STYLEnosh

SHOPPING INFO: IF YOU'RE IN THE MOOD FOR A SALE...

It's Fridaaay!!!! And nothing makes a weekend start off right like a great sale! Here's a sample of the shopping places you may want to check out this weekend:

At DSW, members take 30% and non-members get 20% any regular priced item March 27-30. Click here to join the DSW rewards program.

The Warehouse Sale is in Atlanta this Friday and Saturday. The RSVP list for Friday is closed but Saturday's is still available. Be sure to sign up for the The Warehouse Sale in your city.

Both men and women can enjoy some spring savings at the
Banana Republic online sale.

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

MEN WITH STYLE: MEN CAN WEAR COLOR TOO!

If you ever meet me out and about, don't be alarmed if I stop you and ask to take your picture for my site. Hey, what can I say? It's what I do.

Anyhoo, I was at an event recently, (cheers to MediaBistro) when I saw this guy in a yellow sweater and a green shirt. As soon as I got the chance, I told him I loved the color combination! This is how you take khakis from boring to stylish in the workplace. Well done, my friend!

WHAT I'M WEARING: SAME SUIT, DIFFERENT ACCESSORIES

I love, love, love this suit! I bought it on sale a couple of years ago at Ann Taylor Loft and it has quickly become my go-to suit for all occasions. (This pic shows how I wore it before.) Recently I found myself wearing this instant classic again. In an effort to not wear outfits the same way more than once, I paired my best suit with red pumps and a floral scarf.

STYLEnosh Recommendation: It's okay to have a favorite suit and wear it often. Just don't fall into the trap of turning it into a uniform by wearing the same shirt and shoe combo every time you pull it out of your closet. Instead of black shoes, try a color. Any color. Just mix it up!

HOW LONG CAN YOU WEAR BOOTS?

I know it's technically spring but in some parts of the world, it's still quite chilly. So what should you do? Is it acceptable to wear your favorite winter boots through March and into April?

I'm not a fan of the furry, boots with skirts or shorts. But if it's still cold outside or heaven forbid, snowing, you can definitely get away with wearing these boots.

Leather boots are a little more fashionable to wear into spring but darker hues makes them seem harsh next to your bright spring colors.

STYLEnosh recommendation: Wear your winter boots if the weather looks more like winter than spring. And if the temps start to break a little bit, say a sunny 50 degrees or so, you can still wear boots if you prefer. Just note that spring, real spring with 60 degree temps and flowers blooming is on the way. And when that happens, I suggest that you set your feet free and store those boots until the next cold, snowy season.

STYLE TIPS: SAFARI TREND GONE WRONG

Upon first glance, this safari-style short jumper looks like it might be a good idea. Then we turn around and we realize........

it's NOT!!!!

The top half of the jumper is too loose. The bottom half is a wee bit on the tight side. (There's no way this could work out in public.) Even if a trend is hot, don't feel forced to buy into it if the look doesn't work for you or your body type. Consider different, more flattering ways to indulge in the season's it trends. In this case, I think I'll be looking for a safari jacket!

What trends have you tried that clearly do not work? We would love to hear your stories!

STYLE TIPS: SWING JACKETS ARE STILL IN!

Almost one year ago today, I wrote about the fashionable possibilities of wearing swing jackets. And after reading any of the spring 2008 fashion mags, you will quickly realize they're not leaving the stores, or our closets, anytime soon.

So have you ventured out and purchased a swing jacket? Or are you still trying to figure out how to wear one without looking awkward? Well, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

For work - Pair your fuller shaped jacket (a common characteristic of the swing jacket) with slim trousers or a sleek pencil skirt. If the jacket is a solid color, consider putting a printed shirt underneath.

For play - The easiest solution is to add the perfect jeans. If you're goal is sexy, don't forget the heels. But if you're thinking business casual Friday, go with ballet flats. (Note: They have the cutest flats at Old Navy for less than $20!)

This lemon hue piece by ELLE is on sale at Kohl's for $29.99.

If you want to try a more casual look, check out this stone colored jacket from Ann Taylor Loft for $59.

FASHION TIPS: SPRING 2008 MUST-HAVES

It's time to talk spring fashion trends! And just like some of this year's Democratic nominees, I thought this process would be easy. Who knew it would be anything but! There are so many fashionable frocks to choose from in this year's trough of spring must-haves, it can make your head spin. And after combing the fashion mags and blogs, I've narrowed down the trends that have me anxiously awaiting consistently warm weather and spring sales!

Brights - It looks like one of my favorite things to wear, bright color, is holding on for yet another appearance on the spring must-haves list. Dresses, tops, shoes, handbags, everything is fair game when it comes to color this season. Experiment. STYLEnosh recommendation: If you don't have a lot of money to spend on trends that may not last, consider Forever 21. This orange shirt is only $19.80.

Safari - This trend is in every fashion magazine. And I'm sure you've seen those Old Navy commercials with the urban explorer theme. I'm lovin' that! The great thing about being the it fashion trend is that you can find it at all the price points from $20 to $200 and beyond. STYLEnosh recommendation: If you want a safari inspired piece that will take you into next spring, buy a safari-style jacket.

Feminine details - This feminine aesthetic carries on from fall except this time, you can try a little something different like a floral dress or a cute floaty top. STYLEnosh recommendation: You can always play it safe by wearing a floral tank top but why not go big and sport a bold, floral dress. This navy and white dress from Diane von Furstenberg definitely makes a statement at $325.

Accessories - Platforms and wedges are still on this year's list of shoes to buy. But I'm more interested in sexy peep-toe slingbacks or neutral leather for spring footwear. And those neutral shoes will be the perfect mate to all of the bright spring clothing you'll be wearing.

And when it comes to handbags, there are limitless possibilities. You can choose a bright green bag or a floral clutch. There are so many choices that I'm sure you'll buy more than one. STYLEnosh recommendation: Pick one really great pair of shoes like these Nine West slingbacks (available in several colors) or these Gabriella Rocha pumps for $75 at Zappos and wear them all season!

What spring wardrobe purchases will you be making this season?

CAN YOU FIND ANYTHING IN YOUR PURSE?

If you have a penchant for large handbags, you're not alone. The last few fashion seasons have offered oversized totes, hobos, and satchels as the bag of choice. I must admit, I've been lusting after one myself. But that lovely bag can become a quick nuisance when you can't find something you need in it. You're instantly transformed into a miner. But instead of looking for gold, you're searching for your cellphone or a pen.

I found myself in this situation recently while having dinner with a friend. We both dove into her beautiful designer handbag looking for her lip gloss. And after a minute or so had passed and we used my cell phone as a flashlight, we finally located the small lip gloss tube. This exercise prompted me to ask, "Don't you use a cosmetic bag for all of your little items so you don't have to dig around in your bag all the time?" Her blank stare was a pretty telling answer.

My guess is that my friend is not the only one diving into her handbag looking for stuff. If this scenario sounds like you, spend a few dollars on a small cosmetic bag. It can house all of the following essentials that many women carry everyday like:
* lip balm
* pens
* compact
* lotion

Just think of all of the time you'll save.

Nine West Satchel for $99 at Macy's. Orange make-up case for $21.99 at Target.

What do you always find yourself looking for in your purse?

THIS WEEK'S SPLENDID READS!!!

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

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away spa products worth $48.

Lipstick, Powder 'n Paint thinks that the K-Palette Real Lasting 24 hours Liquid Eyeliner is the best thing since sliced bread. See why.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Hot Mama Daily talks about a new color obsession for Spring 2008.

Aging Fabulous asks, Do you use eye cream?

She Knows Best wants Justin Timberlake to give Iggy Pop some lesson.

Haute and Bothered's psyched to see a Murakami grow in Brooklyn.

Style It Less wants to show Britney Spears how to wear a white halter dress for less.

Style Tots asks, an Xbox 360 or a Burberry Peacoat?

STYLEnosh quips that confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear.

Wardrobe Oxygen reviews plus size couture line Trentacosta New York.

A Touch of Blusher will be buying the latest fragrance from Stella McCartney.

My Wardrobe Today reviews a few beauty products from Benefit and Philosophy.

Snarkstress shares a lesson on how to completely overwhelm a small frame, compliments of the lovely Hayden Panettiere.

Teen Style Lounge is budget shopping in 5’s, finding 5 Super Sweet Easter Dresses under $20 and 5 Short and Sassy Prom Dresses under $75.

The Fashionable Kiffen celebrates St. Patrick's Day.

Raging Rouge listens to expert advice from Dr. Jeanette Graf on how to stop (and reverse) the aging process!

Beauty Banter speaks exclusively with Smashbox Cosmetics Lead Makeup artist, Lori Taylor, backstage at our dear friend, Nicky Hilton's, L.A. Fall Fashion show. Find out the inspiration for the look... and what products she used to achieve it!

CONFIDENCE: THE MOST STYLISH THING YOU CAN WEAR

I've had the same conversation about three times in the last week. It starts with current fashion trends (should I buy one of those swing jackets) or which designers are worth their price tags (why are designer handbags pushing over the $1,000 mark). And it's usually about this time that i quip, "Regardless of how much money you have to spend on clothes, what's the most important thing a woman can put on? The answer is always confidence.

So what do I mean when I say confidence is the most important thing you can put on? I think this picture makes the point. I won't say who it is, because names are so unimportant. But you couldn't tell me, I mean, you couldn't tell this person that she didn't look good! The oversized, plaid thrift store jacket paired with jeans that hit at the ankle so you can see that the socks match the shirt. Obviously this outfit is from another decade but trust me, you had to have confidence to make this look work!

It's actually the most simplistic notion that most women overlook when they're getting dressed for the day. We tend to focus on whether or not our hair is perfect or if we're carrying a recognizable "it" bag, but confidence is the foundation that makes all of those other over-hyped factors work. If you have a polished look and believe you look good, other people will believe it too. Often people tell me that what I'm wearing looks good but only I could pull it off. That's confidence, my friends.

So the next time you get dressed and pause in front in the mirror before you head out the door, make sure you have your keys AND a good dose of confidence.

Are you confident you look good today? Share your story, we'd love to hear it!

WHAT I'M WEARING: DRESSY CRUISE NIGHT

Okay, anyone who's ever been on a cruise knows that you have to wear at least one dressy outfit for the captain's party/dinner. This picture shows my dinner outfit with a little twist. The strapless khaki dress is a key wardrobe staple for me because like a little black dress, it can be worn dressy or casual in infinite ways. I wore a folded scarf around my waist like a belt and added the green puff shoes for a little flair. The twist came in when I put on the red scarf that I was holding for my friend. The wind made it come alive and look like my own personal photo shoot!

The lesson I took away from this picture is don't be afraid to mix various bright colors (like the red and green shown here). As long as the colors complement one another and don't compete against one another (i.e. because they're too loud), the combination will most likely look fresh and fashionable.

NEW TARGET GO INTERNATIONAL LINE: JOVOVICH-HAWK

Okay, I'm a little late on this one so please excuse my tardiness. The new GO International line at Target hit stores on Sunday and the excitement building up to this launch does not seem to disappoint.

I am enamored with the cute blouses like this one pictured for $24.99. Or check out this chic shirtdress in a fantastic print for $32.99. I like the vintage-like detail that has become the Jovovich-Hawk aesthetic. If it's not your style, consider flipping through the racks anyway the next time you breeze through Target. You might be pleasantly surprised.

If you're not familiar with the designers of Jovovich-Hawk, click here for a brief summary.