Fab Finds At Neimans

Style Shout Out to Neiman Marcus and their First Call Sale...

It's always a good day when it begins with an unexpected surprise.  Today when I opened my email there it was...First Call at Neimans.  So there you have it.  Two great things together...fabulous quality and fabulous prices.

Here are 3 fab finds from the sale...

1.  Stuart Weitzman leopard print ballet flats.  These shoes are so versatile and look great with everything from skinny jeans to skirts.  Stuart Weitzman is synonymous with quality and these flats are as comfy as they are stylish.

2.  And speaking of skinny jeans I have and love these Current/Elliott jeans. Because they are cropped they tuck into boots nicely without a lot of extra fabric and the quality and color are excellent.  Wear them with boots, wear them with flats, wear them with heels...you'll wear these jeans everywhere!

3.  Kooba bags always make a statement and are ever so stylish.  I love the color of this hobo bag and think it would look fabulous with the Stuart Weitzman flats and the Current/Elliott jeans.  This is such a perfect bag for Fall and Winter.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Have fun looking for your own fab finds and maybe you'll find a Christmas gift or two along the way.  Happy shopping.

Ann Taylor & A Few Fabulous Finds!

Ann Taylor

Style Shout Out to Ann Taylor and some phenomenal finds.

Yesterday on my way to pick up my daughter from school I was twenty minutes early so I decided to stop in at Ann Taylor, which is conveniently located two minutes from school.  There are so many things I love about this store and at the top of my list is the fact that it is a one stop shop, the quality is outstanding, and I always find something fabulous.

Paige Jeans

My visit yesterday did not disappoint as I found the most adorable cream striped long sleeve tee which just happens to look great with my Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy skinny jeans and this great cropped camel trench that I found at Zara last Spring.

My other fabulous find was a leopard print skirt that looks amazing with my Stuart Weitzman black suede Linear boots and my Vince turtleneck sweater.  The fact that the skirt was on sale made the purchase even sweeter and I love versatile pieces that can transition with the seasons.  This skirt fits the bill perfectly as it also looks cute with flats and a black tee.

Ann Taylor

I also found a simple dress in the most amazing shade of blue but they were sold out in my size.  Luckily we have another Ann Taylor not too far away and that little blue dress is on hold.  Again, the dress is versatile and will take me from Fall to Winter in style.

Thanks Ann Taylor for the great quality, great selection, and great customer service!

My Style Shout Out Tip:  Ann Taylor is not just for work clothes any more.  It's also a great place to stock up on quality basics like tees, scarves and belts. Visit Ann Taylor today and I'm sure a few fabulous finds will find their way into your Fall wardrobe.

Rita Hazan Knows Roots!

Rita Hazan At Sephora

Style Shout Out to Rita Hazan for creating fabulous...

Whenever I hear people talking about hair color the first name that usually pops into my head is Rita Hazan.  Over the past 15 years Hazan has gained a reputation as being the "It Girl" of hair color and a real trendsetter. She has also created looks for celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears.  Even though her salon is located in the heart of New York on 5th Avenue, she often travels to Los Angeles to keep her west coast clients looking fabulous.

But no need to worry if you don't live in New York or Los Angeles because you can still keep your hair looking Hazan fabulous with Rita's "Root Concealer" which can be purchased at Sephora or QVC.

The first time I tried this product I was in Los Angeles with my family and my sister and I picked up a bottle of Root Concealer at Sephora in Santa Monica.  Upon application I was immediately impressed by how easy this product was to use and how it actually did what it said it would do.

This product is available in four colors so there is something for everyone.  I like that Root Concealer is not permanent color, and that it's made with quality ingredients and is formulated without parabens and sulfates.

I really can't say enough good things about Rita Hazan's Root Concealer so the next time you're in Sephora pick up a can and try it for yourself and I'm sure you'll be singing Hazan's praises because Rita really knows roots and how to make hair look fabulous!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Thank you Rita Hazan for creating an easy to use and very useful product. I told my hubby that our next vacation should be to New York so I can finally visit your salon.  But in the meantime I have my Root Concealer and am hoping you will be introducing other products soon.

Kelly Ripa & Nick Lachey Are Winning!

Kelly Ripa & Nick Lachey

Style Shout Out to Kelly Ripa and Nick Lachey for a very fun Halloween show.

When you're a parent of little kids Halloween is always a fun time.  Over the years our daughter has dressed up as a pumpkin, Belle from Beauty & The Beast, a cheerleader and a Pop Star.  I always have so much fun planning her costume with her and seeing the big smile on her face when she tries it on.

Besides my daughter's delight, the other thing I enjoy about Halloween is the Live With Regis & Kelly Halloween show.  It is always a good laugh and even though Regis was absent yesterday morning, Nick Lachey was great with Kelly and the show was very entertaining.  The show opened with a flash mob at Lincoln Center and costumes during the show included Princess Kate & Prince William, Nick Lachey as Charlie Sheen and Heidi Klum as Regis. Another funny moment was Kelly Ripa as the Bachelorette in search of a co-host.

I don't know if Nick is in the running to be the next co-host of Live but he was fabulous with Kelly yesterday and I think they were both winning!



My Style Shout Out Tip: I hope you all had a Happy Halloween and that you enjoyed the day with family and friends.

Colbie Caillat Shines Brighter Than The Sun

Colbie Caillat & Justin Young at House of Blues

Style Shout Out to Colbie Caillat who was absolutely fabulous in concert last week at the House Of Blues in Dallas.

I have been a fan of Colbie Caillat since her first CD hit store shelves.  There is something about her music with its beautiful melodies that reminds me of sitting on the beach in Southern California listening to Fleetwood Mac, who just happens to be one of my favorite bands.  So, when my eight year old daughter heard Colbie Caillat's "Fallin For You" on Radio Disney Jams 12 and asked for more of her music it made carpool a much more harmonious time.

It also makes practicing piano and guitar a more harmonious time as I love to listen to my daughter singing happy songs like "I Do" by Caillat.  And, watching her record a cover of "Brighter Than The Sun"  recently is a small moment that is a big memory.

And speaking of memories, when my daughter said for an early birthday present she would like to see Colbie Caillat in concert my husband and I thought that was a great idea.  We love presents that are an experience and agreed this would be a good show for her to see.

Colbie Caillat & Her Band

Once the tickets were in hand we told our daughter who was so excited and began counting the days...which I believe was somewhere around seventy-five.

Sometime during those seventy-five days I found some adorable friendship bracelets on Kara Ackerman's web site.  As I was ordering one for my daughter she asked if I could possibly order two extra bracelets, "If they aren't too expensive."  When the bracelets arrived she was really excited and as she opened the tiny orange bags she handed one to me, she slipped one on her tiny wrist, and said, "The third one is for Colbie Caillat because people must ask her for stuff all the time and I want to give her a friendship bracelet.  You know, to thank her for being my inspiration."  I would be lying if I said I didn't have a tear in my eye at that point.

The day of the concert finally came and off we went to the House Of Blues, friendship bracelets in hand and on wrists.  We were fortunate enough to attend a meet n greet prior to the show and yes my daughter was the first one in the line.

Justin Young

When you meet someone who is famous it's hard to know what to expect but Colbie Caillat far exceeded any expectations.  She was warm, genuine and kind and made a lasting impression and when my daughter told her that she played her songs in a coffee house Colbie asked how old she was.  When she replied, "I'm 8 and a half," Colbie told her that she had a ten year head start.  That put a big smile on my daughter's face which was priceless.  And when she gave her the friendship bracelet and pointed to the one on her own wrist there was another big smile as Colbie slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and told her that she loved turquoise.

The show, just like meeting Colbie Caillat, did not disappoint.  Justin Young was the first performer and he was amazing.  He is a fabulous songwriter with a very distinct voice and fabulous stage presence.  He also plays guitar with Colbie Caillat and the blending of their voices creates some of the best harmonies I've heard in a long time.

Jason Reeves, who writes with Caillat, also performed and, like Young, gave a stellar performance and was another perfect choice for an opening act.

Colbie Caillat, Jason Reeves & Justin Young

I have been to a lot of concerts in venues big and small but this show for me topped the list.  Colbie Caillat's voice was just as amazing live as it is on her albums.  The stories she told in between songs were heartfelt and when she sings it comes from the heart which is the place where music should come from.

The House Of Blues was packed that night and I think my daughter was the youngest one in the place but I have to give a big style shout out to Colbie Caillat's light and sound guys who were nice enough to give my eight year old a copy of the set list and a big comfy office chair to sit in which gave her a fabulous view of the stage.  Watching her sing along, clapping her hands, and smiling made it a great night and as we were driving home she said, "I'm so glad we don't have school tomorrow...and thanks Mom and Dad...this is the best birthday present ever!"

Heartfelt Performance at House Of Blues

My Style Shout Out Tip:  Colbie Caillat is a talented singer and songwriter who seems so at home on the stage.  If you have the chance to catch this show don't miss it because you will leave feeling happy and for me that is what the concert experience is all about! When I asked my daughter if she wanted to see Colbie in concert again she smiled and simply said, "I Do!"

TOMS - One For One!

Style Shout Out to TOMS for making it stylish to give back.

My daughter had a four day weekend which is a very big deal when you are in elementary school because it means you have two extra days without the annoying buzz of the alarm clock a 6:00am. Okay, this is a very big deal for the Mom of the elementary school student also.

We had a fun weekend which included a trip to Nordstrom where I bought my daughter her first pair of TOMS.  I have an adorable pair of espadrilles from TOMS which are just so classic which makes them just so perfect.  The other thing that makes them so perfect is the fact that TOMS really gives back in a big way.  I absolutely love their "One for One" philosophy.

My 8 year old wasn't too keen on TOMS at first because she has a strong allegiance to Converse but she does have an open mind when it comes to fashion.  So after she and I talked about social responsibility and what TOMS is doing to help kids who are less fortunate she tried on the shoes and loved them.

She loved them so much that yesterday we visited Nordstrom again to pick up another pair. You see my 8 year old is quite a good listener and her rationale for wanting another pair of TOMS included the statement, "You know Mom, if I get another pair of TOMS somewhere in the world a little kid who really needs them will also be getting a pair of shoes." Since she needed a shoe in another color I told her if she got the TOMS the Converse would have to wait. She was fine with that so off we went to Nordstrom.

My sister was shopping with us yesterday and she was trying on a pair of sunglasses.   I picked up TOMS wayfarers and told her that if the TOMS glasses happen to find their way under her Christmas tree she will be helping to give someone the gift of sight. I am happy to say they are now on her Christmas list!

Thanks TOMS for making fashion fun and for your fabulous "One for One" philosophy.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  If you haven't checked out TOMS yet head to Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com where they have an amazing selection of shoes and sunglasses.  The shoes are so cute and comfy and the sunglasses are stylish but above all else you know that your purchase is truly helping someone who truly needs the help!

Saks, Style & A Cure

Jennifer Hudson - Saks

Style Shout Out to Saks...

I can't believe that it's been over a decade since Saks first introduced their "Key To The Cure" tee shirt which now makes its debut each October.  What I especially love about these tops is that 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of each shirt goes to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's (EIF) Women's Cancer Research Fund which benefits more than 50 charitable programs.  These programs are dedicated to finding new detection methods, better treatments, and eventual cures for women's cancers.

Every year the tee is the vision of one designer and a celebrity like Heidi Klum, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Hudson are selected to be the spokesperson.

This year's tee was designed by Elie Tahari and Jennifer Hudson is helping to spread the word.  Besides benefitting a great cause this tee is super cute and super comfy and is available at Saks.com as well as in Saks stores.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Karl Lagerfeld (2008)
via FabSugar

My Style Shout Out Tip:   Besides buying one of these "Key To The Cure" tees for myself,  I have been known to wrap a tee or two for Christmas.  I have a few of these shirts but the Lagerfeld designed tee from 2008 is still my favorite and every time I wear it I feel good knowing my purchase is helping to make a difference.

Guilt-Free At Gilt

AG Jeans at Gilt

Style Shout Out to guilt-free shopping.

We had a storm last night that finally brought us temperatures that feel more like Fall than Summer.  It's the first day in a long time that you can actually wear jeans. So how appropriate that today when I was checking email there was one from Gilt talking about their AG Jeans sale that starts at noon today.

Two of my favorite things together...Gilt and AG Jeans.  I love Gilt because they make the shopping experience fun and easy and their prices are as phenomenal as their customer service.

And I love AG Jeans because, besides having so many fabulous styles,  I admire their commitment to quality and also to the environment in the Ozone Technology used to make their jeans.

So today take advantage of the great sales and have some fun while guilt-free shopping at Gilt!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  My favorite AG Jeans style is the Stilt.  It is a skinny cut that is not too skinny in the leg.  Today I'm wearing mine with ballet flats, a white LNA tee, and a Burberry scarf.  Hello Fall.

Classics Are Always On-Trend!

Cameron Diaz via Coolspotters
wearing Chanel Flats

Style Shout Out to the classics!

It's been a busy few weeks with celebrating my parent's 50th wedding anniversary in Hilton Head, celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary, my 8 year old playing her first real gig, and planning my Mom's upcoming birthday party! But now that school has been in session for almost two months, I must say I am finally getting back into the swing of things.

Yesterday my hubby and I ran to Neiman Marcus at lunch because they are having a triple points event. Even though most people don't think of using the words "great deal" and "Neiman Marcus" in the same sentence, I find myself using those words in the same sentence quite often.  When you shop at Neiman Marcus you accumulate points that turn into gift cards. So a triple point event means your points add up a lot quicker.

Besides the "great deals" there are a lot of reasons why I like shopping at Neimans and customer service and exceptional quality tops the list.

Diana in women's shoes assisted me yesterday and she is amazingly helpful, genuine and honest which are wonderful character traits to have if you are in sales.  It's no secret that I love jeans, handbags, sunnies and shoes but must admit that while I have admired these particular Chanel ballet flats for quite a while, until yesterday I had never tried them on.  I know they are expensive and in the past have figured a flat is a flat but when I tried them on all I could say was, "Wow!"  The leather was truly like butter and with the skinny Paige jeans I was wearing they looked too cute.

My hubby loved them because he gravitates toward classic and quality which is an area where we are always in agreement.  I have a feeling that these shoes may find their way under our Christmas tree this year and that a gift card from the Triple Points event purchase may end up in my stocking.  A girl can dream!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  A classic ballet flat is a great addition to any wardrobe.  Saks has some fabulous Repetto flats and Stuart Weitzman has some great ballet flats at Neimans and Nordstrom right now.  Neiman Marcus is running their triple points event through this weekend so pick up a great pair of flats today and get a gift card in the mail later!  It seriously is a great deal.  I used my last gift card to get my daughter some UGG boots!  Happy Shopping!

Tuesday Treasure - Music & Magic!

Colbie Caillat on Today w/ Hoda & Kathie Lee

Style Shout Out to a great weekend with family and friends.

My daughter had her first gig last Sunday at a local coffee shop.  This is the first time she was asked to play at an event that was not sponsored by her music school so she was very excited.  In the two weeks leading up to the gig it was fun for me to watch her carefully select her songs and prepare for this milestone occasion.  And I must say that every time I heard her practicing it brought a smile to my face.

When she found out she was opening the show and that there would be four other acts to follow, she chose three upbeat songs that she likes to listen to as much as she likes to play herself.

My daughter has many musical influences but lately she has been listening to a lot of Colbie Caillat, Justin Young, Pete Yorn, and occasionally some Selena Gomez.  So her song choices weren't really any surprise to me.  She played keyboard and sang and opened with Colbie Caillat's "I Do" and dedicated it to my hubby and I who recently celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.  I must say for me it was a magical moment that brought a tear to my eye.

Her second song was Selena Gomez's version of "Magic" which is just such a happy song. As I watched her playing and singing I realized that at her age I could never have gotten up in front of a packed house and performed.  It took me until I was in college to muster that kind of confidence.

Colbie Caillat & Justin Young on Today

The last song she chose to play was "Brighter Than The Sun" by Colbie Caillat and the magic for me was that it was the first time she played her guitar at any type of show, and it was the first time that she had my hubby accompany her with his guitar. To watch Daddy and Daughter play together with such smiles on their faces surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends is a moment I will always treasure.



My Style Shout Out Tip:  I so appreciate the time that one of my friends spent in organizing this gig for the kids. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon supporting young musicians and listening to some fabulous talent.  And if you have kids, give them the gift of music because it is a magical gift that will be with them always.

We posted our daughter's cover of "Brighter Than The Sun" on SoundCloud...happy listening!