Thursday, August 5, 2010

She's Got The Jack-et

Jackets not only keep us warm, they can really dress up an outfit.  Here are a couple of styles that might interest you.  All jackets on this blog are for sale (accessories not included).

Here are some long coats for the upcoming winter...


Photo 27: Banana Republic long coat in creme.  Size XS.  Price $50.


Photo 28: Amanda Uprichard NY long coat in black and white hound's tooth with fuschia lining.  Purchased at a boutique in Los Feliz.  Size XS.  Price $50.


Photo 29: Banana Republic long coat in camel hair.  Size XS.  Price $50.


Here are some shorter jackets that will keep you warm in style...


Photo 30: Wilson's Leather jacket in white leather with white faux fur trim.  Size XS.  Price $75.


Photo 31: Tsunami faux lamb jacket in cafe au lait.  Purchased at a boutique on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Size S/P.  Price $40.


Photo 32: Bebe jacket in black suede with boho detailing (brooch not included).  Size XS.  Price $65.  
Tommy Hilfiger dress shirt in white with floral detailing.  Size S.  Price $25.


Here are two styles to help you beat the heat RIGHT NOW...



Photo 33:  Banana Republic jacket in bone.  Size XS.  Price $35.


Photo 34: Banana Republic jacket in black.  Size XS.  Price $35.

More sizes are coming, I've just to get through each rack one at a time!

Cheers,
Kitty

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

She Wears The Pants

If you're not a flirty, skirty kind of girl then try these pants on for size.  All pants, turtlenecks, blouses and dress shirts on this blog are for sale (accessories not included).

These three ideas are great for the office...


Photo 22: Banana Republic wool pant in tan.  Size 0.  Price $35.
Banana Republic knit in Merlot.  Size S.  Price $25.


Photo 23: Ann Taylor wool pant in taupe with creme stripe.  Size 0.  Price $35.
Banana Republic dress shirt in baby blue.  Size XS.  Price $20.


Photo 24: Banana Republic wool pant in dark chocolate. Size 0.  Price $35.
Ann Taylor cable-knit turtleneck in creme.  Size XS.  Price $35.


This would work for a lunch date...


Photo 25: Ann Taylor Loft wool pant in black.  Size 0.  Price $25.
Banana Repubic silk blouse in creme.  Size M petite.  Price $25.


This would work for a night out...


Photo 26: Bebe leather pant in buttercream.  Size 0.  Price $75.
Ann Taylor silk wrap blouse blouse in gold.  Size 0.  Price $25.


Whatever kind of girl you are, I'm sure I've got something just for you!

Cheers,
Kitty

It's Party Time!

Looking for a party dress?  Check out these dresses I am selling on my blog.  


Photo 19: Alvin Valley cotton dress in mauve with seashell belt.  Purchased at Planet Blue in Malibu.  Size S.  Price $225.  
Seashell purse with matching earrings.  Price $35.



Photo 20: BCBG silk dress in ocean blue and aquamarine.  Size 0.  Price $95.



Photo 21: White House/Black Market rayon dress in black and matching shawl in black with white detailing.  Size XS.  Price $65.

More dresses in other sizes are pending!

Cheers,
Kitty

Skirt Ideas For The Office

Companies that don't want to appear "too formal" or "stuffy" may ditch the business suit for business casual.  Here are some photos to show you how to loosen up while keeping it professional.  All skirts,  jackets, blouses, and dress shirts are for sale (accessories not included).

Stay cool in silk...


Photo 10: Ann Taylor silk blouse in multi.  Size S.  Price $25.
Banana Republic silk skirt (gold belt not included) in creme.  Size 0.  Price $35.  


Photo 11: Banana Republic silk blouse in creme.  Size S.  Price $25.
Ann Taylor wool skirt in multi.  Size 0.  Price $35.


The jacket and skirt ensemble.  It looks as good at the office as it did in private school.   


Photo 12: Ann Taylor Loft jacket in grey with herringbone pattern and flower detail.  Size 0.  Price $45.
Ann Taylor Loft sleeveless knit in violet.  Size S.  Price $15.
Banana Republic wool mini-skirt in creme.  Size 0.  Price $20.

Channeling Coco Chanel...


Photo 13:  Ann Taylor black and white tweed jacket.  Size 0.  Price $65.
Jones New York sleeveless, silk shell in creme.  Size 4.  Price $20.
The Limited pencil skirt in black (pearl belt not included).  Size 0.  Price $15.


A turtleneck works great underneath long, winter coats.  For a little fun, try a mini skirt with dark tights (thicker and warmer than pantyhose or stockings) and knee-high boots or heels.  

 

Photo 14: Banana Republic Merino wool turtleneck in black.  Size XS.  Price $20.
United Colors of Benetton mini-skirt in mint green with hound's tooth pattern (pearl belt not included).  Size 42 waist.  Price $20. 


Photo 15: Ann Taylor turtleneck in berry.  Size XS.  Price $10.  
Charlotte Russe mini-skirt in leopard print.  Size S.  Price $10.


Pair your skirt with a dress shirt if you're not a silk blouse or turtleneck kind of girl.  However, the dress shirt compared to a silk blouse may seem a bit more casual.  Cotton shirts are great for the summer but make sure casual is the message you want to convey if one plans on wearing them year-round.   


Photo 16: Banana Republic dress shirt in pink.  Size S.  Price $20.
Banana Republic wool mini-skirt in tan (leopard belt not included).  Size 0.  Price $20.


Photo 17: Blue Asphalt skirt in multi.  Size S.  Price $20.
Ann Taylor dress shirt in burgundy.  Size XS.  Price $20.


Photo 18: Hurley pencil skirt in jean.  Size 0.  Price $30.
Ann Taylor dress shirt in royal purple stripe.  Size XS.  Price $20.


For more ideas about how to dress feminine in the office check out my favorite show, "Mad Men."  Why? Because none of these career girls wear a business suit but exude major personal style.

Cheers,
Kitty

Monday, August 2, 2010

Ready For Your Job Interview?

If you are a size zero, then here is a collection of my size "0" suits I am selling that could be perfect for your next interview.  You can purchase my things on Ebay (as soon as I figure out how to set up an account) or Craig's List for Boston locals.


Photo 1: BCBG suit in white. Size 0.  Price $125.
Banana Republic silk blouse in leopard print.  Size S.  Price $20. 

In these fashion forward times, don't underestimate the value of wearing a business suit to an interview or job fair.  The business suit is the global uniform of corporate culture.  Wearing one says to the interviewer you know how to be a team player and play nice with the other kids.  It can also help new hires blend in with the natives while they learn the lay of the land.  


Photo 2: Ann Taylor suit in light tan or bone.  Size 0.  Price $125.
Ann Taylor dress shirt in white and violet-stripes.  Size 2.  Price $20.

What kind of suit one should wear to an interview depends on the company.  The more conservative the culture, the more traditional the cut and darker the color.  The more creative the culture, the more design trends and a flair for color will be favored.


Photo 3: Ann Taylor suit in black and white hound's tooth (lightweight).  Size 0.  Price $125.
Ann Taylor sleeveless knit in robin's egg blue.  Size S.  Price $15.

It's a mistake to assume creative companies are anti-suit.  Creative does not mean casual.  The business suit signifies to the interviewer one is ready to work rather than ready for the weekend.  That's the best first impression one can make in an interview.  Once hired, dress in the company's preferred style - business attire (suit), business casual (slacks and blouse), or casual (khakis and cotton shirt, no jeans).  


Photo 4: Italian wool suit (pearl brooch not included) in grey.  Size 36 waist.  Price $100.
Barney's dress shirt in cornflower blue.  Size S.  Price $30.



Photo 5: The Limited suit in silver with detail stitching in black.  Size XS.  Price $125.
Generic sleeveless knit in black.  Size S. Price $10.

Before going to your interview also take weather into account.  Colder climates require denser fabrics and favor darker colors.  Warmer climates require lighter fabrics and favor lighter colors.


Photo 6: Emporio Armani suit in navy blue. Size 36 waist.  Price $150.
Prada sleeveless, cashmere shell in tan.  Size 40.  Price $50.

Suits don't have to be boring, my dearest fashionista!  The late Diana, Princess of Wales, was fabulous at wearing brightly colored, feminine suits that showed her personality but were also conservative to signify her status as a member of the British royal family.  Today's Michelle Obama also dresses with the same attitude.  Other icons of ladylike style are Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Add your own personal touch with a purse, shoes, scarf, or vintage brooch.


Photo 7: Ann Taylor Loft black suit in purple and blue pin-stripe.  Size 0.  Price $85.
Ann Taylor silk shell in violet. Size XS.  Price $20.

The most important thing is to save the Lady Gaga outfit for the next art opening or party scene or the fresh-from-the-red-carpet sexy dress for date night or a night out with the girls.  Such clothes have there time and place so share them where they will be most appreciated. 


Photo 8: Bebe black suit with black stripes (pearl belt not included).  Size 0.  Price $125.
Ann Taylor fabric shell in pink.  Size S.  Price $15.   


Photo 9: Ann Taylor suit in black with wrap (mint green and pink dragonfly pin not included).  Size 0.  Price $125.
Ann Taylor sleeveless knit in mint green.  Size S.  Price $15.

Other tips are bring a clean, neatly typed resume and wear closed shoes, keep make-up and nails neat, and wear long-hair pulled back in a pony-tail so they can see your pretty face... and don't forget to smile!

Cheers,
Kitty

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Musings During A Heat Wave

Suffering through a national heat wave, it's hard to believe Boston was covered in snow six months ago.  Beacon Hill was a winter wonderland and the suburbs were like a gingerbread village richly lathered in creamy, white frosting.


  Sadly, fallen snow can't remain pure.  It's pale fragility is worn by wear and salt and transformed into a bruised slush while naked, anorexic trees shiver in the arctic air.  After the hot chocolate, cheery sweaters, and ice skating in the park, the novelty of winter fades sooner than it exits.  


And then, the tears, or the rain, fall and the snow starts to melt away.  The ground breaks open.  The grass grows.  The flowers bud.  The trees are cloaked in green.  Birds sing.  


It's also the time of year of my favorite flower, the tulip.  The tulip is demure as the orchid is exotic.  Both delicate and a revolution of color.  Unlike the sturdy stock of the lush, often fragrant petals of the velvety rose.  Floral beauty is brief as jewels are eternal.


Then summer comes like lovers' hot breath.  Flowers make way for ripe fruit bursting with sweetness.  


And summer salads when one is feeling hot rather than haute.


But when the heat is even too unbearable for that,  I desire brightly-bound books since they do not wilt nor rot but fray from love.  


This is my heat wave musings as I rummage through boxes, sort hangers, and organize my clothes in size-specific racks for my sale.  Photos pending.

Cheers,
Kitty