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

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!

Party-Season picks

Usually during the holidays there are so many year-end office parties, Christmas parties that you need to have a new wardrobe just for them…But for Christmas day and New Years day the feeling is always very different because you want to look your best, and in my case I like to wear something new to welcome the New Year.

What I like about some of these suggestions for the holiday season is that almost each piece stand on their own, and we can mix and match to achieve the ultimate party season.

To start, this Torn sequin jacket can be worn with leather pants, leather leggings, or high waist black pants, or on top of a black dress or even the Fendi jumpsuit. The see by Chloe dress I would wear it either as a dress or as a long shirt, pairing it with very black hosiery to make contrast, or with leggings; accessories here should be discrete. This Camilla and Marc dress it is so divine and sweet, and if you are petite this look can go great with you; wear it with long gold earrings, also a bold necklace could look very well here. 

Rachel Gilbert characterizes herself for always embellishing the asymmetric dresses in such a way, that they all look very special and original; Accessorize with small earrings, and wear a big cuff on the bare shoulder side. This AKA mini skirt, sure it is not for everyone but it can be worn over leggings, hosiery, or event straight pants, and match it with a very simple top. On the other hand this silver bustier it is very versatile, it can be worn with black, white, gold and with a skirt, or pants. The silver backless dress, which I’m constantly a fan, is a standalone piece that can be better appreciate it with nude hosiery, and small earrings.

One way to wear the rose blouse from Valentino is a more classic approach, if you pair it with black pants or skirt, red belt or red shoes, red lipstick, and very small accessories. This sequin T-shirt look, may feel very informal, but I suggest you wear it belted, or loose with very high heels, big necklace and big earrings or just wear it as a shirt with pants, and put a tuxedo jacket on top, for a more classic look.  This chic simple nude cashmere dress is perfect on its own; I would wear it with silver accessories, like a diamond necklace or something similar, diamond earrings, and silver shoes. This white tuxedo jacket is perfect to match it with a gold dress underneath, or an ensemble of white pants, and gold top.

For this holiday-season pick I wanted to give you 4 different hairstyle options that I believe can work very well with any of these looks.

Have a great party season!

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

Travelling in Style

When we travel we need to have everything prepared for that special trip, even if it is for business purposes.

When I know I'm travelling, which is very often I must admit, I tend to lay my cloth on my bed and then I mix and match what to take. I try to decide, depending on the season and my "colour mood" if my base colour will be black or brown, and then go from there and make sure all the cloths go with anything and everything in that suitcase.

Once I have that decided I then bring out my prints, my “fashionable” items that are “in” right now, and always keeping in mind what are the colours of the season and what colours go great with me.

Once I have my suitcase all planned, I decide what chic and comfortable cloths I will be wearing for the plane.  Not many of you know this, but I usually travel with my dog everywhere I go, so with that in mind I have to dress casual and light... I try to be very practical with things; because I know I will have to carry everything...you know the dog, my handbag, my carry on, etc...

Here are just a few examples on what to wear when you travel, always keeping in mind, comfort and personal style.

From left to right items black, brown, and black & grey ensembles- 

Black outfit: DKNY black long sleeve cozy,  Michael Kors Delancey Sunglasses, Sue London  black wedge hanover shoes, Juicy Couture black cashmere track pants, Stella McCartney black wool blend capped sleeve pullover with embroided pattern on front, Louis Vuitton  Pegase 45 carryon case, ipodtouch-32gb

Smythson pink leather passport cover.

Brown outfit: Ralph Lauren camel alpaca knitted cardigan, Lanvin brown quilted leather tote bag , Neiman Marcus travel bags, Loro Piana Scialle Hawa Mahal Scarf, Notify prunella high-waist jeans, Longchamp boxford sac a main de voyage, Longchamp boxford sac de voyage.

Black and grey outfit: Hat Attack black jewelled beret,  Madeleine Thompson grey knitwear contrast rib sleeve, Christopher Kane leopard-print gloves, Lanvin grey filz ballerina with black patent leather cap and heel, Sofia cashmere 3 piece travel set, Trixie + Peanut metropolitan tote bag.

For further consultations please contact me

Have a great weekend.

The world of lace

Lace is one of the most ancient tissues to work with and nowadays we can find it in stretch, nylon, cotton, with sequin, with beads, and so on...

Lace can be worn with almost anything, with jeans, for an evening event, for a business meeting. Lace will always give the impression of “delicate”, “romantic”, and “caring” and if that is a message you want to give then I suggest you update your wardrobe or look for that lace you have stored.

Remember that these suggestions should be incorporate into your personal style and what best fits you.

Less is more

Item from left to right from top to bottom: Stella McCartney crepe lace-insert gown, Red Valentino lace-front jersey dress, Falke black lace tights, Christian Louboutin lace peep-toe pump, DVF black and lace cardigan, Wolford flora lace tights, Paul & Joe lace cape silk-blend blouse, Christian Louboutin lace bi-colored satin platform pumps, Stella McCartney lace and wool-blend jersey dress, Jean Paul Gaultier lace print blouse, Kova & T black lace body

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. 

The little black dress

The little black dress is an all time classic piece for every moment, every day, and every occasion.  Many people that today wear LBD don’t know the story behind it, and it is quite interesting if you wish to know more about it.

I have always considered black a base colour, where you can add bright colours to it and make it more attractive to the eye. When I have been overweighed, I have taken black as my uniform colour, but still with that touch of colour to brighten my day and my spirits. 

I tend to wear black for my most "serious" encounters when I know I need to look very sharp and elegant. I love to pair my LBD with any type of gold, silver or pearl necklaces. For me, it definitely depends on the occasion and what I want to achieve with my look, still I always look for the WOW effect with any of the pieces I’m wearing. 

By the way, if you happen to be in Paris for pleasure, go to the Lido's performance it was amazing, I saw it last night.

For further consultations please write me - Have a nice weekend.

LBD from left to right from top to bottom: Dolce & Gabbana - Frill detail pencil dress, Day Birger et Milkkelsen black night volant dress, Tibi norma jersey peplum dress, Paul & Joe attirant Pierre Cardin silk dress, Alexander McQueen jersey drape-front dress, Elizabeth and James satin cross-front dress, Giambattista Valli - Strapless bustier dress, Acne wrapped dress.

RM by Roland Mouret asymmetric wool crepe dress, Stella McCartney lace detail wool blend dress, Preen bandage dress, Camilla and Marc lotus frock tulle dress, Donna Karan strapless taffeta dress, Paul & Joe attirant Pierre Cardin silk dress, Matthew Williamson jewel detail dress, Zac Posen silk blend 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

Sneak peek @ Paris fashion week

The Paris Fashion Week ended last week and it was everything you would expect from a Paris fashion show. The fabrics were a mixture of soft and very structured fabrics like taffetas, you could admire some prints, but not compared to the other fashion shows in Milan, London or New York, Many designers had  horizontal and vertical lines.

Among the dominant colours we could enjoy the most were grey, nude, whites, blues, reds, and yellows.

My favourite shows were, Azzaro, Celine, Chanel, Elie Saab, Emanuel Ungaro, Giambattista Valli, Giles, Hermés, Kenzo, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Roland Mouret, Stella McCartney, Valentino, and YSL. Style.com

My overall assessment is that the Paris Fashion week was colourful, plenty of beautiful delicate lace, some designers had very short skirts, and most of the designers continue with jumpsuits, bold jewellery, and platform shoes.


My advise is that if you wish to follow the Paris fashion is to bring out your lace, your horizontal and vertical skirts and blouses, keep or buy bold jewellery, beautiful sandals and boots will also be great. 


I hope you enjoyed these small sneak peeks on what is to come for Prêt a Porter Spring/Summer 2010. 

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. 

Sneak peek @ Milan fashion week

During the Milan Fashion week, designers like Bluemarine, Emilio Pucci and Versace, were the ones that gave us the most colourful palettes for the next prêt a porter spring/summer season. The fabrics were very soft’s, and prints were discreet compared to New York and London.

Among the colours that we could see the most in Milan were blue, yellow and nude. Giorgio Armani presented his entire collection in different blue hues.

My favourite shows were Aquilano Rimondi, Emilio Pucci, Etro, Fendi, Luisa Beccaria , Maurizio Pecoraro, Missoni, Roberto Cavalli, Trussardi and Versace.

After watching the show I would recommend that you keep the following items for the next season, according to the Milan Fashion Week: Booties will continue but more in nude, shoulders won’t be as strong as this season, but some designers still have them, Very high platform peep toe shoes, high waited pants and skirts, Silver and light grey.

For further information contact me

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!