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Call Me Cheap….

Liza — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:14:12 +0000

You may want to be cheap frugal with me when you see all I’ve been up to! I have been a bit over-the-top honest that this is the year of THE BUDGET in my household. I’m avoiding situations where I may feel compelled to spend too much and I’m prioritizing my wants far better than I have in years past. Here are some products that might make you enjoy being on the cheap!:

Frugal Finds

Pssssssst Dry Shampoo: For the past several years I’ve been a fan of Bumble and Bumble dry shampoo, at $35 a can. I’ve kicked it to the curb in favor of Pssssssst, for $5.99 a can. An Allure Magazine beauty product winner, this spray-can saved me a couple weeks ago. After my yard sale I invited some friends for dinner. I hadn’t showered that day. I had worn a ball cap all day. I had just picked up our Zumi sushi appetizers and was headed home with 20 minutes until everyone arrived. I gave myself three minutes to stop by Walgreens and that is when I discovered Pssssssst. If you happened to see a crazy lady in the parking lot that day, yes, it was me. I sprayed my dirty unwashed hair right there, in the middle of the parking lot and headed home. By the time I arrived, the shampoo had dried, I brushed it through, and my hair was fab. And it currently has a rebate offer which makes the can FREE. Just send in your receipt with the rebate sticker on the can. Talk about a painless purchase.

Gap Jeans: The need for a 36″ inseam (35″ for flip flops) has accustomed me to only looking at high-end jeans. I had heard some great things about Gap Jeans in the past year and was surprised as I didn’t think they were in the category of favorite jeans, just ok jeans. My favorite jeans are now Gap Perfect Boot. They balance my body perfectly (I do not look good in skinny jeans, but gracious I wish I did). I like the two button closure and the mid-rise. They are just $59.50/69.50 (depending on light or dark wash) and every couple of weeks Gap seems to have a 20% off online sale. Tip: Order down a size; these jeans do stretch. I own a pair of 28′s and all the other jeans I own are 29 and 30′s.

Gap Perfect Boot Jeans 58.99, J Crew Outlet white Artist v-neck tee 16.99, Scarf J CREW outlet 29.99, Short Sleeve No-Button Cardigan J CREW Outlet 49.99. (Bracelets is local designer Judith Bright and necklace is local designer GoodmanSpalding.)

Opry Mills: I’ve rediscovered the Opry Mills Mall and if you are a facebook fan, you already know one proud statistic: I, Liza Graves, was the VERY FIRST PERSON to walk into the new J.Crew outlet on Tuesday! The deals are ok, not great. But after a huge closet clean out, I was in of need of some basics. At J.Crew, Banana Republic Factory and Off Fifth, my list of closet gaps was filled. Now, I need some cork shoes and then I think I’m done.

Forever 21: While I love local jewelry, and in fact a trunk show is going on today includes one of my favorites: Rowanne Designs. Do go, it’s a great show. Elizabeth’s Dennis’s show is today as well. See April Events Page here for more details, including the addresses. Hitting both shows is entirely possible as they are very close to each other!) The local trunk shows have good prices, but when I want to TOTALLY LOAD UP with fun jewelry that seriously may not make it a year, I go to one place: Forever 21. I go with my two daughters and we go crazy nuts. Last time, we walked out with a dozen items, I do not lie, for $77. The pictures below are some of my favorite online offerings, click on picture to be directed to website.

Gypsy Shell Disc Necklace, $6.80

All Chained In Necklace, $6.80

Pretzel Twist Bracelet, $5.80

Ariel Shell Disc Earrings, $4.80

Target Jemma Kidd Powder: Sheila Curtis did my makeup a couple of weeks ago for a photo session with blog partner Elizabeth. Sheila is just the bomb and do hire her for your eyebrow and makeup needs as I was blown away. She worked that day with photographer Ashley Hylbert who also was just such a joy to be around. Ashley specializes in wedding photography but also has developed quite a following for her portraiture work. I just kept asking questions and one of the biggest tricks I learned is that the Jemma Kidd pressed powder, only available at Target, is really great. It can be used for touch ups as it doesn’t cake up. I’m not sure how many times I was powdered that afternoon, but I never looked chalky. At $20, it’s not cheap for Target, but it’s cheap for getting one of the best powders out there. If Target is sold out, which they are prone to be, just order online.

Jemma Kidd Powder, one fabulous find.

So, that’s me being cheap. And, now I have enough money to make it those two great trunk shows I mentioned earlier!

Shopping with Your Teenage Daughter: Have Fun & Work Your List!

Elizabeth — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:33:55 +0000

You may read the headline of this post, roll your eyes and think, “I’d rather get a bikini wax.” Me too, except I am the loving mother of three daughters, two of whom, I can shop for at will, and one of which is like shopping for a needle in a haystack. Leigh and Amelia, with a quick visit to Pear & Bears online, Target or TJ Maxx, can usually get me 90% of what they need – 100% of the time. Lucy, my oldest daughter, is 14, hard to fit and between sizes on everything including her shoes. For our shopping trip together, I truly needed a master PLAN.

Tina, Lucy and Rebecca - looking gorgeous

My first move was to call the closet organizers, Tina Adams & Rebecca Thompson, to come help pair down Lucy’s closet. That was pretty darn easy since most of what was in her closet was way too small, out of season or just ragged and tattered. When I say there was NOTHING left when they left, I mean NADA. As empty hangers dangled aimlessly, it was time to GO shop.

But, what I really wanted Tina and Rebecca to do (and they do it sooo beautifully) was to give her their sage advice on what looked good on her body type and what didn’t. Taking your Mom’s advice on current fashion do’s and don’t's is kinda like asking your husband if your pants look too tight. It is a lose-lose proposition. I was ready to win and I did.

With permission of the closet girls, I am going to share with you their list. It’s a fabulous guide for you and your daughter to stock her closet full of the right and affordable things for spring and summer. Also, they graciously met us at Green Hills Mall to give a watchful eye as we shopped ’til we dropped! To all your friends with teenage (or close to it) daughters, make sure you forward the master list to them. This is gold.

shorts (Gap)
light rinse jeans (she has a pair of Mossimo from Target that fit great – look for these bootcut jeans in a faded wash)
white bootcut jeans
tanks (white and other colors)
short sleeve scoop neck tees
long sleeve white scoop neck tee
white camisoles (no lace – try Target’s Merona brand, found in the clothing department
white cotton blouse
cardigans (try Ann Taylor’s cardigans – she needs a cream colored one)
white denim jacket (Ann Taylor Loft or Target – Lucy wasn’t sure if she would wear it, but said she would try it on and see)
dresses that can be dressed up or down
casual knit dresses (Ann Taylor Loft)
casual summer skirts (there are a couple that would be good for Lucy at New York & Co)
leather sole metallic flip flops (Gap)
solid color wedges – maybe soft metallic
cowboy boots
shoe to go with the multi-purpose dresses you find

Mission: Shop ’til U Drop

Shoes and cowboy boots. Lucy has now overtaken me in her shoe size and is approaching an 8 1/2 medium. Not too tough you’d think, except for her high arch. For all you high archers out there, you have my sympathy because it is difficult to wear lots of flats, loafers and high heels. Literally, a foot with a high arch does not even go in many shoes. BTW- for all of you pop who into Target and grab your daughters shoes – Damn. I am paying lots more my daughter’s shoes than you are.

The best source for cowboy boots in town is Kim Brewer. With hundreds of pairs, she can usually be found at the flea market (in the shed by the rabbit barn) every month, but she also can be found at many malls in Nashville. I called Kim and she plans to deliver pair of cowboy boots for us to try on. Cowboy boots work with summer skirts, jeans and cotton dresses. Kim can be reached at kimvintage@comcast.net or call her at 615.578.4693.

cute boots!

Next, we popped in Anne Klein which is owned by Nine West. Anne Klein has tons of darling shoes, especially their flats – they come in oranges, stripes, reds and animal prints. Anne Klein is consciously keeping their prices low with 20-30% off most styles.

Anne Klein has great flats

Casual Skirts, blouses, jackets. On to New York & Co. for casual skirts, blouses and tops. I have never set foot in this store and only noted it when Tina told me she was wearing one of their skirts (with a couture Ralph Lauren blouse, I might add). Lucy loved New York & Co and I did too. Unlike so many shops that cater to teens, NYCO doesn’t specialize in the vamp-polyester-tramp look, we have all become so accustomed to. Their selection of summer skirts were all 50% off and they had fun, bright blouses in stripes, florals and solids. Each blouse has a wee bit of spandex in it so they gave great shape and contour to her body. We also picked up a great denim blazer to pair with her skirts and white (not yet purchased jeans).

Great Shirts at New York & Co.-all at 50% off

After a quick break for some serious caffeine, we then headed to Ann Taylor Loft for summer dresses and shorts. One thing I will say about J Crew is they have forced other similar retailers to raise the bar. Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic and the Gap are great examples of this reality thanks to J.Crew. Ann Taylor Loft’s fabulous inventory of dresses and matching cardigans is fantastic.

Ann Taylor Loft has tons of dresses and cardigans

Jeans and T’s. I don’t think you can beat the Gap for anything Denim. The prices are unbelievable. Let’s face it, the Gap is a reliable source for t shirts, shorts, jeans and lots of accessories.

Inexpensive jewelry: I just ran out of time; however, I can say that Pangea and Fire Finch in Hillsboro Village and Francesca’s in HG Hill Center always have great jewelry which is youthful and fun. Fabu is a great resource on Charlotte and Forever 21 at most big malls, and online, has amazing jewelry.

My last attempt to use my credit card was denied. I guess when you shop with a teen, the early warning fraud department put up their radar screen big time.

I’d say we had a successful trip. But next time, Tina and Rebecca get to do the pre-shopping. Being a professional blogger requires takes more time than you’d think!

Libby Callaway: Nashville Style Queen

Liza — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 23:15:00 +0000

StyleBlueprint is thrilled to have Libby Callaway guest blog for us today. Her background: Libby Callaway is a stylist and fashion journalist who lives and works in East Nashville. She is the former fashion editor of the New York Post and a former Glamour magazine columnist. She is the owner of Diamond Star Halo Vintage, located at 1101 Holly Street. Her contact information is at the end of this post. We love her. I think you’ll see why:

Libby

Libby Callaway.

As spring strolls into Music City, I find myself craving something more than just the Next Big Fashion Trend. While I do love the mix of floral prints and graphic black and noir looks that dominate fashion magazines this season, I’m personally looking at things from a more practical level right now.
This could be attributed to the economy or the fact that the purchase of my first house is making me rethink splurges on things that don’t come from Home Depot – or possibly it’s a result of plain old common sense that comes with age (I am proudly turning 40 next month). But I want everything that I buy, watch or wear right now to have some emotional heft to it – I want to deal with people, places and things that have a history, and, most importantly, a sense of authenticity.
So when Elizabeth and Liza asked me to be a guest blogger during their spring break (lucky girls!), I thought I’d take this chance to pen an homage to a trend, a TV show, a designer collaboration, and a few local stores that currently strike me as being especially authentic.

Mainstream Military

A look from Richard Chai Love, s/s 2010 Credit: Style.com

My favorite looks for warm weather this year all have a touch of military to them. I think this may stem from my love of the recent wash of wartime movies, like Inglorious Bastards and The Hurt Locker. (Random aside: I used to edit the latter movie’s Oscar-winning screenwriter Mark Boal when we were both working at a small-time Manhattan newspaper in the mid-90s). Whatever it’s origins, I love the standard issue world’s selective range of earthy colors – Mouse gray! Olive green! – and telltale patterns (I am a fool for camo – especially the graphic vintage prints from Western Euro countries like Finland and Germany that I find in random thrift stores). And I dig the fact that there are few outfits that come across as cool as those that juxtapose leggy minis, girly frills and floral prints (Target’s current Liberty of London collaboration is brilliant) with tougher pieces like pocketed field jackets. But the best part about the spring military movement is that it’s cheap: you can purchase the bones of the look – think cargo pants and camp shirts with epauletes – for less than $20 each at most army/navy surplus stores. My local favorite is Battleground Surplus at 2001 Nolensville Pike, where a few weeks ago I scored a hooded jacket made of loosely woven mosquito-proof netting for $12 that I swear looks just like something Rodarte would send down the runway.

American Pickers on The History Channel

American Pickers Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz Credit: History.com

Every Monday night this spring you can find me perched on my purple leather couch, watching my dear friend Mike Wolfe and his buddy Frank Fritz as they take to the back roads of America in search of “honey holes”– the duo’s suggestive slang term for out-of-the-way warehouses, farms and other absolutely, positively random places where they discover the damndest treasures. The guys turn up antiques and collectibles ranging from vintage movie posters to architectural salvage on their journeys, and it’s absolutely fascinating to watch. Mike loves coming to Nashville, where he sometimes sets up at the flea market. He also stops by to drop in on his roster of local clients, including high-end antique dealers and artsy types like photographers and set designers, who call on him for hard-to-find props and accessories. From time to time Mike will send me a box of goodies he tripped during his pillages – yellowing Victorian blouses, old bowling shirts, or worn 1930s boots, for instance. Some pieces I save to dress background extras in period video shoots; others get cleaned up and find their way into my East Nashville boutique, Diamond Star Halo Vintage. DSHV is located in Fanny’s House of Music on the corner of Holly and 11th streets and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am until 6 pm.

Many Will See for Imogene + Willie

A close up of a Many Will See necklace. Credit: Courtesy of Amanda Urrego

My friend Amanda Urrego is no doubt familiar to frequent H. Audrey shoppers. A tall, striking brunette with a sophisticated sense of L.A.-bred style, she’s a whiz at helping shoppers navigate the drool-worthy racks of soft leather jackets by Rick Owens (to quote my old friend Rachel Zoe: I die …) and drapey jersey tunic dresses from A.L.C. that hang in the Hill Center boutique. Amanda also has the knack for whipping random pieces of vintage jewelry into totally modern, divinely show-stopping necklaces. Until recently, H. Audrey and Taigan.com were the only places to buy Many Will See, a line that features pieces that easily (and deservedly) run into the low four-figure range. That changes this month when Amanda introduces a lower-priced capsule collection at the 12South denim emporium Imogene + Willie – a store that is in itself a bastion of authenticity. Check out this ingenious collaboration starting next week at I+W’s cozy HQ: at 2601 12th Avenue South at the corner of Sweetbriar. You can peruse other Many Will See pieces at Amanda’s blog: www.manywillsee.blogspot.com.) Check out Styleblueprint’s post on Many Will See and on Imogene + Willie.

The Men’s Department at J.Crew

A Belstaff Trialmaster jacket, $795, J Crew.com

When it comes to shopping locally for male clients who don’t want to end up looking like a Bret Michaels avatar, it’s slim pickings to say the least. Call me a snob, but I refuse to buy into the idea that clothes featuring aggressive embroidery, burnout designs and – gag me – rhinestones make a guy look cool. (Cool does not sparkle, friends; cool smolders.) And since the stitched-and-burned-and-shiny-all-over thing seems to be the going look at many of Nashville’s men’s boutiques, I’m usually relegated to shopping at only a half-dozen stores. C hief among them is J Crew. (For the record, Imogene + Willie and Battlefield Surplus are, ironically, also on my short list.) With my aforementioned love of good, earthy colors and textures, I am a total sucker for the variety of classic, well-cut, affordable clothes I find at the ‘Crew. I especially love the store’s new collaborations with oldie-but-very-goodie brands like Levis, Red Wing Shoes, Macintosh, and Barbour, to name just a few. Plus, the service chez J. is amazing. Not sure how to wear your Belstaff jacket? The Green Hills store’s personal shopping team is topnotch.

I also like to look at the company’s gorgeously styled catalog for inspiration. (I find so many styling ideas in these free mini mags that I’ve begun keeping them, filing back issues into the massive mix of media in my new home library, where it stands alongside my new favorite men’s fashion biannual, Man About Town.) The new spring issue is a standout, featuring the dapper staff of the British indie magazine Monocle rocking J.Crew gear. It’s so good, in fact, that I’m taking my dog-eared copy to the a fitting I’m doing with a local singer/songwriter this weekend. After considering what you’ve just read, it wont come as a surprise to learn the criterion we use when selecting new pieces for his tour wardrobe: everything has to look authentic.

• Learn more about Libby’s comings, goings and doings at www.libbycallaway.com and www.diamondstarhalo.wordpress.com or email her at libby@libbycallaway.com.

Convertible Dressing

Liza — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:21:18 +0000

Call it a sign of the times, but I’m starting to see more and more convertible clothing. (As in multi-functional, no topless car needed.) Perhaps it is a combination of the trends of the 80′s meeting head on with the weak economy that continues to plague 2010. What’s that you say? You don’t remember convertible dressing of the 80′s? Well, my friend, let me remind you of one little store: UNITS. The queen bee store that marked the oh-so-clever belt which was also a mini skirt, that was also a longer skirt, that was also a tube top, that was also a strapless dress. Ahhhhh, UNITS, modular dressing. Hit that store, get a perm, tease your bangs and you were like totally bitchin’. I found this marketing statement about Units: “modular clothing for the masses expressing individuality through apparent uniformity.” What????

So, fast forward 25 years and here are two examples of a modern convertible dress. Look around and you will see the trend continue to grow throughout 2010. You truly do get extra mileage for your money and they are great for packing for a trip. So, look through these and let us know: would you drop your cash, or credit card, for these convertible goods?

Infinity Dress

Donna Karan’s Infinity Dress, released this past fall, set the bar for what convertible dressing can do. Of course, I wish it were half the price, but goodness the options! Man, this dress, really does pull it’s weight. With this dress, a pair of leggings, a pair of jeans and a few shoes, you could seriously pack for a week long trip.

Click here to see even more options for this amazing dress. Neiman Marcus, Saks. $895.00

Other options of this dress are available at Net-A-Porter.….for just a bit more.

Convertible Dress

For a less expensive option, but a few less options, see The Convertible Dress by Victoria’s Secret, on sale for just $79:

Zippers

Look for designers to continue to embrace zippers by incorporating in options for convertible clothing, which will continue to expand in 2010. Zippers have been on the rise in past years, and are stronger than ever in 2010. Designers everywhere are stating that their lure for women to buy is the creation of pieces that work in several ways. Easily convertible OR easily adapting to a multitude of situations, you will be able to find some pieces this season which should be ones that can cover both weekday and weekend and perhaps even some evening wear….all from the the same piece. And look for reversible belts.

While they may not be convertible, J.Crew has just released some exposed zipper black jeans. You know if J CREW has now embraced the tough exposed zipper look, it’s HERE. So, be on the look out. When you see some examples, send us a picture and a price. You never know when we’ll return to this topic and we might just include your photo!

J Crew's toothpick jean with zippers, $125

Miss a post this week?

P.S: I’ve never done a P.S. before but I’m feeling the need to break rank with the blog for a minute. This is a style blog….more lifestyle really. But, I have been overwhelmed by the news from Haiti. Posting about Convertible Dressing is fun and breezy but sometimes the juxtaposition of life events and a style blog are hard to digest. A couple weeks after the Tsunami hit Indonesia, I remember standing in line to buy a heavily discounted sale item (remember the Tsumani hit during post Christmas sales as well). I was in line, and I just started weeping. Utterly weeping. I had to leave the store. Take that moment and know that it has happened time and again to me in the past few days, but this time for Haiti.

So, that being said, if you are feeling the need to lend an extra hand this weekend, we have a great way to do it: donate any extra warm children’s clothing to the Nashville Rescue Mission and drop them off at Fabu. Nashville is not Haiti, but on these cold days, the homeless population here in Nashville is desperate for warm clothes and donations are down. While at Fabu mention StyleBlueprint get 30% off on jewelry (excluding consignment jewelry) through the weekend.

Being a stylish person means inner and outer beauty. Cry at the news. Be moved. Help Haiti and if you have extra warm children’s clothes, help our Nashville children as well. The owner of Fabu will bring the clothing to the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Have a great weekend. Hug your loved ones. Linger over a great meal and enjoy this precious life. Elizabeth and Liza

J.Crew: Friends, Personal Shopper & 20% Off

Liza — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:31:45 +0000

Remember when shopping meant having fun with your girlfriends and hitting the mall? Add a big Coke, with a lid and a straw, throw in a big pretzel, and life was pretty good. To think back about that kind of fun shopping trip, I might have to add waiting on the curb for my mom to pick me up. Seriously. When did shopping become such a dreadful chore? (OK, for all of my friends who are screaming BS: I do like to shop. I just hate crowds, lines and time constraints. There, is that more fair?)

I think a combination of factors leaves many women looking for deep reserves of stamina and bracing for the worst when they shop for clothes. I could write a TON on this topic, but that’s not my purpose today. The purpose of today’s post is to let you in on a great deal, which is a great deal of fun as well. Kinda like getting your shopping groove back!

Just this past Friday I met up with a group of kindergarten Moms at J. Crew at 9:00 a.m. Yep, you read that right, 9:00 a.m.- a full hour before the store opens. We were meeting up with a personal stylist to whom we all had emailed our sizes, needs and wants.

A total of seven of us gathered at the J.Crew at Green Hills Mall and met with Andrea, one of their five women’s department personal shoppers (they also have two for men). She pulled pants, skirts, cardigans, dresses, tee’s and belts. The dressing rooms, for which of course we did not need to wait in line, became our little party area. We swapped clothes around as we found what we liked and didn’t like, and appropriately oohed and aahed over each other, and equally appropriately said “NO WAY” to other things. We had fun with all the attention given to us and with the clothes we found. A couple of the women were convinced that J.Crew pants didn’t fit their shape and were pleasantly surprised to find some pants that did fit them, and fit them well. So, if you think J.Crew doesn’t fit you, you might want to try again and see if you, too, are surprised.

AND-We all got 20% off our bill!! I have your attention now, don’t I?

Let’s recap:

We got the ENTIRE store to ourselves at 9:00 a.m. (And we could have gone as early as 8:00 a.m. and who doesn’t feel special when the door is unlocked for you and immediately relocked to bar anyone else entry?)
We had a personal shopper helping us who already had our information upon arrival.
We all got 20% off our entire purchase!
And, we had fun.

So, here is the skinny on this deal:

You grab at least three friends, for a minimum of four people. (It’s advisable to keep the group to four if you need lots of attention.)
You each agree to buy at least $125 in clothing.
You get a personal shopper assigned to you and you can meet as early as 8:00 a.m.
You get 20% off your purchases that day.
You need to call ahead of time so the store can arrange a time for you.
You can get added to your personal shopper’s email list and she’ll make you aware of sales and promotions.

The rest of the story:

So you don’t want to get a group of friends together but you really would like this personal service? Well, make that appointment and go in during this pre-business hours time, and have the store all to yourself with 100% attention from your personal shopper. You will be amazed at how much you accomplish. Who cares that you won’t get the 20% off that the group gets? You WILL be getting a ton of value added service for FREE. For goodness sakes, you could leave your purse in the middle of the store as there is no one in the store but YOU! Who knows, they might make a deal if you spend over $500, which is the total commit $$ for a group of four…..I have no idea. Probably not. But it might be worth the ask, right? Either way, take advantage of this service as shopping may prove fun, once again!

Oh, Wait! Let’s not forget to use this service for the men in our lives….again, they may not want a group of four, but wouldn’t we love them to have a little one on one personal shopper assistance? That suggestion just may get your fingers dialing.

J Crew: (615) 298-5722

Thanks to Britt for setting up our girls morning of shopping fun. Thanks also to Jeannie, Mary, Ashley, Robyn, and Libby and our personal shopper Andrea for including me!

Have fun! Shop away at J.Crew and smile brightly when you get to leave the mall at 10:00 a.m. …..just when everyone else is entering in.

Let your friends know about this great deal and about us, Style Blueprint! Thanks, -Liza

Trace Skin Care, click on image for more details

My Basic Summer Uniform

Elizabeth — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:50:53 +0000

A friend of mine was lamenting the fact that her closet was a wreck, and as a result, she was having a difficult time getting her summer wardrobe together. After leaving her high powered job, she had lots of “work” clothes, but very few hang out with the kids clothes. She asked, “What do you wear in the summer that’s casual?” My first response was ”Now that’s and easy one.” Could it be that we all gravitate to uniforms because they are both familiar and mindless? Here is my classic summer uniform…most of which is stuff that will be trashed by Summer’s end… it looks like this:

Michael Stars T-shirts. We heavily endorse these tops at StyleBluePrint.

Absolutely, a passel of M ichael Stars t-shirts. They have free shipping offers about once a month so jump on it. In my closet I have: two white, two black, a brown, and a charcoal grey. They look fabulous with skirts, shorts, and even under a business suit with pearls. One size fits all at $31.00 a tee.

Next, on to Target to get a couple of skirts or even better: skorts (Liza hates skorts, I love skorts. I don’t get her: how can she not embrace these?). I found my favorite blue jean skort there a couple of years ago. I finally tossed it when the zipper broke. If Target does not fit you or all the small sizes are gone, head to Old Navy. They have skirts in various shades of denim and white. If you hit Old Navy at the right time, it can be a gold mine. Also, while TJ Maxx fails in the skirt department, they do a great for active wear with plenty of work out pants and tennis skirts. Did I mention that I absolutely can not stand capri pants? But, I know they are a mainstay for many; the clam-digger length is more my style.

Athleta Sunburst Skirt; $49 www.athleta.com

Next, splurge on a great fitting skirt or skort from Athleta . For those of you that don’t know, the GAP just purchased them. The bad news is we now pay tax on online purchases, the good news is…not sure yet. Maybe that they stayed in business? Let’s hope the prices go down, with the quality staying fab. I have truly loved most things I’ve ordered from this catalog.

J Crew Stretch summer weight bermuda. On Sale: $39.50

J Crew Tissue Ruffle V-neck; $32.50

Shorts: I like the Bermuda, longer style. J.Crew has a stretch bermuda and I always buy a couple each summer (and they always have some fun tees that you could look through as well). If you want another splurge item, buy a pair from Tory Burch or your favorite higher-end designer. I know: they are shorts, but the pricier ones will look better and will see you through a few casual cocktail parties as well as moments of just needing to look pretty darn cute this summer. A nice short can pull you through many functions in this modern world and need not be constrained to the poolside.

J-41. Styles range from $89-$99. available from www.athleta.com or J-41 website.

Finally,look on the j-41 website for the cutest casual shoes in the history of America. I have several pairs and continually receive compliments. Not only are they happening with style, but they are made from 100% recycled and recyclable packing. I love the soles since they are also from partially recyclable rubber with a cool road map on the inside soles.

Donald J Pliner Glair Sandal. On Sale Zappos. $175-$193

My partner for this site would kill me if I didn’t put down her favorite all around, go with everything, yet pricey shoe for summer: The Donald Pliner flat Glair Sandal. And, it really does carry you from day to evening, casual to dressier. And, it is comfortable enough to make you doubt your Reefs or Rainbows. The metallic color goes with everything. They are last years model, so they are on sale at Zappos for $193. Other colors are as low as $175.

Now you are outfitted and good to go for Summer. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Hmmmm, you still need that coverup though…..more later in another post!

Imagine the Perfect Closet

Elizabeth — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:05:02 +0000

What do you think would happen if you hosted a party with your best buddies and asked them to bring one item of clothing that they splurged on, but alas, never wore? The goal of the gathering would be for each guest to come away with one found treasure. My guess is one woman’s misguided purchase is not another woman’ s found treasure. We are all guilty of buying things we don’t need, don’t wear and can’t give away. It’s one of those weird psychological phenomenon’s that really can wreak havoc in your quest for the Perfect Closet.

Now, imagine going into any store in Nashville with two former J.Crew stylists with a list of what you have in your closet (that has been edited drastically), what you need to complete your perfect wardrobe and a pair (or pairs) of discerning eyes that will not allow you to buy anything that doesn’t fit in the overall plan to create the Perfect Closet.

The Perfect Closet

Enter Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson. They met while working at J. Crew as personal shoppers and continue to profess similar philosophies. Some of their favorite mantras include, “the 10 pieces that fit trump 50 that don’t” and “buy right the first time and it only hurts once.” These girls are not about gutting your closet and adding new shopping tags, but evaluating your current digs and giving you a fresh look.

They offer three primary services: Closet Consultation, Closet Organization and Personal Shopping. All services are based on hourly rates with estimates of what the job will take. They will gladly email you their roster of services and descriptions of each service . Tina Adams and Rebecca Thompson can be reached at tinaadamsandrebeccathompson@yahoo.com. Other services include: their customized Little Black Book, seasonal tune-ups, travel packing, and services for men.

Tina Adams

Rebecca Thompson