Here Comes the Bride-Sample Sale Style

Why does every bride want to wear a strapless gown? Must be all that damn Cinderella. Since Cindy did this to you I gotta play self-appointed fairy god mother and make sure you make the best choice for the least amount of money. Oh yeahhhhhhhhhhh.

I am SO not mad at this Nicole Miller strapless mermaid gown. In fact, I kind of think it looks like a luscious seven layer wedding cake. Good enough to eat. Here are two elements I love about this dress.

First-The price is RIDICULOUS! At $250 bucks. C'mon now you've got a wedding to pay for.

Second-Love, Love the icy grey. If it were my wedding, I'd put my bridesmaid's all in white and just so you know I really would.
Remember this post.

Style Tip- Once you've tied the knot with that man of yours, I would shorten it just a hair and pair with jeweled/grommet sandals. Top off the dress with a little grey cardigan for super girly-pretty- maxi dress-chic.

Double style tip-After you've married the man, worked the summer maxi dress, get ready for holiday. Shorten to cocktail length. Take the remaining material and wrap your self up in it.

Triple style tip- Can you handle more? Wear the groovy wrap with a pair of boyfriend jeans, wife-beater and your wedding heels.

Now, that's the way to keep the party going long after the honeymoon's over.

www.ruelala.com

-Barbra Horowitz

Oh NO JLO

Everyone's entitled to a fashion faux pas. BUT when you're Jennifer Lopez well she's wedged.

JLo has earned the status of fashion icon BUT her top just aint talking to her pants. JLO looks as if she got caught at her lover's house and put this outfit together from clothing left in her trunk.

I mean, I've had some walk of shame moments myself, thankfully not caught by the paparazzi. Good to be infamous not famous.

Style Tip- Always consider the best parts of your body when strategically covering other areas that could appear larger in clothing.

I don't even want to imagine what this outfit looks like from the back of Hollwood's most notorious BUTT. Let's not think about it k?

Double style tip- Once you set a standard of excellence, there's no room for anything BUT. Keep this in mind when raising your own fashion bar. Consistency is KIng.

Post Script- BUT the boots are SICK.

posted by Barbra horowitz

Sample Sale Pick Friday March 27th

How you feelin today? Feelin like a dud or ready to rule the world? Handbag designer Lesa Wallace's Dynamic bag will help you out either way.

You know I LOVE to blog about handbags way more than clothing CUZ you can wear your handbag EVERYDAY. ( Good use of the green stuff) With today's sample sale pick only $169 bucks, this is a super score. Check it in Dark Green, you know eco-black.

Style Tip-Keep black accessories to a minimum. Try a shade such as this dark green to expand your color palette. You'll see that mixing dark shades all together will actually appear black but offer much more dimension for your wardrobe and your outfits.

Double style tip- After taking into consideration the distressed dark green leather, it's the shoulder strap, a strong trend for handbags the past few season's that pushes today's pick over the style meter.

Triple style tip-Every time you bring one new purchase into your wardrobe it breathes new life into what you already own. My money's always on a super stylin handbag.

www.ideeli.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

The Break-up Diet at Any Age.

Yippee for VB. Sometimes all you need is a break-up to change your life. Valerie Bertinelli has every right to be chinning and grinning it.

VB looks better than she did when she was younger. In fact, at 42 myself, I bet she's even happier.

There is no rule that a women has to get old. Old is in YOUR mind. Are you wishing those lbs. would melt away? Then ask yourself why they aren't.

Are you stuck in a relationship that doesn't fulfill you?

Do you think you're at a certain age? Bye bye bikini.

Are you holding on to weight as a security blanket?

Only you can answer these tough questions. I know one thing if I can look like that in my bikini at 49. Sign me up.

Are you ready to make the change for yourself? Itsy bitsy bikini's are so much fun to wear. Brazilian cut. mmmm.

Style Tip-Don't let anyone hold you down. Don't let weight keep you back. Dress for who you are right at this moment. Put a plan of health FIRST. Lay off the junk food, fake sugar and soda's and you'll be on your way.

Double style tip-When you begin to drop weight, there is nothing more fun than getting dressed. Life is not about destination happiness. The journey is in changing your habits for the best most radiant YOU!
Inside and out.

www.people.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Sample Sale Pick Wed. March 25th

Are you looking for a little peace of mind? Then scroll on over to http://www.ideeli.com. Carla Mancini has designed a lightweight slightly distressed soft leather tote that I think is just what's needed in these times of change.

Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change. But if not, at least you'll look peacefully cool trying.

Peace is your first mantra, inexpensive style is your second.

Style tip-It's a quieter time, carry a quieter bag. Carry yourself with a care don't care attitude. It's highly approachable.

www.ideeli.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Sample Sale Pick Tues. March 24th

Did your momma tell you not to mix your metals? Only wear silver with silver and gold with gold? Ok, she was right when she taught you how to get dressed a VERY long time ago.

Mixing your metals is what you wanna do NOW. Since the past doesn't exist. You know that quantum physics thing. Let go of the belief that you can only DO gold or you can only DO silver. You CAN do whatever you want. You're a girl and girls CAN change their minds. right?

Besides the trends are dictating rose gold for the past few season's. You're SOL anyway.

Jewelry designer Tracy Mathews- http://www.billiondollarbabes.com is aiming right for your pretty skin with this necklace. Watch it pop like you just came from a peel.

Style Tip- This necklace is not the beginning or the end when you're accessorizing. Use it as a layer under one of your favorite diamond pendants.

Double style tip- Don't stop there. Continue the layering by adding even longer component necklace(s) underneath.

Triple style tip-A necklace is no longer JUST a necklace to wear on it's own. Create compelling combos.

Now you can wear all of your ex-boyfriends gifts at one time.

Your jewelry's lonely. Go play matchmaker.

www.billiondollarbabes.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Reese and Rodarte play make up for the Oscars.

Check out little miss check out. Reese Witherspoon and Rodarte are canoodling it up just like two reeses peanut butter cups. (I know, I know, BAD pun.)

R squared is coming back from a not so shiny Oscar's appearance. Who doesn't like a comeback? Congratulations to Los Angeles CFDA nominee Rodarte. Doesn't hurt when an oscar winner has your back.

Style Tip- Sometimes the bigger event the bigger the expectation. I.E (your wedding, high school reunion) Taking risks is what fashion is about but perhaps when it's all on the line, don't make the most important night of your life, your night for a major makeover.

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Sample Sale Pick- Friday-March 20th

Hey Now! Pour La Victoire Baby! That means, for the victory, at least that's what my 4 tragic years of high school french are telling me. Anyhoo enough about my terrible translation. Pour La Victoire is the brand, Ideeli.com is the sample sale site and for $110 bucks, the bells are whistling.and here's why.

I'm not a devotee of the platform/thick heel but absolutely plan on returning in my next life with legs of death. Many of you j'adore a thicker heeled shoe versus a skinny stiletto. This posts for you.

I coined the term. It's so wrong it's right.

Let's dissect:

FIRST-The ivory skin tone suggests legs for days. The pop of yellow, purrfect for your very first day of Spring.

SECOND- the natural heel with ivory upper, these two design aspects are friends.

THIRD- Yellow with the golf kilt embellishment (I soo LOVE) their friends. Think golf shoes

2 against 2- Matching without matching.

THIRD-The kilt anchors the eye, the yellow creates the tonal difference between the heel, while the ivory leather mixed with the Dior style platform says- Yes! Yes! Yes!

Wear these shoes when you're ready to get checked out, picked up and complimented on your golf meets girl sassiness.

Boys LOVE shapes they can relate to. Even the ones you married and/or shacking up with.

Who says- When you're wrong you aren't right?

Style Tip- Have you picked up ONE of the latest shoe shapes for this season? More worried about clothing first? Let it go. Shoes walk further in your wardrobe budget than clothing any day of the week.

www.ideeli.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Sample Sale Pick-Thurs.March 19th

Have you heard the news report? Dark denim is dead? or rather OUT. So sad isn't it? You just got used to your dark skinnies now the word on the fashion front is-washed out skinnies. Ok, don't cry. Ernest Sewn one of the hottest denim brands STILL is on sale at Hautelook.com. Half price for only $87 bucks which won't make you too sad. In fact you'll be right on time for Spring. Who doesn't like to be on TIME and on trend?

Style Tip- You MUST get your self a lighter pair of skinny wash jeans , then pair with The Battalion's boyfriend jacket below. Not a huge investment in two pieces that you WILL wear over and over. To keep moving with the times make sure the basic wardrobe staples are ABSOLUTELY the ones you UPDATE first, they will revive the rest of your wardrobe.

Double Style Tip-Don't fret about your dark denim. Here's my tip. Take a scissors and cut them up at the knees, thighs, anywhere you don't mind having a hole. These jeans are still absolutely happening if they have rips in them. Be smarter, buy one pair of light denim and push your dark denim to the next level.

Triple style tip- Holes and rips actually work as anchors to the body and deflect heavier areas. You will be amazed how much
thinner you feel when you show skin in strategic areas.

www.hautelook.com

The Battalion School Boy Blazer

Oh how I love Shopflick.com. Not only are they bringing you the lowdown on indy fashion via video posts, the shopflick team is covering LA fashion week too. There are some really bright lights in LA Fashion but without cool sites like Shopflick, you would never know. If you read me regularly, you know I BARELY talk about clothing. Perhaps you would like to know why? well, it's simple. Clothing is the canvas to your outfit. It's not the beginning or the end. With all the mass-tige brands out there doin it and doin it well. No reason to drop a ton of cash anymore.

When I point to an article of clothing it will A) have major flexibility and B) could be a seasonal item that's important to feature. Today's post is A) the Battallion's School Boy Blazer. Perfect for all season's. Which mean's you CAN wear it every day and still be cool. That's why I LOVE to talk about accessories SO damn much. Not only is The Battalion one to watch, they care about the environment. The Boy Blazer is made from organic cotton and bamboo AND is on sale over at Shopflick.com You know what that means, stop reading and go right NOW!

Style Tip- Devour the lines on Shopflick. Get out of the mall and create your own signature look. Independent designs supported by video. All you gotta do is watch.

www.Shopflick.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Are you DYING for the Trends?

Don't worry just cuz you don't have any extra money. In fact, doesn't the age old cliche hold true? "Necessity is the mother of invention" so whatcha waiting for? Orange is going to be HOT HOT HOT this Spring/Summer. Instead of moping that you can't swing for an H & M sundress, do something original. Dye for the trends instead of buying for the trends. Isn't that clever? Well here's how you can get whatcha want with a couple of bottles of Rit Dye. Next time your at Ralph's or Rite-aid...check em out.

Style tip-Last season's not so white's. Gather them up and throw them in your washer, bathtub, pot, garbage can, whatever you feel will not make you crazy. Hint-when dying in the washer, just throw bleach in for a full cycle after. Want extra green points throw in some towels you need to wash.

Double style tip-The greatest thing about dying is you can't ruin ANYTHING you aren't attached too. You can dye anything and everything that's a natural fiber. What's even BETTER is the thread of your original garment will not dye but watch the detail it creates.

Triple Style Tip-Your wardrobe options will triple when you dye a few pieces the same color. New friends to the party.

Final style Tip-The more items you add the lighter the color and visa versa. No worries when you go to wash after you wear, the dye will set but you can always wash alone for the first few washes. I never do.

Epilogue-I want you to begin looking at your wardrobe for the next episode....ok, sorry, listening to Dr. Dre and Snoop, but you feel me. Clothing serves to clothe us but once its over for you, create the next hot trend from what you already own. That's pure street dawg.

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Sample Sale Pick Tues. March. 17th

Um, I mean OHM are you feeling out of balance? Go ahead and align your chakras with Amrita Singh's Amethyst Maharani ring for $35. That's less than a night on the town. The every day enjoyment you will get from looking down at this pretty little ring is SO worth it.

Style tip-Seriously speaking, Amethyst has a very healing effect for you internally. Externally, Amethyst is one of the most neutral colors and makes a nice statement when you're just too tired to think about anything else.

www.ideeli.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Sample Sale pick Tues.March 17th

More often than not, your sunglasses are the last place to get an update. I know you lose em the minute you get em. Well these Oliver People's over at Gilt.com won't break your bank not even the one in recession. To see these specs on sale means stop reading and GO RIGHT NOW!! cuz at $118 bucks they will be soo gone. See that sun shining outside nice and bright, go do something for your peeps for a change.


Style tip- Don't be afraid to wear a bigger frame. Jackie O did and it became one of her defining signature accessories.

Double Style tip- When choosing your next shades, always look for hardware on the temples, this is a great way to get more pop to your skin.

www.gilt.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Show your sexy shoulders would ya?

Yep, I love me some one arm dressing . I'm officially retiring the one arm silhouette. Enter my new favorite for Spring/Summer. The off the shoulder top. Always in style and never a trend. But, why oh why do I wax on about your shoulder and your arm? Or rather why do I repeat myself constantly? I don't know could be the jew in me or it could be I REALLY want you to get the styling concept of imbalance/balance. If you're trying to conceal a bigger bust or too much junk in the trunk even your hips that you haven't made friends with yet. Wearing clothing that asks the viewer to look right at your shoulder is just plain manipulation on your part. Take this top from Lamixx from Shopflick.com. For only $30 bucks, you have a fantastic silhouette that while sexy on the shoulder, breathes nicely on the tummy. Go ahead relax your gut and watch your shoulder do all the work.

Style Tip- Notice how the model in this pic is wearing a very tiny short short. Always consider your proportions when styling. big over small, small over big. Styling is all about opposites. Don't be afraid to show a different side of yourself. Shoulders are quietly sexy without giving it all away. Have you loved up your shoulders lately?

www.shopflick.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz

Looking For Love?

How's your love life these days? Are you in the" not so much" camp or are you joyously updating your Facebook status as we speak? Either way, check out Free People's love bird tights. Whether you're lovin your love life or singin the blues. Couldn't you and your legs use a little love?

Style Tip-This tight is right on for all the reason's I love to write about. When getting dressed, pairing a pair of tights such as the ones featured above says "Hey, I'm interesting, I'm adventurous not to mention how the graphic is like a beautiful tattoo. The use of skin and texture with the tights as well as the graphic creates a great visual effect. Your eye knows not where to stop while looking at your body as a whole and not as a part. Imagine that!

www.freepeople.com

posted by Barbra Horowitz