Why Would You Wear Your Boyfriend's Jeans?

Every time we turn around there's a new style of jeans taking center stage. Several years back the emergence of the low-rise phenomenon had mother's of teenage daughters -- not to mention dads -- shaking their heads in horror. Shortly thereafter, the "yummy mommy" (i.e one who would NEVER be caught in "mom jeans") jumped on the bandwagon after realizing not only how comfortable they were but also how they transformed your body. (They conveniently fell below that little "pouch" many of us can't get rid of and gave you a streamlined look.)

Designers quickly realized conservative moms were not trying to hear "how low can you go," so the mid-rise jean was ultimately unveiled. And just when everyone thought they had comfortably settled into the latest and greatest jean fad, we were thrust back into the 80's with the re-emergence of the skinny jean.

This summer style makers turned to loose, comfy fitting clothes, including harem pants "ala MC Hammer." And yes, the jean makers followed suit - boyfriend jeans were born. If you need a visual, imagine -- you put on a pair of your man's jeans that are loose-fitting, look "lived-in," the knees are worn, and you can't keep them up without a belt!

When I first took a look at these jeans, I thought, "no way . . . not me." And then one day I saw a pair of ripped up Joes Jeans (my favorite brand) online, and I said "what the heck, let me give them a try." Much to my husband's chagrin, I fell in love. It wasn't because they made my body look good. (These are definitely not the jeans to enhance your shape.) It was that they are just so darn comfortable! They are super soft and feel like you're relaxing in a pair of your favorite sweats.

I, of course, had to figure out a way to style them so I could still look like a diva and not some tomboy walking down the street. The key is to roll them up a few times (I prefer thinner rolls than pictured above), and then funk them out with a pair of high-heeled gladiators (I just happen to have the ones pictured above), and a cute loose top. You can even throw on a chic jacket for added pizazz.

I know - I know: some of you just can't get with that. No worries. You're going to see them a lot this fall so here's my style tip: buy them one to two sizes smaller, and they will fit just like your regular jeans! And make sure you click here to check out a great online site for jeans: shopbop.com.

MJ "Put On Your Dancin' Shoes" Tee

Yesterday I purchased what I am sure will be the first of many Michael Jackson t-shirts from a store we all know and love, Urban Outfitters. Known for their graphic tees, funky clothing, and other cool paraphernalia, Urban Outfitters was the first place I decided to check for official MJ clothing. (Some of you may recall all of the cool Obama tees they carried pre and post the election.) Although they have yet to receive their women's tees (they should be arriving shortly), I had one of the sales associates on the floor scour to find me what I was told was the last t-shirt they had in stock. (I was lucky - it was in my size!) I thought the shirt was very cool because it's simply a graphic of his feet doing his classic fancy footwork.

Today I decided to peruse their website to see if it was available online, and it is. To purchase, click here. We love you Michael!!!!!

A Sweet Farewell to a Musical Icon . . . a Fashion Trendsetter

I would be remiss if I didn't devote my blog this week to the one I consider to be the greatest musical legend of all time - Mr. Michael Jackson. Like many of you, I was simply devastated upon hearing the news yesterday that the "King of Pop" is no longer with us.

I will always remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the news. And although last night I had the pleasure of sitting front row at a Kenny G concert, my mind was elsewhere, and I couldn't stop looking at my Blackberry for updates. Michael was not only a gifted musician (he was indeed a musical genius), he was a fashion trendsetter. Who else could get away with wearing a sequined glove and white socks with black pants 2 inches too short? I am a bit embarrassed to say that when the Thriller album came out when I was in high school, I had the "Beat It" jacket (in white not red), and I used to pull that front piece of my hair down just like Michael. He was my hero . . . He was my musical idol . . . He was and will ever be my Michael, and I pray that he is finally at peace.

Fabulous . . . Fashionable . . . Fifty

On last Saturday I had the pleasure of helping my client celebrate her milestone birthday "fashion" style. I came up with the theme "Fabulous, Fashionable, Fifty," and she carried this theme through to perfection! From the invitations, to the gift bags, to the outstanding raffle prizes (guests received raffle tickets for each item they brought to be donated to Dress for Success), to the requirement that everyone come dressed "Summer Chic,"this party was nothing short of being "fashion fierce."

I had the honor of doing my "Recessionista Chic" presentation (concepts taught via a scavenger hunt and a word matching game), and was pleased with the overwhelming response I received when I opened the floor for questions. I thought some of my answers might be helpful to others so I've taken the liberty to post them here.

What do you think about stockings?
I never wear them. If you must wear them, never EVER where them with open toe shoes. (Peep toes are OK - again, if you absolutely must.)

Can plus size women wear prints?
Yes, but stay away from horizontal stripes and large prints that overpower you and the garment.

What type of maxi dresses are appropriate for plus-size women?
I love maxi dresses, and I think they are appropriate for just about any body type. I would suggest that if you are plus-size, stay away from dresses that have layered ruffles the entire length of the garment. Also, wear heels to avoid looking frumpy. (That goes for all of you shorties like me as well.)

How can young people use what's currently in their wardrobes to double as business attire?
This can be challenging, but not impossible, particularly if some of their wardrobe falls into the "business casual" category. If they currently have dress pants, pairing them with a jacket or cardigan and top is a good start. And they can wear their halter tops or tanks/camis underneath their jackets or cardigans as long as 1) they keep the jackets or cardigans on, and 2) the necklines are not too low and plungy.

How should you organize your closet?
By article of clothing and color. (E.g. all pants should be grouped together and arranged from lightest (white, cream, camel) to darkest (navy, black).) And get rid of ALL wire hangers! I prefer wooden, but these can be pricey so heavy duty plastic ones are okay as well. (Actually, almost anything is better than wire!)

When building a professional wardrobe, how many pieces of each item should you start with?
I suggest starting with pant suits so that you have the most options for mixing and matching. Start with 4 -- 1 in each of your basic colors (tan, brown, navy, black). If the suit comes with the option of buying the skirt as well, buy it! Purchase 3-4 tops to go with each suit, and if you can, select tops that can be worn with more than one suit. Add cardigans (2-3) in tan, red, or grey. Now you can mix and match jackets or cardigans with your pants or skirts. Your wardrobe options have instantly become endless.

What is the best way to maximize my wardrobe?
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. This season it's all about bold chunky jewelry, and it can turn a simple white tee from boring to glamorous. You should also resist the urge to wear the same combinations over and over again. Choose a different top the next time you wear your favorite black pants. Also remember, many things in your closet can be worn with jeans even if you didn't buy them to do so.

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.