The Style Journal's Favorite Things!

Millions of people tune in every year to watch Oprah Winfrey reveal her favorite things on her popular talk show. I, must confess that I am among the millions of viewers who anticipate the unveiling of the things every year and I try, unsuccessfully, to get tickets for that show. Well this year, I decided to choose somethings that I absolutely adore, to share with my readers. The things that I am going to list are things that have made my life much easier and are very affordable.


One of my favorite things is this knitted beret. I am one of those girls who hates to wear hats in the winter because it cramps my style. However, I will make an exception for this stylish and affordable beret. The knitted beret is very warm and adds sparkle to your style brand. These berets cost between $14.00-$22.00 and will make great Christmas gifts.

Another item, that I have found is very hard to live without, is the "neck warmer". I love, love, love this idea because it puts a bit of a twist on the traditional scarf. It is big and bulky and it makes the average girl look like a star! There are many versions of this look in stores. Some stores are selling "the infinity scarf" which is sort of the same concept and a little cheaper than the neck warmer. The neck warmers cost between $30 - $55 dollars and the infinity scarf will cost you, an average of, $22.00.

The next thing on my list allows me to have the best of both worlds. I get to have ice cream and watch my weight at the same time! The Haagen Dazs mini is the best thing since diet soda! I am a sucker for all things mini and I am so happy that Haagen Dazs understands today's woman. I love sugar and everything sweet but I always feel guilty when I over indulge; which is a concept that we are all familiar with, especially during the holiday season. These little half cups of pleasure boost just 180 - 200 calories per cup and allows instant portion control and the elimination of all the guilt that usually accompanies the surrender to pleasure. In addition to the elimination of guilt and a complimentary waste line, these little miniature cups only cost $1.00!!! Can you say heaven?!

I am an avid reader and so are my children; so we are always carrying books around with us. The fourth thing on my list is the wave of the future and will allow you to carry over 300 books where ever you go. The "Velocity Micro Cruz Reader" from Borders book store, is a one pound portable library that allows you to carry and store books, magazines, and newspapers on its crystal-clear, full-color, 7-inch display. You can use the built-in Borders bookstore app to download and read over 2 million eBooks in a light and convenient package. It is portable so you can take it everywhere and stay up-to-date with email and social networks with the built in Wi-Fi and full browser support. You can also download movies and music on this device! I don't know what I did before the ereader. This is definitely something to invest in. The Velocity Reader will cost you $199; but is well worth the price!

These are just four of my favorite things. I urge you to try them and I guarantee, that you will be glad you did. I invite you to comment and share some of your favorite things with me!

Best Dressed at The Emmys!

Claire Danes topped my list of best dressed actress at the 62nd Prime Time Emmy Awards, which aired Sunday, August 30th. Claire Danes looked stunning and was classic Hollywood in this Armani Prive strapless golden creme gown from his Fall 2010 Couture line. This gown is beautiful in it's simplicity and it dazzled because of it's sparkle and it's fit! Many actresses in the past. have worn the perfect dress but they end up committing the cardinal sin of over accessorizing or they don't know what to do with their hair. Claire Danes was flawless and was very smart not to add any jewelry, except for small earrings, to this gown. Her hair and makeup topped of this beautiful creation.

Rounding off my top five best dressed Emmy dresses are: Mariska Hartgitay of CSI Special Victim's Unit, Nina Dobrev of the CW's Vampire Diaries, Eva Longoria Parker of Desparate Housewives and Kyra Sedgwick of "The Closer". Nina Dobrev of the CW's "Vampire Diaries" sizzled in a
one shoulder blush, floral gown from Zuhair Fall 2010; Mariska Hargitay really glowed in a nude Vera Wang Gown; I choose Kyra Sedgwick because she added a burst of color in her Nick Verreous dress to an otherwise black, gold, and nude colored Emmy dress season; and finally Eva Longoria Parker wowed in a black strapless Robert Rodriguez gown.

Kimora Lee Simmons is Leaving Baby Phat!

Kimora Lee Simmons announced Friday August 20, 2010, that she will be dissolving her relationship with Baby Phat and exiting her position as Creative Director on September 1st. Kimora has been with the label for 14 years and has been a great contributor to the fashion industry with her innovative and sometimes, over the top, fashion creations. Although I personally, didn't like all of her daring designs, I must say that she is definitely a marketing Mogul; and it will be extremely difficult to market the Baby Phat label without her because she IS Baby Phat!

Kimora toke to Twitter to let her fans know that although she will not be designing for the Kellwood Company ( the owner of Phat Farm and Baby Phat) that she would still be a vital force in the fashion industry and will channel her passion and love for fashion into her other ventures. Of course her departure is not without controversy. Sources are reporting that Kimora Lee was forced out by the Kellwood Company who has owned Baby Phat and Phat Farm for 7 years. Consequently, whatever the reason for her departure , The Kellwood Company will be hard pressed to find anyone who can fill the void that Kimora will definitely leave. Kimora daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, who currently are models for the Baby Phat line, will also be severing their relationship with the Baby Phat label. We wish Kimora Lee Simmons the best of luck with her future endeavors and we are sure that we have not heard the last of Mrs. Simmons! Below are some of the fashion legacys that Kimora has graced us with over the years. Farewell, Kimora!!!!

Jeggings...The Must Have Accessory for the Fall!

Fashion designers have definitely reinvented the stretch pant/legging! Designers have now coined the term "jeggings" to introduce the vamped up stylish legging for 2010! What are Jeggings?! Jeggings are basically extremely skinny jeans that look like leggings but without all the restrictions. The jegging slowly made its debut in some 2010 spring lines and I believe they will be all the rage this fall because they are so versatile. Another great style benefit to the jegging is that they are not as exclusive as the legging. With leggings, you had to have a long shirt or a long jacket to conceal your rear and hips because the material was so unforgiving. However, because the jegging is made out of heavier fabrics, you don't have to be so one dimensional in the way that you style the jegging look. Finally, because most fashionista's are suffering through this recession trying to coupe with the lack of disposable cash, the jegging allows you to still be stylish without spending as much revenue. Below are some stylish Jegging looks!

Alica Keys Married in Vera Wang!

With all the media coverage surrounding Chelsea Clinton Wedding ceremony on Saturday, Alica Keys and Swizz Beatz had no problem getting married without the dreaded paparazzi!The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony Saturday in a private home on the Mediterranean Sea. Alica Keys wore a Grecian-inspired Vera Wang gown and her groom wore a tuxedo made by designer Tom Ford. I am sure the couple will send Chelsea Clinton a thank-you card in the mail very soon!!! Congratulations to the new couple~

Dum..Dum...Dum...Dum! Today is Chelsa Clinton's Wedding Day!

Chelsea Clinton and fiance, Marc Mezvinsky, will be tying the knot today in Rinebeck, NY. As one of the most popular "white house kids", Chelsea Clinton's wedding has been the most talked about wedding of the season...no, of the decade. Although I am sure that well-wishes from around the globe have been streaming in for Former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton and for Chelsea...for me, it is all about the dress!!! There has been much speculation about what designer Chelsea will wear and it now appears that Chelsea will be wearing Vera Wang today; so I have chosen a few dresses, from the Vera Wang's collection, that I think Chelsea would look great in. We will see later today when the pictures start rolling out over the news wires, if I pegged her style correctly!

Online Garage Sale!!!

I use to be a shopoholic in my past life and would purchase anything that I saw on sale just because I couldn't pass up a good deal. Recently, I went into my closet and noticed that I had a ton of clothes with tags still on them and shoes that I bought that I have never worn. I tried to convince my husband to build me another closet, (that would make five walk-in closets) and flat refused. He told me that I had better start giving things away. Being the entrepreneur that I am, I wanted to find a creative and lucritive way to purge my old designer frocks so that I can make room for the new ones! On a serious note, As I am aging, I realize that I am indeed a minimalist and want to scale down my wardrobe to staples and vintage items that I can have for a lifetime. So I came up with the concept of an online garage because I am too much of a diva to stand in the alley in front of my garage, hoping that someone will come by. With all of this technology at my disposal, I figured out that there has to be a better way. So every week I will feature a new item that will be on sale. This week I am featuring this Michael Kors shoe that I bought 3 years ago. I never wore the shoe and I bought it a half size too small; I couldn't pass it up at the time because it was orginally $130.00 and I paid $49.00 for them. I am going to sale them to day for just $20!! Everything that will be featured will never be ove $20. So join in and find some great deals.

Style and Socal Etiquette...Can Elizabeth Hasselbeck of the View Handle it When President Obama Comes to "The View"?

The View talk show is making History! The View will become the only daytime talk show to interview a sitting president! Barabara Walters will even be present for this Historic event. Barbara Walters has been visibly absent from the talk show because the world renowned journalist had heart surgery early this summer and wasn't scheduled to come back until September. Although I know what an honor it is to have a sitting president come to the show, I am beginning to wonder if Barbara Walters' motives have more to do with Elizabeth Hasselbeck's lack of decorum and her recent controversial statements about certain issues. The conservative Hasselbeck has been known to spar with her more liberal co-hosts and is no stranger to controversial statements. She once argued that the morning-after pill should be banned even in cases of rape and incest, and she criticized ESPN's Erin Andrews for being the victim of a stalking because she was "wearing next to nothing." She also has been known to go on "anti-Obama" rants whenever the president's name is mentioned. If she brings up the Jeremiah Wright racial youtube video- that surfaced during his campaign-I am going to loose decorum, for the first time, and jump through the television!!! I think that Barbara Walters suspects that Elizabeth probably can't hold it together so she is most likely making this appearance to make sure that Elizabeth's "View" won't permanately damage the reputation of the show. So tune in at 10:00 on channel 7 to witness history and to see if Elizebeth controversial "views" will get her in trouble once again!

Glamorama made it's Chicago debut on a cold Friday night in 1999. Glamorama was created so that different cultures and different generations can come together to create something new, while at the same time raise money for local programs and charities such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Cancer research. For 11 years Macy's has been putting on this extravagant eventin Chicago that has lured celebrities, models and fashionistas to the Chicago threatre for good music, outstanding clothes and one hell of a party!! This year is no different. On Friday, August 13th, Grammy award-winning singer Macy Gray & Eric Hutchinson will help kick off the annual fashion extravaganza, Macy's Glamorama is never disappointing. The show will open with an over-the-top theatrical fantasy, the fashion show at the Chicago Theatre and an after party at the Macy's on State Street. Glamorama, which debuted as Marshall Field's Fash Bash in Minneapolis in 1992 and in Chicago in 1999, raises money to support cancer research and the arts. Over the past seven years, Glamorama has raised nearly $2 million for The Art Institute of Chicago, and over the past 14 years, Glamorama has contributed more than $3 million to Children's Cancer Research Fund in Minneapolis. So I would say this is difinately something to check out!!!
Ticket Levels:
$50-$75 Show Only
$175 Show and post party access
$285 Premier show seating and post party access
To order call ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2787 visit ticketmaster.com or visit The Chicago Theatre box office. Tickets are also available thru the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana 630-623-5300 or visit ronaldhousechicago.com for additional information.

Trends for Fall 2010

I have canvased many blogs, magazines and designer websites to bring you the Fall 2010 industry picks for the must-haves this season. As I scoured the websites, I began to notice a trend of my own...that most sites just recycled the trends they predicted would be hot for Fall 2009 and they are trying recycle them for this season since many people didn't invest in them during the last fashion cycle. Most industry leaders predict that the Military look, metallics, sheer clothing, leather clothing, knee high socks, knee high boots and capes will be all the rage this season; but I happen to disagree. I think the knee high boot may last another season and the military jacket may also make a cameo, however, I don't think that many women feel sexy or mature in knee high socks and sheer clothing without a camisole. A woman, in this day and time, wants to transition through her day easily and with as minimal fashion mishaps as possible. Today's woman is a minimalist, she has many responsibilities and very little time; so something affordable, comfortable and stylish-that can take her through her day- is very important. I am taking a leap here and I am going against some of the industry grain and making predictions of my own. I predict that:
1. Jackets will make a comeback this year. Not only military jackets but stylish jackets that can be worn with an evening skirt or just with jeans.
2. Accessories are also going to be very popular this year. Because of the economy, many women are not going to have the disposable income they use to. So belts, hats and scarf are going to win out over a new wardrobe. Accessories always updates and refines an otherwise outdated assemble; and with this economy, I predict that alot of women may be recycling their clothing this season.
3. Shoes/boots are also going to be a hot investment this year. Instead of purchasing thousands of dollars in trends that may not last next season, Invest in staples such as shoes and boots. You will get more wear out of them and save money in the process. Industry insiders are predicting that bulky heals and heels that have a bit of architecture to them will be hot this fall.
4.Camel color and Browns will re-emerge this fall as well. Calvin Klein debuted
his Fall collection during New York's fashion week and he displayed natural colors, grays and a hit of black as must-have this fall. Very feminine, hints of color and comfort seemed to be a focus of his designs.
Finally, my last prediction is that women will find what is right for their own body and just squeeze in the trends and the "must haves" where they can. In my opinion, fashion and finding your style is suppose to be an adventure... an adventure that you travel in your own time and according to your own schedule and comfort. Be a risk taker and find your comfort zone and who knows, maybe you will become the next trend setter!

New Trend Alert: Reality TV...The New Soap Operas??

With the cancelation of longtime daytime soap operas such as "Guiding Light" and "As The World Turns", many viewers are wondering what to expect from daytime TV. Recently, it has been announced that "The Real HouseWives of Atlanta may be taking over the time slot once held by one of these popular soap operas. This leaves me asking the question, "Is Realty TV replacing Soap Operas as the new daytime trend?"
Although reality television is suppose to be real life events as it is happening, these television dramedies are more like soap operas than actual real life situations. I was just watching Chloe and Kourtney tales Miami yesterday and the question of authenticity arose. On this episode, an employee of the Dash store that the Kardashins own, was having a "private" conversation with one of the other employees about her possibly having Herpes and instructed the friend "not to tell anyone". Are you kidding? You are on national television announcing to the world that you have Herpes and you are telling your friend not to tell anyone?! I really don't believe that moving reality shows to daytime is a worth while strategy. Although they are entertaining and comical, I think that it is to brash and too much of an emotional overload in the morning! Soap Operas are filled with drama, intrigue and betrayal as well, however, it is something that is not suppose to be real and it allows you to live in another world temporary. The Real HouseWives, Chole and Kourtney, Jersey Shore etc.. have too much profanity and fighting for my taste for a morning program. Tell me what you think. Leave a comment below!

Chicago is on to something big...no huge! I recently visited the South Loop Hotel on 28th and State Street in Chicago Illinois because I heard that they were featuring a band that was totally hot! When I stepped into the venue, I was immediately captivated and mesmerized by the sultry sounds of the band and the crowd of women that evidently assembled to hear the music and to get the attention of the eye candy featured on stage! The band took me back to places where good music usually takes you. They played hits from The Police, Depche Mode, Rolling Stones, Little Wayne, and SADE but added their own flavor to these popular tunes. The Band is presently working on their album, "From the Basement to the Boulevard" which will be featured this Fall. But until then and before they blow up, you can get a front row seat twice a month at the South Loop Hotel beginning at 8:00pm. The band will be playing again om Friday, July 30, 2010. Come and join me!!!

While everyone is going GaGa over everything yellow, The nude shoe, has quietly and delicately emerged as my “must have” for the 2010 spring/summer season. Although nude clothing was cited as a necessary item in every fashionista’s closet, the nude shoe was understated in most mags but has become, for me a timeless classic like the little black dress and stilettos! Nude shoes are the perfect neutral so you can pair them with any color. The nude shoe is an affordable classic that you should definitely invest in!