Trust Your Style

california cool: arnold zimberg women's shirt give-away!

2009-12-09T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hope you're staying warm tonight! You certainly will in this cheery Arnold Zimberg shirt!

As promised, I'm back with today's give-away. One lucky TrustYourStyle reader is going to win this shirt that captures of essence of "California cool" with it's supremely worn-in feel...achieved through an enzyme treatment process unique to the Zimberg brand. Deemed the best washed shirt in the industry, Zimberg's painstaking attention to detail also includes dual fabircation on the inside of the cuff and collar and iconic Zimberg velvet piping on the seams.

For a chance to win this yummy festive shirt, just leave a comment below. Again, it doesn't matter if you've entered the other give-aways or have won before. These give-aways are dependent on the luck of the draw! Win an extra entry by following Trustyourstyle on Twitter or via Networked Blogs on Facebook!

rocking ruffles

2009-12-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

Love this couple from Ruffled blog--so very cool & stylish!

I have to say, the tweet life agrees with me.

What I like about it is than an instant, I have a quick link from somebody whose blog I already read, recommending things--mostly other blogs that I would otherwise never know about. (The other day someone, pretty sure it was Anne at The City Sage) tweeted about this great wedding on Ruffled Blog. I wouldn't usually follow a wedding blog, but this one has mesmerized me. Every day it's just better and better!

Oh no she didn't! Love this hat on her--I want one!

If you're up for some fun, follow me here or by clicking on the "follow me" button just up on the top of the right hand side of this page. Oh, and in case you missed the tweet: I'm over at Senora Cartera today talking about how to rock a red Prada bag or why I adore Nicole Kidman's style.

p.s. I have not forgotten my promise, there will be another give-away later today! In the meantime, make sure to enter this week's Pastry or Chocolate Nail polish give-aways. It doesn't matter if you've entered or won before--this week is all about indulging! Extra entries if you follow me on twitter or facebook!

have your chocolat & wear it too! jessica chocolat collection give-away

2009-12-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was all about Pastry and today is trustyourstyle's calorie-free giveaway for choco lovers. Even better, it's a sneak peek of JESSICA Cosmetics new Chocolat collection of six scrumptious neutrals inspired by everyone's guilty pleasure.

The NYT dubbed Jessica Vartoughian "The First Lady of Nails" and I can see why. Her line of JESSICA polishs is one of my favorites--it's brilliant and long-lasting. So here's what one lucky tys winner will receive:

The Chocolat collection:

* Hot Fudge – dark cocoa shimmer

* Double Dipped – milk chocolate luster

* Chocolate Passion –brown at its best

* Guilty Pleasures – light and creamy

* Sweet Tooth – taupe and toffee

* Creamy Caramel – the name speaks for itself

To enter to win this delicious new palette of nail colors just leave a comment below with your email address in case you win! You have a week to comment and you'll automatically be entered to win a second time if you click on the right hand button to follow trustyourstyle on facebook or twitter.

love pastry? check out today's give-away!

2009-12-07T05:17:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd kick off the week with a little something to keep you warm during the wild and wooley shopping days of December.

Today's TrustYourStyle Holiday Give-away is a pair of Sasha or Dolcezza Boots from Pastry as sported by Vanessa Simmons at NY Fashion Week. One lucky trustyourstyle winner can pick between the Sasha or the Dolcezza, both in either pink or black!

Pastry is the newest venture from fashionistas Angela and Vanessa Simmons--daughters of legendary hip-hop artist Rev. Run of Run DMC and the stars of the hit MTV Reality Shows "Run's House" and "Daddy’s Girls". You can check out more of their line at lovepastry.com.

To enter the contest leave a comment about why you'd love a pair of Pastry Sasha or Dolcezza Boots (and make sure to leave your email address so I can get in touch with you if you're the winner). It doesn't matter if you've entered a million TrustYourStyle give-aways or are visiting for the first time. The winner will be drawn from a very pretty hat!

p.s. Win an extra entry by following trustyourstyle on Twitter or signing up to follow trustyourstyle on Facebook (via the button at the top right) and make sure to tell me in your comment that you did.

it's monday: come on in!

2009-12-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

photo via tumblr

Good morning! Hoping you had a great weekend. Mine was pretty relaxing (except for the part where I decided to rearrange the furniture). On Sunday I filled the house with bouquets of rosemary, lavender and roses, and it smells wonderful. If you were here, I'd invite you in for a steaming cup of coffee and a nice pastry. Pastry is one of my big weaknesses! I know, I know, pastry is the devil and your trainer is not going to recommend it. But I firmly believe life is too short to do without a good pastry once in awhile. And since we're on the subject of decadent delight, I have to warn you, this week I plan to spoil you, so keep reading...

To start, I'm announcing the winner of last week's Caswell-Massey soap and candle giveaway: it's Christina of Soul Aperture. How can you resist a girl who likes pink? I'd stumbled across Christina's blog long ago, and somehow never found my way back. Luckily I found it again and can't explain how much I'm loving her daily yummy (there's no other word) soulful thoughts. Check it out if you have a moment.

So here's the scoop: I have some new projects going on (I can't wait to tell you about them soon!) and since I'm going to be busier than usual this week and unable to put together any sort of gift-giving roundups, I thought I'd just start handing out gifts instead--yay! While I'm busy working, there's going to be a give-away for a lucky TrustYourStyle reader every day this week! I'll give you a hint, today's give-away is pastry related--without the calories.

Oh, and in case you haven't heard, I'm on twitter now, so please follow me and I'll follow you! There's also a facebook feed now (see top right-hand corner) to make it easier for those of you who want to follow trustyourstyle through networked blogs. I know most of you are following via google reader. One of these days soon I'll surprise you with an easy button for that too.

Stay tuned for today's give-away, coming right up!

i can stitch us together...

2009-12-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love this print by trufflegirls? I spied it over on Brown Button this morning (thanks Kimberly for the tip off!) and it fits my mood perfectly. I'm really here to wish you a wonderful weekend and announce that Dallas Shaw is the winner of the SNUG camisole giveaway. Be sure and scroll down to enter the Caswell-Massey giveaway by leaving a comment -- extra points for following me on facebook or twitter -- the winner will be announced Monday!

There's more surprises coming your way, so please check in again soon! And if you're in the mood, I'd love to know what you think of fashionista Desiree Rogers (see post below).

desiree rogers: the penalty for shining too brightly

2009-12-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Desiree Rogers in Commes des Garcons on the night of the state dinner

When fashion and politics collide, it's rare that there's ever much controversy, but ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts! We are at the center of the sun as far as high fashion and the U.S. presidency is concerned--it's hot, loud, and nasty...and dear readers: I want you to weigh in!

The party-crashing Salahis have made a mess of the Obama's first state dinner. Tempers are flaring, accusations are flying, and fingers are being pointed, mostly at couture-loving Desiree Rogers. For starters, if you've ever wondered what a journalist going in for the kill on a press secretary looks like, check out this video:

Maureen Dowd at the NYT kicked things off, announcing 'Desirée Rogers, who has also been asked to testify Thursday, has been cruising for a bruising since telling The Wall Street Journal in April: "We have the best brand on Earth: the Obama brand. Our possibilities are endless." She wanted to pose for The Journal in an Oscar de la Renta gown in the first lady’s garden, but the press secretary, Robert Gibbs, vetoed that...Instead of standing outside with a clipboard, eyeballing guests as Anne Hathaway did in “The Devil Wears Prada,” Desirée was a guest at the dinner, the center of her own table of guests, just like the president and first lady.'

Jacob Heilbrunn at The Huffington Post wonders if "the moment to oust the Harvard MBA-toting, Chicago socialite, Vogue cover girl, Commes des Garcons-wearing social secretary has arrived..." But another Huffington Post writer, Sam Stein, details how friends and colleagues defend Desiree Rogers.

Robin Givhan at The Washington Post infers that Rogers' social status and wealth is possibly at the heart of the matter: "Long before their ascent, she was a star in Chicago society, running with the city's elite...The Obamas were the nice couple from the South Side. She was a cut above. And now she has a job in which she is expected to serve at their pleasure."

Here's where TrustYourStyle weighs in on the whole thing:

* The color of Desiree's Commes des Garcons gown aside (it was peach); is Desiree Rogers at fault for not having better security in place? If so, then how much trouble should she actually be in?

* tys doesn't feel that a social secretary being seated at the table is a problem, especially since eye-witness and former Clinton social secretary now the U.S. chief of protocol, Capricia Marshall, says Desiree was busy working and was seated all of 5 minutes.

* Is the fact that Desiree Rogers is tall, beautiful, and well-dressed a good reason to take her down! (said in your best world wrestling federation voice)?

* Detractors are only too happy to point out how she tries to steal the limelight from Michelle Obama. What? because she posed for a WSJ spread wearing beautiful couture and likes to hit up fashion shows? So the woman has good taste. There hasn't been a First Lady in decades who takes as many fashion risks as Michelle Obama and she is the first First Lady ever to promote so many young lesser-known designers. Talk about two women with very different styles who have and trust their own style. In case you hadn't noticed, that's the title of this blog and the name of the game in my book.

Okay, I open it up. Let's hear what you lovely readers have to say!

first ever mary jo matsumoto handbag sale: 50% off!

2009-12-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

In the flurry of announcing that my new bag collection is available online, I completely forgot to mention more exciting news: the Mary Jo Matsumoto Infinity Clutch (it comes in a rainbow of colors) is now on sale for 50% off! This is our first sale and quantities are extremely limited. My online store is offering free shipping for both the sale and new bag collection within the U.S.

{For what it's worth, I love this bag and have it in every color. It's based on a vintage bag from the 50s and is a true classic. Plus you can really fit a lot into it!}

Just click over to maryjomatsumoto.com to visit the sale! Happy shopping!

new mary jo matsumoto classic collection available online!

2009-12-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

The MJM Knot Clutch. {Faux Fur Bolero lined in silk charmeuse, wool pants coming soon to our online store. Feel free to email me for more details}.

While I was gone I stayed busy during my down time working on the launch of our e-commerce site. I'm excited because my new group of handbags, the Mary Jo Matsumoto Classic Collection, is now available for purchase online! Click here to view the new bags or go to MaryJoMatsumoto.com to explore.

We're still in the process of updating the Look Book and very soon the Women's Couture Clothing Collection will also be available online!

fresh return

2009-12-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

glimpses of Cal-A-Vie

I can't even begin to express how hard it is to be back this morning from Cal-A-Vie, truly the most wonderful spa I've ever been to. Every muscle in my body is sore but I feel great! I truly think the best part of going away on this kind of get-away is the fresh mindset you come back with. Yes, there's the extreme pampering from 5 star healthy low cal food to insanely blissful body and face treatments and 2-1 staff/guest ratio who are happy to meet your every need. But there's something about shocking the system with all kinds of new exercises and classes and meeting interesting new people (the handful of guests during my stay were mostly high-energy New Yorkers) that opens your mind up to new possibilities.

As promised, here are a few more photos from Cal-A-Vie:

The Great Room is dominated by the 18th-century tapestry commissioned by Louis XIV and 17th-century Italian candle holders. There are also beautiful 17th and 18th century French and Italian furniture pieces in the room.

Each guest has a beautiful Provencal-style room that feels like a small private home.

The decor in the spa is just heavenly! This photo is from the Jacuzzi area highlighting the Portugese trompe l’oeil mural in azure blue and white tiles depicting cherubs. Surrounding the mural is Provencal-style cabinetry in pale gray.

Feeling so blessed to have experienced this and happy to be back!

trust your style's caswell-massey giveaway!

2009-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

It seemed only fair that while I'm away at Cal-A-Vie being pampered beyond belief, that you lovely readers get to indulge too! Caswell-Massey has a new collection debuting for Valentine's Day called Fresh Cut Flowers. Are you a fan of this 257 year old brand like me? If so, we're in good company--fans through the centuries include George Washington, Katherine Hepburn, Judy Garland, Greta Garbo, JFK, Katie Holmes, Natalie Portman, and Zac Posen.

I thought you'd enjoy the opportunity to win the Fresh Cut Flowers Soap Dish and Bath Soap Set crafted with the natural moisturizing elements found in coconut and palm trees, (retails for $30), and the Fresh Cut Flowers Soy Candle, (retails for $32). Added bonus: the sweet pink and red packaging is so cheery--don't you think the combo is a pretty twist for the holidays? Please leave a comment below to be entered to win! Extra points if you also click on the "follow this blog" button (on the right side), which lets you read trustyourstyle on facebook.

gone

2009-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

I've slipped away to someplace that looks like an authentic village in Provence. The chapel in the distance was originally part of a Carmelite convent in Dijon, France, built in 1615. It was meticulously taken apart and reconstructed here in 2006.

I arrived yesterday at Cal-A-Vie, voted the #1 Destination Spa in Northern America by Travel & Leisure. So far it's been amazing, and I have to add, it's the only spa I've ever been to where the exercise pavilion is filled with 16th and 17th century French and Italian antiques...and a grand piano--totally gorgeous! I'll try and snap some photos because I have a feeling you'll love the decor too.

I'm heading out for the 6 am hike and looking forward to spending some time in the chapel where meditation class is taught. Cannot wait!

Hope all of you are having a great Monday--I miss you!

xo

eye on style: laura bryna on what to wear

2009-11-27T13:05:00.000-08:00

I can't think of a more stylish way to wrap up the week than with today's Eye on Style guest, Laura Bryna. You may have heard her opening for the likes of Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland, Tim McGraw and Emmylou Harris. Laura's also a major fashionista who just landed on the cover of the new Fall issue of Southern Beauty Magazine. Although she sings "I don't have a Thing to Wear" on her new CD, in real life that's hardly the case! Laura has a close friendship with Roberto Cavalli--he's made special pieces for her that she's worn on a number of red carpet occasions (CMA Awards, Grammys, etc.)

Laura Bryna

location: CMA Awards, Nashville, TN

occupation: International Recording Artist/Television Host

wearing: Dress and Purse are Roberto Cavalli. Dress is a collection/runway piece.

favorite designers: Roberto Cavalli and Claudio Milano (for Jeans). Claudio's jeans are simply funky, chic and push the envelope.

what style means to laura: Style is constantly changing and it's fun to be what you want to be in life and in the image you project. I like to experiment, change things up, and play with style. I like dressing like a woman and being a girly girl. Through and through I like having fun with style. I love fashion and the excitement of being bold with my style.

Thank you Laura for dropping by TrustYourStyle! I couldn't resist leaving you with a little sweet music for the weekend--enjoy!

{The song "I Don't Have A Thing to Wear" will be available on the 2010 release of Laura Bryna's "Trying to Be Me (Special Edition)" thru AGR Television Records.}

wishing you calm in the flurry

2009-11-27T12:07:00.000-08:00

Photo: Elias Wessel for Betsy Johnson via FashionGoneRogue

I wanted to wish you all a wonderful weekend as the temptation to shop till you drop begins. Hoping you find time to stay warm, cozy, and peaceful amid the chaos! I plan to catch up on some much needed beautiful blog-reading and hopefully find a moment to start Hanif Kureishi's Love in a Blue Time over the next few days.

In just a little bit, I'll be back with TrustYourStyle's first Eye on Style guest to have her own ringtones. Don't have a thing to wear? You're going to love meeting country singer and songwriter Laura Byrna!

Before I sign off, congrats to Christina and Serge who won Wallaroo hats for their new babies! Hurry, there's still time time to enter the Trust Your Style SNUG Camisole give-away--just click here here and tell me why you want one. I'll be announcing the winner tomorrow!

a dog's life(style)

2009-11-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping is officially here and there's every chance that high on your list is finding the perfect gift for the four-legged love of your life. Don't worry, you're not alone. According to Business Week, Americans spend $41 billion on their pets a year, about four times more than we spend on movies, video games, or music. What with $430 indoor potties, $30-an-ounce perfume, and $225 trench coats for pets, the sky's the limit. The Standard & Poor's industry analysis says that while people are more likely to cut back on energy and home furnishings, the pet luxury business will not be hurt by the recession.

All this so you can feel good about looking for a luxe way to tote your furry baby around during the holidays...Check out my post over at Senora Cartera today for all the posh choices.

u r sweet, thanks!

2009-11-25T10:49:00.001-08:00

via kansunkea

So in case you can't tell, I'm practicing abbreviated wording for my new adventures on twitter. How many words does it take to tell you that I am truly thankful for all of the friends I've made here at trustyourstyle? However we've connected or will connect--here, linkedin, facebook, twitter--I'm just thankful for the opportunity to meet so many really great people! Wishing you a happy thanksgiving!

xo

Here are a few posts I thought you might enjoy from thanksgiving past:

pretty thanksgiving reflections from last year

how to make a pomegranite belini (from the year before last)

where to go for yoga and breakfast on thankgiving in l.a.(from the year before last)

how to make pear crumble for thanksgiving--yum! (from 3 years back)

being full of greatness on thanksgiving (from 4 years back)

the rico sequin clutch and its inspiration

2009-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays I'm debuting my Rico Sequin Clutch (and it has a very nice and affordable price tag too)! It's an update on the kind of bag I remember my mom having carefully wrapped up in silk scarves my dad had brought her back from Japan while they were dating. When I was little I used to love unwrapping her evening clutches and pretending I was wearing them someplace fabulous.

The ultra-suede interior, while deliciously soft, is a little sturdier because an evening out on the town for our generation requires it. Elegant dinners can sometimes be followed by dark and smokey dives, and this bag can handle either. I personally love having two zipper compartments--one at the top where you can stash coins or a key from the rest of your goodies.

It's called the Rico bag for my friend Christopher Rico. I follow his blog Machinations of A Distracted Mind daily because I find his struggle to survive as an artist--financially, emotionally, spiritually--inspiring. He always shows up to make art no matter what, and it helped me through some of my darkest days when my father was sick and even after he died, to keep going, to just show up and keep designing. I also really like his beautiful paintings. I think it's a happy coincidence, his new book, The Forest and the Sea, just arrived yesterday.

Hot of the press, this book chronicles Christopher's prolific work during the past year, and I'm honored that I was able to write the book's introduction. For art lovers it would make a very nice holiday gift that can be purchased here.

a special request

2009-11-23T13:56:00.000-08:00

I've been a little ambivalent about how connected I wanted to be, but after lots of reading about it, I decided very. So I'm inviting you to follow TrustYourStyle on NetworkedBlogs.

There's a couple of reasons for my special request: a) If you're on facebook, it's actually a very efficient way to do two things at once. I can't wait to add in all my fav blogs when I get back tomorrow. And b), I feel kind of like a loser with only 4 NetworkedBlogs followers. But I have no pride about it, won't you make my day and click "Follow This Blog"?

a night at the opera

2009-11-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

Today I'll be wrapping things up early so I can head to Los Angeles for an early dinner and then take in Tamerlano at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Something about opera at this time of year feels very festive and I'm looking forward to it!

Most likely I'll be wearing the gray charmeuse dress and silk velvet coat (below) from my new collection.

And finally I'm going to break out the Rico Sequin Clutch, also from my new line. {Today I'm in a bit of a rush, but I promise I'll have more details and photos of it tomorrow}.

For more shiny holiday handbag options--including a disco ball bag to die for, a glittery clutch, or Rocker Chic shine--check out my post today at Señora Cartera.

P.S. If you're interested in one of my new handbags, they'll be available online soon, but in the meantime, feel free to email me at trustyourstyle@gmail.com. If you'd like to purchase something I'll be happy to send you a PayPal invoice. And don't forget to enter the camisole give-away below + there's still time to enter the baby hat give-away too!

wardrobe staple extraordinaire + give-away!

2009-11-23T05:30:00.000-08:00

Last week's Closet Confidential Giveaway got me to thinking about good wardrobe staples. People are always surprised that my wardrobe is so minimalist, but what I've found is that having an ever-changing group of well-made basics makes life simpler. That said, there are certain basics that you can never have enough of. I tend to have a lot of versions of the black tee. Ruched, baggy, draped, thin, tight, long sleeved, short sleeved, etc. Why? Because it will never fail you: it goes with jeans and skirts, can be dressy or casual. It can be professional...or not. Which led me to think about how a good camisole is also a great wardrobe staple. Why? Because...you can wear them under thin (read see-through) blouses, low-cut shirts, or with yoga gear to look hot but not trashy.

Have you heard about SNUG Camisoles yet? They come in 50(!) different colors and make the perfect little holiday gift because there's no need to stress about what size to order with the one-size-fits-all shape. They don't ride up or stretch out plus they're comfortable and sweat-proof! Best of all, SNUG fabric is designed to enhance a woman's shape, smooth unwanted bulges and eliminate lines from undergarments.

Do you really think I'd get your heart rate up without delivering? To enter the TrustYourStyle SNUG Camisole Give-Away, leave me a comment about why you'd like to win one of these camis and what color your heart desires.

If you just can't wait, SNUG Camisoles are now available in department stores nationwide, retailing for $36.

devastated

2009-11-21T11:43:00.000-08:00

The most beautiful model in the world, Daul Kim, has taken her own life. I feel heart-broken, especially since she apparently had been writing about her impending suicide in her blog.

I remember how taken I was with this Swarowski campaign photographed by my favorite duo Sofia and Mauro, and ran these photos as soon as I could get my hands on them. Daul was Karl Lagerfeld's "new muse" and the star of his upcoming handbag campaign. Such a sobering reminder that all that glitters is not...

All love to Daul's friends, family, and to her soul, may she rest in peace.

he ain't heavy, he's my bff

2009-11-20T06:05:00.000-08:00

Mary Jo Matsumoto BFF Doctor's Bag: sturdy but light as a feather
{More details about the bag and my real bff today over at Senora Cartera.}

That's right, I named one of the bags in my new line after a guy, actually a couple of them, but more on that later. This one is in honor of my tried-and-true bff.

A good bag is a lot like a best friend, who should put a spring in your step, not weigh you down! Seriously, I love this bag because it's extremely well crafted and strong but not heavy. I'm not a big fan of extraneous hardware--heavy gold logo-bearing plates and bobbles are bad for your posture, back, shoulder, neck, etc.!

Before I sign off for the weekend, I want to wish you a good one! Will you be doing something with your bff? If so, what bag will you be carrying?

P.S. Ladies (and gentlemen) with babies don't forget to enter to win a Wallaroo baby hat! I'll be back bright and early Monday with a very cool give-away for non-babies, so stay tuned!

no jest, this is a baby give-away!

2009-11-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

I know there's a bunch of new moms out there who are reading TrustYourStyle, so today I thought I'd do a baby giveaway. In fact, since there are a lot of you, Wallaroo Hat Company agreed to give hats to two lucky babies!

How adorable is this Jester hat for your favorite joker?

I know it's hard to imagine, but about four years ago there wasn't much information out there about organic skin care and I was always digging to find out more for my beauty column in Affluent Magazine. I remember when I started interviewing major eco skincare manufactures about SPF. Over and over I was told that most sunblock wasn't very good for you for a number of reasons and the best way to protect your skin was to wear a hat. What?! You mean all that super-duper expensive sun block was just money down the drain? I was not a happy camper. Enter Wallaroo. Their hats are made with fabric that's UPF 50+. These fabrics are tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 97.5% of the sun's ultroviolet rays. I have one that I swear by, and in my mind it's never too early to start baby on a good regime!

Don't you just love this sweet Hearts & Stars hat designed for babies-on-the-go.

Both of these hats are UPF 50+. To enter the give-away, all you need to do is leave me a comment about why you'd like to score your toddler a Wallaroo Hat. If you're like me and want one for yourself, check out their website: www.wallaroohats.com--good stuff!

you've got style secrets!

2009-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Reading through the comments from last week's Closet Confidential Give-Away, I just thought I'd burst with pride! I can't tell you how proud I am that trustyourstyle readers are such a chic bunch with their stylish heads properly screwed on! Many of you are interior designers with the most exquisite taste, others are fashion students and/or tried and true fashionistas. It made picking a winner almost impossible, but in the end, Chelsea's Annie Hall-reminiscent (she often wore combat boots with skirts back in the day) answer took the style cake!

Chelsea said...My favorite style "secret" as of late has been to pair one contrasting accessory to my outfits, i.e. masculine watch with feminine silhouette, combat boots with A-line skirts, etc.

Please read on, below are more of the great style tips that you shared:

Floral scarves at Urban Outfitters

Alexandra said...My style secret... Right now I guess scarves. A big, floral pattern scarf can add chicness to even the blandest outfit!

Callie Grayson said...dress age appropriate. and wear what you love, don't follow a trend.

Proenza Schouler Spring 2010

Rachel Follett said... I like to spend little money on staple solid pieces and splurge once in awhile on a pretty patterned top or skirt. Always ask yourself how badly you need what you just tried on helps too!

This and much more at Victoria Secret.com

Eternal*Voyageur @ Venusian*Glow said...A well-fitted bra is a must. Believe me, I can tell that a person has a badly fitted bra through their clothes.

Catherine said...Play with opposites: something tight with something loose, something dark with something light, a conservative top with insane shoes... It's just more fun this way!

How cute are these Forever 21 jeans?

Whimsy Being said...This may only apply to shorter women, but Forever21 has the best jeans for those in the 5 ft. range...I've tried investing in more luxurious jeans, but they just aren't the same. With forever21, I can buy jeans and not need to hem them!

Lots of great & affordable options at Nordstrom.com

Susan said...My latest style secret is to buy a cute and trendy coat that's not too expensive in a different color each year. This year I chose red. With a turtleneck (any matching color), jeans and black flats, I am ready to go shopping, or run errands. Take a look in the junior section at Nordstroms for ideas.

Katt said...I have to go with fit and tailoring. It's all about you wearing the clothes and the clothes not wearing you. You can have the cutest coat but if it doesn't fit your size/body type, it's going to look off. I've learned this the hard way and often have to tell myself to put something down because it just doesn't fit me but looks great on the hanger.

Love love love all this good advice!

Okay, since we're sharing, my style secret for the season: Shoes! I have lots of good basics already, and like most people, I'm trying not to make unnecessary expenditures. Adding a new pair of shoes to the mix makes me happy

Tod's Aspen Tronchetto

My finds of late are a great pair of Havainas for the beach, a pair of Tod's for every day, and a super cute pair of pink & navy Nikes that make me smile every time I put them on. I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I snagged one of everything from my new line--I know, that's cheating since I'm the designer--but it's one of the best perks of this occupation...

If you have a style secret you'd like to share, please comment below. In the meantime, stay stylish! See you back here tomorrow!

xoxo Mary Jo

all that glitters!

2009-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am crushing on sparkly wallets!

If you want to know more about these babies, click here.