Cannot Wait for March!

I love fashion magazines,  especially the March and September 10 pound issues, but the biggest fashion disappointment is always January. I subscribe to the big four: Vogue, W Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, and this month (January's issues have already come out, at least for subscribers) were so small, I grabbed two, thinking it was one. 

I will not entirely blame the publications themselves, it is an in between time. Resort has already been featured, and the market for those clothes is a fraction of any of the other seasons. Winter is still heavily upon us, but people are tired of dreary colors and covered up clothing. And Spring is not quite in the air yet, although the runway shows have happened, and there are previews to give us just a taste. Most of the issues focused on Hollywood related subjects or up and coming artists. 

I did find this great quote that made me happy to be who I am. It made me smile, and remember why I love fashion.

This is what I wore today:

Cashmere Sweater Dress: bebe

Skinny Jeans: bebe

Boots: Nine West

Leopard Headband: bebe

Necklace: Betsey Johnson

After Christmas Sales

The after Christmas sales have already begun! One of my favorites is bebe's. All clearance items are an extra 50% off the already reduced price. I scored some pretty nice stuff! Do not forget if they do not have your size, they can find it at another location for shipping or pick up.

These are the deals I scored:

Cropped Tweed Jacket

Originally $169.00, I paid $30!

Maxine Leather Pump

(Previously purchased and price adjusted)

Originally $159, I paid $60!

Laurie Zipper Pump

(I bought them in tan)

Originally $159, I paid $45!

Adele Knit Cuff Boot

Originally $159, I paid $40!

If you are in the San Fernando Valley area, go to the Topanga Mall and ask for Gabby or Katie. Enjoy!

Man Repeller

While laying in the bath tub with a cocktail and the December issue of Harper's Bazaar, I came across an extremely interesting article by fellow blogger, Leandra Medine. Leandra writes Man Repeller, a fashion blog focused on fashion trends that women love and men hate. She uses leopard print and harlem pants as examples. In a nut shell, her point is that sometimes, women wear certain things for sake of fashion, but those fashions sometimes turn men off. So the choice must be made: dress like the runway, or land a man?

I found the question very interesting, as I dated a man who did not always love my fashion choices, (in fact he down right hated the textured tights from last fall), but I always said, "Well, I like them. They are fashionable." So where do you draw the line? It also made me consider the fact that some looks worn on the runway are not meant to be worn on the streets. Take for example the Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 collection. These are the same pictures Harper's published with the article: 

 

The picture to the left is fabulous, and I appreciate it as art, but few women could pull off the over sized flowers in very few places. I love everything about the look, the colors, the inspiration, and especially the over sized flowers, but you would be hard pressed to find a straight man that would call it sexy. The look on the right, however, is more provocative, easier to wear, and still beautiful. It is not my favorite look from the collection, but the comparison is drastic. My point is, certain pieces from the runway are for inspiration and to translate the direction the designer was going. So the real question is: Are you wearing something as a slave to fashion or because it is actually wearable fashion? 

A happy balance can be met in both cases. You should wear what you love and be who you are. Not all men will understand, or enjoy, it, but the right one will. Consider though, everyone wants to be thought of as sexy, so perhaps leave the Alexander McQueen at home for the first date, and then wear it later when you feel comfortable explaining all the feathers. As for going over the top with fashion, leave it to Lady Gaga. I am all for show pieces, but translate them to everyday wear. After all, they are only supposed to be for inspiration. 

PS: This is what I wore today:

Dress: bebe

Tights: The Gap

Boots: Nine West

Christmas Decorations

I spent the day Christmas shopping, baking Christmas cookies, and most importantly, putting up Christmas decorations with one of my best friends. I love all decorations, the garlands, lights, ornaments, candles, tress.... There are so many to choose from. Decorations can get very expensive, so here is a  couple houses I have decorated and tips for brightening up any room on a budget.

If you can invest in a fake tree, do. It will save you money in the future and you can always burn a candle to get that real tree scent. Make sure you get a nice one, it is well worth it. Places like Costco, Sam's, and Christmas decor outlets often have the best deals.

Pick a color theme and stick to it. Ornament sets are less expensive than buying individual ones, and garland is a great way of adding a lot of color with out spending a lot of money.

Thick and pre-decorated garland can be very expensive, but you can make your own and it is personalized to match your theme. Michael's sells garland for $2.99. On your mantel fold the garland in half; on larger areas wrap two strand around each other. Michael's all carries "picks" (small decorative sticks) for less than $1. Choose approximately three different ones and spread throughout.

Use things from around your home. A tray with ornaments and candle holders can add a very classy touch, and costs almost nothing!

The Uglier the Sweater, the Better!

On Saturday night, I went to an always fun "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party. My friend Carrie hosts the annual shindig, and it is always an entertaining runway show of sequins, garland, lights, and ugly, ugly sweaters. On top of all the fun, I ran into a friend from FIDM who I had not seen since school. She is a fellow blogger, and her and her blog partner, Mary, are part of the reason I started She-Q. Check out their page, Fabulous on a Budget, for ideas on fashion, interior design, and best of all, saving money!

This is what I wore to the party.

Sweater: Vintage shop

Skirt: Windsor

Tights, Headband, and Earrings: Claire's

Boots: Nine West

Man: My friend TJ :)

2011's Color of the Year

PANTONE announced the color of the year for 2011... Drum roll please.... Honeysuckle! This stimulating color will hopefully pull everyone out of the "blues" (2010's color was turquoise) and invigorate 2011 into a successful and bright year. For those who do not know, PANTONE, along with the global color authority sat the color standards for the design industry, including everything from clothing, appliances, cars, and advertisements. Their color trend announcements dictate the palettes for most major product releases, like Fashion Week. 

Fashion shows have already been showcasing the color all over the runways. From head to toe looks, or just a touch with accessories, honeysuckle grabs attention and demands a smile. It will brighten up any wardrobe, for men or women, and hopefully catapult us in to 2011 with happier spirits.

Emporio Armani and Issa

This is what I wore today.

Jacket: Forever 21

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Jeans: Paige Denim

Happy Sunday!

I have been having a very fun and social week... Disneyland, karaoke bar, shopping, girl's night out, and I got my hair cut... so I have been away. I hope everyone had a nice week and enjoyed their weekends. I bought these fabulous shoes today and it put me in a great mood!

bebe Maxine Laser Cut Pump

PS: This is what I wore out this weekend.

Dress: Blush in Calabasas

Boots: bebe

Belt: Nordstrom

World AIDS Day

Today for World AIDS Day we remember those who suffer and have died from this horrible disease. Wear red, the recognized symbol for AIDS prevention and education. But more importantly, educate yourself on prevention. there are tons of places to get facts, and inform your friends and family. Only we can prevent the spread. If you so choose, donate or pledge. MAC Cosmetics has their Viva Glam collection which is now in its sixth edition, represented by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper. Every cent of the purchase price of these lipsticks goes to MAC Aids Fund to support men, women, and children living with AIDS. Its a great gift that keeps on giving. 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: H&M

Skinny Jeans: bebe

Boots: Nine West

Hat: Blush in Calabasas

Scarf: The Gap

Happy Cyber Monday!

Happy Cyber Monday Everyone! There are some great deals today that you can get while laying in bed. Just break out the laptop and start shopping! Here are some of my favorites, online only:

bebe: 20% of all regularly priced merchandise, plus free shipping on orders of $25 or more.

The Limited: 40% off everything, free shipping with no minimum, a free mini bag with $50 or more purchase, plus $25 virtual bucks for every $50 you spend.

The Gap: 15% off almost everything (enter CYBER15 at checkout), plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Old Navy: 15% off almost everything (enter CYBER15 at checkout), plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Banana Republic: 15% off almost everything (enter CYBER15 at checkout), plus free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Cache: 35% off all regularly priced merchandise (enter K100494 at checkout), plus an additional 50% off all sale merchandise.

Bath and Body Works: 25% off almost everything (enter CYBER25 at checkout).

If you have a favorite store, just hit up their website for deals, or google their name plus cyber Monday. I have found that most companies are putting the deal of the day on the home page. Happy shopping!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: bebe

Tank: Lily White at Nordtrom (only $12!)

Leggings: Blush in Calabasas

Boots: Nine West

Holiday Weekend Update

Happy Holidays! I think it is crazy that we are already saying that, but none the less, holiday time is here. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, friends, and fun, or if you had to work like me, a profitable day. Also, I hope everyone was able to find all of the hot deals on Black Friday!

I was personally a little disappointed in some of my favorite spots. Express did not have promo items with an extra 40% off everything or a free gift with purchase. The usual Express coupons are a better deal on any other day because you have promo items and then can use those on top of the deal. Victoria's Secret had buy one, get one half off on all of their bras (and still does), which was great, but a very rude cashier would not let me use their 3 for $30 panty promo, even after two other people told me my selections qualified. 

Club Monaco paid off; they had an extra 30% off their sale items. I got four tops for $50. And I had a coupon for Yankee Candle so I got buy two, get two free, plus two more candles for just $10 as part of their doorbuster deal. Friends told me Urban Outfitters was worth the two hour wait in line for 50% sale items. My best deal of the day was at Nordstrom. My Sam Edelman boots, which I have featured before, were marked down $100 and they let me price adjust! It was like all my other purchases were free!

If your experience was like mine, do not worry, Cyber Monday is just a couple days away, and I am sure will prove useful. Also, a lot of stores are continuing to do great sales all next week:

Express: Coupons are available for anywhere between $10 and $40 off. These can be used on sale items,  but not always clearance items. 

Cache: Coupons for 25% off your entire purchase, including regular and sale items.

Banana Republic: 30% off your entire purchase, and a free tote with purchase, December 3-5.

Victoria's Secret: Buy one, get one 50% off on bras lasts the rest of the weekend, and Secret Santa Rewards cards are still available through November 30 with any $10 purchase. They are worth up to $500! Plus, there is a free tank with $60 purchase and $10 off any purchase coupon available for December 1-5. 

Bath and Body Works: Free item with $10 purchase coupon available for December.

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater Dress: H&M

Leggings: Blush in Calabasas

Boots: Sam Edelman

Hat: Blush in Calabasas

Feather Earrings: bebe

More Black Friday Sales!

Here is a couple more sales for Black Friday. I am still researching others to get you in on the scoop, but for now:

Bath and Body Works: Free item of your choice (up to $13) with any $10 purchase. Also, get a VIP bag, filled with $115 worth of goodies, for only only $20 with any $40 purchase.

Victoria's Secret: Free tote with any $60 purchase, filled with almost $70 worth of goodies, while supplies last. Plus, get a "Secret Santa" card, worth up to $500, with any purchase over $10, to be redeemed in December.

Old Navy: While supplies last, get a free copy of Dance Central Kinect for XBox 360 with any purchase of $25 or more.
2b bebe and bebe Outlet: Clearance merchandise is an addition 30% until this Sunday, plus receive 15% off your total purchase over $75 until 2 p.m. on Black Friday. Some locations are open at midnight.

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: H&M

Jeans: Paige Denim

Shoes: Guess

Glasses: Michael Kors

Necklace: Love Diva

Fashion Obsession: Carey Mulligan

I am currently, slightly obsessed with actress Carey Mulligan. I have seen her throughout fashion magazines for the past couple of years, but have recently been awe of her style. She is effortlessly chic, naturally beautiful, and as charismatic in her interviews as in her acting roles. And her pixie haircut is so perfect, it makes me want to cut my hair.

I recently saw her in An Education, which if you have not seen, go now and rent it, Netflix it, whatever. Watch it. If for nothing else, the fashion is fabulous and the cinematography, beautiful. The main story focuses on a love affair between a high school senior and a much older man, but there are scenes that focus on the relationship between a father and daughter that brought me to tears, and it touches on how we, as women, sometimes tend to let love take over our lives and make us forget about our dreams. It is wonderful. And Carey was nominated for an Oscar.

As for Carey's fashion, she has always been breathe taking. Her classic style is retro and modern at the same time. She takes risks and makes everything her own. Pictures really do speak better than words, so here are some of my favorite moments. She has been featured in Vogue, among other fashion magazines, and her pictorials are always amazing, but even without photographer direction and set design, she shines.

 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: Express

Leggings: Blush Calabasas

Booties: Anne Klein

Necklace: Nordstrom

Black Friday Preview

I cannot believe Thanksgiving is only a week away, but.... that means Black Friday is only a week away, too! My mailbox was chocked full of Black Friday advertisements yesterday. I want to pass my knowledge onto to you so that you can maximize your spending potential on that day. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1) Have a plan. Some stores literally open at midnight, so map out where you want to go and at what time. Also, most stores will have the same merchandise out the day before Thanksgiving. Pre-shop and decide what you want so you can go in, grab the items, and get in line. 

2) Have a list of gifts to buy, and people to buy for. It can be very overwhelming with all of the sales and crowd, but remember, just because it is on sale, does not mean you need it. The newspaper on Thanksgiving is like the bible to Black Friday shoppers, so buy one, and use it. 

3) Do not plan to try things on unless you cannot return them. Most stores have longer return/exchange policies during the holidays. If you grabbed the wrong size, fix it later. This applies when a store is out of your size or color you want, as well. If the deal is that great, exchange it for your size or color later.

4) Be patient. You chose to go out on the busiest shopping day of the year. The workers will be flustered, so will you. But breathe. Everyone is trying to do the same thing. You will get your turn. 

5) If this is your first Black Friday outing, be prepared for packed parking lots, long lines, and crazy people. Yes, crazy people. Shoppers have literally been trampled to death on this day. The $25 TV is not worth it. Let the crazy person have it. 

Here is a preview of what some of my favorite stores will be doing to draw consumers in:

Express (In store and Online): On Thanksgiving day and Black Friday until noon, get 40% off your entire purchase, excluding clearance items. After noon, get 30% off your entire purchase, excluding clearance items. They usually have a free gift with purchase, as well.

bebe: Black Friday until noon, get 20% off your entire purchase, excluding markdowns and promos. Select styles will be 40% off all day. Plus, get a $25 reward card for every $125 you spend.

Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th: The day before Thanksgiving and Black Friday from midnight to noon, get 30-50% off your entire purchase. The discount for each category varies. After noon, get 25-40% off.

GUESS Factory Stores and GUESS Factory Accessory Stores (outlets): Black Friday until noon, 30% off the entire store. Select stores open as early as 10 p.m. Thanksgiving night!

As more sales news comes my way, I will update the list. I am the queen of bargain shopping, so let me know if you have any questions!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Skirt: bebe

Shoes: bebe

Necklace: The Limited

Cuff: Nordstrom

Lanvin for H&M Collection... Finally!

H&M has finally released photos of the Lanvin collaboration collection. And I. Want. Everything! From the dresses to the shoes to the jewelry, Lanvin covered all the basis and has wowed me. My jaw literally dropped in the middle of the coffee shop where I write this when the first canary yellow dress ($199, above) appeared. And the zebra print trench coat ($199, below)... Breathe taking, is all I can say. 

The collection consists of ninety nine pieces including women's and men's clothing, shoes, jewelry, ties, and makeup. The price point is a bit higher than expected... dresses are all about $200... considering a typical Lanvin collection would cost you somewhere in the $1000s, it is acceptable. I will for sure be buying the tutu trimmed tee shirt ($49.95), the chiffon jacket ($59.95) and the shoes ($99) if I can get my hands on them. 

PS: This is what I wore today.

Jumper: Forever 21

Shoes: Banana Republic

Necklace: Forever 21

bebe's Girl's Night Out

This Thursday, November 17, bebe will host its annual Girl's Night Out. This is the release of the fall collection, which this year will include bebe Addiction and the Kardashian line. The discounts usually last all day, but the real party happens after 6 p.m. when there is a DJ, models, and refreshments. Check bebe.com for a location near you, and if you live near the LA Valley, ask for Lisa or Gabby at the Topanga Mall location. 

This is a great time to stock up on holiday gifts and here is a deal to make it all worth while. Spend $150 and receive $25 off your purchase, plus receive a gift bag that includes Benefit BadGal Lash Mascara and a bebe logo tee. That is like two gifts for free! And do not forget to enter to win a trip to New York City!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Tank top: Old Navy

Pants: My momma's

**It was cleaning day:)**

Angels are coming soon!

Victoria's Secret taped its fabulous annual fashion show this week, to be aired November 30 on CBS at 10/9 central. Katy Perry is slotted to perform, with three costume changes, and Akon will be the envy of every man as the other musical guest. Sneak peeks are available online of the Angels' costumes and the beautiful sets that Victoria's Secret has come to deliver, year after year. Here is one of my favorites:

Victoria's Secret's fashion is the most watched fashion show in the world, and though the lingerie is not all available for purchase, so far as I know, it does serve as the inspiration for their holiday collections available in stores. Adriana Lima will be showing off the "Two Million Dollar Bra", covered in hundreds of diamonds and sapphires. She has always been one of my favorites with her sultry eyes and pouty lips, I am sure she will not disappoint. 

PS: This is what I wore today:

Tank: bebe

Jeans: Paige Denim

Shoes: Converse

Fashion Inception

If you have not yet seen Christopher Nolan's Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, go immediately. It is visually amazing, all the actors are perfect for their roles, and it leaves you fabulously frustrated. (This will make sense after you see it.)

"Inception" came to life through another artist's hands this past Wednesday, when Ralph Lauren took over the streets of New York and London to celebrate the tenth anniversary of RalphLauren.com. David Lauren, Ralph Lauren's son and the company's Senior Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Corporate Communications, enlisted the tech geniuses behind the Harry Potter films to create a 4D experience on the front of their flagship stores in the two cities. Projected images of models, accessories, polo horses, and Ralph Lauren himself appeared five stories tall on buildings that disappeared and reappeared, were deconstructed and rearranged. Guests were sprayed with Ralph Lauren Perfume. It is really quite an amazing video for even non-fashion enthusiasts. 

Official Ralph Lauren Show, London

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: bebe

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Skinny Jeans: bebe

Boots: Nine West

Necklace: Betsey Johnson

She-Q is finally on Facebook!

She-Q's Facebook fan page just went up tonight! Click the link below and become a fan by "Liking" She-Q. Also, if you have not already, follow the blog by clicking the "Follow" button on the right hand side of the screen on Blog Spot. And tell your friends! I appreciate everyone who is checking the blog daily, weekly, and monthly. Please let me know if there is anything in particular you would like to hear about!

She-Q on Facebook

Panty Raid!

Starting tomorrow, for a limited time, Victoria's Secret will be having their Panty Raid Sale. All VS Cotton panties and Pink panties will be 7 for $25! This is a great time to stock up for your self or grab stocking stuffers and gifts for the holidays. The offer is valid in stores and online, and I am pretty sure you can use coupons on top of the deal. Victoriassecret.com is offering $15 off $100, $30 off $150, $75 off $250, and $150 off $500.  Happy Shopping!

Restaurant Fashion

I work at a fine dining steak house in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. For those of you who do not know much about "The Valley", let me give you some in sight. There is a whole other breed of people who live here. It is hard to pin point their specific characteristics, but I often hear, "well, it is the valley," as an excuse for things. People are rude, inconsiderate, and think they deserve more than they ever are willing to work for. Do not get me wrong, I have met wonderful people here, but that is the stereotype give to this group. That stated, what I am about to say goes for anywhere, but my experience is here. 

When I go out to dinner, I take it as an opportunity to get dressed up. It is in respect for the restaurant and its chef, an art for which I have a lot of respect, and it is fun. I have previously stated my disappointment in the casual style of dress in LA, but I get particularly irritated at what some people wear to dinner these days. The discussion came up at my work last night, and I was ensured I do not stand alone in my ideas. Here are a few pointers that may help you, or you can use to help others, when it comes to eating out attire.

• Hats in a restaurant are not cool. This is an old fashion rule, but common courtesy has always been to remove your hat when you walk inside somewhere you are being hosted. This is especially true for beanies, baseball hats, and stocking caps. Once again children can get away with fashionable hats, and I know women's fedoras and cabbies are in trend, but nine times out of ten, it is not okay. 
• Shorts are not an option. It is never so hot in a fine dining restaurant that you require shorts. Even at my restaurant where the plates are five hundred degrees. In the valley heat of one hundred and ten degree summers, I still wear pants, a button up dress shirt, a vest, and a tie to look professional for you. Trust me, it gets hot while I run several miles a night, and you relax with your beverage of choice.
• Flip. Flops. Are. A. No. All the time, forever and ever, not okay. End of story.

The manner in which you conduct yourself is a whole other issue, and there are many rules that apply there, but this is a fashion blog, so I will just discuss the topic at hand. But I will say, be nice to your servers, their assistants, the managers, the hosts, anyone who comes in contact with you. They all work harder than you can imagine to make you happy. And please tip appropriately, 20%, especially when you can afford a $40.

PS: This is what I wore today.

Tee Shirt: Club Monaco

Jeans: Paige Denim

Sandals: Banana Republic

Leopard Headband: bebe

Aviators: bebe

Nordstrom Women's Sale and Holiday Release

Nordstrom's Women's and Children's Sale started today nationwide. The sale includes all the women's and children's departments, including shoes and accessories. It is a great time to pick up some of your favorites for fall, and nice basics to store for next spring for 40-60% off. If you are new to Nordstrom, this is one of only three big sales each year: the Anniversary Sale, and two Half Yearly Sales. 

Nordstrom is also releasing their holiday beauty gift sets tomorrow. The makeup and perfume counters will have exclusive sets including brush sets, cosmetics, and products only available at Nordstrom stores. Enjoy!

PS: This is what I wore today.

Sweater: Express

Jeans: Paige Denim

Shoes: Guess

Aviators: bebe

Necklace: Betsey Johnson

A Tartan Tale

MAC Cosmetics released the first phase of its holiday collection today, nationwide. A Tartan Tale is a series of eye, cheek, and lip products inspired by the colors of Scottish tartans. The plaid detail is carried across the collection from the bags to the imprint on the shadow palettes. I was able to visit my local MAC counter and get some scoop on the new collection. I tried out a bunch of the pink colors, thank to Saul and David, my wonderful artists at the Thousand Oaks Nordstrom in California.

My favorite MAC items are always the eye shadows, and these ones are especially smooth and creamy. The plaid detail is done in a contrasting color, so when you run your brush across the palette, you get just a tint of the detail color. I was also pleasantly surprised by the hot pinks featured in the collection. I choose a blush, and Saul showed me how to control the color so it is not a full on 80's look. Best of all, the holiday collection always includes the gift sets which are perfect for everyone on your list. The brush sets are my favorite. They have five brushes for $49.50, less than half the price of buying the brushes individually. 

Mellow Mood Lipstick, Baby Sparks Dazzle Glass, In Synch Lip Pencil

"She's Got it All" Apply, Define, and Line Brush Collection

Eyeshadow in Follow Your Fantasy

The tin gift sets (shown below) come in three colors, but have exclusive locations where they can be found. The purple base set will only be available at Nordstrom's MAC counters, and the pink and gold base sets will only be available at MAC's stores and website. They include a lip glass, eyeshadow, paint pot, and mascara. The second phase of the holiday collection will be released next week.

"My Scottish Fling"

PS: This is what I wore today and a way to take it from day to night. 

Cardigan: Express

Leopard Dress: bebe

Tights: The Gap

Boots: Nine West

To dress it up:

Remove the cardigan.

Add choker: Versace

Switch to heels: bebe