October - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Most of us know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's hard not to talk to anyone these days who hasn't in some way been affected by cancer, breast or not - whether that be themselves, a parent, grandparent, sibling or friend. I personally have had my father, both grandmothers, grandfather, and several aunts who have had the disease - some of them passing away from it. And, very recently have had a dear friend who is only in her 40s been diagnosed with cancer and who will start chemotherapy in the coming weeks. Even though her diagnosis is not breast cancer, all cancer can be honored this month.

Some of us wonder what we can do? Well, you can actually buy certain items and some designers are donating a portion of the sale to Breast Cancer Foundations. This is by no means me pushing you to buy these items, but if you are going to buy certain things anyway, just check to see if the designer is contributing.

Here are some examples. First is a scarf from BCBG. It's a two-toned striped pink and grey scarf and is only $48. I've already ordered mine. I figured that I love wearing scarves and usually buy one or two a season. So, why not help the cause. BCBG has pledged to donate twenty-five percent of retail sales from each scarf to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Another example is the rose-gold studded earrings by Anita Ko. This month 20% of proceeds from sales of all Anita Ko spike stud earrings on ArcadeBoutique.com will go to Susan G. Komen for the CureFoundation. They are a little pricey, but if you are looking to mix in some rose-gold to your collection, here's the way.

These are just two examples, but there are tons out there this month. Let's make a difference. Make sure you're buying items that will help the cancer cause this month.

Hoop Dreams

Hoop earrings are definitely one thing every woman should have in her jewelry box. Both gold and silver hoops are staples - just like pearls. Hoop earrings always make an outfit look more trendy or usually make your face look slimmer. So, if you don't have some, you should get some basic hoop earrings.

But, if you are like me, you've been wearing hoops for years and need a little change. Well, don't worry because there are plenty of options out there. Hoops come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

If you want to make a small change, wear hoops that are misshapen in some way - whether that be stretched, twisted or elongated. If you want to add a little glitz, wear hoops that have crystal details - whether those crystal be clear or colored. Just be careful not to go to big on the hoop - you don't want to look like you belong in the circus.

However, the great news is that you don't have to jump through hoops to look great!

Back in Black

Like me, you might be excited about the trends I wrote about yesterday - menswear and minimalism, but you might not know how to make them work for you. Well, I'll give you a tip - a black blazer!

If you want to buy one really great piece for your wardrobe this Fall that you know will never go out of style, make it a black blazer. Celebrities have been sporting this trend all over town and so can you. So, here's how...

For a casual look, pair the blazer with a white t-shirt and jeans. Accent it with a great pair of ballet flats or spice it up with a great pair of black pumps. If you want to add a bit more pizazz, wear a long gold or silver necklace and hoop earrings.

For a dressier look, wear the blazer over a dress - whether that be a solid or a floral. This is a nice twist of mixing the masculine and the feminine. You can also wear it with a skirt for a suit look - just be careful not to look too business-like. To counter the business-like look, wear a sequin top or bright bold colored top under the blazer. Always jazz up the dressier looks with great jewelry and heels.

So get back in black and sport a blazer around town!

M & Ms

Everyone loves M & Ms, right? Well I certainly do. But, I'm not talking about plain or peanut - more importantly I'm referring to Menswear and Minimalism - two huge trends for the Fall.

I'm not sure you can call this look a trend because it's so classic, but the over the past few years they have been lost to crazy 70s and 80s fashions. Well, thank goodness you can't keep a good thing down for long.

This back-to-basics classic beauty is all the rage this Fall. Menswear inspired suits, white button up tops, classic pencil skirts, and wide-leg trousers are all part of this less-is-more look. And, quite honestly, I can't get enough of it.

Tailoring, structure and restraint are all keys words you should think of when trying to make such minimal looking outfits. You can also carry this to your accessories with structured handbags, pointy toe shoes and sophisticated jewelry.

Let's celebrate being a LADY!

Trend Alert: Chunky Knits

Chunky isn't usually a word we women like to hear...except when it is referring to KNITS! Chunky knits are all the rage this Fall.

Different necklines, lengths, and sleeves make this an easy trend to get into - even in the South. If you are scared about being too hot, wear a lighter long sleeve t-shirt under the sweater so you can take it off if the weather turns on you.

For those women scared to try leggings, tights, or pencil jeans, longer versions of a chunky sweater are great for this look because they will cover your problem area. It's actually better to go with a skinny leg on the bottom so the chunky knit is balanced.

These made-to-look-handknitted styles are cozy and comfortable and will surely get someone snuggling with you in no time.

Fashion Icon: Tiffany's

Is there any color that is more iconic than Tiffany's blue. I don't think so. Most girls would squeal in delight just at the sight of a Tiffany's blue box with beautiful white bow. Well, at least I know I do.

I fell in love the first time I saw the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's and heard Holly Golightly utter the words, "What I've found does the most good for me is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany's. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there." And, to be honest, every time I've ever walked into a Tiffany's, I've felt that way!

The original Tiffany's was opened in New York in 1837 as a stationary and fancy goods emporium. By 1886, Tiffany's was a famous high-end jewelry store that introduced the world to the 6-prong Tiffany solitaire diamond engagement ring. In 1963, Tiffany stores began opening outside of New York...first in San Francisco. Today, there are 83 locations in the United States alone.

Tiffany's has long specialized in diamonds, jewelry, watches, silverware, china, and crystal. As if that's not enough, this month they added leather goods to their empire. And, can I say...Oh...La...La! These leather goods are fancy. The clutch handbags are the most beautiful clutches I've seen. They are like little pieces of jewelry to carry as a handbag.

Since we can't all be like Holly Golightly and jump into a taxi to go to Tiffany's, treat yourself and look through their website today.

Feeling Like An Animal?

Another big trend this Fall is animal prints. If you are anything like me, you are a little cautious around them - no one wants to look like a Cougar. However, if done tastefully, this can be a really fun trend.

If you are brave enough, wear an animal print top. If you want to tame the animal a bit, layer a cardigan or blazer over the top. Or, wear an animal print that is black or white because they visually don't scream "Wild Jungle."

If this trend is too much for you, try adding small animal print pieces into your wardrobe. Layer an animal print scarf over a monochromatic outfit. Or, wear some great animal print shoes with jeans.

Everyone has a little bit of an animal inside. Unleash her and get ready for the Fall.

Fur or Faux Fur?

Fur is another huge trend for the Fall. So, if you are opposed to the real thing, there are plenty of great faux fur options out there.

The easiest way to embrace this trend is with a fur vest. You can dress your fur vest up or down, layering it over a turtleneck and jeans or even over a dress and tights. Vests come in all lengths and can be belted or worn open.

Fur is a great way to look glamorous this Fall, and with the faux options, you can look like a superstar at half the price!

How to Wear Camel

Ahhhh...CAMEL! This is by far the trend I'm most excited about. I love camel. It's such a luxurious and sophisticated color that is so easy to wear.

So, if you are going to try anything new this Fall, let it be camel. There are so many options. The preppiest and easiest way to go is with a camel blazer. Make it a little edgier by wearing a fun printed top under it or a fun scarf.

Or, go with a camel skirt or wide-leg camel trousers. For the most classic look, pair with a black or white top. Also, camel colored shrugs, wraps, and cardis will be really easy to find.

Lastly, if you can't get into the color in your clothes, get some great camel colored shoes or handbag to make sure you're taking part in the trend!

Fall Trends

Even though it doesn't feel like it in south Louisiana, Fall is around the corner. So that means it's time to update our wardrobes. I always love the beginning of a new season with all its new trends.

This Fall you are going to see a bunch of classic looks - thank goodness after all the Eighties inspired fashion! Look for classic structures in dresses with longer hemlines - Hooray! Also, look for boot cut and flare leg jeans and trousers - Hooray! (Skinny legs jeans aren't going away though, sorry.)

The military style will make it though one more season so keep your pieces out. Also, chunky knit sweaters and vests are making a return.

However, if you are looking for just a few key pieces to spruce up your wardrobe, three huge trends that you should invest in are . . . camel colored pieces, animal prints, and faux fur. If you haven't noticed these three have been all over the fashion magazines, runways and department stores. So jump into the trends and jump into Fall!

Here is a quick preview of the top three trends. Over the next three days, I'll be giving you a more detailed look into camel, animal prints, and fur!

Fashion Icon: Louis Vuitton

In my opinion, one of the most recognizable brands in the world is Louis Vuitton. So, how did it get there?

Louis Vuitton opened his first store in Paris in 1854. The company started because of a need for a luxury traveling trunk that was lightweight and airtight. Louis Vuitton had almost immediate success and by 1888 had trademarked the brown and beige Damier canvas pattern.

In 1892, Louis Vuitton died and the company's management passed to his son, George Vuitton. George was determined to turn the company into a worldwide corporation and that he did. By 1896, the most famous LV Monogram Canvas was introduced and stores were opened worldwide. By 1901, the company branched out and began making smaller travel bags and a shortly afterwards, handbags.

Today, the brand is extended to handbags, wallets, small leather goods, ready-to-wear apparel, shoes, watches, jewelry, sunglasses and books. Marc Jacobs is currently the head designer and continues to keep Louis Vuitton classic and yet still relevant to the times.

This is a brand that screams luxury and can be seen on most celebrites from time to time. And, the greatest thing about it, is that Louis Vuitton is timeless!! They are investment pieces, but they will always be worth the investment. Thank you Louis Vuitton!

Should It Stay or Should It Go?

I've been busy organizing plenty of closets lately, and I've gotten the same questions over and over again. "When should I throw this out?"

I can't help but hearing the song lyrics to the classic song by The Clash, "Should I Stay or Should I Go."

My answer is always GO. Let it go. My general rule of thumb is that if you have not worn something in over a year, GET RID OF IT. There are usually 4 reasons why we hold onto something instead of getting rid of it...

First, it's too tight. And, deep down inside we dream of fitting back into the size 4 dress. But, lets face it. If it's been over a year, are we really going to? And, if we do lose some weight, don't you think we'll want new clothes to show off our new figures? So, unless it's a premium designer that you've invested a good bit of money on, get rid of it. That way when you do lose the weight, you can treat yourself to a few new pieces of clothing.

Second, it's too big. Boy, that's a problem we all wish we had. Bottom line - get rid of it. Someone out there could be using it.

Third, we bought a piece of clothing on sale, get it home, and hate the way it looks on us. But, we keep putting in on over and over again in a different way in hopes that it will look good one day. Sorry, but it probably won't. So, why waste the space on it. Get rid of it.

Fourth, it's a really trendy piece. Don't get me wrong - trends circulate all the time. But, is your trendy piece really worth holding onto for five to ten more years to wear again? Probably not. Again, unless it's a premium designer that you've invested in, get rid of it and make way for new trends.

I'm a big believer that if your closet is in order, your day-to-day life will be in better order. So, take the step today, sing The Clash while doing it, and get rid of the things you aren't wearing!

If you need help, call Laura at Redress to set your closet straight. Check out the website at www.redressbylaura.com for more details.

Bangle It

The quickest way to make a drab outfit fab is by wearing bangles - lots and lots of bangles. Stacking bangles has been all the rage for a while and isn't going anywhere. Celebrities are always seen on the red carpets with stacks of bangles on their arms.

Remember, you don't have to wear all the same type of bangle. Mix it up with wooden and metal stacked together. Or, throw in some colored bangles with some neutrals. And, since bangles can be found just about anywhere, this is great, inexpensive way to update your look. Don't be shy - Bangle it!

Trend Alert: Nautical Stripes

It's hard to use the words classic and trendy in the same sentence. But, this trend is just that - classic. The classic navy and white nautical striped t-shirt is popping up everywhere - being seen on celebrities in Hollywood and all the way to the racks of your local mall. This is a sure trend that will carry over from Spring to Summer.

However, some of us are really scared of horizontal stripes - with good reason. Sometimes a horizontal stripe can give the illusion of looking wider. So, if you want to wear a horizontal striped shirt, be sure the stripes are not too thick and wide. This will help minimize broadness. Also, be sure the top isn't too long - you certainly don't want to put horizontal stripes across your hips and butt.

So for those of you that don't like getting too trendy, here's a great way to embrace a trend but stick to your classic style.

We Wear Short Shorts

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but SHORT shorts are really in-style right now. Gwyneth Paltrow even rocked them at the Iron Man 2 premiere last night.

Shorts no longer scream "camp counselor." Instead they can be a sophisticated approach to the heat. However, let's face it, not all of us have Gwyneth's legs. Short, shorts are NOT appropriate for everyone. But, not to worry, medium length and longer Bermuda shorts are still working this season.

Dress shorts up with great jewelry and high heels or go more causal with flats. However, when wearing a longer short, AVOID pleats and shorts that form bell legs. All this does is add weight to your thighs and butt. Wear a straight leg short that lightly skims the legs and shows off your curves.

And remember, accessories make all the difference. Layer necklaces, wear a scarf - around your neck or in your hair, wear a fun belt, add wedges on your feet, or carry a great handbag to look like a chic woman and not a camp counselor.