Please vote NOW!

Hello Everyone!

I have entered into a contest that Stylelist and Saks Fifth Avenue are having to try and win a $2,000 shopping spree at Saks Fifth Avenue.  I only have 1 day to get as many votes as possible because I was having technical difficulties this weekend with my submission (and that is why the pic is not posted correctly btw:).

This is what I wanted it to say:
Title: Desert Accent
Pieces:
Dress vintage, inspired by Miranda on SATC2.
Belt: vintage Coach from Buffalo Exchange.
Shoes: My favorite rose gold sandals ever!
Scarf: (save the best for last) Rose gold with coral from the GAP.  It's light and perfect for Arizona weather.

Here is the picture the correct way you should be viewing it:

Well, after all of that...please vote here ASAP.  Thank you!  

Sharing is Caring: Friends & Family in Saks Fifth Avenue stores and online at saks.com

My dream jobs

People alway ask me what I would do if I had stayed in New York or just if I could do anything...most think I would want to be a designer...so, here's a little peek into what I would want to do...I was inspired to share this after I was so excited watching the OPRAH show today:)
Dream Jobs:
Creative Director like Jenna Lyon's
Fashion Editor to a fab fashion mag like Marie Claire, LUCKY, Bazaar or VOGUE
or just working in the fashion office of a fashion focused department store like Bergdorf Goodman or Henri Bendel...and let's not leave out Saks or Nemans:)


For those of you still going to school and trying to figure out what you want to do...buy the teen VOGUE HANDBOOK...it has all the answers!  And just remember, it's all about having fun doing what you LOVE!

Video Shopping with your fave brands and designers

As you can tell, today's theme is videos...I think since it's Sunday and everyone is probably relaxing why not take some time to catch up on fashion-focused videos. Which leads me to how many brands are using videos (online) to draw customers in to the product...have you noticed? Here are a few brands I follow religiously to see what they are sharing on their videos. What should I be watching? *These are all great ways to be inspired...

Net-a-Porter

KMart

Saks Fifth Avenue

LOFT

Shopbop

My-Wardrobe

FashionAir for Selfridges

H&M

Tucker by Gaby Basora

Target

(I think that J. Crew and Kate Spade needs to jump on the bandwagon:)

*Keep in mind, many designers and brands now have Youtube channels...subscribe to these to get great inspirational videos...or, friend me and check out all of the ones I follow!:)

Excited to share Saks Fifth Avenue's Contest, Jimmy Choo and Saks want to know...how do you wear your Choos?

This is a great contest right before Sex and the City 2 comes out! This is the BEST game ever for fashionistas who want to be stylists! Get on and create a look before April 10th...that is soon, so don't miss out! Here are the details:

Sad News Everywhere

After Saks Fifth Avenue released the information to their employees that there would be cuts across the board I thought my friend won't be affected (the one who sent me the info)...then, I read it all over every fashion website and then the sad news hit...she was let go...I didn't share because it was pretty close to home...and then, I read....MICHAEL FINK was let go!!!!!! The man that I wanted to work for the whole time I worked at Saks....I seriously can't believe it...I wonder who is going to take his place in the fashion office?  WOW!

Then, I read in an email from WWD that my FAVORITE decorating magazine, Domino magazine is being cut....too much sad news...when will it get better?

Here is the letter that was sent out to Saks associates on January 15th stating that there would be some change:

TO:     All Associates

FROM:   Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO

DATE:   January 15, 2009       

We are currently facing some of the most difficult economic conditions we have faced in our 84-year history.  It is likely that this environment will persist through 2009 and perhaps beyond.  We are taking a series of necessary actions related to expenses, capital spending, and inventory receipts in response to the deteriorating environment and to better position the Company for the future.

We have an exceptional brand, valuable real estate, a loyal customer base, solid vendor relationships, and most importantly, an outstanding and talented team.  Unfortunately, even all of our strengths and nimbleness can't completely insulate Saks from the very severe and broad-based challenges of this economic downturn.  We will succeed if we have a collective commitment to adapt, to innovate, and to make some very difficult choices.  While we are staying the course with our long-term strategies, we are making prudent adjustments to our organization and our operations that are needed in this environment. 

We will reduce our expenses by approximately $50 to $60 million in 2009 which will create a more efficient organization and more closely align our cost structure to the size of the current business.  Some of these measures will result in job eliminations while others will affect our compensation and employee benefit plans.  Additionally, we have identified several other non-payroll and benefit-related cost reductions, primarily in the areas of procurement, information technology, distribution and logistics, travel, and marketing. 

We will immediately begin a company-wide reduction in our workforce of approximately 1,100 positions, or 9% of our associate base.  In addition, we are eliminating 2009 merit-based wage increases for all associates and suspending the 401(k) Plan Company match for a minimum of one year, beginning January 1, 2009.  Associates will still be able to contribute to the 401(k) Plan to take advantage of tax-deferred savings for their future.  We are also suspending the Employee Stock Purchase Plan for 2009 effective January 1, eliminating the Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Referral programs effective January 16, and suspending future benefit accruals for the limited number of associates remaining in the Company's pension plan effective March 13.

Specific details of the changes and how they affect you and your group will be communicated by a member of your management team as quickly as possible.  We realize that these changes are very difficult, and we are committed to treating our affected associates with care and respect.  Eligible associates will be given appropriate severance packages. 

Members of Saks' leadership team have worked tirelessly, responsibly, thoughtfully, and carefully to make these hard decisions and to create a more efficient, focused, and right-sized organization.  This process has not been an easy one, but the changes we are making are critical to our future. 

We are also lowering our 2009 capital expenditures to approximately $60 million, a decrease of over 50% from 2008 spending, and our 2009 inventory receipts by approximately 20% from 2008 levels.

We operate today in a state of constant evolution and continuous change.  The true measure of an organization is how it deals with change and overcomes challenges.  I know that we are up to the task and that together we will overcome the difficulties facing us and go on to even greater achievements. 

Saying goodbye to friends and co-workers is never easy, particularly when many of us have worked so hard and so long together.  For those of you that will be leaving Saks, we are very grateful for your many contributions to our organization.  We thank you, and we wish you the best in the future.

Sale, Sale, Sale

I was sooo excited when I read on Daily Sugar (kind of like Daily Candy---Has anyone noticed changes to the emails since Comcast took over???) that Gucci was having a sale on their site...now, even though I can't afford anything Gucci right now:), it is still exciting (and I guess a little scary as well that designers like Gucci are having this BIG of a sale on their site) to see a designer like Gucci having a sale and on good pieces...so check it out.

Speaking of sales, Saks Fifth Avenues family and friend sales is going to be Oct. 16-19, so make friends fast:)  Just joking...kinda:)  Or, call up your friends and get the hook up!  It's worth it!  I would even say it is worth it to get a part-time, holiday position as a stock person to get the discounts...

Fashion Week is ON!

Another New York fashion week is occurring and I am missing it again:( Boo-hoo...but, life goes on, I guess...

But, there are grand happenings that are making it much easier for people like moi to experience all of the fashion happenings on a variety of levels.

A.  First and foremost, one of my fave bloggers, The Most Knowledgeable Fashion Blogger I know, Sarah Conley from Style It Online sharing all of her experiences through her blog at New York Fashion Week.

B.  All iPhone holders---I am now one:)  Can access fashion week and fab fashion blogs during the week of every fab fashion week via your iPhone.  I was soo excited when I read about this in the NYT two weeks ago!  Makes me proud to be an iPhone holder:) They think of everything.  "Designer Collections Packed Into An iPhone."

C.  Just keeping up with fashion everywhere...seems like everyone is emailing me updates from their perspective of fashion week...here are a few to flip through:

Saks Fifth Avenue

Isaac Mizrahi

New York Magazine

BG Report

Still so many items under $100 on Saks Sale!

10 pages worth + free shipping!

*These are all for the tops only.

Look Who Is Modeling For S5A: Danielle Evans

Watch out world, stepping up, she isn't just working for catalog Metro Style...hmm...potential I have to say, looks like Tyra was doing her thing!

New Yorkers, Mark Your Calendars and Call And Make An Appt for a MAC Event

Hmmmm....the sale at Saks Fifth Ave.

Here are a couple of items under $100 that are catching my eye...

Vince dress

Ella Moss dress

Ya-Ya Love vest

Dana Buchman tank

Badgley Mischka tank

See by Chloe

Decades of Style: Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks has a whole focus following 20's to 90's trends for women.  I LOVE the idea and the pieces are AMAZING!  Here are a couple of the pieces that caught my eye. I am all over the 50's and the 70's of course;) 
50's

Doesn't this just look like Sophia Lauren?  I think this look is soo sexy!

I love the drama in the skirt, not so much the top though...too much going on.

Doesn't this almost look like Katie Holmes??  Well, I love the dress...simple and chic.

I love these bateau neck tops...I think that they are so chic, and yet can be casual enough to replace a sweatshirt. 

I have a skirt and a jacket like this...I am doing this look soon:)

70's

Funny, Saks is finally carrying Tucker by Gaby Basora-Barney's has for a couple of years now.

I so love Missoni pieces...timeless! 

I would LOVE to one day find an Etro piece at the thrift store or Buffalo while I am rummaging through the racks...or Matthew Williamson, my heart would DROP! 

I love mixing prints like this...a striped blouse and a great military inspired jacket and a fabulous dynamic print skirt by Etro.

Full of Fashion Videos Today

Check out the following fashion focused videos for this week:

Saks Fifth Avenue's interpretation of Fashion Week-will be good.

Isaac Mizrahi's site and online show is live today!  I am soo excited!  And there is more than one show you can indulge in...he is hysterical and brings on a variety of guests. 

William Sledd is the fashion you tube go to---which I found out on Isaac Mizrahi today:)

Of course, New York Magazine is all over fashion week with the Fug Girls blogs and all.

American Express fashion week coverage with Robert Verdi. 

Plus, Myspace Fashion of Course! 

You Know you Want It!: Saks Share's All

Saks Loves Sharing their Fashion Sense...so take a look online...a just added feature to the site that I think is just right for them right now...Saks esteemed women's fashion director, Michael Fink shares his thoughts on what he thinks you will Want next fall. Here are a few that I am taking note of...

Evening Shorts and Flowers from Carolina Herrera
Skinny belts are back
They are still trying to do my favorite trend, long and lean...come on girls, high waisted pieces go beyond your mothers closet...these are a great way to accent your waist!
Mid-Calf length skirts are back..and I think they will be great...although, I feel like a lot of women think the length does not compliment their legs...you never know unless you try...maybe pair the skirt with wedges, high heels, or even try flats if you have longer legs.

More of my fashion thoughts on Fall 2007 Trends and the new Spring 2008 Trends from the runway!

Fashionalities 'View

I met Ann Skalski at Saks, my first job, and she was the most inspirational person both through her style and direction in my fashion career...She always wore a signature style of a trendy, but avant guard look of leggings before everyone else wore them and long billowy tops with an edge. I was always taking notes on where to shop, what to read (magazines,websites, and books) and she always gave me homework...which I always found interesting...I decided that I had to share this fashion gem with everyone else:)


What is your job title?
Creative Director (I hope she doesn't mind me saying, but with Jessica Simpson)

What do you do at your job?
All things visual...I do! Photo shoots, model casting, photographer selection, fashion styling, prop styling, producing, photo editing, layout and ad campaign development, website development, copy writing, name generation, brand generation, videos, packaging, product development, trend forecasting, product design...the list goes on! (She has the eye of a fashion eagle...she can see things that no one else can!)

How does someone get to be where you are today?
Hard work and brains! My mind never stops! I really love fashion! And have an opinion about all of it! (I think it is essential for anyone who is interested in getting into the fashion industry to do the research. Know the History of Fashion, Know the Business of Fashion, and Know New, Old, and Unknown Designers and how to spell their names...what they are known for etc.)

What are your TOP 5 Rules for making it in the fashion industry?
1. Passion
2. Drive
3. Commitment
4. Loyalty
5. and be NICE!!!! smile....

What do you use as your inspiration for the shoots you direct?
My love for Expression and all that is beautiful...but also what is right for the brand and/or subject!

What is your fashion motto?
No fear - mix it up one day and then the next change....

What do you think the color to wear for spring 2007 is?
White and black...the absence of is always interesting...opposites...

Who is your fave designer?
Balenciaga and Jane Mayle

Where do you shop?
Everywhere....it is part of my job. Wherever I travel...

How do you find a GREAT deal for clothes?
Depends on what great deal means...but usually i see things people don't....so I often find great deals no matter where I go..but the obvious is Ebay, flea market or vintage store.

What are your favorite website?
www.net-a-porter.com and www.ebay.com. I am constantly searching for new ones...love drugstore.com too!

What shoes do you have to have right now?
Martin Margiela, Givenchy, Jane Mayle, Dries van Noten, clog boots from No.6

What books are you reading right now?
The Audacity of Hope, Everyday Greatness..I am behind on my reading!

When we had worked together, you had given me homework to do, if you were to give an assignment to all of the Fashionalities out there, what you would tell them to do?
Research the archives! look at designers and artists that have made a cultural impression on the world...see what speaks to you...and use that as your guide for what is possible and what makes sense for the project you are working on. Knowledge REALLY is power! I believe people love to learn...