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You Can Ring My Bell (Sleeves)!

Only us “40 plus Cincinnista’s  actually remember this famous song,  but in case you don’t:  here is the point:  Bell Style sleeves are “way in” this season.  Whether it’s short sleeved or long,  top or dress, bell sleeves are stylish and flattering.  Flattering I say?  Yes!  Kind of like how bell bottom jeans elongate and thin the thigh, bell sleeves do the same for your arms.  And who doesn’t need a little help in that area these days?!

Check out these examples:

Love these bell sleeves on yes, a striped top. Another look totally in this season. The black and white combo is also a classic.
Can’t go wrong with this off-the-shoulder black bell sleeved top by Milly.
Love this knitted cold shoulder dress by Shoshanna. Not to mention the deep pink color is perfect for Spring!

A Successful Appearance on Fox Channel 19!

As my blog Cincinnista continues to grow, I think that the highlight of the last year and a half, was our segment and fashion show on Fox Channel 19 this morning.

After appearing on Fox 19 twice now as an Interior Design Consultant, this was a new experience for me (Cincinnista.)  My mission was to discuss and display Fashion Trends for 2017.  The result was a great success!

With the collaboration of one of the best boutiques in Cincinnati,  The Co-Op on Camargo, as well as our three beautiful models,  here is a re-cap of what’s Hot for 2017:

-Cold shoulder and off-the-shoulder tops and dresses:   all the rage right now….another carry over from 2016.

-Embroidered and lace tops and dresses; this feminine and detailed look provides a great pop with simple denim and solid fabrics.

-Wide leg pants:  Not only are they stylish, they are comfortable and flattering especially on a taller silloutte. Not tall?  If your waist can handle it,  pair those high waister trousers with a shorter fitted top to elongate your legs…without showing your belly…remember Cincinnista’s are all about class!

-Stripes are in!  No, not your father’s pin striped button down, but stripes in unique repeats and angles such as flared sleeves and alternating lengths.  Very fun!

-Booties of all types: Check out Vinni’s “sock booties” that are a hybrid of short booties and tall boots,  and comfortable yet stylish at the same time.

In short, 2017 has a lot to be excited about….especially with fashion!  Stay tuned and check out our looks….

 

Our lovely Gina Elliott Rocking a 70′ inspired outfit with flared Level 99 jeans and embroidered striped top.
Myself, Amy Youngblood, in conversation on set with Anchor Charisse Gibson.
Models Vinni Brown, Heather Herr, and Gina Elliott
Vinni looks amazing in this black dolman sleeve dress!
Off the set with Vinni and Heather
Heather Herr rocking in an embroidered top and skinny jeans!
Myself, Amy Youngblood, chatting away with Charisse.
The whole gang!

Cincinnista to be featured on Channel 19 Fox Now Show!

Well, after the honor of appearing twice as an interior designer on Fox News,  I am excited to announce that Cincinnista will be featured on the February 1st show at 10:10 am!

We will be discussing Fashion Tips and Trends for 2017.  In addition,  we will be featuring some fellow Cincinnista models in clothing, shoes and accessories provided by The Co-Op on Camargo.  So stay tuned and mark your calendar!

End of Season Sale at the Co-Op!

Ok, I’m back from talking about ruffles to even more exciting news!

The CO-Op is having a big End of Season Sale starting Thursday, February 9th-Saturday February 11th.  Some of the fall/winter seasons hottest items will be drastically discounted not to mention,  join us for cocktail and appetizers on the 9th from 6-8.  A $5 donation at the door with also go to benefit the always worthwhile Karen Wellington Foundation.

For those of you not familiar with the CO-OP,  it is a store conveniently located in Madiera, housing several top fashion vendors in Cincinnati.  In addition,  the Sale will include additional vendors for a total of 6:   Elizabeth’s Closet, Erin Wach’s Gallery, Folchi’s, La Silhouette, Rambling Rita’s, Rory Maxwell and of course the CO-OP.

So put on your comfy shopping shoes and get ready for fun and deals!

 

 

 

 

Ruffle My Feathers!

Well,  as a Cincinnista that’s been through a couple of “Ruffle Phases”, this phase is here to stay…at least for 2017!

 

From off the shoulder tops, to dresses, now to skirts and jumpsuits, the flouncy ruffle is everywhere.  Just a word to the wise…don’t over do it or over mix it.  While ruffles are fun and festive…and often forgiving to some areas, do it sparingly.  For example, pair a ruffled top with simple skinny jeans and clean lined heals. DO NOT mix a ruffle top with ruffle pant, unless of course it’s a combined jumpsuit.  Here are some examples of some of my new fav’s this season.

 

This striking cold shouldered ruffle dress by Cinq a Sept is amazing paired with simple black sandals. Not to mention love the deep green color!
This sheer top by Red Valentino combines a tailored look with feminine contrasting ruffles. A truly timeless piece.
One of my favorite new designers, Alexis, takes the ruffle to an otherwise clean-lined pant suit. Ok…big secret…I’m wearing this to our Opening Gala next Friday!

 

 

Take Cover: Falling Studs!

So not to be a negative “Cincinnista” on a Friday night (I know shouldn’t be not at work right now:) but my love affair with the metallic “studs” that are so “in” on handbag, shoes, and clothing has become a  bit strained.  After three rounds of a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo sandals where the studs on the heals have fallen off, all I can say if “buyer beware!”  While Jimmy Choo has courteously fixing them now for the third time, it has been weeks of inconvenience of waiting for them to be fixed. And the next question is…will “studs” be out of style by the time I get them back?!  Kind of funny…but true.

I also had this issue with my Valentino Rockstud Dome shopper handbag as well as a pair of their flats.  Twice a stud fell out, and Nordstrom promptly had them fixed as apparently this is a common situation.  Hence, they are now prepared.

So the bottom line is when buying apparel or handbags, first, buy them from a quality company that will back up their product if there is a problem, such as a Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus.  To be honest,  buying American does pay off!  My Jimmy Choo sandals were bought from Jimmy Shoe directly based out of London and all they will do is fix the shoe not replace unlike a larger U.S. based store known for great service.

I will say the one item I’ve had surprisingly no problem with is with my Gucci Studded scarf from Neiman Marcus.  I have worn that grey scarf for days on end in this cold weather and not a stud has fallen from this cashmere piece.  Not to mention metal glued to fabric?  Can they give me the secret because obviously no one else has figured it out!

Cheers and Happy Friday!

Beautiful and fit like a glove. Something Jimmy Choo is known for. However, admittedly so by the manufacturerer, the studs on the heel rub against each other and simply won’t stay on.

 

Fashion Alert! What’s Hot for 2017

With the holidays behind us (well almost) this Cincinnista is recovering from a crazy yet fun 2016 and looking forward to an even better 2017!

I’m going to pass on writing about New Years Even Fashion tips as some of us don’t care about it as much as others:)  So on with the next year!

 

-Stripes.  While often seen as a traditional and often dowdy look,  stripes can look sophisticated and modern paired with more current styles.

-Fun and interesting sneakers.  No, not those the hospital style white ones, that grandma wears, but a variety of creative, yet comfortable sneakers are now out there.  The new sneakers come in all type of fabrics, leather and embossing.  Even high end retailer Gucci has a section on their web-site devoted to “Sneakers”.

-Bye, bye the awful 2016 Colors of the Year:  Rose Quartz and Serenity!  This year’s color of 2017 is “Greenery”, a lighter and brighter version of Emerald.  Great for for winter and summer,  this color doesn’t evoke the “pastel” romance of last years colors,  but a bold, excitement toward life.

-Artistic prints and patterns.  Still in style, the DVF inspired prints have become a reference point for other top designers. I personally recently bought graphic M Missoni skirt on sale that is timeless,  yet hip and fun with a simple top.

-The mule shoe.  Man I wish I hadn’t cleaned my closet of these in the 90’s, but they are back!  Inspired by comfort,  mule come in various, colors and embossing, just like their cousin, the sneaker.

-Also, in:  lower heels!  Thank God!  This Cincinnista is pushing 50 and the thought of stiletto heels even for 10 minutes just does me in.  The lower block style heels that were in for the fall are here to stay.

So these are just a few 2017 Trends to start.  Happy New Year and see you in 2017!

Cheers!

 

This asymetrical top by Milly is both tailored, yet festive.
Is this “sneaker” by Gucci really a sneaker?! Makes me almost like snakes!
This classic yet comfy pump by Halston Heritage will go with anything.
Another comfy shoe by Halston Heritage. Love this metallic mule.
This knit top by DVF evolves a graphic and almost modern art feel.
Color of 2017: “Greenery!”

Decorating for the Holidays!

While this Cincinnista doesn’t talk much interior design on this blog, when it comes to the holiday decorating your home correctly is important.  ‘Tis the season!

Amy Youngblood Interiors graciously appeared on the Channel 19 Fox Morning Show last week to discuss tips and trends in holiday decorating.  In case you missed it, here is the scoop!

  1.  Embrace a color scheme.  Red and green?  White and gold?  Blue and silver?  Pick a palette and stick with it to create a unfied look.  Accent with a pop of red if need be.
  2.  Wrap gifts early and get them under the tree….even if they are empty boxes!  A decorated tree with a variety of fun wrapping paper adds to the already festive scene.
  3. Make the holiday table a special one.  For your big holiday dinner, besides a great centerpiece, add decorative items such as round metallic balls or holday glitter.  Layer different patterned tablecloths for a more customized look.  Another tip: for buffet style dining, secretly elevate areas of the table for serving and display with paint cans!
  4. Engage your senses with light and the scent of fun candles…..always adds to the ambiance of the room.
  5. Accent items in your home that are unique and special.  Fill a decorative bowl with metallic balls or add festive bows and garland to a stylish pair of sconces.
  6. Modernize your decorations.   I’m not saying throw our Grandma’s Christmas village set, but like everyday decor in our lives, the trend is towards more clean-lined modern pieces.
  7. Bring in the Great Outdoors!  Now this decoration can last not only through the holidays but throughout the entire season.  Fill a glass or metallic vase with corkscrew willow branches of something similar to give interest and height to your table.
  8. Finally, “Less is More.”  While we want to be festive, we highly recommend decorating with class.  Lighting up your home like a Christmas tree is overkill, not to mention dangerous!

Cheers and Happy Holidays!

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Add a festive bow and fun branches to an already cool sconce.
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Myself and designer Chelsea Moeller on set. Table finished!
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Working away to set up the “demo” table. The clock is running!
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Loved talking to Fox anchor Kara Sewell. She is so professional and a class act!