Forever Chic Style

  Charming Statement Jewelry Photo by  Jasmin Chew  on  Unsplash "All my jewelry has stories" Eva Green The pendant necklace is in vogue.  As seen on individuals in social media, print, talk show hosts and amongst our friends. Often layered with other necklaces. Why not join the spring and summer party with jewelry bling? First, did you know that pendants with your initials or other various symbols date back 25,000 years?  These talismans or amulets symbolized spirituality, healing, and protection. History depicts pendants in encrusted lockets, diamonds shapes, hearts, florals and much more. A sign of wealth and high fashion. With the advent of costume jewelry everyone became enamored with a classic pendant.  A beautiful pendant necklace can bring joy and cheer to the beholder.  And, of course, subtle elegance.  Worn day or night. It is a minimalistic nod to art, beauty, life, an adds an extra sparkle.  Here are bejeweled beauties for yo...

  Elegance in White                                                          Diane von Furstenberg "The joy of dressing is an art." - John Galliano White is timeless in a well-designed shirtdress.  A white shirtdress signals spring and summer are around the corner. Wear this modest number throughout the warmer months. The effect is classic and memorable signifying elegance.    Today there is emphasis on quality apparel and minimalism in accessories.  The day of large and flashy logos are "out" and (frankly always have been), and instead there is a nod to quiet luxury.  Refined fashion leaders are following this fashion memo. The result is to notice the entire person and not the garish apparel piece or flashy accessory.  After all, old money fashi...

  The Barbie Universe Barbie Doctor, Barbie Gymnast, Business Barbie...Every Career!  Owns a dream house, glam cars and lives in a plastic world.  So Many Barbies! Photo by  MakeSumo  on  Unsplash "As a Barbie you can do anything". - Anonymous Are you ready to see bright pink, neon green or vivid yellow on the big screen?  Did you grow up with Barbie ?  Perhaps you are a fan or not?  I grew up with Barbie's.  The era was simpler then and imagination plus creativity was paramount.  Barbie allowed us to dream of being someone extraordinary.  Or perhaps you were a budding businesswoman and admired Jill E. Barad, CEO of Mattel , in the 1997 who expanded the Barbie line? She started at Mattel in 1981 and rose in the ranks. The results were astounding.   Mattel under her leadership grew from $200M to $2B.  She revitalized the Barbie brand and was one of four women CEOs in 1997 to lead a Fortune 1000 company, whic...

  Ultimate Comfort  On a recent girl's trip, I noticed the various shoes worn at the airport.  I had on my  Greats, The Royale Blanco , all leather tennis shoes, another fashionista sported flip flops, and another in running tennis shoes with the last one sporting a pair of Sorel Women's Kinetic Impact Ankle-Strap Sport Platform Sandals .    These hot looking sandals caught my eye.  Mind you, I love my Greats , but they did get a little warm on the plane.  However, are very sporty and comfortable.   Yet, the Sorel sandals caught my attention.  Since I enjoy my Sorel boots, why not give these Sorel sandals a whirl?  They looked sassy, comfortable, elegant with a slight heel.  So, I began my research and quizzed my girlfriend endlessly about them.  Apparently, several of our other friends highly recommend these sandals for all excursions.  And most notably for travel and walking.  You can wear them dressed up ...

  Small Handbag Sophistication Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash Isn't this shade of blue divine?  The blue minty shade reminds me of the sparkling Pacific Ocean.  Additionally, images of the Tiffany brand begin to gather in my mind.  After all, who cannot resist a Tiffany blue box with a gorgeous diamond inside?  I also think of Audrey Hepburn in the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961).  Tiffany's has been using this luxurious hue on all of their branding beginning back in 1845.  The turning point was in 1886 when their signature diamond engagement ring was nestled in this ocean blue box.  Thus, The Tiffany Blue box became symbolic of luxury and glamour.  The actual shade of blue was trademarked in 1998.  If you are fan of this color then you must check out the the Coach Cassie 19 in faded blue found ONLY at Macy's.  I do NOT receive an affiliate commission for this item.  There have been several comparisons on YouTube on h...

  Hot Summer Sunshine "If you love something, wear it all the time...Find things that suit you. That is how you look extraordinary." - Vivienne Westwood On a recent sojourn to Scottsdale, Arizona, I was reminded of how one needs to wear something light, airy and not tight fitting.  The Tommy Bahama shift is the ultimate answer. The chambray light blue is so comfortable and looks effortless with sandals.  Especially with my Pikolinos sandals which are comfortable right out of the box.  The shift reminds me of an East Coast Hamptons dress worn either casually or out to dinner.  Add heels, simple stud earrings, lipstick and maybe a bracelet.  You will be talk of the town.   Embrace the Wrinkle - The Noble Wrinkle The shift also comes in linen and in many hues.  I own both the chambray and have two linens versions in white and also in orange.   I love them.  They are all melded into a relax fit.   If you are looking fo...

  The Comfortable Sandal Photo by  Eea Ikeda  on  Unsplash "The world is your oyster.  Happy feet means happy mind and happy enjoyment." KH Travel in summertime can be exciting and an adventure.  However, our feet need to have lots of extra care while traipsing around the planet or within our home towns.  A long walk with a white sundress and sandals can either be incredible or can be painful depending on the selected footwear.  I am a strong believer in spending more dollars on quality designed shoes, sandals and tennis shoes.  Leather is always my first choice along with a stable heel and sole.  Even when you play a sport, be cognizant to purchase the appropriate footwear.  If you play tennis or pickle ball, you need court tennis shoes.  If you do not wear them, you can roll your ankle or fall.  Same with golf and any other sport you take up.   Do not make the mistake and wear running shoes for every endeavor...

  The Little White Frock Photo by  ShengGeng Lin  on  Unsplash "Summer sundresses. Cool, calm, and collected" Kim Hardwick Summer has arrived early in the Pacific Northwest. The temperature has been soaring in the 90's, which is not typical for this time of year.  We have skipped spring and are sailing straight into summer. Of course, this means, out come the sundresses, shorts, bathing suits and anything that keeps you cool, calm and collected.  For us in the Northwest, summer heat is always a blessing after months of soggy rain.  However, we are hurriedly searching and uncovering our apparel that has been put away until now.  The appropriate attire keeps us refreshed as we partake in the golden rays and decadent hues of our surroundings.  Anyone who is from the Northwest knows that when the sun shines our world is a cosmic wheel of blues, greens, floral touches, and absolute stunning beauty.  Recently, I have noticed fashionistas are w...

  What To Wear On The Plane Photo by  Marla Prusik  on  Unsplash "Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." - Rachel Zoe Recently, on a trip to a sunny locale, I wore a brightly hued outfit to the airport. After all, I was thinking about my destination and wanted to dress with flair and fun.  It is also well-known that if you dress well for any event, adventure or daily activity, one is often treated better.   I know this to be true.  I remember being bumped to first class in my corporate travel days with a friend.   What I found out was that everyone at the airport - I mean everyone - was dressed in black, brown or grey.  Their attire was somber, depressing and sloppy.   I was stunned.  There were lots of tight leggings which are not attractive and also may cause blood clots amongst the plethora of  jeans, sweatshirts and flip flops.  Mind you makeup is at a minimum or not at all. There is...

  1950's Hear Me Roar Photo of Fashion Model Nicole Black at Del Mar Villa in Dundee Oregon by Portland Photographer Lance Reis. Insta - Photographer: @kickassdesigns / Location: @del_mar_villa / Model: @nicolenegra "Don't underestimate the cosmetic power of sunglasses. It's worth spending a bit of money on a quality pair.  I usually do for Dior." - Dita Von Teese Trendsetters around the globe love the feminine shape of the cat-eye sunglasses.   My obsession with them is no different.  Thus, I have reader glasses that are in this shape as well my shades.  Every time, I sport them, there are lots of compliments.  Perhaps it is nostalgia, the hue or how it makes everyone feel and bespoke elegant.  After all, sometimes one needs a bit of mystery, decadence or lioness magic added to our faces.  The history behind the evolution of the beloved cat-eye started by the inventor Altina Schinasi Miranda in the late 1920's.  Miranda created a new sh...