2 Things At Nordstrom

Style Shout Out to Nordstrom and 2 things...

There are so many things about Nordstrom that I think are amazing.  Their commitment to customer service and selection of merchandise are just 2 of those amazing things.

For me, Nordstrom has always been a one-stop shop.  Whether I'm shopping for my daughter, my hubby or myself, I always find what I am looking for at the store and on-line.

And just when I thought things at Nordstrom couldn't get any better they introduced two new things to make the on-line shopping experience even easier...Free Shipping and Free Returns!

So thank you Nordstrom for taking your customer service to the next level.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Check out Nordstrom.com today.  Me, I'm shopping for some Fall clothes for my daughter and I did come across some fabulous jeans by Hudson.  I love their baby boot cut and the Elliot wash is a great color for Fall and Winter.  Happy shopping!

Sunday Shorts

Style Shout Out to Sunday and keeping it very short.

The big news this weekend has been Hurricane Irene. Watching Jim Cantore and Stephanie Abrams reporting for The Weather Channel and seeing the effects of Irene, it is clear that this storm has left a path of destruction in its' wake.

There has been so much damage along the East coast and the American Red Cross, as always, will be right there to help.  If you can make a donation it is so important.  Every little bit helps this organization so that they can continue to help those in need.

Today I am grateful for the American Red Cross and the work that they do.

Being grateful and charitable is always in style!

7 Gilt-y Things

Style Shout Out to 7 things from Gilt...

The first week of school is always hectic.  There are lunches to make, because ever since watching Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution my daughter will not touch the cafeteria food. There are school outfits to be picked out, carpools to drive and PTA meetings to attend.  In the midst of all of the busy I came across an email from Gilt and today they have some amazing pieces at some amazing prices...

1.   7 For All Mankind...this blue-black skinny can be dressed up or down and is a versatile pair of jeans that can go anywhere.  I love 7 for their fabulous fit and quality.

2.  Chan Luu...These bracelets are a fun and fabulous addition to your jewelry wardrobe. I've been known to layer mine with Kara Ackerman's Brooke Knot leather bracelet.

3.  True Religion...The Serina Gladiator sandle is a cute shoe that will look just as good with skinny jeans as it will with denim shorts.

4.  Gryphon Trench...This is such a timeless coat.  The color is neutral and will go with almost anything. My hubby gave me a Burberry trench last Christmas and it has become my go-to jacket.  You can't go wrong with a classic.

5.  Magaschoni Ruffle Wrap...I love this cashmere wrap.  I have a piece by Magaschoni and the quality is unbelievable.  This wrap is a great transitional wardrobe staple and the color is just so much fun.

6.  7 For All Mankind...The Gwenevere Squiggle pocket skinny is another instant classic. This style looks just as good with heels as with flats.

7.  Pour La Victoire...The Jaclyn espadrille wedge has been everywhere this summer and now they are at Gilt.  Espadrilles always remind me of the warm weather and I love the versatility of this shoe.



My Style Shout Out Tip:  I love Gilt because it is shopping without the guilt.  The prices are fabulous and they always have such a great selection.  Check out Gilt today because the most fabulous items sell out quickly.

2 Things - Y & Z

Colbie Caillat & Justin Young - Today Show

Style Shout Out to Y & Z...

Yesterday was the first day of school and as I was sitting in carpool waiting for my daughter's smiling face and listening to Colbie Caillat, I was reading email and checking out ReverbNation.

And while I was waiting to see that smile I came across a talented musician on ReverbNation and an email from Saks and 2 things for today literally popped into my thoughts. So here are my 2 treasures for Tuesday.

Justin Young from ReverbNation

1. Y...for Justin Young.  You may know him as the very talented guitarist and vocalist who adds to Colbie Caillat's sound but what you need to know is that this guy is a true talent in his own right and an amazing songwriter.  Right now on ReverbNation Young has 3 songs all of which are fabulous.  His music, like Colbie Caillat's, reminds me of being on vacation with my family and sitting on the beach in Malibu and for me that is a real treasure.

Rachel Zoe at Saks.com

2.  Z...for Rachel Zoe.  I love her approach to styling celebrities and her unique point of view.  Her new line features some fabulous pieces and I love how Saks.com is marketing the brand with 7 videos in 7 days with Zoe talking about pieces in her collection.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Music and fashion are 2 things that inspire creativity and individualism.  So today listen to some new music and look for a new Fall piece of clothing. As for me I'm sticking with "Y" and "Z" and am listening to Justin Young and have my eye on a cute jacket from Rachel Zoe. Happy Tuesday.

From A To Zoe

Rachel Zoe at Saks

Style Shout Out to Rachel Zoe on her new clothing line...which is A-MA-ZING!

Well, today school started and this is the earliest I have been up since school ended in June.  I must admit the first day of school is probably more difficult for me than for my daughter as I find the house a bit too quiet.

So after my hubby and I took her to school I settled in with my coffee to catch up on emails.  As I was reading I came across Saks featuring Rachel Zoe's new clothing line.  The line is amazing and so is the way Saks.com is introducing the brand to its' customers.  The debut line is being introduced by Zoe herself via one video each day for seven days.  Brilliant marketing because I am already looking forward to tomorrow's video.

Today's spotlight piece is the Fay peacoat and let me tell you this is nothing like the first peacoat my parents gave me in high school.  This piece is fitted and ever so stylish and honestly this is exactly what you picture Rachel Zoe designing.  And while I loved my first peacoat I may actually love this one a little more as you can dress it up or dress it down.

While I am not a huge fan of flare jeans I think they work perfectly with this short peacoat and classic white Janis blouse.  This look is so chic and so classic that I may actually head to Saks today to try on the Rachel bootcut jeans!  They are so popular that they are already sold out at Saks.com.

Rachel Zoe makes dressing as easy as A to Z...actually A to Zoe!



My Style Shout Out Tip:  Rachel Zoe is well known for being a stylist to the stars and for her show on Bravo, The Rachel Zoe Project.  I think that being a stylist has given her an edge in the world of design and I am so excited to see what she will do next.

Sunday Shorts

Jimmy Fallon on Piers Morgan - CNN

Style Shout Out to Sunday and keeping it short...

Last night as I was watching Piers Morgan interviewing Jimmy Fallon, with ice cream tasting (by the way, I love Ben & Jerry's Late Night Snack) and guitar playing (Fallon has the most beautiful Gibson acoustic and he can really play), I realized how fortunate I am to be surrounded by so much laughter and music in my own home.

We spent the weekend recording a song that is a true family collaboration.  My daughter had this great concept and riff that evolved into a very good song.  For an 8 year old who has been playing piano for a year and guitar for a few months, she has quite a knack for melodies and knowing what she wants a track to sound like.  So, the last two weekends for us have been filled with a lot of music and a lot of laughs for which I am truly grateful.  And with school starting tomorrow this was the perfect note to end the summer.

Happy Sunday.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  It's never too early to teach your children about gratitude.  To get ready for back to school my daughter and I always do a Fall clean-out and organize closets and donate clothes and toys.  She has been helping with these Fall and Spring clean-outs since she could walk and as she is about to begin another year at elementary school I am so proud of her willingness to help others.  For that I am truly grateful.

7 Things

Style Shout Out To 7 things on Thursday.

Tomorrow we have "Meet The Teacher" at our daughter's school and it's still hard for me to believe that summer is almost over.  From white shorts and navy and white striped tees to cropped jeans and flip flops I love all things about summer, well, except for the excessive amount of triple digit days we are having this summer.  Maybe I'm partial to the warm months because my daughter and I get more time to work on music together, I love the beach, a bronzy glow, and I get to celebrate my birthday.

So today as summer is winding down these are 7 beauty essentials that will help you transition from summer to fall with ease.

Chantecaille At Neiman Marcus

1.  Chantecaille Soleil Bronzer.  This is one of the most natural bronzers I have ever used. It truly leaves a soft bronzy glow on your face without looking heavy.  I love Chantecaille products because of the company's commitment to using quality ingredients.

Laura Mercier at Nordstrom

2.  Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer.  This product is lightweight, provides SPF, and gives skin the softest glow.  This is one product that I am totally loyal to and have literally lost track of how many tubes I have purchased in the past few years.

Chantecaille Lip Gloss

3.  Chantecaille Brilliant Lip Gloss.  This is an amazing lip gloss that is lightweight and hydrating.  What sets this gloss apart for me is the fact that it is not sticky and gives such a natural look.  My favorites are Classic and Love.

Nars At Nordstrom

4.  Nars Multiple in Laguna and Malibu.  Let's just say I love this product as much as the cities they are named after.  Laguna gives a bronzy glow while Malibu is a beautiful shade of pinkish-brown.  This product can be used on your face, eyes and lips so it is a staple in my make-up bag and great to take when traveling because it fits into my love of traveling light.

Fresh At Neiman Marcus

5.  Fresh Honey Lip Treatment with SPF.  I bought my first Fresh Honey lip balm at Kitson in Malibu while I was on vacation with my family and shopping at the Malibu Country Mart and the Malibu Lumber Yard.  The color is soft and natural and I love that it also offers SPF. This is another must-have for any make-up bag.

Dior At Nordstrom

6.  Dior Eyeshadow in Incognito. This is simply a beautiful color palette.  Dior eyeshadows are silky soft and have great staying power.  It's no secret that this, like Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer, is consistently an InStyle Best of Beauty winner.

Dolce & Gabbana At Saks

7.  Dolce & Gabbana "Light Blue" Eau de Toilette.  This fragrance is light and reminds me of summer even when I wear it in December.  If you love a crisp and lively citrus fragrance then look no further than Dolce & Gabbana!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  I love these 7 things and I hope that today you have fun making your own list.

Tuesday's Treasure - Generosity

Style Shout Out to Generosity...

If you've been watching The Glee Project then you know "Generosity" was this week's theme.  Even though our local favorite, Cameron Mitchell, chose to leave the show, which took a lot of courage, we are still watching each week with anticipation to see who will ultimately win a spot on Glee.

To bring the theme of generosity to life this week the remaining four contenders, who are usually mentored by Robert Ulrich, Nikki Anders and Zach Woodlee, were given the role of mentor. It was interesting to see how they rose to the challenge and it was a great lesson in generosity for viewers.

Perhaps the greatest showing of generosity came when the creators of Glee, Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, chose to call back all four of the remaining contestants to appear in the finale this coming Sunday.

Thanks Ryan and Ian for being so generous!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  It is never too early to start teaching your children about generosity through your own actions and it is never too late to adopt a spirit of generosity for yourself.  Generosity comes in many forms.  Today my daughter and I are doing our back-to-school organizing and donating gently used clothing and toys to charity.  Happy Tuesday!

Mizrahi On Monday

Isaac Mizrahi at Saks

Style Shout Out to Isaac Mizrahi for designing fabulous.

I have to admit that Monday, although the beginning of the week and an opportunity for new beginnings, is not always my favorite day especially now that the start of school is right around the corner.  This Monday morning, however, was not so bad because I got an email from Saks and was so excited to see Isaac Mizrahi as one of their "Newest Names."

You see I have been a Mizrahi fan from the first time I saw one of his designs.  I love fashion and have the utmost respect for designers because while I can sit down with a pen and write a song or a story, I can't make that same pen sketch a picture of a dress no matter how hard I try.  To be a great designer is to be an artist, an innovator, a trendsetter, and a leader.  When I look at Isaac Mizrahi I see all of these things. I have to say that I have never seen a piece by Mizrahi that I didn't like.


And his track record of hitting home runs continues with the pieces I found on Saks.com this morning.  I came across the most fabulous little black dress that is both classic and whimsical and this is what I adore about Mizrahi designs.  It takes a skilled hand and a vibrant imagination to create a piece that has an unexpected element and still retains its simplicity of design.


This dress may be the new classic little black dress.  I think it would look amazing with simple jewelry like Kara Ackerman's Audrey Diamond Ball stud earrings and a classic pair of neutral or black pumps from Stuart Weitzman.  To add an element of fun I also like Stuart Weitzman's leopard print pumps with this dress which are also available at Saks.

Thanks Saks for bringing a little Mizrahi to my Monday.



Style Shout Out Tip:  Every woman's closet could use a little black dress.  They come in all shapes and price ranges.  I saw a few cute ones at Last Call by Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom Rack last week.  Loehmanns and Saks Off 5th are also great places to pick up a pretty little black dress at a pretty little price.

Kara Ackerman Earrings

Stuart Weitzman Platswoon at Saks

Stuart Weitzman Leopard Pumps at Saks

Flats On Friday

Stuart Weitzman at Nordstrom

Style Shout Out to flats on Friday...

This morning was pretty typical.  The house was quiet, coffee was made, and it was a great time to read Fashion Wrap Up on-line and catch up on Twitter.  As I was watching Stacy London's segment on the Today Show about transitioning pieces from summer to fall,  I came across a great tweet from Stuart Weitzman.

The tweet was about wearing flats on Friday after four days of wearing heels.  It reminded me of when I worked in an office before my daughter was born. Although I loved my heels I really loved casual Friday because it was a great day to throw on my favorite New York Dark 7 For All Mankind jeans, a white tee, cute jacket and ballet flats.

I have always been partial to ballet flats because they are classic and stylish while being the ultimate in comfort.  And if you're looking for some very cute and very comfy shoes, Stuart Weitzman's leopard print flat is absolutely fabulous.  I also have this flat in the most beautiful shade of soft gold.  His shoes are so well made and there is just something so special about that purple shoe box!

So today grab your flats and go!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  A ballet flat is versatile so I think it is totally worth it to spend a little more for excellent quality.  This is the type of shoe that will be a staple in your wardrobe.

7 Things

Style Shout Out to 7 Things...

This summer has truly been just one long day of 100 degrees and even though today we may only hit 90, it looks like we are in for another 7 days in the triple digits starting tomorrow.  So today here are 7 things to help you keep your cool while beating the heat.

1.  Pinkberry...after having their fabulous frozen yogurt in Los Angeles, I just found out we now have one relatively close.  Fingers crossed we will get one even closer but for now it is definitely worth the drive.  Besides being an amazing treat this was recently recommended by a nutritionist to a family member as the best place to get yogurt.  Being that I am all about the healthy eating, Pinkberry is now my favorite yogurt place.

Friendship Bracelets

2.  Kara Ackerman Friendship Bracelets...I love these bracelets because they represent summer.  They are available in beautiful and fun colors, they are lightweight on your wrist, and can be layered or worn alone.  They also make great gifts.

Ann Taylor

3.  Ann Taylor Tees...lightweight and easy on your wallet.  These tee shirts go anywhere and will keep you looking stylish.  With a great assortment of colors these tees are a classic staple that will transition easily between the seasons.

At Nordstrom

At Neiman Marcus

4.  Espadrilles...great for dressing up or down and oh so cute.  I am partial to Stuart Weitzman and two of my favorite espadrilles are Alex in khaki crochet and the Flower Peep Toe in soft gold.  Both of these wedges are so versatile.  Stuart Weitzman makes great quality shoes at a good price point.  You really can't go wrong with any of his shoes.

Tom Ford At Nordstrom

5.  Sunglasses...I always reach for lightweight frames especially in the summer.  My three favorites are my RayBan aviators, Tom Ford Jennifer, and Isobel by Oliver Peoples.  They offer different looks and are perfect all year long and especially in the heat of summer.

Chantecaille At Nordstrom

6.  Chantecaille Compact Lip Gloss...first of all you don't need to worry about your lipstick melting in the heat since this gloss is in a sleek compact.  The gloss is lightweight and also has an SPF 15.  Simply perfection.

J Brand At Saks

7.  J Brand Jeans...J Brand's denim shorts are cute and comfy and like 7 For All Mankind and Hudson Jeans, J Brand's quality is fabulous.  I love these longer length shorts with ballet flats or my TKEES flip flops.  These shorts are an instant classic that are so versatile.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Have fun keeping cool and making your own list today!

2 Tuesday Treasures

Style Shout Out to 2 treasures on Tuesday...

If you read my blog regularly then you know that in our house we love music. On any given day you can find a guitar, keyboard or drums being played, songs being written, and a general atmosphere of creativity. Music is the best gift my parents ever gave me when I got my first guitar at the age of ten, and I'm so happy that my hubby and I can pass the gift of music along to our daughter.

So my 2 treasures today are related to music.

1.  My daughter...Last Sunday my 8 year old performed in a showcase at her music school. She has only been taking piano lessons for a year and I am amazed at how easy she makes it look when she is on the stage playing and singing.  I love that she enjoys music and I am a firm believer that kids benefit from being involved with music.  The biggest thing I tell her is that music should be enjoyable and fun.

And the song she chose to play and sing on Sunday created such a fun vibe in the room. From the first notes of Colbie Caillat's "I Do" and the big smile on my daughter's face, everyone just knew it was going to be an upbeat performance...and it was.

2.  Which leads me to my second treasure today...Colbie Caillat and "All Of You!"  I know this CD has made it into my blog before, but this record is just so good that it deserves another mention.  When I played this CD for the first time and my daughter heard "I Do" she said, "I am playing this song in the next showcase.  It's awesome!"  She also recently recorded a cover of "Brighter Than The Sun" which is the first song on the record and is so catchy that once you hear it you are seriously singing it all day.

Colbie Caillat is a very talented singer/songwriter who knows how to tell an engaging story through song.  When she sings it is heartfelt and authentic.  She is currently touring with her amazing band which includes the fantastic guitar playing of Justin Young.  I've heard the show is fabulous. We have our tickets and are really looking forward to the concert this fall.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  If you have kids, give them the gift of music.  And give yourself the gift of Colbie Caillat's "All Of You"...it is seriously good music that will leave you feeling happy.

Sunday Shorts

Style Shout Out to Sunday and keeping it short...and to Ann Taylor and LOFT.

Today we are still in the triple digits and well on our way to setting a record for the most consecutive days with temperatures of at least 100 degrees.  It is seriously too hot!

So if it's too hot to enjoy the day outside, spend some time inside and take advantage of the final day of Friends and Family savings at Ann Taylor and LOFT.

My daughter picked out beautiful birthday presents for me from both of these stores.  They have some amazing pieces for fall including many that can transition easily between the seasons.

Happy Sunday!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Ann Taylor isn't just for work any more and if you are looking for a good quality tee shirt at a good price, look no further.  I love the scoop neck as well as the v-neck and right now they are available in a beautiful assortment of colors.

7 Things

Just Go With It

Style Shout Out to 7 things on Thursday...

This morning while our house was still quiet, I made a cup of coffee and went on-line to Nordstrom just to look at fall clothes.  We are facing day number 32 or 33 of temperatures in the triple digits and thinking about cool weather helps me beat the heat.

So today here is my list of 7 things to keep you feeling cool in the heat of the summer...

1.  Movies...If it's too hot to go outside rent or buy Just Go With It starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.  This light-hearted comedy is a lot of laughs and the scenery is beautiful.  If you're looking for a good movie to enjoy with the kids we love Cars and Despicable Me.

Chantecaille at Nordstrom

2.  Hats...if you have to be outside don't forget your hat. Whether it's a fedora or a baseball cap, just grab something to keep the sun's rays off of your face. Nordstrom has some fabulous fedoras by Tommy Bahama.

3.  Bronzer...it's so hot outside that this is the first summer I can remember not having a bit of a tan.  So for my birthday my daughter surprised me with some Chantecaille bronzer.  This product is amazing and gives such a healthy glow.

4.  Colbie Caillat's new CD "All Of You" is one of those rare CD's that is filled with good songs from start to finish. This record reminds me of being on the beach in Malibu.  You can't help but feel happy when you're listening!

5.  Music...I know I've mentioned this before, but summer is such a fabulous time for you or your kids to learn an instrument.  My daughter takes piano lessons and is learning guitar with us.  My hubby found a great Gibson app for her and she has been learning more about the guitar.  I have to admit I have used this app myself to brush up on my own guitar skills.

Colbie Caillat at Amazon

6.  Write...hot summer days are a fabulous time to start a journal. When my daughter was a baby I wrote to her every day because I wanted to capture the moments for her in words as well as pictures.

7.  Read...pick up a good book or a magazine (I like InStyle and People Style Watch) and get lost in the pages and forget about the heat.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  There are so many ways to beat the heat so make your own list and have some fun!

Loft And Laughter

Style Shout Out to birthdays and laughter and Loft...

Pure Crimson Shell at Loft

Yesterday I wrote about my daughter and how she feels like birthdays should be celebrated for a few days and not just on one day. I think she is having so much fun with my birthday this year because although she always goes with my hubby to shop for Mother's Day, my birthday and Christmas, this is the first year she has chosen the presents all by herself.

My hubby said they had a lot of laughs, and it was really fun shopping with her because now that she is growing up it is interesting to see her perspective and get her commentary on fashion and what she feels is stylish.  My 8 year old has had a strong opinion about fashion since she was 3 holding my hand in Nordstrom and showing me all of the things that were "so pretty" and the things that were "so not!"  And as a Mom I encourage her to have opinions and want her to always feel confident in expressing her opinions no matter what the subject or the circumstance.

Last night she watched in delight as I opened a box from Loft that contained pieces that were "so pretty"...the most beautiful shell in this on-trend for fall deep crimson color, a cute white tank, and a navy blue wrap style cardigan.

I am so amazed that an 8 year old has the ability to pick out gifts that are so perfect in style, color and size.  And I am so fortunate to call that 8 year old my daughter.  I can't lie...the presents are fabulous...but truly the greatest gift for me is knowing that she had so much fun shopping with my hubby, and that she put so much thought into the things she picked out. As far as gifts go...you can't get any better than the gift of thoughtfulness...




My Style Shout Out Tip:  Even though it's 110 degrees here today and too hot to think about fall, Loft has some really great pieces that can transition easily between the seasons. I'm going to wear my crimson top with my 7 For All Mankind white cropped jeans now and my J Brand skinny jeans when the weather finally cools off.

2 Treasures On Tuesday

Our Puppy Loves Ann Taylor Too

Style Shout Out to my daughter and Ann Taylor...

This year my daughter has started what may become a new tradition and decided that birthdays should be celebrated over a few days. At a certain age children truly start to recognize how much you do for them and it is so sweet that my 8 year old wanted to do something so special for me.

The celebration began at Sunday brunch with my parents. Afterwards my daughter made me the most beautiful card with the most heartfelt note...these home-made treasures are always my most treasured presents.  Call me sentimental but the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart.

Yesterday she and amy hubby went to the mall to do a bit of birthday shopping.  My hubby said it was one of the best shopping experiences as he followed my daughter through Neiman Marcus, Ann Taylor and The Loft watching as she strategically picked out presents that, "I know Mommy will love!"

Since she was so excited about her successful shopping spree she couldn't wait until my actual birthday to share some of her finds...she picked out some things from Ann Taylor that I would have picked out for myself...a fabulous navy and white stripe tee and an amazing   v-neck tee in a beautiful shade of purple.  When I asked her how she knew what to pick out she said, "I listen when you talk and I watch when we shop together!"  She truly is a little treasure.

Ann Taylor

My Style Shout Out Tip:  Ann Taylor and The Loft's Friends and Family starts today so "like" them on Facebook and save 30%...Happy Shopping!