Stylish Girls Guide to the Holidays

It’s the holiday season! Fun, family, festivities- and stress? No need to worry because I’ve got some great tips and tricks for you to be stylish and smiling through it all. I shared some of these ideas with Sistina Giordano today on Bridge Street on WSYR Channel 9, but there were many more ideas we didn’t have time for that I’ll post here. Whether you are the hostess or a guest, the key everything is to plan and prep ahead! From the minute my invitations go out I'm thinking, “What am I going to wear?” For great party fashion the key is to keep it simple but feel fabulous! As the hostess my attitude and style sets the tone for the party. I like to choose something that makes me feel great but is comfortable enough to get me through the night. Also, it’s a party so I'll try something new and outside my comfort zone! A holiday party is a great time to make a fashion statement and try on a holiday trend!

Feeling fancy? Faux fur is big right now so try a fuzzy vest over a simple blouse with black skinny jeans tucked in boots. Today on Bridge Street I featured a great pair of pants from Lord & Taylor that give you that leather look but are just stretchy twill coated with a black metallic material by 1.State - more forgiving than real leather but just as fashionable!

Try to pick something you can wear again with accessory changes. A simple black dress or a red top with dark denim can be dressed up or down with gold accessories, decorative hosiery or a plaid scarf.

When in doubt find a great dress. I can’t tell you how many times people say to me, "You are so dressed up!” and I swear all I did was put on a dress. Something about a well fitting simple dress says to others, “She’s pulled together!”

If possible be ready at least an hour before so you aren’t scrambling as guests arrive. Wear a cute apron over clothes so you don’t mess them up- guests will adore it!

Shoes can be tricky- here’s my tip on how to handle:

If you are the host and you want your party guests to take off their shoes, you must do the same. Be thoughtful by providing slippers for guests to put on as they come in and drop off their shoes. Socks can do double-duty as a party favor: purchase fun holiday themed socks for guests to put on for the party and then take home with them when they leave.

If you are attending a party you don’t always know if you have to take off your shoes, especially when you live in a snowy city like ours with messy winter weather. First I make sure my outfit works with or without my shoes. Then I make sure to pack slippers or socks in my purse to put on when I arrive.

Here are a few more of my tips for being a thoughtful guest:

Always offer to help out.

Keep a stash of hostess gifts on hand for the last minute invites such as cute notebook sets, your favorite wine (not just some random brand you picked up on sale but one you enjoy yourself),  or when there is time get personalized notecards for an extra special thank you. I love these by Annie Taylor Designs because they are beautiful whether they are personalized or not, and I know I am supporting another local entrepreneur in my community.

Here are some tips for being an inspired host:

I can’t say it enough to PLAN AHEAD!

Layout out platters ahead of time with post it notes indicating what goes in them. That way don’t have to think when taking prepped food out of the fridge.

Have a signature cocktail that’s easy- this season mine is a grapefruit Bellini with fruit! It looks beautiful, tastes great, adds a bit of elegance to your party but it’s easy as can be to make!

Don’t go crazy with decorations- change out throw pillows  or add one design element at the entry way such as a pumpkin display or large wreath. Guests will appreciate the special touches and you don’t have to spend an entire day (and tons of money) setting up.

For more tips, I enjoyed this article for Dinner Party Tips from 15 Genius Hosts.

Most important is to have fun and enjoy the festivities!! If you aren’t having fun then your guests won’t either!

Thank you to our friends at Lord and Taylor for all these great examples and to Annie  Taylor Designs for her beautiful notecards featured on today’s show. Did you miss it? Click here to watch the segment.

What are your tips and tricks for a fabulous holiday party? Also, what’s your opinion on the shoes conundrum- let guests keep them on or take them off? I’d love to hear from you at thesmalltownstylist@gmail.com or comment on my Facebook page.

Athleisure wear: Not a passing fad!

Athleisure is relatively new term which refers to clothes that fit a somewhat broad category of being appropriate for either athletic or leisure pursuits, or both. Athleisure is no longer a trend. People are embracing healthier lifestyles,  and want more functionality from their wardrobes. If you are trying to work fitness into an already overtaxed schedule, who wants to haul an extra outfit to work? It makes sense for designers to be coming up with new solutions. Today on Bridge Street on Channel 9, I shared some great tips and ideas with guest co-host Kelly Springer,  and I showed lots of great options from our friends at Lululemon Syracuse on how to go from spin class to the boardroom.

FROM GYM WORKOUT: Basic leggings, or not so basic like the stirrup tights featured on today’s show from Lululemon, and workout tank top with sneakers

TO RUN ERRANDS: Switch out sneaks for tall boots. On top add a long sleep top and a cute puffer vest or jacket like the on I showed today from Lululemon.

FROM YOGA WORKOUT: Bootcut yoga pants and sports bra

TO MEET A FRIEND FOR LUNCH: A cozy cable-knit turtleneck sweater, cute athletic sneakers like Cons Chuck Taylors, and a cross body bag.

FROM TRAIL HIKE WORKOUT: Run tights in a color like navy or red, wicking tee and your trail shoes with extra deep treads

TO A CLIENT MEETING: Change out your tee for a long tunic top to CYA (cover your assets) and replace the sneakers and socks with ballet flats.

Just remove your sneakers and put on a pair of cute boots, like biker boots with buckle decoration, or anything at the knee or above.

Throw a statement coat over the top, maybe in plaid or a bright color, and no one needs to know what you are wearing underneath.

Don’t forget that if your hair is messy from your workout, it’s a great time to add a warm hat like a beret or cap. It will keep you warm and add style.

Scarves will also add flair but will cover you up if your workout wear is too skimpy to wear out. Also adds warmth.

I keep a separate bag always packed that I grab before I head to the gym or for a hike. In it are essentials like face wipes, hair brush, deodorant, makeup, a hat, and other similar items.

A great source of inspiration is Lululemon’s Pinterest board called to & from.

I get so many people asking me for advice on this. If you missed the segment, watch it here. What are your style secrets that help you transition your outfits? I’d love to hear from you so email me at thesmalltownstylist.com or post on my Facebook page. 

Fall Trends on Bridge Street

There’s a crispness in the air and soon it will be time to change over to your winter wardrobe. Can I just say, I’m not ready yet! Today I talked fall fashion trends with Kelly Springer and Jennifer Sanders who were guest hosting on Bridge Street while our friend Sistina is on maternity leave. Both Kelly & Jennifer have great personal style and a keen sense of fashion, so we had a blast.* This is a great time to get organized: donate anything out of style, throw away anything that is damaged or doesn’t fit, and store anything that is out of season.

Here are some of the trends for fall. You may find these already in your closet as styles can be cyclical and last for several seasons. If you want to add some new fresh items to your closet, I showed some great examples from our friends at Bounce in Armory Square. Be sure to take advantage of the style expertise of the sales staff there- they can help you put together a killer outfit.

Denim continues to be hot, but think flare legs & wide legs with medium to high waist. Skinnies are still around and continue to be a good casual staple, but a more structured jean or something with a 70s vibe are hot right now.

Decade dressing can be very fun!

60s style- Think mod dresses

70s style- Garments inspired by this decade include the bohemian look, bell bottoms, vests and floppy hats

90s style- My personal favorite decade. I love the grunge inspired floral baby dolls with jackets and flannel shirts. I already have a pair of Doc Martens boots ready to go.

Speaking of 70s, we are seeing lots of capes and ponchos- I like these as a focal point in a print, and then keep the rest of the outfit one color.

Consider a vest- long or short- to create a new look and keep you warm.

As the temperatures drop we will need to think about outerwear. How about a parka with fur or shearling? I also like a statement jacket in a print or bold color.

Accessories are key and today on the show I featured some beautiful ones from Paul Karaz Shoes in Fayetteville. Paige and Paul Karaz are hands on at their stylish boutique and will help you find the perfect on-trend accessory.

This season I like a shoulder bag and saddlebag style, like the classic one I showed today in black from Longchamps, or choose something in a color or metallic.

Mens inspired footwear is hot, like the patent leather wingtips featured on the show by Gabor.

You can’t miss with ankle boots worn with skirts & dresses- there are so many out there to choose from. I like the bootie by Aquatalia because they are waterproof with a rubber sole. Pick up a pair at Paul Karaz Shoes before the winter weather gets here!

What trends are you going to be embracing this fall? Which ones do you wish would go away? I want to know! Leave a comment below or post your answer on my Facebook page.

*Unfortunately the new website for Bridge Street no longer allows me to create links to specific videos. It's an issue they are working on fixing. For now if you want to watch the segment, click through the link above to the main page for WSYR, go to Bridge Street and then scroll through the videos until you find the one named Fall Fashion Trends. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Style The Bump: Maternity Fashion

Dressing for your pregnancy doesn’t mean you have to stick to the “maternity” section. Shop for for pieces that will work during pregnancy but also once the baby comes. On today’s Bridge Street on WSYR Channel 9, co-host Sistina Giordano and I talked about how to style the bump- and beyond! Shop maternity specialty stores for staples such as leggings, denim, tanks and tees. There are great shops locally and online such as Pea in Pod, Motherhood, Gap Maternity, H&M Maternity, and Target, but did you know that you can get these same brands at Clothes Mentor for a fraction of the regular cost? With two locations in Dewitt & Clay, they RESELL gently used items, so you will find pieces in great shape by brands you know for much less money. This is important since you will only use these items for a few months.

But you don’t have to be limited to the maternity section- there are plenty of great options out there that will work during pregnancy as well as after, stretching not only your wardrobe but your budget. Sistina and I did a little “shopping” last week and came back with some great ideas from our friends at The Changing Room. With two locations in our area, Downtown and Baldwinsville, be sure to stop in and check out the unique and special inventory.

Here are some things to look for when choosing non-maternity items to dress your bump:

• Jackets and sweaters over basic tanks and tees with denim or leggings is a great way to put a look together. Pull out some of your favorites: that old school jean jacket or the fatigue jacket you got in the spring is still a stylish option!
• Find items with extra stretch and length, to cover your growing belly but look stylish.
• Choose pieces that you can layer over each other, to give you multiple outfit options with less pieces. On the show today we showed a great way to turn two pieces we found at The Changing Room into three outfit options easily and get the most bang for your buck too.
• There are a lot of swingy tops out there- lots of room underneath for a growing bump without the frumpy maternity look.
• Flowing dresses are in style for summer- in lots of options like floral and denim. Cinch with a belt for added definition when you want to show off the bump.

Remember that once the baby comes you won’t be immediately back into your regular clothes so choose pieces you like enough to continue to wear after. This will also save you money because you wont’ have to buy “in between” items. Missed the show today? Click here to watch it and catch up on the tips you may have missed.

Get inspired by maternity bloggers on Pinterest and Instagram such as @Preggonista & a personal favorite, @InHonorOfDesign on Instagram and the website BumpItUpStyle.com. Follow me on Pinterest and my board Style the Bump for my choices for maternity style inspiration!

What are your best maternity style tips? Share them in the comments below or with me on Facebook and Twitter.

Sweat to Street Style

We are all very busy and it’s hard to get in all we have to do plus a workout. So, how do we get to each activity quickly, functionally and still stay stylish? This is a question I get ALOT so today on Bridge Street I shared some tips with Sistina Giordano. I start with staple base layers.

In summer, it’s a tank top over a sports bra, capri leggings or a cute skort.

Then I add or subtract items:

On a cool day I’ll add a jacket, like my favorites in denim or fatigue.

A long tunic top over leggings is good for CYA!

I’ll switch out a sweaty tee for a fresh one sometimes.

Accessories are great, like adding a colorful lightweight scarf, which can also double as a shawl if I’m out at night and it gets chilly.

I’ve been back into baseball caps lately.

I’ve seen women cinch a belt over a large button down shirt and look adorable & classic.

Of course, I love my large sunglasses!

I never forget to switch out my athletic sneakers for sandals or my converse sneaks. I don’t really like to wear sneakers at all as a general rule, except to the workout in and except for my Cons & Keds.

On the show I featured several great looks from Lululemon in Armory Square. The ladies there know their stuff so be sure to ask them to help you coordinate a look if you go in. They are a great resource and have many great options for layering. But remember that you probably own several items already that you can use to transition your look so be sure to “shop” your closet too!

Be prepared. I keep a bag packed with some essentials that I throw into my gym bag:

Fresh bra rolled and tucked in the bottom.

Cetaphil gentle cleansing cloths

Hat/Brush/Hair ties

Cream blush, lip gloss & waterproof mascara

Snack & water- because I just spent time and effort to workout  and I don’t want to ruin it by being starved and making poor choices.

Here are some examples of how I transition my look:

For my workout I wore a tank top over sports bra, capri leggings and my athletic sneakers.

After I added a denim jacket, sunglasses, combed my hair into a neat ponytail, switched out sneakers for gold Birkenstocks and added a camel colored shoulder bag.

Here’s my friend Jessica working out in layered tank tops with leggings and her hair up with a headband.

Later she changed her sweaty workout shirt for a fresh tank top, switched sneakers for sandals, added a colorful printed scarf and pulled her hair half up half down.

The key is LAYERS and PLANNING AHEAD.

If you missed the episode, click here to see it. What are your favorite items to help you transition your look from sweaty to street? Leave me a comment below or post on my Facebook page. Also, check out my board on Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration!

Beach to the Street: Swimwear Trends

Summertime in my small town. That means pool parties, walking on the beach and wearing less as the days heat up! But you don’t have to sweat what to wear. Dressing for summer in a small town is much different than heading to the beach in Miami or LA, but luckily you’ve got me to help you navigate through the swimwear trends for summer and how to take the look from beach to the street, without looking like a crazy fashion victim! Sistina Giordano and I broke it down for you on Tuesday’s Bridge Street.

One thing that I think too many women don't realize is that the more fabric the bigger you will look. Too often we want to cover up what we feel are our “problem areas” but really that can just bring attention to what you want to minimize. Suits with too big skirts, lots of ruching at the waist, large dated prints, and high cut necklines can look frumpy and granny-ish- probably not the look you are going for. Less is more, and that can be the case for swimsuits too. Even that 20-something over there in the teeny bikini has body issues, so don’t worry too much about what you think your “flaws” are. Confidence is the best look anyway, so choose something fun and appropriate for the activity you are doing, and don’t worry so much. I’ve got a lot of ideas for you right here.

Often swimwear trends are the same as what you see for your everyday wardrobe. Here are some of the hot ones this year:

One piece- Not just for moms! The good news is that one piece suits are very hot right now for all body types and ages. Try to find one that has something interesting or sexy, like zip up front or cutouts. The one featured in my segment has color blocking that gives you an hourglass shape, plus a zipper and boning in the bodice to offer support. It's by DKNY and you can find it at Lord & Taylor.

Boho- Think 70’s style, fringe, tribal or ethnic prints, all of which have been really hot on the runways!

Flounces- On a one piece, or on the top of bottom of a bikini, you can hide or accentuate assets with a strategically placed flounce!

Crop tops and rash guards- Now that we are more aware then ever about the damaging effect of the sun, it’s cool that rash guards and crop tops are on trend. Get that extra cover up and add sun protection, which still being stylish at the pool.

High waist bikini- Think 1940’s pin up girls. Think Taylor Swift. This is a good one for many different body types- modest but still sexy.

90s style- Never thought you’d see these again? High cut thighs. Picture Cyndi Crawford in all her supermodel style!

Mix and Match prints- Want to give off an effortlessly chic vibe, then go with this look! Top and bottoms are different but still go together.

Now that you know what’s hot, take these styles from the beach or pool to the street by keeping within the trend but adding or switching out a few elements:

Switch flip flops for cute sandals or sneakers, like the ones I showed on Bridge Street.  With a boho style swimsuit, add gladiator sandals, like the Steve Madden’s from Lord and Taylor. Wearing a 90s style suit, then add fun sneakers like Converse or Vans.

Find a cute sun dress, like the one from Free People I shared on the show from Lord and Taylor. Worn over the swimsuit with sandals you’ve got a complete look.

Layer a sheer lightweight sweater over your bikini top with cutoff denim shorts for an easy look that keeps your bum covered.

Borrow from the boys! Grab a button down shirt from your husband or boyfriend, cinch the waist with a belt, and you've got a cute shirt dress!

Take advantage of the crop top or rash guard and work it into your outfit- maybe add cutoff denim shorts and a baseball hat and sneakers. In fact, the cutoff denim is a good one for summertime at the pool and beach because it gives you cover, is right on trend, but can be too casual for going out at night or to something more formal.

Add a hat- So many cute ones to choose from now like large and floppy, fedora or baseball style.

For your hair, keep hair wavy for that beachy-style. You can even get products that help create that look when you aren’t actually at the beach, like L'Oreal TXT It Tousle Waves Spray ($4).

For makeup, keep it light and waterproof- add some lipgloss for color and shine.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! My favorites are CeraVe.

If you missed my segment on Bridge Street, click here to see it. Then comment below or on Facebook to tell me what your favorite summer swimwear trend is for this year and what are your tricks to take it from beach to the street. Can't wait to hear from you!