Closet Wars...

What is in your closet?

Every season, we struggle with the “changing of the closet”. Whether it is changing from spring to fall or winter to spring, the burden of making sure we have the right pieces in our wardrobe is always a challenge.

For this up coming winter, here are 10 key items that I think will benefit you to add to your personal fashion collection:

1. A Crisp white blouse. This item should be able to be worn with pants, jackets, skirts. It is the piece that you should be able to wear on your interview or wear with some jeans and pumps. A white blouse is perfect for all office dress codes.
2. A black jacket. No, not one that is apart of a 2 piece suit. A black blazer. One that you can wear with a pencil skirt in the office or once that you can throw on with a pair a jeans and some funky jewelry. Make sure it fit well and not tight. Also the fit should be to your body type. You don’t want to wear something “over-sized” that will make you look frumpy.
3. A nice well fitted trench coat or rain coat. During that transition time of fall, we tend to get a lot of rain. It especially feels like that this season in NY. I feel it a staple in any girl’s closet. It is a timeless piece that will always be in season.
4. Rain Boot are also a must. Something to go with your trench coat. I like the bright colored ones, myself, but if you are feeling like a “Shy Violet”, then there are many available in more neutral colors. The great thing now, since they have been a trend in the market, you can get them at almost any price. From $20 to $80. They are perfect for those large puddles.
5. A Basic Dress Coat. I find more double breasted and single breasted or single breasted wool coat in a neutral color to be the most timeless. As long as you keep them in good condition, you should be able to keep it in your wardrobe for years.
6. Tall Black and Chocolate Brown boots. Something comfortable but with a little “pizzazz” in them. You should have a heel but not too high. They should be versatile to most things in your closet. These two colors will work will both dressy and casual. Also short booties are great too to have in the closet in neutral colors.
7. A simple, well fitted black v-neck cardigan. Why, because sometimes you get cold and it will go with most basic things.
8. Warm tights or leggings. Right now, sweaters are still coming in tunic length and here are a lot of long tunic length tops and ponchos. Leggings are great to keep you warm and balance out the voluminous tops.
9. A large neutral color hand bag. Something you can carry comfortably and keep EVERYTHING you need. I personally carry a lot: like e-reader, wallet, ipod, sketch book, pens, paper, phone charger, phone, keys. You never know what you will need on your way back from the office.
10. A beautiful pashmina. Not only do they look pretty, but I find they are great in a pinch when you are feeling chilly. I carry one in my “big bag” for when I am cold on the train ride home. This helps in the summer too, when the A/C is really cold.

 These are just a few simple items that will be the foundation to your fashion collection. Mixing them with fun pieces that are trending, will make you a fashionista.

Happy Shopping!

My Style "A la Mode"

Style a la Mode

I want to take the time to introduce myself and the purpose of the blog.

For over 11 years now, I have been working in the fashion industry performing various jobs, in design. I decided a new way to be creative was to create a blog. My intension is not just to report about trends and give you my “expert” advice. I don’t claim to be an expert nor do I think should tell anyone how to dress. I want to write about things from a unique perspective.

Some of the articles I plan on writing may deal with combining food and fashion. Others may involve taking a look into a designer’s life. What ever the topic, I want it to be informative and fun.

Why “Style A La Mode” as my title? Well, the phrase “a la mode” is a French phrase for “in the fashion” and often times when we use this phrase; we just want some type of food with ice cream. Believe it or not, other than fashion, FOOD is a huge past time for me. So the idea of mixing the two in some capacity excites me.

Let me be your magazine, of sorts. You will still get the “ins and outs” of fashion, but I plan on delivering it with a bit of “tongue in cheek” style. So please don’t roll your eyes when I use clichés or corny dialogue. I promise that each article will have some useful and fun information. You just learned what “a la mode” means, didn’t you?

I also welcome comments and suggestions on stories I can cover for the readers. So please challenge me on my journey into the blog world. And if you enjoy the fun fact and fashion information you receive, PLEASE tell your friends to follow me. A few minutes of your day, means a lot to my ego. Thank you for reading today.