cara's blog

Dump the Frump: Therapy Thursdays

This is the time of year that many women take a look at their wardrobe and find a lot of pieces that aren't right for them (anymore or ever!).  We all need a little help with that objective eye and getting out of our own ruts (I am no exception), and many times a piece we thought was right is actually pretty frumpy.  The biggest frump trap is the "business casual" working wardrobe.  Ill-fitting trouser pants, boxy tops, nurse-like shoes, etc.

LuckyMag.com: Website Wednesdays

This week I am giving a shout-out to my all-time favorite fashion magazine - Lucky Magazine.  This magazine burst on the scene to fill a niche between the fashion as unattainable art magazines, and teeny-bopper style magazines.  The guides, news, deals, style spotters, etc are invaluable to someone like me who is constantly devouring fashion.  When I first got started in the personal shopping business, Lucky's book: The Lucky Shopping Manual, was my go-to reference and still is.

Glowing Gems: Trendy Tuesdays

Bright colors have definitely taken center stage the last few seasons.  By now you are hopefully comfortable with how to mix one or two bold brights into your ensembles and you might even have a red or blue pair of killer heels.  If you are wary of mixing colored jewelry into your colorful outfits as well, then moonstone jewelry is for you.  These gems are fairly easy to find, can be paired with literally ANY color, and are the perfect compliment to any outfit.  While moonstone is not cheap, it's a classic investment piece that you will have in your wardrobe forever.&nbs

Colors with Neutrals: Therapy Thursdays

Most people could use a little advice when it comes to mixing colors with neutrals.  Neutrals can mix with each other (black and gray), and one, two, or more colors can mix with many neutrals.  I know this can seem confusing...but start slow and trust your eye, while thinking outside your comfort zone.  Here's an easy guide to get you started:

Lookmatic.com: Website Wednesdays

It is nice to have a sunglasses "wardrobe"...and since it seems swimsuits are already hitting the stores, you might want to re-evaluate your specs collection.  Lookmatic.com offers wallet-friendly glasses, both prescription and regular.  For $88 you can get a pair of prescription shades, and for $58 a regular pair - not to metion the free shipping and returns!  Not sure which shape is for you?  You can virtually try on any style by uploading a photo of yourself into the Spex Vision feature.

Paisley: Trendy Tuesdays

Most people either love or strongly dislike paisley - to the nay-sayers I assert that it can invoke a sense of global style, and feel polished at the same time.  Try to look for paisley prints in colors you already know you love, and make sure the print is proportionate to your body.  Larger women can wear larger prints and vice versa.  Here are some choice pieces to get you started (click for info).  Happy shopping!!

KamaliKulture.com: Website Wednesdays

Do you ever wish finding and buying that perfect Little Black Dress (LBD) was a little easier?  How do you know if it's flattering and THAT dress you will have for a very long time?  Designer Norma Kamali has created the answer: the Kamali Kulture collection.  Norma has designed a dress for every figure, keeping in mind length, proportions and neckline.  The best part is that every single dress is under $100! While the site is not yet up, you can sign up to be notified when it is.

A Button-Down Shirt for the Busty: Therapy Thursdays

Finding a well-fitting, no-gap, button-down shirt for the busty woman is no small task.  It is akin to finding a needle in a haystack and when you find one, you should definitely buy more than one.  One custom shirt company had a brilliant idea and decided to make button-down shirts based on bust size - how novel!  Rebbeca & Drew shirts come in sizes 32A to 38H and have double buttons on the placket to ensure a no-gap fit.  The shirts will definitely cost you a pretty penny, but then again the tailoring cos

Basic Pumps: Trendy Tuesdays

There are lots of fancy-schmancy heels out there that literally stand on their own as the focus of an outfit (remember Armadillo shoes?)  However, sometimes the best accessory to show off a trend is the perfectly heeled pump.  A classic pump is essential for any shoe wardrobe, and the options are endless.  They can be patent or regular leather; they can be almond, peep, or pointy toe; kitten heel or platform pump.  Whatever your preference, please make sure you purchase a quality, well-made shoe that will last you through many seasonal trends.  The four options belo

Apparel Therapy's Best and Worst: Golden Globes 2012

I love red carpet season for obvious reasons.  I love seeing how stars create (or their stylists create) ensembles and see what dresses they picked.  While I am not Joan Rivers, I do enjoy analyzing which outfits were a hit, and which ones were a swing and a miss.  Here are Apparel Therapy's Best and Worst Dressed for the 2012 Golden Globes:

BEST DRESSED