PURSE-O-NALITY

Do you have enough stylish handbags in your closet? Guess again...the handbags this season are taking fashion to another level. Bags fashioned of fur, suede, leather, patent leather, quilted fabric and simulated animal skins hit the catwalks, magazines and city streets with a vengeance. The resurgence of the patent leather bag surprised us all.

Bags with beads, sequins, buckles or clasps are the most eye popping items this year. Bags can be fantastic accent pieces, especially for the holiday season. A beautifully detailed bag can add some sparkle, pop and interest to an otherwise basic ensemble.

Bags can be bought at most clothing retailers, handbag and accessory boutique stores. However, you are less likely to see your bag duplicated if purchased from one of Houston's boutiques. Handbags are great, affordable gifts for the Fashionistas on your holiday list. Bags are gifts that can be bought for any personality or age, and will be sure to bring a smile.

The fashion world is filled with top designers who bring fashionable bags to new and amazing levels, however sometimes the price of their products is a bit more than the average Fashionista is willing to pay. But there is hope ladies, many designers also offer affordable, stylish and fun bags without sacrificing quality and appeal.

Beaded or sequined handbags can be works of art and statement pieces. Beaded handbags, earrings, bracelets and other accessories can be fun and trendy accent pieces for a Fashionista of any age. Just remember not to over accessorize.

Let your imagination soar with new and old pieces alike. You can carry a beaded handbag to a formal or semi-formal event to add a bit of your personality. Handbags and purses add an unmistakable sense of femininity and charm to every silhouette.

Bags come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Whatever size or shape you choose, do make sure that the purse compliments your outfit. Bag sizes must be in proportion to your body size. Not every Fashionista can carry the huge bags that are seen in many fashion photos. Make sure the size of the bag isn't too overwhelming for your body frame.

Gone are the days when we would just grab a bag and dash out of the door. Now picking a handbag is done with the same precision as selecting the perfect shoe to compliment your outfit. Careful thought must be utilized when pulling your outfit together. Here's a freebie....choose handbags that can go with more than one outfit. This alleviates you from having to always purchase a bag to match your next show stopping outfit. Have in your repertoire a mixture of bag colors, textures and styles of which you can pull from to accent your outfit.

Let your bag speak volumes about the stylish Fashionista you are. Whatever bag you choose...do it with intention. Walk to the beat of your own drum ladies and be Fantabulous.

DILLARD'S VIP INVITATION

Dillard's West Oaks Mall has extended a special invitation to Fashionista subscribers. Once again there are definite benefits to being a part of the Fashionista movement. The event is on Sunday December 2nd, from 6:30pm until 9:30pm. As a VIP guest you will enjoy special discounts of at least 10% on all purchases, free gift-wrapping services, extra personalized services, and a less stressful and more exclusive shopping opportunity.

The store will be closed to regular shoppers and open its doors only to VIP guests. Therefore, you must definitely R.S.V.P. your attendance to ensure entry into the store on the day of the event. This is a great opportunity to get in there and get through your shopping list without the large crowds.

This Dillard's location has some wonderful selections to choose from and not to mention the affordability. Who could ask for more. See your there my fellow Fashionistas. Remember always look you best and be Fantabulous.

To R.S.V.P please call 281-558-4431

Reference: VIP Holiday Celebration

AN EVENING AT LADY L BOUTIQUE

I want to extend a personal thank you to all of the ladies of the Fashionista Project that attended the Lady L trunk show. Ms. Letoya Luckett herself was available to present all the lines of clothing available at Lady L Boutique. As if that was not enough Ms. Luckett also provided champagne and hors d'oeuvres to Fashionista guests. Currently the Lady L website is undergoing upgrades and will be viewable within the month with all new clothing available only on her online storefront. As a benefit of attending the Fashionista trunk show Ms. Luckett has further extended personal invitations to all those who were in attendance to her December 1st event. Ms. Luckett will be hosting Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha Nash Whitaker who will be introducing her new lip gloss line Kissable Couture. Also numerous other notable celebrities will be in attendance. Ms. Luckett features clothing from KLS (Kimora Lee Simmons) and MBLEM (Mandy Moore) in her boutique, so you never know who you may see. This is sure to be a star-studded event. There are definite benefits to being a member of the Fashionista Project family.

Also in attendance at Lady L was Gabrielle Gunn owner of Beaucoup Amor. The next Fashionista event will be hosted by Ms. Gunn at her Galleria area store. Beaucoup Amor features the latest in accessories and this store is a must see particularly for the holiday season. The Beaucoup Amor event is by invitation only to Fashionista subscribers and select associates of Delilah Alexander. Invitations for this event will follow, please RSVP as required. Special discounts will be given to all invited guests of the Fashionista Project. If you love shoes, jewelry and fabulous purses you will not want to miss this event. See you soon my fellow Fashionistas, until next time always be Fantabulous.

HOUSTON'S FALL FASHION STYLE

This fall and winter, fashion is electrifying and full of styles that are fresh, gorgeous, and absolutely wearable. It is one of the most exciting fashion seasons that I have seen in years and any girl worth her weight in shopping bags will want to have just about everything. But I will help you be level-headed and narrow down the best fashion finds to update your wardrobe and not break the bank. There are even a few throwaway fashion treats that you can have fun with and not worry when it’s time to pass them on.

It is never quite cold enough in Houston to wear the heavy sweaters that invoke the kind of luxuriously warm feeling that we get when we see sweaters on models in the magazines, television ads or on the cat walks. Houston winter is a different kind of animal all together and takes some getting use to when it comes to selecting a winter wardrobe. One day it is warm and the next it could be well into the 50's. Once the cold weather does creep in it brings rain along with it. So many of us dislike the damp and drab winter weather in our area. But my fellow Fashionistas that is no reason for our fashion sense to suffer.

It is time to put away the light weight fabrics such as linens and cotton blends and transition to fall fabrics. You can rest assure if you have cashmere you'd better wear it at the first sign of a cold front. The key to wearing fabrics such as cashmere and wool is that you must wear these types of fabrics when there is a chill in the air. These fabrics above all others are not forgiving in the heat or humidity and there is nothing worse than having on wool pants that itch. Layering is your best bet for Houston winter. Fall is about layering and the jacket is an essential piece of your fall wardrobe. For year-to-year wear stick with tailored styles like the one-button blazer and casual jean jackets. Tweed, suede and corduroy are favorite jacket materials for a tailored or casual look.

A great pair of boots, either shoe boot or the every so stylish knee high boot is always a worth while investment. This season boots are coming in all kinds of juicy colors. From patent leather to simulated snake skin and crocodile print. However, this year the shoe boot is the hottest style item. The shoe boot, otherwise referred to as "shoebooty" in the magazines and talk shows offers an array of wardrobe options. Where the knee high boot may be a bit much under your slacks the shoebooty steps in and has been featured on cat walks and magazines worldwide. Yes, you can wear the shoe boot with a dress or a skirt. Pair them with opaque tights and a pencil skirt and you are sure to get more compliments than you can handle.

For years Houston has been in the predicament of trying to play catch up with fashion trends. Lately Houston and it's style aficionados have been on the cutting edge of fashion. Stylish and chic are words which have been used to describe Houston by fashion gurus. Play catch up --- not anymore. We are the leaders of the pack and the rest of the world is starting to take notice. Be Fearless With Fashion.

In addition to the hot new boots, I've put together a list of 10 fall must haves for the stylish Fashionista.


Must Haves For Fall 2007

1. Fitted Jacket - A great tailored jacket -- fitted to show off feminine curves, not a baggy masculine style -- will pair with everything from work trousers to jeans. A jacket adds structure to your figure: gives curvy girls more angular lines, creates waistlines for boyish figure types and smooths out lumps and bumps for all shapes. You can choose traditional fall jacket fabrics like tweed, corduroy, denim or menswear plaids; you can also go luxe with velvet, leather, or brocade.

2. White Shirt - Either in cotton poplin blend or shimmery polyester blend.

3. Black Pantsuit - Wearing pants in cooler weather is a very practical move. Pantsuits offer tons of style. Pay particular attention to the cut of the suit. Tailored pants are a great investment, just remember to go with traditional silhouettes that defy trends: cuffs, flat-front or soft pleats.

4. Sweater - Natural fibers are a top choice for sweaters: wool, cashmere (weather permitting) & cotton. These fabrics breathe better than synthetic counterparts and are great for layering. Look for classic choices like solid turtlenecks or V-necks.

5. Cashmere or Wool Blend Wrap - the cashmere shawl is the only coverup that you can stash in a tote, use on the airplane as a luxe blanket, and wear over jeans or a little black dress. It's not only chic and versatile, it's dramatic.

6. Menswear Print Pants - Menswear or haberdashery prints encompass houndstooth, plaids, pinstripes and checks. Fall is the perfect season for masculine prints to appear made up in suits, pants, jackets, coats and dresses. When buying classics, remember that you'll tire of prints faster, so stick with smaller-scales (pinstripe vs. large houndstooth). Pair a feminine top and accessories with menswear for maximum style and wear with tall or short boots.

7. Trench Coat - Top your fall style off with a sharp-looking trench coat. Short, long, belted or loose, trenches are fall's best outerwear for women.

8. Sheath Dress - Match it with a hem-length coat or wear it on its own with pumps; anyway you wear the classic, knee-length sheath dress it's a winner. Fabric choices include knits, crepe, silk and menswear fabrics. Throw on some tights and boots and you have a winner.

9. Leather Tote Bag or Briefcase - Stash the straw or the totes with graphic designs and opt for a more serious bag. Suede and leather are natural choices in everything from earthy browns to warm reds. If you lean toward logos, fall is the time for a status bag to add pizazz. Remember to scale the bag size to your size (small bags for small frames, up to larger bags to larger frames).

10. Wrap Dress - The wrap dress is a hot ticket item. This single item has the power to make many body styles look fabulous. This items has the power to camouflage a myriad of figure flaws. It is typically A-line and therefore is giving in the hip area and the tie at the waist adds the appearance of a cinched in waist to any Fashionista.

Although there are always exceptions, fall clothes often appear in earthy hues such as olive, chocolate, stone and jewel tones (deep purple, emerald green, ruby red). Black and navy are always dependable, but do not be afraid to add shots of hot colors like red or fuchsia and even pastels to your mix. White is usually reserved for blouses in the Fall.

Remember throw away all of the old rules to fashion that you have been taught. Have fun with fashion. Create "you" within the realms of your wardrobe. Add your own unique personality and remember always look Fantabulous my fellow Fashionistas.

Lady L Boutique Soiree Announcement

Lady L Boutique opened in Houston, Texas on November 26, 2004 by Houston’s own LeToya Luckett. Lady L Boutique is a trendsetting boutique that provides upscale fashions at reasonable prices. Looking for that one of a kind piece to make a statement at your next big event…check out Lady L Boutique. You are guaranteed to find something that screams your name.

Lady L Boutique is truly "for those who want to make a statement". Lady L carries brands such as: Sky, t-bags, LaROK, Ed Hardy, Sharon Segal, Bejeweled, Joe Jeans, California Born, Gold Sign, and shoes by Gianmarco Lorenzi, to name a few. All items are handpicked by LeToya herself, an original member of Destiny's Child opened this upscale boutique and purposely chooses a variety of styles, so there is something for everyone.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of visiting Lady L Boutique, let this be your opportunity to come out to see the shop and enjoy mingling with fellow Fashionistas.

DATE: November 17, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION: 1101 Uptown Blvd (Uptown Park), Suite 16

CONTACT: 713.629.4400

FASHION: ART OF EXPRESSION

Dare to let the Fashionista of your imagination be a reflection of your outward appearance. Fashion is an act of expression. It is not just about putting clothes on. It's about conveying thoughts, feelings and more importantly image. The way you dress sends a multitude of signals. Stop and think...what image are you projecting to co-workers, friends and strangers each day? You, yourself form opinions on people every day simply based on the way they are dressed and/or groomed. It does not seem fair but it's the way things are. If someone is sloppily dressed and unkept we tend to pull away from them, however the opposite is true of the person we encounter who is well dressed and polished.


Your body is a blank canvas and think of your clothing as the paint. We should all strive to paint a masterpiece. There are no rules to fashion...ideals about fashion are left up to the individual. This is where the concept of image and style come in...one must take the desired clothing and learn to put their own spin on the outfit. Spin is what gives an outfit a personalized touch. The trick to becoming a true Fashionista is seeing yourself as the most famous and rare art piece ever. Strive to paint yourself a masterpiece everyday. You deserve to feel beautiful each day you make your way out into the world.


Your style is your very own signature trademark. Fashionistas who have mastered the ability to express themselves through fashion are always stylish and chic. This is why celebrities seem so beautiful and amazing to us. Their stylists have helped them to accomplish harmony with their clothing, personality, body frame and complexion. Unfortunately the every day woman usually does not have a personal stylist to pick her wardrobe. Do not despair...this is why I believe I have been called to be the personal stylist to the every-day women who are mothers, wives, and/or just hard working professionals around the globe. We all can learn to be Fashion icons. Learning to pull a winning outfit together every time can be an awesome accomplishment. When you know you look good, you feel good and thus you are free to focus on other tasks at hand. You are able to operate at your maximum potential.


Clothing and what you wear has an impact on the way you feel. When we feel that our look is well put together, we exude confidence and high self esteem. In contrast when we do not feel that we have a winning outfit we display insecurity, uneasiness and are more reluctant to engage with others. Moments of insecurity has caused many of us to miss out on social and/or professional opportunities. It can also cause others to misjudge you. We can all go back in our minds and remember an instance when we did not feel at our best as a result of the outfit we were wearing. Do not doubt the power that fashion has on the psyche. Fashion has the power to influence our thoughts, behavior and personality. Just think about the many ways we have been treated just based upon the outfit we were wearing at the time.

Every woman should have a piece of her outfit that acts as the centerpiece. The centerpiece of my outfits is most often shoes. Get me into DSW shoes or the shoe department at Nordstrom's and I am suddenly overtaken by an emotion so strong I cannot put it into words.


When a Fashionista steps out it is crucial for her to be well put together. She is a strong intelligent woman who has an agenda that need not be interrupted with worrying about whether or not her skirt is too tight, too short or matches her shoes. Fashionistas are movers and shakers who take risks with fashion.

SMOKE IT UP

Smokey eyes have been a big style for quite awhile and there's no sign this particular trend is dying. Nothing can be more dramatic than the smoldering sexy smokey eye look! Especially for the Fashionista who wants to make a dramatic entrance for the holidays. However, If you are anything like me you haven’t quite mastered that whole smokey eye technique just yet. I can tell you I have tried and tried and it never comes out the way it did when the technician did it for me at the M.A.C. counter. They say the eyes are the window to one’s soul – well if this is true we can definitely make sure everyone we meet is peeping through our beautifully stained glass windows “so to speak”. With these easy to follow steps I'll have you creating the perfect smokey eyes. The key to the perfect smoky eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors.



1. Now I know you all like to put on foundation first since normally that's what your told to do, but for the smokey eye, ix nay that idea! Its always best to put the eye makeup on before the foundation when doing the smokey eye! This way if you get some on the rest of your face you will not ruin your already applied foundation, and you won't have that nasty raccoon eye! Sorry...raccoon is not in this season.

2. Then start by prepping the lid. The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to keep eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base (also called "primer"). I prefer to dab a bit of M.A.C.'s 'paint' on lids before shadow application.

3. Apply eyeliner. If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of the colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye lid. If your opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smokey eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.

4. Blend in color on bottom lash line. For color on the bottom (a key smokey eye look) you'll want a lighter eyeliner. The key is to "smudge it." You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect. For the smudging technique use an eyeliner that has the soft sponge tip on the other end. After applying the liner gently use sponge for the desired smudge effect.

5. Apply light base color again to the upper eye lid. The key to a smokey eye is pairing a lighter base with a darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for a base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your brow bone.

6. Blend in darker color just below crease in eye lid. Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it's time to get the smokey effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease. The key to the perfect smokey eye is proper blending. Again, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors.

7. Double check your work make sure your eyes match. Blend colors with a Q-tip if they are not equal. Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara. I highly recommend M.A.C. fiber filled mascaras.

8. For a fun flirty look, curl your lashes with a curler before the mascara.

9. Don’t forget to groom and trim your wild brows if needed. If your brows are sparse like mine use an eyebrow pencil to fill them in. The pencil should of course be the same shade as your brows ladies. With a feathering motion of the hand lightly sculpt your brows to perfection. Be careful not to over draw them.....the key is to make them look natural not drawn on.

Tips:

• Remember to keep lips nude. When applying strong makeup (like smokey eyes or red lips) put the focus on either eyes or lips, never both. (Think Angelina Jolie: She either plays up her huge eyes or her huge lips, never both. If she did, she'd look like a clown).



• For a bit of fun, try a blue or purple mascara. Liner doesn't have to come in pencil form. Makeup experts know eyeshadow make some of the best eyeliners. To do this take an eyeliner brush (available at any dept store), wet it, then dab wet brush into the dark shadow. This allows for a deep, precise line. You can also use the dark shadows without wetting brush first. Either way, eyeliner is necessary for smokey eye.



• This season go for some sparkle. Stay away from dark browns and black opt for deep purple, a gold-brown or any of the many vibrant colors that are in this year.

Things You Need:

Eye primer (you don't need it, but it's great for keeping shadow in place)
2 Shadows: One light, one darker
Eyeliner
Makeup brushes
Mascara

Here's a freebie....You have a very special event and you want to have your face done by a professional make-up artist, but you don't know where to start. You can saunter over to your nearest local M.A.C. cosmetics store and get it done for free. No purchase is necessary. The staff is friendly and very talented. Take my word...

Now there you have it. The perfect smokey eye. Practice this technique and before you know it you will be a pro at it. Now put on your best ensemble and hit the town. Let them have it with a vengeance. Be FANTABULOUS!!!!

Purple the New Black

PURPLE REIN - PURPLE IS KING OF COLORS IN CLOTHES FOR FALL

If you guessed purple as the color for this fall you are indeed a Fashionista who is definitely in the "Fashion Know". Purple is in the pink this fall. The color is ubiquitous in fall clothes, and no wonder it's flattering in many shades, friendly to most skin tones, hair colors and ages. One notable fashion aficionado put it very simple by saying "purple is the new black."

Purple was prominent on the fall runways, from Anna Sui to Vera Wang, and Wang also uses it as a key color in the debut of the Simply Vera line at Kohl's. Vera Wang at Kohl's...now that's fantastic. Her wedding gowns to casual wear are simply the bomb. Purple is a strong shade for accessories. A purple accessory can be used as an accent piece to make your outfit pop.

Purple happens to be my favorite color. I love purple because the symbolism of purple itself is very interesting, it's linked to power, mystery and spirituality. Purple is royal on so many levels and a Fashionista is ALWAYS Royal...Never ever ever forget it. The color purple also has denoted affluence, supremacy, dominance and magnificent opulence. Be a woman of mystery and sport your purple in all shades, textures and patterns.



If you want to follow conventional wisdom, an eggplant purple falls into the category of deeper colors normally associated with cooler weather. Lighter shades of purple such as the pastels are generally associated with springtime. The deeper the purple hue the richer the look. If you want to get noticed, try something that borders magenta.




FANTABULOUS PURPLE


Purple is easier to wear than you think. Fashionistas say dark purple is practically a neutral -- and just about any purple, even a flashy violet, goes with the standby colors such as black and gray. Purple also is a color that can be worn boldly on a sweater or coat, or more subtly on a scarf or a shoe -- and still have a noticeable impact.



ANYONE CAN WEAR PURPLE



If you're committed to black, then wear a splash of purple on your foot or bag. On top, you wear it with jeans or another classic color. It's unusual to have these great bright colors for fall. Purple is a warm complement to this season’s blues, greys, pinks and silvers and it adds warmth to a wardrobe while still being wearable for work and play. "With any strong color, how to wear it depends on your personality," says People StyleWatch editor in chief Susan Kaufman. You can wear it as a dress, but then I wouldn't recommend purple shoes.

To make it short…Purple suggests luxury. What Fashionista doesn’t want to be associated with luxury? We all do. Quite frankly we deserve it. Believe me…there is nothing like the rich color of a purple hue against beautiful healthy skin. Wear that purple ladies and wear it well.