GUEST BLOG POST: Must-Have Luxe Staple Items That Every Diva Should Own!

If you don't know about Luxe Tips by Latoicha Givens, now you know! What I love about meeting other fashion writers and bloggers, such as Latoicha Givens, is the fact that we all have our say in what is hot, what is needed for our closets, and what is a MUST HAVE. This is because we stay up-to-date with trends, open our eyes to the world around us, have experienced at some point a fashion-gone-wrong situation, and even gain insight directly from the designers themselves. Thus, we present this information to you!

Just as I am happy to help you get down to the nitty-gritty of finding specific pieces during a stress-free shopping trip, I am happy to report Latoicha's complete list of "Must-Have Staple items that every Diva should own:"


Hello!

Fashion trends come and go but every Diva should own certain luxe staple items that will stand the test of time. These items can be worn for any occasion, in any decade, and in any region. So what are these items? I started a list of must have luxe staple items here. However, this list is not complete. So here are my top MUST HAVE staple items every Diva should own:



Staple Pieces - by Luxetips on Polyvore.com


Black Cashmere Cardigan. Eight years ago I had the perfect cashmere and silk blend black cardigan. However, I lost it while traveling. Devastating. This is my favorite item of clothing. It is great with jeans, slacks, paired with a skirt, or over a dress. You will always look classically chic wearing a black cashmere cardigan.

Cashmere Scarf. With a cashmere scarf you can achieve fabulousness and practicality. Wear this scarf at the office, on a plane, or draped over a ball gown.

Quality pair of Black Pumps. Those who know me know that I love Stuart Weitzman pumps. The quality is outstanding! When purchasing pumps make sure you buy the good stuff! You can wear pumps with anything. It is my go-to-shoe when I just can’t figure out what shoe to wear with an item.

Wrap Dress. In my opinion, the wrap dress is the most versatile and comfortable item of clothing a Diva should own. You can wear a wrap dress at the office, out with the girls, or shopping.

Quality crisp white shirt. I must confess: I am always buying white shirts because once you get a sweat stain they are done. However, I have learned to wear a very thin neutral spandex shirt underneath to avoid ruining the white shirt. I LOVE the look of a crisp white shirt with a pencil skirt or slacks. This is the perfect work attire. I also like to wear my white shirt with jeans and flats when running errands or attending a casual event.

A great pair of Jeans. The price point is irrelevant as long as they look great on you. Jeans should be flattering to your figure and comfortable. I am a fan of Jordache ($80) and Hudson Jeans ($225). They look good on me.

Fabulous roomy handbag. Every Diva should own a high quality, roomy handbag. It does not have to be Louis Vuitton or Chanel. However, make sure time and effort went into the construction of the bag. My fabulous luxe everyday bag is a Ralph Lauren satchel. My hubby purchased it for my first Mother’s Day. The leather is like butta! The stitching is exceptional and the hardware is sturdy. When I carry this bag, men and women alike always want to know where I got it. If you don’t have one, save for it and get one!

And Divas during this current economic recession, purchasing these staple items is so affordable. Luxe items are going for unbelievable prices. So if you are able, stock up on these items now. You will be so happy you did 10 years from now!

Toodles!

(You can also find Latoicha on Twitter...her tweets are great!)

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Latoicha!

Alicia Keys at the Oscars...Ga Ga Gorgeous!

Alicia Keys is all that, and more, at the Oscars. The lilac dress is hotness. Want to know who else is bringing sexy back? My Beauty Chat rundown tells all. What glam gown made you go ga-ga?

Photo Credit: http://www.beautychatblog.com

Holding a Grudge is Bad for My Complexion

Seriously.

There is a difference between letting something, or someone, go because it's just that time to move on...versus being uptight, upset, and just turning the other cheek to prove a point. The stress, the energy, and the time that you spend thinking about a person or situation that negatively affected your life is one way to be nostalgic. OR, you can look back at the positive things that came from it, even if it is just the lesson in itself.

I, myself, love gaining lessons from things gone bad, and I know firsthand how good it feels to find closure with situations on my time, within myself. The saying, "I wouldn't be who I am today had I not gone through that" really holds true.

A grudge puts you in bad moods and ultimately will affect your health, how you carry yourself, and will just do you no good. So I say live, love, and wear cute shoes (always!). And if you do say goodbye to the old, find it in your heart to say goodbye with the good times in the back of your mind versus the bad.

Just a look inside the diary of a personal shopper...

xoxoxo,

Elana

Photo Credit: About 3 years ago, having phone on a photo shoot

A $40 Jean by Alias Premium Denim...Me Likey!

Check out the Shop section on Chic Galleria, and get the ins on this brand new jean line: Alias Premium Denim. The cost (40 bucks!!!), the fit, the shade...I'm loving it. So much, in fact, I rate it 5 stars.

...And of course, Happy Valentine's Day everyone! (Steve and I watched Forrest Gump this morning, and it was the perfect tear-jerking, heartwarmer flick to cuddle up!)

Photo Credit: http://www.aliasdenim.com/

Rihanna and Chris Brown: The End of an Era

So many celebs that date one another, break-up, make-up, get married, get divorced...and those who use their fists and whatever else, instead of words. I am completely devastated that Chris Brown "allegedly" couldn't control his anger and that Rihanna "supposedly" has a jealous streak. Both extremely talented, lovely to look at, and fashion hits all the way.

Instead of being sent to rehab, I hope the new trend isn't for all of Young Hollywood being sent to jail over a text message. C'mon Rihanna and Chris, really....?!?!

Photo Credit: http://www.usmagazine.com/

"Zara" Gets Thumbs Up...OC Sales Associates, No Comment

Think Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 topped with French Connection and Anthropologie. This is the vibe I get when browsing in the Spanish fashion boutique, Zara, at South Coast Plaza (in Costa Mesa, CA). Yesterday, it was my older sister's birthday. This means that it automotically means a day of shopping. So me and my favorite girls -- my mom, my sis, and my niece -- decided to head to this indoor mall, due to the weather. Preferably, we would have chosen Old Town Pasadena, but the chill and inconsistent rain pours aren't too fun to deal with.

Following the positive and delicious dining at "The Clubhouse" (2nd floor), including my 12 o'clock bloody mary, we headed to Zara. While the customer service, I will admit, is non-existent, the current merchandise is totally worth their B.S. The sales were phenomenal:

- $19.99 for 80s-inspired skinny jeans

- Heels and booties ranging from about $29 -- $59

- a bold color selection of turtlenecks with 3/4 sleeve length for $9.99

- Peacoats started @39 -- $100

And their regular-priced items aren't too shabby either! The kiddies and guys can also enjoy Zara -- great fashion for all. Because the goal of the shopping trip was to treat my sister to her birthday gifts, I chose to hold back and not shop for myself. (The day before I got a cool, polka-dot umbrella and Spring floral dress from H&M. I was good.) So she chose this olive-colored, drapey cardigan with loose ruffle-like material at the opening. Totally my sis's style. Regular-priced...but was OK. She deserved something cute on her special day.

As for the rest of our time spent at South Coast Plaza...

After my niece rode the carousel with my mom (yes, in the mall, there is a carousel) and got a purple Mickey-shaped balloon, we headed to Nordi's -- of course. Sarah then chose the rest of her gift -- a new, Betsey Johnson necklace. Get this: the theme was yellow taxis. I LOVED IT, and admit, the salivation started to kick in.

A nice suprise at the end of our 4-hour shopping trip at South Coast (we hit up a few other stores in between), I eyed a Reality TV "star" shopping at the end of the accessories counter at Nordstrom. It was Lynn from the "Desperate Housewives of Orange County." (She is the newest addition of the show -- the one who annoys Vicki to no end.) I usually don't get starstruck, but because I watch the show religiously, I thought it was very cool. My sister and my mom thought I was ridiculous, because they had no clue as to who she was and as to why I cared so. But I did! Fortunately, I stopped myself from approaching her. Even though the cameras weren't there, and it wouldn't have been a big deal; what do I say?..."Hey Lynn, you are my favorite housewife!" Really...no.

So, in getting back to my original point: Zara is hot and worth a drive if you are in the Inland Empire or Los Angeles area, and want to gather a few basic as well as cutting-edge, trendy items. My 31 year-old sister and my 59 year-old mom both found great items (my mom chose one of the turtlenecks), which shows you that all ages and styles can enjoy the store.

Just, on your way out the door, prepare yourself for a little South Coast sales associate snotty-ness.

Photo Credit: http://www.ocstandard.com/

Designer Tracy Porter Talks Color, a Must-Have, and De-Cluttering Computer Space!

I may feel comfortable and confident when styling an outfit. But when it comes to my office space, as well as other areas of my home...Well, I am the first to admit that I can use some helpful tips!

And getting insight directly from Ripon, Wisconsin-based designer Tracy Porter is such a delight. I predict that you will love what she has to say, just as I do; whether you want to re-do your closet, add some color to your wardrobe, and/or de-clutter one of the most important spaces of your home. (You know that room with the computer, piles of mail here and there, and your old coffee mug in it? Yes, that room.)

Enjoy!

As a versatile designer: what do you see more as a challenge for people: finding the right fashion or finding the right home décor?

[Tracy Porter] I think the real challenge for most is finding what “their style” is. By this I mean we are all ever searching to enrich ourselves…become more of who we are, be open to new ideas, new ways to get inspired….in this, people try to figure out what “their” own style is. The process to me …. is identifying what you love….determining does it feel right?..... Does it make you giddy…to put a certain something on or sit in a particular kind of chair. It is all so very personal…and it takes time. Some come to it early….they notice things around them all the time…others find it later. It really doesn’t matter when you find your style…… I think most people want to find it, they want to find a style for their home and their own look….that feels “right." It takes a certain confidence to identify it…and perhaps a bit of perspective mixed with a sure twinge of “who cares”…..this is when you know you are close….because style in your home and on your person is just that…….it is about YOU feeling good, YOU being inspired and YOU surrounding yourself with matters and feels so juicy and true to you!

Updating or re-doing a living room or bedroom is not only a big project, but can be quite costly. Which Tracy Porter exclusive pieces are must-haves no matter the style of a person’s home?

A chandelier is a TRACY PORTER must have…we design extraordinary lighting…luscious and delightful to live with! I also believe our ceramics are enchanting and colorful and will always add a unique twist to your entertaining. I also adore our bedding and furniture….we believe a home should be rich with soul, and when we design pieces for the home or body we follow these same ideals. Inspired, soulful…timeless things that you will covet for a lifetime.

Your videos offer such great tips and information, such as your recent “inspiration” video. Even though I am inspired every time I sit down, I tend to start focusing on the clutter surrounding me. I want to be more organized! What tips could you give me regarding when and how I can quickly keep things in order as I keep up with my busy schedule?

I too believe that being organized can be key to an uncluttered mind. My thoughts on the de-clutterization of one’s world would be to arm yourself with baskets, bins, and other attractive vessels that allow you to march into any space and effectively clean and sort out the “junk,” and then to assess what will stay and how you can continue to enjoy it so it doesn’t take you away from life’s bigger mission….LIVING!! Think about color when redoing a closet…consider….quirky containers when changing up your desk….little pewter creamer and sugar pots are great for pencils and paper clips…etc. Beautiful trays allow a space to feel pulled together while adding a great layer of texture or color.

What are the top three ways that you keep a balance between your family life and work?

I keep my eyes and brain moving forward and onto positive thinking always….I do everything I can to stay focused on the bigger picture in life…..the…..we are healthy, we are happy sort of stuff…the little things and negative people can drag you down…I avoid it and them!!

I love my family and I love my work, and I am clear that I need both. I know that I am a really good mom because I am inspired everyday and I love what I do and how I get to inspire other people…it is incredibly therapeutic. I also know that I am inspired at my work because I give to my family in all sort of ways that make sense for us. We love to have good food, so that is a big part of our world. We love to talk and play games….so we do…we love to read….so we do lots of it. I try not to feel guilty about not going on field trips or not participating in things that I cannot realistically manage. I say NO a lot, because it works for me, my family, and my life…..and it keeps me balanced….as much as one can be!

I also stay pretty balanced because my partner and husband are the same guy. John and I have been married for 17 years, went into business and family knowing it was a team deal for us….and it really is. This brings me calm everyday knowing that we communicate the way we do, and care that the other person is feeling balanced and happy.

I love your idea of draping necklaces over statues and using a big silver bowl for other bracelets. What would you recommend for keeping scarves accessible as well as attractively featured among your accessories?

I would incorporate them into your jewelry statement if possible…find a marvelous statue and loosely tie them around it, or a spectacular basket or stunning bowl that they can be casually tossed into…you want to have them within reach and still be able to enjoy their beauty. Even a simple row of eye screws or something similar like a basic hook, that you could thread them through in a straight row would be a gorgeous way to display them.

You can find more tips and ideas on the Tracy Porter Blog as well. In doing so, you can enjoy some Tracy TV!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Tracy Porter, FEATURING Tracy Porter

My Two Loves This Valentine's Day (red heels included)

I am not the type of person who wears orange on Halloween, green on St. Patrick's Day, or the combo of red and green on Christmas; I have never been a fan of the obvious expectations that these sorta holidays present. Being a kid is one thing, but now in my late 20s, I just can't seem to do it!

What about Valentine's Day? Immediately "romantic" shades of red and pink typically come to most people's minds -- yes, mine too. Funny how I make the exception for Cupid's-little-arrow-in-the-heart-day of love, right? So for me, this year, I will stylize my outfit for a night out with my honey by wearing my Anne Klein patent-finish dark red booties with nearly all black. To ME, that is sexy. I love just a pop of color on one of the sexiest pieces of an outfit: thy shoes.

After recently getting rid of a pair of my simple Nine West red, pointy-toe stilletos (after having them re-soled twice and getting the tips pained as color chipped), I never thought I'd find another that would make my heart pitter-patter in quite the same way. I was heartbroken; those 8-year old Nine West heels have taken me from the most awesome LA fashion shows to Vegas craziness, and back to my first date with Steve nearly three years ago.

Fortunately, my new patent leather heels have filled the void in my heart.

So it looks like this Valentine's Day, I will head out for some nighttime fun with my two loves. Now, THAT is something worth celebrating!

Photo Credit: May '08, Steve's birthday, and one of my favorite pics and moments.

It's Amanda of "Fashion, Love, and Martinis!"

I was the first person to comment on Amanda Allison Valdez's blog, Fashion, Love, and Martinis. And I love to remind her about that!

When I originally came across her site months ago, I was immediately drawn to how candid she was (and is!) about her goals with fashion, her personal style, and how fabulous she feels in her own skin. She is completely open and honest, and I completely respect her for that. So, since then, we became friends through tons of networks. You know, myspace, facebook, blogcatalog, Twitter, etc., while now moving onto actual text messages. After getting to know what she is made of, I decided to invite her to ClosetMouse.com after I was personally approached from CM's Ali Costello regarding my own personal shopping, wardrobe consulting, and styling services. Truth be told: it was quite obvious how a talented image consultant and stylist such as Amanda would do their site good. Shortly after that, Ali and Amanda made contact, began building a working relationship, and voila....

Now, we are both CM "Featured Pros!" This is truly a great opportunity to meet other fashion professionals, while also reaching out to those need of our assistance.

And what makes this really special, is that Amanda and I interviewed one another and wrote bios for each other. In the process, we learned how similar we both are (journalism majors, fashion bloggers, AND stylists) and agree how important it is for a client to work confidence in his or her wardrobe. (Amen to that, right?!)

Be sure to watch and listen to Amanda' latest "vlog" post on Fashion, Love, and Martinis! Just as I am, she is delighted to be a "Featured Pro." Her squeals are the cutest!

Photo Credit: http://www.closetmouse.com/