We picked lucky lady Mary of Ontario for our Stranger Change Her make over. The hard working mother and custodian, having just turned 40 was looking for a complete revamp. Style Expert Crystal Fambrini was happy to step in and help Mary turn 40 into fabulous.
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It’s a brand new season and perfectly pointed sunglasses are making a push for new shape of the year. Don’t ditch your aviators or oust your oversized pairs, but make room on your accessories shelf for this re-emerging sexy throwback to glamour-filled style. At every price point and just about every color—the tipped up corners perk up any look in a cinch and kick your style up a notch or three. When worn with just about anything, these flares with flair are the go-to accessory to move your wardrobe into 2011.
Charlotte Russe ($5.00) Inland Center.
Bare Necessity Accessory. With $5.00 versions with sass at Charlotte Russe at Inland Center, there is no excuse to be late to invest in this “I’ve-arrived” style staple. Get to the point and try on a pair with a little extra titillating tilt.
Kohl’s at Stonewood Center ($24).
Purr-fection. Pick your cat eyes carefully—choose the ones that suit you to a T. Ultra girly? Get your floral fix with a pretty printed pair. Love clean lines? Stand out in white shades. Have a little edge to you? Snatch up a pair with extroverted detail, like these chain laden tortoise shell ones from Kohl’s at Stonewood Center ($24).
Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($98).
In a round about way. Don’t beat around the bush—there is a shape out there for every face. If being pointed turns you off, get right round baby, right round with this pair of subtly cat-ish shades from Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($98).
The red carpet’s been rolled up for yet another year, and you can almost hear the entire city take a deep breath and relax. As the celebrity pomp and circumstance make an exit from stage right – what’s left is the “OMG, did you see what she was wearing” and the “how can I get that look”. Just as much a tradition as “thanking the Academy” on award’s night is dissecting the styles and looks from the Oscars and making them your own. While you may not go all out J-Lo for your next date night – even a touch of new trend can update your look and keep you in the here and now. Here’s the cliff notes version from this year’s big event…
SSD Co Founder Crystal Fambrini with model Ashley Jeung behind the scenes at KTLA for Crystal's "Go Glam This NYE" fashion segment.
Tired of tartan? Think you can’t possibly do more plaid? Think again—this smart print has been reinvented just for spring in shades of summer, and in fresh and unexpected new shapes—the perfect play on classic, yet utterly redefined. We thought we were over it—until we saw the new looks hitting the floor for the season, and stopped to take pause. Banish your private school skirt misconceptions—there is nothing scholarly about this checkered take on handbags, kitten heels, scarves and summer dresses when doused in punchy shades of cerulean, hot pink and lemony yellow. We made off with a handful of our own have-to-haves:
Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($198).
Tame is lame. Don’t try on a plaid bangle when you can take on the trend with more passion, and certainly more style. Get bold with a fun new take on spring’s essential trench coat in muted nature-inspired neutrals sure to go with everything. If you love this one too—you can find it at Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($198).
Gap at Los Cerritos Center ($59.50).
We can’t and won’t promise that tricking out your summer dresses in precoscious plaid won’t be an attention getter. It will. Especially when you choose eye-catching strapless versions in an alluring ombre fade. We can’t wait to layer a cardi over this one from Gap at Los Cerritos Center ($59.50).
from JCPenney at Stonewood Center ($19.99 and up).
No review of the finer points of springtime plaid with be complete without broaching the subject of beachwear. You could wear solid colors—or you can chime in on chic and slip into this more lively alternative. We beseech you to reconsider like we did when we spotted this tankini from JCPenney at Stonewood Center ($19.99 and up).
It’s that special time of year—not the holidays, obviously, but the time of year when you really just don’t know what type of weather you’re going to have. It’s freezing and drizzling one day, and 90 degrees the next—how’s anyone supposed to keep up? You may have your flip flops on as you’re reading this and think it’s a little batty to shop for coats, but chances are, sometime in the next week or so, you’ll be going back to that warmer jacket and bundling up. We noticed this week that almost every place we love to shop has outerwear on sale—and because we love a great sale, and we know you do too—let’s talk about weathering the weather in style.
There have been several exciting new coat trends to emerge this year, and sale time is the best time to dip your toe in new trends. Think bubbly bombers and shearling aviators, sleek camel coats, mega-hot military styles, and our favorite—the oh-so fresh and cute cape coat.
We’re tagging on our top three this time around—but we’ve been crazy about all of the above this season. Thank goodness there are so many days in a year—who can choose just one?
Take a peek at our picks and let us know what you’ve been hankering for:
Macy’s at Westside Pavilion ($54.99 on sale now).
Ordinary is, well, just so ordinary. Get away from the expected this year and reach for the adorably avant-garde in the form of a clever cape coat. Tell me you don’t love the title of “trend-setter”. We fell for this perky plaid coat from Macy’s at Westside Pavilion ($54.99 on sale now).
from Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($175).
Looking for a picturesque look for your around the town shopping or casual lunch dates? Pick a parka and bask in cool understated style—these are the “oh I just threw this on” effortless pieces that lend to the air of being collected but never fussy. We adored this version from Banana Republic at Los Cerritos Center ($175).
JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($98.99 down from $330).
Move over Maverick—you’re not the only one that is smokin’ in high-flying style. Choose a cropped leather bomber jacket or a shearling aviator and make a memorable trend maneuver. We vote for this shearling jacket from JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($98.99 down from $330).
It’s a countdown to couture — when the clock strikes midnight, let your look be part of defining the moment and making a memory. Get a jump start on 2011 with a sizzling haute holiday look and set the tone for the 12 sparkling new months ahead. Whether you’re staying in with your close set, or buzzing around town at all the hot spots — slip into a scene stealing dress and ring in the new year. We searched high and low for our top picks and present to you these three fab finds — all for under $200.
Every other look is just the runner-up. Glittering gold takes first place hands down, and this leggy dress with draping cut out sleeves is just the ticket. Paired with strappy sandals and bold bangles, you’ll feel worth every ounce. We chose this dress from Bloomingdale’s at Santa Monica Place ($188).
The Kardashians have the corner market on sexy, and this fashion-forward anything-but-basic little black dress is no exception. With lace up detail and attention-getting lines, this mini dress is mega hot. Pick this up this dress from the Kardashian collection at bebe in Los Cerritos Center ($149).
Sequins are a given, but swathed in pure winter white—take on whole new meaning. Go for the glow–everything looks brighter against the shimmering canvas of this sheath dress. We picked ours up White House Black Market at Paseo Nuevo ($99).
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We’re in the home stretch people — and that’s when you-know-who comes out. The tomorrow-doers, last-minute miracle makers, dawdlers, and perpetual putter-offers, otherwise known as — the procrastinators. You know who you are and this is your week. The urgency of your timeframe may be motivation enough, but if not—we’ve put together a list of sprint-inspiring hot, last minute gifts that should do the trick. Take a peek– sometimes it really does pay to procrastinate. Oh, and in case you’re looking for a little extra help, we got wind of Macy’s new holiday “Gift Shop”—a mini store within the store, chock full of grab-on-the go gifts that we loved—all at great prices. Thank you very much, yes we will.
Who doesn’t like to have it all? Gift her with a cross body messenger bag that will keep her lap top, tablet, and personal items at her fingertips without compromising her smart style. This quilted keeper is from Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Stonewood Center ($16.99).
Likes-to-read will love to read on this stunning color screened Nook, new this year from Barnes & Noble. The latest titles at a touch, full color magazines the second they come out, and access to your email and internet—a fabulous find at a reasonable price. We got ours from the Barnes & Noble at Westside Pavilion ($249).
Flash back to the past with this brightly hued set of strappy watch love. Give the option to choose a band to fit the mood, a look, or at random—and take special joy in the scent—yes, scent—of each. White is reminiscent of sugar cookies, orange—a fruity beach-side drink, and pink is a ripe peach. Can they get any more fun? These are also from the Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Westside Pavilion ($14.99 for the set of bands and the base watches).
Add a little ruffle to an eternity scarf and like becomes L-O-V-E. Pretty up her winter look by gifting her this piece in rich color and up her style quotient. We snagged this version from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($34.90).
It’s addictive and indulgent—where is that man with the striped hat? Coffee table approved, or a winner with the kids—pick a Where’s Waldo book for a gift that’s spot-on. Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Westside Pavilion ($20.99).
Where's Waldo The Complete Collection, a Macy's Exclusive Gift.
Shopping for the children on your list is often the highlight of the holiday, right under “accidentally” shopping for yourself, of course. You can’t top the enthusiasm of a seven-year-old or the awe of a five-year-old opening presents—we all know their joy makes the season brighter. Rest assured—the hot gifts for kids we have listed below are child-approved, i.e., they are golden, and will elicit said joy. So, without further adieu, here are our top five picks for the little ones:
Twice as Nice. Hats off to playtime this holiday–these knit layers will keep them warm this winter and turn them into wily animals too. It’s trendy to love pretending—so let them laugh and oink, leap and bark their way to having a great time. We found these at Macy’s at The Shops at Montebello ($14.98).
Kinect the Dots. It’s the talk of the town this holiday, and if you’d like to be the Santa of the season, you should start your shopping here. Xbox 360’s new Kinect technology lets them run, jump and dance their favorite video games without ever touching a video game controller. The gaming system’s motion detection device translates every one of their movements into action on the screen for hours of fascinating, get-up-and-play fun. Don’t think you won’t be right there with them—it’s contagious. We found our set up at GameStop inside Inland Center ($399.99).
Pick a Pillow. Yes, really. These novel friends are a pillow AND a pet, and the kids dig ‘em. Choose a bright bumblebee, a perky panda, or a chunky little monkey and get bonus points for having the inside scoop on what’s all the rage this year. Our cozy bed buddies came from Target at Lakewood Center ($19.99).
Toy Joy. Disney has done it again, anything Toy Story 3 is epic this year and universally loved. Pick this true-to-the-movie Jessie doll complete with antique style packaging and old-school pull cord on her back—genius.
Or if your mini loves Woody, indulge his over-active imagination with this pj set that will have him reenacting his favorite parts in the movie—in costume, of course. These are going like hotcakes at the Disney Store at Westside Pavilion ($59.99 and $16.50, respectively).
Picture Perfect. So maybe they won’t squeal in delight when they open these too-cute winter get-ups, but how can you resist? Choose head-to-toe coordinated outfits for a gift that will be appreciated by all those over 12 in the room. These tot togs are from Gymboree at Los Cerritos Center (pieces ranging from $4.49 to $17.99).
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Our hot holiday gift series continues today with part two—what to gift that great guy on your list. Whether he’s a kid at heart, a tech-geek, a Tim the Tool Man in the making—or some kind of wonderful in between—we’ve done our homework, and these gifts are a hit.
Take a peek:
Dressed Up Duds. He may never admit it, but he likes to be dressed. Gift him with a twill blazer that will highlight his handsomest qualities and make him strut just a little bit more. This debonair twill blazer is from J. Crew at The Oaks ($278).
This debonair twill blazer is from J. Crew at The Oaks ($278).
We found these ones at Apple at Los Cerritos Center ($ 49.95).
They may be tiny, but they blow out the sound on his tech necessities in a mighty big way. He’ll flip for these mini speakers that plug into his smart phone, laptop, or MP3 and give a bumpin’ boost to his music or video. We found these ones at Apple at Los Cerritos Center ($49.95).
For office or home (or maybe both) we found this version from Brookstone at Westside Pavilion ($39.95).
He’ll be the talk of the watercooler or the most popular dad or grandpa with this wave-of-your-hand candy dispenser. For office or home (or maybe both) we found this version from Brookstone at Westside Pavilion ($39.95).
We picked this up at Sears in Los Cerritos Center ($129).
Men doing manly things is always attractive, and he loves to be productive just as much as you love for him to be. Pick the mecca of all tool sets and gift him with this four piece Craftsman Cordless Combo collection—electric drill, hand sander, circular saw and worklight—and watch your honey-do list be whittled down before your very eyes. We picked this up at Sears in Los Cerritos Center ($129).
JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($9.99).
All work and no play makes him a dull boy. Get his game on with a mobile dinner table ping pong ball set and watch his competitive holiday spirit light him up, JCPenney at Lakewood Center ($9.99).
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