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.

Black Friday Shopping Expert Tips and Tricks

Retail was up .5% for the month of October. Hooray!

What does that actually mean? Retail sales haven’t shown a positive increase in forever, and stores have traditionally relied upon heavy discounting and carrying less inventory. As you may know, Black Friday is called that because stores have taken the upcoming holidays, discounted their goods for shoppers who have the day after Thanksgiving off and can go shopping, and crossed their fingers that it would allow them to show a profit.

Let's chat about upcoming shopping for Black Friday. Is it worth fighting the crowds of crazy people all in search of what they think is the bargain of the year? If you are looking for clothing, do the research beforehand. Most stores have a pretty good idea of what will be on special sale next Friday. If they choose not to share with you that is one thing, but the information should be available. You need to weigh the savings versus the stress of it all.

 

I had my first experience shopping on Black Friday last year with my daughter. It wasn't pretty, but I will do it again ‘cause I love my daughter. I frequently don't do malls on weekends. There has to be a really good reason for me to shop, and the same thought applies to shopping on any holiday. A holiday is meant to be just that. A break from your job! Not that I don't love it, but the crowds kill me.

I figure I log anywhere from 15 - 30 hours alone in just one of our various malls in the Triangle on any given week. That doesn't include shopping centers, or one-stop destinations.  My car survival kit isn't quite the same as most traveling salesman's. What you typically find in my car or purse on a regular basis is meant to help with my job of shopping.

Let's compare notes and see if you are as equipped for a typical shopping expedition with a personal shopper!

·         Two bottles of water, usually cold at 10 am and warm by 3 pm,

·         a small cooler if I plan ahead, with carrots, an apple and maybe some cheese,

·         a bag of my favorite snacks, typically raw cashews or smoked almonds,

·         an empty Starbucks cup, from my morning routine and just waiting to be thrown out,

·         several ink pens, because I am forever losing them between the seats,

·         black flats, for when my heels don’t like my feet anymore and my dogs are barking,

·         straight pins and safety pins, for showing clients what the garment will look like when hemmed,

·         a jewelry chain to measure what length my clients might want a necklace made to accommodate their necklines,

·         a pad of paper, and

·         a good old fashion yellow pages.

Now let's chat in terms of how you need to prepare yourself for Black Friday, and what to expect. Do your research and have a plan. Now if you’re not going for anything in particular, then are you crazy?

1.    A somewhat good night’s sleep, either Wednesday the 23^rd, or if you’re hard core and don't plan on going to bed on the 24^th, forget my suggestion.

2.    A plan of action. Decide what stores are most important to you and go there first.

3.    Comfortable shoes - rubber soles are a must. The mall floor will get old quickly while fighting the crowds.

4.    An outfit with no more than two layers. A sweater that can be thrown in a purse or around your waist is good for changing temperatures in stores, the mall and outdoors.

5.    A lightweight purse with a front closure or body bag purse. Don't give pick pockets an opportunity to ruin your fun.

6.    A bottle of water and a snack.

7.    Bring your patience, because you will be waiting in long cashier register lines.

8.    Any online coupons that might be used along with regular store discounts.

9.    Walkie talkies (just kidding). A cell phone will work as well. You may lose your family member in a store. Or is that the plan?

10.  Lastly, bring your smile, as this is supposed to be fun and not too painful. Hmmm, I'm just saying.

So, what might bring me out shopping besides my daughter asking me - nothing. No discount is great enough for me not to be home relaxing. If you do happen to run into me, I’ll be sporting a large cup of coffee, an extended belly from eating way too much the day before, and possibly my mother and mother-in-law on my arm. I can't imagine why they will want to come. My mother doesn't get up before 8 am. My mother-in-law is so little and doesn't hear well, and I could easily lose her under a rack or in a corner and she wouldn't hear me yelling for her. As for my daughter, truth be told, I wouldn't trade the craziness of it all to not be with her. Soon enough she won't be as determined to find a great buy at the Gap.

Dressing Tips: When It Is Actually Too Hot To Wear Clothes

The thermometer is showing over 95 degrees and you wonder if you will soon combust or just sweat out every ounce of liquid through your pores! Before that happens, check out these tips and do a quick closet check to make sure you have the tools you need to survive the heat of summer:

1. Opt for washable natural fibers such as linen or cotton, avoid all man made fibers.


2. Wear as few layers as possible and loose fitting versus tight or binding.


3. Wear sleeveless or sundresses whenever possible, pairing with a light sweater for those occasions you step into a movie theatre or restaurant where they keep the air conditioning at 60 degrees.


4. Select cap sleeve shirts and tops if the sleeveless look is not an option due to a heavier upper arm. Make sure the sleeve set is at or right below the heaviest part of your arm.


5. Gravitate to skirts and avoid pants or capri’s .


6. Wear lighter color fabrics and avoid dark tones.


7. Consciously decide to wear less make up and focus on a more natural look. There’s nothing worse than the feeling that your make-up is melting and running.


8. This is an ideal time to incorporate a little white dress into your closet and dress it up or down as needed. Pair with a jacket or structured cardigan for business and a peep toe pump or a strappy sandal for night.


9. Dressing to fit corporate office culture gets challenging as the summer weather heats up. Instead of dressing in suits and jackets try a sleeveless sheath dress with structured and lined jackets of linen, seersucker or polished cotton.

Lastly, I always recommend keeping a small bottle of hydration mist in your purse. You would be amazed how a quick spritz of mist will refresh you in no time flat!

For Men Only: How to Pull of White Pants For Summer

Regardless of your age, men are often leery about wearing white pants for summer. Part of it is fear they will look like the Skipper on Gilligan's Island or David Cassidy when he was rocking it out in the 70's with the hit ‘I Think I Love You!’

Men, you can do it! Women have taken the plunge and begun incorporating white jeans, slacks, dress pants and casual pants into their wardrobe as a year round staple. It’s even become a whole new color palette - think white, off white, cream and winter white. Never fear, we understand that for men, white in any shade is probably still white.

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping. Don't over think it. Remember that white is as versatile as other, ‘regular’ khaki colors. Avoid a baggy pant silhouette, but not super skinny either. Select a pair that is fitted and fits correctly.

Check out these simple guidelines to help pull off white:

• To go for a casual look, pair the white jeans or slacks with a graphic tee
• For a dressier look, throw on a bright colored shirt with a sweater for layering and a pair of loafers for a relaxed look
• Once you are confident wearing white, go for a white-cream colored linen pant for the summer months. Wear a contrasting shirt with texture and a dark suede shoe (now we are talking!)
• Now that you have stepped out and feel confident wearing white, how about one last look for summer. Pair white or cream pants with a navy or dark linen blazer. A pinstripe cotton blend blazer looks great worn with a contrasting color dress shirt or collarless shirt.

Not only will you be rocking in white pants this summer, but you will indubitably be the coolest!

Suzanne's Shopping Roundup!

Found last week on a trip to Dillard's...

Ivanka Trump hits Dillard's Department store!
Pricey bags starting at $150...
Really?





Sperry Topsiders go paisley!
Check out what happens when
leather meets paisley!





Check out this robin's egg blue
crocodile textured slingback!
Loving it!

Archive of Suzanne on "Here Women Talk Radio"

Did you miss Suzanne on "Psyched! with Kerry Nicol & Shirill Hicks" last Friday?

Click the picture above to hear an archived version of the show. You can listen online, or download it to your portable device.

Fashion Tip Of The Week

Next Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a big shopping day!

If you are going to shop - have a plan. Know what the store offers - whether it is early bird specials, discounted pricing, no shopping fees or a special code for additional discounts.

Do your homework and be prepared. Call or email ahead if there is something specific you are looking for.

There will be many deals to be had!

Fashion Tip Of The Week

Great look offered by Express. Pair the outfit with textured tights in a smaller herringbone pattern in a medium gray and open toe ankle boots. A cropped structure blazer will finish this fabulous festive look!

Fashion Tip Of The Week

Because magazines usually show photos of clothes for coming seasons, these designs may not be in the stores yet.

What will be worthwhile is that you will begin to think about whether this is a style that you may want to incorporate later!

Men's Fall Fashion Must-Haves

As winter approaches it is time for men to stock up on a few new wardrobe essentials. Emphasis as always should be for comfort, warmth, value and style! Remember that fashion trends come and go, but classic styles last forever. Men's classic items are generally include a suit, sports jacket, a white shirt and tie, a great pair of jeans and lastly a loafer or sorts.

1. Sweaters, also known as knits can be worn for warmth or looking polished. Choose basic colors with either a v-neck or crew neck that has a circular opening. Knits can be purchased in cashmere, cotton or warm fleece.

2.Duffle coats or better known as toggle coats offer an updated look. If your looking for a less trendy purchase stick to the classic double breasted coat in either camel, black or brown.

3 Jeans or khakis can be worn as a classic look, but also trendy. A well altered pair of dark jeans can be used for many wardrobe needs. Paired with a tweed or leather sport jacket and a suede shoe or boot offers diversity for most any occasion.

4. Button-down shirt is a dress shirt. Dress shirts can be dressed up with a suit and silk tie and dressed down with a pair of khakis or jeans. Button-down shirts are most versatile since it can be worn for work or social settings

5. Hats can be worn two ways fashionably through winter. The first should be the 1940's fedora with a brim or a cloth cap as a stylish alternative to keep off the rain. The other style provides warmth and protection from wind or snow. The most fashionable trend is knit cap or driving cap.

Enjoy the season!

Top Ten Fashion Picks for Fall 2010

Get ready for great fall fashion this year by adding these top ten items to the wardrobe!

1. Military Inspired Jacket

Pair with jeans, simple pants or skirts. Let the jacket make the statement.

2. Shades of gray

Pair your gray with camel, navy and chocolate brown for a new twist to the wardrobe.

3. Wool dress

Turn a classic wool dress into a wardrobe staple by adding a wide belt or layered necklaces.

4. Leopard print accessory

Add this colored print in either a scarf, belt, shoe or blouse to add new life to the wardrobe.

5. Colored tees and scarves

Basic tees with an oblong scarf paired with jackets compliment this casual look well.

6. Boots

Ground fall looks with boots in all varieties from peep-toe stiletto, over the knee or flat.

7. Signature coats

Upgrade neutral wardrobe with coats in a choice of lengths, patterns, colors and textures.

8. Textured and colored hosiery

Legs go to new heights with patterned and colored tights and legging to compliment all looks.

9. Body satchels

This seasons bag is more structured with lady-like handles, longer straps and feminine touch.

10.Layered Necklace

Visit your jewelry box and layer short and long, pearls and metals to commend any neckline.

From my closet to yours, enjoy!

Tips on Passion for Wearing Purple

* Pair with black or other dark neutral like charcoal. A purple blouse under a dark suit looks great for work.
* Punch up purple by wearing with eye-popping brights like grass green or lime. A purple sweater with a bright green scarf radiates personality.
* Complement purple tones with purple eyeshadow, just keep the shadow very sheer and light (to-dark purple eyeshadow sometimes gives you a black eye look).
* Play purple off of equally strong prints. A bright purple dress with zebra (black and white) print shoes is fun and funky.

Stylist Fall Fashion Reminders

1. Choose darker colors as the basis of your wardrobe: navy, black, charcoal gray.
2. Use undergarment foundations: from all-in-one shapers to control top pantyhose.
3. Focus on playing up your best features, for example showing off shapely legs with a knee-length skirt.
4. Choose fabrics that don't cling, avoiding stiff or bulky textures.
5. Use accessories to draw attention to your face: scarves, earrings, etc.
6. Avoid anything too tight or clingy.
7. Make sure you scale your accessories to your size -- from your handbag to your earrings.
8. Choose clean-lined clothing without big embellishment or buttons.

Designers Say That More Is More, But It's Easier Said Than Done.

Here's how to add a bit of glitz without overdosing on the trend.

1. Start by incorporating small embellished items, such as a handbag into your wardrobe.
2. Make sure the embellishment is scaled to your figure.
3. Embellished jewelry looks best with streamlined, simple clothing.
4. In general, embellishment such as sequins, embroidery, trims and studs look classier on basic colors like black or white.
5. Make sure embellishment is used on or near a body part you want to call attention to: it draws the eye to it.
6. For maximum impact, wear just one embellished item at a time.

Tips:

1. Like most things in fashion, this is a fad. If you hate it, skip it.
2. Embellished items look dressier than plain ones, so save them for special occasions.
3. Embellishment makes items more difficult to care for -- beaded fringe fall off, embroidery gets pulls, etc. -- so account for high maintenance.

Top Five Choices for Leggings for Fall

Top Five Choices for Leggings for Fall

1. Basic Cotton Leggings

Hue's basic cotton legging in neutral colors
offers a stretch cotton fit and a friendly
price tag.

2. Denim Legging

Get a sleek jean look with a pair of denim
leggings.

3. Spanx Leggings

Control and style built together. These Spanx
leggings give you that famous sleekness to
pull off under clingy mini-dresses and tunics.

4. Sweater Leggings

This essential tight gives you a cozy layer
under winter's best looks.

5. Wet Look Leggings

Pricegrabber.com

One of the hottest new looks in leggings is the
wet look leggings or liquid leggings. These
slick styles are perfect for edgy style

Sexy Summer Alternatives To Mom Shorts

Hot Mama

Summer presents a host of potential wardrobe malfunctions. For many of us, that includes shorts that, um, don't flatter. Yes, we're talking "mom shorts." Here's what to wear instead.

In addition to being short on style, mom shorts add visual weight and make legs look stumpy. Gone are the days when many of us could wear Daisy Dukes with confidence, but that doesn’t mean we are ready to give up. There are so many great options to tiresome, basic shorts.

The trick to pulling it together this summer is not to overthink it. Dress for comfort, and your style will come together with just a few great purchases. Check out these six expert picks.

Rompers

The romper is this season’s version of a baby doll, says Suzanne Libfraind, the Savvy Stylist. It's easy to wear with canvas sneakers or gladiator-style sandals, a straw hat and a pair of ‘80s-era sunglasses. (Bisou Bisou Romper, $39, JCPenney.com)

Capris

Looking for a replacement short? Libfraind suggests a neutral-color capri with a horizontal striped tank and boyfriend sweater. Capris come in all lengths with bands or buttons to cinch the length. Complete the look with a drawstring floral hobo satchel and a woven straw sandal. (Streetwear Linen Crop Pants, $13.47, NewYorkandCompany.com)

Summer presents a host of potential wardrobe malfunctions. For many of us, that includes shorts that, um, don't flatter. Yes, we're talking "mom shorts." Here's what to wear instead.

Dress the Part

Slip on a printed miniature floral dress with a brightly colored wedge shoe and oversized bag in a similar tone. Keep the jewelry to a minimum so the focus stays on the outfit, says Libfraind. (Floral Animal Print Skater Dress, $40.58, ASOS.com)

Style it up

This embellished tunic can be worn alone with sandals or paired with a cigarette-style pant -- perfect for hot summer days and sassy with a silver peep-toe dress sandal at night, says Libfraind. Grab a brightly colored clutch, and off you go! (Embellished Tunic Dress, $78, VictoriasSecret.com)

Ladies in skirts

Skirts this season offer the most freedom of casual wear. Look for skirts in abstract florals, chambray denims, minimized tie-dyes, horizontal stripes or even animal skin prints, Libfraind suggests. A simple t-shirt with ruffles, layered bands, sequences or metallics keeps you looking current and never boring. Layer with long necklaces, chunky chains, clear beads or spherical bracelets to add a touch of personality. (DG2 "Vintage" Floral Tiered Denim Skirt, $49.99, HSN.com)

Short Shorts

Maybe you still feel the love for the short shorts of your youth. In that case, go for it! "The shorter the better for spring. From teenagers to sexy moms, girls are loving their shorts super -short and fitted," says celebrity stylist Jason Campbell. Try pairing with easy flip-flops and ballet flats. The trend for shorts and high heels is holding strong, too -- it's a great day and nighttime look. Creams, whites and blush tones are turning up in both night and day looks, but the safe way to go is dark for night (embellished with a bit of shine in some cases) and lighter,

more casual colors for day. Cool styles are cropping up from brands such as Franklin and Gower, which are selling short shorts with customizable tuxedo stripes. (Cheap Monday Denim Short Shorts, $55, ShopBop.com)

Article originally appeared at http://www.sheknows.com/articles/814890/sexy-summer-alternatives-to-mom-shorts-1