Think Spring

Hello Gorgeous,

Spring is finally around the corner. So smile and enjoy it.

Ladies are getting styled for Spring Fashion and the stores are flushed with florals, pastels, tribal prints, neons, feel-good clothing and accessories.  The focus is on “feminine chic”. Styles from the 20’s are back – that means flapper dresses, fringes, messy updos, and finger waves.

Did you get all that? No worries – As always I will break it down for you.

Colors & Patterns

Pastels, Neutrals, Bright colors, Stripes, Florals and Tribal prints are in this season. That gives you so much to choose from – try pairing floral bottoms with simple unfussy tops. Do neutral on neutral and white on white, you will be amazed at the results. Stripes with florals? Yes! Totally doable if you know what you’re doing. Give it a shot. Neon – if you are even a little in doubt – don’t do it.

Clothing

Sleeveless jackets – use it as a layering option.
Pleated skirts – Invest in one or two good pleated skirts that will last you the entire season – one black and perhaps another in tangerine.
Peplum peplum peplum…it’s everywhere. A must have for this spring.
Colorful blazers – check your closet, I am sure you have a few stuffed in there somewhere.
Colored lace – This is my ultimate favorite. Think Valentino
Wide and tapered slouchy pants are a staple and will definitely carry you into summer. Stay away from stiff fabrics and pick the silky drapey ones.

Makeup

Give red a rest on your lips, try coral instead.
Fresh dewy looking skin is what everyone is trying to achieve(refer to blog post  A Face to Face to get that look).
Rosy em up – A little pink on your cheeks will give you just the right amount of color

Hair

Finger waves – from the 20s
Bouncy curls, big blowouts – think Charlie’s angels – the original gals, not the new models trying to be actresses.
Undone braids – the neat ones are boring
Jeweled headbands – as your one and only accessory when worn
Ponytails – sleek, messy, low or high. They all work
Messy Updos – like you would look after a shower but this time only with hairspray and tons of pins to hold it together

Shoes

Ankle straps
Bright suede pumps

Darling, spring is supposed to be rejuvenating. A new beginning of sorts. So do away with fabrics that have weighed you down these past winter months. Be light, airy and put that spring back in your step.

What to look forward to?  NYFW.

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.
Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

1 Comment
by theclosetstylist on February 19, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Accessories, Clothing, Fashion, Makeup

Posted by theclosetstylist on February 19, 2012

http://closetstylist.net/2012/02/19/think-spring/

Stylishly In Transit

Hello Gorgeous,

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then I am indeed very flattered, as one of Chennai’s lifestyle magazines has used my blog content, writing style, and advice in their Jan 2012 issue (even if they were trying to pass it off as their own) TSK TSK…NAUGHTY NAUGHTY!  I am sure you will recognize my voice in a heart beat when you come across it. How can you not?

Now lets buckle up.

Travel. A luxury? Not quite, not anymore. Everyone is doing it and the world is a much smaller place today.  So darling, you never know who you will be rubbing shoulders with on your next flight.  Look presentable – ALWAYS. Better yet – Look STYLISH.

For those of us that don’t fly private jets (as yet) and have to lug around our own beauty essentials to look as stylish getting off the flight as we did getting on – it’s an absolute NO to use the cosmetics provided in your business or first class kit. Minutes before you hit the ground for a meeting or a party with friends is not the time to be experimenting with new brands and products.

Here is what you will find in MY in-flight cosmetic bag:

  • Perfume – try and grab a sample size of your favorite
  • Hair elastics, bobby pins – tie your hair into a  high ponytail to avoid in flight static and let down just before landing.
  • Egyptian Magic All purpose skin cream (almost a genie in a jar) – can be used as a moisturizer, on cuts and bruises, as a lip balm, on hair as an anti frizz, and whatever else you can think off. Hence the name all purpose.
  • Neutrogena’s Makeup remover towelettes – takes off the most stubborn eye make up and oil.
  • Breath Mints – Please be considerate as there can be many close encounters.

Carry a clear case that holds your cosmetics, meds, and everything else you need to freshen up before landing. Why clear you might ask? Cause while you are spending time in that tiny claustrophobic space rummaging through your toilet case looking for your products, the line outside the lavatory is clearly getting longer. So be efficient, get your face on and leave.


I am sure you have your travel favorites but here are MY must haves:

On Me:

  • Beige trench or a wrapped cardigan
  • Pashmina shawl/scarf
  • Comfortable ballet flats
  • Pixie Pants from J.Crew or something similar (my favorite traveling pants, they fit like a glove and look great as well). I am not a fan of sweatpants while traveling, no matter what your favorite celebrity says. They look sloppy. Keep them for in-flight use instead of pajamas if you must.
  • Over-sized sunglasses. Yes! Even if there is no sun. You will need to cover your puffy eyes from that painfully long flight.
  • An over-sized tote to hold literally “everything” (preferably one that comes with a cross body strap, especially handy for mommies on the run.)
  • A good looking travel document holder, ditch the plastic one you got from your travel agent.

Reading Material:

We don’t carry a dozen of them anymore. Your favorite mags should already be downloaded on your iPad. If not, get to it. Not only are electronic subscriptions the way to go, they are also environmentally friendly. And of course make your iPad look as stylish as you are with a really snazzy looking case.

Bon Voyage!

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

3 Comments
by theclosetstylist on January 29, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Accessories, Clothing, Travel

Posted by theclosetstylist on January 29, 2012

http://closetstylist.net/2012/01/29/stylishly-in-transit/

Let’s do BRUNCH

Hello Gorgeous,

This post is going to address a common thread in emails that I have received – about what to wear and how to style ones self for brunch. It seems to be an over looked area and most of us feel like we can get away with little or no effort. AU CONTRAIRE MON CHERI !

Irrespective of the occasion and location, you cannot look like you have just gotten out of bed or are ready to hit a night club. Not  sure which one is worse.

The Do’s and Dont’s of styling yourself for Brunch. Do think about convenience and comfort, no one wants to talk to you if you are pulling and tugging at your clothes or trying to balance that handbag and mimosa in the same hand. The Dont’s are universal, so pay close attention.

DO

DON’T
DO a dress if you want to show off those legs, it’s always safe if you don’t have the time to put an outfit together. A classic shift will never let you down.

DO pair an interesting skirt (no minis please) with a simple tee.

DO pair jeans with a chic silk blouse or tunic.

DO remember to make sure your bottoms are not cutting off your circulation. It’s BRUNCH, that means food, that means you will be eating – so be comfortable.

 DON’T  do black.

DON’T do too many ruffles. Not only are they distracting but will always make you look larger than you actually are.

DON’T do leggings. Leave those for the gym.
DO use tinted moisturizer, it takes care of the two most important things, moisture and coverage.

DO conceal please, during the day your flaws will always be more visible.

DO accentuate eyes with kohl and a little eyeliner.

DO rosy up your cheeks just a  wee bit, one easy swipe across the apples of your cheeks will do.

DO a light shade of lipstick or a toned down gloss.

 DON’T slather on layers of foundation, remember, the sun is watching.

DON’T over do eye make up (no smoky eyes or thick eye liner, you will look like your trying too hard).

DON’T use dark eye shadow. I would skip it entirely, but if you are a shadow junky, stick to light shades.

DON’T do overtly dark lips or anything too bright, leave that look for the night.
DO a classic bag with a shoulder strap if you think you are going to be standing a lot.

DO a dainty kitten heel or a wedge for comfort.

DO wear a statement necklace.

DO a nice pair of stud earrings.

DO wear oversize shades, it’s so ‘Jackie O’!

 DON’T do small clutches.Try an over sized clutch if you must, but remember, carrying a  clutch means awkward introductions with a drink in your other hand!

DON’T wear sky high platform heels. Just like you, your feet need a break as well. After all, it is the weekend.

DON’T do long earrings during the day, it looks ridiculous. It doesn’t matter where you got them. It’s just a big NO.

Keeping this in mind, remember that brunch is suppose to be an easy breezy affair which can  go on for hours (sometimes into dinner), so comfort is essential. Hope you find yourself in the midst of good company, lip-smacking hors d’oeuvres and smooth cocktails.

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

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by theclosetstylist on January 15, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in General

Posted by theclosetstylist on January 15, 2012

http://closetstylist.net/2012/01/15/lets-do-brunch/

A SEXIER 2012

Hello Gorgeous,

Yes, yes I missed you too! Hope 2011 was great and that 2012 will be even better.

2011 – a year filled with accomplishments and disappointments, fashion faux pas and diva ensembles, experiences that will last forever and shape the years to come.

2012 – a year hopefully filled with only smaller dress sizes and larger shopping budgets, barely-there disappointments and seemingly effortless accomplishments.

While we say good bye to 2011, there are a few things that we can carry into 2012 and a few that will have to be packed away for later. Lets take a quick dive into the KEEPERS, STORE AWAYS and things to BUY. Lets begin – closet check:

KEEP

  • Lace  - You will be seeing a lot more of this, not only in clothing but in accessories too.
  • Camel anything – Will carry you through the next season, only this time pairing it with black.
  • Leopard print – Still very much around, but in small doses (you know my rule!).
  • Sequins – Just a tad bit, anywhere on you – especially on your feet. A little sparkle in your step.
  • Tailored Blazer
  • Red Alert – Like I said. I am here to stay.
  • Jumpsuits – If you have them, keep em.
  • High wasted pants, flared or otherwise – The relaxed pant.
  • Feminine fabrics, flowy tunics  - Your silk dresses, even pajamas.
  • Knee high boots
  • Tie Neck Blouse – sheer
  • Maxi & Midi skirts
  • Floral Prints …Please don’t look like you have crawled out of a rose bush.If you are wearing a floral outfit, keep your accessories simple.
  • Your smokey eyed nude lips look- I know you love this one, wouldn’t dream of asking you to store it.

STORE

  • Straightening iron – If you need it to take away frizz that’s one thing but if you are going to make it pin straight, think again! Poker straight hair is a definite YAWN!
  • Over the knee boots & Clunky wedges – Give them the boot.
  • Leather skirt
  • Laminated jeans

BUY

  • Pastels-think sorbet
  • A simple shift dress is timeless
  • Tribal prints- think Zulu
  • Rose Gold jewellery
  • Briefcase inspired handbags
  • Motor cycle jackets-paired with a pretty feminine dresses or skirts.
  • Drop waist dresses
  • Curling Iron/hot rollers- lets see some beachy waves or couture curls- get out of your comfort zone.
  • One shouldered look- show off your toned arms.
  • Vested interest- crochet, faux fur, sequin..try em all.
  • Fuchsia lipstick- I like the matte look (beware,we use the same rule here as we do for red).
  • White on white(very chic)- clothing and handbags.

A few tips for a Healthier & Sexier 2012:

LOSE the overly tight clothing please, I have been seeing muffin tops off late. If the jeans don’t fit for now, DON’T buy them thinking you will fit into them someday. Shed those extra pounds and then go back for them. And if you don’t want to invest in new clothing and have gained a few pounds in 2011, try pairing your skirts and pants with looser shirts/tops(layering is a great option) or make sure that the dress your wearing is not too tight around the tummy. Dressing sensibly till those hours at the gym have paid off will make a big difference. Till then SPANX it!

  • Perfect your posture – Mom was right. Sit up straight, keep your shoulders back and suck in that tummy (the last one is mine).
  • Eat strategically – Your diet will tell on your complexion as well.
  • Soak in Epsom salts – It will help you loose water weight – a great way to fit into that Herve Leger dress.
  • Get your Zzzz’s – Concealers can do only so much.
  • Try Yoga – (my new addiction) Not only is it a great form of exercise, in a heated room you will lose water weight and your skin will glow.
  • And the most important one, be content, when you are happy you are pretty.

As much as I love addressing each and every one of you (known and unknown), in a few weeks my blog will be going PRIVATE. So look forward to an invitation from me. If you don’t know me personally, you can SUBSCRIBE and have full access to all my posts as well. Details to follow.

Its going to be an exciting 2012!

Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

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by theclosetstylist on January 1, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in General

Posted by theclosetstylist on January 1, 2012

http://closetstylist.net/2012/01/01/a-sexier-2012/

Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year Gorgeous

Be classy and fabulous tonight and for the rest of 2012. You will be hearing from me tomorrow.
Enjoy yourself responsibly.

In the meantime you know what to do.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist

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by theclosetstylist on December 31, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in General

Posted by theclosetstylist on December 31, 2011

http://closetstylist.net/2011/12/31/happy-new-year-2012/

Dazzle Me – Part 2

Hello Gorgeous,

If you celebrated Thanksgiving hope it was a good one..if you didn’t…you just saved yourself extra hours on the treadmill. But then, who’s counting?

I have received numerous emails and it looks like you are definitely doing your homework. Bravo! There were a few questions which I have addressed as part of this post. I am sure you will find it useful too.

Hair

No time for a blow-out? Pin your hair up and fasten it with a decorative BROOCH or simply braid it(there are many different ways in which you can do this…get creative)
If your hair is anything like mine(over processed and frizzy), your straightening iron better be your best friend. Pick one that heats up quickly and doesn’t require you to go over a section of hair more than once. Smooth it out and then curl it up again using hot rollers or a curling iron.

Makeup

If you must show some skin – show it well. Moisture thoroughly and try some body glitter (not your daughter’s). We grown-ups have our own. It will give your skin a radiant healthy glow.
Red Alert – I love the whole bright red lips look. Don’t let the color intimidate you. I tried it out this past weekend, looked great. It instantly glams up your entire look. Again, like with all other make up,try a few shades before you buy. Even reds have different tones.

Shoes

Dare to go bare – Nude pumps go with everything. Don’t have them? Well, go and get them. These will become one of your holiday favs and will very quickly be your go-to shoes all year round. I guarantee it.
Rules are meant to be broken – Yes! You most certainly can wear those purple heels with that green dress. Color block away and have fun but as always, don’t over do it.

Handbags

Do not match your handbag with your shoes. Those were the days my friend. They can be the same color if you must, but a different shade, unless you are going black or nude.
Try pairing a bright bag or a sparkly one to dress up an outfit, any outfit. Make sure you have well manicured nails because the eyes automatically go from your hand bag to your hands.

What you want to do is tone down your accessories if your outfit is either printed, has sequins or is heavily embellished. While I’m sure you are tempted to wear your beautiful sparkly jewellery, try and stay away from pairing it with an already ‘look at me’ outfit. The idea is to focus on one thing. I cannot emphasize that enough, as in the past I have been blinded repeatedly by some sparkly jewellery competing with an equally colorful/embellished outfit. Repeat after me, less is more..less is more (it should almost be meditative!).

I’ve got my eye on you
Until next time, stay classy & fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

3 Comments
by theclosetstylist on November 27, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Accessories

Posted by theclosetstylist on November 27, 2011

http://closetstylist.net/2011/11/27/dazzle-me-part-2/

MIA next week

Hello Gorgeous,

Sorry for letting you know this late in the week. I know you are expecting the next post from the Dazzle Me series, but it wont be ready in time for this Monday as I have to take care of prior commitments. I promise to be back Monday, November 28th…and as always, will not disappoint.

In the meantime, stay classy and fabulous.

Stylishly yours,
The Closet Stylist

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by theclosetstylist on November 17, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in General

Posted by theclosetstylist on November 17, 2011

http://closetstylist.net/2011/11/17/mia-next-week/

Dazzle Me – Part 1

Hello Gorgeous,

It’s barely the second week of November and I am sure you have your fair share of party invitations piling up. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years coming up soon, lets dedicate some time preparing you for it. Compliments are easy, ENVY you have to earn darling.

A real party ensemble is incomplete without a certain amount of sparkle. Be it a piece of clothing or an accessory. This post is dedicated to my favorite holiday fetish…THE SEQUIN.

You want to look like a star? You have to shine like one….not possible without something sequined. From jackets to pants to skirts to dresses to accessories, even your make up. You and I are going to bling it up just a wee bit. So lets get to work: I am going to give you some options and then we will look at how to mix them up without making it look like you have tried too hard .

TOPS

ZARA – Sequin Blazer$129.00 VINCE – gold Sequin Tee
RevolveClothing.com $435.00		 AKA NY – boyfriend blazer BlueFly $241.99
Rachel Zoe – Minelli Sequined TopCUSP $350.00 Naven – Short-Sleeve Sequin TopCUSP $260.00 FP New Romantics Sequin Button DownFree People $128.00

BOTTOMS

Blaque Label Long Fitted Sequin Skirt with SlitSinger22.com $88.00 St. John – Sequin Harlem PantsNeiman Marcus $518.00 JACOB COHEN – Casual pants YOOX $225.00
Ann Taylor – Mixed Sequin Mini Skirt$158.00 BCBGMAXAZRIA Sequined Pleated SkirtL&T $298 Lafayette 148 – sequin pencil skirt
BlueFly $298

DRESSES

FreePeople- Blackheart Sequin Dress
$620.00		 Aidan Mattox – Cold-Shoulder Shift DressNeiman Marcus $295.00 Winter Kate Nicole Sequin Top / DressSINGER22 $397.50
V-BACK DRESS
ZARA $99.90		 Alice & Olivia – sequin ‘Sasha’ strapless dressBlueFly $245.00 Suzi Chin-
gold sequined strap dress BlueFly $129

What you do NOT want to do..

  • Be in competition with the Christmas tree! You don’t want to mix your sequined clothing with sparkly accessories, everything in moderation.
  • And you definitely don’t want to be under-dressed.

Putting it together…Shown below are pairing options that you will have to play around with on your own.

  • Try pairing a simple tee (short sleeves, long sleeves or sleeveless) with the sequin pants and throw a well fitted blazer over it (black or colored depending on the color of the tee).
  • You can also try a solid silk blouse or a simple sweater with the sequin skirts .
  • Use your imagination as well..try different colors depending on your skin tone.
  • Bring out your skinny jeans/pants and throw on a sequin blouse or tee
  • Lace worn the right way can look stunning with sequins, so try pairing a cropped lace jacket with a sequin bottom
  • A sequin dress is a sequin dress …enough said.

While I can’t tell you what to wear where without being privy to your social calendar, remember if you are going to an occasion hosted by someone..dressing down only makes them feel unimportant and that’s just not nice! Show them that you have taken the effort to dress up because they have taken the effort to invite you to a fabulous party.

Good for now? Take it all in and we can talk accessories next week..same time..same place.

To be continued…
Until then, stay classy & fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

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by theclosetstylist on November 13, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Clothing, General

Posted by theclosetstylist on November 13, 2011

http://closetstylist.net/2011/11/13/dazzle-me-part-1/

Sense & Dollars

Betty & Veronica

Hello Gorgeous,

If you are one of my Chanel wearing or Birkin carrying ladies – you are indeed lucky!

My no-name wearing friend, you don’t have to max out your credit card to look like a million bucks. Like I have mentioned in my earlier post, I believe that it’s the entire package that matters (designer or not) – and most importantly the confidence with which you carry it off.

At times I have received as many compliments on my no-name handbags, that I might have purchased at tiny little boutiques, as I have on my designer bags. The same is true for a lot of my clothing. Who knew!

While the Veronicas have it easier, the Bettys have to do a little homework to look as good. And they can. It’s great to be able to put together your “winning” look with some homework, it’s even better to score a great deal at an affordable price for a designer product at websites like GILT.

With that in mind, here are a few suggestions.

BETTY

VERONICA

Tie Neck Blouse

ASOS  $62.90

Dolce & Gabbana $825.00

Faux Fur Vest

BB Dakota $90.00

Halston Heritage $345.00

Lace

Sentimental NY $138

Marchesa Notte $750

Relaxed Pant

ASOS $86.26

Alice + Olivia $198.00

Python Prints

ZARA $59.00

Malene Birger $415.00

Colored Jeans

BDG $58.00

Rag & Bone $176.00

Platform Pumps

ZARA  $99.00

Alice + Olivia $295.00

Clean Cuff bracelet

BoutiqueToYou $88.00

YSL $595.00

Clutch

Claire Vivier  $143.00

Anya Hindmarch $795.00

Fitted Blazer

Tahari $132.00

Burberry $895.00

While I am as much of a junkie as you are about designer brands, I am not married to them. Between you and me – I’ll tell you what I AM married to … a smaller AMEX bill.

What’s brewing? Let’s wait this one out

Until next week, stay classy and fabulous.

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist.

2 Comments
by theclosetstylist on November 6, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Accessories, Fashion, General

Posted by theclosetstylist on November 6, 2011

http://closetstylist.net/2011/11/06/sense-dollars/

A Face to face.

Eyes image by TORIMBC - Flickr / Creative Commons - (center image)

Hello Gorgeous!

I know it’s Halloween, so the next couple of days is the only time you can get away with bad make up.

You can wear a great outfit and carry the most delicious bag, but the wrong make-up can ruin everything.  The “package” is not complete with just an updated wardrobe; you need to put your best face forward. Why hide your face behind the wrong shade of foundation or slather on so much blush that you are mistaken for miss piggy!

While I’m sure you already do a great job with your make-up, here are a few tips/tricks that have worked well for me.

  • Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize – and some more!
  • Prime your face. It’s a must. Why? It minimizes pore size, smoothens fine lines, corrects uneven complexion and helps foundation adhere to your skin. Choose the one that is best suited for your skin type. I use Make Up Forever’s HD High Definiton primer and Laura Mercier’s (oil free).
  • Mess with the stress …My magic wand: Touche Eclat (Yves Saint Laurent). While it is NOT a concealer, it brightens up the area around your eyes. It is an illuminizing pen that YSL claims (and I concur) will give you a well-rested look – the kind you get after 8-hours of sleep. I can’t speak for everyone, but being a mother I can’t remember that last time I slept for 8 hours straight, so for me it’s definitely a must have!
  • To give your face a dewy angelic finish try mixing your liquid illuminator with your regular foundation and apply. I love VS Pro Radiant FX Face illuminator by Victoria’s Secret and the illuminating tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier
  • Less is more: Play up only one feature at a time. Smokey eyes and a dark shade of lipstick? This will make you very popular at the Halloween day parade, but that’s not what we want.  If you’re going to play up your eyes, keep your lip color on the paler side and if your going for example, bright red on your lips please don’t go crazy with your black eyeliner/kohl pencil. Mascara, on the other hand is a must (lots of it).

Having said the above, too little is not enough. Down playing both your lips and eyes works only in magazines and that too requires airbrushing the image to death. A little color goes a long way.

What’s brewing? Betty & Veronica…
Until next week, stay classy and fabulous

Stylishly Yours,
The Closet Stylist

3 Comments
by theclosetstylist on October 30, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Makeup

Posted by theclosetstylist on October 30, 2011

http://closetstylist.net/2011/10/30/a-face-to-face/

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