Playing Dress Up for the New Year

Whether you're staying in with your husband, having a dinner party with friends or hitting up the hottest gala in the city, you should always ring in the new year with some added style to set the tone for the year to come.

Casual New Year. If you're planning a casual evening, try pairing some brightly colored pants with a sparkly top. You'll be comfy yet festive.

(1) Dark Star Sequin Popover Top from J. Crew (2) Red Paige Denim Legging Pants (3) Sequin Isabel Sweatshirt from J. Crew (4) Blue Velvet Flared Pants from Bloomingdale's

New Year Dinner Party. Play dress up in a bold skirt or flowy dress for your New Years dinner party for a fun, but not too over-the-top, look.

(1) Fringed Lace Top from Anthropologie (2) Metallic Skirt from TopShop (3) Vintage Inspired Dress from Mango

Cocktail Party. The mini skirts and sequins on these dresses make them perfect for New Years and the long sleeves make them practical for a cold December night. Pair them up with tights and booties and a fur topper to keep extra warm.

(1) Aiden Mattox Long Sleeve Sequin Dress (2) Tadashi Shoji Sequin Ombre Dress

Black Tie New Year. The ultimate opportunity for dress up. If you're attending a black tie gala for new years, the sky's the limit. Go for sparkle, shine, bold colors and embellishments in a long number paired with high heels

(1) Aiden Mattox Long Sleeve Sequin Gown (2) Aiden Mattox Beaded Halter Gown

Shopping for Winter Coats

I recently talked about how I like to add at least one new pair of boots to my shoe wardrobe each season and I feel the same way about coats. During the winter months, I spend so much time in coats that I like to have options so I don't feel like I'm wearing the same thing every day. But contrary to how I feel about boots, I don't necessarily love coats. They often feel kind of boxy or boring and they hide my outfit! So, I'm always on the look out for interesting, colorful and fun coats. Here are a few of my favorite styles this winter.

1. Stand Collar: A stand collar is a fun, easy way to put a shot of today’s trends in your coat wardrobe. This coat will keep you stylish and snuggly. (pictured: Empire Coat from Mango)

2. Notch Collar: This classic coat is a smart stylish staple to keep in your coat wardrobe. To get a modern look, find this coat with unique details such as a ruffle notch collar, and you’ll be set for the winter. (pictured: Wool Maxi Coat from TopShop)

3. Classic Pea Coat: This coat is a great option for a casual weekend look. Keep your outfit simple and classic when wearing this coat to maintain its all-American look. (pictured: LL Bean Harvest Wool Pea Coat)

4. Cape: Capes and capelets were seen on all the runways for the winter. A coat this chic was made for a fashionista. You can wear it anywhere, from shopping with the girls to a chic party. (pictured: Hooded Cape from TopShop)

5. Faux Fur: Fur is back in full force, and can now be found in animal-friendly faux versions. Find a fur coat in a classic style, or a trendy one with unique details. When wearing a fur coat, keep your winter accessories fur-free. (pictured: Faux Fur Sleeve Wool Coat from TopShop)

6. Puffer Coat: Puffer coats are here to stay, and can now be found in bright attention-catching colors, with cute details, and in new styles. This coat with a contemporary take is great for having a fun day in the snow. (pictured: Relaxed Fit Anorak from Mango)

Holiday Gift Guide

It's time to start gift shopping for the holidays! Here are some of my favorite options for her, for him, for kids and for the home.

1. PJ Salvage Polka Dot Robe, $90 What gal doesn't love a stylish and cozy robe to snuggle up in during the winter months?

2. Eberjey's Cat's Meow Playsuit, $75 This romper is a fun combination of sweet, sophisticated and sexy.

3. Tokyo Bay "Claire" Pendant, Proper Topper, $73 I love giving unique jewelry, like this watch on a necklace

4. Vera Bradley Hanging Travel Organizer, $48 I (and all of my sisters!) travel with this fun Vera Bradley bag. You can pick your favorite print and add some colorful whimsy to your travels. Added bonus - you can easily fit tons of products in here!

5. Ugg Slipper, $100 My feet are always cold so I love a good slipper to pad around in during the winter.

6. Michael Kors Croc Embossed Tote, $398 There's nothing sexier than a man who gifts a woman with a stylish handbag.

7. Rosette Box Clutch, $108 This clutch will be perfect to carry on New Year's Eve

1. Vintage Leather Flask, The Hour Shop, $80 Men always love gifts related to alcohol. The leather and gold on this flask is so manly.

2. Charles Dickens Leather Bound Classics, $18 Entertain the man in your life with a gift that's intellectual and good looking.

3. Thomas Pink Cuff Links, $130 I love a man in cuff links.

4. High Definition Headphones, $299.95 Give these to your honey and you won't have to listen to his music anymore.

5. TOMS, $53.95 These wool TOMS are perfect for the holiday season.

6. Michael Kors Watch, $250 A great watch is a classic gift for men. Give him a stylish one that he wouldn't pick out for himself.

7. Thomas Pink Socks, $25 A great stocking stuffer to get him out of the same old black socks he wears every day.

1. Kids Little Creatures Red Suede, $79 I'm obsessed with these little boots.

2. Cubebot, Proper Topper, $30 This wooden robot can be turned and twisted in tons of ways. Almost as much fun for adults as kids!

3. Razor Jr. Lil' Kick Scooter, $35 Any kid would love scootin' around on this scooter.

4. Constructive Eating Utensil Set, $17.50 These are great for kids who love to play with their food.

5. Stuffed Animals, $38 These stuffed animals are so cool.

6. Little Packrats Dino Backpack, Proper Topper, $38 The dinosaur on this lunch box has his own mask to wear. So fun.

7. I Had a Favorite Dress book, $16.95 Love this book about a budding fashion plate.

1. Kitchen Magic Spiral Whisk, $8; Yaritza Apron, $38 These are great for your favorite chef. Who says you can't be stylish while you cook?

2. Script and Posy Dinnerware, $10-$18 A great gift for your favorite hostess.

3. Stump Teapot, Tabletop DC, $24 I love how this adds some color to the kitchen, where most appliances are black and silver.

4. Multi-Color Bangle Frame, $19.95 Great frame at a great price.

5. Gold Trim Pitcher Set, set of 7, The Hour Shop, $220 The Hour has so many cool vintage cocktail items, it's a great source for men, women and hostesses.

Shopping for Boots

If you know me at all, you know I live for boots in the fall. I usually add one new pair of boots to my collection each season, often after Christmas when things start to go on sale, but if you can't wait, check out these fabulous options from a story I styled in today's Express paper (pick up your copy at any metro station today!). This season, I'm really into booties and am on the hunt for the perfect pair of black, wedge ankle booties that I can pair with leggings and skinny jeans as an alternative to all of my knee high boots. Which ones are your favorite?

Bettye Muller Bootie, Sassanova, $295

1. Inkwood Riding Boot, Anthropologie $268

2. Lilly Bee's Convertible Riding Boots, Simply Soles $295

3. Kara Brown Fur Lined Boots, Zelaya Shoes $275

4. Lace Up Boots by Coconuts, ShoeFly $99

5. Hiking Inspired Booties, Anthropologie, $458

6. Couleur Poupre Ruffled Booties, ShoeFly $189

1. Beverly Feldman Rosette Boots, Periwinkle $425

2. Delman Flannel Riding Boots, Shoe Hive $595

3. Kickers Booties, ShoeFly $168

4. Galina Ankle Boots, Anthropologie $398

5. Chie Mihara Flower Bootie, Zelaya Shoes $395

6. Tsubo High Heeled Booties, Carbon $229

7. Sam Edelman Fringe Boot, Zelaya Shoes $195

8. Red Tory Burch Riding Boots, Sassanova $495

Fabulous Halloween!

Still looking for a last minute costume idea for this weekend? Try emulating one of your favorite fashion icons! It's hard to be stylish while dressed in a goofy costume, these ideas will keep you looking fashionable and still be appropriate for the costume party. Bonus: you may have many of these items already in your closet!

Costume Idea 1: Anna Wintour. This Vogue editor who inspired the boss in The Devil Wears Prada can always be seen in her large sunnies, fur and fabulous heels. You'll really pull the look off if you can find a blond bob wig to mimic her iconic hair style.

Look like Ann Wintour by throwing a fur jacket over your shoulders and wrap dress and adding fabulous heels, large sunglasses and a blond bob wig.

Costume Idea 2: Rachel Zoe. This stylist also loves fur and large sunglasses as well as sky high heels, wide leg pants and Starbucks. She also has a signature hair style in her wavy blonde locks.

One of Rachel's favorites is the fur vest. Layer it over a silk blouse, wide leg jeans, and the tallest heels you can find. Carry around an empty Starbucks cup and say things like "That is bananas!" and "I die" and no one will wonder who you are.

Have fun and be safe this weekend!

Handbag Envy

There's nothing that elevates your outfit more than a great handbag. The number one place for women to splurge is on the bag. I'd much rather see you all carrying a well made, stylish handbag with a Target dress than visa versa. I don't know about you, but every season, I crave a new handbag (I currently have my eye on this Tory Burch - I love the color!); it's the simplest way to change your overall look for the new season because you can carry it every day.

Below is a story I styled for the Washington Post Express paper - read on for the hottest handbag trends for fall.

1. Snakeskin Ellie Tahari available at Neiman Marcus

2. Chain Strap Elie Tahari available at Neiman Marcus

3. Zipper Detail Linea Pelle available at Ginger Boutique

4. Envelope Clutch Alexis Hudson available at Ginger Boutique

5. Colored Handbag Kate Spade

6. Wool Merona available at Target

7. Satchel Target
8. Animal Print Rebecca Minkoff available at Piperlime

9. Color Block Jason Wu available at Neiman Marcus

10. Printed Tory Burch available at The Shoe Hive

11. Cross-body CC Skye available at The Shoe Hive

What to Wear: Happy Hour

Colored skinny jeans are a big trend for fall. Try wearing them out for happy hour!

1. Roe Habitat Blouse from Anthropologie $168

2. Pilcro Serif Cords from Anthropologie $88

3. Metal Edged Bangle from Topshop $25

4. Floral Textured Flower Skinny Leather Belt from Topshop $32

5. Joe's 'Candy' Sandal from Nordstrom $224.95

Heading out to happy hour

top from Nordstrom junior's department, belt from Target, Pilcro

skinny pants from Anthropologie, thrifted bangle, MaxStudio heels

Fall Must-Haves

I set out to make a list of the top ten must-haves for fall but couldn't narrow it down so, it's a top eleven list. You, however, should narrow it down. Don't feel the need to go out and buy everything on this list, just pick 2-4 items that really speak to you to add a little freshness to your fall wardrobe.

1. Long pleated skirt: so feminine and ethereal; just remember to keep the pleats small and delicate not school girl-y
2. Navajo inspired prints: we often see tribal prints on trend but this season we're seeing some unique Navajo and western inspired ones
3. Cape: such a fun layering option
4. Colored jeans: these usually look best in a skinny version
5. Striped sweater: such a great weekend option paired with jeans
6. Color-blocked handbag: a unique option, choose a classic shape with two or more tones
7. Wedge ankle boot: great with a pair of wide leg jeans
8. Fur trimmed coat: or you can go with a fur trimmed cardigan
9. Stacked heel boot: all the height with none of the hurt, stacked heels are much more comfy than stilettos
10. Chunky knit sweater: so cozy!
11. Slim, cropped pant : pair with flats a la Audrey Hepburn or roll up the bottom and pair with a stacked heel

Article is reprinted from my fall newsletter. If you are not signed up for my seasonal e-newsletter, sign up below now!

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Shopping for Missoni at Target

That's right, you read that correctly: Missoni has created a line for Target! This is probably one of the biggest designer collaborations Target has ever done. The 400 piece collection will hit stores (and online) on September 13 and I have a feeling these things are going to go fast. Here are some of my favorites:

The swimsuit is adorable, the maxi and long cardigan, while a little matchy-matchy together would be great individual pieces and I would wear that cape/cardigan with an all black outfit or jeans all winter.

If you're intimidated by Missoni's sometimes loud prints, take a baby step with some accessories. Prediction: those flats will be one of the first things to sell out and the printed bobby pins are to die for!

There are even pieces for men and kids. I'm loving these ties. And this jacket and rain boots are so adorable for a little girl.

I'm actually most excited about some of the pieces for the home. I would buy everything pictured above.

And how can you resist this bicycle?! I rarely ride a bike and this one might motivate even me to hop on two wheels more often.

Happy shopping and let me know what you score!

Photos courtesy of Target via Fashionista.com The line is not on the Target website yet but follow that link to see a preview of the entire collection.

Embrace Your Personal Style

I recently started reading the book Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style by Kate Betts and I am really touched by her message. She uses Michelle as an example but the book is mainly about the power of personal style and she's managed to articulate the way I feel about style better than I think I ever have. The opening paragraph of her book is as follows:

"In many cultures - French, Italian, Russian, and Japanese, to name a few - why style matters is self-evident and arguing in defense of it is like arguing on behalf of music or art or even clean water and fresh air. But Americans are ambivalent about style. We are by turns attracted to and afraid of style, fascinated and suspicious. We confuse it with transient fashion trends and logo-splashed clothes. Too often American women subvert their sense of style and don a uniform instead. They play it safe so as not to detract from their intellecual contributions. Style is frivolous; style is for airheads. Tenacious conventions pit style against substance and suggest we have to choose one or the other as a defining focus or sensibility: you can work for shoes and bags or you can work for world peace. But not both."

I sometimes worry that other people think what I do is superficial or frivolous and I have to stop and remind myself that I don't think it's silly. I think style can be so powerful. There is a quote that I believe is from Chanel and I cannot find it at the moment but it says something to the effect of, your clothes do not change who you are but they can change how you feel and that, in turn, can change who you are. Feeling good in what you wear and how you look can give you confidence, which can change your life. Once you've changed your life and are happy in it, you can move on to changing and improving the world around you. You can have fabulous shoes and bags and world peace. Plus, it's just nice to be surrounded by beauty. It's part of human nature to be attracted to things that are visually appealing and we all tend to be happier and more relaxed when we're surrounded by things that comfort us and that we find attractive. So, don't worry that the people at the office won't take you seriously or that your intelligent friends will think you're silly for dressing with style. In fact, the confidence you gain by doing so will make people stop, think again and take you seriously for you who are and what you have to contribute.

I Can Relate: A Personal Shopper's Tale of Shopping Frustration

My fiance and I have been working on our wedding registry lately and after several slightly overwhelming trips to Crate and Barrell, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Bloomingdale's, I had an epiphany: I finally truly understand how my clients must feel when they're shopping for clothes because I feel the same way trying to shop for housewares. I don't really enjoy it as much as shopping for clothes, I don't really get excited about water glasses or toasters, I don't feel like I have all the information I need to shop efficiently and successfully so I end up spending a lot of time trying to figure it out and I don't really have as good a sense of style for my home because there's definitely a different approach to things you use everyday than items you can change multiple times a day if you feel like it. But, at the same time, it's important to me to have things that work well for my home and add a sense of style to my life. I could really use someone to just come in and tell me: what is the best cookware brand for the best price? Where is the best place to shop for china? What kitchen appliances do I really need? What is my personal home style?

This made me think about what I do for my clients. When my clients first come to me, they generally don't like to shop that much, they don't have the information they need to shop efficiently and successfully, and they don't have a good sense of their personal style or what works well for their bodies and lifestyle. I help my clients figure out where to splurge and where to save, what are the best brands for the best price, where is the best place to shop for jeans, which items of clothing and accessories they really need and what is their personal style? I walk them through the process so they don't have to spend time figuring it out on their own.

I know it would save me a ton of time and money if I had a personal shopper to help walk me through this process of shopping for my home. This is a whole new shopping experience for me.

The Search for the In Between: Walkable Wedges

I'm always looking for those 'in between' pieces for my wardrobe: things that are not too dressy but not too casual, stylish but comfortable too, things that can go from day to night, be worn to work and on the weekend. These are the things that my clients have the hardest time with. They're always telling me they need more versatile pieces and the key to versatility in your wardrobe is to go for the in between; look for pieces that are not too work but not too weekend, not too day but not too evening, not too trendy but not unstylish. One of the categories I have the hardest time with is shoes, I find everything to be either a fabulous (and uncomfortable) high heel or a too casual flat. When I'm working with my clients, getting down and dirty in their closets or walking around the shops for six hours, it's not practical to wear a three inch heel but I also don't want to be in flip flops. So, join me on my search for some walkable wedges to get me through the rest of the season and into the beginning of fall. The ideal walkable wedge will give me at least a little bit of height without being too tall and will take me from a client appointment to dinner with friends to a weekend outing - AND they'll be in a neutral color so they'll match everything I own. Is that too much to ask for?

1. Clarks Thimble Flash$65.50

2. Kelsi Dagger Kassa $66.75

3. Giuseppe Zanotti Design $510

4. Enzo Angiolini Lamella $69

5. Michael Michael Kors Flex Demi Wedge $89

6. Clarks Thimble Clover Sandal $71.99

What to Wear: A Day at the Beach

1. Icon Eyewear "Maureen" Sunglasses from Nordstrom $10
2. Beach Linen Pull-on Pant from Victoria's Secret $27.60
3. Slung Scarf Tank from Anthropologie $88
4. Giovannio Fedora from South Moon Under $28
5. Green Bikini Top $25 and Bottom $15
6. Havaianas Slim Flip Flops from Zappos $24

Fourth of July weekend at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
thrifted top, Melissa Odabash pants from Everything but Water, fedora picked
up on a Greek island, shades from Nordstrom, thrifted bangles

I'm Still Here!

I have been so busy with my wonderful clients over the past year that my blog has been on bit of a hiatus. I just wanted to send a quick note that I am still here! I am still sending out newsletters periodically so please sign up to the right if you are not on that list. And I hope to get back into blogging again soon. Please let me know if there is anything you'd like to see more of on this blog in the future.

Thanks!

Cathy Phillips