Spring Trend: Pastels

I'm styling a photo shoot this Friday on pastels, for the Washington Post, and I'm just loving the pieces I'm finding! I'll share the story with you when it comes out but here's a sneak peek at the trend. The best thing about these new pastels is that they are a more bold, candy colored hue than your usual pastels so they work for more skin tones. Pair these pastels with...more pastels! And accessorize with nudes and neutrals.

1. Goldsign Cropped High Rise Skinny Jean

2. DVF Silk Blend Bow Blouse

3. Jil Sander Cashmere Sweater

4. Juicy Couture Cropped Low-rise Skinny Jeans

5. Miu Miu Bandeau Swimsuit

6. Kate Spade New Bond Street Florence Handbag

7. Tibi Tapered Silk Crepe Pants

8. Tibi Pleated Silk-crepe Maxi Skirt

9. Dipped Rosedusk Peep Toes

Shopping by Neighborhood: Arlington, Virginia

As a personal shopper, one of the most common questions I receive is, "where are your favorite places to shop?" My fav shopping spots are local boutiques, both at home and when I travel, because you can often find more unique pieces than at the chain stores. So, I though I would share some of my favorite local boutiques, starting with my own neighborhood, Arlington, Virginia. I'll continue to share my favorite shops by neighborhood throughout the year.

South Moon Under. While technically a chain (they have about 15 locations, mostly in the DC area, Delaware, Pennsylvania), the Clarendon location is right up the road from me and my go to boutique within walking distance. They always have a good selection of trendy pieces to work into my wardrobe as well as a good selection of skinny pants (my personal favorite) and jeans.

ShoeFly. Though a shoe store, I generally pop in here for the jewelry. They always have very unique pieces from local and independent designers that I've never seen anywhere else.

Current Boutique. My neighborhood consignment store, this is where I consign my clothes after a closet edit and I often end up walking out with a new piece after dropping off the old pieces.

Periwinkle. The Shirlington location (there's also one in Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor) is my go to for fun and inexpensive jewelry. I always get compliments on the pieces I buy here. Also a good resource for dresses, both dressy and casual, and my favorite t-shirt brand, Lilla P.

Gossip on 23rd. The recently expanded boutique only carries pieces that are under $100. A great place for an inexpensive pick me up dress or top. I always find fun accessories here too.

Covet. This hidden gem is a great place to browse unique jewelry and gifts. There's also a thrift/antique store in the same building that's fun to pop into while you're over there.

Let me know if I missed one of your favorites!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Day is such a lovely holiday, an opportunity to tell the people we care about that we love and appreciate them. And who doesn't love a pink, red or heart shaped gift?

Happy Valentine's Day!

1. Givenchy 'Dahlia Noir' Eau de Toilette. The most beautiful perfume bottle. You can feel free to leave this one on the bathroom counter.

2. Kate Spade iPad Sleeve. Love the sweet polka dots!

3. Hanky Pank Low Rise Signature Lace Thongs. The absolute best underwear that exist. All wrapped up in a sweet heart shaped box.

4. Vosges Exotic Truffle Heart Collection. Skip the candy aisle at Walgreen's and go for the good stuff!

5. Toms Canvas Shoes. Lovin' the Valentine's themed Toms.

6. In Bloom by Jonquil 'Be Mine' Sheer Pajama Set. Sexy and sweet.

7. Other People's Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See by Bill Shapiro. You'll find at least one love letter in this book that you can relate to and enjoy the voyeuristic aspect as you read.

8. Armani Exchange Men's Watch. Don't be afraid to give a Valentine's themed gift to your man too. He'll love this red watch and think of you every time he wears it.

9. Mary Kay Brush Collection. What gal doesn't love a good set of make up brushes?

What are your favorite Valentine's gift ideas?

New Year Cleaning

Forget spring cleaning, the beginning of a new year is a great time to get organized. I'm sure you've added more stuff to your closet over the holidays and with the cold and quiet days of January looming before you, it's a good time to spend an afternoon cleaning out your closet. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. EDIT

If you don't like wearing something, get rid of it. If you don't feel good in an item, you're not going to wear it, so just get rid of it. This includes tops that you're always tugging at, colors that don't make you feel good, pants that always bug you because they're a tiny bit too short or too low or too tight. There's a reason why you don't wear certain things, even if you don't know what it is, so just toss it. This includes things that you spent a lot of money on, it doesn't matter how much you spent on it if it's not working for you. Go with your gut. I find that most of my clients already have the right instincts, but have a hard time purging on their own.

If something doesn't fit you, get it out of your closet. For the most part, if something doesn't fit you, get rid of it. If you know you're going to be gaining or losing weight in the next three to six months, it might be OK to hang on to a few items that you really love and that would be hard to replace. If this is the case though, you still need to get these items out of your closet - put them in a box under the bed or in a guest room closet. You should only have items in your closet that you can put on tomorrow.

If an item is worn out or damaged, toss it or fix it. If an item is just worn out, it has to go, no matter how much you love it. If it's something that can be repaired, pull it out of your closet and don't put it back in until it's wearable.

2. ORGANIZE

Group like with like. Now that you've purged everything you don't love and wear, it's time to get organized. Start by grouping like items with like - put all your pants together, all short sleeve tops together, all skirts, etc. Within each category, organize by color from light to dark. The more you can store on hangers, the better. It's much easier to see what you have when it's hanging than when it's in drawers. Use non-slip Huggable Hangers for sweaters to avoid pulling.

Don't compartmentalize. You'll get more wear out of your wardrobe if you avoid compartmentalizing items - for example, separating work shirts and weekend shirts. Most likely, 80% of your shirts could be worn either to work or on the weekend depending on what you pair it with. Also, don't limit yourself by separating spring and fall clothes because most can transition throughout the year. With your clothes doing double duty, you'll find you have increased your wardrobe without buying a thing.

Organize accessories. If you can't see something, you're never going to wear it. Display accessories so that you can see what you have. Store jewelry in stackable trays or hang necklaces on hooks on the wall. Line up shoes on shelves or shoe racks (not in boxes) so you can easily see all of your options.

3. DONATE/CONSIGN/TRASH

Donate. Donate most of what you get rid of. Goodwill and Salvation Army are great places to donate your clothes for a good cause.

Consign. Consign pieces that are still in good condition, up-to-date and no more than three to five years old. This is a good option for those quality pieces that just don't fit you anymore. Keep in mind that most consignment stores are picky and will not take everything you have. You won't usually get a fortune for your clothes but you might get a little and you can put it toward updating your closet.

Toss. Trash anything that is in bad condition, has holes, etc. Or lingerie items that can't be donated. Just, literally, put them in the trash bin.

4. ENJOY!

Now that your closet only contains pieces that you love, wear and that fit and flatter you, you're going to love getting dressed in the morning. And you'll have more fun accessorizing now that you can see everything you have. Enjoy!

And if all of this feels too overwhelming for you, call me and I'll walk you through it.

Fashion Washington Winter 2011

I had so much fun styling this story for the winter issue of Fashion Washington! Happy new year! Full issue here.

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)