Eye-4-Style

A friend of mine wears fabulous blouses that look like she just put them on, even at 5:00 pm! She told me they are Brooks Brothers Non-Iron blouses. A real no-iron shirt? She swears by them. Recent shopping on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach brought me to Brooks Brothers and I decided it was time to check it out. The blouses come in various styles and colors. I purchased a fitted non-iron stretch long navy (which I’m wearing with black leggings) and a light lavender blouse. A blouse is so versatile with jackets, cardigans and accessories. You can dress it up or down. I’ll report later how well I think the non-iron works. I’m a fussy dresser and iron just about everything, so this will be the true test! My friend is enthusiastic about them so I’m anxious to try them out.

Interesting map of New York City in Brooks Brothers on Worth Avenue

Worth Avenue is like a dream; beauty all around. The merchandise in the shops is breath-taking and the scenery of the Avenue is gardeners’ artwork.

This is window shoppers eye candy but lunch and shopping are definitely a must! 

The purses in Gucci were show stoppers and worth a second look.  I found the perfect summer bag!

I’m a curious person and like to know what people think; what their habits are. It is interesting to me that some people are very rigid in their habits. They may never set foot in Saks Fifth Avenue or Neiman Marcus. They won’t buy from catalogs because of returns. They only shop at Target or Macy’s because they think they can’t afford or won’t find anything in a boutique or higher-end store. I say, don’t limit your choices. There are possibilities everywhere!

I’m a big catalog or on-line shopper. I like seeing clothing on models as it’s easier to visualize the outfit on my body. The larger retailers have made returning items very easy. You usually have a return label and an amount is deducted from your return amount. When I calculate time and gas, the amount to return the item is less than what I’d spend on the streets. Just be sure to try on the items right away; keep the original packaging; package the item the original way best as possible; return as quickly as possible. I’ve ordered a lot and returned a lot. I’ve also kept a lot. It is worth it to me when the stores I’m ordering from are further away or “on-line” has so much more to offer.

I enjoy going to the boutiques on Oak Street in Chicago. I purchased items from Juicy Couture and Kate Spade when I was there last November. They are fun to visit but there is a limited amount of space available to display their wares. If your time is limited, I’d go to Nordstrom or Saks, Bloomingdales, Macy’s. They will have your favorite designers and all under one roof. When I visit Chicago, I plan my time carefully. Some boutiques with some department stores. Also, Ralph Lauren on Michigan Avenue is a must. You will see it all in their flagship store. While some labels are out of reach for the average consumer, it is an adventure to see the fabrics and designs they are offering. Believe me, you will see that filter down to your price level in a different fabric, but it makes you aware of what is out there and a better-informed consumer. Also, RL (the adjacent restaurant) has the best cosmos I’ve had anywhere!

I remember many years ago when we were in San Francisco. My daughter and I visited the “high-end” stores to relish in the beautiful fabrics and displays. She is able to fit into larger children’s’, women’s petites and juniors. We had several departments to visit and there are always sales. We ended up buying some gorgeous clothing at wonderful prices. We paid the same prices we would have at Target or Bon-Ton stores or Macy’s. You just have to have an open mind and “hunter/gatherer” intuitiveness to search out what you’re looking for.  Don’t be afraid: Go there!  If you need help, contact me and I can help you reorganize your closet or shop for your spring/summer wardrobe.

I’ve wanted to blog about this night and maybe this is in time for your New Year’s Eve plans. I was invited to the Nordstrom Christmas Party at Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida, where we were met with champagne, wine and delicious hors’oeuvres . I was able tackle my shopping list and had a grand time while doing so! Anyway, what to wear to this event? I went digging in the closet. Sometimes you hold on to a dress because it’s easy to wear, easy to launder and feels great. I brought out a Laundry by Shelli Segal dress that I’ve had for …well…, let’s just say it’s been a while.  I’d been to Chicago 10 days before the party and at Nordstrom bought a great pair of black Christian Dior heels that are fabulous as well as comfortable.  Juicy by Juicy Couture on Oak Street had fun stockings and leggings and I paired these new purchases with my “back of the closet” dress. The John Hardy earrings and bracelet didn’t overwhelm the look and the little eggplant Prada purse added a nice touch. The whole outfit was a big hit and compliments confirmed I did a good job. So if you haven’t picked up a new outfit for your New Year’s Eve party, maybe it’s time to go shopping in your closet!

“Holiday” dress can be just that: it will be stored in the closet until next Christmas.  I decided to change that this year after catching sight of these beautiful Kate Spade shoes on Oak Street in Chicago.  I ended up buying the display shoes as the last size 7 in the shop and I felt like I was stealing away with a bounty of gold.  They are enough “bling” to be dressed up but look great with a casual outfit.  I wore them with a black Missoni dress for more intimate holiday gatherings;  “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans” capris , a white and fuchsia-sequined tank with a navy v-neck short sleeve BCBG sweater make a great day outfit; black sheath with opaque tights and dressy earrings put together a special night time outfit. I was able to use these shoes over and over again with what I already had in my closet, and I’ll bring them out periodically throughout the year.  One pair of shoes with so many options!

You’re checking over your list: CD’s; shirt; scarf; perfume; book; earrings. You shop for the item for the recipient, but you’ll choose what YOU like best, unless you are given very specific parameters.  So what can happen?  One for her, one for me!  Do you exceed your Christmas budget because you’re out there; whether scouring catalogs, internet or stores, and faced with more retail and sales than you probably encounter all year?  It’s tempting to like the “gift” so much you buy one for yourself too.  So what do you do?

Realize from the start you’re going to be tempted; retailers spend a lot of time and money to make displays attractive.  Unless you have a super strong resolve, it’s hard to put blinders on and zone in on the one particular gift you are looking for.  Also, when you’ve been out for hours, exhausted and now looking forward  to a night of wrapping, it isn’t all bad to have picked up the movie you’ve wanted (on sale of course) to watch while wrapping! Include a little extra for yourself in Christmas savings throughout the year.  If you’re on a limited budget, cut out a few shopping trips during the summer/fall knowing you’ll be out there in full force for Christmas shopping.  With a little prior planning, the “should I or shouldn’t I” will be less of an issue! 

We are in the thick of it as we count down the days. Here at Nordstrom at the International Plaza in Tampa, surroundings are festive but not overdone. It helps keep you focused on your list at hand.  The sales staff is very helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for help or ideas. Always take advantage of the staff’s knowledge at any store. I find they want to help and are happy to be kept busy.  They also know good sale items or the best deals.   

I went to Chicago’s Gold Coast, Michigan Avenue,  on Saturday, November 21st, for a day of taking in big-city energy, shopping, seeing the sites and people-watching.  Unbeknownst to us, it was Christmas parade and tree lights day.  By 4:00 pm, you could not walk on the sidewalks of Michigan Avenue!  We’d been in Nordstrom for several hours and wanted to stop by Ann Taylor.  We maneuvered out the back of Nordstrom and side streets to Ann Taylor.  I was able to relax in a big arm chair and watch the parade while my friend was in the fitting rooms.  She ended up buying several nice pieces she’ll use this holiday season. The salespeople were very knowledgeable and so cheerful!  One of the salespeople, a young man, had a great sense of humor and really knew his business! Good going Ann Taylor ! Things were hopping and holiday party-dressing needs accomplished!  We finished shopping as the parade was over and the parade crowd dispersed. The street was glowing with lights and smiling faces.  Here are a few pictures from my phone of the “after parade” party.

Animal print is in but it’s truly a classic.  While it’s best not to overdue it, Ralph Lauren displays a lovely flowing dress in an all-over print that is elegant and fresh.  This would be a great addition to your closet for so many occasions.  This black dress is another example of why we love black dresses!

These dresses are displayed at the Macy’s at Coastland Center, Naples, Florida.

Can’t find that special top you’re looking for?  Check out Bergdorf Goodman’s suggestions and you won’t be disappointed!