MAY I OFFER ANYONE A COCKTAIL (DRESS)?

It’s almost Thanksgiving. Which means it’s almost Christmas. With the holiday season upon us, it’s time for lots of festivities and time to break out the cocktail attire. I love a reason to dress up. And I love a fabulous cocktail dress, skirt, or jumpsuit that makes me feel like a million bucks, especially if it doesn’t cost that much. The good news is that the options for cocktail attire are endless and there are so many beautiful choices available right now. While I was searching for this post, I had to stop myself. And if you’re ever uncertain, a beautiful satin flared skirt, paired with a crisp white button down, with a statement necklace or earrings, will do it.

I found this beautiful dress I’m wearing and purchased it even though I had no place to go at the time. But when you see a classic that is well-priced, you find an event and show up to dazzle. This dress fits so beautifully and doesn’t look like its $69 price tag. The blue-green and black lace is beautiful over a black lining. Pair it with a sexy pair of black patent pumps, a simple black clutch, and classic stone earrings. Now, where’s the party? Simply click on the images below to SHOP THE LOOK for this fabulous find and a few other favorites.

SHOP THE LOOK

Featured Dress

Navy Lace Midi

Polka Dot Chiffon

Black Strapless

Sequins Sheath

Strapless Multi Lurex

Blush Halter Sheath

Blush Pleated

Red Lace

Red Lace Mini

Sequins Jumpsuit

Deep V Spaghetti Sheath

Grey Tulle & Lace

Silver Knot Front

FAUX FUR FRENZY

It’s getting cold outside. And when it’s cold, we tend to bundle up, which sometimes leaves us feeling a little less fun and sexy for a night out. But do not despair because for every problem there is a solution. And faux fur (or even real fur if you’re not against it) is the answer. The right coat takes you from day to night seamlessly, and that is certainly possible with this trend, which has had some staying power for the last few years. But if you don’t believe it’s here to stay, there’s more good news. There are many accessible options that look more expensive than their price tag.

This little number I’m wearing is about four years old, and it’s from H&M. I can’t tell you how many compliments I receive each time I wear it. And lucky for you, H&M keeps doing their thing, and there are a few wonderful and affordable options this season.

When I was a kid, I thought fur was for old women. Perhaps that’s because my grandmother had a full length mink coat. But today, it’s fun and sexy and cool. Today’s shorter options can be worn over a cocktail dress, with jeans, with trousers (as I’m wearing), with leather pants, with a skirt…did I miss anything? So while it may seem that this wardrobe item is only for a few special occasions, you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it and be reaching for it every time you start to walk out the door.

As you’ll see, there are SO many wonderful options. Those that are faux are marked, and those that are genuine fur (or feathers) are also marked. Neutral is always a safe bet, but you’d be surprised how often you can wear one with color. Simply click on the images to SHOP THE LOOK. And I’ve also provided links to the rest of my outfit worn on this perfect fall day in Central Park.

SHOP THE LOOK

White Quilted Faux

Faux Fur Shag

3/4 Sleeve Faux

Champagne Faux

Cream Quilted Faux

Short Gold Faux

Zip Caramel Faux

Lamb Tan

Rose Bolero

Tawny Rabbit

Mauve Quilted Faux

Blush Faux

Pale Pink Faux

Pink Cropped Faux

Lavender Faux

Mongolian Lamb Grey

Feather Bolero

Rabbit Grey

Grey Quilted Faux

Faux Grey

Ash Rabbit

Faux Caramel

Caramel Faux

Chevron Rabbit

Cropped Rabbit Boysenberry

Fox Rabbit Wine

Faux Oxblood

Faux Olive Green

Navy Fur

Teal Faux

Black Faux

Leopard Print Faux

NOT SO BASIC BLACK SWEATER

There are some days when I want to show up a little better than a jeans and t-shirt look, but I don’t always have it in me to make a huge effort. Whenever that happens, a black sweater with a little something-soemthing is always a good idea. I love black because it can be casual or dressy, depending on what you pair it with. Black also goes with almost any jewelry and accessories. And most people agree that it’s slimming.

This sweater I’m wearing was actually purchased last year, but due to popular demand, it’s back in stock this season. And it’s at an affordable price point. It’s from a company called VICI, and they have a ton of well-priced stylish clothing options. If you subscribe to receive VICI’s emails, they’lll send you a daily code for 20% off and occasionally they run free shipping. They debut new collections every week or so, and they usually go live at 12 midnight PST. If you’re lucky enough to live in the San Francisco area, they have two stores you can visit across the bay.

In addition to the sweater I’m wearing, I’ve also posted a few others that I thought jazzed it up just enough to be anything but boring and basic black. Simply CLICK ON THE IMAGES below to SHOP THE LOOK.

SHOP THE LOOK

Featured Sweater

Off Shoulder Blouson

Neck Wrap Sweatshirt

Cut Out

Off Shoulder

Black Poncho/Cardigan

Tie Wrist

Blouson Sleeve V-Neck

PUMP IT UP

a great pair of pumps jazzing up black & white

I’m going to begin this post by saying, “Sorry, I’m not sorry.” If there is one thing I believe in splurging on, it’s a good pair of shoes that you can wear for years. And unfortunately, those that are made well and can stand the test of time in durability and style don’t usually come cheaply. There is the occasional exception, and I have a few. But if you look in my closet, I have nice shoes. And I’ve had them for years. Seriously. Many a decade or more. You can’t get much more classic or more sexy than a well-made pump.

Shoes are an investment. I have one rule for coats and shoes that will remain in style beyond this season’s trends: Buy the best you can afford. Why? Because they are one of the first things everyone sees. They are versatile and can be worn with many things. And they can elevate a look that is built from lower priced (and sometimes even a lower quality) pieces. They can last for years. If you care for them—get them reheeled and resoled—you’ll have them for a decade or longer, as well.

Every woman needs a classic black pump. A nude. And one that is a little snazzier to dress up an otherwise boring outfit—a brighter color like pink or electric blue, animal print, an embellished style, or one with a sexy touch like a sheer component or sexy slingback or strap.

Pumps need to fit well and shouldn’t be terribly uncomfortable. Notice I didn’t say they should be “comfortable.” Believe it or not, when I used to work in Beauty, I wore stilettos every day. I’d wear them from home on my walk to the subway, from the subway to the bus stop, and from the bus stop to my office. And when I stopped working and started wearing flats more, my feet actually hurt in flats. My point is that your feet get used to whatever they’re in the most. So if you don’t wear heels a lot, they aren’t going to feel like sneakers, and you may not want to sprint in them. So just make sure you can walk a decent distance and can stand in them for a while.

A few of my favorite brands that I can personally vouch for are Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Aquazzura, Manolo Blahnik, and Gianvitto Rossi. They make the classics, they’re made to last, are as sexy as they come, yet can add the right amount of pizzazz to make them a show-stopper without being too trendy. I’ll end on a hopeful note…there is a newer brand on the scene called Schutz. I purchased my first pair over the summer, and I love them. Many of their styles are high on style but more reasonable on price. I’ve featured a pair here that is similar to the very popular “plexi pump” by Gianvitto Rossi.

If you can only splurge on one pair, make it black or nude/camel. And I’d go with patent leather. I promise you will find that you can wear them with everything. Dresses, jeans, trousers. Trust me. Simply click on the images below to shop.

Black Patent

Nude Round Toe Patent

Blush Patent Slingback

Neutral Suede

Tan Suede

Nude Patent Plexi

Animal Print

Pom Pom

Navy Suede

Pink Suede

Two Tone Slingback

Cabaret Pink Suede Slingback

Manolo Hangisi Black Satin

Blush Plexi

THE PUFFY SLEEVE

Does anyone remember the Seinfeld episode when Jerry “committed” to wearing the puffy shirt on TV because he just nodded at everything the low-talker said? If not, I’ve inserted a video refresher below for your entertainment. Oh, how I miss looking forward to this show when every episode was new and anticipating the hilarious ridiculousness of it all!

But the puffy sleeves I’m loving are not at all like those from our favorite 90’s sitcom. The puffy sleeves that I adore were from Valentino’s Spring 2019 Ready-to-Wear Collection. A few of my favorites are featured here.

Unfortunately, most of us can’t afford Valentino. But fortunately for you, I have an eye for affordable fashion. This beauty of a dress I’m wearing was actually purchased before Valentino’s collection debuted. It’s from Target. YES! Time to do a happy dance! It is so fabulous, and with a $34.99 price tag, it just got a lot more fabulous, didn’t it?

I first wore this dress in early September to a friend’s 40th birthday party. It’s 100% cotton and fits beautifully! As I told you last week, we do, indeed, ride the subway all gussied up. Proof is here. My husband thought it was a fun contrast to be all dressed up and waiting on the subway platform, so he snapped a photo. I’ll also add that at least five people stopped to tell me what a gorgeous dress it was. And no one believed me when I told them where I purchased it. (I was really proud of that part!) I’ve also featured a photo with my husband alongside me at the party. I regret not posting the dress sooner, as it’s now sold out online, BUT if you enter your zip code into the page on target.com, it will provide stores in your areas that still have it in stock. And there are several around NYC. Trust me, it’s worth the trip. And let’s face it, we all look for excuses to go to Target. And none of us ever leave with only the things on our list.

You can find this dress and its store locator below by clicking on the image under the “Shop the Look” heading, along with the jewelry and accessories similar to those I wore that night. My bag is old, but there are so many to be found online, and I’ve linked a few. My pumps are Prada and one of my favorites in my collection, but they are 12 years old! You could also wear nude or black, but I happen to like the purple with it, so I’ve listed a pump alternative. Interestingly enough, this outfit was inspired by pillows used in a beautiful room designed by my favorite interior designer, Paloma Contreras.

For your entertainment…

SHOP THE LOOK

LET ME BE YOUR TEDDY BEAR (COAT)

I’m a New Yorker. Not a native New Yorker. I actually grew up in a very rural area about 25 miles south of Washington, DC. We didn’t even have a real shopping mall in our county until I was 15 years old. And although I thought I was stylish and fashionable, even long before adolescence, I doubt anyone in the NYC fashion scene would have agreed, especially if they’d seen my hairstyle. I could post photos, but I won’t. I’d lose all credibility.

As a New Yorker, I do lots of things that only New Yorkers do, and I think in a way that only New Yorkers think (about certain things), for better or for worse. One of the things I do is take the subway. No, it’s not as glamorous as a car service, but most of the time it’s faster. And it’s always less expensive. My kids actually LOVE the subway. Did you know there’s a ghost station between 86th Street and 96th Street on the 1 train? And have you ever witnessed the entertainment at major stations like Times Square and Grand Central? That said, the subway is dirty. It’s gritty. So we thought it would be fun to take photos that show the grittiness of the NYC subway system in contrast to “fancy” leather leggings and Louboutin pumps. And yes, I do actually ride the subway in outfits like this one.

A great pair of leather leggings and black patent leather pumps are classic and very New York. But they’re also great to pair with trendy items. The Teddy Bear Coat was popular last winter, and I really thought it was in and out. But alas, it is sticking around this Fall and Winter. While you can certainly spend a lot on one of these coats, I wouldn’t recommend it. I love the one I’m wearing in these truly New York scenes. (Never mind that I might have been arrested for interfering in official police business in one of them!) But I’m also giving you leads on a few more because, let’s face it, not all bodies were created equally, AND we all have a style of our own. Click on the photos below to Shop the Look here and other Teddy Bear Coats that are available (and most are affordable).

SHOP THE LOOK

Featured Coat

Sherpa Coat

Knee Faux Fur

Belted Wrap Coat

Rust Long

Double Breasted

Off-White Car Coat

Taupe Metallic Button

Pea Coat

Cropped Faux Fur

Cropped Zip

Bomber

wearing only the gold

THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Every gal wants…actually, every gal needs that little black dress. Whether it’s little, long, casual or formal, that “little” black dress always goes a long way toward making us feel fabulous. My good (male) friend Al used to wear all black and chuckle while saying, “Cosmo says all black makes me look thin!” Let’s get real, Al, you weren’t reading Cosmopolitan for the fashion tips. But a black dress goes beyond just creating a slimming effect. Black is classic. Black is sexy. Black is sleek. And it can also be somber. Black will never steer you wrong. It’s always a safe bet. So when I find a great black dress that can stand the test of time, I buy it. Especially if it’s at a great price point.

When I saw this little black dress, I was instantly reminded of a Givenchy black dress worn recently by the Duchess of Sussex. Yes, my obsession with her has yet to wane. It only grows stronger with each day that passes. The midi length and the sheer sleeves of the dress I’m wearing reminded me of Meghan’s. In addition, I thought her dress was conservative and classic, which made it sexy all at the same time…much like this dress I recently found at…Zara…which means it’s accessible.

This dress is perfect for that cocktail party or function when elegance is your goal. It’s also great when you want to feel sexy but a strapless, mini dress, or dress that hugs your body, wouldn’t be appropriate. It looks and feels much more expensive than $69. It fits beautifully and is true to size. I’m wearing an XS. It’s effortless. Throw on a great pair of black pumps. The shoes I’m wearing are about 10 years old, so invest in a great pair of classic black pumps—they can elevate almost any outfit. Keep the jewelry simple. I’m wearing my Deco Drop Earrings that are a Cartier knockoff, and it’s fairly difficult to tell the difference. My bag is vintage, but I’ve provided a similar style below.

And finally, I have to say that playing dress up is so much fun, and this particular shoot was a blast, complete with a passerby blasting Drake, which really got me moving. A sequence of enthusiastic twirls also produced a few revealing shots, showing a bit too much leg (and perhaps a little bit of tush), but my photographer thoughtfully deleted those before sending. (Or maybe he’s holding onto them for blackmail one day!) Regardless, we laughed a lot. I’ve worried a bit about doing these posts and what people might say. “Oh, please…does she think she’s a model?” No, I don’t. Far from it, in fact. But we don’t need to look like a super model to be our own version of fabulous. Most importantly, we shouldn’t compare ourselves to unrealistic standards of beauty. I’m learning to do more things that bring me joy, without fear of criticism or judgment from others. Fashion has always been a passion of mine. I think wearing something beautiful can do wonders for our confidence, especially on days when we need an extra lift. Yes, of course, confidence has to come from within. But when you look in the mirror and you see fabulous, that certainly adds a little pep to your step, even if it’s only temporary. I think it’s difficult for some to look at clothing online or even on the rack and envision how it will look on their body, how to accessorize it, how to wear their hair, etc. So my hope is that these fashion-oriented posts will make dressing easier for those following along. I also want women to know that while you can certainly spend a fortune to look great, you don’t have to. I think this featured dress is a perfect example of that.

Click on the images below to Shop the Look I’m wearing here and for a few additional little black dresses currently available. I’ll admit that I don’t have the figure to wear some of these, but I can still appreciate great style when on the right person.

SHOP THE LOOK

Featured Dress

Lace Dress

Sheer Yoke Sheath

Off Shoulder Sheath

Balloon Sleeve Sheath

Sweater Dress

Stretch Jersey Dress

Boat Neck Sheath

Crepe Boat Neck/Off Shoulder

Off Shoulder Knit Lace

Ribbed Off the Shoulder

Wrap Slit Midi

Black Strapless Gown

Convertible Gown

FEMININE FLORAL FROCK

Summer is winding down. Just a few more days left. Can you believe it? I feel like I’ve been gone from this blog forever. That wasn’t part of the plan, but the last month has been more than busy. We had lots of visitors, and I feel very fortunate for that. My boys were out of school and camp for the month of August. I also feel blessed to have had that time with them, even if I felt like I was going to lose my mind on a few (okay, maybe more than just a few) occasions. So as the kids get back into their routine of school and activities, I’ll be attempting to resume my old routine, even if it is a little slow.

While Summer is coming to a close, there’s never a bad time to wear beautiful florals. They were definitely popular this past Spring and Summer, and fortunately for me, they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. One of my favorite affordable, ready-to-wear dress designers is Shoshanna (Lonstein) Gruss. She debuted a new line of gorgeous, feminine dresses during New York Fashion Week Spring 2019. You’ll see one of my favorites, along with a sketch of another, featured below.

Image via Shopshoshanna Instagram

Image via Shopshoshanna Instagram

The good news about the dress I wore not once, but twice, last week, is that it looks and feels beautiful on AND has an equally beautiful price tag. It’s from Target’s Who What Wear Collection, and it’s not the only dress I’ve purchased from that line recently. It’s 100% cotton so your body can breathe, and it’s easy to care for. The ruffled collar stands up well, and the chest stays open, for a structured and a little-bit-sexy look. The waist ties to give definition and keeps it perfectly fitted. What more could you ask for?

My shoes are by Schutz from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Unfortunately, they recently sold out. I’ve listed a few similar styles (unfortunately not as pretty of a price point), but honestly, almost any feminine heeled sandal (or even a sleek pump) will do. You might think black is the obvious choice, and it will work, but having tried both, I’m partial to nude or perhaps a gold metallic to lighten things up. CLICK ON THE PRODUCT IMAGES BELOW TO “SHOP THE LOOK”.

SHOP THE LOOK

Floral Dress

Metallic Sandals

Metallic Sandals

Gold Hoops

Gold Bangle

CRAZY FOR CARDIGANS

It's summertime, and it's hot, at least where I'm spending the rest of my summer. So how can I be thinking about sweaters? I'm definitely not contemplating putting one on during the day anytime soon, but Fall will soon be upon us, and I want to be ready. I snagged this fabulous cozy cardigan during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and it's one of the many reasons I'm looking forward to the season of hay rides, pumpkin patches, football games, and cooler temps. It's by Free People, and they also made my favorite cardigan from last year that I've just about worn out. I love the color of this one, as it adds spice to an otherwise plain (and perhaps boring) camisole and jeans and screams "fall."

Although big, comfy, cozy cardigans happen to be my favorite, there are so many others. Dusters look fabulous with leather leggings (I have mine on repeat year-round). And although they have the potential to have an unfortunate bathrobe look, if worn correctly, those that wrap and tie can be a wonderful option to a blazer or jacket. I love to wear a fitted cardigan with a pair of skinny jeans for a cleaner and more stream-lined look while still keeping it casual. But in the end, I love a cardigan because they can typically be thrown over jeans and a t-shirt, throw on a few cute jewels, and voila!...easy outfit of the day without spending much time in my closet thinking, "What should I wear today?" CLICK ON THE PHOTOS BELOW TO SHOP. And many of these come in multiple colors, so don't overlook that when clicking through.

TO ACCOMPANY...

similar camisole to one I'm wearing that is a few years old

(A FEW) FAVORITE FASHION FINDS FROM TARGET

Who doesn't love a bargain? Better yet, who doesn't love a bargain when it makes us look and feel good wearing it? Target is one of the best places for this, and I've found a few things there over the years that I've loved and would have paid a few times more than I did because they were that good. My first fabulous find that I can recall was about 20 years ago when I purchased a corduroy jacket for $15 and paid $15 to have it tailored. I wore it everywhere, and even a Barney's employee asked where I got it when I donned it on a visit to one of NYC's greatest shopping destinations.

I met one of my friends in downtown Southampton this afternoon. We are both busy moms of two young kids, and I joked about my 15-minute online "shopping spree" this morning on target.com. I'm putting out the disclaimer that I haven't actually tried any of them except for two of the dresses, but with Target's free shipping and free 90-day return policy, you can't go wrong with ordering them and trying for yourself. I feel the two dresses I have tried look much better on and styled than the photos on Target’s site. Maybe there's a job in Minneapolis in my future. :-) I'll try to wear the blue dress again this week/weekend and have it photographed for you. It's definitely worth the $28 price tag. 

Keep in mind that shopping for clothing online is sometimes like looking at an old house with peeling wallpaper and filthy carpet. You have to see beyond what you see...imagine it on you and how you could accessorize and style it. Jewelry, shoes, and/or a great bag can do WONDERS for an otherwise ordinary piece of clothing. Finally, if you're getting the piece for a bargain and it doesn't fit perfectly, consider spending a little extra at the seamstress. Shorten the dress, have the waist taken in a bit, etc. Play with it when you try it on, and if you think, "I wish it was _______," maybe that just might be possible. CLICK ON THE PRODUCT IMAGES BELOW TO SHOP. 

I have the blue dress below, and I promise, it looks MUCH better on and styled. I'll try to post later this week if I can get it photographed (I'm alone in the Hamptons with my two boys). The white dress below FO isn't really available online any longer, but I found it in an XS locally. Unfortunately, my bust is too small for even an XS, so I gifted it to my nephew's girlfriend who looks like a J. Crew model (not kidding), and it looked so perfect on her!

And for any of you who are lovers of Loeffler Randall's bow shoes that seem to be hot right now, Target has several knock-offs. I just can't seem to bring myself to make the purchase on some of them because I think too much about Aunt Jemima. Just sayin'...