STYLEnosh

SHOPPING TIPS: HOLIDAY WEEKEND = BIG SALES

It's another long weekend and that means the stores are selling their wares at a discount in order to entice you to buy. Here are the places where you shouldn't play hard to get:

Bloomingdale's - It's the Brown Bag Sale! Sale items are marked with an extra 40% off. The website says that the sale is online only so don't forget to use the promo code SV830 for an extra 15% off!

Macy's - The Labor Day Sale includes a discount from 10% to 50% off. And there's an additional 25% off of clearance items. The top shown here in cobalt blue is $38.81 and works nicely for fall when paired with a blazer.

Ann Taylor Loft - All sale items are buy one get one 50% off. The sale applies in stores and online.

Banana Republic - Select women's sweaters are 25% off. Men will save 30% off dress shirts.

Gap - Check out the store website for coupons for men, women, and children. Here's the link to the coupon for the adults. For kids and baby, it's buy one pair of jeans get one at 50% off. Sale applies in stores and online.

LOOKIN GOOD! JANET JACKSON IS IN THE HOUSE

I love my job! Because if it wasn't for my job, I wouldn't have this great photo of Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson at the opening of Jermaine's new club, Studio 72, outside of Atlanta.

And which ever gossip magazine reported that Janet was fat again, I implore you to, "STOP LYING"! Janet looked great in simple black on black with gold jewelry!! And Jermaine was rocking the white tuxedo jacket. Beautiful people! Just beautiful!

STYLE TIPS: ANNIE HALL INSPIRED FASHION

I had never seen the classic movie, Annie Hall, until the other day. I've heard references to the movie for years regarding the style of the lead character played by Diane Keaton. Diane's character, Annie Hall, wore cool stuff like men's vests and ties (pictured here). She had an affinity for draping thin scarves in nice fabrics casually around her neck like it was an afterthought, as if wearing the scarf was "accidentally" chic.

The movie was hilarious so if haven't seen it, check it out if you happen to stumble across it on cable or need something new from Blockbuster. Below I've captured an Annie Hall inspired look I'm planning to wear this fall. I'll most likely pair the vest and tie with skinny jeans because I jumped on the skinny jean trend late and I'm not ready quite ready to let go!

FASHION & STYLE: WhatWentWrong

Upon first glance you may be thinking, "There's nothing wrong with this picture". But look closely. If you focus your eyes toward the feet you'll notice that there's at least two inches of space between the bottom of this lady's pants and her ankles.

Here's a better look. If the pants aren't intentionally short, i.e. cropped or capri, don't wear them. Just remember in most cases, the hem of your pants should hit somewhere on the heel of the shoe.

FASHION TIPS: TOP PICKS FOR FALL 2007

Finally! I spent the last week combing through the fashion mags trying to determine the key trends for the fall 2007 fashion season. And I think I may have consumed more fashion magazines than meals. So after losing a few pounds, here are my top picks for Fall 2007:

Feminine - Think tie-neck blouses (like the La Redoute one shown here), pencil skirts, or anything with lady-like details.

Biker chic - Consider a leather, motorcycle jacket, leather pants, or all-black look.

Wide-leg trousers - Try this look in jeans and pants, and be thankful there's another alternative to the skinny pant. (The pair pictured here is from Banana Republic.)

Menswear inspired - This trend seems to always be on the list for fall. But anyhoo, consider a vest or a menswear style suit. Be sure to add feminine touches like heels or a silk blouse.

Brights - Bright hues are carrying into fall. This time the look is focused on jewel-tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, and fuschia pink.

Shoes - Mary Janes and shoe boots are really big for the fall season.

Handbags - Try a bag with hardware like gold buckles and other metal accents (like this cute designer inspired bag from Baghaus).

FASHION TIPS: FRIDAY NIGHT DATE LOOK

Instead of wearing the date night standard- jeans, opt for something a little more feminine like a skirt and tank top. Here I've paired a green polka dot tank from H&M (for locations) with black, bubble hem skirt from Macy's INC International Concepts line. The black kitten heels are Belle by Sigerson Morrison and can easily be substituted with a pair of open-toe slingbacks. I added the beaded handbag for a fun alternative to the everyday purse. Oh, and the sweater is for those air-conditioned restaurants and movie theaters. Kill it if you want to show a little more skin.

Add your witty, intelligent conversation and you're date ready!

THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL: NEW SHOES!

I purchased these lovelies against all of my sound, logical judgment. I know that I shouldn't be indulging in spending money on anything other than food, shelter, and emergency hospital bills but I had to make this tiny exception. And here's how I determined that these shoes were the perfect addition to my wardrobe:

a) They're the perfect color red. Not so bright that they look cheesy and not so dull that they look boring.

b) The kitten heel ensures that I'll be able to wear them with skirts, pants, and jeans.

c) They only cost $75 including tax! I'm a fool you say? Well, that may be true but that opinion doesn't apply to buying these shoes. I found these Coach pumps at DSW for $160 with 50% off. Add, or shall I say, subtract my $10 DSW reward certificate and bingo bango, I have a new pair of designer shoes for under $100!

Looks like I may be relying on body fat stored for next week's meals.

FASHION & STYLE: WhatWentWrong

It could be me but I've always thought that wearing bold, plaid prints can be a tricky endeavor. This picture proves my point. Donning oversized yellow, plaid shorts is like screaming, "Hey, look at me!" It's the fashion equivalent of sporting a neon sign on your @ss.

SHOPPING TIPS: SOLE FETISH ACCESSORIES SALE

Sole Fetish, that funky online accessories boutique I told you about last month, is having a fantastic summer sale on its designer goods. Check them out if you're looking for interesting belts, shoes, and handbags.

Shopping Tip: Even though this sale, like most sales during this time of year, is centered on summer markdowns, keep your eye open for items that can easily transition into fall. I found these cognac colored pumps in the Sole Fetish clearance section for $62.50. The color, style, and closed toe will work nicely with your new, fall favorites!

Note: Since this wonderful store has the word "fetish" in its name, your workplace server may block access to the website. If that's the case, don't forget to shop when you get home!

FASHION TIPS: THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO CAN WEAR CULOTTES

I don't know anyone else in the world who should wear these pants other than my friend Diana shown here. Okay, maybe other 6 feet tall women in the world can pull this look off but THAT'S IT. No mas, people. I mean it. Don't even think about wearing pants that are wide-leg and cropped if you're 5'4'' or less. If you do, just know, I'll be watching. And I'm armed with a digital camera!

I've Been Tagged....

Hey everyone! I’ve been tagged by Cheap Chica to provide seven random facts about myself. (This exercise is like the blog version of the email chain letter. LOL)

Here are the rules of being tagged:
Each player starts with 7 random facts or habits about themselves. If you’re tagged, you have to indicate you were tagged on your blog and give your 7 random facts and list these rules. Then you need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. You should also leave a comment for each of the people you’ve tagged, letting them know they’ve been tagged and to read the blog.

And here are 7 random facts about me:

1. I used to be on my high school debate team. (Which actually explains a lot – LOL)

2. I met Oprah once and I cried.

3. I have a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development.

4. I’ve never been to Europe. (And I’d like to change this fact soon!)

5. I run 4 times a week. (Okay, sometimes it’s only 3 times.)

6. I think must see TV is Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy, HGTV, and Meet the Press.

7. In high school and college, I worked at K-mart. (No bluelight special jokes please!)

For those of you who know me, you know I HAVE to deviate from the rules a little bit. I’m not going to tag anyone else because I really can’t think of 7 bloggers who haven’t been tagged once or twice already! :o)

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE DO YOU REALLY NEED???

See the picture shown here. Notice how many bags are present. Five bags are sitting on the airport curb (and I think one may be missing), waiting to be whisked away on a vaca to Mexico. How long is the trip you ask? Three and a half days. You read that correctly, a long weekend. These bags belong to my dear, sweet friends- who shall remain nameless. This luggage belongs to two people; but these ladies are committed to NOT packing light! Unfortunately, they allowed me to take them to the airport, so they had to endure my endless tirades that included epithets of, "How much luggage do you need," and "Do you think that having too many options may just ruin your trip?" They weren't buying it. I told them that I was going to write about it on my blog and tell the world about their over-packing sins. They told me, "whatever" lady.

So here's my suggestion: think about what you'll be doing on your trip and pack LESS. For example, if you're going to the beach for a few days, I think you can get away with packing a pair of jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, 3 bathing suits, a dress, a skirt, and 3 tanks/tops. Add a pair of heels, flip flops, and ballet flats and I think you'll cover your trip's fashion needs quite nicely.

For more insight on the joys of packing light, check out One Bag, a great resource for packing tips.