Day 31: In My Little Black Dress
Posted on | August 31, 2009
“THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS EXPERIMENT” WRAP UP!!!!
Wow! 31 days in my Little Black Dress. I can’t believe it all went by so fast. The week I started I thought back to 31 days prior and thought it seemed like a long time but I have to say this past 31 days just flew by. I am so glad I jumped headfirst into this crazy ordeal because hour by hour I am hearing more stories of people who have been touched or inspired by the story and that tells me that I was able to reach my target audience, you.
Stylists are often thought of as someone only a celebrity could access and someone who would spend all your money on extravagant clothes. By all means I have no problems working with celebrity clients or spending lots of money (does anyone?) but my goal with this project was to bring the ideas of a stylist to the modern everyday consumer. I certainly don’t expect everyone to love or imitate my personal style and I tried to incorporate many styles into the experiment that were not necessarily my own. What I do hope though is that each person who has followed The Dress Diaries has taken away something from the experiment that they can apply to their day, their life, their style.
We are compiling the experiences of the last month into a book soon to be released, titled The Dress Diaries. We have received so many messages, posts, thoughts and comments (both good and bad) and we love to hear your feedback. If you have a story you would like to share please post your comments on the blog or submit your story or your thoughts to TheDressDiaries@SocietyStylist.com.
I hope you will continue reading my daily blog for our September series on Fall trends and live coverage from New York Fashion Week.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/societystylist
Become a Facebook Fan: http://www.facebook.com/SocietyStylist
LOOK OF THE DAY
What is The Little Black Dress Experiment all about? Read the introduction here.
TIP OF THE DAY
Don’t be afraid to mix black and brown or even (GASP!!!) black and navy. The colors are both neutrals and work well together as a backdrop for other colors.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What unusual color combinations are you drawn to?
LOCATION OF THE DAY: Elli Grace at the “Take Off The Dress” Event…standing next to the outfit voted “Look of the Day,” Day 29
ABOUT THE OUTFIT
THE DRESS: “The Valerie Shift” designed by Elli Grace. Black cowl neck, sleeveless, knit dress.
WHERE TO BUY: Available online, beginning August 7, at www.elligrace.com
PRICE: $150
WATCH: MICHELE
MODEL: Deco Glamour
WHERE TO BUY: Available at MICHELE retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Michele.com.
PRICE: $3,295 Deco Glamour Diamond with Stainless Diamond Bracelet
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Deco style is one of the top seller’s for MICHELE. The Deco Glamour just seems like a perfect match for me, right? Bringing together two of my favorites MICHELE & Glamour. This month I’ll be pairing this watch head with a variety of straps from my strap wardrobe to showcase how changing the strap on your watch can change not just the look of the watch but often the look of the outfit as well.
SHIRT: Manuel
ABOUT THE PIECE: I bought this at a Manuel liquidation sale hosted by Fringe Fashion Group. It was a sample size so I paid $5. I am sure each jeweled button cost more than that.
BELT: A.N.A.
ABOUT THE PIECE: I stole (read: borrowed, possibly permanently) this…from my mom’s closet. Luckily the price tag was just right. She purchased at JC Penney for just $11.99. A great deal for this neutral, versatile piece.
HANDBAG: Michele Inez
ABOUT THE PIECE: My bag is obviously the black version but it available at Michele.com in a beautiful pearl version. Retail is $595 but if you can find any more in the black at Nordstrom it was marked down 50% off. This is the bag featured in The Dress Diaries sketch.
NECKLACE: Target
ABOUT THE PIECE: I paid $12.98 for this piece a few weeks ago. Is was 75% off in the jewelry case and I absolutely love the color combination/contrast this off-turquoise color makes with the gold.
SHOES: Miu Miu Strappy Sabbia Sandals
ABOUT THE PIECE: I picked these shoes up at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza as a day before my birthday gift. Funny story…after trying on quite a few pairs of shoes and selecting these for their style comfort and versatility I was flabbergasted when after fifteen minutes the salesman told me he couldn’t find the other shoe, there were no more in the country and couldn’t I just find another shoe. Solution? A salesgirl. LOL. One thing I have found when shopping, you must find salespeople as motivated as you. The salesman couldn’t see why I wouldn’t just pick something else while the girl realized (as of course you will as well) that once a woman has selected a shoe, its time to find the shoe. So what happened? The girl went in the back and reappeared not two minutes later with my shoes. This is the second time I have worn them and though I don’t recommend them for long walks in the woods or a day in retail they are comfortable and certainly a great neutral footwear solution. Celebrity sighting? Lauren Conrad has these shoes. I purchase the shoes for approximately 60% off retail at $236.90, MSRP $595.
ABOUT THE DAY
I woke up with mixed feelings. Excited about completing the 31 days but sad to have completed. I couldn’t stir on this for long though because the day was a whirlwind preparing for the evening’s festivities. By 4PM I was on the road to Elli Grace and when I arrived right at the stroke of 5PM the camera crews for FOX4, NBC5, CW33 CH9, CBS11, CBS21 were already onsite waiting for me. What a great welcoming committee.
Got to mix and mingle with some of my closest friends and we held the drawing for the winner of the Little Black Dress Experiment grand prize, a “Valerie Shift” from Elli Grace, a Michele watch and a collection of bags from GigiHill. Congratulations to the winner, Karen S. or Arkansas.
Wrapped up the event with the “Take Off The Dress” wardrobe change and guests went home with great goody bags compliments of Michele and Society Stylist.
Day 30: In My Little Black Dress
Posted on | August 30, 2009
Welcome to all the new Society Stylist fans and followers!!!
I am so flattered that so many of you have come to visit my website and I hope you will be sure to check back daily. For live micro-blog updates follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/societystylist and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook/societystylist. Starting tomorrow, September 1, I’ll be blogging daily on “30 looks for Fall.”
Also, I was recently approved for press and industry accreditation by IMG for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and as a contributor for “Inside the Tents,” so I will be reporting live from New York Fashion Week.
LOOK OF THE DAY
What is “The Little Black Dress Experiment” all about? Read the introduction here.
TIP OF THE DAY
When I started this experiment I admittedly knew it was a little bit crazy but I thought it would be a good growing experience for me and a great way to share style tips with others. With just one day left in the Little Black Dress Experiment I have been asked quite a few questions throughout the experiment but most recently the number one question I’ve been asked is “Are you ready to be done?” I have to say I have mixed feelings. It is kind of like graduating from high school or college, you are excited to try new things but don’t want to let go of your friends and memories. In like manner I am so excited about what is to come, with just four days until I leave for New York, yet I have gotten into a routine with my LBD and my daily write-up that I think I will miss. I even find myself looking at things in my closet saying “Oooh, I didn’t ever wear that.” That being said I will transition this experience into the next stage in my life and continue writing daily about what I am wearing and the fashion trend or tip of the day. I will also remember this experience and use the things I have learned from it to extend the wardrobe I have as well as when I buy future pieces. My tip for today is don’t hold yourself back from a good idea just because others say it’s impossible or crazy or wonder why you would do something or doubt you can do it. A little bit of crazy is good for everyone and your little bit of crazy might be the best thing that ever happened to you.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What was your favorite “Look of the day?” Vote here.
LOCATION OF THE DAY: The Harbor at Lake Ray Hubbard. A hidden gem twenty miles east of downtown.
ABOUT THE OUTFIT
THE DRESS: “The Valerie Shift” designed by Elli Grace. Black cowl neck, sleeveless, knit dress.
WHERE TO BUY: Available online, beginning August 10, at www.elligrace.com
PRICE: $150
WATCH: MICHELE
MODEL: Deco Glamour
WHERE TO BUY: Available at MICHELE retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Michele.com.
PRICE: $3295 Deco Glamour Diamond, $100 Leopard Glitter Patent Leather Strap
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Deco style is one of the top seller’s for MICHELE. The Deco Glamour just seems like a perfect match for me, right? Bringing together two of my favorites MICHELE & Glamour. This month I’ll be pairing this watch head with a variety of straps from my strap wardrobe to showcase how changing the strap on your watch can change not just the look of the watch but often the look of the outfit as well. Strap the Leopard Glitter Patent Leather Strap.
BRACELETS: Gold toned bangles
ABOUT THE PIECE: These bangles were part of a set I picked up at a fun Melrose boutique for just $9.99.
BRACELET: Wooden Giraffe Print
ABOUT THE PIECE: I picked this up at a resale shop for $4. Had it for years but I think this was the first time I ever wore it.
BELT: St. John- Brown with bronzed buckle
ABOUT THE PIECE: While accompanying my husband to San Antonio for business in January I got to indulge in one of my favorite past times, outlet shopping. We made a brief stop at the San Marcos outlets where I discovered a St. John outlet with Target prices. I’ll be wearing a number of pieces from that amazing shopping trip throughout the month. I picked up this very versatile belt for just $18, MSRP $145.
HANDBAG: Michele Kylie Hobo
AOUT THE PIECE: This Kylie Hobo handbag, in Cuoio (pronounced “Coy-oh”) is the focal point of Michele’s Fall collection. You will see this bag on the cover of the upcoming Bloomingdale’s catalog and certainly on the arm of many fashionable ladies on the street as well. Price is $595.
SHOES: Diba
ABOUT THE PIECE: I bought these at DSW (love this store) with my shoe rewards points!!! They were just $29.99 in rewards points and though I have had them for about six months, this is the first time I wore them. Surprisingly they were not uncomfortable.
WRAP: Cejon
ABOUT THE PIECE: This wrap is one of the styles you will see all over for Fall. The wrap style sweater is everywhere this Fall. You can get them at Coldwater Creek for $29.99 or Neiman Marcus for $250 or most everywhere else for something in between. Regardless you’ll want to have one/some. They are warm for cold weather and just all around cozy to keep you comfortable all day long. Add a belt to accentuate your waist and wear with skinny jeans or slim cut trousers to dress it up or down. The wrap I am wearing also happens to be an animal print, another hot for Fall trend. I am not really an animal print person but I do see how it could be fun to throw in for a season. Mine came from Stein Mart and cost $29.99.
SUNGLASSES: Leopard Print Sunglasses by Michele
ABOUT THE PIECE: These great Flamingo Leopard Print Sunglasses are a great accessory for Fall with animal prints being so hot right now. The price point is $138. You can see they work great as a headband as well.
RING: David Yurman
ABOUT THE PIECE: Champagne citrine 14mm set in silver/gold. From the Albion® Collection, sterling silver and 18-karat yellow gold ring with faceted and split Cable shank. Stone, 14mm x 14mm. Made in the USA of domestic and imported material. A note about David Yurman rings. Since the stones are genuine each individual stone will have it’s own unique color. Be sure to select the exact ring you want and if you are matching another piece in your collection bring it along as the colors can vary dramatically. It is not currently available online but may be available in store. This was my 30thbirthday gift from my husband.
WIN “The Little Black Dress Experiment” Prize Package
Posted on | August 30, 2009
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN S. OF ARKANSAS,
WINNER OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS EXPERIMENT PRIZE PACKAGE.
What is included: Prize includes a “Valerie Shift” from Elli Grace, as featured in The Little Black Dress Experiment, a Michele watch and a collection of GigiHill bags. Actual prizes may vary slightly from those pictured.
How to enter: Register as a Society Stylist member, HERE CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED BUT WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU REGISTER AS A MEMBER.
How to increase your chances of winning: Already a member or just want to have up to 31 chances to win. You may comment up to one time on each daily blog to increase your entries into the drawing.
When will the be winner selected: The winner will be selected from a random drawing at the “Take Off The Dress Event” August 31, 2009. For event details, click HERE.
The fine print: To provide fair and equal chance of winning to all entrants, the following are the official rules for the LBD grand prize contest. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING. All winners must be 18 years of age or older, unless otherwise stated and/or posted. The winner will be selected in a random drawing from entries received no later than 4PM CST, August 31, 2009. How to enter: Register as a user on SocietyStylist.com and/or post a comment on the daily blogs for The Little Black Dress Experiment. To increase chances of winning a registered user may post one comment per daily blog up to a total of 30 daily blogs. No person may enter any contest more than once using multiple email addresses. Entrants must included accurate contact information and their legal name. The winner will be asked to verify their identity send entries using the correct contest entry email address, subject line, and any other specific entry information requested in the contest announcement. Society Stylist is not responsible for and will not consider incomplete or incorrect entries, as potential contest winners. Winners of all contests will be contacted at the “user” email address registered at SocietyStylist.com. Society Stylist will mail the contest prize to the address supplied by the recipient of the winner announcement email, one identification has been confirmed. Claiming of prizes requires an email response to Society Stylist from the winning user’s email address within 5 days of being notified of winning at the email address used to enter. Failure to respond shall mean that the winner forfeits the prize. Society Stylist is not required to award elsewhere any prizes forfeited by the chosen winner(s). Each prizewinner must supply Society Stylist with his/her legal name, mailing address, birth date, daytime and nighttime telephone numbers. Winners may not request substitutions of prize winnings. All winners are solely responsible for any and all taxes and/or fees, and all such additional costs that may be incurred. Neither Society Stylist, nor employees of Society Stylist or sponsors may be held liable for any warranty, costs, damage, injury, or any other claims incurred as a result of usage of any winners of a prize once possession has been taken of the product by winner. Society Stylist is not liable for any loss arising out of or in connection with or resulting from any contest promoted by Society Stylist. If the specified prize becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances, Society Stylist may substitute a prize of like or equal value. Society Stylist reserves the right to alter any rules of any contest at anytime.
Day 29: In My Little Black Dress
Posted on | August 29, 2009
Welcome to all the new Society Stylist fans and followers!!!
I am so flattered that so many of you have come to visit my website and I hope you will be sure to check back daily. For live micro-blog updates follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/societystylist and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook/societystylist. Starting September 1, I’ll be blogging daily on “30 looks for Fall” and I was recently approved for press and industry accreditation by IMG for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and as a contributor for “Inside the Tents,” so I will be reporting live from New York Fashion Week.
LOOK OF THE DAY
What is “The Little Black Dress Experiment” all about? Read the introduction here.
TIP OF THE DAY
Sometimes you need to take some time out to plan your outfits. Most of us are very rushed in the morning and find that the beginning of the day, just after waking up is not the best time to figure out what to wear. I suggest planning one day a month or a couple evenings a month to try pieces of your wardrobe on , mix and match and see how pieces look together when they are actually on you. It is a great way to get outfit ideas in your mind to make selecting your daily outfits easier and quicker.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: When do you pick out your outfits? Do you feel this is the best way/time for you to select pieces from your wardrobe?
LOCATION: Out and about with Miss Dallas
ABOUT THE OUTFIT
THE DRESS: “The Valerie Shift” designed by Elli Grace. Black cowl neck, sleeveless, knit dress.
WHERE TO BUY: Available online, beginning August 10, at www.elligrace.com
PRICE: $150
WATCH: MICHELE
MODEL: Deco Glamour
WHERE TO BUY: Available at MICHELE retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Michele.com.
PRICE: $3,295 Deco Glamour Diamond with MW Pattern Gold Strap, which will be available August 25.
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Deco style is one of the top seller’s for MICHELE. The Deco Glamour just seems like a perfect match for me, right? Bringing together two of my favorites, MICHELE & Glamour. This month I’ll be pairing this watch head with a variety of straps from my strap wardrobe to showcase how changing the strap on your watch can change not just the look of the watch but often the look of the outfit as well. The strap is MW pattern gold and it will be available August 25.
NECKLACE: Tommassinni
ABOUT THE PIECE: I purchased this great Tommassini necklace from the fashionable Lisa Kline boutique on Robertson in January 2007. The necklace retailed for $495 and I bought it for an astounding 90% off, just $49.50. It had a large broken locket on it that I clipped off with some jewelry pliers.
HANDBAG: Michele Kenya Satchel
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Kenya satchel, available in multiple colors from Michele.com for $595, is an awesome handbag. It has a great, unique shape but still holds as much as you could need to put in your bag. I love the Michele bags because they have great interior pockets so you can always find your cell phone, camera and keys. This may be my favorite new bag. It is just so fun and funk it adds a spice of flavor to any outfit.
SHOES: Xhiliration
ABOUT THE PIECE: I love this great gold flip-flops. I have them in silver and gold and bought quite a few pairs for just $9.99 at Target last year. They are great to wear to the beach or pool when you don’t want to damage your nice sandals and with both a silver, and a gold pair, they go with everything. They currently have this same style on end of summer clearance in bronze.
ABOUT THE DAY
I spent the morning doing web updates, responding to emails, working on the food drive and planning the “Take off the dress” event. Then I spent the rest of the day with Brittany Tiner, Miss Dallas, helping her prepare her wardrobe for Miss Texas USA next week. We got to visit many of my favorite shops 4510, Stanley Korshak, Tootsies, Elements, Saks, Neiman Marcus and of course Elli Grace. A fun but exhausting day. It gave me new excitement and inspiration for the coming days after I remove the little black dress.
The LBD Experiment Finale… “Take Off The Dress” Event
Posted on | August 29, 2009
“TAKE OFF THE DRESS” Event
Come out and join the fun as we celebrate the last day of The Little Black Dress Experiment with the “Take Off the Dress Event.” We will be drawing for the grand prize of an Elli Grace Dress, a Michele Watch, a selection of GigiHill handbags and more. If you haven’t entered, enter by registering as a user at SocietyStylist.com Don’t miss out! We will also be displaying the three favorite looks as voted for on SocietyStylist.com. There is no admission cost but you are encouraged to bring canned goods to help Valerie Elizabeth’s drive for 5,000 cans of food in 5 days for Helping Hands Food Pantry. (Click here for info on the food drive)
EVENT DETAILS:
| Date: |
Monday, August 31, 2009
|
| Time: |
5:00pm – 8:00pm
|
| Location: |
Elli Grace at The Shops at Willow Bend, 2nd Floor near Saks
|
| Street: |
6121 W Park Blvd
|
| City/Town: |
Plano, TX
|
| Phone: |
214.793.7890
|
| Email: |
Admission: FREE but donations of canned goods are appreciated
Helping Others In The Little Black Dress
Posted on | August 29, 2009
HELPING HANDS NEEDS YOUR HELP
Helping Hands, the food pantry I support is in dire need of canned and dried goods to restock their shelves. The shelves are bare and there are so many families right now who are in need of more food. I am looking for 50 friends who are each willing to collect a minimum of 100 cans of food or dried goods to donate to Helping Hands and “Help” them stock their food pantry. Anything you can give is great, you don’t even need to go out and buy food if you have some canned or dried goods in your pantry that you don’t need please pass them along. The following is a list of items that are great for those of you looking to purchase food for Helping Hands. If you prefer to make a donation they are a tax-exempt charity and can issue you a tax letter for your contribution. Please forward this to your friends and family in the area and encourage them to support this worthy agency that is the main source of food for those in need.
Even with the hardships of the recession most of us are fortunate to have our basic needs met and especially to have the food we need to survive. Imagine not being able to afford to purchase food and then going to the food pantry where you think they will help to find they are out of food as well. Whether you help with this endeavor or not I strongly encourage you to find a way to help your fellow neighbor whether it be with food, other resources, time or emotional support we all have something to give to the world.
Donations list and drop off locations are listed below. To read more about Helping Hands at their website, HERE. Anything you can give is appreciated…from 1 can to 1,000 cans, it all helps!!!
XOXO,
Valerie Elizabeth
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Dallas County
Elli Grace
The Shops at Willow Bend (2nd Floor, Near Saks)
6121 W Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093
You can drop off donations at Elli Grace at The Shops at Willow Bend or bring them with you to the “Take Off The Dress” event on Monday, August 31. Event details HERE.
Rockwall County
Helping Hands
950 Williams St # 100
Rockwall, TX 75087-2655
Open M-F: 10-12 & 1-4
Other Areas
If you live in another area I encourage you to donate to your local food pantry as I suspect they may be in just as much need.
The following is a list of some great items that work well to distribute to families and make the dollar stretch from meal to meal.
Canned Vegetables
Fresh Fruits
Milk
Eggs
Butter
Sliced Bread
Cereal
Oatmeal
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Canned Meats
Canned Stew
Canned Chili
Flour
Sugar
Cooking Oil
Dry Milk
Evaporated Milk
Rice
Canned Soups
Hamburger Meat
Hotdogs
Chicken
Hamburger Helper
Tuna Helper
Dried Beans
Note: The food is stored on shelves so things that can stand on their own and are not glass are best to store for distribution.
Day 28: In My Little Black Dress
Posted on | August 28, 2009
Welcome to all the new Society Stylist fans and followers!!!
I am so flattered that so many of you have come to visit my website and I hope you will be sure to check back daily. For live micro-blog updates follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/societystylist and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook/societystylist. Starting September 1, I’ll be blogging daily on “30 looks for Fall” with a special week live blogging from New York Fashion Week. I was recently approved for press and industry accreditation by IMG for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and as a contributor for “Inside the Tents,” so be sure to check out the inside scoop.
LOOK OF THE DAY
What is “The Little Black Dress Experiment” all about? Read the introduction here.
TIP OF THE DAY
See how you can help someone else today. The act of doing good by another will lift your spirits and ultimately change not only how you feel but how you look as well.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What have you done lately to help someone else out? How did you make you feel about yourself, did it brighten your day to help someone else?
LOCATION: In my picture of the day you’ll see some empty shelves but look at the picture below and you’ll see how it is an even more drastic need. The location is Helping Hands Food Pantry…those shelves are bare because they are in dire need of food to distribute. Please see my blog on how you can help!!!
ABOUT THE OUTFIT
THE DRESS: “The Valerie Shift” designed by Elli Grace. Black cowl neck, sleeveless, knit dress.
WHERE TO BUY: Available online, beginning August 10, at www.elligrace.com
PRICE: $150
WATCH: MICHELE
MODEL: Deco Glamour
WHERE TO BUY: Available at MICHELE retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Michele.com.
PRICE:$3,295 Deco Glamour Diamond with $200 Espresso Alligator strap
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Deco style is one of the top seller’s for MICHELE. The Deco Glamour just seems like a perfect match for me, right? Bringing together two of my favorites, MICHELE & Glamour. This month I’ll be pairing this watch head with a variety of straps from my strap wardrobe to showcase how changing the strap on your watch can change not just the look of the watch but often the look of the outfit as well. The strap is Espresso Alligator.
SCARF:The Vintage Scarf
ABOUT THE PIECE: Gorgeous red, brown, green and purple long floral scarf. This style is great to wear around your neck or tie around your waist. I wore it in a pretty traditional style today. The soft material feels like silk and the edge is hand rolled and trimmed in red. The scarf measure 54”x10” and is available online at The Vintage Scarf for just $19.99. Check out their website to see the beautiful variety of vintage scarves they have available. Love their tagline, Nobody AGES As Good As The Vintage Scarf.
HANDBAG: Michele Collins Flap in Garnet
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Collins flap handbag, available in multiple colors from Michele.com for $495, is a very versatile bag. The colors is a deep red that is hot for Fall. It has a great, classic shape but still holds as much as you could need to put in your bag. I love the Michele bags because they have great interior pockets so you can always find your cell phone, camera and keys. It adds a great pop of color to any outfit.
SHOES: Miss Sixty
ABOUT THE PIECE: I saw these on the runway at the Miss Sixty show at Dallas Fashion Week last year. They are very cute and comfortable though I have only worn them a few times. I am very glad that both bootie sand red are hot for Fall as these red booties will certainly make some appearances
ABOUT THE DAY
I started the morning with, surprise-surprise, computer work and had an early start to make it to the Hyatt for my 9:45AM call time. I was participating in the fabulous Kidney Texas fashion show with both old and new friends. For those of you who’ve met me in person you know I am pretty tall for a woman, 5’11 flat footed. In the following picture we are both bare foot. For the first time since pre-school I am not the tallest girl in the picture.
The clothes were provided by Stanley Korshak so you know they were fabulous and the production was put together by Jan Strimple which means it too was fabulous. The runway was one of the most professional I have ever seen and the amazing Jan Strimple outdid herself with the entire production. I cannot wait to post the video of the show. What did I wear in the show you ask? A little black dress, of course.
After finishing the show I went to pick up some lunch and then stopped by the Helping Hands food pantry to asses the need with my own two eyes. WOW was it shocking to see how low the supply was. Remember as you decide what you are going to eat today, some people aren’t having that luxury, let the empty shelves be a reminder of how many people need our help in these trying times. I hope you will help collect supplies for my five day food drive. See details HERE.
Day 27: In My Little Black Dress
Posted on | August 27, 2009
Welcome to all the new Society Stylist fans and followers!!!
I am so flattered that so many of you have come to visit my website and I hope you will be sure to check back daily. For live micro-blog updates follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/societystylist and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook/societystylist. Starting September 1, I’ll be blogging daily on “30 looks for Fall” and as a contributor for “Inside the Tents,” will be reporting live from New York Fashion Week. Check out their website: http://insidethetents.com/
LOOK OF THE DAY
What is “The Little Black Dress Experiment” all about? Read the introduction here.
TIP OF THE DAY
Sometimes life needs a little bit of whimsy. With the daily stressors we each face I strongly believe our outlook and attitude directly impacts how we feel about ourselves on the inside and how we look to others on the outside. I have found to overcome this is to take preventative measures when you know you’ll have a long day, when you know you are already tired or when you foresee a day of stressful events. Many of you will have your own tips some of my favorites include wearing bright colors and giving extra attention to my looks when I am tired, adding a bit of fun or whimsy when I know I’ll have a stressful day. For today’s look I combined a bunch of fun colors and whimsical elements including a youthful ring, a pair of jeweled shoes and a funky bright colored necklace.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: What style tricks do you use to give yourself a little extra something on those long, stressful or tiring days?
ABOUT THE OUTFIT
THE DRESS: “The Valerie Shift” designed by Elli Grace. Black cowl neck, sleeveless, knit dress.
WHERE TO BUY: Available online, beginning August 10, at www.elligrace.com
PRICE: $150
WATCH: MICHELE
MODEL: Deco Glamour
WHERE TO BUY: Available at MICHELE retailers include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Michele.com.
PRICE: $3295 Deco Glamour, with SS Diamond Strap; $2695 Deco Glamour, head only; $200 Peacock Blue Alligator Strap
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Deco style is one of the top seller’s for MICHELE. The Deco Glamour just seems like a perfect match for me, right? Bringing together two of my favorites, MICHELE & Glamour. This month I’ll be pairing this watch head with a variety of straps from my strap wardrobe to showcase how changing the strap on your watch can change not just the look of the watch but often the look of the outfit as well. Today I paired it with the $200 Peacock Blue Alligator Strap
BRACELET: Retro Turquoise Plastic
ABOUT THE PIECE: Oddly I have no recollection of buying this bracelet though clearly I must have since it was sitting in my closet. LOL. How many things do you have like that? Based on the style I can tell you I would have paid less than $10 and I am guessing the bracelet came from Target or Forever 21.
HANDBAG: Michele Kenya Satchel
ABOUT THE PIECE: The Kenya satchel, available in multiple colors from Michele.com for $595, is an awesome handbag. It has a great, unique shape but still holds as much as you could need to put in your bag. I love the Michele bags because they have great interior pockets so you can always find your cell phone, camera and keys. This may be my favorite new bag. It is just so fun and funk it adds a spice of flavor to any outfit.
RING ABOUT THE PIECE: Eden’s Bloom
ABOUT THE PIECE: This adorable ring is by a fresh designer Eden’s Bloom. This cute whimsical rings, come in a variety of cute options and have an adjustable back for just $10. Eden’s Bloom has a cute Etsy boutique for unique gifts for friends and family. As donuts have long been one of my favorite foods I was drawn to the sprinkles donut design. And if sweets are too tempting for you there is a fun coffee design for the caffeine fan in your life. The rings were excellently presented in little pastel colored gift boxes with a coordinating card that opened up to display a personal message from the designer on a stylish iridescent card. Great gifts for the whimsical girls in our lives.
SHOES: Hollywould
ABOUT THE PIECE: These shoes are from the first collection Holly Dunlap created for her line Hollywould. Which means they date back about 10 years. Those familiar with the brand will notice the original tag; the new tag has a quite different look. A pair of shoes, identical to the shoes on these were also given to Gwenyth Paltrow, in her celebrity marketing campaign, I am sure they have an official name but I call them my “Gwyneth” shoes. I got them for $195, which was 50% off retail. And after having them for 10 years and wearing them a lot over that time they are still in amazing shape. Read a prior blog I wrote about Hollywould, HERE.
SUNGLASSES: Michele Miami
ABOUT THE PIECE: I am a sucker for oversized glasses and love the Michele Miami style. This style is set with real diamonds in the logos on each side. They are available in brown and black at Michele.com for $198.SWEATER:
NECKLACE: Target
ABOUT THE PIECE: This funky turquoise necklace compiled of layered gold chains was on sale last week at Target for 75% off along with most of the jewelry in their case. I pick it up for $9.98. A great price on a definite trend piece.
BELT: Navy leather
ABOUT THE PIECE: I bought this belt in LA at Buffalo Exchange for $20, this past May. It was new and still had the $100 price tag on it. It was also way too big for me. But for about $5 Deno’s shoe repair shortened it to fit me.
ABOUT THE DAY
Today was a day filled with a lot of follow-up but ended with some very exciting news…IMG notified me that I was approved for press and industry accreditation for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York next month. What does this mean? The coordinators of the show pre-screen individuals/publications for designers and their PR firms and then provide a list of pre-screened press and industry representatives who can be invited to the designer shows. I will be there reporting live from Fashion Week so remember to check my micro-blog on Twitter and visit the Society Stylist website each day to read about the latest trends coming down the runway.
Fashion’s Night Out Tees at Gilt
Posted on | August 27, 2009
FASHION’S NIGHT OUT: New York City
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I just ordered my Fashion’s Night Out tee and I’m so excited to receive it. If you are in New York you can pick one up at hundreds of retailers around the city. If not, go online and order yours at Gilt.com. You need an invitation to sign up so you if you aren’t yet a member click here for your own personal invitation from Society Stylist.
Are you the creative type? Personalize your tee with your own style and enter to win two tickets to Fashion Week from Teen Vogue. Visit their site for details and contest details at:
TEEN VOGUE ROCK THE TEE CONTEST
Support Fashion’s Night Out and 40 percent of retail proceeds from the sale of the Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt will be donated by the retailers to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. Want more information about Fashion’s Night Out? Visit their website for more information:
BAZAAR, Marie Claire & More Just $6.99 Today Only
Posted on | August 27, 2009
Renew your fashion magazine subscriptions or order ones you don’t have yet. Also great for holiday gifts, titles for men and women. Today only you can order an annual subscription thru Hearst publications for just $6.99. Don’t miss it…I just ordered four for myself!!!
