Buy Keep Store 2010

I would like to start the year with one of my favorite editorial issues – What to buy keep or store right now. Some of us are still in the “cold” wave, with clear blue skies, and some of you live in the tropics and want to start mixing some spring trends into your outfits.

Here are some guidelines on what to do right now….

BUY – If you want to start incorporating some key spring items into your winter wardrobe I recommend that you look for dresses in nude or pastel colors. Look for that shape that best fits your body, and if you want to wear it now, I recommend wearing it with high boots in dark brown, or beige. Continue to match your outfits with big heavy metal necklaces; just remember to balance it with smaller earrings, and vise versa. Wooden shoes will be very big this coming spring/summer, so if you still have them from previous seasons get them out! When it comes to Jackets, soft materials will be more appropriate than structured jackets, trying to achieve that flow and loose look. Soft jackets will help you give movement to your cloths and it will also help hide those extra kilos you may have gained over the holidays… just make sure that when you use layers you use block colors to cover that area you most want to hide…

One of the biggest trends this spring/summer are prints with techno vibe, look for prints that flatter your body type and tones that compliment your skin color not the print that is in fashion.  When it comes to handbags, crocodile, snake, and reptile skins will be the “most have” material in bags this coming spring, as well as skin clutches with metal accents.

KEEP – Floral dresses will continue to be very popular in the warmer months; I recommend that you choose the right floral pattern, the one that makes you look fresh and young, and brightens up your face. When I say floral, I don’t mean big and bold, I mean the one that you like the best, and reflects your personal style. Continue making a statement with big bead necklaces, and strappy sandals. Keep your sharp shoulder jackets, and also those shirts, and T-shirts you bought with shoulder pads and big sleeves. Slouchy bags will continue to be key pieces this coming spring.

STORE- My biggest advice is to avoid wearing all black outfits from February on, and store those dark black hosieries, and exchange them for beige, and browns. Animal charms won’t be very “in” in the next couple of months, so store them for the moment and once it’s hot get them out! Mary Jane shoes are great for any time of the year, but if we want to experience the change in season let’s store them until next fall. Cropped jackets are also very wearable but let’s try and incorporate softer looks. Store your plaid prints, until the next school season, as well as your boyish messenger bags.  

For further information please write to: blog@xtravagans.com

Xtravagans Holiday Gift Guide

It is better to give than to receive apart from advice

–

Mark Twain

One of my favorite things is to give gifts to my friends and family. I love to collect things, all year round, and if I bump into that special present, for that special person, I take the chance and get it. I believe gifts should be bought when you have the change, because they rarely are available when you want them to be.

This will be the last editorial of the year, since I will be taking a small break for the holidays, hopefully I will be back in January to continue with fresh ideas and share more fashion advise on anything and everything and making Xtravagans your fashion & lifestyle referral for any occasion or event.

Wishing you a happy holiday, and may all your wishes come true, and many more!

Here are some holiday’s presents I found and I hope they give you ideas on what to get if you haven’t done it.

For him

Missoni toweling bathrobe, Panasonic ultra thin shaver, Neiman iPod case, YSL grey polo top, Thomas Lyte backgammon set, Lanvin cufflinks

For Kids

Morgan Cycle Retro bling scooter, Ralph Lauren two-piece set, Gayle Warwick eliza cotton pajamas, Mogo charmband, Swankie blankie Camo pillow and sleeping bag, Juicy couture dress-up ballerina kit

For her

Lanvin rose brooch, Ines & Marechal fox vest with satin lining, YSL lovely lip color palette, Bex Rox gold plated onyx ring, YSL tote with zipper detailing, Erdem silk print scarf

Holiday Travel & Fashion

If you are still undecided and don’t have plans for this holiday, I would like to give you 3 options where to go for either 3 days, or 10 days.

According to my sources & research I will give you options on where to stay in these places and also some fashion suggestions on what to wear.

Antigua: Antigua is becoming more and more the “elite” place to be, since not many people know about it, and because its beaches are more untouched than in other Caribbean islands.
Hotel accommodations:
www.bluewaters.net, www.galleybayresort.com, www.hermitagebay.com
Missoni has come up with Missoni mare, a more affordable line for swimwear, and honestly so chic and glamorous, pair it with earrings from Sazingg. The new Tory Burch shoes, are just the perfect tone to go with anything and everything, it just reminds us there is a sun even if we don’t go to Antigua…

Berlin: Berlin has become a place of reference for the modern arts, and business world.  Another good thing is that you can stay at a 4 star hotel with reasonable prices. 
Hotel accommodation: 

www.schlosshotelberlin.com/, www.louisas-place.net, sofitel-berlin-gendarmenmarkt
Imagine new years day with this Karen Millen tuxedo dress, you can do as the photo and wear opaque tights for a more strong look, pair it with this luminous earrings to light up your face, Brian Atwood platform shoes , and DVF soft leather clutch bag.

Verbier, Switzerland: “Verbier has become the serious skier’s resort of choice for laid-back glamour and good time” according to Harper’s Bazaar.
Hotel Accomodation: 

www.thelodge.com, www.ckverbier.com, www.bestchaletintheworld.com

For a chic and comfortable look, I recommend this Adidas by Stella McCartney ski pant, Moncler soft and light jacket that is just great because it keeps you warm but it also accentuates your waist. Dior boots, perfect for the after ski appero, rabbit earmuffs, and Marni sunglasses.  

Have a fabulous and safe trip!

Xtravagans favorite sale items

I don't tend to do Sale editions, but in the spirit of Black Friday and also that in Europe it is also a big sale week, I wanted to give you Xtravagans favorite sale items with a twist. 

I have always loved a good accessory on sale, but when it comes to cloths it is a complete different story....One thing is to like something, but then you have to find out if they still carry your size...and long lines and big crowds, just by thinking of it make me tired....Thank god there is internet!

On the images above, each item speaks on its own, but the best way to buy is to know if it fits in your closet and goes perfectly with what you already have.

For this fall season and still the much cold weather we have to endure, I thought that this cute quilted cape could go well with different black looks. YSL belt can definitely go with anything, but I guess I would suggest it with a nice shift dress to make the look more modern, or on top of a cardigan, or take the Ralph Lauren wrap sweater and see if by taking away the belt the YSL looks better... this are just ideas

If you have the body to wear this beautiful Escada pants I would suggest going simple on the top, an option is to pair it with this great Donna Karan bodysuit , which by now we know they are back, sterling cuff, add some booties (not on sale). Another option if you plan to be in a warm weather for this holiday, this sleeveless Catherina Malandrino shirt can also go very well with this pant.

For the evening or anywhere you wish to make an entrance with a very simple and chic look, this Halston jumpsuit will definitely make that wow effect. Accessories for this particular look should be bold and exaggerated or simple for example look for two matching cuffs (not on sale) or no accessories in the arms but instead go for good earrings (not on sale) and one big ring (not on sale).

Other items

Dolce & Gabbana short black trench coat, John Isaac crocodile strap butterfly watch

Have a great weekend!

For further consultation please write to blog@xtravagans.com

Gold Rush

I believe that by now you all know that I love anything that shines, glitz or has some sort of light. Well the same goes with gold, because I can wear it with anything and everything, and this season Gold is a big influence not only for accessories but also for the cloths.

It is incredible that when gold is one of the colours of the season it always comes like a Gold Rush, exaggerated, and big.

There is no golden rule for gold...Gold can be worn in many different ways, but first you need to determine which shade of gold goes best with your complexion and which reflects best you personal style. Once you have that figured out, then we move on, on how to wear it.

My suggestion on how to wear gold is to wear it as long as it makes you look beautiful.  This season big necklaces in gold are very popular and can be worn over a black dress, so that the necklace “pop’s out” more. We find gold jackets in sequin that already create a statement on their own, so I would suggest wearing it with a base colour underneath, like beige, black, grey or brown. Gold dresses should be worn on their own, so try to be as discreet as you can with the accessories. Wear gold cuffs and rings  to give a touch of light into your cloths, that way you continue to be fashionable but still remain classic. For a more relax look but keeping it “gold” wear a nice pair of jeans with gold shoes and gold handbag.  

Here are just some of my favourite gold pieces for this season. 

items from left to right from top to bottom: Herve Leger sequin bandage dress, Oscar de la Renta jewelled sash belt, Derek Lam gold panne velvet asymmetric drape skirt, Nancy Gonzalez gold box clutch, Willow black and gold sequin-sprayed silk jacket, Jimmy Choo flynn mirrored leather sandals, Oscar de la Renta metallic jacquard dress, Sazingg gold ring, 3.1 Phillip Lim oversized T-shirt dress with sequin details , Karry 'O indian cuff. 

For further information and consultations please write to blog@xtravagans.com

Stylish Halloween

I have always believed in beauty and I have never understood why we have to look ugly for Halloween. That is why I would like to give you different Halloween ideas with a chic twist, and looking beautiful to whatever party you may have.

The secret to be beautiful for Halloween is in the ability to create a good outfit and in the makeup. Here are 3 examples of great looking makeup, which you can try and do yourself or just go to your makeup stylist and ask them to do something similar.

Modern witch:  I wanted to give you a modern witch in leather, with a more “informal” approach and trying to achieve that sexy look.  Fendi black leather cuff with chain detail,  Junya Watanabe black nylon jacket with chain detail,  Stella McCartney black thigh-high boot, Alexander McQueen black leather pencil skirt. Christian Louboutin zip-detail clutch 

Arlequin: I found this amazing makeup to go perfectly with this great dress, Rachel Gilbert sequined satin dress, Since the dress is achieving all that you want for the costume, just add earrings that stand out on their own, and have that WOW effect. Kenneth Jay Lane 9 row crystal baguette earrings. Remember is all in the makeup here, another makeup option is your face very white with one black tear drop, black lips, and maybe smoky eyes to beautify you. 

La Vampiresse:  Vampires are so “In” right now, I had to give the classic Vampiresse look. Go for a dramatic strapless dress, One Vintage gold sequin-embellished black strapless tulle dress so that your makeup and neck Vampire Bite Makeup Kit are the key pieces here. Your makeup should achieve that “cold” look, so your skin should look whiter than ususal. Your lips should look very red, but very glossy as well, and try to intensify the smoky eyes to achieve that mysterious Vampiresse look along with this Jennifer Behr pearl veiling and Sylvia Toledano clutch bag


For further consultation please contact me
Have a great Halloween!

Shine like sequin

Ever since I was very small I loved anything that shinned, and today I still do even more.  As for sequin, I feel today I understand them better, and I deeply enjoy wearing them even for the day, of course if they are discreet and flatter my personal style.

This season because of the 80’s rush we are getting; many designers have incorporated sequins, but in a more sophisticated way and not as flashy as we remember the 70’s and 80’s.   

I would recommend that if you wish to incorporate sequin into your style, you wear a sequin T-shirts and cover it with a cardigan, or the opposite effect can also look great.  If you tend to be more of a classic style or sporty wear the sequin with nude or dark shades to take down the glitz, or just wear it in a bag, shoes, and scarf.

Here are some examples of I like the most right now.

Items from left to right from top to bottom: ADAM silver sequin embellished jersey sweatshirt, Matthew Williamson paillette mini dress, Oscar de la Renta gold paillette-embellished cardigan, Dolce & Gabbana silver sequin sneaker, Angel Jackson sequin and stud satchel clutch, Proenza Shouler sequin tee.

3.1 Phillip Lim sequin sprayed blacl and gold t-shirt, Ashish fashion stripes in this fierce tiger-patterned sequined tank top, Day Birger et Milkkelsen black sequin and beaded cotton vest, Valentino sequin shoes, Haute Hippie sequin mosaic tank dress, Oscar de la Renta multicolored sequin sprayed silk dress. 

Be bold & beautiful

One of the biggest trends this season is bold colours. I personally don’t have a preference for any colour, I adore them all, but off course not all colours look good on us, and it depends on the right shade of hue and what season you are.  Once you have mastered your colour palette you will never go wrong and then you will be better prepared to manage your personal style.  When I studied the colour technique for clothing in NY, we came across that sometimes it is not the same as the colours done by a hair stylist.  Each person is different in colour, as well as in style, thank god for that, right? Otherwise it would be very boring...

If you tend to dress in black, browns and greys a touch of colour in a belt, a bag or a jacket is never a wrong option. If you are a risk taker, and the colour you have chosen compliments all your features, then go for a dress. When it comes to the jewellery you can either skip it, or just stick to silver or gold.

Items from top to bottom and from left to right D&G Dolce Gabbana saffron satin dress, Marc Jacobs hot pink wool skirt, Maje blue silk blouse, Stella McCartney lilac silk dress,  Halston fuchsia cotton jersey mini dress, Tibi mustard silk beaded dress.

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel read heart pocket knitted skirt, Paul & Joe green tuxedo blouse, Marco Rettili yellow crocodile leather belt, Michael Kors neon pink patent leather belt, Michael Kors neon hot pink rib knit cashmere snood, Milly orange cotton blend bead embellished cardigan, Jardin des Orangers berry cashmere turtleneck sweater.

If you wish to know your colour season and what colours compliment your skin tone, please contact me for an online consultation

Chain Chain Chain

There’s nothing like Aretha Franklin singing this song... Chain chain chain, Chain a fool...

Every time I see a chain bag; I remember two things, the song and Chanel. Since it is obvious that Chanel is the masters in chain bag, I wanted to give you different options besides Chanel.

A few ideas on where you can wear any of these bags for example Marc Jacobs studded bag, Lanvin quilted leather tote, Stella McCartney, Dior, or the Raspberry Fendi bag these will be great for that every day look. The sequin Lanvin, the bronze Lanvin with the rose detail and the Chloe with the bow detail are perfect for drinks, a premier event, the Opera, or a Gallery opening. These bags deserve to the taken to beautiful places were other women can enjoy your great taste. The multicoloured Anya Hindmarch, and the Fendi Black and beige I think they could look great for a tea with friends, a very important meeting that you wish to look very sharp or a business lunch.  Emilio Pucci’s denim bag, Roberto Cavalli studded grey clutch, Lanvin quilted lambskin and Zagliani blue python bag can also be worn for every day or dress up an informal look.

From top to bottom - left to right:

Chloe crystal bow bag in goatskin, Dior dark brown and cream shoulder bag, Fendi Raspberry baguette with strap, Zagliani blue python skin bag, Fendi two-toned leather bag, Marc Jacobs studded quilted chain bag, Emilio Pucci blue denim shoulder bag with gold tone chain strap, Lanvin black quilted leather bag, Roberto Cavalli grey suede studded clutch, Stella McCartney black faux leather boho bag with chain detailing, Lanvin quilted lambskin bag, Fendi pony skin bag with embroided detail, Lanvin mini bag with jewelled rosette, Mulberry gold cracked metallic clutch, and Anya Hindmarch multicoloured leather clutch.   

I would like to thank all the emails I have received over the past weeks, I truly enjoy making your personal style more enjoyable. 

For further consultations please contact me

Buy Keep Store

What a dilemma, we never know what to buy, what to keep and what to store.  I thought that I tell you what I definetly would buy, keep and store maybe I can inspire you to do the same.

My favourite thing, what to buy?? Well, when it comes to clothing I have decided that I definitely need a long sleeve dress that is “happening” but that I can also wear it next season.  I picked Markus Lupfer grey dress, I chose it in grey because during this season grey is the new black, and next season as well, and because I can also wear it as a shirt, pairing it with some leggings! I always tend to purchase with that thought, will it be good for next season?. When it comes to Jewelry I don’t have, I have a soft spot for bracelets, so I chose this Balenciaga metal chain bracelet, it is so Chanel and I can’t wait to find it. For last I need that special print, that is timeless... and what better brand then Missoni, right? They try to stick to the same concept, which I love because it makes your wardrobe more wearable.  

As for what to keep, I will definitely keep my one shoulder dresses like this great Missoni floral dress, the one shoulder is so sophisticated, that you never go wrong in them. For jewelry, I chose this beautiful Sazingg wooden necklace with little diamonds... what a delicate piece!  And for print I had to choose this great Christian Louboutin heels that are my favourite animal print look.  I still have my Sergio Rossi leopard print heels since more that 7 years and they look as if I bought them yesterday. That is what I call a Timeless Vintage piece.

To store is a very difficult task, but someone has to do it, right? I definitely think that whatever you have in your closet that has a hole or looks like a keyhole you should put it in your closet, or save it for when you go to the beach.  Stow away the Raffia bracelets for now, as well as the script t-shirts with symbolic writing.

Have a great weekend. 

Wardrobe that Works

One of the things we women spend more time every single day is dressing for work, for a dinner, for a party no matter where we need to be, we spend a minimum of one hour of the day that is not counting the time we take to do our hair, and our makeup...

I wanted to you give you 5 different alternatives to help you choose what to wear for work. The general look is very business executive, because I have always believed that is better to be over dresses then under dresses no matter the occasion.

I believe this is a good guide on what to wear, alternating between one day pants, and one day skirt or dress which will facilitate that change you always want to achieve. I personally recommend to lay your cloths the night before, that way you don’t have to try the entire closet the next morning in a hurry and sleepy.

For those of you that work in a more relaxed environment and don’t need to be too dressed up, I also recommend you this guide, just replace pants for darker jeans, (blue or black)  and the skirt can be replaced by a day dresses. I deeply advise you to always have a jacket and nice accessories to dress up a bit more; you never know who can walk in and ask for a meeting.

Remember that your looks will always reflect on how people will perceive the company you work for, you are the image of the company, therefore you most look good.

Monday:  willow wool zip detailed jacket,   Isharya's 18-karat gold plated bangles, YSL black ribbed bodysuit, Michael Kors cropped black stretch pants, Lanvin crystal ribbon necklace, Giuseppe Zanotti suede leopard print wedges. 
Tuesday: Stella McCartney vanilla detailed sleeve short coat, Toy watch jelly strap watch, Fendi grey merino wool logo belt pullover, by Malene Birger black bowia stretch bow belt, Clements Ribeiro multicoloured silk lynx print skirt, Christian Louboutin caramel patent leather peep toe pumps, Fendi peekaboo degrage bag. 

Wednesday: Dolce & Gabbana grey tailored single breasted suit with brown toned pinstripes, Alexis Bittar earrings, Missoni mohair blend fringed scarf, Marni glitter flower necklace, Christian Dior cap sleeved belted knot, Christian Louboutin peep toe platform. 

Thursday: MARC BY MARC JACOBS - High collar military jacket, Emilio Pucci oval crystal embellished acetate sunglasses, Bounkit lapis lemon quartz necklace, DKNY bi colour jersey and twill sleeveless dress, Jonathan Aston black sweet roses lace footless tights, Bottega Veneta large veneta entrecciato bag, Sazingg ring. 

Friday: Nicole Romano fringed rosette earrings, Elizabeth and James plum blouse, Stella McCartney's gray slouchy faux suede boots, Felipe Oliveira Baptista flat front narrow pants, 3.1 Phillip Lim grey lamb sherling vest, HTC studded belt.

Have a great weekend!

The Glam, Chic and Casual shoulder

One of the trends for this fall is power shoulder. I wanted to give you 3 options in were you could identify yourself and your personal style, and choose which shoulder  goes best with you.  I see myself to be between the chic shoulder and the casual shoulder, what’s yours?

The Glam shoulder: Balmain has managed to be the king of shoulders this season, so I had to add that shoulder to the list. Lanvin necklace, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel silk pink ruffle neck blouse, Markus Lupfer silk panelled dress and the lovely Christian Louboutin shoes with lace.

The Chic shoulder: Sequins have been with me since I was four years old when I performed Tinkerbell on a National Theatre so I guess that is why I could not resist adding this “different” D & G Dolce and Gabbana silk sequin print blouse, Jaeger London braid trim peaked shoulder jacket, and Fendi cream sweater dress, Investment piece Chanel bag from Bagdelux, and Blackberry Tour from Electronica Caracas.

The Casual shoulder:  I love these casual looks for every day , and this great  cardigan from Rebecca Taylor violet silk and cashmere puff sleeve, Zac Posen lavender silk blouse, Marc Jacobs perforated rose silk blouse, Sazingg purple ring, Acne loose ripped boyfriend jeans , and grey converse shoes.


Items can be purchased @ Sazingg, Net-a-porter, Browns, mytheresa

Hope you enjoy the section, and have a lovely weekend!

For further questions please write to blog@xtravagans.com