Fashion

William S. Olson Foundation Gala 2016!

So while I blog a lot about fashion and beauty, let’s talk about the hottest upcoming event to brighten up these winter doldrums. My fiancee Tom and I are excited to attend the William S. Olson Foundation’s Gala 2016 on Saturday, February 13th, 6pm at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. So of course, this Cincinnista had to find a new dress, as it is “black tie optional”…which, by the way, some great deals are out there right now if you can find your size. But about the event. Starting at 6 pm, enjoy cocktails and silent auction in the grand halls of the Cintas Center, followed by an amazing dinner and live auction. The rest of the night is fun filled with great music, socializing and dancing.

Most importantly, your attendance goes towards a great cause. The William S. Olson Foundation, established in 2003 gives back thousands of dollars through events such as this to the Make A Wish Foundation. The Make a Wish Foundation, if you’ve never heard of it, grants the wishes (none to big nor small) to children with life threatening illnesses. It is one of the noblest causes out there.

We look forward to seeing you on the 13th! Cheers!

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High Style Fashion Exhibit at Cincinnati Art Museum

I have to say, it’s rare these days, to have “girl time” on a weekend with your 10 year old daughter. So, in the theme of that…..what better to do than lunch in hip Mount Adams and a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum? As all Cincinnista’s would agree, being exposed to all types of culture is a must. Elle and I first toured the Modern section of the museum, viewing beautiful and colorful works anywhere from Matisse, to Picasso and Miro. Next, we moved on to the more Contemporary floor encompassing cool 3-D and video art…just to even further spur the imagination. Sorry no photos allowed!

We ended our tour by stumbling on the special exhibit, High Style: Twentieth-Century Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection. Sponsored by Macy’s, the exhibit traces the evolution of fashions from 1900 through 1980 with garments and accessories by the most influential European and American designers of the 20th century, including Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy, just to name a few. The exhibit was both well attended and interesting. I was amazed at how many dresses, fashion sketches, and shoes that I loved and have been recycled through the world of fashion throughout the last decade. I’m talking not just strapless and shirred gowns, but even platforms pumps! In addition the buzzing gift shop is selling an interesting book about the exhibit, not to mention a book called 100 Shoes (intro. by Sarah Jessica Parker) simply about the history of women’s shoes!! What a fun, total coffee table book! Should have bought it when I had the chance…worth every bit of $15.

Unfortunately the exhibit ended today, but keep your eye’s peeled for more “Cincinnista” winter outings until the Spring fashion scene truly emerges. Cheers.

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The Doldrums of Winter Shopping

Ok, not to undermine my fellow Cincinnistas who are actively selling their fashionable goods, but let’s face it: January apparel shopping really isn’t worth your time. First of all, all of the best items went on sale as early as pre-Thanksgiving and are now gone…at least in your size. In addition, anything new out right now is resort wear which, unless you are doing that big winter vacation (yeah, I wish!), isn’t something you need…hence wait until the summer. I will say some major finds can be with some of the Haute Couture brands such as Valentino and Fendi (their own web-sites) where they have waited until the bitter end to mark fall/merchandise down. I know I got a fabulous pair of Fendi logo boots last January in Aspen but had to look hard! Other good deals can be found at some of our high-end local boutiques such as Alligator Purse and Soho who have slashed their prices. Again, just pure luck finding your size.

My advice overall: if you don’t stumble on it or need something desperately, don’t bother. Wait until the best of the Spring comes out in March and then some. Cheers!

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Happy New Year! What’s New for 2016

Screen Shot 2016-01-03 at 1.13.21 PM — InStyle laying out 2016’s Fashion Color Trends.

Now that this Cincinnista has come up for air from an amazing yet crazy 2015, it’s time to talk 2016!

Screen Shot 2016-01-06 at 5.59.42 PM — Classic white with the comeback ruffle top.

Well, from an interior design standpoint, get this: Benjamin Moore’s design color of the year is pure white. Yes, the trend is towards softer muted colors, yet here is the catch: select bold colors such as buttercup, fiesta, green flash, snorkel blue and peach (yes, pull out that bridesmaids dress…ugh!) are all in. Not to mention, InStyle’s two colors for the year are Rose Quartz and Serenity (a light sky blue)…pastels are not exactly my personal favorites. In my opinion, the colors this year are all over the place. Solution: wear what looks best on you and rock it with those existing “in” items from 2015: flare pants, fringe accessories, graphic prints and tie blouses. What I do notice different is the return of ruffles, lace and eyelit…especially with classic white. While I love a bit of this, I was so ruffled out 5 years ago, almost all my ruffles have been disposed of! Oh well…time to update! The bottom line: us fashion forward Cincinnista’s need to update while maintaining our current style and class. Cheers!

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“Ladies Night Out” a Big Success!

With 6 fabulous vendors displaying and selling their products, not to mention great food and wine, our “Ladies Night Out” at Amy Youngblood Interiors was fun and a great turnout! Bling owner, Rachel Hamilton, graciously offered up a door prize to a lucky winner and 10% of all proceeds went to the worthwhile Karen Wellington Foundation. Until next year…Cheers!

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“Ladies Night Out” at Amy Youngblood Interiors!

FullSizeRender 8 — Just a few of our home decor items on sale tomorrow night!

FullSizeRender 7 — Love our holiday window…thanks to my assistant, Jocelyn!

We are excited and getting ready to host what is going to be a huge turn out tomorrow night! Join us from 6-9, Wednesday, December 9th, to shop for the holidays, socialize, and enjoy fine food and libations. Our amazing products include items such as clothing from Bling, shoes by Jill Haney, jewelry by Erin Wachs and home accessories by Black and Brindle…..not to mention artwork, accessories, and select furnishings from Amy Youngblood Interiors! We will be featuring special raffle door prize for all registered guests. 10% of all sales will be donated to the amazing Karen Wellington Foundation.

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JH Shoes: Great Style for Less!

My fellow style expert and Cincinnista, Jill Haney, has started her own shoe business and will also be a featured vendor at our “Ladies Night Out” event December 9th! Jill’s love for shoes and her belief that shoes are the” fountain of youth” got her started. Women of all ages can appreciate the upgrade of a look with the right shoes as they are one of our most important style accessories. Not to mention, her fashion forward shoes look way more expensive than they are and all retail for $100 or less.

These suede booties retail for only $95!! — These suede booties retail for only $95!

As Jill says, “Change your shoes, change your life!”

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That Perfect Work Bag: Not your Old Fashioned Briefcase!

As a designer and of course a Cincinnista, I have many different looks and needs for bags. Obviously, one needs a great basic handbag: stylish, yet practical for my wallet, make-up, checkbook, and yes, all the loose “crap” that should ultimately be thrown away!

But for most of us, being either working women or those that need to stay organized with our planner, work, or kiddo files? I personally need help with all of the above including a metal tape measure and often a paint deck, just to mention a few of the things I lug around. For me, a lightweight, somewhat durable square shaped, tote bag is key. Right now, I carry a Tory Burch tote bag I’ve had for almost 5 years and it is falling apart! I’m looking to upgrade while still maintaining a good ROI….you know us Cincinnistas do know some financial terms?!

So here are my four main criteria when choosing a “not your old briefcase” type of work bag:

Stylish: Gotta have something hip that with me that I carry around 24/7. Color wise? Can’t go wrong with black or brown, but what’s wrong with something more colorful if you love it and it’s in your comfortable color palette?

Large Size: At least 15″ wide x 11″ high x 5″ deep. When you think about a standard paper/paper size…..that’s about how much you need when you pad it and pack it all in.

Lightweight: If you are going all leather, nothing thick nor with lots of metal! this will weight you down even more! I recommend a combination of fabric/nylon and leather. This will be easier to tote around while enduring the elements like being sat on the floor at work or a job-site.

Handles: Are the length and thickness large and comfortable enough for you to carry around all day?

Screen Shot 2015-11-28 at 10.02.26 PM — This reversible tote bag by Gucci. Available in several colors with the classic Gucci canvas logo and lightweight leather for either side.

Screen Shot 2015-11-28 at 9.59.25 PM — The Camo leather/nylon large tote bag by Valentino. The lightweight, fun camouflage print looks eclectic with the leather handles and signature stud accents of Valentino.

So here are a couple of ones to check out. Both fun and practical but not cheap. Although, if I’m going to drag it around for five years? Thoughts?

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