All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

In the event you thought I'd retired from my second job, due to lack of posts, I can assure you that is not the case.  Between the holidays, my day job and kids, shopping (sadly) fell off the radar.  But not to worry, I made up for it yesterday.  For those of you who are die hard Black Friday shoppers, I have a tip- wait until the day after Christmas- life is REALLY good out there in the retail world.

The hubs and I dropped the girls off at daycare at 8:00 a.m. and hit the mall.  At 1:00 we decided to stop for lunch. Of course by then I hadn't received my fill, so I headed back out around 5:00.

Obviously the deals are too good to narrow down to just a few pieces, so here are some highlights from my searching.

Neiman Marcus- 33% off already reduced prices.  This means high end jeans for $60-80, lingerie for $30, beautiful shoes for far less than the retail price.

Nordstrom- 40% off the original price.  While this doesn't compete with the markdown at Neimans, it is higher than the normal 33% attributed to their standard sales.

Banana Republic- 50% off all purchases, including sales.  This is where you stock up on your everyday basics.

Athleta- 20% off sale prices.  Great place to find fashionable workout and comfort clothes if you find Lululemon to be outrageously priced.

Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Trina Turk- 20-25% off sale prices.

Nordstrom Rack- 25% off their clearance rack.  I went to the one on Colorado Blvd yesterday and will likely head back today.  The inventory is fantastic and the price point awesome.  You just need a good dose of patience to deal with the dressing room lines, checkout lines, and rack sifting.

Happy Holidays!

Fake it Until You Make It

I spent the majority of my week meeting amazing women. These women have all started their own successful businesses, or spend day and night raising children and working in their homes. In some instances the women did both.  With each encounter, when addressing my business, the recurring question out there was what can I so for new moms and their look?

All of us  with children know exactly what I am talking about, the postpartum blues.  You're not pregnant, but you look like you are. You're weeks, if not months away, from fitting into your old clothes.  And for some, fitting into your old clothes might not ever happen.  I swear my hips are never going back.  If I could take the width of my hips and move it to my less than perky butt, life would be pretty good.  But until then, I, and all of us need, to work with what we've got.

So in those exhausting weeks between coming home from the hospital and getting four hours of sleep a night, PLEASE wear whatever your heart desires. In all likelihood  you're not leaving the house anyway.  But when your mom comes to visit and offers to babysit so you and your partner can go to dinner and virtually sleep over a good meal, you want to look like your old self.  Unfortunately you can't. So fake it until you make it (I'm not referring to your mood here, this is a fashion blog after all).

Here it is, the most appropriate, non-maternity dress that doesn't cost a lot of money (it is actually less than the cost of the four cocktails you wish you could have with dinner).

Gap Chambray Pintuck Dress, $41.99, available at www.gap.com

Here is how you get your money's worth out of the dress. On cold nights put your nursing tank on underneath, throw on some tights or leggings and some knee high boots. On warm nights, skip the tank and tights, put on some flats, and head out the door.  If you feel like living on the edge and venturing out during the day, put on your slip on tennis shoes and hit the town.  

If you need more ways to wear this dress, you should probably hire me. Otherwise, I expect the Gap to be sold out by the end of day tomorrow!

Hotties in Chuckas

I was debating what to blog about today; visions of nail polish and lipstick were running through my head. And then I got this text from my girlfriend.

Need you to settle a debate.

 Enrique bought these shoes without me and 

I don't like them but he thinks they are very fashionable. Thoughts?

Now I haven't met Enrique yet, but I've seen pictures and he can pull these off for sure.  For the rest of you, Chuckas are super fashionable and casual and all around great. More power to you if your  significant other looks like this...

Or ...

Tomorrow I'll go out and  find a pair  for  my husband (minus the pink pants) .

These guys beat a good lipstick any day of the week.

Tights are not Leggings

We've all been there,  accidentally wearing our Target leggings as pants, only to realize they are see through  when sitting, standing or bending over.  But what I don't understand is the current trend/ fashion failure of wearing tights as leggings.

This girl has not chance of successfully bending over.   

She is one of countless people I've seen lately who don't seem to care that the panty line of their tights  is exposed.  So here are the rules of leggings.

If you can see through them, wear them as tights/ with a dress.
This is a great option in sub zero weather. Target, Mossimo Brand leggings are great for this purpose.

If you legitimately want to wear leggings as pants, please make sure they are thick enough to do so. Please consider covering your butt, unless your legs are to die for.

This option from J Crew is a safe bet! 

As a tip, when you sit down in the dressing room and can see the whites of your knees, the leggings are too sheer and should be considered as tights.

Save The Queen

I love when my clients teach me something. This week, during a closet edit, I fell in love with Save The Queen clothing. In a closet full of high end designers  the individual pieces made by this label really stood out!  Each one hand made,  hand  painted,  stunning!

You can buy this fantastic brand on the company website or if you're lucky, one of the pieces on yoox.com will fit you.

All Things Do Eventually Come Around Again

It is a good thing flannel shirts are back in style.  Thanks to my oh-so-fashionable husband, I found out that LL Bean is opening their first store in Colorado today.

Back in the early 90’s LL Bean was one of the only places to shop in the town I lived in.  All of my high school friends can attest to the fact that I lived in their flannel shirts and leggings.

Is it a coincidence that both of these things have come back into style?

I think so.

Regardless ladies, flannel shirts are like a dream come true.  They can be risqué, they can be modest, they are warm without the bulk, they can be used in the bedroom to allure your partner.  Long story short, you should go get one today.

The first two-hundred people to visit the store get a gift card, valued up to $500.  If you’re so lucky, perhaps the shirt you choose will be free.  If not, $39.95 is a steal.

Here is my pick from their collection- The Freeport Flannel- offered in a variety of colors.

I've been waiting for this day!

You know I love fashion.  Now you can see me in action.
http://www.denverpost.com/yhbiz/ci_26962695/business-q-amp-gelty-fashion-and-shopping-consultant

How did a week go by?

I don't know how a week went by since my last post, time is flying.  Last week was busy with three closet edits.  I had the pleasure of meeting two amazing women, Sharon and Amy, who both have amazing life insights.  I can only aspire to be so accomplished.  While they taught me a lot, I think I actually taught my life long friend something, in my third closet edit for the week.

Alison lives in a beautiful home is Park Hill. And as is typical with the homes in the neighborhood, the closets are small.  They are exceptionally small when sharing with another adult and two small kids.  I walked into the master bedroom and saw the closet that Alison shares with Jeff, and it was busting at the seams.  So much so, that Jeff had four articles of clothing hanging, because there simply wasn't room for his things.  I like Jeff a lot, so clearly something had to be done.

First step, pull out all the clothing.

Then we made four piles- donate, resale, summer, keep.  And one by one, piece by piece we determined the articles' future.  The result was this.

Resale

Donate

Recycle (I think Alison's dry cleaner is going to pay her for these hangers :) )

The final result- clothes they can see.

In addition to all of this, I think Alison now knows to not keep the things that don't fit, haven't been worn, have holes, or have seen better days.  We identified just a few things Alison needs to make all of these clothes more wearable.  I think today we are going to head out shopping.

The Stay At Home Mom Transition and Dilema

Can I tell you how many days of my life I dream of being a stay-at-home mom?  Almost everyday.  Not because I really want to stay home, in fact I love working.  But in my dreams I think about all the awesome jeans and shirt combinations I would wear day in and day out, without ever having to think about how I need to dress for work.  This got me thinking, what in the world would I do if I no longer needed work clothes.  If I never had to put on a pair of heels, a suit jacket, slacks.  What would I do with all of this stuff?!?! 

I know I would probably save it for a while, just in case I discovered that I made a bad decision.  I'd put the clothes in boxes, shove them in my child's closet and then go live my new life. After a bit, the clothes would become out of style, and the boxes would cause major anxiety as the clutter becomes too much for my OCD self. 

Does this sound like you?  I know it does, most women are this way.  But the reality is you're never going to use the stuff again.  I don't know a single person who stopped working outside the home and thought "man I miss my old life."  So instead of holding on to the past, even if it is nicely tucked away, lets get rid of it.  Let's clean out our closets, donate/resell our clothes and refresh for the new job that awaits at home.

Every time I do a closet edit a client says, "I needed someone to tell me to---" The blank is filled in with "get rid of this/ never wear it again/ donate it, etc."  We've all been there, we all know what we have is likely excessive.  It is ok to finally admit it. 

Let me help you go from this....

to this- but we'll add a smile.

Calling All Size 8 Brides

For those of you looking for a non-traditional wedding gown, please consider this stunner.
I got married in black and white stripes on the beach. I'd do it all over again, to the same guy of course, if I could wear this. Perhaps we should consider a five year vow renewal, Abhi?

Carolina Herrera, Tortoise Cage Embellished Gown, originally $11,900, now $3094.

Go For It, Shop Your Favorite Designer

I love the Neiman Marcus Last Call store.  I have never been there and not found something that I love, at a steal of a price.  However, today I am home with our little one, so shopping online will have to do.  But its ok, because they are offering an additional 40% off one item.  When this happens, I search for things from my favorite designers, that I would never be able to buy at full price.  I have been watching these Stella McCartney pants since I recommended them to a friend.  Lucky for me, I can get them at 80% off today.  Go for it, find what you love.

Stella McCartney, Wide Leg Contrast Pant, originally $1395, now $293

p.s. Sign up for email updates and get an extra 10% off. 

Just a little reminder for today

You Had Me at Free Delivery

What is better than sitting at home, post workout, shopping online only to find out that you can have great clothes delivered to your door, same day, by the very people who sell the clothing.  This is genius!  Welcome to Shop Billie a local online retailer with a wonderful selection of clothes at super reasonable price points.  Think Anthropologie without the line or mall experience.  I fell in love with this sweater, that they carry in brown, and think it will be perfect for this winter. You probably think I am crazy, with the cutout sleeves on thirty-degree days, but I am one of those people who are perpetually too warm.  This sweater is the perfect compromise.  Check the ladies out at Shop Billie, they are just as adorable and nice as the clothes they sell. 

RD Style, Cutout Sleeve Sweater, $58

Fall Fashion Market

Fashiondenver.com- who knew?  I didn't until this week and I was thrilled to find out about the Fall Fashion Market, happening today at the Space Gallery.  What an event; great retailers, music, food all in an excellent space.  At the event I met Kat Dudden who runs, katybelle.com.  This store is a Gelty lover's dream, with all items under $60, and cute too.  Check out this super fun Ikat shirt that zips in the back to reveal a silky blue underlay for $46.00.  I believe this blouse, Kat Dudden, and I will have a bright future together.   Check her out online or let me know if you'd like to set up a showing of her merchandise.

If Only I Could Be Like Aphrodite

The goddess of love, beauty and pleasure sounds like a pretty big job, large shoes to fill. Though I'll never get there, except in my husband's eyes (wink wink) I can certainly engage as though I can, thanks to Clover Canyon.  I originally saw this brand at a Last Call store. My eyes fell upon a sequin smoking jacket that I had to have, only to find it in an extra small :(.  I saw an amazing shirt shortly after giving birth to my second daughter at the regular NM that I sadly couldn't fit into either.

I don't know what took me so long, but finally this week I signed up for email updates through their website. I am so glad I did! Today I got an email that their sale items are now discounted 50%. Forget Aphrodite, just call me Stephanie, goddess of a good deal.

Here are my pics from the sale, all available at www.clovercanyon.com

Furniture Weave Split Dress, $116

Grecian Bouquet Pencil Skirt, $154

$895, $660, $48. Going, Going, Gone

For about five years I've wanted the Stella McCartney, Falabella Crossbody bag. For a fleeting moment I thought I was going to get it. Then my loving and adoring (aka excessively frugal) husband saw the $895 price point and all but begged me not to get it.  Then last Christmas the cost fell to $660 and I tried to convince him it was a steal. Trying to avoid a divorce and/or stroke I decided to give up on my arm candy aspirations... until last Saturday.

Before you get super excited, let's look at some pictures. 

Phase 3 

Phase. 3

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney

Both bags are vegan leather, whip stitched with chain details. Though the shape is slightly different, is one really $847 better? I think not. At $48 even if it doesn't last forever, you don't have to feel bad about it. I say ditch the designer bag and get the one that will make you equally happy for 95% less.

The Phase 3 bags are available at nordstrom.com. If you want to know where to get the Falabella, email me so I can convince you itherwiae

Even the Most Enviable Closets Need Editing

This was the closet I walked into today. It is unbelievably beautiful. Not only is it an amazing space with storage galore, but it is full of beautiful clothes I can only aspire to have.  Lucky for me it belongs to my sister. Unfortunately, she is a size 00 and let's just say, I'm not. Anyway, before we walked in to start editing I was informed by my dear sister that she "wears all of her clothes." And then this happened.

Four bags of clothes for Goodwill

A sufficient pile of clothes for resale.

While I could only identify one item she needs to make things more complete, we identified a lot of things she is not allowed to buy ( workout clothes, sweaters in navy, grey or black, pantyhose, etc. ) This by the way made my brother-in-law extremely happy.

We took her stuff to Goodwill and then to the resale shops. $300 dollars later my sister has some additional shopping money and room in her closet to buy what she actually needs. It was a successful afternoon all around.  

Friends and Family

I remember my first Friends and Family sales event at the Gap. It was back in the day when you actually had to be a friend or family member of someone who worked at the retailer.  I remember buying a pair of men's jeans and my mom was furious. Everyone has made progress since then. Now you don't have to have any relation at all to take advantage of this type of discount. Right now there are a plethora of sales in this category, with most retailers offering 25% off your purchase with their designated promo code. To get the biggest bang for your buck head to the sale section and see what you can find that is seasonally appropriate. Here is a list of some current offers from my favorite sites.

Saks-25% off
Tibi- 25% off
Alice and Olivia- 25% off
Cole Haan- 30% off
Boden- 25% off
Neimans- $50 off $150 on regular priced items
*** Just added, Trina Turk- up to 60% off

There is so much to choose from I suggest staying clear of clothes for the opposite sex, unless they are for your partner, or that's what you're into.

How To Not Hate Your Legs

I was working with a client the other day, whose body I would kill for, that hates her legs. She thinks she is pale and has knobby knees. Despite the fact that tans are out of fashion and her legs are awesome, perception is reality.   We've all been there, hating a part of our body that everyone else perceives to be just fine. Thankfully for this client pencil skirts and knee high boots are totally in fashion. Combined they result  in a beautiful silhouette without an ounce of skin showing.

Today Shopbob is offing 25% off your purchase.  You can easily replicate this look by adding a pencil skirt to your wardrobe and matching it with boots you already have. I personally love this one, on sale at Shopbob now. Match it with a black or dark brown sweater and viola, amazing outfit.

Free People Geometric Plaid Pencil Skirt, $75.60 + 25% off

Sunday Success

A picture is worth a thousand words they say. I think the progress made on this closet edit today is worth a thousand more.  It's easy to see how a little nudge can make you realize that you don't need everything you have. Again I'll say, less is more, especially when less was actually purchased in the last decade.

Here are some before shots.  What's hard to see is the pile of clothes on the floor and the mix of off season items mixed in.

This is what we pulled out of the closet for resale, donate and summer storage.

Donate

Summer storage

Resale

After some additional work, the end result is beautiful. 

Fashion Advice Needed

This was the subject of an email I got from an amazing girlfriend earlier this week.  Since then, four or five emails transpired between us, last of which ended in an email from her to me, definitively stating, "I think its safe to let go of the interview suit I got in 1999.  Don't you?"

Umm, let me think about this for a split second. YES!!!  Mind you, this suit probably made its way through four house moves and two states. Regardless, 1999 was fifteen years ago, I am fairly confident we are not the same size we were in 1999.  If you are, more power to you, but please still get rid of the clothes you wore back then.  In no uncertain terms should you still be hanging on to this stuff.  Here is a list of other items you should let go of.

• Anything you wore for a costume party that has made its way into your regular rotation of clothes. 
• The square heeled, square toed, loafer style shoes that were fashionable in the early 2000
• Same goes for the boots with the same configuration
• Anything that is too big, too small, and you haven't worn in a couple years. If you haven't missed wearing it yet, you likely won't miss it next week either. 
• Just because you paid a lot of money for something doesn't mean you have to keep it.  It is absolutely of NO value sitting your closet without rotation into your favorites.
• If you wore it in your twenties, and you are now in your thirties or older, let it go.  You can never get that time back, don't try to do it through your clothes. 
• Anything white and dingy or pitted out should find its way into the circular file.  Even basics needed to be replenished from time to time. 

Don't be in denial about your clothes.  You know who you are.  Its time to make some room in your closet and let the good clothes breathe. 

Life Before Lululemon

What did we do before Lululemon? How did we convey a sense of style and comfort all at the same time? Don't get me wrong, I love the place as much as the next guy, despite the price points. But what happened  to being casual and not wearing yoga pants (especially when a good percentage of us don't even practice  yoga).  With boyfriend jeans, jeans with stretch, maxi skirts, etc  being totally in fashion, can we mix it up a bit? Can we go get some basic long sleeve t-shirts, maybe a few  decorative sweatshirts, a denim button down, and break out of the black yoga pant slump?!?!

Here are some suggestions, all priced less than our favorite active wear retailer, from neimanmarcus.com

Joes Jeans, Easy High Water, $57

DL 1961, Cindy Sonic Slim Boot Jean, $58

RtA Denim, Distressed Boyfriend, $78

Bailey 44, Katherine Boat Neck, $65

DVF, Gaylen Blouse, $69

Majestic Paris, Striped Line Boat Neck, $54

Using Filters to Find What You Love

As I a sure you all know, I love Neiman Marcus.  At original prices the brands they carry are way out of my reach. But being the deal hunter that I am, I always wait for the sale and then can usually get a better deal than I can find at Nordstrom, Saks or Bloomingdales. Today for example is the last day of their Real Deal sale, where you can get an addition 10% or 20% off the sale prices online, which make the savings about 65% off.  By filtering by your favorite designer, size, and/or desired price point you can narrow down what you're looking for pretty easily.

There are seasonal finds as well, so don't think all you can find are summer steals.

Laundry by Shelli Segal

Long-Sleeve Combo Cocktail Dress

$245

NOW:  $147 + an additional 20% off
 

The Sunday Seven page has some additional great items at a good deal.

My Lady Crush

I have a major crush on Alexa Chung. It all started with my constant quest for perfect hair, which by the way I will never have. I think it's because I am constantly trying to make my hair something that it isn't. Anyway, back to my crush. This girl is adorable, great style, fun hair, and she looks like she comes by it all honestly. She has that classic "I look awesome, but didn't try" attitude that I'd pretty much die for.  Today on Whowhatwear was an article about dressing like a celebrity without the budget, and there she was, my girlfriend (errr I mean fashion idol).

Right? Now you see what I am talking about! I think I will go get this outfit today. Because nothing says stalker like imitating your idol.  Just kidding. I am going to buy the less expensive options from the links below.
 Skirt
Shoes
Sweater

Please Don't Let This Be You

Is this how you feel when wearing tights and nylons? I am fairly certain that is how a girl I work with felt today.  Walking into the break-room, all of 25 years old, strutting in her black high heels, with a tri-fold belly.  WHY would she do this to herself?  I literally have no idea.  Aside from the fact that nylons are totally passe and absolutely unnecessary for anyone under the age of 75, why go through a nine-hour work day feeling like the girl in this picture?

Don't despair, Donna Karan is here.  Imagine the most comfortable control top without the unbearable band that constantly rolls down (don't pretend this doesn't happen to you).  Tomorrow on your lunch hour or instead of happy hour, go buy these tights.  They will change your life. I know they have changed mine.