This time of the year brings back so many memories. Seems like yesterday I was sitting at the pool prior to Labor Day with my August issue of Seventeen Magazine, and I was thinking about all of the new styles for Fall. As I got older, I switched to the gigantic August issue of Vogue magazine. I would still be thinking about all of the new styles for Fall. My interest in fashion is part of my DNA. Starting the Fall season was the equivalent to New Years. It was a time you could create a new you. I have to say I loved going to school. Every year you had an opportunity to add onto to who you are and who you wanted to be. “Back to school” is an attitude.

I went out to see what the retailers had to offer. The stores are looking a little schizophrenic. I will go back out to take more photos in a couple of weeks when more Fall merchandise gets out on the floor and summer is ushered out.

There are a couple of clear statements for the season. It is time for new shoes! The biggest individual statement is the return of loafers. The addition of lug soles makes it 2023. There are loafers out at every price point. The ones I really love are patent or metallic. This really “ups” the preppy-ness of loafers.

The other MUST HAVE is a blazer. I think that this year a blazer will finally make it to everyone’s closet. In 2020 designers tried to bring back blazers but that wasn’t a year to bring back anything. In addition to blazers, Chanel influenced tweed jackets are also back in the rotation (get your strands of pearls out!!)

All things Denim continue to be strong. Color denim is a statement for the season. You will see lots of brown, olive, gray and burgundy along with many washes of indigo.

Everyone still wants to be casual, but polished. Timeless classics are big in tops and sweaters.

Here are some photos of what’s in the stores. I’ll post more photos when more merchandise is out.

Shoes at Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Bloomingdale’s

Zara’s

I’ve discovered some new products that I just had to share! Try them and get your Glow on from head to toe.

For your hair try this from Tweak’d By Nature-Triple XL. It is a dry CLEAN-ing VOLUmist. It perks up hair if you don’t have time to shampoo. But it also is great to pump up the volume. And, it has a delicious vanilla scent.

I recently discovered Hydro-Zone by Perlier. This is a day and night cream that is so moisturizing that your face feels like it drank a glass of water. This is really great when you are traveling because it is for day and night. (But don’t forget to add a sunscreen after you moisturize)

Eye cream: found this great eye “mask” from Korres. It is a pure Greek olive oil early harvest firming and lifting cream.

From Algenist I just started using their newest Green Microalgae Retinol+ Regenerating Serum. This is high performance and plant based and it is totally, unbelieveably great!

The newest thing for me in make-up is Luminess which is an airbrush spray silk foundation. It really gives you a glow.

And, for your fingers and toes, I recommend KUR from Londontown. This is a polish that conceals discoloration or dullness on your nails, and it brightens the nails giving you a “no manicure, manicure”. There are products in the line that also strengthen nails.

I always love trying new products.

In June I had a wonderful experience and I plan on repeating it on a regular basis.

My meditation instructor had a session at Salt of The Earth. A salt cave is a really interesting place. You are surrounded by thousands of pounds of pink Himalayan salt in the walls and the floor. I learned that “Halotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that allows the body to utilize aerosolized salt as a method of natural healing.” Their generators crush more salt into micro sized particles and disperses it throughout the salt cave air. This is very beneficial to the skin and I think it also works on your sinuses. I can tell you, it also makes you thirsty the next day, so it is good for hydrating too. But the biggest benefit is that it instills calmness and gives you a feeling of well-being. Then add to this that my instructor was doing a guided meditation and using singing bowls. I was feeling great when the session was over.

Lois, my instructor, held the session to celebrate the Summer Solstice. She gave each of us a Sunstone crystal and told us it clears the chakras bringing light and energy which allows the real self to shine through. The fog lifts and the Sunstone shines your inner light and expands your consciousness with clarity. She added that the Sunstone crystal supports the transformation of emotional feelings such as frustration to calm or anger to joy. Can’t get much better than that, right?

This entire evening was wonderful. I felt so calm and relaxed…and thirsty!

Google Salt Caves and see if there is one near you. You will love the experience.

Had to make sure I got my Fall Color Blog out before the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins!

Laurie Pressman (Vice President Pantone Color Institute) shares with us that “…colors for Autumn/Winter 2023/2024 signify our desire to communicate the joy of creativity and design joy into our lives.” I couldn’t agree more. I am always saying that color sets the stage for all feelings and reactions. You set the stage each day when you select what you are going to wear. Feeling joyous, go yellow. Feeling powerful, go red. Feeling hopeful and optimistic, go Viva Magenta. Feeling audacious, go hot pink. Feeling mellow, go blues. Feeling serene, go green. Feeling reserved or uncommitted, go black. And it goes on and on!

Here are the colors that Pantone has selected for Autumn/Winter 2023/2024. The last 5 colors are traditional classic colors with a modern edge.

There are many additional colors that are trending for this season. Look for Pink continuing- both powder pink and candy pink. Sparkling Grape is beautiful for fall and can be a main color or an accent. Green adds freshness to a winter outfit. Olive Oil green is trending. This is a golden green. Green has been coming on strong lately and will continue. Light Blue is always fresh and serene. Think Sky and Sea. Earthy browns are happening this year. There is a beautiful Fired Brick color which is a reddish brown that mixes well with mustard and orange for a bold look. And of course, Viva Magenta continues for fall and carries along with it passionate Reds and Reds with purple undertones.

It makes me happy to think about all of the new colors coming out and how I will enjoy putting many of the new shades together to make them my own.

Head out to the Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom to get their take on Fall colors and decide what your own statement will be for the season. Enjoy!

Karl Lagerfeld began his career in the 1950’s. He worked at several top fashion houses including Balmain, Patou and Chloe before joining Chanel in 1983 as creative director. He oversaw every aspect of Chanel. He brought the brand to life. He was also creative director of the Italian fur and leather goods fashion house Fendi. In addition, he had his own label. He is known for expert tailoring and incredible attention to detail.

His influence was evident in fashion for the masses too. Who didn’t have a power suit in the ’80″s that that wasn’t stamped like one of his creations?

He was known for his attention to detail and fabulous trims.

One always should look good leaving the room too!

My personal favorites were from Chanel.

GORGEOUS!

I’m sure you will find a favorite here too

To see many more dresses, suits and coats go to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to view the exhibit which runs through July 16, 2023. You will love it.

This exhibit is all about Van Gogh and his signature cypress trees. Personally, I love cypress trees. Makes me think of tall flames. I love the way they can border a road which you see a lot of in Tuscany.

As one would expect, The Starry Night takes center stage. I really like the positioning of The Starry Night with Wheat Fields with Cypresses. Both are from 1889. Makes me think of Night and Day for cypresses.

Here are four more favorites of mine.

This is The Public Garden 1888

This is The Little Stream 1889. Unfortunately, the color is not showing up too well here. It is so beautiful. Here he explored the effect of windswept trees.

This is A Walk at Twilight 1890. Again, the intensity of color is not translating well. The colors were rich greens and golden light.

This is Country Road in Provence By NIght 1890. “Van Gogh brought his work in Provence to a close, and full circle, with this pivotal summary picture. It marks his “last try” at realizing his long-standing vision of “a cypress and a star” -this time to his satisfaction, in a triumphal end note. The “very tall”, “very straight”, and “very dark” cypresses paired with a crescent moon preside over a nocturnal scene that draws upon such familiar elements as the haloed stars and thatch-roofed cottages of The Starry Night; evokes a bristling wheat field with “yellow canes” in the middle ground; and confides the aspirations of an artist who still entertained the hope of working side by side with Gauguin and continuing the journey they had ventured together, in lockstep, like the wayfarers on the winding road.”

Wow…wish I could interpret a painting like that. I probably should have spent more time studying during my art history classes. But you know what? Just seeing these works of art and taking in the colors and techniques of painting is worth everything. You can see what you like and enjoy it.

The exhibit runs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City until August 27, 2023. It is definitely worth your time.

Summer makes everyone start to dream about getaways and the glamour of travel!

Summer is about to start. Memorial Day is usually the signal that fun and sun are ahead.

This season the IT item is a dress. If you can’t find a dress this season, then you don’t want a dress! There are so many dresses out this season. There are styles for everyone. Midi, A-line, Fit and Flare, Maxi- all styles and lengths are everywhere. You will find off-the-shoulder styles, as well as styles that are sleeveless, short sleeves and 3/4 sleeves. There are dresses that can do it all. They can be worn over a swimsuit and then with the addition of a topper that same dress can go out to dinner. Many of the dress styles available this year are in bright color combinations. They become very playful when ruffles, or asymmetric necklines and asymmetric hems are added. There is a Boho feeling to dressing this season. You can see it in the many off-the-shoulder styles. Dusters and toppers in chiffon and light weigh fabrications complement the dresses and add to the ways a dress can be worn.

Fabrication also relays a feeling of endless summer and a bohemian way of dressing. Gauze, of course, as well as linen and linen blends dominate the summer scene. You will see lots of eyelet embroidery as trim, as well as in full garments. Crochet is here this year and is carrying me back to the 60’s and the Woodstock generation. The Shibori tie dye technique has gained a position in prints that continues into summer. Floral prints and tropical themes are being shown in dresses, tops, and pants. Prints are everywhere and look glorious in citrus brights and of course, hot magenta this year. On a more conservative side, seersucker stripes give a real summer vibe too.

Denim is still a main event even in the heat of summer. With today’s technology there are various weights in denim and there are comfortable weights for the summer months. Look for ankle length and cropped lengths for this season. Denim is also embellished this year with embroidery and crochet trims.

Handbags for summer are straw and woven styles and statement making bright colors. This year crochet styles in natural as well as color are in the stores.

Shoes! So many shoes!! There are flats, wedges, 3″ heels, “fat” heels, slides sandals, thong sandals, tons of variety in ankle straps, and of course, a variety of styles in sneakers. What you choose to wear should depend solely on what you can handle. There is absolutely nothing attractive about a face that shows how your feet are suffering. Get over it! There are so many styles for you to choose. Remember, having happy feet is no small feat and should be a top priority!

A jewelry trend for this summer is stacking beaded bracelets. I particularly like beaded bracelets that also have an inspirational message. Stack them up to make a colorful statement.

Have a great time this summer. Remember, dress up and show up!

The following photos were taken in Bloomingdale’s

I was in New York City last weekend and stopped at Nordstom’s (AKA the Mother Ship) on 57th street. I just had to share their displays with you. I know you are saying “Really! Who will be wearing that?” There will be several people “wearing that” but the purpose of my sharing it is so that you are aware of all of the fun and creative ways to dress. Let your imagination run wild. See what looks you might want to create with stuff you already own or can interpret with some new items. Find your own comfort level. Fashion is meant to be enjoyed. Give it a try!!!

The first time I checked my “wiring” was a year into my retirement. We had been at a book signing for Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s latest book and she was talking about “Don’t retire, rewire”. There was a lot on my plate back then and it was good to give some thought to how to start a new way of living. I checked and evaluated my wiring again in July of 2018. By then both of my parents had died and now there were many choices for the direction my life could take. With the passing of each of my parents we were incredibly blessed with the birth of a grandchild each arriving in the year that my parents left us. First a grandson was born the year Dad died and then a granddaughter arrived 2 months after Mom died. And more recently a second grandson arrived 4 days after my husband died. I feel like the Universe was trying to ease the pain of my losses.

Between 2018 and 2020 my husband and I had a fabulous and productive life. We enjoyed a great amount of travel and enjoyed the family. I am approaching the 3rd anniversary of Tom’s death. I started thinking, how exactly is my wiring holding up? I have somehow gotten through a long stretch of grieving and some medical challenges last year. I think it is time for me to take a look at what’s ahead.

I am still the group organizer I have been my entire life and I am still enjoying that. I have a couple of upcoming travel adventures planned. I have become very active in my church which I feel has really given me purpose. I am involving myself in some new interests to keep my mind and body in “a good place”. I think I’m doing OK. I am still a work in progress, and I guess that’s a good thing.

I leave you with this photo that I took a few months ago. It was amazing. A rainbow in the clouds. I am always looking to the sky and the clouds for “signs”. Always good to be looking UP!!

I can’t believe the mild winter we are having in the tri-state area. I feel like I moved to North Carolina. Where is the snow? Usually when I write the first spring blog I am looking out the window at snow on the ground. Not so this year! The weather will make transitioning to Spring easy for you.

I am always saying that a pop of color is so important each season. It is!! Wearing and seeing color on others lifts your spirit and at the same time it enhances your appearance. Wearing colors to compliment your skin tone has the same effect as doing your make-up well. There are great colors in every category for spring this year. The Pantone color of the year is Viva Magenta. You will see all shades of pink and fuchsia and magenta this season. There are lots of bright colors out as well as delicate pinks and cool lavender and deep lime. If you ae fearful of wearing too much color, then make that pop of color be in your accessories. There are more colors than ever in handbags and shoes right now. I am sure you can find a color to lift you up!

Denim continues to be a major trend. Jeans are being shown in a variety that will appeal to every age group. You will see straight leg jeans, wide leg jeans, wide leg cropped styles. There is leg interest in full length jeans with split hems and raw edge hems on full length styles as well as cropped styles. Denim jackets are always important in spring. You will see various styles with an emphasis on boxy denim jackets.

Blazers ae on the racks in many fabrications. There has been talk about blazers since 2020 and I think this year it will show up on lots of women. There are styles that are fitted as well as oversized.

Dresses and skirts are long and short and have a Boho vibe.

Stripes Stripes Stripes! Stripes are fresh and everywhere-Tee shirts, Tee shirt dresses, Maxi dresses. There are styles that combine different stripes. There are hombre stripes. And back again as it becomes a staple for everyone, Tie Dye stripes.

Sandals are everywhere-slides, wedges as well as thong style sandals. Color is key in this category, and it looks fabulous for casual shoes as well as high heels. And don’t worry, sneakers and Sketcher styles are still part of any look you are going for.

In handbags cross-body styles are again front runners for Spring. Everyone has become accustomed to hands-free, and many styles offer a second strap alternative to give variety on how you wear your bag. Web “Guitar” straps are everywhere as an alternate strap for your bags that have a top handle. There are small crossbody bags, as well as messenger style bags, crossbody slings and embellished totes. Quilting is also giving dimension to bags.

Here’s a look at what is going on at retail.

I’ll start with Nordstrom’s (I always start with The Mother Ship)

Bloomingdale’s

Macys

Get out and take a look at the stores. You will get lots of ideas to help you shop your closet as well as add some new things for the season.