Allow Me to Re-Introduce You to Your New Fall/Winter Accessory...

Greeting all you Gourgeous Girlies!!!

So Fall is here eh and Winter is coming...it's time to get reacquainted with one of your better accessories, and the best thing about these accessories is they are totally free, they require a little maintenance but free none-the-less. Ladies, meet your legs! I mean honestly, what did you think I was gonna say???

But no really, the designers have not disappointed this season! There are so many fabulous options, whether you desire beautifully-hued tights or uniquely decorated leggings, they are all within your grasp! I for one must tell you I am so excited! I would wear leggings and tights everyday if I could! Tights are just the best accessory, they allow you to add some umph to the most basic outfit, transforming it into an ensemble! Imagine with me for a moment, let's say it's a cold crisp day, you are in the mood for a simple but well tailored black dress, instead of reaching for those trusty black tights and black pumps, how about grabbing those blue tights (that you purchased and never wear because you can't figure out exactly how to wear them), now instead of those trusty black pumps, try your black booties...and voila! A great show stopping ensemble that can go from day to night with a mere handbag switch-a-roo! For day, pair it with a slouchy hobo, for night try a jeweled clutch.

And don't get me started on leggings! I am totally obsessed! Leggings have been everywhere for a while now, but is time or are they so much better this season, from tye dye to tuxedo. I just can't get enough! Leggings are a fab alternative to those J brand jeans you would typically wear. I say that because leggings can be dressed up or down, they can be worn Bohemian or Chic, Funky or Mod. Leggings allow you to be whoever you wish to be when you put them on. And with all the great blazers that are out this season, how could you not absolutely love this ensemble?! That's a rhetorical questions by the way (wink!)

So ladies, hopefully you can now understand why my heart flutters at the mere mention of tights and leggings! They range in color, design, cut, and price! They are our answer to being effortlessly chic...and if that's not enough to make you love them then I'm all out of words--and that's rare!

Here are a few of my favorite things (like the song!) but no really, here are some of my faves, they range from everyday to "it girl"! Watch, Look, and LOVE:

all leggings courtesy of neimanmarcus.com





all tights courtesy of blommingdales.com


Tah Tah Lovelies!

....and remember, if nothing else, always be original, kind, and sol-ful!

*Sol Addict*

VPL...Excusable or and BIG NO-NO???

Greetings ladies and gents...



I'm gonna have to ask the fellas to sign off as I would hope that this is not an issue that applies to you (fingers crossed)!

VPL or for those of you less familiar with fashion lingo--Visible Panty Line. This is a topic that puts people at odds. It's one of those topics where there is no absolutely middle ground, either you could care less about your VPL or anyone else's or the mere thought of it. Imagine something with me...imagine seeing a woman who at first sight looks tres chic, nails polished, not a hair out of place, make-up flawless, and then it happens, she walks by and you can't help but be stopped in your tracks by the sight of the outline of her undergarment! EEK!


I wonder if you can guess, which end of the spectrum I fall on? (chuckle)


I will be the first to admit that I was once one of those women I just described, well maybe not as polished at the aforementioned woman, but let's just say I was a free spirit! I did not care one bit about my VPL no matter how many times Stacy and Clinton reprimanded some unsuspecting horribly dressed woman on TLC's What Not to Wear. Then one day something happened, what it was I have no clue, but I woke up a changed woman! And from that day forward, I have loathed VPLs. If you're reading this, I think you'd agree that clothing is an art form to be adored and admired and much like you wouldn't go to an art gallery and scribble on one of the masterpieces, you should never ruin the flow of your garment with a VPL. Now ladies, I'm all for being original and creating your own fashion personality but a VPL has nothing to do with originality.


For all of you that think I'm making a big deal of this VPL issue, do me a favor, go get your favorite pair of pants or better yet your favorite little black dress or as Beyonce would call it your "freakum dress". Got it? Ok now put it on, keeping on your normal undergarments. Now, go to the mirror and turn around...tell the truth do you have VPL? Is it totally noticeable? If it is...and i know it is,do me a favor, go change your undergarment, we won't get to graphic, but pick something that will not create those lines on your bum...hopefully you know what kind of undergarment I'm referring to. OK, got it? Now with your new undergarment, put the dress on again and turn around...no VPL!!! Admit it to yourself, it looks better! You are on FIRE! No VPL allows people to notice your outfit not your panty line! Take a minute, admire how your smooth your silhouette is, no lumps and bumps, just a beautiful, fluid, polished look that will have you turning heads for all the right reasons!!!!

Alright ladies, I've given you the knowledge, now you must go out in to the world and apply what you learned! :-)


Originality, Kindness, and Sol


Sol Addict

When is the Right Time to Hang Up Your Peep Toes???

Ladies...my humblest apologies for being away so long! The trials and tribulations of adulthood have been holding me hostage! Alas!!!! I am free--for a while at least!

So let's get back to the matter at hand...peep toes...when do you pack your beloveds away. The answer to this question changes depending on who you ask. Of course we all wear them in Summer, but as the temperature starts to cool and the leaves begin to acquire their Autumn hues, the peep toe debate begins to rear its head.

I think we've all seen women don their peep toes in the Winter months. How do you feel about that? Do you give them a pass if it's New Year's Eve and they are off in their best shimmery and sequined mini dresses? Well, I'll speak for myself, I do--I give them all (including myself) a pass! But what about before New Year's Eve? What about when its just a normal Winter day? What are the pre-requisites for peep-toeing??? Some think when its too cold to be out bare legged its too cold for peep toes, but we've all seen women in peep toes with tights---that's super cute--if done right.

Ok, ladies, I've thought about it, I've toiled over it, I've looked at the woman in the mirror and I have come to the decision that peep toes can be worn at any time of year unless there is snow or ice on the ground--those of you in warmer more fab climates have really dodged a bullet! So there you have it, if there's snow or ice on the ground and your feet will at one time or another hit the aforementioned ground, I'd have to say no peep toes.

Until the next time my lovelies...be original, be kind, and please be sol-ful!

XOXO,

Sol Addict

P.S. It's great to be back! I missed you all so!!!

photo: Guiseppe Zanotti Printed-Heel Ornament Platform @ Neiman Marcus

Beware!!!

Greetings my fab followers!

I come to you today, heavy heart. Today, I would like to get serious for a moment and talk about an issue that is plaguing our communities, nationwide! A sweeping epidemic that threatens all of us!!! What am I referring to??? Boutiques that buy things for a pittance and mark them up 500%. Now of course there are so many more important issues to address in the world, but first I have to talk about the "world I know".

Now boutique owners before exiting stage right, please hear me out! I totally understand the need to turn a profit, and I am totally prepared to pay those profit-turning prices BUT (and I say this with all the love in the world) QUALITY is also a indisputable necessity! Remember the golden rule when setting prices--treat others the way you'd want to be treated. Breakdown: Please do not put any item of clothing on sale in your establishment that can be purchased for less than half price at a discount store. Who wants to walk around thinking they have on a quality piece from an exclusive boutique, only to be told by some random woman on the street that they have the same exact dress but paid $.50 for it. Ok, so clearly I'm exaggerating but this hits close to home! Yes folks, it happened to me! I am still recovering!

I, Sol Addict, was bamboozled and jipped! I paid $80 for a dress and then found out it was at a discount store for...are you ready....$19.99!!!!! Now I must say that some of the blame belongs to me...I questioned the quality of this dress but trusted the boutique so I ignored my feelings. So maybe I betrayed myself??? I should have never, never ignored my women's intuition! Ladies, let this be a lesson to you, trust your shopping intuition! That goes for everything, if you think its too tight or too short, it probably is. If you don't trust the quality, RUN FOR THE HILLS--and I'm not talking Hollywood!

This blog has been therapeutic for me, I can say I think I am officially over it, although I will never wear that dress ( can you say little cousin hand-me-down) or shop at that boutique again, I can finally say that I have healed and I will continue to patron boutiques but only the fab and exclusive one will survive!

Thanks for the therapy people!


Remember, even when boutiques try to test your fashion intuition...be kind, be original and sol-ful!


Until the next time!

Red Soles

In life, different cultures have what they call rites of passage, in short, it's when a boy becomes a man, or girl a woman, think about, rites of passage are all around us. For me the rite of passage for a girl to become a woman is the attainment of a pair of red soles! For those of you who have no clue of what I speak---CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTINS!


At some point in every woman's life she must own a pair of these envy evoking, timeless, works of art! I mean really, have you ever heard Mr. Louboutin speak about his passion? He inspiration is women! How fab! He is inspired by the way women move, behave, speak, laugh, and dance. He designs his shoes with us in mind, he ponders how his shoes will make our legs appear sky high even if we're only 5'2. He thinks about timelessness, about classic design, he thinks about every woman!

Mr. Louboutin's designs often mix print and texture, rich color, and impeccable style. Mr Louboutin has said we will never see a men's line with his name on them! How great is that, us gals have him all to ourselves! For those of you who aren't C. Louboutin stalkers like myself, the red sole was created by a stroke a genius and a well manicured assistant. Louboutin loved his designs on paper but once they were created he felt that something was lost in the translation. One day his assistant was polishing her nails red, Christian had an epiphany! He grabbed the polish and painted the sole of the shoe! Voila! The red sole was born and his drawing was exactly like his creation!

I heart Christian Louboutins because there is a shoe for every woman, there are the timeless, classic pumps and then there are the S-H-O-W S-T-O-P-P-E-R-S, but whatever you choose, you will ALWAYS be the talk of all women! Why? Because when a woman sees a red sole an angel gets their wings! Ok, maybe not, but a heart definitely flutters!

That's my artist spotlight for the evening...

I know it's a recession and during a time like this we have to make smart purchases, build our savings, invest, whatever, but look at these beautiful works of art and tell me they are not a "smart buy"! After all, they are what separate the women from the girls!

Later lovelies!

Kindness, Originality, and if nothing else, Always SOL!





Shout-out to T. B-W




all pictures courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Hey girls...and guys...

I've been gone for a while but I'm back and feeling renewed...maybe it's the faint scent of flowers blooming (minus my sneezing and watery eyes) outside my window or the extra hours of daylight, either way Spring is definitely in the air which means your wardrobe needs to be revamped! It is a recession right...so instead of maxing out those credit cards in Bloomies, Nords, J Crew and the countless boutiques, just dust off some of those timeless pieces from your closet and if that doesn't work here are a few points of reference so if you must max out your AmEx at least you'll have a list to make sure you purchased everything you needed for a fabulously pulled together Spring wardrobe!

So what's new on the Spring fashion front...

Of course we all know with Spring comes color...I hope...ahem I pray...that goes without saying!

Let's get to it...

Embellishments
Is that the pitter patter of little feet I hear??? Not at all! That's the flutter of my heart at the mere mention of embellishments. Embellishments transform even the most simple outfit into an ensemble! Add a little embellishment in our life by grabbing a jeweled flat and don't be afraid to play with color...we're talking Spring remember!





pictures courtesy Neimanmarcus.com






Colorful Prints
This dress is nothing less than perfection! Of course, we all know the fierce Diane von Furstenberg is known for her impeccable style but also for her creation of the wrap dress. DVF wrap dresses flatter all body types, but pair the perfect design and flawless construction with the colors of Spring and they create a dress suitable for any and all occasions! Standing O Mrs. Furstenburg! My heart is fluttering--well it flutters for everything DVF!

DVF.com





Modern Safari
What could be better than the classic mix of Safari inspired design with a modern adaptation! No really..what? Ok, I know, I couldn't come up with anything either...chocolate, maybe! there are so many do's and as in "do's and don'ts" to take note of. First the mix of the color, the chocolate and white offer a very impressive contrast. Speaking of contrast the serious design of the safari jacket paired with the pretty flirty design of the skirt create a match made in E-harmony Heaven!! After all this jacket is definitely a purchase worth its weight in gold, it will ALWAYS be a piece to be adored!

DVF.com


Hourglass silhouettes

All the single ladies, all the the single ladies...well maybe not single...how about curvy! I've noticed that curvy women don't always have endless options when its comes to designer duds, with the emergence of the hourglass silhouettes, EUREKA! These silhouettes hug the natural curves of a woman's body! VA-VA-VA-VOOM! This look by DVF is an ode to the All-American girl living the fabulously chic existence! Fourth of July in Paris anyone??? Or is that like an oxymoron?!


DVF.com




Resurgence of black and white ensembles


How classic is this look? Are you noticing a theme here? All these looks may be the trends of Spring, but that doesn't mean it can't be classic. Buying classic pieces is key when creating the foundation of our wardrobe. Trendy items are great but don't splurge, save those purchases for key pieces, trust me, you'll thank me later.

This DVF dress is such a cute feminine ode to my favorite insect...the butterfly! This dress is another one that works for many different body types. Mrs. Furstenburg pairs this dress with a red wedge and it adds just the right amount of color to keep this ensemble fun and fresh!


DVF.com


And last but definitely not least (ok...cliche so, sue me!)

Color, color, and even more color!

It's Spring! It's finally here, so instead of continuing to wear you cold weather appropriate dark colors, how about giving a great girlfriend welcome to Spring! Greet her with fabulous, eye-turning color!!! Color does for a wardrobe what a smile does for your face! It livens things up! Everyone looks fab with color, variations do apply of course, but do something different...spice it up with color and smile more! If you do not realize by now that color is a vital partner in your pursuit of the perfect Spring wardrobe, I officially give up!














neimanmarcus.com




That's it for me! I'm off to do something fab and fun! Maybe buy one new item for my Spring wardrobe...ok, ok, no more than 5 new items!

Life is short...be kind, be original, and always, no matter what your critics say... be Sol-ful!


Love,
Sol Addict

CHA CHING!!!!

So is it me...or is EVERYTHING on sale?! I mean I'm like a kid in a candy store or better yet I'm like ME in a candy store...I do love candy!!!!

But back to the subject at hand...just take a stroll through the malls or into your favorite boutique and you'll see I'm not making this up! I've read it has to do with this"recession". How tired are you of hearing that word! Well anyway, the retail industry is also suffering so things are discounted up to 75%. So, get out and take advantage of these super fab deals, they won't last forever...well let's hope it won't anyway, the economy has to rebound sooner rather than later right???!!??

My most delectable discounted deal was a fab skinny metallic gold belt from J crew for $9.99

LOVE IT!!!

So whether you feel that fashion makes sense at any price or you prefer to be a little more frugal...now is the time! Go out and shop until is all right in the world!!!!!!

Kindness, Originality, and SOL!

Sol Addict