After 30 years of involvement in the fashion world, not to mention, turning 50 and my life’s over-all perspective-shift, I admit, I needed to find something inspiring for my return to this decade-of- the-fashion-blog-thang. Thankfully, life hands you the key when you are open and ready to receive it. As was/is – Mark Holden.
Let me add an important (and strange!) side-factoid; there isn’t one LBD, or anything colored black, in his entire line! Rather, fashion-forward to- Côte d’Azur bleu, the hue Mark perfected for his Italian-fabricated scarf line; based in Vancouver, Canada.
Of equal importance, his vision was not solely to keep one’s neck luxuriously warm, but our hearts and families warm as well. Previously teaming with Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society, his co. continues to donate a portion of the sales to Just Imagine Foundation.
His message, written by Mark and printed on numerous of his scarves, should wet your food-kitchen appetite and encourage you to stick your neck out for one of your very own! Mark’s intent of illuminating the possibilities of peace should be a daily mantra for All!
www.markholden.com

1. Google every word you can possibly think of to describe what type of furniture you are seeking. (Have a translation book nearby.) The French Riviera prides itself on tourism, not furniture. It is easier to find a 70 year old topless sunbather! Although, personally I am not an Ikea fan, finding something as simple as this presents a challenge as there is nothing remotely similar nearby. Finding a mattress? Ha! I ordered ours from England, via Internet, to be shipped to us in Nice. And, working out the form of acceptable international payment included a 2 week-long process.
2. You must have great walking shoes! As my husband and I recently experienced, one needs to walk miles and miles in search of a style that is not Italian and/or contemporary (mind you, we are in France). Allow for extra time if you don’t wish to deplete your child’s college fund on one piece of furniture.
3. Befriend a fabulous taxi driver (in my case, Mariana). Your new friend will not only give you tips on other areas and shops yet to be discovered, but also drive you there and wait while you run in. And, most importantly, they will advise you to ask for a discount on said expensive item, as this is customary here.
4. If you cannot speak French fluently, be sure to have all orders translated prior to putting down a deposit. As I experienced, French, Italian and English are all spoken here and service always provided with a cheek-kiss and a smile, but complete comprehension is, shall I say, comme ci comme ca? I do not claim to be fluent by any means, but thankfully my awareness of the bottom-line is parfait.
5. Patience…in addition to seeking out the locale (or website), of the appropriate shops to suit your needs (plan for 4x the amount of time you originally set aside!), you must be aware of their individual hours. Most will close during the hours of 12-14, forcing you to sit at a cafe and re-create your new home’s vision board…
6. Enjoy the adventure!

Fav decor shops:
Cabane
Flamant
Etoffes & Canapes
Cours Saleya Antique Market

If you’re like most, when the moment arrives to zip your suitcase, you need to sit on it! This may also include maneuvering your body into various yoga poses or pretending to part-take in the game of Twister.  Thus, rather than re-packing, deleting items from your carefully planned out wardrobe or thinking you can only pack bikinis, try using these packing tips…
1. Pick a basic color scheme and accessorize around it.  Whether you prefer black, brown or white as your base, you can easily mix and match by adding brights, navy, camel, etc., to pop some color and change up the over-all look!  Try a scarf, cardi, large piece of jewelry or stacked bracelets, fabulous shoes…
2. Fold and then roll-up tees, leggings, tanks, etc. to save space and lessen wrinkles.  You can easily place these items in the crevasses found on the bottom of the suitcase or in small empty spaces.
3. Use dry cleaner bags (which, btw, should be removed immediately after returning from the cleaners so clothing doesn’t sit in the chemical aftermath), and place between your layers and/or around clothing that may wrinkle easily. Or,
4. Try using large zip lock compression bags to take the unwanted air out and keep wrinkle-free.
5. If you should need boots on your trip, wear them on the airplane. And, limit the amount shoes you pack!  Place jewelry roll, socks, scarves, etc.,  in your shoe/s.
*Mention this blog when shopping at Panache (great selection of fun resort wear!), and receive 20% off your non-sale purchase!  First time customers only. Offer good through March 31, 2012. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.
Panache Chicago 2252 N. Clark St., Chicago 773-477-4537
 
 
 
 
 

The month of January is only good for one thing…sale shopping! Okay, make that two, vacationing at a warm, sunny destination. But, find those perfect sale items before that jet plane door closes! However, keep in mind this mantra, “I will not buy anything solely because it’s a good deal”. Make the purchase ONLY “if” you would have bought it at its original price.
Here are a few items that, personally, I am so happy I found, which currently hang in my closet. First and foremost, my fav is a buttery white leather jacket. I will have this for the next 20 years! Classic leather jackets are definitely a fab-sale-find (no matter what my husband may think). Secondly, I nabbed a cashmere v-neck sweater in navy, the new black, which I found in the men’s department. (I strongly suggested that 4 of my friends, guys and gals, buy some too. Of course, they did.) Classic cashmere is always a great deal during sale time. I also managed to throw in a pair of on-trend DKNY black skinny cropped pants, a la Audrey. And finally, giving-in to the numerous on-line sales, I just had to purchase navy Superga tennis shoes (perfect for walking around Europe) and a couple Coobie bras (buy 1/get free!).
If you haven’t yet perused the sales, here are a few other items you may want to consider adding to your wardrobe this month: riding boots, cashmere or cashmere blend suit coat or over coat, intimate apparel, lil’ black dress, classic trousers (this does not mean pleated!) and bedding. Hopefully, this should leave you a few extra cents for that adorable bikini to sport on your beach vaca…

About now, you may feel as though you’ve worn every special holiday sparkles you own to those numerous holiday festivities you just could not miss. So, what to wear now? There’s still 8 days left! The Style Muse at your service…
On a cold snowy-eve, get comfty (my term for most comfortable), and cozy around the fireplace with friends by donning some furry sheepskin boots or slippers, Plush toasty leggings and a yummy over-sized cable sweater (I am hoping Santa leaves Gerald Darel’s interpretation of the one Marilyn Monroe wore in the movie Let’s Make Love, for moi!).
Next scenario, that much anticipated family dinner with your favorite 30 people? Don’t revert back to your role as the youngest child by wearing long Johns with a back trap door! Instead opt for uber-thin corduroy midnight-colored jeggings by AG (my personal favs), a silk blouse tucked in and an of-the-moment natural rabbit fur vest (faux is fashionable too, of course). It may just stop that Aunt from pinching your cheek and leave the rest of your siblings wondering, “Just when did Susie Belle grow up?”!
And, for our last scenario… the first holiday spent with your new significant other’s family! Breathe. Wine. Closet. Depending on whether this soiree is casual or a formal candlelit dinner, you could opt for 2 looks:
1. Black velvet boot cut or high-waisted wide leg pants, a non-faded black turtle neck, a sparkly cardi or poncho and ankle booties.
2. Simple black wrap dress, cashmere button down cardi (pop some color here if you’d like, try fuchsia!), and Michael Kors’ oversized gold chain-link necklace (A MUST HAVE!).
Once you’ve recovered from the above holiday-fashion conundrums, you can rest easy knowing New Years Eve will be a cinch. Sparkles, sparkles, sparkles! For one-step dressing, try one of the numerous sequined dresses offered this season. (Remember to keep all else to be worn, toned down.) If you prefer to keep a lower profile when the ball drops, make a statement by adding a glittery clutch to your monochromatic ensemble like one’s from Dolche & Gabbana or Edie Parker (clip a vintage pin in your hair too!). And, don’t forget to have those fabulous silk pj’s ready for a lil’ mimosa sippin’ on New Year’s Day!
May your Wolford stocking overflow with happiness, peace and prosperity for the New Year!

Sitting at a sun-lit cafe on the Cours Saleya in Nice, I find I am completely content. Watching the French kiss each other on each cheek upon greeting, while listening to their language of love, I have a smile in my heart. Ahhhh…now a sip of cool rose, je suis tres, tres complet!
This morning, I greeted the day by throwing on my black Anatomie capris, black Icebreaker tee (yes, it is packed for every trip!), and my Merrell walking shoes in preparation for my power walk around the Port (and yacht-spotting). I became so immersed in this sport, I lost myself for 3 hours (yes, still walking), in the Vieille Ville watching locals choose their poisson at the fish market, olives from large tubs filled with olive oil and fresh cut fleurs from the flower market in anticipation of a nicoise-style dinner a la maison. In fact, so caught up in the moment, I gobbled up a scoop of gelato and bought fresh blush-colored roses for my hotel room. So much for the calories burned during my power walk!
Alors, back to the moment at hand…I cannot help but be completely aware of the 4 seasons stylin’ about me this hot November afternoon. Dressing for the day, I myself struggled with the myriad of choices and settled with what I still think is the perfect mix. Lauren Vidal belted charcoal crinkle dress to the knee, lace leg warmers scrunched down around my ankles (updated from Flashdance) and my trusty All Saints ankle booties. I also couldn’t resist tying my fav leopard-print (camel/navy/grey/black/white) scarf around my Burberry tote. Tres chic, n’est pas?
Alors…I digress again. An array of ensembles surround me, from shorts and flip flops to white jeans and leather-esque leggings to scarves, hats, winter and motorcycle jackets to sweaters and blazers to lace tights with dresses. How did they choose for such a perfect day? All is perfect when hopping on a moped to meet friends at a cafe on a winter day in Nice! For me, no moped today. However, I can continue to sit in the sunshine writing and snapping photos…and drinking my rose! Vivre Cote d’Azur.

Getting lost in a petit ville en Provence when your GPS pops the France app out of it’s socket and demands you “go on foot” to highlighted route is not what I had in mind when I said “take me to the lavender fields”! I much prefer losing myself a pied in L’Occitane, one of the many shops charmant along the cobble-stoned paths.
With the smell of lavander wafting throughout the village, I found myself floating to an unique boutique, Phenomene. Raggedy Ann meets Bo-ho chic; not the perfect look for moi, but I appeciate every piece. Next…linens, table cloths…Provence prints galore!!! I thought I had found my treasures during day one of shopping, but then the weekly market (largest in Provence) appeared like the spaceship in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The best way to describe this fantastice experience is to quote my husband, “we may need to ship a suitcase home”.
Alors, I must stop for some shopping nurishment, but where to I begin? Fresh olive oil tasting, fillet au poivre or a fresh pizza with chevre cooked over a wood-burning fire? Why not try them all? I do have a week! As long as I can still fit in my skinny jeans of course…
*Photos not allowed in Phenomene; sunday-saint-tropez.com

Prior to ma voyage a Provence, I have a few final stops to make on Chicago’s Mag Mile. After my return, I expect to find only winter coats and more fur-everything in preparation of winter’s lakefront chill.  However, my plan is to cherish and prolong fall as long as possible while in Provence and the Cote d’Azur!
 
In anticipation of walking miles each day, I happened upon the perfect flat ankle booties by AllSaints Spitalfields.  They remind me of something vintage, possibly worn by a chic orphan like Mme Chanel?!  And, what makes my husband even happier is that due to them having shades of brown/black, I only need to pack one pair (of flat booties that is!).  A few other fab finds along the way were Fendi chunky Mary Janes with red vavoom-heels and Cole Hann’s Air Whitley tall boot.  I had the good practicality NOT to buy these due to the art of fete du shopping waiting for me in Europe.
 
Next stop, Bloomingdales, one of my regular haunts. I found a perfect pair of black Italian cut-out tights to add a bit of interest to a simple black dress or funky skirt. On the way out, my ever-wandering eyes saw a lil’ Michael Kors logo wristlet,  so cute I am still trying to figure out which girlfriend may be the lucky receiptant of said nothingness. (I would find myself in the un-heated dog house if I didn’t mention my fav Assist. Mgr., Jennifer, at Michael Kors.)
 
Now, it is time to pack my treasures, including a full-sequined gold tunic by Gold Hawk (to wear with jeans and snake skin heels), black cherry Skyline jeans by Paige, a few go-to Bailey 44 tops, way to many scarves (very French), and various on-trend capes.
A tout a l’heure!
 
 
 

With the fall winds beginning to blow leaves about us, I am now eager to shop (and wear) the fall trends! Being a Chicago-native, I feel compelled to stay within with windy city’s limits, however limit-less where the shops are concerned.
My search begins a pied in my stomping ground, Lakeview/Southport Corridor…
1. Krista K- Showing sexy draped dresses by Elizabeth and James, basics by Velvet and Jeans by Current/Elliott, don’t miss this fashionista-go to.
2. Stella Blue- New to the corridor, I can’t go in without finding a must-have vintage bag or bobble. Also offers stunning one-of-a-kind necklaces, earrings, etc. with an array of gemstone choices.
3. Click Shoes and More- Once only a shoe stop, now offers affordable and stylish clothing such as Bailey 44, Chaudry, and Red Haute. Don’t forget to say hi to the shop dog, Charlie!
4. M2/M4- The best for inexpensive and fun on-trend jewels to spice up your ensemble! Purses, gift items, you name it, Mel’s got it! I can never leave without a lil’ something. For men, fun gift items to surprise your special guy for any occasion.
I look forward to my next “shopping-fix”! However, I think I shall fit in a gals break el fresco, while sporting my new fav cashmere cape, in hopes of extending my fall day as they grow short and chilly.

Leave the stilettos behind gals, summertime in Banff requires only great hiking shoes and walking/gym shoes. However, if like me, you couldn’t possibly think of leaving home without a fashionable pair, throw in cute and casual wedges or flats, for that spur- of-the-moment dinner date.
Having traveled to Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Banff, UNESCO World Heritage site. It brought to mind past visions of Yosemite, Whistler and Tahoe; the town having a quaint, smaller ski-village-feel. The mood relaxed, and dare I say, “granola”? Nonetheless, the locals were so charming and friendly, we found it to be a wonderfully cozy visit!
Of course, I packed for hiking (a MUST here), including Keens, wicking tanks by lululemon and North Face light weight hiking capris. What I didn’t expect was that I would need to go shopping the first day for a couple sweatshirts, one with wicking and one lined with fur for warmth. And,OMG, a bear bell to wear on my wrist! Who knew while hiking I would put on the multiple layers just in time for the sun to come out at 8000 feet and then to shed them all? Trekking uphill on our 5 hr, 2500-something incline, over rocks and snow (yes, in July), it was all very worth it. In the evening however, I was able to sport a couple of feminine ensembles, even though I felt a little over-dressed. But, a fashionistas gotta do what a fashionistas gotta do, right?!
I look forward to our next trip to Banff during the winter ski season when I can pack my on-trend fur cuffs. Wonderful dinners, fabulous spa day at Fairmont Banff Springs and wading in the sulfur pool…all good, eh?