Living in Orange County, it’s easy to spend almost every day in flip flops.  They are comfortable, inexpensive, easy, and safe…but so are your old sweats that you lounge around the house in.  The reality is, flip flops can look very schleppy.  I made a promise to myself last year that I wasn’t going to spend every day during the summer in flip flops.  In order to keep that promise, I needed to buy some new sandals.  Here are a few great alternatives.  These are all stylish, just as comfortable, and won’t leave you shuffling along looking like a schlep.  It’s time to upgrade your image and liberate yourself from all those rubber flip flops.

You can find all of these on www.urbanoutfitters.com.

http://www.jodysingleton.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=JSLA&Product_Code=Wrist006&Category_Code=Cuffs-Bracelets

If you’re liking this whole safari style that’s in right now, but khaki just isn’t your thing, check out this great leather and peacock feather cuff by Jody Singleton.  It is just enough to give you that safari vibe without making you look or feel like you should be taking pictures of lions in Kenya. 

Pair this with a simple, casual outfit of jeans, flats, and a solid tank or tee to look effortlessly chic.  You could also add this to a dressier look of slacks, a feminine top and heels to give your outfit a bit of high/low edge.  Either way, this is a great accessory to have in your collection.

Check out these fabulously fun and comfy loafers from Aerosoles (www.aerosoles.com).  If you have never tried a pair of Aerosoles on before, you really must.  They are the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear.  Normally, comfy shoes mean you have to look like you’re wearing nurse shoes.  Finally there is a brand that is creating comfortable AND fashionable shoes.

Wear any of these chic styles with jeans and a solid top for an instantly stylish look.  Buy a pair in every color and wear them in place of your schlepy flip flops.  You’ll be just as comfortable, but look infinitely more put together.

Now is your chance to get tangible style solutions to all of your fashion woes.  My new tele-class is starting March 7^th and I can’t wait for you to be a part of it.   For 50 minutes each week you will have fabulous tips, tricks, information, answers, and style solutions to all your fashion woes.  A few of the topics we will cover are: 

Finding that Perfect Pair of Jeans – what to look for and what to avoid to look fabulous every day 

Finding the Right Bra - to look 10 pounds thinner and younger instantly 

Building a Basic Wardrobe - to get dressed with ease every day 

How to Accessorize - for every age and shape  Tailoring Tips and Tricks - to make every piece work for you 

10 Classic Wardrobe Pieces Every Woman Needs – to look eternally pulled together and updated 

And many many more! Sign up today, as space is limited!  Each class will be recorded and available to listen to again and again.  So don’t worry if you miss a class. Regularly $275 a month, I am offering my blog readers a reduced rate of $225 x 3 months.  If you sign up today you will also receive my two special reports: 55 Ways to Slim Your Silhouette with Ease and Polishing Your Professional Image absolutely FREE!  Call or email me today to take advantage of this special offer.  Visa, Master Card, Amex, and Discover accepted.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2953933/0~2376776~2378685~2378689~2378710?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2378710&P=2

I’m loving this Karoo Marc Eisen tunic.  It’s a perfect fall/winter evening piece.  It’s cashmere blend makes it warm and cozy, while it’s one shoulder design adds a little sexiness to the look.  This blousy tunic is great for those big dinners, as no one will notice if your tummy expands a bit.  This would also be a very stylish and sexy look for a newly pregnant woman.  You’ll be comfortable, your expanding tummy will be warm, yet you’ll still feel stylish and sexy.

I don’t know if you’ve realized it, but Nordstrom has really increased their branding with the great magazine/catalogue that they now send out every month.  Each issue is perfectly put together and highlights a few of the seasons biggest trends.  And even better, if you like something you see, you can order it online.  Two looks from their latest issue caught my eye.

 This gorgeous tie front blouse is the perfect combination of feminine and retro.  The geometric print is perfect for someone with softer coloring who can’t wear all of the crazy prints we are currently seeing.  You will be sure to look on trend without looking like your blouse is wearing you.  The bright blue belt also adds a great extra pop of color. 

The next look I love is this bright yellow Grecian dress with it’s contrasting pink sash belt.  There is something so feminine about the way this dress blouses and drapes over the body.  It’s also fabulous for covering up and unwanted lumps or bumps.  All that drapey fabric hides everything. 

Both looks have a slouchy sexiness to them.  Perfect for spring when you want to look feminine and sexy, without looking too overtly sex kitten.

Dive in to color this spring.  If the bright colors in the stores seem too bold to wear, add them in small doses to your look through accessories.  A dash of color here or there is all you need.

One of the best places to add color is in your handbags.  Don’t be that girl with the boring black purse.  Have a bit of fun and choose something with color and personality.  Whether you’re looking for a clutch, satchel, or tote, there are plenty to choose from across all price points.

Don’t forget, your stylist or image consultant can help you find a bag that not only looks fabulous, but that complements your coloring and is in proportion to your body.  There’s more too it than just buying a cute bag ladies!

Come join me for an informative luncheon and fashion show benefiting the Child Abuse Prevention Center. 

Sunday February 10th, 11.30 - 1pm.

Zov’s Bistro, Tustin (17th Street and the 55 freeway).

I will be updating everyone on the latest spring trends, as well as comentating the fashion show of ETCETERA clothing.

Krista Murray, Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, will be sharing her expertises on Investments that Make a Difference.  While Janis Adams, long term care specialist, will be filling us in on the Real Issues of Women and Long Term Care.

This will be a great opportunity to meet well connected women in Orange County, so please join us!