Eye-4-Style

Alice & Olivia

Fortune Cookie Dress

A chic, head-turning silk look crafted with wide pleating below the waist that adds dimension and drama to the skirt. Princess seaming adds a tailored finish.

Left click on Christian Louboutin at Saks. Saks is working hard to bring the merchandise to us, on line, where we have a better feel for the items and how they would look.  Love it!

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’m excited about Prada’s 2010 Resort Line featured at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Also check out these cute Spring bags:

           Prada Saffiano Print Roll Bag

         Prada Foulard-Print Roll Bag

I like these prints and can see these bags being “the accessory” with your all white, black or yellow outfit. Fun !

NARS was developed in 1994 by Francois Nars and is a terrific makeup line. I’m a follower due to its highly pigmented color and sleek black presentation. I’ve had  knowledgeable makeup artists develop combinations for me that work well with my skin color and enhance my green eyes. NARS National Artist Lisa LeSeur put together a new color palette for me this day which I really like. I bought new eye shadows, eye liner, blush and lipsticks. It’s a nice change and a softer lip color. I met Lisa LeSeur at the NARS counter at Nordstrom at the International Plaza in Tampa, Florida.  Brandi Perkins with NARS at Saks in Naples is my usual go-to girl, but when Brandi told me Lisa LeSeur would be coming for the NARS event, I was anxious to see what Lisa had in mind for me. Get to know your “makeup artists” because if they are familiar with you, they know what will work for you. They even let me know when new colors come in that they think will work for me. I’m still one that picks up a cosmetic or two at the drug stores, but I’m the most satisfied when I can try the makeup and have an expert help me!

I’m excited about attending the 52nd annual Grammy Awards on January 31, Twenty-Ten, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles! Trying to keep my luggage to a minimum (oh no… the shoes alone!), I’ll have to choose the wardrobe carefully. It’s a jam-packed weekend and the outfit for the “Red Carpet” is ready to go. I’m not second-guessing my choice, but I liked these flirty-edgy dresses that Saks Fifth Avenue has to offer.   My shoes are Christian Louboutin and I’ll talk about my dress on a later post. So whether you’re going to the Grammys or not, here are great choices for the fun cocktail party or event you have coming up!

Haute Hippie     

with Jimmy Choo sandals

Robert Rodriguez       

with Christian Louboutin booties

  Haute Hippie Strapless

with Jimmy Choo patent sandals

If you’re up early on Dec 26th, check out your nearest Saks Fifth Avenue.  From 8 am to noon, take an additional 50% off reduced prices for a total of up to 70% off! After noon, you’ll get 40% off already reduced prices.  I’ve checked this out in years past and it’s one terrific sale!l 

In the Nordstrom men’s department yesterday, I heard they’re having a big sale on the 26th.  Also, double points throughout the store. Go get ‘em!

If you’re still looking for the perfect party dress for Christmas or New Year’s, click on Saks link to check out great options.  What is very helpful with Saks’ site: rest your curser on the dress and you’ll see front and back views.  This is extremely helpful when figuring out undergarments, etc.  Fa la la la la ! 

Forgot to mention, Saks has an excellent site.  Just blogged about their Rock The Party outfits.  Wanted to mention, if you rest your curser on the outfit, the “model” will show you the back of the outfit.  Like the 7 For All Mankind blue silk ruffle top, rest your curser on the top.  Surprise!  Such cool back detail.  SOLD!

Sometimes you want an edgier look.  It’s the venue; the crowd; your attitude that weekend.  Here are great ideas from Saks on how to pull off that look.  Have fun!