The Element of Surprise

“Expect the unexpected!”  

That is the cliché quote of the day.  I cannot stress enough how much the world has opened up to me once I let useless crap go.  Mind you, I am still a work in progress but I am doing my best to keep it light and count ALL of my blessings.

Recently, I got my hands on an adorable little book aptly named “The One Hundred” by the lovely Nina Garcia (from Project Runway fame).  This book has literally changed my (fashion) life.  Being a mom of three hasn’t always afforded me the opportunity to obtain or even think about the necessary staples to really jazz up my wardrobe.  Don’t get me wrong, I have definitely acquired some nice clothing but putting it all altogether is another thing in itself.

That’s precisely where this book comes in. “The One Hundred” lists must have pieces from A-Z  to help keep your closet in current standing.  It is a helpful reminder to pay attention to the details that you might otherwise forget.  Unfortunately for me, not everything in “The One Hundred” is feasible.  A Hermès Birkin Bag is not necessarily in my budget but ideas like finding an Emilio Pucci scarf instead of an entire Pucci outfit work out beautifully.  I also scan eBay for vintage Diane von Furstenberg items.   Her scarves always add a bit of class to any outfit.  Note: Keep an eye on the fabulous illustrations as well.   Page 143 reminds me of why it is so chic to keep my hair short 🙂

To tie into my “expect the unexpected” theme, remember to keep your mind open to new ideas.  Be open.  Lookout for pieces that you wouldn’t normally give a second thought to when life is crazy busy.  A pair of classic Chanel ballet flats will up the ante when paired with a crisp white dress shirt and skinny jeans.  Throw a vintage scarf on and voilà!

Expect to be beautifully surprised!

“The One Hundred” by Nina Garcia

http://www.amazon.com/The-One-Hundred-Pieces-Stylish/dp/0061664618

Illustrations by Ruben Toledo

http://www.steidlville.com/artists/346-Ruben-Toledo.html

a little help from Olivia

Quote of the evening…

Style…………is knowing who you are

~Gore Vidal

Perfectly said.

If I can talk honestly about anything, I can truly say…..you can’t please them all.  Style is so subjective.  Magazines, TV and the internet try to dictate what true style is when the reality is you are only as good as you feel.  It’s nobody’s business if you feel good in a $500 pair of shoes or a $50 pair.  I have learned that it really doesn’t matter. Someone is always going to judge you, whether good or bad so just be yourself.  Who is to say what is beautiful and what is ugly? We spend a lot of unnecessary time obsessing if we’re even presenting the right image only to have it backfire.  Coco Chanel was quoted as saying   “Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”.  Point being, if it’s important to you, then it’s fashionable.  No matter what it is, make it your own.  Let your individuality stand out and be playful. Even if you work in the most conservative of places, take the time to play up your eyes or maybe break out the red lipstick. A dab of sparkle makes a huge difference in an otherwise dull day.