When recently perusing the website net-a-porter.com, we came across this fabulous animal print coat and  the following quote regarding winter outerwear:

In cold weather, your coat is the most powerful piece that you can show. It’s the first thing that people will see, so it’s important to have a really beautiful one in your wardrobe

Amen to that! It just so happens that today is the first cool day we've had in our neck of the woods for quite some time, so that pearl of wisdom has prompted us to offer some suggestions on the trendiest cold weather cover-ups out there...

For starters, if you're like us and that great designer animal print featured above is slightly out of your price range, why not consider something more reasonable like this leopard print version from Kate Spade at Macy's? It's simple, chic and still offers plenty of animal magnetism!

​A softly belted coat is also totally on-trend. This one from Zara, hits several hot spots:  belted, oversized, and fringed - a topper trifecta!

​Leather is another great option that never goes out of style. This classic notched collar single breasted version from Wilson's will look just as polished with your weekend jeans as your workday clothes!

​To really make a statement, consider an oversized plaid. It's definitely the case that "bolder is better" this season, and the hooded version from South Moon Under shown here perfectly illustrates our point!

​Bigger is also better when it comes to the latest puffers like this one from Avec Les Filles at Nordstrom. Function meets feminine in this coat with its soft pink tone and bow tie closure.

Of course, if you prefer something a bit more traditional, you can never  go wrong choosing tweed. Classicly cut, this Beverly tweed from French Connection elevates any look with an air of subtle sophistication.

That's a wrap on our sneak peak at the newest coat trends that will keep you warm as you stand out in the cold this winter! 

Stylishly yours,
V & T

Attention all parents of back to school shoppers: COMPROMISE is the word of the day when preparing your son or daughter's wardrobe for hitting the books. Your first step is to check their school's dress code and discuss any potential red flag areas before shopping. Then, once you have a clear understanding of what they need (and want!) to buy, the hunt can begin. As you're browsing the racks together, try to only purchase items that make you both happy but choose your battles carefully. It's normal that you might not always like the same styles, but if an item meets dress code requirements (and also fits and flatters!), why not say yes? If you're the student, keep in mind that your parent or guardian has your best interests at heart (and is usually footing the bill!) so being willing to look a bit harder to find something they can live with, too, never hurts either. The bottom line is that everyone can pass the back to school shopping test with flying colors by remembering that a little give and a little take goes a long way! #COMPROMISE

Stylishly yours,
​V & T

With the 4th of July coming up fast, here's our take on patriotic attire: Don't dress "head to toe" in the fabulous colors of our American flag unless you're under the age of 5! We're really not being party poopers but do think it's infinitely more stylish to be strategic when you want to display your patriotism. With that in mind, here are a few simple options for you to consider!

​Add a red and/or blue scarf, purse or accessory to an all white outfit...(It adds just enough pop!)

So, wear less flag for more swag and have a fun and fashionable 4th!

Stylishly yours,
​V & T

When making any new clothing purchases this spring, follow our FFA rule and you can't go wrong. Just ask yourself these three easy questions and be sure the answer is YES to all three before making your way to the register!

#1:  Does it FIT? No cheating allowed. Check the sleeves, waistline, length and rear view. Your goal is for it to feel (and look!) not too tight and not too loose. The only exception to the FIT factor is when you commit on the spot to having an item tailored properly in spots where it isn't quite right.
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#2:  Does it FLATTER you? Consider what looks best with your skin and hair tones. Simply shifting to a different shade of a color really can make a huge difference. Also consider your shape and remember that every trend is not right for every body type. If you truly feel good in something, that's usually because it's checking off the "flattering" box. You know it when you see it.

#3:  Is it APPROPRIATE? No matter how much you like something, it will be of no use to you at all unless you have someplace suitable to wear it. For example, if you work and socialize in a conservative crowd, a daring piece of clothing is not likely to ever make it off the hanger. Be realistic and keep looking.

It really works to use the FFA analysis for every purchase. When you make sure everything you buy passes this test, your closet becomes fashionably functional with only clothes that you will wear often and confidently!! 

Stylishly yours,
​V & T

Now that Spring is officially here, you're probably thinking of blooming flowers, Easter baskets and  making some colorful seasonal wardrobe additions! Before you rush out to refresh your closet, analyze what you already have and then plan carefully to add shades that truly FLATTER you (your complexion and hair really do make a difference). Don't stop there...also take some time to consider how the colors you want to wear might make you FEEL. To help with your planning, here's a quick look at a few new looks for the season based on COLOR PSYCHOLOGY also known as the study of how hues impact human behavior. It's not an exact science but it definitely makes for some springtime fashion fun! 

BLUE is associated with calmness and tranquility. Hmmmm. Maybe that's why it's considered the world's favorite color...

YELLOW symbolizes confidence and optimism in moderate amounts, but if you over-do this color, you might begin to feel fearful and anxious. That's where the saying "yellow streak" originated!

GREEN, the color of nature, is indicative of balance, freshness and safety.

RED stands for strength and energy. It is also known to increase respiration and blood pressure, making it the color of passion and desire. Think Valentine's Day and you get the idea!

ORANGE is invigorating and denotes fun. It's also reminiscent of sunshine and the tropics because it gives the sensation of heat. 

PURPLE symbolizes power, luxury and ambition and is the color of royalty. In spring's lighter tones, it becomes nostalgic and romantic.

PINK is nurturing, physically soothing, and is considered representative of the feminine principle.

WHITE is the color of cleanliness, perfection and positivity.  It's not considered "touchable" because of its hygienic association and is definitely a challenge to wear without soiling but nothing looks crisper!

​Now that you know what some of the best warm weather shades signify, we challenge you to wear any (or all!) of them well and enjoy a very COLORFUL Spring!

Stylishly yours,
​V & T  

​The secret to smart online shopping is to plan a "see and feel" real shopping trip BEFORE you allow yourself to peruse the millions of fashion choices so easily available on the net.

​By taking your fashion field trip, you set yourself up for more successful online shopping. A purchase that fits and flatters upon arrival means no need for time consuming and inconvenient returns.

 
Oh, and did we mention the added bonus of burning more calories??? No doubt about it - strolling the mall before scrolling on the couch is a very healthy habit that makes total fashion sense! 


Stylishly yours,
V & T

Remember those huge earrings we sported in the 80s and 90s?? We sure do :)! We also remember the pain that often accompanied them...unwelcome side effects like tight clips that pinched so badly you could only wear them for short fashion flashes or bodacious pierced baubles so heavy that they ripped or stretched out our ear holes :(.  Isn't it amazing what we'll endure for the sake of style?!?

​Well, as is often the case in the fashion world, everything OLD is NEW again...Large ear candy is back for 2018, but we're happy to report that the statement earrings of today are kinder and gentler (aka more gravity friendly) than their predecessors :).

​You should really think of these impact makers as mini works of art and, if you're up for the drama, you're sure to find something to suit your taste from long yet lightweight metals, tassels, beads, feathers, and stones to always popular oversized hoops in interesting new shapes like oblong and asymmetrical. 

We've told you many times that adding a few new accessories is the easiest, most inexpensive way to jump start your look each season. So, to be on trend and add interest (along with plenty of drama) to any outfit, now is definitely the time to consider incorporating a few statement earrings to your jewelry collection. (Or, if you dare and your ears are up for the challenge, raid those old jewelry boxes and really go retro!)

Stylishly yours,
​V & T

With the flu season in full swing, it's wise to take every precaution possible. You know the drill: wash your hands frequently, eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, and then HIT THE LAUNDRY ROOM ONCE A WEEK TO WASH YOUR COLD WEATHER GEAR! That's because those oh so stylish gloves, scarves and hats adding the finishing touches to your winter attire are doing lots more than just keeping you fashionably warm and cozy...they're harboring lots of unwelcome germs. Leather requires dry cleaning so it's best to wear "washing machine friendly" cotton or hand washable wool versions as much as possible.  After washing, dry them on high heat for at least 28 minutes to kill viruses. If heat drying is not an option, air drying in direct sunlight is an effective substitute since the sun's ultraviolet light has disinfecting properties.

Now that you've got the washing down, the next step is to WEAR your gloves with care. Slip them off temporarily when you must handle objects that lots of other people are touching like handles and subway poles, don't stuff wet gloves into your pocket (they need time to air dry to kill bacteria), and whatever you do, NEVER remove them with your mouth! The smartest method is to take off your gloves from back to front just like healthcare workers do.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, fashionistas. So, we hope you'll stay chic, CLEAN, warm and WELL this winter!

Stylishly yours,
​V & T

You might say 2018 has arrived in a "purple haze" since Pantone announced Ultra Violet as the Color of the Year. That means you can expect to see this regal hue popping up in everything from clothing to decor and is why we are beginning January  sharing a few ways you can incorporate the shade of the moment into your life...


​First things first, Ultra Violet is not for the feint of heart. That being said, even if you never thought you could wear purple, there are ways you can add a touch or two of this blue-based version to brighten up your look. Eye shadow and nail polish are great ways to test the waters. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try a shot of the eye-catcher in an accessory but just don't overdo it and remember our fave motto: less is always more. If your skin and hair tones go with it, there will be plenty of ultra violet options in clothing. A faux fur coat in purple definitely won't work for everyone but is a sure fire way to get noticed when it does! 

On the home front, purple pairs very well with the grey decorating tones that have become popular in recent years making it super easy to give a room a refresh with something as simple as a throw, an accent piece or pillows.

​While we're on the subject of grey, our "silver haired" fashionistas out there will likely become fast friends with ultra violet since it is so complementary. (As a side note, Vicki's Mom has been rocking the shade for years and will be happy to know she is now totally on trend :)!)

Have we sold you on the color of the year yet? If not, maybe Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of The Pantone Color Institute will. She claims ultra violet "takes our awareness and potential to a higher level."  Hmmmmm...who can argue with that?!?! So, we say cheers to the POWER OF PURPLE and Happy New Year to all!

Stylishly yours,
​V & T

We recently discussed ways to look your best in holiday photos.  Next up: How to dress to impress for festive events during this busy season. Now is NOT the time to have to run out at the last minute to find the “perfect” outfit unless you have a passion for hunting down a parking space, fighting crowds and waiting in long lines! You have no problem at all if you’ve listened to our advice all year and have built a true “working” wardrobe, one where you have something that will “work” for any social occasion on your calendar. With the right clothes already in your closet, you can move on and concentrate on the big picture. If you’re attending an event with a spouse, date or other family members, go one step further and consider coordinating everyone’s attire.  You don’t want to overdo it, but staying in a complimentary color palette or adding a matching color piece or two looks totally together. It shows your attention to detail whether your attire is casual or formal and looks great in all those photos you’ll be taking! 

Speaking of attention to detail, pay close attention to the sale racks while holiday shopping and save some cash for discretionary purchases. If you find something great that’s not on your list, permission is granted to treat yourself! Special occasion and holiday clothes are really marked down at this time of year, making it smart to buy that “extra something” you see and love on the spot so you’re ready for the next big invite. Flexible fashionistas need to think like Pablo Picasso: “Learn the rules like a pro so that you can break them like an artist.” 


​Sylishly  yours,
​V & T