Tartan Plaid Pants

There are few patterns that spread cheer quite like a tartan plaid, the classic fabric distinguished by intersecting, multicolored stripes. Steeped in history, Tartan plaids date back to the 16th century Scotland, specifically the Highlands area. I was so excited when I spotted these Black Watch pants on sale the other day. I have been looking for a fun pair of trousers to add to my wardrobe. I took them to the tailor and had them cropped for a more modern look and decided to add a wide cuff to continue a "gentleman" vibe. 

I had fun pairing these items together and playing with the various textures and proportions.

Wine velvet platform peep toe pumps by Aldo, J.Crew wool tartan pants, Talbots black mock turtleneck, Zara military style coat with brass buttons and emerald green alligator top handle handbag by Lana Marks.

Tip: Old can be new. It is in the "how" you put it together that can make something fresh and current. 

A Friend in Fashion

Last week, I had the unique opportunity to spend time with Ken Downing, Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus. We had a delightful visit over iced coffee the day before his Fall 2011 Fall Trend Presentation at Neiman Marcus, Paramus. It was wonderful to share our passion for fashion and how we want to inspire women to be their best and most stylish self. 

Ken is not only a dynamic and talented fashion force, he is also a warm, witty and insightful gentleman. Needless to say, I am completely enlightened by the man, his vision and all the fashion!

Please visit the link below to see coverage of the beyond fabulous Fall 2011 Fashion Show.

http://www.bergen.com/fashion/fashionscene/Social_Scene_The_Food_Allergy_Initiative_holds_Fashion_Reception_at_Neiman_Marcus.html?photo=8&c=y

Personal Style Seminar

Last week I had the incredible pleasure to present a Personal Style Seminar to 45 women. In the spirit of Breast Cancer awareness month a portion of the proceeds were donated to The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was a wonderful day filled with inspiration and information.

Gift bags for each guest included generous donations from GlamGlow at Neiman Marcus, beautiful silk scarves from Adrianne Vittadini and fabulous eye cream from Ageless Beauty Spa.

Here I am with the stunning Princess Keisha Omilana as I am explaining the importance of knowing what fit and flatters your figure.

Using the beautiful fashions from Neiman Marcus, I showed the guests how to build a collection that reflects your Personal style.

I invite you to see more of the press coverage of this event at the link below. 

http://www.bergen.com/fashion/Social_Scene_Avon_Walk_for_Breast_Cancers_fall_fashion_seminar_fund-Raiser.html?photo=3&c=y

Swing

Tunisian-born designer Azzedine Alaïa opened his Paris atelier in the 1970's. Known for his second-skin dresses, he became the "King of Cling" in the 1980's. Currently his passion for intricately designed pieces with high tech laser-cut applications make his work ultra chic and modern.

I was attracted to this outfit for several reasons. First, I felt it was a fresh departure from his form fitted silhouettes. It is fun and flirty (the skirt reminded me of my days of figure skating), and it is true lady like, ensemble dressing. Totally, my style DNA. Ok, It feels very Audrey too!!!

I decided to wear these deep wine peep toe platform pumps by Jimmy Choo. They are surprisingly very comfortable and go with everything. They are my new neutral! Keeping my accessories to a minimum, the outfit on its own is a statement and I didn't want to undermine its pure brilliance. Therfore I chose one special oversized gold and stone cocktail ring by Alexis Bittar. It reminded me of a rare jeweled button. 

Alexis Bittar ring, Jimmy Choo shoes and Azzedine Alaïa skirt and crop jacket are all available at Neiman Marcus Paramus.

Gulden's

This Fall I am loving mustard (the color that is) however, it isn't the best color next to my skin. Therefore, I decided to purchase this sharp shade in a pair of pants. I went to the tailor and had them cropped so I could have more flexibility with shoes. Flats, pumps, booties... you know this transition weather can be challenging.

Paired with Cranberry and Navy, this zesty tone feels fresh and current for this season.

In-Store Appearances

Last week I had the honor and joy to take part in 2 In-store events.

Neiman Marcus "The Curent Event". Yes, that is my outfit on the mannequin from last weeks blog! I chose to add this gorgeous teal leather bucket bag from Givenchy to go with the outfit. The color is a great neutral!

Talbots asked Dierdre Ward (Social Editor from 201 Magazine) and I to host a fabulous evening of shopping. We both wore sleeveless black turtlenecks and decided it would be fun to wear skirts from Talbots' most recent collection. On Dierdre, a flirty tiered dove grey silk skirt paired with suede slate grey kitten heels. I chose to wear one of my favorite shapes (actually seen above in denim), a full pleated jacquard print in copper and black with a pair of outrageous suede caged peep toe platform pumps.

I invite you to visit the link below to see the press coverage of this wonderful evening.
http://www.bergen.com/?tags=Catherine_Glaser 

The Current Event

I was delighted when Neiman Marcus asked me to be a part of "The Current Event" and choose my favorite picks of the season and an outfit that reflected my style. 

I was immediately drawn to this fabulous Philip Lim cropped cognac colored leather jacket. The rich color and shape is totally my style. It felt timeless, yet extremely "current". Most importantly, I love how versatile the jacket is! The animal print pencil skirt echo's my love of classics with a twist. Lastly, a denim shirt pulled together the textures and gave both outfits a modern vibe. 

For a more casual look, I chose flared jeans and a very cool "pony" belt that a dear friend bought for me this summer while on holiday in Spain. (I do love to wear animal prints in many ways). 

I invite you to join me at "The Current Event" this week, September 22-24th at Neiman Marcus, Paramus to see my favorite picks of the season. 

Philip Lim leather jacket, Elizabeth and James skirt, Stephen Dweck faceted smoky quartz and bronze rib chain pendent necklace and an amber cabochon ring, all available at Neiman Marcus, Paramus.

A Walk in the Park

Classic Styles in bold colors and strong patterns command balance. I paired this fabulous Roberto Cavalli cheetah pattern jacket with a pair of slim black crop pants. The black peep toe pumps added the right amount of height and proportion and a nice "lady like" feel to the outfit. Continuing with this feminine vibe, I chose a stunning crimson leather front flap top handle handbag. 

I decided to be adventurous and wear this major statement necklace
by Badgley Mischka. The gold setting and amber faceted stones blended
beautifully with the jacket and it felt edgy and glamorous at the same
time. Most important, it filled in a space that I like to refer to as an
"accessory zone". 

Red. A long time favorite of mine, especially when paired with animal prints.
And, most notably, the color of the season!!!

Tip:
Every outfit has specific "accessory" zones. Necklines, sleeve lengths...
areas that call out for that something special. The trick is to be selective and
have impact. You don't need a lot, in fact, sometimes, less is really more. Just
the right piece in the right place can make all the difference in pulling an outfit
together and giving it your touch of style. 

Carmel colored Prada sunglasses, Christian Louboutin shoes, Roberto Cavalli jacket,
Badgley Mischka Couture necklace and Fendi handbag are all available at
Neiman Marcus, Paramus.

Black Column

Accessories are the best way to change up a look. Using this classic silhouette – a simple black column dress, I was inspired to explore the ancient cultures of Greece. I treasue this vintage hammered brass bib necklace and decided to pair it with a handmade brass cuff. Both pieces have just the right ethnic feel and gave this dress a fresh new look.

Check out my previous blogs - "Fete" and "Tribal in Reverse" to see how I styled these items in different ways.   

Back to school

There are times when certain images bring you back to a special place.
When I found this Prada skirt I felt an immediate connection, yet I couldn't
figure out what it was at the time. I love the colors, the slim silhouette
and the chic yet traditional style. But there was something else that
felt familiar...

The face of the skirt brought me back to the wonderful
gargoyles that adorned the Tudor Gothic architecture of
my high school. When I realized what I had stumbled
upon, I decided to play off the motif of the gargoyle with a
twist of whimsy. I chose a crisp white Zara blouse, vibrant
blue cashmere cardigan and these fabulous Mui Mui shoes
with a floppy satin bow. I love how each of these elements
are playful yet classic. 

Here is one of over 100 gargoyles from the Emma Willard School. 

These Prada sunglasses have a wonderful swirl that
related well with the scroll work in the gargoyle design.

Prada skirt and sunglasses, Badgley Mishska Couture
emerald cut aquamarine earrings, Balenciaga cashmere
cardigan and Mui Mui shoes all available at
Neiman Marcus, Paramus, NJ.   

Black & White

Summer Safari

I love the city in August. Yes it can be hot, but it is so nice
and quiet. The pace is slower and more conducive to exploring.

I am wearing a safari style sleeveless khaki dress with self belt that I discovered at H&M. This look is truly one of my go to uniforms. In the summer, I like to take a sweater with me for those dramatic changes in temperatures. Here I chose a a Dolce & Gabbana thin silk cardigan in a fun zebra print that I tucked into my Zara bucket bag.

Patricia Underwood lacquered fine straw hat continues this neutral palette and "safari" theme. Not only does this hat provide protection from the sun, but it also saved me from a very bad hair day!

Tip:

Know the styles and silhouettes that fit and flatter your figure. They are available at all price points, but more fun when you spot it for $34.99!

Tropical Heat

Sunday early evening pool side BBQ...
Tangerine felt refreshing and easy to wear.

A simple cotton J.Crew tank, Donna Karan silk sarong,
Prada sandals.

Accessories:  
Vintage Ted Lapidas sunglasses and vintage Kenneth
Jay Lane coral and sea shell necklace. 

Summer Tunic

I have had this vintage Geoffrey Beene white linen tunic
with oversized patch pockets for years. Every summer I love
pulling it out and thinking of new ways to wear this special
piece. The clean simple lines and cut are timeless and the
fit is flattering. 

Last weekend I was feeling a little Parisian. Candidly, it was
dinner and the film "Midnight in Paris" that inspired my
outfit. I paired the tunic with black linen walking shorts,
Prada slides, a black silk beret by Donna Karan and a cool
pair of vintage octagon sunglasses.

Inspired by these outrageous vintage Pucci sunglasses,
I went for a more mod/retro look. I chose to wear the
tunic with blue and white diamond patterned narrow silk
pants by Michael Kors (these are from one of his resort 
collections from years ago), cobalt blue suede heels by Zara
(worn in my previous blog) and a wonderful vintage coral
brooch. 

TIP: 
When you are feeling at a loss for what to wear, try to be
inspired by where you are going (like the movies) or find
an accessory that you want to build a story around. 

Easy Breezy Summer

Long summer dresses are fun to wear. Add some stripes to the mix and I am very happy! The razor back style of this dress is flattering to my frame and covers a sun sensitive décolletage. The 2 side slits add the right amount of leg reveal and create a nice flow to this graphic frock. Lastly, the color combination, black and blue is très chic, plus the crispness of white... oh so summer! Zara dress and cobalt blue suede sandals, vintage Don Marshall straw hat and Elsa Peretti bone cuff in sterling silver. 

Fête

I was fortunate to attend a dear friend's surprise birthday fête last weekend.
The setting, a spectacular Spanish Revival Colonial home was the inspiration
for my attire! I knew I wanted to create an outfit around my Zara beaded
"Bolero Jacket."

The dress is a fabulous Charles Chang-Lima long ribbed column with leather
piping and a thin long leather belt wrapped several times with little brass beads
on the ends. Anticipating that we may be outside on the grass, I wanted to
wear a shoe that would be comfortable and appropriate. I chose a favorite;
Guess cork wedge with long black cotton ties.

The accessories continue a Moorish/Spanish feel, and upon a second
glance, an ethnic and handmade quality can be observed.
– A small hammered brass cushioned shaped bag
– A twisted black and gold shaped dome ring
– Christian Lacroix patterned gold toned disk clip earrings
– An intricately flexible cuff with seed shaped gold beads

TIP:
It is always fun and helpful to have an inspiration for your ensemble.

To see how I wore this Bolero Jacket last year, I invite you to visit my 
archives (Bolero Jacket).  

Denim

I immediately swooned when I saw this denim skirt at Talbots.
Totally my "style DNA" because it fits and flatters my figure,
works with my lifestyle and it's so wearable. Denim can be
dressed up or down and is suitable right into Fall. 

I paired this skirt with a fitted white safari style shirt from Zara, a brown
leather belt and platform heels. The handbag – one of my favorites, is
a vintage Etienne Aigner. I love how the size and shape of this handbag
balances the proportion of the skirt and shoes. Notice how the texture
of the woven straw and horn clasp pull this outfit together.

TIP:
Don't horse around when shopping! Purchase items that are your
"style DNA," versatile and can take you into the next season. Building a
core collection of wearable clothes is true investment dressing. 

Color Block

Deeply saturated contrasting colors worn together is bold and current. Not for the shy
but certainly worth a try! I decided to have some fun with this color block trend.
The trick here is to make color the  theme of your outfit. I chose to pair a fitted
cropped cobalt blue jacket with these outrageous fuchsia suede platform heels. The
black wide leg silk pants pants strategically separates the intense shades and adds
a nice balance and flow.

My one and only accessory, these fabulous black sunglasses with vivid cobalt blue
stripe were a great find!

Giorgio Armani jacket, YSL shoes and Prada sunglasses. All items available at Neiman
Marcus Paramus, NJ. 

Stripes

This Zara dress caught my eye, not only for its classic nautical colors (and price), but also because stripes are one of my favorite graphic prints. The linear movement is complimentary to my petite frame and adds a nice touch of cheerfulness.

I love the fitted bodice and the slightly exaggerated full short skirt. It's a wonderful balance of whimsy and demure.

Grommets

Typically I am not a fan of "hardware" on clothing. I prefer to use various accessories as a way to play with trends and embellishments. However, I was drawn to this dress. The burnished grommets running down the dress reminded me of medieval times while the color, style and crinkle stretch fabric echoed the right amount of classic safari. Somehow all these references and details seemed timeless and quite wearable. Playing with these themes and textures, I chose chunky cork wedges with a zebra pattern and an engraved bronze beaded cuff to pull together this outfit.

Burberry dress, Prada shoes and Stephen Dweck cuff. All items available at Neiman Marcus Paramus, N.J.