Go Monochromatic!

We diva's love our dark skinny jeans with a colorful top, a sweater or perhaps a boyfriend jacket. But take a walk on the daring side and go for a monochromatic look this season. Not to worry...we are not talking twin sets in head to toe mint green or a Hillary inspired rainbow pantsuit...yuck! Start with a gray skinny jean (this one by chip and pepper) add a fun top in a slightly lighter hue of the same shade (this ruffle, tie front by Daniel Rainn is under $100) and then pull it all together with bold black accessories for a little punch. Think outside the box and experiment a little. Keep the colors within the same shade, just different hues. Some shades of brown may clash so you will need to eyeball it in the light to be sure. Have fun and give your baby blues a break!

Poppies...poppies...

Many of you may remember the scene from The Wizard of Oz where the Wicked Witch of the West casts a spell on Dorothy with poison poppies. That scene always bothered me as a Virgo because the poppy is our birth month flower and well, I just love poppies! Now I have a new reason to love them; while attending the Zac Posen Spring Fashion show in New York (interesting story how I got in to share at another time) I was awe-struck with the poppy colored trench that led the show. While back in New York for the spring buyers market, I was on a mission to find one that was more affordable but just as amazing. When I had all but given up on it, there it was...Ted Baker London had a stunning poppy trench with a silk floral lining and it was to die for! Ted Baker had parted ways with their New York reps and took the line back across the pond a few years back. Well divas, they are back state-side and will be available again at Diva Boutique Harbour Center this spring! This trench cast a spell on me and it will do the same to you! Wonder if the Wicked Witch knew something we didn't?

Celebs and their fragrances

So I am assuming that in order to "arrive" in Hollywood these days, you must have your own perfume on the market. On a recent buying trip to vegas, my sis and I were perusing our fashion mags in flight (back to front as always, avoid the ads and get to the meat) and we came across a perfume review. Seven of the Eighteen scents were by celebrities and it got us wondering, "How do I feel about smelling like Celine Dion or Kim Kardashian?" She is totally opposed to the whole idea so it made me wonder if I was too. I have decided to embark on a little experiment to see if any of them are worth it or if it is just one more way for them to exploit their fame for cash. I am completely obsessed with perfume and all things that smell good and I am very big on having my own signature scent (although a certain sales girl at Diva has been donning my Dolce and Gabanna Light Blue and I am not sure if the shop is big enough for both of us to smell that good) so I am on the hunt for a new smell. On that same trip to Vegas while drunk shopping at Barney's, I came across an interesting concoction by Commes de Garcon. Loved it drunk, hated it sober. Note to self; be sure to TRY ON the fragrance, do not buy it from the little paper strip test!
So I am going to give the celeb labels a try (fingers crossed) and was wondering if anyone has a to die for bottle that I absolutely must have?

Shh...don't mention the unmentionables!

We women have so many little tricks up our sleeves for looking better so I decided to share a few products I love to make our fashion and beauty lives just a bit easier. 
1.     Miss Oops deodorant sponges - these take the white deodorant marks out of dark clothing and have been known to remove some other types of stains from even lighter clothing...miraculous!
2.     Bra converter straps - these small plastic discs transform your regular bra to a racerback lickety split...no more embarrassing straps "peeking out" from your tank tops.  We love the Hollywood Hook ups.
3.     Sassy bax Torso Trim smoothing garments.  Back bacon be gone!!
4.     Dry shampoo - this really does absorb the grease and add texture to limp, greasy hair.  Be sure to get one that is tinted to your hair color and rub in well.
5.     Denim hem tape.  This is a thicker, heavy duty double sided fashion tape made especially for denim to convert your "high heel jeans" to your "flats jeans" in no time.  Perfect for travel!!
6.     Is-a-belt invisible belt.  This little gadget is a clear, thin profile belt that looks like a bra strap and holds up the pants to eliminate waist gap without the bulk of a belt and buckle situation.  Perfect for fixing the loose pants with fitted tops that you don't want to tuck in. (I swear I think I invented this in my head and could be making millions by now!!)
7.     Low beams because high beams are for cars.  Enough said.
8.     Nu bra push up adhesive bra.  These are not the chicken cutlets, but will give you coverage and lift in the front while leaving a sexy back!
9.    Dryel stain remover on the go.  This little stick is like having a genie in a tube that fits in your make up bag.  Pure genius!!
10.   Ear lifts.  Little adhesive gel discs that slip onto the back of the lobe and grab the earring post so they sit up in the lobe and do not cause the dreaded pirate ear sagging.

To Hose or Not to Hose (as published in the Capital Newspaper)

That is the question we have all asked at some point in our fashion lives.  Do I wear hose with this? What color would look right? Is it okay to go bare legged?  At my age?  Relax and follow a few key rules that will have you looking fabulous, at any age.

Let the weather dictate.  No, this does not fall under the category of “you may never wear white after Labor Day.”  This is a common sense rule.  If the temperatures are soaring and you have a cocktail party, you will still look amazing without the nudes you think you need to cover up those chalky white legs.  Be sure to shave, exfoliate, moisturize and if possible, apply a subtle bronzer (Jergens Daily Glow Mouse will have you tanned in three applications without the orange hue or streaks).  Do not skip the all important pedicure if your shoes are open toed.  If you have unsightly veins or other imperfections that need covering up, opt for an ultra sheer, barely there color and keep in mind they do offer toeless versions for the sandals.  Bring the shoe with you because the cut of the shoe will determine whether or not you can pull this look off.  Some of you may be saying they cannot imagine a life without Spanx.  You don’t need to skip the body shapers, just be sure they are short enough not to peak out from under the hemline when you sit and cross your legs. (Practice in a mirror!)

In the cold of winter, opaque tights (that is, completely dark, not sheer) will go with absolutely every dress in your wardrobe and are extremely stylish. Add a simple black pump or a funky bootie to finish it off.  Not only will you add length to your legs, you will add length to your hemline.  Any time a dress fares a bit on the short side, an opaque tight and dark shoe will trick the eye.  Since you are showing less skin, the hemline appears more acceptable.  The same dress sans the hose may look risqué.

One rule of thumb applies to evening wear across the board, regardless of the season:  bare legs will always look better with formal evening wear.  Not even the black sheer tights you ask?  If your legs are so unsightly or you are that concerned about getting a chill, you would be better off wearing a longer dress than wearing hose to the gala!!

What is it about the white button down????

By now everyone has probably heard about the controversy surrounding the Miss USA pageant photo shoot.  If not, the synopsis is this: they decided to do a black and white, sexy pictorial with either fishnets and corsets or unbuttoned white men's shirts and undies while spread out on the bed or draped over the chase lounge...very campy and Victoria Secret inspired.  The photos were amazingly gorgeous but definitely risque, so I can see both sides of the "was this or wasn't this appropriate" argument.  Miss USA is a role model for young girls, but she is also a beauty queen.  (On a side note, one of our own Diva Strut and Sip Models, Simone Feldman who is the reigning Miss Maryland did not make it as a finalist but looked stunning and is a winner in our book!).  One thing the debate inspired me to blog about is the ooozing sex appeal of a woman in a white button down shirt (undone just a bit) that cinches the waistline and gives off that "I just slipped this on after a romantic tryst" look.  That is not to say the crisp, very professional version is not an equally important wardrobe essential for the working girl, but the men just cannot resist the look of us with tasseled hair in a better fitting version of their shirt.  Ooh, la, la!!

Where everybody knows your name

Like the old mantra from the 80's sitcom, Cheers, its nice to be surrounded by people that know me and with whom I feel comfortable.  It's not that I want fame, but when I go to the hair salon, the gym or my favorite restaurant and shops, it is always nice to know the staff will know my name and give me that extra bit of personal touch that makes the experience a positive one.  For example, when I head into Osteria Restaurant, they know exactly which wine to pour.  Liu Liu hair salon feels like a home away from home (think Steel Magnolia's without all the drama) and my instructors at Annapolis Athletic Club always make personal connections that remind me I am in good hands.
This is a principal I take seriously in my shop.  We make an effort to know our clients and what works best for them.  It is more than being able to style and offer advice about what will flatter their figure, it is about truly taking the time to get to know them and what suits their personal taste and lifestyle.  After all, anyone can go to the big box stores and have something rung up by a robot-ish, disinterested teenager.  But when you shop with us at Diva, we want it to be a personal experience - a connection. 

I challenge each of you to find a way to bring that extra personal touch to your life today.  Go out of your way to make someone feel special, even if it is just to call them by their name.

Cheers!

Pajama jeans...really??

I have seen it all now.  I just saw this ad on T.V.- "look great and be comfortable in pajama jeans."  I know we are becoming more and more casual in our lives and it is possible to look put together and not sacrifice comfort, but I think this is taking it too far!  There is something uplifting about a beauty ritual that makes you feel renewed, refreshed and ready to face the day.  It does not have to be complex and take forever (tell that to my mountains of hair that cannot be blown out in under 20 minutes) but you should at least take the time to plan an outfit, jump in the shower, throw on some mascara and lip gloss and a FRESH PAIR OF PANTS!!  Maybe denim leggings (dubbed jeggings by many) are in the same vain as pajama jeans with the whole "comfortably stylish thing" but there is one major difference:  the word pajama implies that you will be sleeping in them.  And rolling out the next day?  Really?? Eeww, this is just gross!

Oh the places I would go....

Like many of you busy Divas, I am pulled in too many directions to get away as much as I would like these days.  I was lying in bed this morning looking at the blue sky and listening to the birds and I decided to drift off into a "where would I go and why" day dream.  Here is what I came up with:
1.    The "I must visit this place just out of curiosity" category includes a yachting trip to Monte Carlo and a stay at one of the opulent palaces of Instanbul.  These trips are unlikely, but on the list nonetheless.
2.   The humanitarian side of me wants to visit poor countries around the globe and bring food, clean water and clothing to orphans.  Not because Angelina made it "en vogue" but because we truly don't have enough modern day Mother Teresa's and the world needs to care all the time, not just when Wyclef Jean hosts a telethon.  Why no telethon for Chile??
3.  For a red carpet in the Carribean experience, I would head for St. Barths.
4.  For reasons unknown to me, I would be intrigued by a trip to the Black Forest of Germany.  Maybe because of a Victoria Holt novel I read when I was young...
5.  For an exotic island get away, my top choice would be the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa.
6.  For a history lesson I would head to the Pyramids in Egypt and then pop over to the Great Wall of China.  It would be a Seven Wonders kind of thing.
7.  France - wine country, the Riviera and then cap it off in Paris....preferably during Fashion Week.
8.  The Almafi Coast of Italy and then to visit my family in Genoa and Portofino.
9.  The night owl in me wants to take an Alaskan Cruise. I have heard it is light out until 10 pm during certain times of year!
10. The Alps at Christmas...saw this on the travel channel...so cozy!!!
Where would you go??

Pedicure on our toes,toes. Tryin' on all our clothes, clothes...

Sorry to start your day with a quote from the crazy Lady Gaga wannabe, Ke$ha, but this weather makes me sooooo excited for spring clothes and all that goes with them!  Get to the strip center salons ladies and clean up your tootsies because when the weather is this nice out, it is perfectly acceptable to wear an open toed shoe with bare legs, assuming you have taken a few crucial steps to prepare:
1.  The pedicure and shave (duh)
2.  Some sort of bronzer on the legs (Jergens Daily Glow takes away the chalky white and won't make you orange)
3.  Stick to spring ensembles, this is not quite an all out summer situation just yet so grab a light blazer or cardi for when the sun goes down and skip the flip flops for now.
4.  A, light fragrance (leila lou at Diva with hint of pear is to die for!!)
5.  Wear bright color or soft neutrals and put the black, charcoal and brown back in the closet for a bit.
6.  Remember, denim is a year round commodity.  Wear a light weight fabrication if you want, but it is all about what you pair it with.  Try your skinny jean with a cropped nubuck ankle boot, hooded sandal or peep toe.
7.  You must have a cute, embellished top this season.  When done properly, this is not gaudy but glam!!
8.  Every diva needs at least one ladylike dress for daytime spring occasions (think graduations, baptisms and garden parties)
9.  Nude heels - cannot stress this enough!!  I know I repeat this every spring but you may need a couple pairs so you don't trash them, that is how much you will wear them.  They go with everything and will elongate your legs. Try them with your little black dress for a fresh take.
10.  Fashionable watch...if you are like me and you are resolving to be punctual then you must have a stylish watch to keep you arriving at all your events on time.  I am still looking for one...any suggestions?

Get Inspired!

Okay fellow bloggers...please don't feel the need to post everyday.  It is dreadfully apparent that you are writing simply to avoid having one absence from the blogosphere as though some catastrophy would ensue if you skipped a day or so until something actually inspired you to write.  We are all busy creatures and I would dare say no one is so interested in our daily thoughts that we need to be contrived in our writing.  People who blog and treat it as a job (except of course those of you collecting a paycheck) may be better served by taking a few days off to get inspired.  I may not always be terribly original, but I promise not to post something unless I felt I just had to convey my thoughts.  If I become too cookie cutter...somebody please stop me!

You can judge a book by its cover

They say "you can't judge a book by it's cover" but have you been to the book store lately?  I have to admit, on many occasions I have made a bee-line straight for those books with bright colored covers and adorable graphics.  I am immediately attracted to them and tell myself this must be good, after all, it's bright yellow with a cartoon of a slender fashionista walking her designer dog.  The book does not always deliver on the promise, but the cover does serve a purpose - it beckons you to come check it out.  How about that punk rocker chick with multiple piercings, covered in body art and pink spikey hair?  She wants you to make a judgement that she is a rebel who defies convention.   In fact, she would be insulted if you didn't.  Of course you can't determine simply by her dress that she is a good or bad person and unfortunatley, many people will jump to those conclusions.  But she is making a statement about herself and she wants you to to hear it.  You need to keep this in mind when you dress.  What do you want to say about yourself?  Even if you are simply running to the grocery store, pull a scarf around your neck, upgrade your running shoe to a flat boot and throw on a pair of over oversized shades and you can make a style statement in a pair of yoga pants. You've heard the saying, "dress for the job you want."  All that means is that you need to put the effort into your appearance to convey the message to the world that you care.  This is not vanity. Vanity is placing your physical appearance above all else, including others.  No self respecting diva would do that because she is too busy changing the world.  But you need to care about what image you project into the world.   No one knows this better than the marketing execs at Apple.  Put it in an adorable sleek package and you can sell anything.  Apple has the substance to back it up, but you know it's what draws you to those ipod nanos, they are just so darn cute!  It is all about marketing, so get out there and sell it divas!

Come on People! (Style Watch that is)

Sorry for my temporary absence divas...I am channeling Kate Beckinsale in White Out since we are covered in almost 4 feet of snow!! It's the perfect time to peruse the latest issue of People Style Watch and of course, I have issues with some of their advice on what's hot and what's not. Let me start by saying Tim Gunn and Stacy London are always on the money and that is why they have their own shows.  What I do have a prolem with, however, is some of People's "what's hot or not" advice.  Every time I flip to this section I brace myself for the rediculous list of "not hot".  What in the world are "long trips" doing on the "not hot" list?  Sometimes, if the planets allign correctly and you work hard, a long trip is just what the doctor ordered.  I often find myself feeling sorry for the perveyors of these banished goods and services until I realize that maybe no one else takes this list seriously either.  To be fair, they usually get the "whats hot" part correct.  But then, some of the "whats hot" advice out in the fashion world is a bit out of touch with the mainstream fashionistas.  For instance, space age shoulder pads and super shredded jeans landed on the "not hot" list.  I decided last fall when they first showed up on the scene that they should already be on that list and never bought into it.  I have a simple rule: if you think that an outfit will look utterly rediculous within six months to a year, chances are it looks utterly rediculous right now.  On a posiive note, if People Style Watch continues to feature fabulous merchandise that is affordable (they take the cake in this department) and advice sections from Tim and Stacy, I will stay a loyal subscriber.  I will probably lash out at the "not hot" list again, but they are just asking for that.

Keeping up with the Jones'

     Ok, so we all know that girl that asks, "where did you get that?" and the next week she comes to the office sporting the same thing she envied on you just a few days before.  You find yourself feeling annoyed and if you are like me you have to stop and take a minute to remind yourself what your mother would say; imitation is the highest form of flattery.  You take a big gulp and try to digest it.  She is right you know.
     I find myself in that predicament all the time being a boutique owner here in Annapolis.  There is a shop up the street that has copied us on so many levels (or attempted to I should say) since they opened.  In fact, they are probably reading this right now.  Anyway, the point is, you need to be you and express your individuality any way you choose.  When you are a strong person with great taste and have a passion for what you do, there will always be copycats.  Laugh it off and take pride knowing that although they would never admit it in public, anytime they copy you they are admitting that you are the best.  Pat yourself on the back and get on with your day knowing that as long as you are you and they are them, they will always be playing catch up.  You are a diva after all!!!

Some of my favorite things

We all have our favorite things in life.  When I think of some of my favorite stylish things, I am all over the place.  I decided this morning to share some with you, at random:

• cubed glass vases with a cluster of raspberry peonies
• smokey eyes, false lashes and nude lip gloss
• crazy big cocktail rings with a great manicure (preferably french but not long)
• black and white photos, everything looks good in black and white photography
• grey and yellow
• freshly exfoliated skin
• pore minimizers 
• huge earrings to go with my huge hair
• the whole look of Ursela Andress as a bond girl - big hair, dark liner, and lashes galore
• The Victoria Secret Fashion Show
• all things Kate Spade - preppy but oh so cute!!
• oversized handbags
• make up removing wipes
• bloody mary's
• European style frozen yogurt
• designer cupcake minis
• black lab puppies (I have two right now, 11 weeks)
• hov lanes
• E! News
• getting off of well water and onto city water - saved the hair!!
• boyfriend blazers
• opague tights
• pilates
• Barcelona chairs
• shag throw rugs
• bamboo shades
• lots of lit candles in lanterns on my back porch
• loose tea from Capital Teas  (orange grapefruit or roasted Almond)
• Dolce & Gabanna Light Blue perfume
• South Beach
• reading fashion magazines, back to front (get to the meat and do the ads last)
• finding fashionistas like you the perfect outfit to make them quake in their boots!

What are some of your favorite things?

My favorite fashion ad campaign

While I can't exactly say this is my favorite designer (I have too many to name), I find myself extremely drawn to his print ads over and over again.  His name?  Michael Kors.  I love the jet set-ish vibe of his campaign and how successful they are at making me long to be that girl, wearing that outfit and jetting off with that gorgeous man!  The woman is always stunning and perfectly bronzed and she is hopping in and out of luxury cars, boats and even private planes with a casually coiffed, sexy man.  It is more than that though.  It is a fantasy setting but yet it retains a sense of "realism" that you can relate to, or at least wish you could relate to.  I always find myself making up a story to go with the scene portrayed and you cannot say that about, say, Marc Jacobs or some of the other "a little too artsy" designers.  Don't get me wrong...Mr, Jacobs is a genious, but it annoys me when designers seem to be telling us that even the bizarre is sexy and attractive.  Sometimes the high fashion ads are just too out there and the way they pose the models, albeit art, is just not going to make me want to be that girl, wearing that dress.  Well done Michal Kors!

What does the Bachelor have against the LBD?

Okay, it may have nothing to do with what they were wearing and more about their petty jealousy of another castmember (for the record I am not a fan of Vienna either) but during last night's rose ceremony on ABC's, The Bachelor (a fave guilty pleasure), the two ladies that got cut were sporting very sexy little black dresses. Although I would never subject myself to harem dating (and let's face it, neither are they since we all know it is a shot at fame), if I were in a competition like that I would definitley go for a bold color to get noticed.  Sometimes there is nothing better than the LBD for a sexy, slimming and sophisticated look but when you need to be the focal point, make a color splash and you will go from being that hot girl to that hot girl in the orange dress!!

Balance your outfit

Life is a balancing act and so it makes sense that fashion is no different. For example, did you ever see a girl sporting a long, flowing pant or skirt with a fluffy, ruffly blouse? You just want to grab her and say "enough with the fluff!"
There is a simple rule when attempting to create a sense of balance with your outfit: either the top or the bottom can be full, not both. If you have an adorable, flirty full skirt, pair it with a simple white or black tank top and you will be amazed at how much better you look than the last time you wore it with your ruffled peasant top. Mixing and matching textures and style works in fashion and can tone down or amp up your look. Dressy, silk pants look amazing with a simple, fitted cotton tee, layered necklaces and a huge cocktail ring. A drapey top should be paired with a straight leg pant to prevent you from disappearing under too much fabric.
The same is true for baring skin. I always advise my clients not to make their cleavage and their legs compete for attention. Pick one. If the hemline is short and you are showing off those toned gams, keep the neckline higher. If you opt for a plunging neckline, the hem can be above the knee but not too high. This says sophisticated sexy not trashy and trying too hard.
Play fashion police the next time you are skimming the mags for red carpet looks. See if you can spot the offenders yourself. Train your eye to look for the key elements of balance so you can remember what to wear and what not to wear!

Happy New Year Divas!

If you are like me, you love the snow when it creates a cozy winter scene for the holidays, it's very Norman Rockwell. However, for those of us that must wear our four inch heeled boots, the icy conditions make us resort to the mandatory Uggs and thus I fear we start to blend into the mall rats who frequent the new wing of the Westfield Annapolis Mall that I affectionately refer to as "teenage wasteland" (except for Crate and Barrel!!) I need to take this time to enjoy all things winter like shopping huge sales (one going on at Diva as we speak) or sitting by the fire at a sexy, upscale lounge while sipping a Bailey's and coffee in an adorable sweater and skinny jeans ensemble. I cannot help it though...I am longing for spring!!

I have searched far and wide to bring a new product mix to Diva for 2010. For all you fashionistas turned recesssionistas, there will be lots of new products for every aspect of your fashion life at more affordable prices than ever. I know you lovely divas...sometimes you are classic and tailored and sometimes you tease up the hair and go for a more glam look. You need to be fabulous, no matter what. Like all of us these days...you need affordable style that is not cheap or likely to be out of style too soon. Think of a style icon that inspires you (it could be your mom) and start pulling together an idea of what your style personality is. Try to build your wardrobe with key pieces you can mix and match that will suit your lifestyle and donate old pieces that don't seem to fit into the picture anymore. This way, you will do something good and can make some room for new items that can evolve with you instead of lingering in the closet alone. Try this rule: turn around the hangers of pieces you have not worn in a while and check back in three weeks. If you still have not worn it, donate it and move on. Remember a cardinal rule in style though: you can totally change your look by adding new accessories and by wearing new color combinations so be sure to give each piece a fair assessment before parting with it. Add a jacket, bib necklace, ankle boots and tights to a classic sheath and mix colors you may not have thought of, like grey and yellow and all of the sudden, your old dress is new again!

Stop by or shop online to take advantage of the sale! Early spring pieces and tons of new bags and jewelry are coming in soon. Stay tuned for exciting new things at Diva in 2010!

Remember - style is not merely a state of dress. It is a state of mind.

xoxo
Michele Deckman owner/buyer Diva Boutique