Today is the last day of 2011 so what's your promise to yourself going to be for next year?  How about to make sure you take the time to take care of yourself?  And I don't just mean in terms of what you look like on the outside, although that too is important in that it helps how you feel about yourself; but taking care of yourself on the inside is of upmost importance, especially as we get older.  Taking the time to make sure that we are in a good place emotionally, physically & spiritually will make you feel better all round.  For so many women, taking care of themselves is last on their list of priorities because they're so busy taking care of others; whether it be children, spouses, elderly relatives, they don't take the time to just stop and breathe.  So my wish to you all for the new year is that you take a little time out of every day just for you....even if it's 5 minutes to just be still, a half hour to read a book, to take a long hot bath - whatever it is, make sure you put yourself higher on the list!  Trust me, you'll feel better about yourself and will be better able to deal with all the other things and people in your life.

So today's post is not about the latest fashion trend or what to wear and how to wear it - it's about YOU!  I wish you all a safe and happy new year, and hope that you continue to enjoy life to the fullest.  I will return with more tips next year!  In the meantime, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL....

Today's topic is the joy of the wrap dress! This invention was priceless and one that I love, so thank you to Diane Von Furstenburg for coming up with this design all those years ago! The wrap dress is a great design for several reasons, but mainly because it can hide a multitude of sins! It is the perfect dress to flatter your shape, especially those ladies who struggle with extra pounds in the mid section. This design will disguise your tummy and flatter your shape - it's a no-brainer ladies. You can wear this look for day or evening, and from work to play! It really is perfect, and works throughout the year. A timeless piece that will never go out of fashion, take a look at some of these fabulous dresses...

All these looks can be found at the following link.  http://www.dvf.com/

Today I want to talk about wearing tweed.  Most people associate this trend with men, but it's actually something that women can wear too, and done correctly this look can look fabulous!  It's important to know how much (or rather how little) tweed to add to your outfit to make this work.  If you put a head to toe tweed look together it will be disastrous - so again ladies, remember that less is more!  Here are some of the rules and suggestions for wearing that stylish look of tweed....

• Wear a tweed vest (or waistcoat as we say in Europe!) with a casual outfit for just that touch of something extra.  It can really add something special to a casual outfit or when you just don't have time to really put a lot together.
• Wear a good quality tailored tweed jacked that's nipped in at the waist.  Pair it with a pencil skirt and heels to finish off the look for a more business/formal look.
• Wear a tweed pencil skirt, but make sure it's a good fit.  If it's not a good fit it will make you look bigger than you are which is something you definitely don't want!  Wear it with a simple silk blouse tucked in (it's great to have different textures in the same outfit).  Want to really finish it off right?  I am a big fan of pearls and I have many different types.  Either one long string or several different strings of different lengths will really finish off an outfit nicely & make a statement!
• Another thing you can do is add a bold belt or scarf to pull this look together and add a splash of color!  Add a pair of sleek knee-length boots and you're good to go!
• If you're not sure how to wear this look but would like to give it a try, just add accessories in tweed, like shoes, hat or a purse.  You will still look great and on trend!

It's that time of year where we need to wear boots, whether it be ankle booties or knee length ones.  Now we do need to be practical (some of the time at least!), but we also want to look stylish.  There are many different types of boots out there to choose from, and the right pair can really vamp up an outfit.  I like to tuck my jeans into my knee length boots, as well as wear my stiletto booties for an evening out on the town!  Your boots can be your accessory, whether you go for a colored boot or an animal print or one with some classic hardware, you will look great if you find the right pair!  Take a look at some of these different looks and get inspired!

Want to be the center of attention?  Here's the pair of boots for you!!  This pair of classic animal print boots will certainly steal the show, but remember, when wearing something like this everything needs to be super-simple!

Add just a touch of color to your outfit with this classic boot with a dash of color! The platform heel helps with height too!  This would look perfect with a simple black fitted knit dress!
 

The wedge bootie is a great alternative for those who put comfort first!  You will be comfortable in these boots as well as stylish, with a great buckle for hardware.  Wear these with jeans or leggings for a great look!



These boots are super comfortable and look great with jeans, and to be ultra trendy tuck your jeans in! 




Try a kitten heel if you can't go super high and don't want to wear flats either.  This croc style boot will get you noticed for all the right reasons!



I love these luxe suede boots with the slouchy look!  They look great with leggings - and remember when wearing something like this to wear the same color legging as the boots to elongate and make you look lean! 

This is a great boot that is simple yet chic with just a touch of hardware.  These can be worn with slim pants or a dress/skirt with black opaque tights.

Today's trend is very simple, but something that can completely transform an outfit.  Patterned tights!  They are all the rage right now, and you can be as adventurous as you want with a wide array of colors, patterns and textures.  The rule here is to keep everything else super-simple.  You can wear a solid color dress and vamp it up with a pair of colored or patterned tights, or wear a solid color top & skirt and add a pair of textured tights.  There are different ways to make your tights the conversation piece at a party, you just need to know how to pull this look off.  Here are some different designs to give you an idea of what you can do.

Well ladies I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed spending time with your loved ones! Now that we've all eaten ourselves into oblivion, we have to start thinking about what we are going to wear to that New Year's Eve party! You know that it has to be something pretty special for such an occasion, and we would be remiss if we didn't have lots of sparkle & glitz going on! So go ahead ladies, take a look at some of these dresses, and get your bling on....

Okay ladies, I'm going to give you a tip today that I'm hoping will make you very happy!!  Usually I'm talking about the latest trends and glitz & glamour, but today I'm going to talk about loungewear....that's right, I did say it - loungewear!!!  With the holidays upon us, the next few days are going to be filled with lots of celebrating, which means lots of food and drink with family & friends.  The last thing you want to have to worry about at home after you've over-indulged is being all dressed up and feeling uncomfortable.  However, that's no excuse to look like a schlump!  You can be comfy and still look great in some nice looking and comfy loungewear.  Take a look below to get some ideas of what you can wear at home after your Christmas feast!  And enjoy!!!  All these looks can be found at the following link: http://www.dillards.com/

Today I want to talk about the current trend of bow blouses.  I love them, and have a couple of different ones, and you'd be surprised at the different ways you can wear them.  Some people may think they look a bit prissy, but they really don't have to!  You can wear them to work with a classic pencil skirt for a professional look, pair them with jeans for a more casual weekend look, and get a sleeveless silk one for an evening out on the town!  You can be daring and get a graphic print or animal print, or get one in georgette to wear with a cami underneath. The bow can be tied differently to vary your look from formal to casual.  Keep the bow tied loosely, tie a low knot, drape it unevenly, or keep it untied to change up your look.  Whichever way you choose to wear this, you'll be sure to look fabulous!!  Take a look below at these different ways to wear the bow blouse.