V-Style

Stylish Ways To Cheer Up When You're Sick

You know when you are just sick enough to be disgusting, but not sick enough to just lay there? After a ridiculously terrible night's sleep that involved no use of my nose, a burning throat, and freakish dry mouth, I cancelled all my clients today. As my morning client put it, New York will do that to you. Small city, big germs was my reply. After wondering why my teeth hurt and feeling oddly dehydrated, I managed to take my sick self on some errands where I dripped snot on myself. I dripped snot on myself at home too, but found it more noticeable in public. 

Although I accomplished the trip to the donation center, post office and tailor, I found it difficult to run my office work at my usual lightning speed. The writing wasn't coming, my inbox seemed too full, the accounting seemed irrelevant, and the virtual closet I needed to update was just too much. Then I realized something. I'm sick. I'm not supposed to be working.

There is this song, Let Her Go. It speaks of not knowing what you have until it's gone. Realizing you were happy only because you have become sad. Well, I'm the opposite. I think I am happy all the time. It's difficult to realize I am sad until I am happy again. I learned this a couple years ago, and felt the lesson again today. I am sick. Being sick hurts and makes me useless. Hurting and being useless makes me sad. Took me half the day to realize I was sad about being sick, and took me until late at night to finally stop trying to work. (Although, technically speaking, I'm working now.) With no more attention on work and no energy, I thought of fabulous fun things to do at home that requires very little energy.

Online Christmas & Birthday Shopping

It really doesn't matter what time of year, planning ahead is good. I looked at Vocla's masculine underwear for the men, and Jelly Egg for the children. I also looked at more traditional retailers like Nordstrom.

Wear Anything

Today I wore a purple sports bra, a chartreuse racer back top, and denim shorts printed with humming birds. I topped it with a chic runway worthy lightweight coat, bad hair and a face so devoid of color, both artificial and natural, I looked like a young boy. The post office loved it. My tailor was concerned. Earlier in the day I wore a horse printed dress with brown leggings and mismatched boots. The pieces were new. They just arrived at my doorstep and I was trying them on. I also highly recommend wearing lightweight dangling jewel earrings with sweats. There is nothing more refreshing when you are ill. 

Hunt For The Perfect Thing

You are going to be sick for awhile, so start that time consuming online hunt for the perfect boot, essential earring, trench coat, or party dress. 

Plan Your Outfits For When You Are Healthy

I found myself packing for London today. I leave in six weeks. Be less extreme and come up with a fun outfit from your closet that you haven't worn to work yet. Leave the crazy bag lady stuff to me. Unless of course you're into that.

Sort & Make Lists

Sort your laundry. Don't try to do it. That's exhausting. Just sort it. You know, get ready for when you could do it. Then make a list of things you would like to get done. We are so busy doing things, we forget there are other things that could be getting done if we just add it to the list. Whether it be a call to the mechanic, organizing your scarves, or realizing you need new jeans. It's nice to have a moment and organize your thoughts and life.

Stylish Utilitarian Outerwear

Pinko $412

The man I am dating lives in London. His job keeps him London local the majority of the year, whereas my job enables me to travel, putting me in London more than him in San Diego. The extra effort on my part have friends concerning for my heart. I on the other hand am more concerned about my skin. It is cold in London. Mother of god, it is cold on my delicate nudity loving San Diego skin. With my next trip to London scheduled for late October, I am investing in outerwear that will push out the cold and pull in the joy. For inspiration, I have turned to UK stores and brands like Sister and Burberry. Unlike retail in San Diego, these designers understand you need to be stylish AND warm. I am beyond impressed with their ability to turn covering up, into showing off. Their prices though are less impressive. Darn pound sterling.

Pinko $825

Stylish Camera Bags

Pictured with Joel Mesina

Before leaving for New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I finally went in search of fashionable camera bags. It has been on my to-do list for quite some time to upgrade my camera bag. I use a beautiful Canon Rebel to shoot my V-Style worthy subjects, but my camera case has not been beautiful or worthy. I have found myself hesitating to bring my camera to events with it enclosed in such a utilitarian piece of crap. Yes, the black Opteka keeps my Canon fantastically safe, but it rates a zero on my chic meter. After extensive searching, I found two utterly fabulous and perfect camera bags to accompany me to New York Fashion Week Events. 

Jo Totes is the absolute go-to for stylish camera bags. I was sent the Abby bag in mint. The mint color is delicious, the size is perfect and I love the movable velcro sectionals inside. I also adore the light weight and the many zippers, especially the outside zipper. I only wish it was real leather, but at $89, I won't complain too much. This will be my main bag for New York as it is well suited for a busy, walk around all day, carry everything with you kind of bag. 

My other discovery is the Camera Purse by LeatherFinerWork on Etsy. Made to order, this vintage cowboy look is my go to in San Diego. Where as New York fashion week means leaving your house at noon to walk, subway, and cab to various destinations all day, not to return home until 3am, I drive a car in San Diego and live in the middle of all the happenings. I simply stick my phone, ID and money into the bag's side pockets and I'm off. This is even more light weight and I love the compact size. I would barely notice I had my camera if it weren't for people constantly complimenting me on the bag. 

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I never accept payment for product reviews although I am given the sample to keep or purchased at a special discount. If I am sent something that is unimpressive or boring I don’t write about it.

Patricia Field Styles Helen Yarmak Furs

I love Patricia Field's adoration of trashy looks and luxury furs. I am always pushing chic and unique simplicity, but sometimes you just want to be decadent, ridiculous and even a little slutty. Although I struggle with the idea of fur, I do not struggle with the glamour and melting softness of the furs presented at Helen Yarmak's Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Furs in summer? Yes, as long as you pair them with skimpy dresses and baseball hats, if you take a cue from Patricia Field. I certainly felt at home surrounded by scantily clad women in large furs, as that is my outfit of choice for writing throughout winter, but the difference between my vintage fur at home and Helen's modern pelts are extensive. Whereas I have a simple cream rabbit fur, Helen provides patterns involving checkerboards, stripes, color blocking and a series of different animals from mink and fox to lamb and ermine. The collection is said to combine the traditional Tzar's luxury of sable with the advanced modern technologies and designs. 

Between the elaborate styling and furs dripped everywhere, I assumed my eyes had enough to feast on, but I found myself consistently distracted by the fabulously dressed guests, view from the top, and Vanessa Williams inquiring about Patricia Field's hurt arm in a silk scarf sling of her own design. At one point, a beer was dropped near a woman in a lengthy fur vest. I've never seen so many useless people as the stylish masses froze in horror at the possibility of beer hitting the fur. As they concluded no beer touched the pelt, movement was regained, the glass was picked up, and the woman whose garment was in danger grinned at the miss. "Save the sable!" She declared to the party. 

Sophie Zinga Spring 2014 Collection

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of viewing Sophie Zinga's Spring 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week. Upon entering the suite at NYC's London Hotel, I was immediately captivated by the presentation of said collection. I felt as if I had walked in on a two page spread for Vogue the way the striking models were spread across a slightly elevated stage with the New York skyline for a background. It was both the beauty of the photo opportunities as well as the perfection of the garments that inspired me to devote an entire post to Sophie Zinga's first showing in New York.

When I say perfection, I am referring to the ultimate triangle of wearability, quality and freshness. I would describe the collection as structured femininity and my instinctive visual reaction saw a collision of vintage glamour meeting the exotic future, an odd take considering the collection's inspiration stems from such simplicity as roses, leaves and the textiles of her native country, Africa.  

I look forward to dressing clients in her pieces for events and fabulous occasions. I especially love the white two piece ensemble of white lace brocade. I am picturing a cocktail party, fantastic birthday dinner or white party.

Sophie Zinga, Designer

A Wedding Ring For The Highly Stylish Woman

Although I am a big fan of a fella braving the world of jewelry to find the perfect ring for his partner, some gentlemen just don't know what his woman wants. In fact, his woman may not even know. We are all aware that selecting a life partner is an incredible commitment between two people, but let's not forget, if you choose to involve rings, it is also a commitment between a woman and a piece of jewelry. If you follow tradition, the ring that is selected will be on your left hand... forever. Okay, alright, we know people change it out, add on, dip it, put it away on camping trips and so on, but basically you are now permanently accessorized. This is serious. 

If you are a woman who has issues with accessories and welcomes the idea of a permanent ring, I highly recommend diving into a fabulous and eccentric wedding ring. If you aren't worried about snagging clothing or not being able to put your whole left hand in your pocket, take it to the next step and pick a fabulously large wedding ring. Give it some size. For a woman who used to lack pow, the wedding ring will be her pow piece all day every day. But what about the the highly stylish women who don't lack pow pieces?

For the women who love to accessorize, switch out their jewelry every day, and adore a cocktail ring, I recommend the opposite. I suggest skipping the stick 'em up, stick it out giant solitaire diamond, and selecting just a wedding band. It could be as simple as a plain hammered gold or platinum band, or it could have a just a little punch like a diamond eternity ring. The subtle elegance of it will compliment your everyday fabulosity better than a honking rock. Obviously this is also a good idea for women of simpler tastes who may work with her hands day in and day out. 

Men's Fashion That Look Better On Women

Burberry $495

Better may not be the right word, but there is plenty of men's items that add oodles of style to a woman's wardrobe. Dating back to Rococo men in heels and women forbidden to wear pants, it is only natural to pilfer further into the men's side of the closet.

1) Watches

Giant gold watches from the 70's rest perfectly on the wrist of a woman. Now it's time to tread on their silver counterparts. Try a giant silver watch this season. 

Photo Credit: 9 Tailors

2) Handbags

You're thinking handbags are for women. Well, men have bags too and they are gorgeous. At Stuart's of London you will see fabulous Barbour leather bags from carry-on's to computer bags. It is Bohemian chic for a woman to carry such rugged sophistication.  

3) Ascot

Come fall, throw on a button front and tuck in a cravat. It will keep your neck warm or simply replace a necklace. I will follow up with a styled ascot in a couple weeks. 

4) White Button Front Shirt

With the exception of my London lover, I do attest to the fact that a woman looks better in a white button front shirt than a man does.

5) Man Belt

Whether it is a thick brown leather belt cowboys like to wear or an elaborate dress belt, a man's belt looks delicious worn at the high waist of a woman. For thinner women, find the smallest size you can of the belt and then take it to a cobbler to cut it down to your size. 

Trafalger $235

How To Find The Perfect Boot

Naya Virtue Boot $113.86

I am hunting boots. Much like Elmer Fudd in his pursuit of Bugs Bunny, I'm obsessed with catching one in particular. I want the perfect tall, but not too tall, light brown boot. I am searching everywhere from Brand Boudoir to Nordstrom. In order to find, try on and buy my perfect boot, I have ordered two large orders from Zappos. I have also ordered a medium sized selection from Nordstrom and plan to try on many a boot tomorrow at Macy's. You see, I need to try on thirty boots before I buy becasue we shouldn't have a lot of boots. Heels? Go wild, bring in another pair. Flats? Even better! Can't have too many, I wear out flats so fast... but a boot - a boot is a very special thing. First of all, boots take up a lot of space, therefore you want less. Just like an Ivy League college, if you can only let in a small percentage of the applicants, you want the best. In creating this small collection, get ready to spend money. You can absolutely tell the difference between a cheap boot and an investment boot. Embrace the investment and in doing so beceome even more selective. You don't want to regret dropping that $300, $500, or $700. A boot at this price is going to last. It will mold to your foot. You will oil it. You will resole it when it gets sad. You can have this boot for life, so your pickiness will be well worth it. The result of your diligence in your search will produce a beautiful or eccentric, wonderfully durable and perfectly luxurious boot.

When seeking boot perfection, make sure every angle satisfies you. Don't focus on the profile, look at the front view as well. Take a look at the back. Look at the threads, the construction and the inner workings as well. Look how it bends when you walk, and make sure it has the right height and shaft circumference. If you are tall, Frye caters to your 5' 10" stature. If you are short, try a mid-calf boot. If you have muscular or narrow calves, request this from your sales associate, but best to go online and specifically search for wide or narrow calf boots. 

When searching online, look everywhere. Try every department store (Macy's is far better in person though), amazon.com and Zappos. If you still can't find your personal perfection, try resources you may not have looked at before like Bell Shoes, Lotus Shoes, shoes.com and Ann Taylor. Never settle.

Although I have yet to find my perfect tall, but not too tall, light brown boot in my vicious boot seeking, I did find my perfect dark brown heeled day boot at Nordstrom. Besides it's perfect rugged elegance and fabulous sale price, I love the butter soft leather and its recycled properties. This Naya boot has a recycled cork sole and biodegradable insole.

The Grown Up Fit and Flare Dress, Who Should Wear it?

Eliza J $138

The fit and flare dress can seem girly, but no longer. Women with no waist or narrow hips are celebrating. Prior to this year, most fit and flare dresses were far too girly for a woman over the age of 14. Now, with the style in full bloom in stores, there are options a lady can actually don without feelings of fake tea parties or an Easter Sunday egg hunt.

A fit and flare dress is form fitting at the bust and then starts to flare at your natural waist. It gives the illusion of hips to those without hips and the illusion of a waist on those without a defined waist. It also hides lower tummy bulge and an overzealous behind. With all this information you may think the pear shape, women with voluminous hips, are left out, but it turns out this baby works on everyone. Obviously hour glass and well proportioned bodies may also wear the fit and flare. 

Each dress pictured was put on three different clients of mine to rave reviews and happy body images. The Hugo Boss dress is great for work, while the BCBG dress is great for a party. My client wore it to a wedding. The Eliza J frock could do work or weekend. Last tip, the fit and flare is best with a heel or wedge, not flats. 

Hugo Boss $595

BCBG $338

How To Politely Disengage Salespeople

Sales people are generally unhelpful. They often ask silly questions, recommend useless items and say insulting things like, "That is so hot right now." By hot does s/he mean popular? And by popular does s/he mean everyone is buying it? Is s/he saying I should look like everyone else or worse is s/he thinking I actually want to look like everyone else? Do you know anyone that wants to show up to work or a party in the same dress or jacket that someone else in the room is wearing? We can all agree that is bad. 

Yes, most sales people suck, but there are some amazing ones out there ready to help you find the right shoe for your burgundy dress, the right jeans for your butt, or, better yet, change out sizes quickly and keep their opinion to themselves. One way of avoiding the creepy sales associates is by enlisting one of these good sales associates. When you walk into a store like Nordstrom, step back and look who's working before you look at the clothes. Skip the ones with the blank faces and confused looks on their face, they might not be pushy, but they are unhelpfully slow. Avoid the ones with giant grins, hungry energy and snobby expressions. Find the one that is putting clothes back, or walking the parameter of the store with a normal, but pleasant expression on their face. You may also want to go with a younger sales associate. The older sales people come from the selling generation. They are thinking from the business's point of view, where the new generation is thinking from the consumer's point of view. The downfall of the youth though, they could end up shoving way trendy items into your dressing room.

When you decide on a sales person you want to work with, approach them with your needs. If you know you will only need someone to open a dressing room door for you, go on shopping and when the hungry ones pounce you simply tell them, "I am already working with someone else." You can say this even though your desired associate isn't aware they are helping you. No one will know the difference. When you are ready for the assistance of your desired sales associate, approach them for help. They will help you and no body will know she only just started helping you.

If finding the right sales associate doesn't work, here is how to proceed with stress free shopping...

The hungry eyes sales associate asks, "What are you shopping for?"

If you need help you can tell them the truth and see if they are on your page, if they are not showing you things that make sense with your request, simply say (always with a smile), "You know thank you so much for your help, but I am just going to browse and see what I can find."

• If you don't need help at all you can say:

"I am just browsing."

"Nothing really." 

"Just seeing what catches my eye."

• If they ask again or rephrase the question after seeing what you are touching, "If you are looking for a sequined dress, I can show you one back here."

You can say, "I'm sorry I'd actually just like to shop alone, thank you."

or, "I would really just to like browse, thank you." 

or,  "I will let you know when I need something. Thank you."

• Let's say you come out of the dressing room to look at yourself in a garment and they are out there. They say, "You look amazing, you have to get that."

You can say, "I'll think about it, thank you."

• They ask you outside the dressing room, "How are you liking the [insert garment you are trying on]?"

You can say, "I am still thinking, thank you."

• You have to exit the dressing room in order to look in the mirror and the person is hovering there, making you uncomfortable and unable to examine yourself properly. If you want the person to leave so you can actually look at yourself without them stressing you out...

You can say, "If you don't mind I would like to look at this by myself. Thank you so much."

• They want to show you something. "Let me show you something."

You can say, "Not today, thank you."

• They randomly point out an item that has nothing to do with your life saying, "This looks so great on," or "This has been selling like crazy," or "[Some celebrity] was seen in this," or "We just got this in."

You can say, "I am fine, I don't need help yet, thank you." Which you can always use whenever you want someone to leave you alone during the shopping process, no matter what they are asking or telling you. If you don't remember anything else, remember that. If said with a smile and maybe some eye contact, this should make them leave you alone after a couple of interactions without hating you. If the idea of working with sales people is just terrifying, shop risk free online with retailers that offer free shipping both ways like shoetique.