STYLEnosh

THE BEST OF STYLEnosh 2009!!!

Well I couldn't let the year pass without generating a STYLEnosh best of list. This year was big for me since I moved to Florida and implemented some pretty significant changes to the way I eat and exercise.  But the one thing that didn't change was my focus on looking good, which I believe directly impacts the way you feel.

So which posts had you talking and emailing? Here are some of the top posts of STYLEnosh 2009.

Easy Ways to Organize Your Closet When You'd Rather Not  I know most people don't think of cleaning their closet as an afternoon of fun. This post gives you some easy, painless approaches to getting your closet in order.

The Benefits of Buying Inexpensive Jeans  I love designer clothes as much as the next fashion blogger. But sometimes it is deliciously pleasing to snag a great item for super cheap. I think jeans fit quite nicely in that category.

You Could Wear It, But Should You Wear It - Leggings  Ahh, leggings. They resurfaced a few years ago and those pesky little buggers have managed to stick around and firmly plant themselves in many closets. But if you look like this when you wear your leggings, you may want to add them to the donate pile. 

WhatWentWrong: Reader Submission  Now you know I couldn't do a best of list without including a whatwentwrong. This one was bestowed to me by one of my faithful readers. And boy was it a good one!

I hope all of you have a phenomenal 2010. Remember to keep dreaming and working to make those dreams come true. Be looking out for some changes with STYLEnosh next year. My dream is to expand it and make it more informative, thought-provoking, and of course, fashionable.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I hope you are all having a fantastic holiday season! Remember, this a time for spending time with family and friends. Don't stress about buying the right gifts or wearing the perfect outfit. Heck, I was planning to wear a dress for Christmas dinner but this very white and cold Christmas may have altered that plan. So just focus on the fun and festivities. And get ready for all that deal busting, after Christmas shopping on tomorrow!!!

Have a phenomenal day!

SASS, STYLE & SUBSTANCE BEST POSTS OF THE WEEK!

For this week's best in beauty, fashion, and health, check out these bloggers from Sass, Style and Substance!

Raging Rouge The Raging Rouge Beauty Blog announces holiday giveaway #2! One lucky reader will with the LipFusion Collection... Will it be you?

Beauty Match Free Trial Offer: SkinWear USA Exclusive Hand Sanitizer.

STYLEnosh Want free shopping? Just look in your closet!

A Touch of Blusher A Touch of Blusher looks at Dior spring 2010 makeup collection.

Splendicity Accessories Do you need help finding the perfect cover-up for your party dress? Chloe has found several stylish options from cozy capes to barely-there shrugs.

Have a stylish weekend!

image: Stock.xchg

IF YOU'RE WEARING "THURSDAY'S PANTS", THIS POST IS FOR YOU!

 

I have a thing about not wearing my clothes the same way every time. I appreciate the effort and expression of self in putting new looks together. It's actually fun for me. I guess I'm just not married to the notion that I have to wear the same looks out of convenience. Is it worth it to get dressed in five minutes but look a complete disheveled mess in the process?

The answer, of course, is no.

If your co-workers know the day of the week by what outfit you're wearing, you are officially in a wardrobe rut. Take an easy approach to getting rid of days of the week pants syndrome. It's really not as hard as it sounds. Here are some simple ways to boost your wardrobe with a fresh approach to getting dressed in the morning.

Change the basics  If you always wear the same black shirt with the same gray pants, replace your standard black with white. It's a simple change but it introduces you to idea of switching it up. If you're ready for a bigger change, select a colorful shirt or one with a print.

Consult a friend  We all get stuck at some point. Which is understandable since you're looking at the same wardrobe day after day. Enlist the assistance of a stylish friend who may see potential outfits in your closet just waiting to be worn.

Swap clothing  If you have items hanging in your closet that just don't work for you anymore, swap them with a friend who may be able to provide you with similar items from her wardrobe. Some people have clothes swapping parties, where they invite a bunch of people over to trade their closet castoffs. The beauty of swapping is you can get great stuff for free. New clothes at no cost to you is always a Do.

Are you wearing "Thursday's" pants, shirt, or jacket? Fess up. Remember, admitting you have a problem is the first step towards the cure!

SHOP YOUR CLOSET= FIND A "NEW" GEM

Do you ever get that feeling like you want a new handbag? Sometimes this feeling overcomes me and it prompts me to be on the look out for a fresh accessory to sling over my arm. I was feeling that way last Friday when I decided that I should shop my closet before I even considered buying something new.  And look what I found!

I bought this bag in college so that makes it at least 15 years old. And I haven't carried it since the late 90s. I kept it all those years because it was my first foray into designer handbags. (Yes, in my world a Polo Ralph Lauren bag was big time designer!) You may recall this plaid style. It was more commonly seen in the blue and green color, which is why I opted for the brick red one.

When I pulled this out of my handbag stash last week, I was surprised at how fresh it looked this season. So now it's back on my hip. Ahh, I love it when a good wardrobe investment pays off.

Look in your closet today. I bet you have a few gems hiding in there too.

KICK OFF THE WEEK WITH THESE DEALS!

Image: lizclaiborne.com

Liz Claiborne is offering 50% off everything online. You will also receive free shipping on all purchases over $50. There are some pretty good deals available. You will find great gifts for your sister, mother, or best friend. The 50% off deal is only good for today so shop early. I believe the free shipping includes guaranteed Christmas delivery.

And over at The Limited, you'll get 25% off online. Use promo code 779. Offer good until December 16th. Limited card holders will receive 30% off (use promo code 780). Note the code can only be used once. I love their holiday top 10 list. You're sure to find something for the stylish people on your shopping list and maybe a thing or two for yourself.

THIS WEEK'S SALES!!! 2 WEEKS 'TIL CHRISTMAS!

Bloomingdale's - Let's be honest. If you're going to Bloomies, 99% of the time you're going to purchase something for your favorite person, you! Take 20-40% off select merchandise. At least you're getting your wares on sale. Now let's move on to shopping for other people....

Banana Republic - Take 20% off a $100 purchase. Offer good in-store and online. Expires on Sunday, December 13th. Note: If you want to get the deal in BR stores, be sure to print the offer with the bar code displayed from the link above. The promo code is BRGIVE20.

Urban Outfitters - If you're looking for a great fun gift, you have to check out Urban Outfitters. They always have an interesting book, trinket, or accessory perfect for gift giving occasions. The Cheap Thrills section has plenty to choose from and they're nicely priced under $20.

Lord & Taylor - Take an extra 25% off almost everything now through Tuesday, December 15th. The discount includes regular and sale items. And you'll receive 10% off fragrances and cosmetics, which rarely go on sale. The promo code is FRIENDS.

The Limited - Okay, here's another one for your own personal shopping needs. Take 20% off markdowns online only. Offer good until Sunday, December 13th. Note: The online prices reflect the markdown price.

Amazon - If you're even slightly curious about online shopping you have to go to Amazon.com. There are deals in every category from electronics to magazines!

MACY'S ONE DAY SALE TODAY

Image: Macys.com

Never one to disappoint as far as sales go, Macy's is having another One Day Sale today. There's a savings pass good until 1 pm. And the clearance section is an extra 25% off.

EASY HOLIDAY PARTY DRESSING: WEAR WHAT YOU HAVE

Every year, many of us have several holiday shindigs to attend. And every year, many of us grapple with what to wear to each event. We want to look good but we really can't justify buying new pieces for the holiday season. But we're not crazy about repeating our outfit choices either.

If you're shuffling your December bills to January and your January bills to February, please don't go out and buy anything for a holiday party. You can't afford it! Fortunately there's an easy solution that doesn't require that unnecessary shopping trip. Start with your wardrobe basics that can be dressed up for most occasions. Look for:

• Black dresses
• Tuxedo pants
• Fancy shoes (think satin, jewels, etc.)

Once you've identified your basic pieces, look for new, unexpected items to pair with them. Dig out those old party tanks, beaded tops, and dressy blouses from them past. Remember, your colors don't have to match. They just need to compliment one another.

The picture shown above is from 2007. And I still have all of the items in the pic. But if I had a party to attend this year, I would wear the skirt and add a different shirt, as well as shoes and accessories. Here's how I would wear this skirt in 2009. The look is easy, fashionable, and most importantly- free! Don't let holiday parties stress you out. Just get creative in your own closet. I'm there are plenty of treasures there waiting to be discovered.

WEEKLY RECAP: A CHARITY EVENT AND THE DMV

Boy what a busy week!  I spent the better portion of the last four days trying to register my car. As it turns out, you need your title to complete that task and unfortunately I didn't have mine. I never had it. And after a series of crazy, frantic phone calls, I've tracked it down. So now they can't catch me riding dirty. (On a side note, the FL department of motor vehicles is definitely the DMV version of heaven. By the time your bum hits the seat, they're already calling your number.)

My week actually grew a whole lot brighter on Wednesday when I attended this fantastic charity event. The location was the lovely Saks Fifth Avenue. And while I did spend an exorbitant amount of time in the shoe section (I still didn't purchase any by the way), the wonderful people I met and chatted with out-shined the shoes.

Here's what I wore and the Diane von Furstenberg red, wrap dress paired with green shoes was an instant hit. I think the look garnered positive feedback because it was so unexpected.

 

Here's a better pic of the shoes. Yummy!

 

MIXING ANIMAL PRINTS DONE RIGHT

You really make a fashion statement if you can successfully pull of two different types of animal print. And this lady does it quite nicely and effortlessly. I love when people step away from matchy-matchy syndrome.

I know you're probably thinking that multiple animal prints can go wrong rather quickly. And I agree. But isn't it fun just to put it out there and see where you land?