Full Bloom

The first market for Simon Fashion Now, complete. Each week, I will be posting images from the show and how each city has inspired my style. This week: Garden party and Watercolor.

The Season Of Ali

I am overwhelmed with warm tingles, bright colored butterflies and big waves of pleasure in my stomach for Spring!. Wanna know why? Color, florals, HIGH heels, sparkles, lace, and lingerie! Phew! For those of you who know me personally, you'll know why this season reeks of me!

Ceiling to Floral

Finally a season where your florals don't care if they are compatible or not, as long as they are together life is good. Mixing patterns has always been my first love, and nothing makes me happier than mixing rose buds with the tulips in whimsical patterns that don't exactly match.

The key to mixing patterns like a pro is color matching. If two or more colors are the common denominator between the two prints, then mix away. Now, there is an exception to every rule in fashion, so try not to look like your garden threw up on you by mixing more than three florals. To give you shape, because we are not all built like Supermodels, add a solid like a denim jeans or a white blouse underneath that floral sweater. For a more subtle Spring look, feel free to wear ONE floral print (boring) But, if you are going to do that, make it a mini dress or a silk blouse. Pair it with a big bright necklace, and floral heels. I guess that is still mixing florals isn't it? :)

Savings For Spring

I know some of you are still wearing parka jackets and chaining your tires, but I'm caught up in the 80 degree weather here in Southern California. So, because I write this blog, I win.
For those of you who think that Spring fashion is coming way too soon, remember that these trends were fore cast more than three seasons ago. Plus, since Spring shows the most skin, you might want to know what body parts to get in the best shape.
While you may think that each new season means saving now for a new wardrobe (not detouring you from doing so), there are pieces that you wore and loved in the Fall (and seasons prior) that will transition to Spring. You may be surprised how many things are in your closet already.

* Keep those one shoulder frock dresses and blouses
* Don't dispose of classic white pieces
* Sequins and metallics
* Lots of chunky jewelry including hose ethnic pieces that you picked up on exotic vacations
* Don't rid yourself of the garments with embellishments, like the top with the rocker embellished shoulder pads.
* And finally, keep all of your bright printed pieces.


Mix your white pieces with bright bold prints, and bright shoes. Combine those whites with blacks for easy style, and those one shoulder blouses with sporty suits, and safari style pants. Your harem pants will also transition through spring with plain t-shirts and bright wedges or t-strap sandals.

You can thank me in the Spring when you can spend your money on that Bottega Veneta Croc bag (wink).

xoxo
Ali

The Goal: Look Hotter than the Girl Next to You.

You have a lot of Christmas parties coming up, and tis the season to dress up more than usual. Don't go buy new clothes, we're in a recession after all. I usually tell my clients that each season, stick with the accessories that are in each season. Its much more affordable, and makes sense for those who just wanna be in style the easy way.
Here's a quick go to for a holiday party. Try a black turtleneck under a crisp white blouse. You can roll the sleeves up or just keep them down, either way is stylish. Then throw on any black or colored skirt you have. Could be pencil, bell, short, knee-length...the sky is the limit because its the accessories that are going to put the spin on this look. This is what you go buy: dot net pantyhose (just a black pantyhose with dots on them: think old school), and a feather brooch (J. Crew and Nordstroms have a million styles). Instant adorable-ness!
More accessories to purchase for holiday jazz: layers of gold chain necklaces, metallic nail polish, bangle bracelets galore, feathers for hair, lots of rhinestones and colored pantyhose.
The goal is to look hotter than the girl standing next to you. Wear red lipstick whenever possible, and always always wear high heels.

How To Get A Husband

Just kidding!! I don't have the first clue how to get a husband, but I do know fashion. In honor of all of the old black and white movies I have watched lately, I have been dressing like I am off to coffee with Marilyn, and then to dinner with Carey Grant. And why not? It makes me feel sexy and confident. I rarely throw on a pair of flip flops or tennis shoes, hair tossled in a rubber band struggling to hang on by the clump we know as a bun. Never have. It takes just the same amount of time to throw on a cotton dress, tall riding boots and a scarf, cute beret and a pair of hoop earrings than it does ratty old sweats, t shirts, hoodie and beanie. Now, I am not saying there isn't something casually sexy about jeans and a t-shirt. Don't turn this topic around on me. In the days of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield, a dress and heels were in order everyday. No wonder men were chasing after them as fast as they could make a wardrobe change to jet off to cocktails.

I often have clients who say, "But where will I ever wear this?", or "I don't have ANYWHERE to wear this." I say, why not throw this on to have a sweet meal with your man, or why not go grocery shopping in it (always cute guys in the produce department), or meet a girlfriend for a quick lunch (you might sit next to Gerard Butler)? One thing my mother always taught me was to get dressed up to go shopping. Doing your hair and makeup will always make you feel better when trying on new clothes. Not to mention all those times you've run into someone important, or an ex-boyfriend looking like you just rolled out of bed still wearing your makeup from last night. You never know who you are going to run into at any given point, so dress up!
Invest in a jacket that can also be worn as a dress, and some lace or leather gloves. If you can't wear tall heels, try. Okay, I know if your chasing a 3 year around, its just not practical ( I don't know, but I hear). Try a tall flat boot or a ballet flat. The point is to dress up your everyday look a little bit. If you are going to wear that t-shirt and jeans, throw on some boots, and necklaces paired with a long scarf and sunglasses. On a side note: I always have a pair of neutral heels, and an emergency kit (makeup, deodorant, brush, samples of perfume, etc....) in my car just in case I get an opportunity to go somewhere and need to get jazzed up quickly. And that, my friends, is a true story. Get inspired by pulling out all those pieces in the back of your closet that you say you never have anywhere to wear. Play dress up while your man is watching football.

xoxo
Ali

Male Man

Alright guys, you've been asking for too long, and with Fall here, I blogged just for you. I've been styling for men actually longer than I have for women. Now that i am on the Fall tour for Simon Fashion Now, I have been styling looks for men just as much as the ladies this Fall, so I am inspired to inspire you.
My favorite casual look: Try a dark straight legged denim (not skinny), black button up tucked in, v-neck sweater over it and in a bright color (try the bright green Club Monaco has right now), and a black tie. Casual enough for dinner, but dressy enough for an interview in the creative industry, or a casting. For the most daring men in fashion swap out the tie for a bow tie.
My favorite Business option: Try a slim fitting suit like Banana Republic is showing off. Try a navy suit with a pop of red, bright green, or black underneath. For example (cause I know I need to break it down), try a navy suit, black button up, dark green sweater vest, navy and black combo tie and a print pocket square with perhaps a little green in it. ALWAYS wear a pocket square. If that sounds too risky, try a black sweater vest instead of the green.
What not to wear? No more denim jeans with a lot of embroidery or ANY embellishments, no more roach killer shoes (toe so pointy, they fit in the corner of a wall), and please please please no more graphic t-shirts. Instead, try American Apparel brand plain t-shirts, and denim from stores like Gap and Club Monaco. For a shoe option, try a lace up boot in a camel or brown color.
Tip of the season: Mix your browns and blacks with bright colors. Let your ladies read this blog, give them the credit card and let them do the shopping.

xoxo
Ali