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

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!

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?

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?

With Thanksgiving over,  and us Cincinnistas in full shopping mode,  I must talk about another Cincinnati based fashion source,  “Bling!”, owned by my friend Rachel Hamilton.   After years in the fashion industry, Rachel founded Bling in 2005 inspired by her love of outfitting women with easy “no brainer” clothing and accessories at an affordable price.  Her clothing is fashion forward, yet classy.  Her accessories and costume style jewelry add a creative “bling”  to any wardrobe.  Not to mention, her faux furs are the nicest I’ve ever experienced at a fraction of the real thing!

Bling will be one of our featured Vendor’s at our Ladies Night Out at Amy Youngblood Interiors on Wednesday, December 9th!  You can also view Rachael’s products on her web-site.http://getblingonline.com/

Here’s my thought on how to add some color to an otherwise dark winter wardrobe:

Add a sold colorful sweater to mix with a large scale neutral print.  Check out this tangerine-orange sweater I mixed with a black and cream damask knit skirt (from Bling!).  The great classic pattern of the skirt mixes perfectly with the simplicity of the bold, bright sweater. Add a coordinating, artistic looking necklace to compliment the outfit.

Yes,  I wore this on Friday myself. I had two new client meetings where I wanted to look stylish, yet approachable and comfortable. Sorry, was too lazy and didn’t feel “Cincinnista” enough to take a selfie!  I paired it with classic black riding boots and gold hoop earrings to finish it off.  Chic yet comfy!