Fact. Did you know that 89% of  all women are wearing the wrong size bra.  89%?! That’s frightening on so many levels .

Bra’s are the “foundation” of our wardrobe. A well fitted bra can lift you up-LITERALLY and give the appearance of a smoother and more streamlined shape.

The good news is…. that this is a very easy problem to fix.

Major department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s, have a bra specialist in store- trained to measure,fit  and recommend the best bra size for your shape.

In addition, there are a number of  specialty lingerie stores (as in LaPerla &, Soma Intimates) where sales consultants are usually highly trained and can offer personalized experience to insure the absolute best bra fit.

In my opinion..I feel it is highly advisable to spend the money and go to a specialty lingerie shop at the onset to ensure that your fit is perfected and then you can shop as time goes forward with the knowledge you attained from a specialist. The number one reason that celebrities always look flawless is due in large part to the proper undergarments,starting with wearing the right bra.

I hope this little post  lifts your spirits and your appearance.

Today’s Tuesday Tip has everything to do with plaid and checked prints because quite frankly there’s a whole lot of this pattern at play for Fall.

If you’re searching for the perfect plaid or checked  blazer/jacket, I have a few tips that I hope will help in guiding you to the perfect purchase.

1. Make sure that the plaids and/or checks match  on the garment both vertically and horizontally.

Observe below the difference between the first  jacket in red and second and third jackets. It goes without saying that when the plaids match and the lines of the plaid or check are continuous in the garment..it looks much more luxe and gives a uniform look.  Design elements that are continuous and uniform aid in helping your silhouette appear taller and slimmer.  

2. Jackets/Blazers…skim the body better and give a more fluid appearance when they are lined.   

3. Detailing is “Key” when it comes to checks and plaids,look for beautiful contrasting button details, piping, binding  to add contrast and some much needed interest. 

Lioness The Palermo Blazer (Shopbop.com $89.00)

Smythe Taped Peak Lapel Blazer (Shopbop.com $795.00)

Generation Love Alexa Tweed Blazer (Shopbop.com) $348.00

All Images Courtesy of Shopbop.com

Trend Alert.. Attention must be paid to the Snake “effect” boot and booties.

Have you noticed that there seem to be allot of snake “effect”boots  and booties pounding the pavement this Fall? After a bit of “style sleuthing” I deciphered that this new description of snake “effect” is just another term for “faux.”  Although, I’m not a fan of snakes..when it comes to animals and the environment…FAUX is the only way to go .

You can find a bevy of style options- in terms of  boot height, heel width and snake “effect” print,available in a wide range of price points.

The snake effect boot hue can be paired with everything  from jeans to pants to skirts and dresses. It’s a great neutral to add to your wardrobe.

Here are a number of stylish and affordable options-just click on image to go directly to site(s):

Marc Fisher Retire Bootie @ Macy’s $129.00

Cute Snakeskin Print Booties @ Lulu’s.com $39.00

Vegan Going West Boot @ Free People.com $88.00

Stradivarius Heeled Ankle Boot @ASOS $32.00

Image Courtesy of WhoWhatWearblog

Snake effect high leg boots from Mango $99.99

I cannot believe that we’re already celebrating Labor Day! Seriously??? Where did the Summer go?

Bearing in mind we are at the end of another season, I thought now might be the perfect time to review our Summer wardrobe before we pack it away and take note of any items we might be needing to replace or replenish for next Summer.

Items of note to review in your closet before the last hurrah of Summer sale shopping ceases might include:

• Figure flattering Summer Dress (A simple white dress is always a good choice)
• Floral Skirt
• Shorts
• Great fitting white pants
• Swimsuit// Chlorine and salt water create havoc on a swimsuits.
• Beach cover up
• Summer handbag
• Sandals
• Sneakers

Labor Day Sales are the perfect time to review and replenish your Summer wardrobe for next year… Note to self when shopping at any time of year… only purchase item in the size you are now..not the size you hope to be.

*Here’s the short list” of Labor Day Sales & codes for deep discounts.

J.CREW:
40% off full-priced styles with code SUNSET
J.CREW FACTORY:
Extra 60% off clearance with code FALLFUN
L.L.Bean
20% off your order with code GREAT20
ONEKINGSLANE:
20% off sitewide, no code needed
ANN TAYLOR:
40% off your purchase with code LASTHURRAH + 50% off all sale items
LOFT:
50% off summer styles + 40% off everything else w/code LONGWEEKEND
MARK & GRAHAM
30% off sale styles + free shipping on everything using code LABORDAY
GAP:
40% off everything with code DAYOFF
BANANA REPUBLIC:
40% off purchase, no code needed
SERENA & LILY
Up to 30% off dining
My picks: this / this / this

WILLIAMS-SONOMA:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
My picks: this / this / this

WEST ELM:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
WILLIAMS-SONOMA HOME:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVENOW
POTTERYBARN:
Buy more, save more, up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
MADEWELL:
20% off summer must-haves with code SEEYA
CRATE & BARREL:
All upholstery 15-20% off
ANTHROPOLOGIE:
20% off home + 50% off sale items
HORCHOW:
25% off sitewide, no code needed

Christmas in July is officially a thing. A very big thing! In the past 5 days we have had two MAJOR sales open to it’s “Members Only.”

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has Early Access entry for it’s cardholders and an assorted number of selected influencers / fashion bloggers that promote Nordstrom with their list of “favorite items from the sale posted on their blogs and you tube channels.

Then there’s “Prime Day” on Amazon. Originally designed as a “holiday” to celebrate the birthday of Amazon, Prime Day has morphed into a 2 day extravaganza . This year the sale boosts over a million deals to their Prime “Members Only.”

All this sale shopping with limited access and a set amount of sale days to shop, bring about a “buying frenzy” where people can be glued to their devices sourcing and stressing to find the best deals possible.

If you’re looking to shop any sale and not feel deluged by the wide assortment of offerings available, I would like to suggest a little Sale Shopping 101.

Here’s a short list of things to consider in shopping and sorting through any sale to find the best deals for you.

1. Make a list of things that you actually need. As we all know,needs are far different than wants. You “need” an item when it is essential or important to your way of living.
2. Break down your list into categories: Technology, Home, Fashion, Garden….this will allow you to shop more quickly and efficiently.
3. Compare BRAND item pricing on other websites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
4. Set a budget for what you can afford to spend on each item.
5. Before the sale opens, put items that you are considering in your cart. This will allow you to edit down your selections and check out before the items are sold out in record time and keep you focused on what you really want to purchase.

If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your outfit and at the same time actually wear all those colorful scarves you’ve collected (but fail to wear),here’s a sweet Summertime solution.

It’s as easy as tying a colorful scarf and knotting it ever so nicely at your wrist. Feel free to get one of those beautiful scarves out of your drawer or check out this lovely site that I just came across called Silk Philosophy.com The site is filled with oodles of beautiful scarves and some major scarf inspiration.

I hope this motivates you to add a pop of interest to your outfit and be on wrist watch!

Once upon a time (long,long ago) wearing a white suit was only deemed as “appropriate” between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Anytime thereafter, it was considered an absolute fashion fax paus to wear a white suit. Well, that was wayyy back then and this is now. We seem to have loosened our style rules and women are wearing and pairing white year round. This “loosening of the dress code” for wearing white suiting brings about a few tips that will ensure that your white (suiting) looks right whatever time of year you decide to wear it! Here are a few favorites:

1. Fit is KEY to making making you look your best. You can buy a less expensive suit but make it look Designer quality with the aid of an expert tailor.

2. Mindful Monochromatic Dressing: Nothing will make you look taller and thinner than wearing all one color and this is especially true when it comes to wearing white. You can add a POP of color when it comes to your accessories. It will complete your look and keep the slim line of your silhouette intact.

3. Style Staple: A good white suite can last for years so “buy well buy once.”

4. A white suit looks best and skims your body better when it’s lined.

If your Inbox is deluged with offers from online sale sites and you just don’t have enough hours in the day to suss out the good from the bad..I’m here to help. Below you will find a list of some of my absolute favorite online sale sites. I hope you will quell your sale craving and help you find that perfect product for whatever you ‘re sourcing.

For quick access to site-Click on site name before the tag (click on this link)

Gilt

Specializing in luxury apparel and accessories. Gilt wants to do it all in the luxury segment. The site boasts everything from fashion and home goods to fine food and travel.

More about Gilt (click on this link) Owned by the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, Gilt is considered the grande dame of flash sales. These days Gilt has pivoted from just flash sales, offering full-price merchandise and (nonflash) discounted items, in addition to daily deals.

HauteLook

Specializing in fashion for the whole family. Women, men and kids’ apparel — HauteLook has it all, as well as beauty, shoes and home decor.

More about HauteLook(click on this link) : This site is Nordstrom’s foray into the world of flash sale sites. The CEO has called HauteLook a “West Coast­­–casual” company, so expect the products, like sophisticated floral dresses and organic skincare products, to reflect that aesthetic. With new events launching every day at 8 a.m. PST, something new is sure to catch your eye.

Rue La La

Specializing in home decor, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. This invitation-only online boutique marketplace is curated daily with the best of the best in women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion, home decor, travel experiences and more.

More about Rue La La(click on this link): Shopping on Rue La La is an adrenaline rush: There’s a countdown clock that shows how long a boutique is open, and then another countdown clock once you put something in your cart (so there’s no squatting on that TUMI carry-on). If you love the thrill of a good deal, bookmark Rue La La.

Joss & Main

Specializing in home design. Find the highest-quality houseware, furniture, decorative accents, lifestyle accessories and gifts.

More about Joss & Main(click on this link): If home design is your jam, you’re likely familiar with Joss & Main. Featuring vintage wall art, mid-century modern furniture and traditional accents, the site’s inventory is carefully curated. Your living room won’t look like your neighbor’s—it’ll look better!

11. One Kings Lane

Specializing in discounted home goods, decor, furniture, rugs and lighting. Offering eclectic goods from top-notch brands, One Kings Lane also has vintage pieces for a truly one-of-a-kind buy.

More about One Kings Lane(click on this link): This is definitely the site our designer friends mention when we tell them we’re looking to spruce up our house without going broke. One Kings Lane groups items by style (Modern Ease, Coastal Charm, Parisian Chic, etc.) so it’s easy to find goods that match the vibe of your home. If you still need a little help, you can consult with a designer for free!

Shop It to Me

Specializing in sale fashion and accessories for men and women. A daily shopping email—it’s called Salemail—with items handpicked just for you.

More about Shop It to Me(click on this link): Too busy to spend hours online seeking out the biggest bargains? Well, let this site do the work for you. Tell Shop It to Me your favorite designers and your clothing size, and you’ll be alerted when those items go on sale and more. Easy-peasy.

Sassy Steals

Specializing in fashion and accessories for men, women and children. Sassy Steals allows dealers and artisans to offer their unique items.

More about Sassy Steals(click on this link): From tutu dresses to makeup-brush cleaners to wireless earbuds, you’ll find an exciting variety of products on Sassy Steals. A quick scan of the homepage shows great price points, with many items under $20.

Lot18

Specializing in wine. Count on Lot18 to find the wines that offer more bang for your buck. Experts, mainly former sommeliers, curate high-quality wines for you to buy at the best-possible prices.

More about Lot18(click on this link): Each wine is offered for a limited time, or until all available quantity has been purchased by customers. Lot18 also has a monthly wine club (wine to your doorstep? Sign me up!) and fun collections you can buy—like the perfect pairings for your “Bachelor” viewing parties.

8. Jetsetter

Specializing in travel deals. Warning: Wanderlust is inevitable.

More about Jetsetter(click on this link): Owned by TripAdvisor, this travel search engine was founded to give you insider access, expert knowledge and exclusive experiences. Score hotel rooms or travel deals at a discount, and get those cherished nuggets of practical advice from travel writers who’ve been all over the world.

Suits for women have come a long way from the very basic (and maybe a little boring) navy or black, single breasted, 2 button down jacket with matching A- line skirt and a pair of pants. . Thank goodness! Suits for Spring 2019 seem to have a bit more edge and style and are much more flattering.

If you happen to be looking for a few quick and easy tips to UP your “Spring Suit Style” here are a few that should do the trick:

• First and foremost FIT is key! Your suit should fit you to perfection. You can take a moderately priced suit and have it appear to be Couture with the right tailor.
• If you’re opting for a color PINK IS BIG this season. Very Big. I’m featuring a soft pink from Veronica Beard in today’s blog but you can find suits in a wide array of colors and styles.

• Heels. Yes, I said it heels. Please “elevate” your style and add a heel instead of flats. You don’t have to teeter on 5 inch stilettos but please promise me you’ll at least try. Heels give you a polished put together look and you’ll appear taller and thinner. (Your basic win-win)!
• Accessories are the perfect finishing touch. Add a great handbag in addition to opting in and adding earrings/ a sleek statement necklace/ bracelet or ring. You don’t have to do all 4 jewelry options-but add one great piece and it will pull your whole look together and amp up your style another notch or 3!

I’ve been giving allot of thought to the neck lately (more specifically hiding the neck-as the skin is so delicate in this area and seems to show signs of aging sooner than other parts of the body).

Hence all the high collar details found in today’s post. If you’re looking to detract a little attention from your neck and don’t want to be wrapping scarves around this area on a daily basis why not consider taking your collar UP a notch or two. White collars aren’t a crime and they have a way of turning back time when raised up!