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