by Brenda Kinsel

You may still be in sleeveless tops but the mannequins in the windows are definitely gearing up for the fall season. We'll soon be waking up to chilly mornings and an unexplainable urge to wear boots, meaning one thing is certain: our days of bundling up are on the horizon. Although we'll miss the hot summer days—or lack thereof until this week—we look forward to all of the fabulous things that fall brings us. Here's what might tickle you pink about this fall season:

•Rich colors This is the season to curb your basic black addiction. Emerald-green sweaters are to die for; rich chocolate leathers are exquisite, and so is anything in burnt orange, royal purple, teal and merlot. Colors are so must-have!

•Scarves What's cozier than a scarf wrapped around your neck? Two scarves wrapped around your neck! Mix and match: take a solid print scarf and pair it with a printed or striped scarf of the same length for more texture, extra warmth and playful fashion.

•Rain boots Walks in the rain are so much more fun when you have the right equipment. The higher your rain boot the bigger the splash you can make. For the more classic style go for a Hunter rain boot in vibrant colors of high gloss violet or teal ($125 at Nordstrom) or if you want something a little more playful go for a retro birdie print or polka dot boot at Target ($32.99). Don't forget to pick up an umbrella!

•Vests Vests are the perfect first layer when the weather changes. Whether they're quilted (great finds at J.Crew) or knitted, they add so much style.

•Not having to worry about fitting in a bathing suit for at least six months

•Boots, boots, boots One can never have enough boots for the fall season. Whether it is a pair of chocolate brown equestrian boots to pair with jeans, a pair of sleek black boots paired with a sheath dress or a pair of chunky heeled boots to pair with a knee-length wool skirt and oversized sweater, you will be sure to show the world that every boot is made for walking. My eyes have been glued to a gorgeous pair of Spanish Leather Equestrian boots by Sendra, which can be found at Carolina Boutique in Mill Valley ($588).

•Cashmere You may miss the warmth of the sun on bare arms, but cozy cashmere is a great substitute! Hats, gloves, pajamas, sweaters, socks and scarves—it's the ultimate luxury in fabrics and I love it all!

•Tights The Bay Area's way of preparing for winter is to wear a pair of tights. Have a bit of fun and go for a floral texture or a bright bold tight to add some interest to your ensemble.

•Trench coats This is the perfect fall classic item. When it's cold, they're roomy enough to wear multiple layers underneath them. On warmer days wear it open over a t-shirt and look so chic. Try a cropped one this year.

•Gloves Start looking for these early while the selection is plentiful. Leather gloves come in many hues. Try elbow-length gloves for a large dose of sophistication. Do you want pops of color to mix with your neutrals? Put it in a knit glove. Would you prefer fingerless ones so you can manage your smart phone anywhere? Mill Valley Mercantile carries gorgeous handmade gloves by Monique from Sebastopol who puts "love in every stitch," 100 percent alpaca ($84).

•Velvet Blazers, blouses and dresses just look better in velvet. You'll have people wanting to pet you for that oh-so-luxurious feel. Dress up your jeans by adding a velvet blazer and floral scarf. J.Crew's Schoolboy velvet blazer in Bristol blue will have you looking regal.

•White blouses Contrast your dark and rich hues of fall with this crisp, always perfect piece. Add a jeweled necklace for a beautiful focal point. Make your life easier by finding a white blouse in a wrinkle-free fabric.

•Layering Waking up early on crisp fall mornings will make you want to bundle up. Make sure you're doing it in layers because by noon, you might think you've been transported to somewhere in sunny Southern California. Start with a quality T-shirt, add that velvet blazer or a quilted vest. Slip into your trench, add a scarf and then peel away as you need to. You'll look great in every layer.

•Early sales For those of you who were lounging in the sun when the fall merchandise came into the stores in July and August, you have sales to look forward to! Stores are making way for more merchandise and "early fall" is going on sale in about five minutes. Your timing could be perfect!

•Suede and leather jackets Find a great motorcycle jacket to pair with a skirt to mix masculine and feminine looks. A soft suede jacket will look rustic with your favorite pair of jeans and boots. These pieces add instant pizzazz.

•Ugg boots These boots are everyone's guilty pleasure. They keep you warm in the house and can be worn to walk the dog. Luckily for us they've come out with new designs that are more fashion forward. Find a cute pair of sheepskin-lined clogs to wear out and about. Ugg's Kaylee clog in charcoal will be a great everyday shoe (Nordstrom's $160).

•Winter hats Prevent your ears from turning blue when you protect them with a hat. A striped skullcap can be a youthful look. Do you prefer something a bit more sultry? A floppy brimmed wool hat in scarlet is amazing paired with a rich lip shade.

•Accessory playtime You know you're not going to be shaving your legs every day once you start wearing full-length pants, tights and tall boots. Use that extra time to fine-tune your outfit with fun accessories. Check out H&M, Forever 21 and the Brass Plum junior department at Nordstrom for inexpensive accents.

• Fun fingernails Focus on the manicures with fun nail colors. A personal favorite is Peridot by Chanel, $25. Or switch back and forth all fall long with Essies 'Fall 2011' Mini 4-Pack ($17), which includes hues of burnt sienna, merlot, demure pink and dark green.

•Attention to eyes Get a bit more daring this fall by bringing jewel-tone colors to your eye-shadow palette. YSL's Ombres Five Lumieres for Fall 2011 is Midnight Garden: sophisticated shades of purples and greens.

Now aren't you feeling better about fall? Get ready to kick some leaves around in your fall fashion duds.

by Brenda Kinsel

With fall right around the corner, are you beginning to get teary-eyed as you contemplate letting go of your favorite summer pieces? The thought of boxing up those colorful clothes for several months is just so sad!

Hold everything! Don't pack away everything just yet! Those items you bought this summer could get more wear in winter! Let's see what can be spared from the "pack-away-summer-box" and find great ways to extend your investment just a bit further.

Let's start with summer dresses. Maybe it's the floral print that makes us feel girly, or the chance to show off our legs that makes us feel glad we're spending as much time at the gym as we are. Whatever the reason, the joy of wearing a dress should be carried into next season. The trick is to carry over the just-right ones.

Not every summer dress has an equal lifespan. There are some obvious summer frocks that will have to go. So what can you hang onto? Well, this season designers are bringing floral prints into fall. Really! Think more romantic than girly, with the print being bigger and bolder rather than dainty. Some of those floral print dresses you wore in summer can be brought over and worn with boots and snug leather jackets. If the background color in the print is a dark one, it's a no-brainer. Add a leather belt to your waist for more definition.

Those leather sheath dresses from spring in pretty colors of coral, peridot or yellow-gold can easily be worn in fall. Leather dresses were such a hit that the trend is carrying over into fall. Pair them with a cardigan or shawl to keep you warm. They'll look so chic with tall boots that hug your calves. And if you lusted over the spring versions but held off, they could be a great purchase now.

Maxi dresses and long skirts are also great for fall, especially in darker colors. The extra length will keep your legs warm. Wear them with some chunky-heeled boots, a long cardi or a cropped jean jacket for a crisp fall day of antiquing at the flea market.

Do you have a jewel-toned floral cocktail dress that you only got to wear once at an evening wedding? Pair it with a faux rabbit shawl and fun bold-colored tights with heels for a night out on the town.

Wide-legged trousers sprouted up this spring/summer. You probably wore yours with platform sandals. If those trousers were in linen, I hope you got a lot of wear out of them because they're going bye-bye in September. But hang onto your wide-legged trousers in denim or lightweight wool. These will look great with a wedge boot and a cozy knit sweater. Add a vest to this combo for more layering. Want to add some fun accessories to your look? Those fun feather accents you wore over summer are staying for fall so enjoy those feather earrings. Fringed necklaces or leather-wrapped bracelets can continue on as well.

Those skinny jeans that you wore with a simple T and flip-flops this summer will be a staple for you in winter. Wear them with a beautiful pair of suede booties and leather jacket for date night. Tuck your jeans into a tall flat boot and wear a comfy tunic sweater to meet friends for coffee. Raining outside? No problem! Tuck them into your knee-length rain boots and grab your rainproof trench as you take the kids splashing through puddles on that first rainy day.

You might be worried that the lightweight cropped leather jacket you bought in spring might not keep you warm in winter. The key is to layer! Wear your cropped jacket over a longer sweater and pair it with leggings or those skinny jeans. Add a billowy scarf for warmth, volume and style. Want to look a bit more girly? Wear that leather jacket over a luxurious cozy cashmere dress. The sweater dress is a big hit this fall. Add lace-inspired tights and ankle boots. Who's missing summer now?

Maybe you fell in love with sheer fabrics or lace last June. Keep wearing these fabrics but add some layering pieces to keep warm. Those loose, practically see-through floral blouses you wore to keep cool in the summer will look gorgeous underneath a velvet blazer paired with jeans and snakeskin flats. A loose, sleeveless silk tunic can look great with a long-sleeved smooth T-shirt underneath it. Add some long layered necklaces to give the outfit some design weight to it to match the change in seasons. A lace skirt with a nude slip underneath, textured tights and booties will be a great look for fall.

Nautical stripes were a great staple this summer but that isn't the only stripe on trend. Diagonal stripes, stripe detail on bangles and blouses, and bold bright stripes were also some ways we experienced this trend. Those strictly nautical stripes can be packed away, but leave all those other funky stripes and use them this fall to add excitement to your outfit. Think about it: stripes or solids? Stripes are more fun! Take a striped top in bold colors and pair it with a skinny jean and leather jacket for a day at the museum. Add a striped scarf to your military jacket and consider striped cashmere gloves for extra warmth. Mix some striped bangles in with your metal bangles to add a bit of pop to your solid-colored winter sweaters.

Many of those great accessories from summer will be hits this fall. Those mixed-metal layered necklaces will be great over a sweater dress or with jeans and a slinky sweater. Those chandelier earrings that sparkled in the sunshine will now look luxurious nuzzled against your beautiful rich-colored pashmina shawls keeping you warm. Those fun plastic bangles will look great layered with metal or rhinestone bangles giving a textural look. The snakeskin belts and clutches you bought in summer definitely slither their way into fall. Wear those belts over a bulky sweater to give shape to your body. That snakeskin clutch will look great dressed up or dressed down.

Now that you've shuffled some of your fashion around, enjoy those great pieces for another six months at least. And with all the money you're saving, you might splurge on those snakeskin tall boots—when they go on sale in December!

 

by Brenda Kinsel

Whether you travel for work or pleasure, one thing is for sure, it would be nice to never have the "I just got off the most miserable six-hour flight and then just barely made my connecting flight" look. You know it: disheveled clothes, possible food or drink stains on the front of a shirt, wrinkled pants, sweaty armpits and a neck cramp resulting from the broken seat that wouldn't recline. Isn't flying fun? Well, I can't help you with the broken seat problem but I can definitely make the rest of your trip less painful. Let's start with great travel tips and suitable fashions to help you get from Point A to Point B with more ease.

Getting through security and preparing for comfort

Remember George Clooney's character in the movie Up in the Air? He made airport travel look like an art. I understand that it's Hollywood, but there are ways to be just as efficient as he was when it comes to travel.

1. When getting ready in the morning, put your jewelry, accessories or watch in a small bag inside your carry-on or handbag. Wait until after you have gone through the metal detectors to put everything on. This way you won't be holding up the security line. Plus you won't risk the chance of leaving anything in the X-ray bins.

2. Wear slip-on shoes accompanied by a pair of socks for two reasons: slip-ons are quick and easy to take off at the security checkpoint, and do you really want to step barefoot where 1,000 travelers have put their feet before you that same morning?

3. I know you're aware of the 3-ounce rule for liquids, but some are still not aware that you don't have to resort to a Ziploc baggy as your "liquids carrier." The plastic bags will work in a pinch but wouldn't you rather upgrade to a sturdier reusable bag? The Container Store is a great place to find a perfect micromesh pouch or a vinyl pouch for under $10. Goodbye kitchenware, hello travel-wear.

4. Ever wish you could have a personal assistant make all your travel arrangements? Well, if you can't afford that, the next best thing is a smart phone. It will be your best traveling buddy and worth every penny. Look up travel info, scan your plane ticket and boarding pass, listen to music, find the closest coffee shop, read the paper while waiting to board—the possibilities are endless!

5. With ridiculous charges for checked luggage coupled with evil glares from flight attendants, you better be sure that carry-on bag fits in the overhead bins. I have the perfect thing for you: Travel Space Bags, $7 (www.containerstore.com). Put your clothing into one of these bags and roll it into a small bundle as the air gets sucked out through a one-way valve. Over-packing worries be gone!

6. Don't wear white. Turbulence and white don't mix; a couple of unexpected bumps will have you decorated in whatever you were drinking. Instead, opt for a print shirt that will camouflage any mishaps. Or wear a print scarf that fills in your chest area (much like a bib would) to protect the shirt underneath—whatever color it is.

7. The best way to look rested after a flight is to rest on the flight. With airlines cutting every corner, you'd better be prepared to provide your own comfort. I recommend you bring the Nap Sac Travel Blanket and Pillow set, $28 (Container Store). This fleece blanket and fleece blow-up pillow will give you the comfort you need to catch a few zzzz's.

8. Planes can get a bit chilly. I suggest you pack a couple of extra items in your carry-on to assure complete warmth. A pashmina will keep your neck area warm and can also substitute as a pillow. Fingerless gloves will keep your hands warm and your fingers free to turn the pages of your novel. Long socks will not only keep your feet warm but your legs as well.

9. Flying dehydrates you and the little 4-ounce cups of water flight attendants hand out as they pass by just aren't enough (and who wants to pay airport prices for a water bottle). I always bring a Nalgene other refillable bottle and ask the flight attendant to fill it up. It's better than having three small glasses doing a balance act on your tray. Plus, who wants to call the flight attendant over repeatedly?

Think about your outfit before you fly

With headlines about people boarding planes wearing lingerie, getting kicked off for sagging pants, as well as the recent trend of debuting pajamas down the terminal runway, it seems like the public is in need of some assistance when it comes to travel attire.

1. Want that pj's feel? So many stores offer wrinkle-free clothing—from Nordstrom to Chico's, to Banana Republic, J.Crew and Eddie Bauer—it's everywhere! With wrinkle-free fabrics that are often mixed with spandex, you'll be comfy and look crisp as you walk off the plane.

2. Leaving from foggy San Francisco and heading to humid Nashville? The best thing to do is to layer. Have pieces that are easy to put on and take off without the risk of giving the rest of the passengers free entertainment. Pants that zip off into shorts will make the transition easy. I also suggest wearing long sleeves over tank tops or tees so you can peel away as soon as you exit the plane.

3. Have a meeting as soon as you get off the plane and worried your jacket will look like it was rolled into a ball? Ask the flight attendant for assistance. They see how people jam their luggage into the overhead bins so they can understand your worries. Most airlines will be happy to hang your jacket during the flight.

4. Sometimes flying can make you feel a bit bloated. If you're planning to wear jeans on your flight, I suggest they have spandex in them. Avoid any waistbands that are too constricting. Those airplane seats are already uncomfortable. Don't make it worse for yourself.

Follow just a few of these tips and you may find yourself smiling as you exit the next flight you're on. Besides that, you can be confident that you won't find your picture in the paper or all over the Internet because you boarded the flight looking like a sleepwalker or a streetwalker. Have fun!

 

 

by Brenda Kinsel

Have you noticed? The days are longer, school is out and the scent of sunscreen is in the air. This can only mean one thing... it's summer! I'm not sure what you have planned this summer but I'd like to imagine that you'll be spending plenty of hours outdoors participating in activities such as poolside parties, days in the wine country or simply enjoying lazy afternoon strolls through new-to-you neighborhoods.

I'm seeing you in lightweight fabrics, layered, some pops of color, a great tote bag and cute sandals. Oh, and your skin looks marvelous! And I'm loving the summer makeup colors you're wearing, too!

Is my fantasy not quite your reality... yet? While a change in seasons means a change in clothes, it also means a change in makeup. Those darker hues you wore during the winter look a little heavy and dreary in the bright summer sunlight. Let's change some things up with products new on the market this summer.

First and foremost, the most important thing about summer makeup is that you want to be wearing less of it, or at least make it look that way. You need to start with a great skin-care regimen to revive that gorgeous complexion so that you don't have to rely on heavy makeup. A great way to instantly brighten your complexion is by exfoliating. You might try Kiehl's Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro Dermabrasion ($41). It's a polishing cream that uses crushed microshells from ocean sand as well as ingredients used by dermatologists. It leaves your skin feeling super smooth and perfectly teed up to absorb a replenishing serum.

Many skin-care and makeup lines have come out with serums that help to replenish the skin. Apply them underneath your favorite moisturizer to give skin a luminous glow. The French line Caudalie offers Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum (around $79). Find it at Nordstrom or even order it on Amazon.com. This serum made from grape seed is great for all skin types. Missing from this formula are the parabens, sodium laureth sulfate and coloring. That's a good thing. Use it morning and night and enjoy your natural summer glow.

And make sure you do one thing before you step out the door: apply sunscreen. You've invested good money in your skin-care program, so don't fall short when it comes to protecting it from damaging UV rays. You may need to try several before you find the one that motivates you to wear it all the time. Here's one suggestion: Clarins UV Plus HP Multi-Protection Day Screen SPF 40 ($38). This ultra-lightweight sunscreen is one of the best for wearing under makeup or just simply as daily sun protection. It's non-greasy, non-sticky and doesn't feel as if you have an extra pile of goop on your face.

Now that we've covered the important summer skin tips, let's get into the fun stuff: color, color, color! This summer it's all about splashes of jewel tones from your toes to your lips and eyes. Did I say strategic splashes of color? I meant to! More about that later.

Let's start with those beautiful eyes. How does a touch of hibiscus, pink and violet sound? They are all part of MAC's "Summer Stash"—four limited edition shades of crushed metallic pigments to play with in see-through stacks (limited editions, $32.50 for 0.40 oz.). Another stash combo is "Surf the Ocean." Play around with different color combos to bring out the beauty of your eye color. Summer is short and those bright and bold colors might not be rolling into fall. If you'd rather tone things down, Bobbi Brown is a line you want to visit or Trish McEvoy.

After you've applied eye shadow, top it off with an unbelievably fabulous mascara that will give Bambi a run for his money. DiorShow by Dior ($24.50) makes those lashes sky high, plumped, and curvy. Do you dare go any further? If so, try DiorShow Maximizer ($28), a lash plumping serum and primer that you apply prior to your mascara to get those lashes fluttering longer and thicker than you thought possible. Lucky for us, they've come out with a waterproof version for summer.

One thing about color, especially when it comes to your face, is that you have to make sure you balance it out. If you're bringing a pop of color to the eye, soften the lip with a nude or neutral color. On the other hand, if you prefer to let those luscious lips get all the attention, this summer is the time to do it. Bright lips have been stealing the spotlight and Chanel has an array of colors to die for. Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine line softens the lip while giving a fuller appearance ($32). Colors range from soft beiges to brilliant berries. Try the bright pink of "Romance" or the electric red of "Monte-Carlo" and you'll surely stop traffic.

The lovely glow of your skin (resulting from great skin care) can be heightened even more with NARS' new Illuminators line ($29). This light-reflecting liquid will enhance your complexion by creating a shimmering incandescence anywhere you apply it. With colors like Orgasm (peachy pink with shimmer) or Super Orgasm (peachy pink with gold glitter), aren't you interested already?

If you're looking for an all-over glow, go to St. Tropez. If those plane tickets seem a bit too steep, bring St. Tropez to you with this line's at-home self tanners. The Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($30) is lightweight, easy to apply, dries instantly and guarantees a streak-free golden glow.

The fun's not over yet! Now is your opportunity to go all-out with color. Nail polish for summer is taking a dramatic turn from those dark browns and grays of winter. Instead, try "Yellow Brick Road" by Deborah Lippmann or Chanel's "Orange Fizz." Pops of color on your hands and toes will have you dancing with delight long after the sun's gone down.

Now you've got your radiant skin, jewel-toned makeup, summery nails and a golden tan. What could be missing? If you're one for nostalgia, scent is one of our strongest memories so why not get a new fragrance that will remind you of these three months of blissful summer. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh ($70) with notes of raspberry, grapefruit and pear is a light and fruity scent that will be perfect day or night.

Now go out and enjoy the summer!

 

 

by Brenda Kinsel

Nothing is more beautiful in life than when two things come together and create a perfect union. I'm not just thinking about the Royal Wedding with Kate and William. I'm thinking more about some classic pairings, like peanut butter and jelly; popcorn and the movies; Bogie and Bacall.

The familiarity and comfort of these pairings is a surefire pathway to delight and great memories—which is exactly what I want you to experience in your summer wardrobe this year.

Every fashion season there are thousands of items that are released for us to consider adorning our bodies with. These fashion pairings will be perfect for your summer activities. Have fun!

Crinkled scarves and sleeveless summer dresses

Pull out your summer dresses from last year. Are they still looking fresh and in good condition? Great, time to create the perfect pair. Go to your scarf selection. Is there a crinkled scarf in linen or cotton with similar or complementary colors to the dress? If not, time to go shopping. If you find one in a pattern and one in a solid, think about adding both. This pairing will be an easy quick fix to update your summer wardrobe.

Maxi dresses and big floppy handbags

During this summer's weekend festivities pair a long maxi dress with a soft floppy bag as you shop at farmers markets or stroll through neighborhoods in a different ZIP code from yours. The dress will provide absolute comfort and your bag will carry all of your day's essentials, such as sunscreen, hat, a water bottle and a light sweater for when the sun goes down. This outfit will make your weekday suit feel like a distant memory.

Oversized frames and stacks of bangles

Feel like getting in touch with your glamorous side? Glam-it-up with fabulous accessories. Nothing says Hollywood like oversized sunglasses. Pair your power shades with an armful of stacked bangles and look out for the paparazzi.

Skinny on the bottom and flowy on the top ... or just the opposite

Sometimes the perfect pairing is in the proportion. Are you loving this season's skinny jean? Pair that jean with a flowy top. Your legs will look miles long and the top offers a perfect, cool, feminine touch. Or do the opposite pairing. Go for one of the wide-legged pants this season and team it with a form-fitting top. Add a belt to your waist and you're showing your feminine curves in a perfect way.

Vibrant neons and sensible neutrals

Vibrant neon and bold colors may give you flashbacks of the '80s. Bring neon colors back into your current wardrobe but make it modern when you pair them with neutral shades. Try wearing an acid-green fanciful T-shirt under a sand-colored silk baseball-style jacket. Jeans or khakis can be your bottom piece. Or play with color with handbags or clutches in tangerine, daffodil yellow, bright turquoise or hot pink while wearing cool linen or cotton separates in taupe, beige or white. Remember to wear the accents of bright color wherever you want to draw attention and clothe the rest of your body in stylish neutrals.

The classics: red lipstick and blue jeans

You may be thinking blue jeans are casual and lip-gloss will do. But why not pair jeans with red lipstick? These two items are both stand-alone classics and when worn together can be the perfect combo to pump up your weekend wear. It will only take you 10 extra seconds to apply a coat of lipstick and that jean outfit will turn from plain to eye-popping.

Long layer tee under short, cropped jacket

If you haven't found your favorite, soft, comfy, best-fitting tee yet, it's time to go searching. There's one waiting to adorn you. This basic is a perfect layering piece and when added to a cropped jacket, creates the dynamic duo to get you through the breezy summer nights. Find a sleeveless tee in a longer length in a color that matches your skin, hair or eyes. Or choose a bold color and pair it with a cropped jean jacket or short leather jacket. Wear this combo with an ankle pant one day and a simple linen skirt the next. These two items will be the best of mates by the end of the summer.

Wedges and bare ankles

There are lots of wedges being offered in your local shoe stores and they look so good with those bare ankles of yours! From 4-inch to 1-inch heels, straw to leather, canvas to mesh, prints to solids, colors to neutrals—I'm confident you'll find a pair that's just right for you. They're perfect for the warm weather and will elongate your stems. Just add shorts, cropped pants, a skirt or a dress. Let those bottom 6 inches of your frame (longer if the wedges are higher!) get the spotlight.

Updos and large earrings

Have you been watching American Idol lately? Imagine Jennifer Lopez with her hair sleekly pulled back and up. What is she perfectly pairing with her updo? Large hoop earrings or long drop earrings. And you don't have to have long hair to pull this off. A short hairstyle works too! The dramatic earring can be the perfect balancing statement to the dramatic do.

Understated neutrals

Not everyone falls in love with summer prints, floppy hats and white jeans. I know some of you just want fall to come around so you can be happy in your darker neutral shades. But you don't have to wait for September to roll around. Wear midnight navy and black together. Or go for a medium shade of gray and team it with chocolate brown. Add some wooden bangles or a large silver cuff to your wrist and you're looking chic and sleek.

Now go out and make some great memories.

 

by Brenda Kinsel

With a rocky economy, taxes due earlier this month and a wallet that's consequently slimmer than usual, wouldn't it be nice if you could catch a break? Spring is right around the corner and as we get excited about adding lighter colors and fun patterns into our wardrobe, most of us are still sensitive when it comes to spending. Stores, aware of consumer-spending habits, have been aggressive in trying to get you to come in by offering sales every other week. While the sales may be enticing, I have an even better solution to stretching that dollar: consignment-store shopping.

You may think of a consignment store as a dusty secondhand store where your aged aunties' clothing went to rest. Time for a reality check. Consignment shops are one of the best places to find a true deal. The clothing there is usually worn but, only slightly worn, leaving it in reusable condition.

For instance, that beautiful green cashmere sweater you love at the department store costs $150. At a consignment store a similar sweater from last season in a slightly different shade of green will cost anywhere from $48-$60. With that steep savings, you could be adding new spring items to your closet without feeling the pinch.

To point out the amazing savings you'll encounter, I visited a pair of local consignment shops in search of great deals. First stop was Sax in San Anselmo. This boutique may be small in size but it's huge on designer fashions. With such a limited area to work with, owner Jen Hansen is very selective in her inventory, guaranteeing you get the finest. Right as you walk in you'll immediately see a wall of shoes to die for with designer names you're familiar with: Manolo Blahnik, Stuart Weitzman and Robert Clergerie to name a few. My eye caught a particular pair of shoes designed by Calleen Cordero. I had never heard of the name before so I asked Hansen about them. She told me they were from a designer in Los Angeles who handcrafts all her shoes, purses and accessories. The leather was beautiful and the studded detail is definitely "in" right now. These shoes retail for $400 and Sax has them priced at $110, and they hadn't ever been worn!

Above the shoes you'll see a gorgeous selection of handbags, perfect for the person who can't stomach retail handbag prices in department stores. A tapestry Gucci bag was begging to be handled. Though this bag was a bit too eccentric for me, I was curious about the cost. The original retail was $1,425 and the Sax price was $425—a savings of $1,000!

Another great deal to discover is in the jeans department. Jeans can be so expensive, so let someone else pay the original retail price. I found a cute pair of Current/Elliott skinny jeans priced at $85, a bit less expensive than the retail price of $220, and they're this season's cut! Pair those jeans with a gorgeous cashmere Vince sweater (retail $240) available here for $75 and you have a complete outfit for less than it would cost for just one of those items if paying retail.

Another steal was a summery Robert Rodriguez dress with the price tags still on (retail $1,030) priced at $350. So if you are looking for the latest boutique fashions and want to find exceptional deals, this is the place you should be visiting regularly—new inventory gets put out every day, so don't miss out!

The other consignment store I visited was What Poppy Wants on Magnolia in Larkspur. As you walk into this store you might feel as though you're stepping into the closet of someone who saved everything she wore through every decade of her life. From faux fur jackets to vintage beaded tops, boas and boots galore, this is the place to find something that will not only steal the show, it won't have been seen on anyone else. Are you a lover of vintage? Come on down!

Entering, you'll be greeted by a serious collection of cowboy boots. Whether you prefer yours in chocolate brown, caramel, turquoise or pink, this shop has the boot for you. A nice pair of cowboy boots can cost anywhere from $300 and upward, but here you'll find them priced around $80.

Once I got past the boots I spotted a gorgeous vintage black-and-pink lace dress with beaded detail. This dress would make you think back to the days when you liked dressing up like a princess or perhaps imagined being a passenger on the Titanic (one of the survivors, no doubt). In another corner of the store was a group of alligators... shoes and purses, that is.

With all the savings and the great finds on barely worn clothing, it's almost a crime not to shop at consignment stores. The only downside is that you might fall in love with a dress or a shoe that's not your size. You need the self-control to remember—when buying new or used—that just because you love it, if it doesn't also fit properly, it's best to leave it for someone else.

After shopping in these stores you may be inspired to go home, cull the gently worn clothes that are in your own closet and march down to a consignment store and resell them. Most consignment stores work in the same way. You can bring your clothing to the store (call ahead, as some stores only take clothing on certain days or by appointment) and they'll look through your items and decide which items they think they'll be able to sell. Stores usually take current pieces—fashions from within the last two to three years that are in great condition—or vintage if that's their specialty. They then display the clothing in the store for two to three months. Once your items have been sold they'll pay you 50 percent of what it was sold for.

If you do some consignment store investigating, you'll soon discover the ones you like best. Then it's up to you to become a regular. My signature handbag, the one I wear the most, came from a consignment store. I probably would have bought it at full price had I seen it in a regular store, but it was all the sweeter to find it at a fraction of the cost. Just remember though, all sales are final. So shop these stores when you have the luxury of time and can hunt until you find something you love.

 

 

 

by Brenda Kinsel

As we face each new year, we all tend to think about change. How are we going to make 2011 even better than last year? Well, I am a strong believer in organizing your life to make room for great things to happen. A touch of organization plus a few new ideas makes a promising combination for an exciting and prosperous year. So here are 11 tips for 2011.

De-clutter. A great way to start the New Year is with clarity. When looking into your closet are you seeing clarity or just clutter? If it's clutter, then make a date with yourself to transform your space into a calm oasis. Start by taking away all unnecessary items—things that don't fit, are no longer in style or items that have been worn to smithereens. Now it's time to try on the remaining clothes and keep only what you love and what fits. You can fill in the gaps later. The pile of "maybe" clothing that's gathering on your floor should be put in a bag and stored somewhere other than your closet. If you don't check the bag within three months, put it into your car and drive it down to a charity so someone else can cherish it.

Take the next step. Are there some items you left in your closet because you love them, yet they need some loving themselves? Any items that need to be altered or repaired should be brought immediately to the tailor. It's a waste to have clothes you love but never get to wear. Don't let three more weeks go by—the seasons are too short!

Repair. What better way to take new steps in 2011 than to make sure your footwear is working for you. Now, I'm sure many of you have had your pockets drained by the holidays and the last thing you want to do is spend money on new shoes. Here's what you do instead. Gather your beloved shoes and boots and take them to the cobbler for a shoe "spa treatment." The cobbler can work wonders. For around $20 you can get your shoes re-heeled, weather-treated and buffed. Do you wear laces in your shoes? Pick up a pair of new ones for under $6. While you're out, don't forget to get some support by purchasing insoles. These will help your feet love and your back.

Introduce a new color. Want to bring some new energy into your wardrobe? Then get acquainted with a new color! Need inspiration? Go to www.pantone.com and check out the fashion colors for spring 2011. Once you've found a color you love, go out and find three things in that new-to-you color. Whether it's an electric pink clutch, a soft yellow-jeweled necklace or a deep purple blouse, that extra pop of color will be sure to bring excitement to your wardrobe.

Dazzle. Now that you've found the color you love, do you still want a bit more? Glam it up in the new year with some of this season's beautiful sparkles. Rhinestones, crystals, beads and gemstones are on everything from bangles to heels, belts and even on clothing items themselves. Adding a bangle that sparkles to an arm already adorned with leather or metallic bracelets will create a great layering look—and layering is definitely in.

Get inspired this year. With so many great examples of fashion on television and film, inspiration is just a click away. Spend an afternoon watching Mad Men to get inspired by the looks of the '60s. Or choose from classic films like Pillow Talk, The Devil Wears Prada or Gosford Park. You can't possibly watch those well-dressed characters without wanting to try something new.

Replenish. The extra cocktails you consumed during the holidays mixed with the harshness of winter could be making your skin look a little malnourished. We'd all love to get pampered at a spa, but once again, our holiday spending might not allow it. Instead, take some simple steps at home and exfoliate, tone and moisturize your face. Drinking plenty of water will help as well. Once you get your skin up to par, go out and play with spring's new burst of colorful makeup.

Organize. Do you ever find yourself searching feverishly through your handbag trying to find your ringing cell phone? Maybe it's time you organize that too! Start by dumping your purse upside down on a table. Sort through and get rid of all the excess. With the remaining belongings, find an organizational system that works for you. I like organizing the contents with colorful fabric bags. I always know that my phone is inside my red striped bag! How is your wallet looking? Is it worn? Give your hard-earned dollars the respect they need. I'm sure in some culture the way you carry your money reflects the money you will receive. Getting a great wallet might be the closest you'll come to winning the lottery!

Try a new recipe. How many of you have that one go-to outfit that is tried and true? You and the animated character Marge Simpson have that in common! It's time to make a playdate with your closet. Enter your closet with an open mind and a nonjudgmental attitude. Go wild trying on new combinations. You might discover seven more great go-to outfits that will take you through March.

Complete each look. Now that you've gone through your wardrobe it's time to do the very important step of "finishing" your outfits. I'm talking about adding accessories. Gather your jewels, your handbags, your belts, scarves and shoes and layer them on top of that beautiful clothing that you love. Now your look is complete!

Be present. Putting together that whole look does require a little work, but as you jump into the new year, that look might open doors you never thought would open. And it's all because you showed up. Feeling happy about how you look will help you be part of the beauty that surrounds you. That's being present! If you can't see it yet, you will. Wishing you all great things for 2011!