fine hair often looks fuller in a shorter cut but if you have a thicker mane, updos and pulled back styles with pretty hair accessories are totally appropriate and loose tousled styles are currently in vogue.

As far as season, the old adage "no white after Labor Day" no longer applies; winter white has been the rage for years.  With air conditioning in hot climates, sweaters in almost all hues are appropriate year round.  

From color blocking to neons and beyond, done with subtly, good taste and a helpful smattering of self confidence, let's celebrate our 4th of July holiday with joy and abandon.

Hats Off NYC

Ale Et Ange Baseball Cap as featured in Vogue Magazine

When in New York, snare a hat.  Not just any hat, but a wondrous work of art by Ale et Ange at their NYC pop-up shop located 40 Rivington Street.  Eloise Simonet calls her design partner, Osore Oyagha, "a textile junkie" who has sourced vintage fabrics from locations such as Nigeria to create menswear.

Describing the line, NY Magazine writes, "Although the wares convey a certain international sensibility—Oyagha hails from West London; Simonet, from France—all the clothing is manufactured in New York in limited runs."

This summer, the partners have created a line of locally made baseball caps with unusually and unbelievably beautiful exotic prints.

We saw the hats featured in Vogue magazine and we both flipped for them. Although the hats retail at $175, we consider them a great buy for such a unique piece. Wear one and you'll to make a fashion statement extraordinaire.

Wax Jeans: DIY or Great Buys

J Brand 901 Wax Coated Leggings $103.99 @ Piperlime

If you are coveting a pair of leather jeans for fall but you can't justify the hefty price tags that go along with them, consider wax jeans.  You can buy a pair right now at great sale prices on Piperlime.com (free shipping, free returns!). 

If you really want to be thrifty, be a do-it-yourselfer. We saw this great instructional video posted on The Coveted:

Here's how:

One pair of clean jeans

Otter Wax (Made in Portland)

A hair dryer

Apply the wax in long, smooth strokes.  The friction generates absorption.  Continue until all areas look darkened; that means the wax was absorbed.  You can use your hair dryer to soften the wax; smooth out with your fingertips, to create an even surface.  You can hang the jeans to dry in a cool, dark spot or if you want to speed up the drying process, it is said you can place the jeans in a freezer. When washing, don't soak the jeans in water for a protracted period and dry cleaning is always preferable.

If you would rather buy a pair than try to DIY, here are the Piperline deals (sign up for their emails and get an additional 15% off): They have a wide variety of J Brand wax styles at deep discounts; check out the selection and see what they have in your size. They even have a pair of J Brand wax shorts, so you can get started on the style this summer! 

In addition to J Brand, Piperlime also has Paige Denim Verdugo Wax for $101.97 (original price: $209) and Rich & Skinny Jeans The Legacy: $75.97; (original price: $165). There are also styles by Hudson and 7 For All Mankind. Shop quickly as sizes are going fast!

The dog days of summer are the best time to get in on a fall trend that will get you noticed.

Susan Says: Let's Hear It For the Boys

We talk a lot on our blog about mothers and daughters sharing clothes, but can you share clothes with your husbands, sons and significant others? A very fashionable (female!) sales associate with whom I work gave me some great advice:  Shop the boys and menswear departments.  This tip also was featured on The Today Show the other day when Lilliana Vazquez extolled the virtues of raiding your husband's closet.

Here are the best examples:

Blazers:  Think Brooks Brothers.  A beautiful classic blazer can be yours in the Boys Department.  A size 18 (the largest boy's size) will fit a woman's size 8-10.  The model on The Today Show wore a madras blazer which is currently at Brooks Brothers retailing at $90.  

For some inspiration, check out Reese Witherspoon, who modeled a Brooks Brothers boys blazer on a cover of InStyle Magazine:

Reese Witherspoon in a Brooks Brothers Boys Blazer InStyle Nov. 2009

Brooks Brothers 'Prep' Suit Jacket $89.90 @ Nordstrom

Shirts: I have purchased Ralph Lauren boys shirts in size 10 (I wear a women's size small).  Men's Lacoste shirts in size extra small is another one of my favs.

Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Boy's Polo Shirt $39.50 @ Ralph Lauren

Shorts:  For comfortable, relaxed shorts, go to chubbieshorts.com and snare a pair of these men's shorts with elasticized waist and pair with a slouchy sweater to cover. Add jewelry to complete the look.

Chubbie Shorts $59.50 

Bow Ties:  Look for pastels, polka dots or florals and wear with a flirty skirt and flats. How adorable is this one from Barneys?

Barneys New York Bold Floral Bow Tie $80

When shopping the Internet for menswear, be sure to check the measurements against your own and size down for a shrunken, body hugging look.

Shopping in the men's and boys' department is a good way to recession proof your fall shopping for high-quality fashion at great prices- and who knows? By hanging out in the men's department, you could even find romance!