I get asked a lot, ” What is the one thing I should have in my closet?” and I always respond: clothes. There is no one thing you should have, but there are basics you need to build a great wardrobe. Ask any experienced stylist and they will pretty much give you the same answers across the board, it will vary only seasonal. These basic ten pieces will stay in your closet forever. Remember that when you purchase basic pieces this is where quality counts, these are your investment pieces. Always take the following into consideration: What is your lifestyle? Are you a working woman or a working mother? Are you a student or a woman...

I could not be happier for I have been waiting for this day to arrive in Charlotte for the last five years. This Thursday, November 14th, Global-Retailer, H&M opens their first of two locations at Northlake Mall. The store will feature all of H&M’s lines, including men, woman, children, plus-size, maternity, as well as lingerie and accessories in their lovely 25,600 square feet new location. Soon following will be their second opening at Carolina Place Mall at 17,000 square feet. Since H&M opened its first store on New York’s Fifth Avenue thirteen years ago, the U.S. has been one of the retailer’s most important markets. With...

Holiday dressing has never been more easy than it is now thanks to one of my favorite designers, Alice + Olivia. Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is a sophisticated, yet eclectic brand with a playful sensibility, which epitomizes the personality and quirky style of its founder, Stacey Bendet. The label, which now encompasses RTW, childrenswear, and footwear is currently sold in more than 800 stores worldwide, including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Here is a glimpse of my favorite looks for any party, wedding or social gathering. You will turn heads in any one of these amazing looks This slideshow...

Four times a year, every season, normally on a Monday when I am off work, I hop into my car and drive to my local Ulta store and buy three nail polishes. It’s become my little ritual for the last several years. People change their handbags with each outfit, I like to change my nail polish. No I don’t have manicures every time I change my nail color, I do it myself. I learned at a very early age how to paint my nails. My parents thought that young girls should not paint their nails or wear make-up until they were at least in high school, I was in the fourth grade when the obsession began. I had to catch the bus every morning,...

Normally one to like old Hollywood glamour on the Red Carpet, I found myself fascinated by the beautiful column dresses that made their way down the carpet this year.  These dresses were simple, yet elegant and very minimal. Several two-toned color dresses caught my attention as well. All in all, I’m always excited to see who is going to surprise me . Take a look at my favorites this year from the red carpet at the  Emmy’s.   Zooey Deschanel, dressed beautifully in a J. Mendel gown. The “New Girl” star flaunts a little leg which goes a long way! JEFF VESPA/WIREIMAGE, STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE Kate Mara; The...

There is something so hauntingly seductive about the new silhouettes shown for Fall 2013. With a preponderance of leather, moto jackets, vests, studs, spikes and chains you would think more motorcycle gangs,  instead you see the beautifully feminine, fluid movements of the garments surrounding these tough biker looks on the runways of  Fall’s New York’s Fashion Week. Take a look at Chanel or 3.1 Phillip Lim’s  runway collections to see what I mean.   Chanel Fall 2013 Runway. Photography by Mikael Jansson. Styled by Edward Enninful March 2013 3.1 Phillip Lim FAll RTW 2013 Snake,ostrich and leather bag. Photo Image...

Whether pretty in pastels, leather or fur, coats are fashion’s must-have Fall accessory. But outerwear is only part of the story. Also in the air: nouveau punk; serious 90’s grunge revival, mid-century silhouettes, and hues of Mediterranean blues are some of this season’s most important trends. Even though fashion designers and retailers play it safe in tough economic markets using the return of leather, fur and denim , there are still plenty of new things to update your Fall 2013 wardrobe. Structural bags and clothing, along with high impact metallics and embellishments, had strong impacts on the runway this year. Photo...