ELEVATING

STYLE

for you and your home

WHAT I'M UP TO : Interviewed Tim Allis on iconic HENRI BENDEL

I had the pleasure of speaking with author Tim Allis about his new book HENRI BENDEL And The Lives He Fashioned as part the The National Arts Club Virtual Fashion Week.

HENRI BENDEL was an extraordinary innovator and merchant, bringing French fashion to NYC (first to bring Coco Chanel stateside), inventing the "store within a store" boutique concept that's become a ubiquitous model in stores worldwide, iconic branding (those chocolate brown and white stipes!) and much more. His store (under the direction of amazing Geraldine Stutz), launched the careers of a myriad of designers, including Mary McFadden, Sonia Rykiel, Perry Ellis, and Ralph Lauren.

Bendel's was the first to create the CLEARANCE SALE (Thank you, Mr. B!); profit sharing for his employees, and a monthly "open call" for new designers to present to Bendel buyers and management.

I, personally, have memories of many blissful hours spent shopping at Bendel's (as we all knew it to be). Eye candy abounded. Style, color, selection...Temptations were everywhere. We all miss you, you glam-of-a-store!

AND, such an interesting story, as told by Tim Allis.

I invite you to watch the piece on the National Arts Club YouTube channel and learn more..and enjoy!

WATCH THE INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE

SERIOUS STYLE INSPIRATION:
a sneak peak at my "Disney"...

(where style dreams come true!)

As a stylist, nothing excites me quite like doing a walk-around in Bergdorf-Goodman (iconic fashion mecca in New York City). It's like Disneyland to me, where every display tells a story and every piece holds the potential to transform not just an outfit, but an attitude! That feeling when you KNOW you look amazing...you're transformed with confidence, right?

So, the other day, I was practically floating through the store, thinking glitter and glam for the HOLIDAYS. So many potential style stories to tell (and LIVE!). This season will be pure magic – a time when fashion truly sparkles. It's party time!

Picture yourself draped in the most luxurious textures, adorned in rich jewel tones and metallics that catch the light, and styled in silhouettes that make you feel like the star of every "soirée". From sumptuous velvets that beg to be touched, to shimmering sequins that dance under the lights, to perfectly tailored pieces that take you from day to evening seamlessly – this season is about embracing the extraordinary and dressing for joy.

And the accessories! Crystal-embellished everything, statement jewelry that transforms even the simplest outfit, and those show-stopping evening bags and shoes that add that final touch of magic to every look.

Stay tuned as I'll be sharing my curated picks with shoppable links, helping you build a wardrobe that sparkles with both trend and timeless appeal.

But before we dive into NEW purchases, let's first chat about shopping your own closet – you might be surprised by the festive treasures already waiting to be styled in fresh ways! This is when the magic happens. And, frankly, its MY magic power.

I'm available to share this power with you for for one-on-one wardrobe curation and creation!

BOOK TIME HERE

The world is your runway!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

The 40 Over 40 Project

As a stylist/wardrobe coach, I am all about empowering women in midlife and beyond to show up with confidence and presence. So when when photographer Priya Nallathambi of studio3sportraits asked me to participate in her upcoming book, The 40 Over 40 Project, my answer was a resounding "Yes". In her words the project is about "Celebrating the strength, wisdom and beauty of amazing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond!". Exactly my objective as a stylist, AND as woman over 60 myself.

The very talented Priya, with the assistance of hair and makeup artist, Ericka, brought out the very best of me (I am the queen of the awkward pose!). The process (took about four hours) was a lot of fun!

As a bonus to help launch the book, Priya arranged for our images to light up on billboards in New York City's Time Square on September 24th! For those who don't know New York, this area the epicenter of lights, billboards, theater and action! WOW!

I highly recommend treating yourself to the amazing experience of a photoshoot all about you at some point in your life. In the right hands (like Priya's), the lens brings out our best essence that we don't or can't always see when we look in the mirror. We are so hard on ourselves; critical and quick to make camparisons to others, or to our younger selves. We are still that girl inside. So let's embrace our beauty at every age, wrinkles, extra pounds and all.