February 2009

Ruffles, flounces and tiers showed up across the globe on spring runways. From over the top Carmen Miranda inspirations to uber casual calypso skirts, there’s a frill for everyone. Keep the look sweet, but not saccharine by pairing them with clean lines or menswear inspired pieces.

Banana Republic

Mix it up with worn in jeans and last year’s gladiator sandals.

Ann Taylor

Try a cardigan and pencil skirt for polished perfection.

J Crew

A collar tweak that’s as office ready as it is weekend-able.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s the season of heart shaped everything. Whether you have a sweetheart to share the day with or not, it’s a terrific excuse to splurge on a little luxury. Here’s three easy ways to say “I love me!”

Keep bugs and blues away with a little lavender sachet. Lavender is a natural moth repellant, and is said to have uplifting and relaxing aromatherapy properties. It also banishes that ‘old man’ smell that sometimes wafts into closets.

Foodies and Valentine’s Day menus can thank a genetic mutation in China 3000 years ago for the blood orange. Get ‘em while you can and enliven salads, glasses of water, roast chicken and vodka with a slice or two.

Wrap yourself in cuddles with a thick, fluffy robe. It’s the perfect way start a new day or end a long one. Ounces refer to how much one yard of dry fabric weighs, so 20 oz terry cloth is denser than 16 oz terry cloth.