How to be an "After 5" Diva on a "9 to 5" Dime

You're a mover and a shaker and have found yourself on every invite list for the hottest cocktail parties, black tie events, and local fundraisers. To complicate matters, your social network has expanded to include other event A- listers who move in your same circle. How do you possibly attend all of these formal events and continue to look fabulous without breaking the bank? Following these simple steps will ensure that you have some money left in your little evening clutch and still look "fashion fierce."

1. Never EVER wait to the last minute to get your outfit together. Do your shopping early and often. Hit the clearance racks of the evening wear departments in major department stores and boutiques at the end of the season and start building an after 5 wardrobe. If you wait until the last minute you are likely to spend top dollar for something you may not be 100% satisfied with. My motto: a woman should always be prepared to accept a last minute invitation.

2. If you are on a limited budget, choose cocktail and evening dresses that are classic pieces and in classic colors. First build your wardrobe with dark colors: black, navy, and wine. Leave anything really dramatic or bright (e.g. red or hot pink) in the store. Why? Because you want to be able to wear these dresses to multiple events without it being obviously noticeable. If you wear a dramatic red dress to more than one event and you move in the same circle of people, it WILL look like you are wearing the same red dress.

3. Make sure you buy multiple pieces of jewelry to match each dress you own. For example, for a simple black dress, purchase chunky gold and silver jewelry. If you have extra money, throw in some pearls (lots of pearls at varying lengths - faux is ok) and clear or colored crystals. And make sure each set of jewelry is stylistically different. If you buy a gold set with a chunky necklace and simple post earrings, buy the silver set with long chandelier earrings and a cuff bracelet. Keep in mind you do want your jewelry to be statement pieces so they should be dramatic. This way, when you have to wear the same dress to multiple events, the focus will be on your jewelry and not on your dress. Diversity is key for camouflaging that you may be recycling dresses.

4. Purchase multiple wraps, scarves or other pieces that can go over your dresses in different colors and textures. If you love pins, work them Michelle Obama style. Add one to the dress alone or be creative and drape your wrap around the dress and use the pin as an accent piece. Pins can add pizzazz to a simple dress or wrap and make it look completely different. (Just don't overdo it!)

Have a special event to attend and need additional advice? Don't hesitate to contact me at adrienne@psiloveyoullc.com.

Gilt Groupe: Designer Duds without the Guilt

Love Valentino dresses, Judith Ripka miniaudieres, and Christian Louboutin pumps but can't afford to pay full price? Come on over to Gilt Groupe, a members only site with exclusive online sample sales of top designer merchandise. Headed by Susan Lyne, a former top executive at Martha Stewart Omnimedia and ABC Entertainment, and founded by Alexis Maybank (founding member of eBay) and Alexandra Wilson (had tenures at Bulgari and Louis Vuitton), the company has amassed one million members within 18 months of launching.

Here's the scoop. The site offers access to some of the hottest designer merchandise for women, men, and children at prices up to 70% off of retail. There is at least one sale per weekday (often more), and every Monday an email blast is sent to all members outlining the week's featured designers as well as the date and time that each sale will take place. Email blasts are then sent daily announcing the start of the sale (12 PM EST), and the designers included. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer. Since sales take place exclusively on gilt.com (no phone in orders allowed) and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you should log on early for the best selection. Keep in mind that a full range of sizes may not be available, and they may not have multiple quantities in your size. The name of the game here is definitely to log on early and often! I have personally developed a little addiction to the site and have amassed some great deals.

Interested in becoming a member? Email me at adrienne@psiloveyoullc.com and I will send you an invitation link.

Michelle Obama Fashion Special Hits Stands Today

Michelle Obama has officially been named the "First Lady of Style." To celebrate her first three months in the White House, fashion insiders have released a luxe collector's issue - Michelle Obama: 100 Days of Style. The issue contains 116 pages of pictures, explores Ms. Obama's looks, and goes behind the scenes with her favorite designers.

Not since Jackie O has any first lady caught the eye of the fashion industry, and women everywhere seem to be obsessed with duplicating her style and trying to make it their own. From the inaugural ball to her high profile trip to Europe, the fashion saavy are only concerned with one thing: "What is Ms. O wearing!" Michelle Obama: 100 Days of Style is available now at newsstands, major bookstores nationwide, and online at fashionweekdaily.com.

Forever 21's New Plus Size Line

Attention all of you fuller-figured fashionistas! You spoke and Forever 21 apparently listened. The store's new plus size line ("Faith 21") will launch tomorrow. Sizes will include junior plus sizes as well as those from XL to 2XL, and the line will feature knit and woven tops, dresses, skirts, leggings and jeans. Faith 21 will continue Forever 21's trendy spin on everything from jersey basics to runway knockoffs. And the best part - everything is priced at under $35!!!!!

Faith 21 will be available in L.A. on May 1 at the Lakewood Center Mall, Montebello Town Center, Los Cerritos Mall, Anaheim Plaza and online at http://www.forever21.com/. Happy Shopping.

Are We Afraid to Embrace Our Femininity?

Each year as the warmer weather begins to move in, I get excited about breaking out in my spring wardrobe - flirty dresses, cute girly tops with jeans and strappy sandals, and bold accessories. However, I realize that not every woman embraces their warm weather gear.

Once spring and summer arrive, many of us are challenged by the fact that we can no longer hide behind our big coats, bulky sweaters, hats, and scarves. This time of the year there's more skin showing and less alternatives to camouflage what we perceive as our "flaws." Some of us literally hate spring fashions primarily for this reason. For those of you who find yourself in this category, I want to ask you a question - is it really about the clothes or are you simply afraid to embrace your femininity?

Women often find it challenging to find the balance between being "strong" and "accomplished" and being feminine. There's a "softness" associated with femininity that experiences in the work place and in our homes have taught us is negative. However, the bottom line is that our "softness" is what makes us women. (And quite frankly it's what our significant others see that attracts them to us.)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with putting on clothes that make you look and feel feminine. Little girls are not challenged by this at all. My youngest godchild is four years old, and her mother still has to fight with her to wear something other than a dress. If you ask her why she likes to wear dresses she will tell you: "Because I'm a girl, and they make me look pretty."

For those of you who are "girly" challenged, I strongly suggest that you make a commitment this summer to change that. Make an appointment to get those nails and toes done, try a new hair style, and put on something that makes you feel like the woman you were meant to be. Who knows - this may just be the "pick me up" you need to attract that certain someone of the opposite sex and have that "spring fling."

Nordstrom Cherry Hill: A "Grand" Opening Gala

Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Nordstrom Cherry Hill Grand Opening Gala. It was a night of amazing proportions – non-stop hors d’oeuvres and desserts, complimentary open bar, an electrifying band, live model mannequins, and four hours (6 – 10 pm) to shop until you drop before the official store opening two days later. My girlfriend and I arrived around 7:30 that evening, and as we pulled up to the curb to leave our car with the valet, we knew we were in store for something pretty spectacular. My heart skipped a beat as we walked through the opened doors while being greeted by a neverending host of store personnel, some ready to extend you your first glass of champagne for the evening) One thing that was evident two minutes after getting there: the Nordstrom brothers know how to throw a party!

As we paused to get a bite to eat and to assess our surroundings, my initial reaction was, “I have never seen so many sales associates per capita in my entire life.” It was clear that this event was not only designed to raise money for a few worthy causes (proceeds from the ticket cost of $100 per person benefited The Links, Incorporated, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Symphony C), but to give all of the guests as much of an opportunity as possible to snatch up the best of the spring and summer collections before the doors were opened to the general public. And that is exactly what my girlfriend and I did! Because I’m the shopper, my girlfriend initially deferred to me: “What are you looking for?" ; "What department do you want to hit first?” But soon enough she was bitten by the shopping bug herself and started wandering off without me. (I dare say I have never seen her have that much fun shopping in my entire life, and I’ve known her for over 20 years!)

I took a quick break from my shopping for a moment to introduce myself to fashion designer, Tracy Reese. (She was absolutely charming and gracious as I expressed my love for her line and how much I have enjoyed attending her runway shows during New York Fashion Week.) And much to my surprise, the sales associate who was assisting me that evening happened not to be just a sales associate but one of the store’s personal stylists. (Ladies, ask for Dyan Demidio. She’s amazing and full of energy!) By the time 10:00 rolled around, we were still shopping! The band stopped playing, and we were . . . still shopping!!! I’m slightly ashamed to say that we literally closed the store that night.

(Band, "The Night Shift" was nothing short of FABULOUS!)

(Designer Tracy Reese pictured center with Nordstrom personal stylist, Dyan Demidio (left))

(DJ & Live Mannequins on the 2nd Floor)

Needless to say, I am ecstatic that there is now another Nordstrom in our midst. The King of Prussia location is certainly more convenient for me, but I will be making regular trips to Cherry Hill. Although the store is not as large as the one in King of Prussia (Cherry Hill measures in at 138,000 square feet), it is considered one of Nordstrom’s designer stores (basically more glitz and glam, of which there are about 20 in the country). At Cherry Hill you will notice a much expanded designer handbag department set up boutique style, the selection of designers featured (this store sells David Yurman in their fine jewelry department), and a fabulous new concept for the fitting room in the BP. (junior) department – a mini living room awaits you as you enter, complete with funky furniture and "foo-foo" pillows. All in all, three words sum up my overall assessment of this new addition to the Cherry Hill Mall: Job Well Done!

(BP. Fitting Room - Leather Sofa & Flokati Pillows)

(BP. Fitting Room - Love that flat screen!)

(BP. Fitting Room - amazing high back chair)

Bluefly: It's not Just Last Season's Ultimate Hook-up for the Fashion Obsessed

Attention all you fashionistas who love and swear by bluefly.com! I made an alarming discovery yesterday that I had to share with you. Just Monday I purchased a pair of "slammin" nude patent leather carved wooden wedge platform sandals by Miu Miu. My "main man" Sean General, the buyer for the Women's Couture department at Boyds Philadelphia, had put them aside for me (although we were just meeting for lunch - thanks for always spending my money, Sean) knowing that they would be my best friend for casual wear this summer. I bought them instantly and couldn't wait to get them home to place them amongst all of their other friends in my closet.

Well yesterday I just happened to be on bluefly looking at some of the latest items they've received from some of my favorite designers, including Miu Miu. Much to my surprise my sandals popped up. And for about $130 less than what I paid for them! Of course I quickly looked to see if they had them in my size, which they didn't. (I mean I love Sean and everything, but why give more of my money away than I have to!)

What was shocking to me was that this shoe is from Miu Miu's Spring 2009 collection, as opposed to being an item from last season. I do admit that it's been a while since I've done any competitive pricing on bluefly to see if they do indeed carry current season items at a discount. However, this amazing discovery has made me a true believer in their website again. So, for all you fashionistas who have not shopped on the "fly" before, check them out here. http://bluefly.com/