MIXOLOGIST: MEN SHIRT & TIE COMBOS

I'll take mine shaken and stirred, a guy's wardrobe that is! Most men find choosing a dress shirt and tie a big chore. I say, no more! It's fun and fashionable to mix and match patterns. Here are a few combos that I think are a Must-Try this Spring & Summer when you are wanting to step out in style. The shirts and ties are available at Nordstrom!

Here's how you can transform 1 shirt, 5 different looks:

Lavender Striped Shirt with Striped Tie. Two sets of stripes is nice, but three's a crowd. Wear this combination with any suit that's not striped.

Lavender Striped Shirt with Navy Knit Tie. Reversed-out white lines and the tie's nubby texture take this solid-on-stripe combo way beyond basic.

Lavender Striped Shirt with Paisley Tie. Balance this high-energy tie with the calming effect of clean stripes in a complementary tone.

Lavender Striped Shirt with Purple Dot Tie. Embrace purple—it's everywhere right now. This timeless mix of dots on stripes is a distinguished way to add color.

Lavender Striped Shirt with Plaid Tie. Classic example of mixing patterns. Note the nice use of scale: amplified plaid on orderly awning stripes.

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HOT HANDBAG TRENDS in '10

What's Hot in Handbag Trends for 2010?

I'm going to make this simple. Handbag styles and purse trends are a personal preference, but there are a few hot trends for 2010 that any woman will crave. I have been checking out the designers and it seems the following are going to be a big hit:

1) Soft embellishments

2) Jewel Tones

3) Multi Pockets

4) Double-Carry Options

5) Oversized Bags

6) Classic Shapes

Personal taste dictates what style of bag you choose to carry. Handbag trends come and go each year, so it is nice to know that there is a wide selection of inexpensive trendy purses as well as top-of-the line bags. Regardless of your budget, these trends can be found at any price point.

Soft embellishments are simple style elements added to a handbag to offer a bit of "oomph". While last year brought us chains, large hoops and heavy zippers, this year brings us softer, more subtle embellishments. Things to look for when it comes to soft embellishments: rouching, pleats and weaving of the exterior material; interesting straps and handles such as braiding or leather woven through (small) chain; fringe; mixed media (leather with suede or calf hair trim); and small metallic closures. Additionally, patent leather is considered a soft embellishment, provided there are no other style elements to distract from the patent.

Jewel toned handbags are basically bags in the color of gem stones: emerald, ruby, amethyst, peridot, and sapphire are the hottest jewel colors to look for. Handbags in jewel tones are available in variations of the gem, from deeper saturation to pale hues.

Multi pockets, either on the exterior or the interior, are a big style trend this year. I must add, however, that exterior pockets are presented in a soft embellishment manner - the pockets blend into the overall shape and form of the bag so they don't stand out.

Double carry options is my personal favorite when it comes to new handbag style trends. A purse with both a shoulder strap and top handle(s) make a bag so convenient for everyday use. Although this trend has gained popularity in recent months, it is sure to be a top trend for 2010.

Oversized bags are great for every woman. Available in virtually any style, the large sized purse can be worn by anyone. A word of caution: be aware of where the bag rests when worn. Smaller framed women may appear to be swallowed up by a large bag unless it is worn closer to the hip instead of under the armpit.

Classic shapes are back. And they are not meant for old ladies, either. Remember the '80's, when every female wore the little rectangular shaped flap bag ? Well, the updated version of this style is here. Simple shape, easy to wear...what else can you ask for?

I should mention that giraffe print purses are still going strong.  I see this print everywhere.  I personally am getting tired of the strong pattern, but done right it does look nice.

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Friendship Bracelets and Not-So-Yellow Mellow

These two trends are as cheery as they come. There’s still time to dig up all those friendship bracelets you’ve got filed away along with your mix tapes, gawky portraits and old origamilike notes from your BFF. Just try to resist the temptation of dotting your i’s with hearts when you wear them.
Diane von Furstenberg, spring 2010

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IN THE BUFF

Getting the perfect wedges is easier said than done. It’s one of the reasons we are all on the hunt for the perfect nude wedge for Spring/Summer 2010. In a soft shade of blush, nude open toe wedges are equally lovely for leisurely Sundays or trips about town. Why go nude? First, they go with every single outfit you own. You don't believe me? Look around darlin', from a cute cocktail dress to jeans, the second thing the wedge does is extend your legs. Even girls like me who are 5'9" can take advantage of the visual illusion. Normally, I get told I have legs for days, now I have legs for weeks ;)

The best thing about shoes, is there is a price point for everyone's budget. From ShoeDazzle to Aldo to Dior, find the nude wedge that fits your style. Here are a few of my summer favorites that you will see my clients in.

1. SHOEDAZZLE, the MONA. Everyone of my clients went crazy for this cute lil nude heel, but guess what is being released in the next month's selection? Cute wedges! Sign up today- http://www.shoedazzle.com/. Price of all of our shoes $39/ea.

2. ALDO, the GEITNER. Yes, we are still obsessed with multi-textures and braids, now we love them on the ankles. The modified gladiator of yesteryear is back and better than ever. And the best part, these babies are only $90.

3. BLOOMINGDALES, the Rosegold "Cara" Cork Wedge. Bring the cutout trend to your feet. Leather and cork peeptoe wedges with cutout detail at toe and contrast piping trend. $168.

4. TORY BURCH,  "Julianne" Leather Wedge. Leather peep-toe wedges for your next board meeting or cocktail party.$295.

5. NEIMAN MARCUS, the Dior Slingback Wedge Sandal. Step into style with these beauts, The slingback draws your eye to your toes and makes you gain another 5 inches in height. Although these might be pricey, . . .remember you have to pay for Dior! $450.

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SPOTTED: HOLLYWOOD'S HOTTEST MOMS

Hollywood's hottest mommys are embracing the bleached denim trend, you should too. They are even encouraging the rock'n roll lifestyle with their children, from Gwen to Nicole, these are two hot mommys.

I'm not sure what brand of sneakers Gwen's rockin', they're probably L.A.M.B. since she always seems to give her own line a lot of love. Either way, both celebri-moms manage to pull off the light jean/light top look, which is one I usually try to avoid - too much monotony for me. They both look great, though, and I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot of bleached/destroyed denim this summer.

Nicole with baby Harlow in her arms spots the savvy chic bleached out denim. Nicole is always the trendsetter, so it's no shock that she would be one of the first ones spotted in this trend. Fear not, you know that Nicole is going to teach her two little ones how to dress in style and follow in their mommy's fashionable footsteps.

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COLOR ME GORGEOUS

This Trendy Tuesday encourages all fashionistas to try a little splash of color into their basics! Spring is in full bloom, look around you, bright colors are infused in every facet of life. From the sky to the flowers and everywhere in between. Not sure how to balance color in your conservative attire? Start small, try it in accessories first until you really get up the nerve, then try a magenta dress or a floral print blouse. For the brave at heart, I challenge you to rock a purple dress with bright red heels. From Kim Kardashian to Kimora Lee Simmons, true fashionistas never shy away from a challenge!

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HEIDI'S LOOK FOR LESS

This month, Miss Project Runway, Heidi Klum debuts her dangerous curves on the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine. Her black and white strapless bandage dress by Emanuel Ungaro is bangin', but might not be on everyone's budget. Want to steal Heidi's look for less? That is what The Glambassador's "Making Cents" Mondays are all about! We bring you the best in celebrity fashion choices but for a more affordable price. Without losing the impact, we found 2 more options that might be more in your price range and will give you the same bang for your buck!

At http://www.edressme.com/, you can get this gold/black bandage dress for $150! That is right, same affect but the colors are opposite. We think this dress is golden!

Still think $150 is a little steep, don't say another word, The Glambassador has spotted this hot black & white little number over at Arden B. for $89. With black & white as one of this year's hottest trend, we think it's a win! win!

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