STYLEnosh

STYLEnosh is 1 YEAR OLD!!!

I can't express to you how excited I am to have reached the 1-year milestone of this blog! It wasn't easy. Let me tell you, trying to create interesting, quality content everyday is a challenge. But it's mostly been a lot of fun. I've covered everything from shopping tips to creative ways to dress for work. If you're new to this site or in need of a fashion refresh, here are some of the best articles from STYLEnosh in its first year of conception. Enjoy!

HAVE YOU LET YOURSELF GO?

WARDROBE MUST HAVES FOR WOMEN

TOP 5 REASONS FOR LOOKING LIKE CRAP

LESSONS FROM OVERPACKING

WARDROBE BASICS FOR MEN

WhatWentWrong- THE FAMILY EDITION

I want to thank all of you for reading my blog faithfully and passing the link on to your family and friends. And I must especially thank my dear friend Diana because she is the reason this blog exists. At the beginning of January 2007, she sternly advised me to, "Start your blog by the end of the month!" And in true procrastinator fashion, I complied with her mandate- on the very last day.

Thank you all so much! And don't forget to subscribe to this site via email or RSS feed in the top left corner of STYLEnosh. (I may be watching too much election coverage because I'm starting to sound like a campaign speech.)

And as always, skip fatty snacks. Nibble on fashion.

WEARING A WINTER HAT AND LOOKING GOOD

I hate wearing hats in the wintertime. Can anyone say hat hair? But they're a necessary accessory when the thermostat dips to chilly temperatures. Here are some tips for keeping your head warm and stylish while you're donning a winter hat.

* Think simple - Choose simple styles that don't detract from your overall outfit. I gravitate towards berets for this very reason because they can be a sleek addition to your wardrobe. (see the pic below)

* Try some color - We tend to wear darker colors during the winter season, so why not add some flavor to your look with a colorful hat.

* Use a mirror - Maybe it's just me, but I'm notorious for shoving all of my hair into a hat and then taking off the hat later only to forget that I had a hat on in the first place. Did I mention hat hair? Just be sure to check yourself in the mirror before someone else notices your alfalfa imitation.

STYLE TIPS: WHAT TO WEAR WITH THESE SHOES

I got my super clearance, Faryl Robin shoes this weekend from Bloomingdale's and I've been contemplating how I'm going to wear them.
I mentioned in last week's post that I wanted to wear them differently, not with black dresses or skirts as that would be expected. Eliminating a black base as an option, I got creative with my choices. Here are some of the ideas I came up with:

I think I gravitated towards gray and tan because it's a plain palette that works wonderfully with the patent black and red suede features of the shoes. Adding the navy polka dot shirt and the royal blue sweater is just my quirky way of showing personal style without being matchy, matchy. Oh, and I did sneak a pair of jeans in there. It is typical but I couldn't help it. I do love my jeans!

Any ideas, quips, complaints, or criticisms? Do share!

FASHION TIPS: DRESSING A PLUS SIZE BODY

Ever since I started writing this blog, people have been asking me to write about fashion for plus size women. I realize that this topic is relevant for many women who feel that fashion magazines, and the fashion industry in general, have basically forgotten the woman who isn't a size six or below. So in an effort to generate some inspiration for this group, here's a pic of a friend of mine who is a stylish woman over size six.

I love this look because she uses color to punch up the basic black skirt and jacket, which I just wrote about in last week's post on my wintertime look. But then she really added a kick with the fishnet pantyhose. So cute! I think it works because she's showing her curves in a flattering way, while playing up her great legs. As my friend always says, "You just have to pick clothes that fit your body type." I couldn't have said it better myself.

So what do you think? I'd love to know your thoughts and ideas on plus size fashion tips.

THIS WEEK'S SPLENDID READS!!!

From the Splendicity community, comes this week's best posts in beauty, fashion, and shopping!

BEAUTY
15 Minute Beauty Fanatic finds her All-Time Perfect Mascara!
Beauty Banter gives you the top celeb hair colors... asked and delivered!
Have a wish? Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint asks you to enter the Pantene Beautiful Wishes contest for a chance to have your wishes granted! For every Wish made, $1 will be donated on behalf of the wish-maker to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.
makeup loves me is giving away products from mac's newest collection!
Raging Rouge finds a solution to hideous pregnancy breakouts.
eBeautyDaily tackles her lizard legs with Bioelements Vitalization.
The Scented Life is posting recipes and resources for making DIY bath and body goodies!
Check out A Touch of Blusher's ultimate makeup archive.
Beautiful Makeup Search wonders about Sue Devitt's Eye Intensifier Kit.

FASHION
STYLEnosh asks, "Is this acceptable travel wear?"
The Well Heeled Society says to come on over to enter for a Chance to Win a copy of The Girl's Guide to Kicking Your Career Into Gear.
Which expecting diva wore 4/5 inch platform heels to her baby shower? Find out at Hot Mama Daily.
The Fashionable Kiffen welcomes everyone to Studio-808.
Wardrobe Oxygen celebrates the new year with a contest to win an Aliza Darik necklace valued at $70!
The Snarkstress reminds us that Tom Cruise does have other children - and that they are stylish, too.
Teen Style Lounge wonders if change is always good?
Style It Less shares the joy of finding 10 Spring Floral Print Dresses at only $15 Each.

SHOPPING
Let's Go Shopping is giving away a bracelet worth $135 From Nomination Italy.
Style Goodies is giving away a sinfully stylish Freedom necklace, just in time for Valentine's Day!
The Latest Luxe enjoys a taste of simplicty with the Versace Patent Hit bag.
She Knows Best found 6-Foot Red Roses For Her On Valentine's Day.
Style Tots has the latest on Reebok and Kool-Aid For Sweet Smelling Kicks.
Aging Fabulous says to visit her site and leave a comment to win a T'Fivve Body Smoother.

Have a splendid weekend!

WHAT I'M WEARING: WINTERTIME WORK LOOK

Doesn't it seem like your winter wardrobe becomes boring and drab after a month or two of dressing for temps below 50 degrees? I know I don't live in a place that indulges in the real crappy winters that involve snow dunes accumulating on the side of your house, but Atlanta still gets cold. And I still get frustrated with my closet during this particular season. Basically I'm just uninspired with looks that involve black, brown, and gray- everyday!

So in an effort to punch up my winter attire, I replaced typical black pumps with these bright pink flats. They're the perfect complement to that dark, it must be winter, suit.

What do you do to brighten your winter wardrobe?

FASHION & STYLE: WhatWentWrong

When I saw this person, I immediately asked, "Why are you wearing pajamas?" His response, in a nutshell, was that he was traveling that day. Seriously? I understand the desire to be comfortable while you fly. You're stuck in those little seats, often between two people you'd rather not know on a personal basis. Believe me, I get it. But this look is just not acceptable for outside of the house. Ever!

I know my perception can be a little off sometimes so what do you think? Is this look travel appropriate?

PLEASE NOTE: This outfit is not actually a pair of pajamas. It's a button down shirt with matching pants!

STYLE TIPS: INCORPORATING NEW SHOES INTO YOUR WARDROBE

So after holding out for weeks, I finally succumbed to the the force that is Bloomingdale's and went online to check out the big sale they had this past weekend. Imagine my delight when I discovered that these lovely shoes from Faryl Robin were on sale for $40! That's a major price cut since the the original price on these shoes was $169.

In anticipation of my new shoe arrival, I instantly started to think about how I could introduce this new purchase to my wardrobe. I know I can wear them with jeans and the classic little black dress. But I'm thinking about going beyond those typical options.

How would you wear these shoes? I'm interested to hear your creative ideas and then I'll share mine with you later.

THIS WEEK'S SPLENDID READS!!!

From the Splendicity community comes the best beauty and fashion links of the week.

BEAUTY
Viva Woman offers 5 tips to get the most out of your facial moisturizer.
Beauty and Fashion Tech reviews Laura Mercier Oil Free and Silk Creme Foundations.
Makeup and Beauty Blog says Glow in Style with Shu Uemura Glow On Blush.
Temptalia provides a detailed diagram on the parts of the eye you should know before applying makeup!
Beauty Secrets Revealed shares a Relaxing And Soothing Foot Soak Recipe.
Ellen from Spa Beautifully says that you may not need to get that liposuction done - now there is lipomassage.
Savvy Skin shares some Beauty No-Nos.
Henna at Canadian Beauty tells you about her new favourite primer.
The Mineral Makeup Blog shares info about Blusche Minerals' Phoebe Mineral Veil.
Aging Fabulous is in love with The Hand Treatment by La Mer.

FASHION
Style...a work in progress questions the advisability of following the trend for sheer hosiery set by some designers in their Spring shows when she asks "I can see clearly?"
Shopalicious finds a cure for wardrobe malfunctions with the Bosom Button.
Indie Style File wants to warm up with Finnish knit socks.
All that & a wants to know: can you have a jazz shoe and a sneaker in one?
Petite Fashionista shares how the fashions of designer Laura Dahl are "petite friendly".

SHOPPING
Laya's EYE is drawn to the glamour of Gold & White.
ShopDiary gives us the scoop on the California gift card law: get cash back from your gift cards!
Her Accessories has teamed up with Nomination Italy to give away one of their "Prisoner of Love" bracelets.
NY $pender is in love with these colorful handbags!
ShoeBlitz love these Jimmy Choo Lois Snake Patent Pumps.
CelebLOOK tells us where to get a pretty red wool coat just like Katie Holmes'.

SHOPPING TIPS: BIG ATLANTA BOUTIQUE SALES!

If you're in the Atlanta area this weekend, you have to check out the two big sales taking place at the same time! The Boutique Bargains Clearance Sale will be held at Atlantic Station on January 18 and 19th. This sale is comprised of clothes from many of the cool boutiques in Atlanta. Everything is clearance at 50% - 70% off!

The other big sale is the Intown Warehouse Sale. At this location you'll catch great deals from Bill Hallman, Sole Fetish, P. Valentine, and
Wish. The sale will take place at 728 Ralph McGill Blvd, right off of Freedom Parkway.

There will undoubtedly be a lot of great items to choose from at both sales. And trying to decide what to buy can be a tad bit frustrating. In an effort to minimize shopping indecision, check out my post on things to consider when you're shopping a big sale.

And don't forget to let me know what you find!

SHOPPING TIPS: ERIN FEATHERSTON FOR TARGET ON CLEARANCE

I was running through Target the other day looking for some essentials, when I happened upon the 75% off rack full of Erin Featherston! I snagged this black jacket with the bow for $11.24!! Loving that! If you shop the Target website, be forewarned that the online prices are usually higher than the prices in the stores.

What To Look For:
* Any of the cute, cropped jackets in black or cream (pictured)
* Velvet ruffle cami (pictured)
* Layered dresses

Note: This collection debuted during the holiday season so the clothes are designed with a festive time of year in mind. Grab a piece or two and you'll be ready for the next party season!

STYLE TIPS: DO YOU WEAR SUITS TO WORK?

I know a that most workplace environments have business casual dress code policies but that doesn't preclude you from wearing a suit anyway. A great fitting suit always looks good. I'm not suggesting that you wear a suit everyday, though it can't hurt your image. But here are a few situations where a suit is either required or highly recommended:

Interviews - This scenario obviously requires a suit. Stick with dark colors like black, gray, or navy to keep your clothes from distracting the interviewer from what you're saying.

Presentations- If you're scheduled to give a presentation or facilitate a meeting, wear a suit. A suit makes a statement and adds polish. And if you're going to be in front of people, you want to look confident and pulled together.

Important meetings- I always wear a suit to big meetings, especially if there are people attending the meeting that I may not know. Suits make you look authoritative and in control.

STYLE TIP: A suit doesn't always have to be a matching pant/skirt and jacket. Mix and match your blazers with different bottoms to create new looks and expand your wardrobe.