have fallen a little behind on updating the blog, but also have been working lots and have three S/S10 editorials out for publication in March!  …also am working on two new sites to link to the blog (a portfolio at tumblr, and a long-overdue personal domain, www.juliaecairo.com)

will post links in a few days’ time.  till then – happy winter xoxo

A nice interlude from Winter to Spring…

I’m coming with a way to have both even when the temperature isn’t moving a bit beyond 40 degrees.

My equation involves pretty easy flowy dresses

(inspiration, Linda McCartney’s dress above),

warm tights and lots of braids. 

And to add to my collection of pretty, easy dresses, I just ordered a handmade beauty from Vain and Vapid.  I’m a die-hard fan of Julie’s designs and handmade art.  I found her by way of her adorable blog, Vain and Vapid.  My latest acquisition is the Cecilia Lisbon Dress.  I plan to order from her any chance I get.  Nothing like supporting small business and having pretty handmade clothes to call your own, especially in a world of mass-production.

I can’t wait to pair it with a wool cowl neck cardigan, wool tights, my boyfriend fatigue jacket and my mocs. 

 Or I can throw it over a black turtle neck, a la Linda, and pair it with my have schoolboy blazer and kneehigh boots.  Hooray for interlude dressing!

The next time you decide to search for new clothes instead of going to visit your wardrobe. I think I had a spiritual experience Saturday. Instead of a lot of money online or in a mall, I decided to visit my closet.

Shopping online for your favorite sites looked like a fun way to spend Saturday morning. It 'been a ton of new clothes already in my cart when I make a trip to my room to get a size pants. The basket was James Perse T-shirt and cargo pants,Vince sweaters and Bermuda shorts, Juicy Couture. I was with a ball, as I always do when I can not find a good sale or trade.

I wanted a new pair of cargo pants parachute James Perse when I needed to buy check my size. Well, low and behold, I went to my room to see what size I bought last month. That's when I decided to look more closely Nice clothes hanging neatly in sections pants, shorts, capris, blouses, dresses, wearing T-shirts, jackets and coats. In fact, my wardrobe seemsa well-organized department of a high-end store. Designers and companies are held bag, so I developed the habit of collecting high-end fashion from any website fresh and boutiques possible.

My shoes are all well characterized by the likes of designers and color arranged on the outside of the package. My favorite is the sneaker collection Nike Rift colors and wild patterns. Camper shoes are very comfortable and I have a lot of red boxes neatly arranged on the shelf. Prada SportThe shoes range from flat to the platform, and are all marked and labeled. Evening shoes Hermes getting less used, but are neatly arranged on the shelf.

I have a weakness for boots, my collection of Henry Cuir, Prada, Ann Demeulemeester, Mosquito, Robert Clergerie, Camper, Miu Miu, Diesel, Michael Kors, UGG, and Ralph Lauren are all well labeled and waiting to be worn. They range from ankle height above the knee style, and I wear them with almost anything ifIn the mood for boots. My favorites are a new style gaucho from Brazil. And of course you can not beat the light weight of Henry Cuir the heat.

My wardrobe is a really nice place to visit and keep organized. Hermes handbags are all stored neatly in their boxes, orange and labeled on the outside. Of course, my favorite of all the designer handbags Hermes Birkins are the source impossible. Access to the market, the Hermes bag is half fun for adults andDay or evening wear.

While I was looking for James Perse cargo pants size, I realized that I had some things that I had brought with tags still attached. So I started putting together the products and they stopped. Then, hesitating, without, I began coordinating clothes from the contents of the cabinet is. I found peaks I forgot I had. I James Perse Double T-shirt of the same color and style! I had the time of my life. Suddenly I realized, shopping at home had a new meaning.Balenciaga and Dries Van Noten blouses were funky as ever! Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent and Eskandar jackets were fashionable, timeless pieces. Robert Rodriguez skirt, top and pants gaucho crochet has never looked so beautiful.

It was impossible for the products without groped their coordination, and not buy the clothes if you do not do a good impression on my figure, so I knew it all fit. I had not thought of or taken the time to certain things together. I voted, I tried on every dress.It 'was like buying new clothes. Robert Rodriguez Marni met for the first time, and they looked great together. Calvin Klein and Ya-Ya was a lot of cotton at 100%! Dosa Pinko and are willing to pay for a party. Is-Gucci, and Ann Demeulemeester. One of my favorites is a combination of Bernard Willhelm green silk dress worn over a pair of cotton leggings Danang.

Most of the time when I am always willing to go out, I walk into the room and there is nothing to wear. Who would haveBernard Willhelm and Danang thought would be a good match? Normally, I'm thinking creatively in a hurry when I pull in the same article and, eventually, have to wear the same thing too often. Now the task is finished. Wardrobe proactive planning is a part of the framework.

Many of the items of correspondence, as if they were intended to be worn together. I have a cream-colored silk robe that I bought asymmetrical Armani on sale at Neiman about three years ago had been dry-cleaned Marcusand never worn. The tunic Armani is now hovering over a black Gary Graham, silk, long, straight, – Dress never worn. The two products look as if they were made for each other. The look is updated, the style is upgraded, and I've never worn empty! I can not wait for a special occasion to wear the dress again.

Shopping instinct is a habit, because I am a bargain hunter known. Shopping on-demand or any other motivation rarely successful. Thus, the colors, styles andDrawings in my room all fit to create a personal style of another. You know, like probably many types of creative shopper.

The items that I bought more today, signature, classic, funky, pieces that I know I wear, or you need a day! They range from Danang charges silk knitwear Rick Owens. Prices are usually all the mark-downs, because I do not believe in paying full price, unless of course the price is right! All my small business on the basis of off-price retail, so I have to go myspeak in person. I strongly believe in retail is the only way to make purchases.

Run a small internet e-commerce site is suitable for simple, comfortable work clothes. An ideal of a computer all day comfortable, funky, cotton, and sweating. So when I leave, I would add a little 'more style and accessories. Marni jewelry and silk scarves Hermes really elevated a simple cotton T-shirt or skirt. For shoes, are some simple, Prada sandals or a pair of Kork Ease my platformsFavorite shoes to wear with almost anything. It 'hard to believe that I am in love with her and wearing Kork Ease for over thirty years! Pulling it all together and make the fashion is simple, if there is a closet full of designer clothing almost forgotten bags, shoes and designer.

Home Shopping has a new meaning. The time I spent matching tops, shop floors, shoes and handbags that I have a lot of time preparing for my next appointment, meeting, date, etc. Most of the quality timeShopping at home spent the coordination of the elements that rarely everyday and leave the items in a very informal atmosphere free-style competitions. No longer worried about what to wear to get dinner Monday night, or what I do when / if he asks me out! It's all there, and is just waiting for me there was the time to drag everything to do together. Should I be relieved? Yes I have the feeling that my time was well spent? Yes, I need to buy clothes for? Of course, but not this weekend! I willSave this activity for next week, or maybe when I get the chance to take all that still in my closet at least once have had!

Silk Long Johns

Pull on Long Johns for the Office, Not the Mountain

When it gets really cold, those lightweight wool suit trousers you’re wearing aren’t going to cut it. Invest in long underwear—but thin silk leggings, not the droopy cotton ones you grew up wearing on the slopes.

For more visit GQ.com

GerMichael the Stylist

https://germichaelthestylist.wordpress.com

We now live in a generation that hates to iron or doesn’t know how to iron. Normally, it’s either dry cleaned or worn as is, wrinkles and all. Today’s tip lends a few tidbits on ironing. First of all, ironing should not be a strenuous activity that one grieves over. Ironing can actually be a fun activity, especially when given great feed back.

The Shirt

The key elements of ironing a button up shirt is the front panels and the collar. Now on a button up shirt, you have the two front panels, both sleeves, the cuffs of the sleeves, the back panel, the shoulder panel, and last, but not least the collar. If you have the time, by all means, iron the entire shirt, but if not and you are wearing a blazer or jacket, you can get away with just ironing the two front panels and the collar.

Invest In A Good Steam Iron

It is very important to have a good steam iron. With a good steam iron it is less likely to burn through your clothing! Invest in a great steam iron and steam on high (just my preference). When ironing, the steam does all of the work for you, while you merely glide it across the article of clothing.

The Collar

The most important part of the shirt that should be ironed, especially when wearing a suit or blazer is the collar. Starch and steam both sides of the collar. Make sure the collar is folded down exactly on its seam and iron it down. If the shirt has buttons on the collar, unbutton the collar and then iron, then button it back when done. This will prevent ironing folds and creases in the collar.

The Sleeve

When ironing the sleeves, follow the direction in which the bottom seam of the shirt is sewn. Flatten out and spread the shirt as much as you can with your hand to make ironing simple. The crease you iron on the top of the sleeve should match the direction in which the bottom seam is sewn in the sleeve.

The cuff of the sleeve can be iron two ways. One way to iron the cuff is to iron it as you have the sleeve itself. If you prefer not to have the creases in your cuff, open up the cuff, spread it wide and iron both sides flat.

Double Creases

Be careful not to iron double creases into the sleeve. When in doubt of which one is the real/original crease, always go by the bottom seam of the sleeve to measure where the crease should be.

Should Panel

Never, never, never iron a crease in the shoulder panel! That is a #fail! Spread out the shoulder panel and iron it out flat. That’s all!

The Pants

Ironing pants, slacks, jeans, and trousers can be a bit of a hassle, but it is very easy to get  a handle on! The most important thing is to line up the seams as much as possible. Whether you are ironing the pants flat or putting a crease in them, either way, always line up the seams as much as possible.

Sections of the Pant

When putting a crease in the pant, line up both seams of the each leg to match. Break up the pant into sections. The pant has eight panels, each panel being separated by a seam. The pant has two layers, being each leg, and the pant has four sides, being the inside and outside of each layer. Breaking the pant into sections make it a little bit easier to iron.

Double Creases

It is very easy to put a double crease in a pant, especially a slack or trouser. To determine the true crease, just as in the shoulder sleeve, you must measure it be the seam in the pant.  Now, to iron out the double crease, remember, steam is your best friend. Using a good stream iron will always do the trick every single time!

Remedy The Shiny Pant

Depending on the fabric of the article of clothing, use the nozzle on the iron to match the fabric you are ironing. In some cases you need to take extra precautionary measures though. To avoid the shiny look on your pant or any other article of clothing, use an iron cloth or a pillow case to cover the article and then iron over it. Using a cover cloth will prevent the shiny look on your clothing, otherwise, this is a #fail!

For more tidbits and/or questions, feel free to contact me here at https://germichaelthestylist.wordpress.com

GerMichael the Stylist

“Empowering Your Fashion Sense”

Since this is what I wore to one of my most memorable Christmas Parties of this year (and since, I’ve been wanting a Greek inspired outfit for the longest time), I decided to post this as my Yuletide outfit. Or as Ancient Greece would have it, the Winter Solstice.

I’ve always loved Christmas, from the parties, reunions – awkward ones and the happy ones, gift-shopping, gift-giving and all that, oh-so-yummy food. This year’s Christmas seem to have more depth than the past Christmases that I’ve had, or am I just maturing? Or was it the roller-coaster ride year that is, 2009?

I must say, there were a lot of changes and trials this year and I am thankful for those who helped me and for surviving all of them. Needless to say, for what it’s worth, I am still thankful for everything. I know for a fact that I learned a lot.

Oh! This is one of the effects of the year ending. I get to recount everything that went good and bad the past year. So that when the new year comes, I am able to set new goals for myself.

To more great finds, great clothes, great eras, great themes, great shoes, to the year that has passed us and to a whole, new, roller-coaster 2010, CHEERS!

I now bid all of you a Great Yuletide Season and a Wonderful New Year! Thank you all and see you all next year!

Dress: White empire dress, The Flower Collection

Belt: Gold Satin, The Flower Collection

Shoes: Gold Gladiators, Mendrez

Earrings: Gold drops, Eagles of Hope 2008

Headband: Gold twist, SM Dept. Store

Ok, so I’ve given some background on what THE LIST is and its origins so I guess there ain’t nothing left to do but to do it but a couple house keeping notes. Some of the stuff on the list won’t actually be clothing, some of the stuff will be events because I feel like part of the trill in obtaining is in the journey to obtain said item. Does that make any sense? I even put stuff on here that I already have but I want newer ones. Also, this is a living list and it can change by my choice or at the sound advice of others. Here’s what I have so far…

{ If you have no idea what I’m talking about read this and this before you move on, thanks }

• silver tie bar
• khaki Chino suit
• denim vest
• Red Wing lifestyle boots
• navy suit
• navy blazer with gold buttons
• black wingtips
• rep stripe bow tie
• Palmetto tree bow tie
• cardigans
• toggle coat
• navy pea coat
• Rugby polo
• Southern Tide polo
• tuxedo
• Ralph Lauren zip up hoodie
• selvage denim
• Ralph Lauren Polo bear sweater
• stand in line for a sneaker release
• Nike Foamposite One
• Air Jordans
• designer boat shoes
• L.L. Bean (duck) boots
• G-shock watch
• field watch
• Nike Air Force One
• Ronnie Fieg collaboration shoe 
• A Supreme…anything
• cufflinks
• varsity jacket
• denim jacket
• alternate Atlanta Braves fitted
• Hamilton Shirt Company shirt
• seersucker suit
• pocketless oxford shirt
• saddle shoes
• flannel button-up shirt
• attend a major trade show
• chambray shirt
• Leaders 1354 fitted hat
• knit tie
• leather fingerless gloves
• BAPE hoodie
• Nike Air Jordan countdown package
• Nike Penny Hardaway signature sneaker
• tartan dress shirt
• Clarks wallabees
• cotton pocket squares
• tweed suit
• GAP hoodie
• Starter satin jacket

That’s all I got so far. I encourage your input on specific brands I need to look for, stores I need to visit, or any item or event that you think I need that will help me complete this list. I consider this stuff the basics and I am well aware that I could get much, much more detailed but again–I have limited resources and years to get this stuff in my possession so I’m not trying to build Rome in a day.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions both great and small. I’ll take all the help I can get.

MIXX.

A special Holiday Edition of my “My Everyday Style” series!!   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left

Look 11: Happy-Merry Holidays
One of the benefits of being in a mixed-religion marriage is getting to celebrate both Chanukah and Christmas!  The other benefit is not having conflicts on those holidays Haha!  Being that it’s in the midst of Chanukah and Christmas is coming up fast, I figured it’d be fun to share what I’ve worn and will wear for our families’ celebrations. Typically, I can get away with wearing jeans, but this year, I decided to continue my denial that it’s winter dress up a bit more than usual and wear cute skirts with tights.  I also snuck a pair of cozy ankle socks over my tights, hidden under my boots (shhh!), for both holidays–gotta keep those tootsies warm!

For Chanukah, I opted to toss on my trusty charcoal blazer, because my parents (who hosted) typically keep the house cool.  I kept my accessories minimal because of the patterned shirt and the dynamic of the satin, tiered, pleated skirt.  I went with my basic black knee boots because they’re easy and rather comfortable, and threw grey tights on under them to break up the dark a little bit.  I added the belt at the waist as an accessory, because it needed something.

For Christmas, I went with a basic black short-sleeve turtleneck tucked into a cute blue plaid skirt, that came with a great belt.  Because the skirt’s so bright, I stayed basic on the bottom as well, going with black tights and, again, my black boots.  I added simple CZ studs and a cute, long locket to lighten things up a little bit, and because I know my nieces will love the locket, haha!

The Looks: Chanukah on the Left, Christmas on the Right

Get The Look, Chanukah: Boots: Cutesygirl; Skirt: Forever21 (no longer available online); Shirt: Forever21 (no longer available online); Belt: TJMaxx; Blazer: Forever21; Tights: Hue (in Black)

Get the Look, Christmas: Boots: Cutesygirl; Skirt (with Belt): Forever21; Shirt: Kohls; Necklace: Forever21; Earrings: Claire’s; Tights: Hue (in Steel)

The above linked items were chosen by me with no pay or endorsement requests from the stores.

A lot of people have been making snide comments about the way I dress, and I wanted to explain the purpose behind each and every piece of my wardrobe.

Metalux is MV Carbon and J. Graf occasionally joined by Twig Harper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSijbBsUctM

http://www.metalux.cc/

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Metalux

http://www.loadrecords.com/bands/metalux.html

http://www.freewilliamsburg.com/archives/2006/06/music_reviews_m.html

http://www.ohrenhoch.org/ohrenclips_Programm_E.html

Free Noise Tour, UK
http://www.no-fi.org.uk/tours.php
Metalux collaboration with Evan Parker, Yellow Swans, C. Spencer Yeh, John Wiese, Paul Hession, John Edwards and Culver (SkullFlower)
Triptych Festival

The Point, Cardiff

The Sage Gateshead, Gateshead

Wardrobe, Leeds

Arnolfini, Bristol

METALUX TOUR 2005
Extrapool, Nijmegen, Holland

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://www.extrapool.nl/2006/programma2006.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=3&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DExtrapool,%2B2006%2B%252Bmetalux%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26pwst%3D1

Worm, Rotterdam, Holland
http://www.wormstreamer.nl/#

http://www.wormweb.nl/

Zedosbois, Lisbon, Portugal

Casa des Artes , Familicao, Portugal

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=pt&u=http://som-activo.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_archive.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=5&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D,%2BCasa%2Bdes%2BArtes%2Bin%2BFamilies%2B%252B%2Bmetalux%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26pwst%3D1

No Fun Festival, Brooklyn NY
http://www.nofunfest.com/2005.html

Swingset Magazine Release Party, Long Island City, NY
http://www.newyorknighttrain.com/zine/issues/1/gogogo.html

Karen Millen satin and lace pencil dress

While at CityStars this weekend, I came across this gorgeous, perfectly fitted satin and lace dress by Karen Millen.  I feel in love, at first sight!  With the holiday season coming up, adding this dress to your wardrobe is a must.  The truly outstanding part of the dress though, is the sexy back.  Aside from the lace detailing, which is delicate and delightful, the pleats on the bottom creating a train like effect are startling.  

Sexy back of Karen Millen satin and lace dress

I have 27 days to fit into smaller jeans.

See, I’ve been making some major progress on the whole “motivation” front !! For one thing, I finally put together that little artwork/crafty project that I was going to create to represent the 40 pounds I need to lose. Remember that ? I decided to use the small, golf ball sized dark grey river rocks that I have about 1,000 of scattered around the edge of my deck. (My apologies for that atrocious sentence.) When I collected them, I accidentally got some dog poop on my hands, so I guess that satisfied the requirement that they somehow be unsightly or dirty ? I did wash them though … And now there’s a pile of clean, shiny dark grey rocks stacked in the middle of my kitchen table. Not in a bowl or anything fancy … just sitting there in a pile. And every time I lose a pound I’ll be taking a rock off the pile and tossing it back into the yard. Until the pile is gone and my kitchen table is bare again.

Motivational tool #2: My guest bedroom is empty and I have already begun my “pre trip packing” process of placing certain items that I want to bring on a trip – mostly clothes – in there on the bed. Next trip is in 27 days to Newport to see my oldest & dearest girlfriend. Yes, yes … Disneyland is in April and that’s the longer term goal (plus ?? shorts ! tank top, maybe !!) but the current short term goal (that isn’t getting its own header on the blog) is this upcoming trip. And the reason I can start to pile clothing in there this far ahead of time is (1) the jeans I want to take don’t even fit me right now so that’s not an issue !! and (2) I’m packing for rain and sub arctic temperatures and would hardly need to wear the items that I bought for Newport here at home. I got Capeline thermal shirts in level 4 (the warmest) and have a new raincoat coming. So it’s not like I’m keeping all my everyday underwear in there or anything.

But I ramble … my point is was motivation ! And I am about to reveal to you that I am the Queen of Dorky Motivational ideas. Seriously. I am not just piling the stuff randomly on the bed … I have actually arranged the clothing into the various outfits that I want to wear*. Like a store dispaly or something … I have the currently too-tight jeans laying on the edge of the bed, and arranged perfectly above them would be, for example, one of the new Patagonia thermal shirts, complete with undershirt inside if it, and matching scarf lying across the neck. The only thing I haven’t done is place the shoes on the floor beneath the jeans (Ooo ! I may try that tomorrow !) All these clothes are horrifically too tight on me right now, or just unflattering … and now I see them EVERY DAY when I walk past the guest room … and they call out to me (along with the pile of rocks on the kitchen table) “Hey fattie, if you want to wear us, you better get on the ball and quit making excuses to eat cookies ! Let’s see some follow through !!”

Yes, I’ve just revealed to the Interwebs that I think inanimate items in my house shout out to me and call me names.

*Amy, with crazy like this going on, how could we NOT be friends ??

Always add each piece a new fashion in your wardrobe and yet, every morning, get angry and you feel that you have not what you wear. If you decided to get rid of this disruption, the most important step is to be determined, then follow some principles of organization, information that you are disclosed below:

YOU NEED:

• 3-4 hours free
• Music
• 3 garbage bags
• Adhesive tape
• Sheets of paper
• Labels
• Pen
• determination

Tip 1: Empty wardrobe

Clear the floor and empty all the clothes in the wardrobe on the floor. Use three garbage bags, saying: Rubbish, Charity and repair. Then take each object in hand clothing and accessories and put them in one of the bags or leave them living on the floor, if you want to store them.

In the three bags must be put as follows:

• Rubbish :  pieces that can not be used or repaired
• Charity :  pieces that you no longer wear or do not fit you anymore but are still in good condition
• The repair :  damaged parts that they know a lot of thought to keep in the wardrobe to fix … ever.
• If you know for certain clothing items too much, then put them a small label, which remove it when you wear it. If that label was not removed for one year, then it is time to discard.

Tip 2: Organize by category

Of course you get to fight with wardrobe if everything is disorganized and not find what you want. Sometimes forget that some jewelry or pieces of clothing and get to wear the same held weekly. Try to remember as organized specialized shops: clothes are arranged on shelves by type, style and even color.

For example:
• begins with stacks of  tops, then the short sleeve blouses, three quarters, long sleeves, sweaters, cardigans.

• separate dresses from tunics, make a separate pile of jeans, the shorts or cloth, the skirts.

• Then each of the category arrange it on color. Do piles of white and black tops, the tops in neutral tones and pastel shades.

• Arrange the clothes hangers are crumpled piles on the shelves and leave the clothes are not cute. Throw  wire and plastic clothes hangers , buy only wooden hangers, clothes that do not slip.

• Put on hangers and covered with protective bags, evening dresses that you wear very often.

• Organize a shelf  only for clothes that you wear in the house or room: pajamas, suits, shirts, shorts, tights.

• If you don’t  have drawers, arrange in separate boxes underwear: Take a box of bikinis, a box of bras, socks and a box of stockings.

• Separate your clothes from  his clothes.

And accessories can be easily organized, there are numerous tools that can help:

• Grab the back door of the wardrobe hooks on which to hang several belts, and ties grouped by color to it.

• agate one more hanger hooks to catch the scarves.

• Buy simple cardboard boxes of different sizes in which to store jewelry. Separate them into jewelry for the job, casual, formal, writing on these information boxes.

• proceed in the same manner and with shoes. Do not throw their boxes, make shoes and paste a picture on the box, or paste a label on which to write the details of that pair of shoes.

• If you do not have very much space, buy bigger boxes and put in boxes shoes grouped by color and season. Proceed in the same manner and with bags. And is an excellent way to keep the quality of materials they are made.

Tip 2: Organize the utility

Need to be considered some useful needs when arranging your wardrobe:

• sit on shelves at eye height, most on hand, clothes that you wear most often: those for jobs, the Home and the casual. Put on top shelves very formal clothes, which they very rarely wear clothes that are not appropriate season.

•take  account of the season  and do not let the winter clothes if it’s useful to occupy space in summer. Thus, put in big boxes cardiganele pullovers and thick jackets and coats. Do not leave them uncovered, in 7-8 months may be filled with dust, especially if they do not move at all. Do not forget to insert in the pill boxes and anti-moth and anti-humidity. Proceed as with summer clothes: swimsuits, shorts, dress for beach, etc..

• Do not forget what is in fashion. No need to give away top that you love, just because it is winter, wear it under a cardigan. Proceed the same with short sleeve shirts or blouses. They can dress on over long sleeve blouses or Malet.

Look 8: Playtime
Busting out a really old shot that’s still one of my favorites.  It always makes me smile!  I call this shot “Keepaway!”, and it was originally shot to submit to a calendar that was supposed to benefit an animal shelter in Georgia.  The project fell through, unfortunately, but we still got some way cute stuff out of it all   The dog in the shot is my beautiful supermutt, Trixie, who I’ve blogged about before.

Shoot Results:

The Look:

Get It:

• Shirt: 80sTees.com
• Shorts: Forever21
• Socks: Sockdreams, Pastel
  
• Rainboots: Target
  
• Scarf (on Dog): MyJewelThief, #14 (White w/Multi Dots)
• Dog Toy: Petsmart

Photo Credit: Carlos Alvarez

Please note that the above listed products were chosen by me without payment or endorsement requests from the sellers.

- extensive selection of New Zealand surf labels.

The best place to stop by in Matakana to shop before you hit the fantastic local beaches.

Brands available include: Billabong , Quicksilver,  Rip Curl, Rusty, O’Neill, Sanuk, Element, Sector 9, Hectic, Sea Folly, Von Zipper, Electric, Dragon, Huffer, Havaianas, Moneyshot.

The bach surf shop is situated in the heart of Matakana Village- occupying what was once the old Post Office building, which served the community from October 1958 to August 1988.

Daniel and Julie Baturic purchased the property in July 2006 and transformed what was then the Matakana Backpackers into the first local surf shop. It is open seven days a week, so come on in and check it out!

Written by Mrs. Virginia U.S. Beauties 2010 Jacki McGinnity

As a modern woman, I am all for being true to who you are. Showing your personality through your clothes seems to be what a lot of women like to stay true to. That being said, there are a few items that every woman MUST have in her wardrobe.

The first is a no-brainer: that LBD (little black dress). This is an article of clothing that has stood the test of time and will always remain a classic. The best thing is that it can be dressed up for evening time or it can be dressed down for a more casual feel.  Since accessories are cheaper than new pieces of clothing, the LBD is always a money saver. I personally love the style of dresses that Victoria’s Secret has online (www.victoriassecret.com). Fun fact: Audrey Hepburn’s black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s sold for 410,000 pounds or $676,016 (fact courtesy of Daily Mail’s article “Did Posh buy Hepburn’s 410,000 GBP dress?”).

Next on my list is a white button up shirt. This one can be tricky because you don’t want to but just any white shirt. Try some on to find one that fits your body shape just right; once again Victoria’s Secret has great white shirts for every body style. What is great about this look is that just like the LBD, it is a classic piece that can be dressed up with slacks or pencil skirt or dressed down with a great pair of jeans. For those who are daring, a men’s style shirt will turn heads all day. One rule with white shirts: buy a nude bra to wear with it (or a bra to make your skin tone). White bras can still be seen through a white shirt and I personally think that looks tacky. A skin tone bra will blend in with your skin, giving the attention to you and not to your undergarments. In the event you don’t have a skin tone bra, a camisole in white will work as well. This will still be seen but the white won’t stop at the bra line, plus if you feel like unbuttoning your shirt, you can.

This next piece can get pricey but when you feel like a goddess wearing it, it is all worth it; a cashmere cardigan.  I have had the pleasure of owning a cashmere shawl, given to me as a bridesmaid gift and I love it. I had my maternity photos with my shawl and it felt amazing.  A great cashmere cardigan will transform you from plain Jane to fashionista! Just get ready for everyone trying to touch.

A denim jean is another classic piece for every woman. Now, for those who swore off jeans because of the dreaded jean shopping, hear me out. You may feel like you depress yourself by searching, but when you find that perfect pair, you will look in the mirror and forget about the hours of torture before. You will find yourself wearing them as much as you can, with as many different styles are you can. Technology these days has transformed shapeless “mommy jeans” to jeans that can give you the illusion of a tummy tuck (I think they should be the new “mommy jean” because, how many moms complain about the little pooch they are trying to work off?). Important rule: when you find a style you like, buy one to wear with flat shoes and one to wear with heels so you can avoid the “high water” look. Jeans should hit mid arch and rub about 1 inch from the ground.

For those cold or rainy days, everyone needs a great trench coat. I recently bought a trench, a short trench, in red. That is my signature color. It is a bold color but it really helps you stand out. When the trench fits like it should, you will feel sexy and mysterious. Make sure it accents your best features. If you have a tiny waist, get a trench that is made for cinching in. If you have a great chest, buy a trench that will flaunt your chest, but in a good way.

Of course, every modern woman needs a great pair of heels. This is tricky because I love almost every style of heel. What is important for a woman to know is that if it is closed toe, it needs to be a pointed toe. This will help to give you a longer, leaner line. Rounded toe gives a juvenile impression, most rounded toe heels are found in junior styles. A peep toe is sexy chic. I recommend that you get different style and different colors. Red is a great color for wearing with solid color outfits.  Yellow heels are great with jeans. My first couple pairs of heels I had were in the colors black, brown and blue. Once I got into pageants, I started buying different colors because they made me feel more feminine and helped boost my confidence. I am 5’7” and typically wear a 3” heel, but you wear what makes you feel comfortable.

Even if you don’t work in a place that requires them, a great pair of slacks or trousers is another must. Black is always a safe bet because they are super slimming. Wear a rise that makes you comfortable, most women find a mid rise flattering and comfortable. When you are trying these on, make sure you sit down in them, squat in them and bend over in them. This way you know how they feel during movements during the day. Victoria’s Secret has many different styles of slacks that could appeal to every woman. Once again, if you wear flat shoes, buy two pairs so that you can shorten one to wear with flats and one long to wear with heels.

A skirt is a big must.  A form fitting pencil skirt can make you feel sexy and in charge but a nice A-line skirt can make you feel super feminine. My husband finds my A-line skirt his favorite piece because it makes he envision us out on a great summer day with a nice breeze; he is really a romantic guy.

A bra is my next item. Although this really seems like a no-brainer, you would be surprised by the number of woman who have not found that perfect bra. I love Victoria’s Secret because you really can customize what you want. I have a smaller chest so I like my bras to have a little padding. Some love full coverage and some want something a little sexier to wear with their honeys. Make sure that your bra fits right; the right fit will boost your confidence and feel great.  I recommend that at least once a year every woman get a good fitting, more if your year had a lot of body changes such as weight loss or a pregnancy/breastfeeding. The Victoria’s Secret staff is trained in fitting woman for bras and it is a free service. When you find the right bra, make sure you get them in different colors. For Caucasian woman, make sure you have a nude bra to wear under white shirts. This is a sure fire way to make sure your bra is NOT seen underneath your shirt. For African-American woman, find a color that matches your skin tone. If you aren’t sure if it is right, bring a shirt to try on. It doesn’t have to match exactly but close will make sure that it isn’t seen.

Lastly, every woman should own a pair of sunglasses. These can be any style that makes you feel great but make sure they actually block the sun’s rays. This is not only a style item but also a health item because your eyes need to be protected. I wear sunglasses all year round. You should wear them in the winter to protect from the rays off the snow (if you have snow) but also on overcast days because your eyes squint naturally to try to adjust to the light. Of course, you wear them when it is sunny out! I own two pairs of sunglasses, one pair for everyday use and one for when I am training because they tend to fit a little closer to the face.

When a woman has the basics in her wardrobe she is ready for anything. Today there are so many colors and so many styles that even if your neighbor has the same list of items in her closet, chances are you won’t have the same things (unless you have the same taste in everything). If you buy these things to wear, beware, people will be stopping you everywhere to tell you have fabulous you look!

boutique shoe shop stocking a wide range of shoes and fashion accessories including bags, belts and jewellery in amazing colours.

Heavenly Soles is Matakana’s new boutique shoe shop.

Heavenly Soles stocks a wide range of shoes and fashion accessories including bags, belts and jewellery.

Kerry has searched New Zealand and overseas to find wonderful designs and amazing colours. Brand names to admire include: Minx, Briarwood, Kathryn Wilson and Birkenstock. Heavenly Soles also stocks a selected range of men’s and children’s shoes.

Heavenly Soles Matakana Village

This is really cool, having transformers and Star Wars together in the box. My son loves both and thinks this is awesome that they come together to battle each other. You can’t find this one in the stores. Great price also.

AttackTix Battle Figure Game – Star Wars vs. Transformers Reviews

Who will win the ultimate battle – Darth Vader or Optimus Prime? Lead a squad into battle and knock down your opponent’s troops with real attack moves, launching missiles, power punches and more! Battle Masters figures bring more power and action to your battles. Plan your strategy, and then plot your moves. The last one standing wins! Includes four exclusive battle figures, two Battle Masters figures and a rulebook with quick-start guide.

AttackTix Battle Figure Game – Star Wars vs. Transformers Features

• Lead a squad into battle and knock down your opponent’s troops with real attack moves
• Launch multiple attacks with launching missiles, power punches and more
• Plan your strategy, plot your moves
• The last one standing wins
• Includes 4 exclusive battle figures, 2 Battle Masters figures and rulebook with quick-start guide

Check Price and Read More Details of AttackTix Battle Figure Game – Star Wars vs. Transformers…>>

AttackTix Battle Figure Game – Star Wars vs. Transformers Customer’s Reviews

Um… Ok, but not for serious play – TheNinjaAndTheNinja – Look behind you.
I LOVE Attacktix. This set was a major letdown. I’m sure that beginners would probably like this set, but as a real player, this set stinks. Save your money, the only good figure is Optimus Prime.

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• AttackTix Star Wars Booster Pack
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The tenth post from my “My Everyday Style” series!!   For more, check out my “Everyday Style” page to the left

Look 10: Space Cadet
So right now (which is December 9th, not the day this posts… I like to write in advance ) there’s about 5″ of snow on the ground at home, and it’s currently still snowing at work.  Blech!  I wore my shearling boots today, which were a gift from my mom (they’re not Uggs or any name brand, just some random brand, so I pulled a similar, reasonably priced pair off-line and linked for you), paired with a new graphic tee and new blazer, both of which I got over the weekend.  I’m still a little chilly, but at least my feet stayed warm and dry when scraping off the car this morning!  I only wear skinny jeans or leggings with my shearling boots, because I feel like the bulge created by pants that aren’t super fitted on the leg isn’t flattering (ok, fine, I think it looks stupid, there, I said it!).

The Look:

Get The Look: Shirt: Delia’s; Blazer: Forever21; Jeans: Express; Boots: Cutesygirl;

The above linked items were chosen by me with no pay or endorsement requests from the stores.