Rather than skimp on a new purchase, look for items with maximum usage like these multi-wear fashion finds and accessories. They are tried, tested and approved, by yours truly.
KAMALI KULTURE All In One Dress — It’s Norma Kamali; it’s under $100; it’s affordable luxury; it’s smart fashion. Did I already say it’s Norma Kamali? Scoop up this dress in red and black. More colors and prints are on their way from this iconic designer and her newest contribution to fashion, Kamali Kulture.
$96
GLAM ROCK WATCHES – Time to change the dial, the strap and the overall look of your watch. This is the only time piece I wear, and I can alter the look depending on my daily style … and location. Miami always requires a white, crocodile strap and lavender, satin case cover; New York calls for a sleek, brown finish with rose gold accents.
$1,095 (additional straps/dials/case covers are extra)
AVON Convertible Top – Is it a long-sleeve blouse or a short sleeve top? It’s both, and more.
$24.99
BOLBACH Leather Cuffs – Sure you can wear them to jazz up a basic, long-sleeve shirt or wear the cuffs on their own. But, why not pump up the shoeliciousness of your work pump and wear the python cuff around your ankle for after-hours style? Disclaimer: cuffs will not fit all ankles.
$125
Pamela Pekerman is a featured Fashion and Beauty contributor and is a premier lifestyle correspondent, host, accessory expert, and spokesperson reaching millions of women! For more about her click here for her full bio and all of her articles! read more →
There are two things I love about winter – fur (sorry PETA) and shapewear. With beach season and the unforgivable bikini still months away, we can boost/adjust/fill-in/synch (fill in whatever word you like) our appearance under layers. As an advocate for shapewear for women of all sizes (yes even size two gals benefit), here’s a rundown of some of the best products on the market for all your bodylicious needs.
When you know it’s coming off: Look for shapewear with seductive finishes like Skweez Couture by Jill Zarin’s Lace Trim Briefs ($35). Leave it up to this stylish, hustling housewife to take care of our most intimate needs, not to mention the visual preferences of those who greet us at night.
When your thighs need some love: Layer on Skinny Britches from my beloved SPANX. From the Cheeky-Cut Thong to Capri style ($32- $64), the layers are so slim you won’t feel suffocated even if you opt to wear two or three pieces at a time. If you only buy one shapewear item, I strongly recommend it be the Skinny Britches Short.
When the space between you and your dress is biblically close: The Pinup Thong with underwire fromBody Wrap ($78) is a great option. You have no excuse for panty lines.
When you need a quick, economical, synching fix: There is no comparison to L’eggs Profiles High Waist Tights which cost less than $5 and are conveniently available at drug stores like Duane Read and CVS. PS Does anyone else remember when L’eggs actually came in plastic eggs? Tweet me #ILoveEggsLeggs @PamelaPekerman
When it’s all about the booty: Fake it for the night with SPANX Booty Booster Short ($68). Note: If you already have a booty, but you want to upgrade, don’t buy this. It will only look natural on a flat/semi-flat booty. Just trust me.
Pamela Pekerman is a featured Fashion and Beauty contributor and is a premier lifestyle correspondent, host, accessory expert, and spokesperson reaching millions of women! For more about her click here for her full bio and all of her articles! read more →
Tis the season to be traveling, but packing can be stressful. Plan ahead and arm yourself with products that will ensure you’re a smart and savvy jet-setter.
First, don’t run around looking for sample or travel-size versions of your favorite toiletries and beauty products. 3Floz.com has done the leg work and curated an assortment of TSA-approved goodies on it’s easy-to-navigate website. While you’re there, take a look at my Spa-in-the-Air Kit!
Next, you have your beauty and wellness products, but you still need to pack perfume. Don’t fuss with funnels and risk the chance of spilling your favorite scent. With Travalo’s revolutionary atomizer you’re just a pump away from an easy, mess-free perfume to-go. This product rocks my world so much that I’ve gifted it to all of my girlfriends.
Now, as for the clothing, if you want to keep it really simple, pick up Chick on the Go. It’s a wardrobe in a bag with 5 items of black and white clothing and 2 sashes, which can be combined to create a minimum of 25 looks. I’ve tested it – it’s true! If you’re not into the whole black and white look, pack a few colorful accents. (I recommend checking out www.ColourMe.com where all accessories are merchandise by color!)
Finally, organize your toiletries, unmentionables and small accessories in fashion’s answer to zip lock, Tili Bags. Available in a bevy of pretty prints, Tili Bags can be clearly labeled and are a great way to organize yourself when you unpack at mom’s house.
Final tips: avoid the hassle of shoe removal buy zooming thru the airport in rollable, foldable Footzyrolls and never enter an airport without a pashmina in your favorite, look-at-me-I’m-fabulous color draped over your shoulder!
Avoid horizontal stripes, if you’re worried about your mid-section looking bigger. Wear flesh-color pumps to create the illusion of long legs. When in doubt, an A-line skirt will work wonders on any body type.
These are tips many of us have heard from fashion experts and probably our own mothers. But, did you know that a handbag can also help accentuate your features for better or worse? I spent nearly a decade focusing exclusively on the handbag market and here is a little cheat sheet I’ve developed that will help you next time you’re deciding between a north-south tote, an east-west tote or a messenger.
Heavy-bottom: Don’t wear a big sloppy bag if you have extra junk in the trunk. It will make your overall body look big. Think clean and boxy, not slouchy. Try a structured satchel. Also your purse, if it’s a shoulder bag, should end at or above the waist to draw the eye up.
Dooney & Bourke, Mini Satchel, $298
Petite: Think East-West when looking for a bag. Wide, not long is the best look for you. Also, consider bags with vertical details that fool the eye into making you look taller. Finally, don’t overwhelm yourself with a giant, bulky bag. You want YOU to enter the room, not your handbag. It should complement, not overwhelm. Adjustable straps are key since a bag will hang lower on you than a taller person. Bags should hit you above the butt, not below.
Tall and sleek: A tall and sleek bag goes well with a tall and sleek gal. A long-hanging bag will accentuate your height and complement the sleekness of your being. Try a north-south tote or a bucket bag.
MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS, North/South Leather Tote, $198
Busty: Boobs are great, but avoid the messenger look here unless you wear it on one shoulder not across the bosom. No need to divide and separate from the outside with a big fat strap. However, when worn to one side, the length of the strap and the bag hitting you at or below the hip draws the eye down and away from your lady friends.
Have more questions about your Purseonal Panache™, tweet me @PamelaPekerman. read more →
Shoes are sumptuous heaven on everyone’s sole; a great shoe will add color, joy and extra pep in your daily step. Now, what I’m about to say will probably make most of the men in your lives very happy – we only need five pairs of shoes! Gasp!! I’m not advocating you stop shopping for new footwear, but given that most of us are focusing much more on our budgets, it’s important to narrow down our shoelicious needs to this core list of essentials. I promise you that if you invest wisely in the five footwear styles I’ve outlined below, you will be covered from work to weekend to wedding.
My Top Five Sole Mates:
Black patent pump: Patent, versus matte, has a more dressed up feel and it’s easier to clean and less likely to scuff up as compared to nappa leather. TIP: look for refined details like laser-cut leather, delicate bows or a hint of lace overlay, for extra glam.
Pour La Victoire, Meila Pump, $260
Nude pump: A flesh color shoe is fashion voodoo that will make you seem like you have legs for days. Styles can vary from d’Orsay to peep toe, and heel height depends on your preference and comfort. I’m spotlighting a low, thick heel from Etienne Aigner, because they are known for comfortable career shoes. TIP: For a sexier option, try Ivanka Trump’s Bulbli peep-toe with ankle strap.
Etienne Aigner, Day Pump, $48.99
Ballet flat: Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn, even if you’re just grocery shopping at the local farmer’s market. This silhouette is classic and will see you through many casual outings. Stick to black, grey or soft metallics. TIP: pair with a floral-print, a-line dress and opaque hosiery, for a fresh, fall work ensemble.
Metallic sandal: If you only have one sandal, it should be a metallic that complements summer’s floral, as well as a colorful shift dress for work. Stick to pewter, gunmetal or rose gold. Avoid gold to work at all costs, unless it’s a muted, milky gold. TIP: Before putting shoes away for the season, don’t forget to have the heels redone. The last thing you want is scuffed up shoes when you take them out next spring.
Boots: It’s seasonless these days, but in my professional opinion boots are meant for fall and winter. Look for a leather finish with some hardware detail for personality. A deep chocolate brown is a nice alternative to basic black, but grey, olive, black and chestnuts are also staples that play back to denim, black jeggings or a fun merlot color dress. TIP: Ideally, find boots with a leather inner (aka lining) which will minimize sweating and increase comfort. Scour the racks of off-price retailers like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I snagged a pair of Tahari boots for $199 that normally go for over $500!
Franco Sarto, Imply Boots, $199
If You’re Still Craving More Shoe Fun:
Depending on the climate in your area, you may also need:
Rain Boots – I wouldn’t spend more than $40 on these. Again, hit up those off-price retailers. If you choose to go fancy, Hunter Boots is my top pick.
Winter Boots – Sorel and Kamik are great investments. Buy once, and have them forever!
Sandals – If you’re fortunate to have sun all year around, buy a second sandal in your favorite pop color. I’d get coral, that’s my favorite, happy-making hue!