Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Boots and Bags!
What kind of boot do I look for this season and how do I decide which boot is best for me and my lifestyle?
Start in your closet and see what you already have. If you are a pant wearer, than opt for either a shoe boot or mid-calf style. If you like to wear leggings or jeggings go for a boot that is mid calf or western style. If you prefer dresses or skirts then select a boot that comes to either mid calf or below the knee. Above the knee boots look best with leggings, tights and dresses or some really skinny jeans.
What color do I go with - black or brown?
Both colors are equally versatile, but it is optimal to have one pair of black and one pair of brown boots, in different styles of course.
Do I look for leather or suede, embellishments, hardware or fringe?
If you are not an avid collector of boots (I have one client that prefers boots to shoes, and have come across several clients through the years that collect shoes of all kinds) then I recommend to bite the bullet and invest in one good pair of boots in a classic style that will last you for years to come. Personally, that is the way I like to roll. Purchase less, but better quality. If you tend to get tired of things easily and, no, I am not talking about your spouse or boyfriends, just clothing items, then spend less money and buy a few moderate priced boots of lesser quality and plan to pitch at the end of the season. Important to note here that boots made of pleather or plastic crack and do not allow your feet to breathe.
How do I decide on a handbag this season?
If we are talking about an everyday handbag, give thought to what kind of straps or handles you prefer. Over the shoulder, one strap or two, cross body or shorter, two handles, held on the wrist or by hand. This is purely a comfort call. Think about what you will also really need to put in your bag, or the little things that end up in your bag on a regular basis. Do you keep limited contents in your purses or do you prefer to have everything, including items from the kitchen sink. I literally once had a client that carried silverware and napkins in her bag.
Do I choose a color for my new bag or must I stay with black or brown?
If you are ever going to make a statement an accessory this is the time. Certain colors this season are equally neutral like greys, maroons and dark blues. I would even go as far to commit to a texture. There is something about a fabulous bag that can make the rest of your boring outfit pop. Not that you would ever wear a boring outfit, right? Just remember a great bag makes everything look more interesting.
Now you are armed to begin the boot and bag hunt. Tread slowly until you find exactly what you need. It is certainly out there for the picking.
Happy shopping!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Shoes!
Donald was born in 1943 and raised in Chicago with his twin sister. Along with his brother, he worked as an apprentice to his father at Pliner's Florsheim Family Shoe Stores. With all that experience in the family store, we know where he got his shoe chops from!
1967 - Opened his first store, Pappagallo Beverly Hills, and sales went through the roof. Clearly a star in the making.
1971 - Donald began gaining ground with the Right Bank Clothing Company
1984 - Donald was recruited to head a Spanish-produced footwear line called Glace, and not only designed, but conceived the whole operation
1987 - Donald did a stint designing for the brand Erica, and sales increased dramatically
1990 - Donald began designing his own line of footwear and accessories, and creating his brand
1994 - Donald designed the first all-over elastic using comfort as his underlying goal
That all-over elastic was one of my first pair of his shoes! Do you remember your first Donald Pliner's shoes?
1998 - Men's footwear is introduced by Donald. Today, Donald's men's line includes dress shoes, boots, basic comfort shoes, sandals, sporty styles, and executive dress shoes, and complements his women's line in scope and style.
Boy, would I like to be a permanent fly on his wall!
What about Lisa Pliner?
With her formal education coming from the Parsons School of Design in Paris, the Miami native has been designing since fall of 2010, after years of working side by side with Donald. Lisa's signature green sole signifies life, and celebrates all things good. She defines good as growth, renewal, health, and the environment. Lisa designs for the active woman who is unwilling to sacrifice style for comfort, while offering ultra-chic style and stunning technical details in each shoe.
So, we are all updated with their careers, and especially the impressive one Donald has had. He was wonderfully gracious when I met him over 20 years ago, and I expect he will be the same this weekend. Come and check out the event at Main & Taylor Shoe Salon at North Hills this Saturday from 10-4. Bring or plan to buy a shoe, as he will sign them.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Suzanne's Weekly Six Picks
For those who follow me on twitter @SavvySuzanne you saw a picture of me wearing a real fox skin hat with the skins draping over my shoulders. My sister in law put me up to it, so don't call Peta, please! I enjoyed the couple of spring/summer skirts that I brought along with the basic tees and the two hoodies that I lived in. It got me thinking that my wardrobe lacks graphic tees for spring. Wondering where I might find some that are not overly trendy and will hold up after a few washes. I will get back to you on that.
This week's picks address basic cotton skirts in various lengths and styles. Easy to wear and even easier to change up the look of a skirt from day to night, casual to dressy. It is all about the fabric shirts and tops that you pair with the skirts, along with varied length necklaces, print and solid scarves, and lastly, the shoes. Spend a little time getting creative in your closet and see how many different outfits you can put together with one skirt. I'd love to see the results.
Happy styling!
Suzanne
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Suzanne's Six Pix - White Pants and Neons
Friday, March 2, 2012
Six Pix
If you don't already own a versatile trench, this would be a good addition to your lifestyle dressing wardrobe as we roll into March and April showers. I especially enjoy wrapping a scarf around my neck with jackets to add that "pop" of color and warmth while dodging raindrops from store to store.
This is also the perfect time to think about purchasing a colored jean and versatile lace up oxford. A neutral lace up shoe looks adorable with pants, capris or loose flowing dresses.
Select a handbag that speaks to your personality. If you wonder what speaks to your personality, start with a bag that fits your everyday needs and then move to deciding on a color. This is a wonderful opportunity to step out of your comfort zone without investing heavily on an accessory for spring
From my spring closet to yours-
Suzanne
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Silver bells for spring!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
An Interview with Christine Jones Jewelry
Where do you get the inspiration for your design?
We often collaborate on jewelry designs for clients. As you know, I love to look at your materials and hand select stones. Where do you find your materials? Do you shop seasonally, or do you just find things you like?
My works have continued to evolve. One major addition in December was sterling cuff bracelets. What makes them special is that each one is truly unique. They are all hand scribed, etched and forged. I have some 'stock' designs, as well as more personalized custom bracelets. There is a picture of a personalized bracelet on my website. I think I will always work with gemstones because I love the color they provide, but metal holds such a fascination for me that rings, cuffs and pendants are the next obvious steps. There is so much for me explore with metal and color!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Cyber Monday Shopping
If you have had your fill of turkey and relatives and now you are trying to catch your breath before Cyber Monday hits, I thought I would give you some quick food for thought. Can you believe I actually mentioned food again? Before you start cruising the internet and reading through the dozens of emails, all advertising cyber deals, think about the following questions, particularly if you get the bug to shop for yourself and not for holiday presents:
What makes this internet offer such a good one?
What is written in the small print - is there a minimum spend to get the deal?
Have you bought from them before?
Is it a secured site?
Does it offer free shipping and return postage?
Can the item be returned?
What is the delivery time promised? Express or snail mail? Estimated delivery time?
If it is not being offered at at at least 50% off or more, forget it. It probably isn't worth the effort.
Is it an item that will enhance your wardrobe, or just a splurge?
There are some items that are worth checking out that are worth investing in at this point in the season, and that you may have been not been able to look at previously:
- A good leather or suede boot
- A wool coat
- A leather jacket
- A classic raincoat
- A long strand of pearls
- A rich leather handbag
- A good leather belt with a handsome buckle, and remember to go up one size. If you buy size 28 jeans, buy a 30 inch belt.
- Your favorite brand and style t-shirt in multiple colors
- Your favorite scent
Big box stores will provide the biggest draw for sale items, as well as specific designers or brand names. If you like a certain brand or designer, look at the site. And don't dilly dally! If you find something that piques your interest - go for it. I guarantee if you check back, it will have sold out.
Happy shopping, but remember a great sale on wardrobe items is only good if it’s something that will work with your existing wardrobe. This is not the time to build a wardrobe. This is, however, a great time to do a quick, and I mean quick, closet evaluation and see if you can catch any steals online to complement what you already have.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Calling All Women!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Fashion Sneakers v Athletic Sneakers
Friday, November 4, 2011
Aging Fashion and Style
- What were Betty's lifestyle clothing needs? Daily casual, church, or any special events?
- Was Betty more comfortable in pants, skirts, or dresses?
- Did Betty have any restrictions on buttoning a blouse, zipping a pant, or reaching over her head?
- Were there certain fabrics that were more comfortable to her and others that she did not prefer?

