Signature Style: Velvet Vibe
It seems that velvet is having a major moment right now. I'm spotting velvet in fashion, footwear and plush decor pieces and the velvet vibe feels more fresh and modern, interpreted differently than in the 90's. I've been a fan for many years. It's comfortable and luxurious to wear if done right. I'll never forget my emerald-green off the shoulder cocktail dress from the 90's. I'm hoping to add a pair of velvet booties to my collection this year. How do you feel about velvet?
SIGNATURE STYLE: VELVET VIBE
It seems that velvet is having a major moment right now. I'm spotting velvet in fashion, footwear and plush decor pieces and the velvet vibe feels more fresh and modern, interpreted differently than in the 90's. I've been a fan for many years. It's comfortable and luxurious to wear if done right. I'll never forget my emerald-green off the shoulder cocktail dress from the 90's. I'm hoping to add a pair of velvet booties to my collection this year. How do you feel about velvet?
(Click on gallery for slideshow)
A fabric which divides the masses, velvet as a trend is nothing new and considering fashion’s recent fixation with the 90s we almost should have seen it coming. It’s one of those lavish textiles that while not often at the forefront of the runway, season after season, is continually there in some capacity. For autumn/winter though velvet is undergoing a renaissance that sees the luxurious fabric outpace its tactless past for something altogether more stylish. It boasts a dangerous streak for sure but also a wonderfully eccentric and lustrous element..."
-Sarah Young from Independent UK
Proof that I've been a fan of velvet most of my life...
My sister and I in velvet
Here we are again circa 1971 and it seems gucci stole our look.
Signature Style: The Perfect Black Leggings from Svelte
Black leggings are a staple in my wardrobe. I pretty much live in leggings year round, especially now that I am working out of my home office. Sorry jeans, there is nothing more comfortable to pull on than a pair of leggings, plus, they are incredibly versatile. Dress them up with a silk blouse and heels or dress them down with a chunky sweater and boots. You can wear them from pilates to lunch to an event with the right accessories. Leggings can pretty much take you anywhere. When it comes to travel, leggings are a space saver and so easy to pack, wear, rinse, repeat.
Signature Style: Black Leggings
Black leggings are a staple in my wardrobe. I pretty much live in leggings year round, especially now that I am working out of my home office. Sorry jeans, there is nothing more comfortable to pull on than a pair of leggings, plus, they are incredibly versatile. Dress them up with a silk blouse and heels or dress them down with a chunky sweater and boots. You can wear them from pilates to lunch to an event with the right accessories. Leggings can pretty much take you anywhere. When it comes to travel, leggings are a space saver and so easy to pack, wear, rinse, repeat.
After a busy long weekend of travel in Southern California, with celebrations, late nights, and overindulgences in food and bubbly, I was not exactly feeling my most 'svelte' last Monday. I slipped on my new bootcut leggings and I felt instantly put together and well, more svelte. I'm a curvy girl, no doubt, and while I love my curves, there are times we all need a little extra support. I am NOT a fan of shapewear that binds and crawls around under my clothing. I probably should be, but I find it oh so uncomfortable. When the stretch is built into the clothing that's a whole different story and it's a story being written by the Montreal based 'Svelte' brand.
From Svelte, "Shapewear leggings, tank tops, shorts, and skirts—Svelte’s form-fitting clothing keeps you looking and feeling your very best. The ready-to-wear line integrates to your body shape with a 4-way stretch spandex panel. It sculpts a comfortable, non-restricting solution to those stubborn tummy rolls and periodic bloating. All Svelte shapewear products are equipped with a signature, built-in waist panel to accentuate your silhouette. Capris, leggings, and shorts are high-waist while tank tops integrate three panels: top and bottom cotton comfort with a centerpiece that flattens out your midriff. And not only will you be looking good, Svelte’s boutique line is ultra-comfortable and delightfully soft."
I ordered the flared 'wide leg leggings' from the Svelte website for a change of pace from my usual straight leg cut style. They are super stretchy, soft and so comfortable to wear. I can also wear them with boots, heels or flats which makes them ultra versatile. These will be my go-to leggings for fall. Check out the entire stylish collection at Svelte.
These images were taken at Aloft Concept Hotel in El Segundo, California.
The leggings were a gift from Svelte and all opinions given are my own.
SIGNATURE STYLE: Summer Vibe
We are in full-blown summer mode here by mid-July, at least here in Northern California. Are you feeling it too? Soaring temps, late evening sunsets, bountiful fresh fruits and veggies, backyard BBQs, lazy days - perhaps even the luxury of a poolside nap - all speak to the vibe of summer. During our road trip last week we experienced a mini-heatwave even on the coast in Newport Beach. It's official: the summer vibe is here!
SIGNATURE STYLE: Summer Vibe
We are in full-blown summer mode here by mid-July, at least here in Northern California. Are you feeling it too? Soaring temps, late evening sunsets, bountiful fresh fruits and veggies, backyard BBQs, lazy days - perhaps even the luxury of a poolside nap - all speak to the vibe of summer. During our road trip last week we experienced a mini-heatwave even on the coast in Newport Beach. It's official: the summer vibe is here!
I find myself reaching for flowy dresses, maxi skirts, palazzo pants, and loosely woven pieces to help keep me cool. I wore a black off the shoulder number to an outdoor party in the sun and realized light or white is my definitely my best friend for summer temps. I'm such a fan of caftans, wrap skirts and off the shoulder blouses. Stripes are feeling fresh and fun this season. I found this gallery of summer style inspiration on my Pinterest boards for summer 2017.
Travels are in high gear and I'm enjoying so many of the colorful travel photos on Facebook and Instagram. One of the bonuses of social media is being able to keep in touch with the goings on of family and friends. I LOVE it!
I'm also thankful for the most lovely birthday wishes I received over the weekend. Thank you, dear readers, for sharing the birthday love with me.
Signature Style: Block Heeled Sandals
Call them a perfect blend of style and comfort and I'll call it a signature style. I'm spotting block heeled sandals all over this summer and I'm loving the look. My pregnant step-daughter, Briana, showed up at dinner with a stylish pair of black block-heeled sandals last week and reported that they are a comfortable way to wear heels, even when pregnant. Talk about walking on solid ground in style!
Signature Style:
Block Heeled Sandals
BLOCK HEELED SANDALS
Call them a perfect blend of style and comfort and I'll call it a signature style. I'm spotting block heeled sandals all over this summer and I'm loving the look. My pregnant step-daughter, Briana, showed up at dinner with a stylish pair of black block-heeled sandals last week and reported that they are a comfortable way to wear heels, even when pregnant. Talk about walking on solid ground in style!
Block heels are significantly more comfortable than the stilettos I've almost completely given up on, finally, at age 55..... Sigh! I have to admit that years of rocking medium to high heels, on a regular basis, have taken a toll. I now reserve the higher heels for a dressy event or special date night, otherwise, I'll reach for the block heel or stylish flat anytime. I also find the block heels to be more balanced and sturdy than flirting with the delicate kitten heel, while usually lower, but can often feel unbalanced.
Block heels are my new favorite for summer. You will definitely see some chunky heels popping up on my Instagram page for upcoming travel.
This gallery features some of my favorites looks. I especially like the ankle strap numbers. Nude shoes ALWAYS elongate the leg which is a plus in my style book. Are you a fan of the block heel style? Has your shoe style changed recently like mine has?
Signature Style: Sensational Sleeves
We are seeing them everywhere this season-- flared, gathered, tapered, capped, layered, slit, caped, draped -- those sensational sleeves. When I was in fifth grade I asked my mom to sew a dress for me with straight sleeves and 2 layers of fabric encircling the wrists. I was also very clear, I wanted it in daffodil yellow!!
Oh, how I felt I made a bold fashion statement in that yellow dress, circa early 70's, with those sensational sleeves. We can skip the references to my 'Big Bird' yellow taste, but I will confess I continue to have fashion affection for those sensational sleeves.
Signature Style: Sensational Sleeves
We are seeing them everywhere this season-- flared, gathered, tapered, capped, layered, slit, caped, draped -- those sensational sleeves. When I was in fifth grade I asked my mom to sew a dress for me with straight sleeves and 2 layers of fabric encircling the wrists. I was also very clear, I wanted it in daffodil yellow!!
Oh, how I felt I made a bold fashion statement in that yellow dress, circa early 70's, with those sensational sleeves. We can skip the references to my 'Big Bird' yellow taste, but I will confess I continue to have fashion affection for those sensational sleeves.
Style Tip: Wearing dresses or blouses with sleeves is also a good way to hide skin imperfections or skin that may not be as firm as we want it to be. Hello aging beautifully!
Are you a fan of this trend or is it just too much?
Which look is your favorite?
Know your sleeves:
Signature Style: Fall Edit
Have you given much thought to your signature style? The older I get the more I feel the desire to hone in on my unique style, have laser focus on what I have that works (and what doesn’t), clear the clutter, donate to those in need and simplify my style. Rather than more is more, I’m taking a less is more approach: less clutter, less mindless purchasing and more refinement of my style. This is my vibe, especially for this stage of reinvention in my new lifestyle.
Signature Style: Fall Edit
Have you given much thought to your signature style? The older I get the more I feel the desire to hone in on my unique style, have laser focus on what I have that works (and what doesn't), clear the clutter, donate to those in need and simplify my style. Rather than more is more, I'm taking a less is more approach: less clutter, less mindless purchasing and more refinement of my style. This is my vibe, especially for this stage of reinvention in my new lifestyle.
I pulled some style inspiration from my "Fall Style" Pinterest Board for the gallery:
Do any of these looks speak to you of fall?
Signature style: Fall Edit
Notes: Must haves - Asymmetrical sweaters for layering, a camel trench, a structured shoulder bag, an on trend mini-bag, silky blouses, slim cut pants, leggings, a knit tunic, boots- knee length and booties - and statement jewelry. I often choose stacked beads or bangles, with gold details and mixed metals. Camel, caramel and chocolate are fun when popped with bold colors, like sunflower or pumpkin. Blush and dusty rose remain strong for the season. If you do a feminine look (like the skirt above) edge it up with a textured sweater or leather jacket and boots. There is power in a monochromatic look. Stripes add a bold edge. The navy and black pairing is always sophisticated, and often unexpected. It's all about the boots for fall!
There is nothing like slipping into my leather boots, for the first time in fall, to feel like the season has truly arrived! We are in for a big storm here in Northern California this weekend and boots will be a must for me. Have you donned your boots this season?
We have a quick trip to Lake Tahoe planned in the near future.
The leaves should beautiful this time of year. Those boots will come in handy!
What is your signature style for fall this year?
xx,
