Other Items I Couldn't Resist...

As I was shopping for items to use in my Channel 6/News on 6 segment, I was finding so many wonderful things, that I just couldn't decide what to use! Who knows, I may change my mind by the the time we do the segment tomorrow! But, either way, I had to share these pieces with you.

First, tribal print is ultra popular this season. The picture above is actually a one-shoulder top, which you will find just as frequently as the tribal print this season. I know, the picture does not do the top justice at all, but, wanted to highlight it! It is super adorable when you try it on! The black bead necklace is super cute with it too!

The pastels are coming on strong this spring in a variety of styles and sihouettes. This purple shirt with tone-on-tone floral embroidery is pure innocence! Lucite jewelry is hotter than ever this season and with it's clear tone can be worn with a variety of items.

Espadrilles are a must-have when it comes to the spring and summer months. It's a perfect shoe to make something a little more dressy, but, still be comfortable too. This hot pink color is to die for!! Beautiful color to compliment navy, khaki, and browns.

Seriously - there are so many amazing items out there for spring right now and so many great boutiques in the Tulsa area - I was having a horrible time trying to narrow down my selection. Too much fun stuff!

Purple Shirt - $60.00 - Little Black Dress/Cherry Street

Lucite Bead Necklace - $45.00 - Little Black Dress/Cherry Street

Hot Pink Espadrilles - $175.00 - Moxie Shoes - moxieshoestulsa.com/Flirt (Utica Square)

Tribal Print One Shoulder Top - $48.00 - Chrome/Cherry Street

Black Bead Necklace - $45.00 - Little Black Dress/Cherry Street

Another Designer Goes Target...

Another designer goes Target...I'm beginning to think that will be the new "slang phrase" in the fashion world..."Going Target"! I mean, wow, more and more big name designers are hitting the mass merchants.

Zac Posen is not the first one to do this. There have been many designers that have gone this route following in the foosteps of the pioneer, Isaac Mizrahi.

This particular line by Zac Posen is extremely trendy and very fun! The dress in the pic, for example, is two dresses in one. The ruffled skirt can come off of the dress and then it becomes more of a straight skirt option. How great is that! Designer fashion at affordable prices with an added bonus! Two dresses in one!

What does the world say? Or, better yet, what do, you, fashionistas have to say to the big name designers hitting the mass merchants? My guess is the answer will come out split. I'm actually split on this particular subject.

The majority of me LOVES the fact that big name designers are bringing their fashions to a more practical level. Why not let the masses of the world have access to the same designer fashions as the societal elite? As well as, who wouldn't love that option with the economy these days. But, the other part of me, the smaller porton, feels like it's taking away the mystique and mystery of a big name designer label. It takes away from the underlying mystery of WHY so many people covet various designers and how they set goals and dreams for owning certainly pieces of their favorite designer. They have to work for it, because of the high end price tag with the big name designers, the true fashionistas will do what it takes to get their hands on those coveted pieces. Now, by being in the mass markets, are you taking some of that away?

I really do love that more designers are offering high fashion items at more affordable prices. It's a fun way to follow the trends without emptying your pocketbook.

What do you think? Are you "for" or "against" big name designers hitting the mass merchant stream?

Who Are You? Say It With A Monogram...

Monograms! They are everywhere and I dont' think they ever go out of style! You see them on bathrobes, towels, sweaters, t-shirts, and even bedding! Remember the days of Laverne and Shirley, she didn't go ANYWHERE without displaying the HUGE "L" on the upper corner of her chest.

I am LOVING this option of monograms. I found these through Little Black Dress (http://www.littleblackdressok.com/). They are divine! Celebrities have been spotted wearing the monogram cluster and the key, the key is huge! If you have not noticed, the key pendant is all over right now. Tiffany is offering them, which means EVERYONE is offering them. So, this is a clever combination of both - the key and the monogram.

Great pieces that make a statement, are individualistic, and just plain perfect to pair with simple tanks, tees, and flowy chiffons for the spring/summer!

So, don't delay....find your monogram necklace today!

100 Years Of Customer Service...

Last week, Miss Jackson's, here, in Tulsa, OK, celebrated their 100th anniversary! 100 years in business! Think about that....that is a LONG time! How many businesses do you know, specifically, a specialty retail store, that has been in business for 100 years? THAT is very impressive!

The original "Miss Jackson" was Nelle Shields Jackson. She was the founder of the specialty retail store that still exists today in Utica Square. According to the Tulsa World article, last Thursday, it simply states that "she wanted to make people's lives more beautiful and enjoyable". What a simple concept!

Nelle took that concept and then took it one step further by offering EXCEPTIONAL customer service. I mean, EXCEPTIONAL! It wasn't just walking into the store and having someone say "May I help you?" It was more than that! It was about creating a culture that it was the "norm" to be treated like royalty, by having a personal shopping assistant within the store. The same person that you would work with EVERY TIME you came into the store. The person that knew your styles and tastes. The person that would call you the minute a garment came in that screamed your name. The person that knew you would LOVE IT before you even saw it! They would, also, take your coat, provide you a place to sit, and offer you something to drink.

Because of the excellent customer service and their pride in offering higher end designer names that aren't offered anywhere else in town, is what has kept them in business for this long. It became a tradition for generations of families to shop at Miss Jackson's. Great-Grandma shops there, Grandma shops there, Mother shops there...you see where I'm going with this! It has continued to live through the cycles of the economy, because of those families. The families that made Miss Jackson's a tradition.

Think about this for a minute, how many stores do you go into today and the store personnel know your name? Or they know your mother's name or grandmother's name? How many even ask you if you need help these days? How many offer you a chair and something to drink while they show you what they have available in the store? What happened to the days of good customer service? Scratch that....what happened to the days of EXCEPTIONAL customer service?

With the economy these days, businesses, specifically retail businesses, come and go on a very regular basis. So, what's the trick to Miss Jackson's? Why, as a specialty retail store, have they been able to stand the test of time?

My belief is this...they cater to their customer. They cater to their clients. It's not about competing with other stores, about the latest and greatest technique and trick, it's about staying true to their customers. They know what works for their customer and they stick with it!

Seems like a very simple concept....but, do you think that is what retail businesses are doing these days? I'd be curious to your thoughts.....

But, I do need to say "HAPPY 100th ANNIVERSARY, MISS JACKSON'S!" You have achieved a feat that most specialty retail stores will never do!

Fashion Worthy Causes...

I LOVE fashion! But, I REALLY LOVE fashion when it is for a good cause! Here are some great events that are coming up that you don't want to miss! Mark your calendars and get your tickets, you don't want to miss out on these awesome events!

Make it a Girlfriend event and support a good cause!

Support Autism Socially
Fashion Show 2010

http://www.sasocially.com/

Thursday, April 8, 2010

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

Taste of Grace Sunday Brunch/Fashion Show/Silent Auction

Sunday, April 25, 2010

12:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Tulsa Historical Society

http://www.gracehospicefoundation.org/

Redbuds and Runways

Saturday, May 8, 2010

7:00-10:00 p.m.

The Ivey (formerly known as Jewel)

www.upwithtrees.org

A New Easter Dress

Retro Inspired Strapless Floral: $49.99 http://www.newport-news.com/

Blue Sheath Dress: $168.00 http://www.anntaylor.com/

Purple Sheath Dress: $198.00 http://www.nordstroms.com/

A childhood memory that I absolutely LOVE were the days of shopping for a new Christmas dress and a new Easter dress. Twice a year, I, specifically, remember getting in the car and heading to the mall with my Mom to locate THE dress for each holiday.

I was like a kid in a candy store running through the aisles of dresses that looked like a huge Easter basket of pinks, blues, and yellows. The ruffles, dotted swiss, crinolines...oh, there were so many choices.

And, it wasn't just the dress. Oh no, we weren't done yet. We still had to pick out the tights, shoes, little white gloves and don't forget the bonnet!

Oh, how fun that was.....

Then, the day! Easter! I couldn't wait to get all dressed up that morning and head to church to see everyone in their new Easter clothes. The church would be filled with a pastel rainbow of color. Little boys in their vests and bowties, girls in their bonnets and dresses, dads in their spring ties, and moms in their suits, spectator heels, and hats to match (their grown-up version of bonnets). Oh, what fun! What fun!

It was a candy filled day in so many ways! Everyone in their Easter candy colors while they inhale their jelly beans! How could you NOT love that!

Gone are the days where everyone follows the Easter dress "ritual", but, that doesn't mean you don't have to let this childhood memory go, have fun with all the Easter worth dresses that are available now!

Don't delay...go get your Easter dress today!

White House Black Market Goes Bridal!

Take a peek at the limited edition bridal gown that White House Black Market is offering right now! Look at that dramatic hemline!

Just another awesome alternative for all the brides out there!

Monday, Markdowns: March 15, 2010

WOW! Did you think I would ever get back to these? So sorry!

Couple quick things I wanted to share this week - locally!

Kate 918, 101st/Yale
Offering some great deals for spring break!
Denim - Buy one, get one at 50% off!
Dresses - Buy one, get one at 50% off!
It's for this week only! March 15-19th.

Little Black Dress
You can now shop online!
You would love the store, if you can make it to cherry street! But, if you can't check out the online site! Don't want to miss out on the awesome fashions that are in store for you!
www.shoplittleblackdressok.com

Okay....Really? Would you let your man wear this?

http://flypaper.bluefly.com/archives/2010/03/should-mens-swim-briefs-be-belted.html

Okay, I couldn't resist posting this when I saw this on one of my favorite blogs today!

One word...WOW!

Would you let your man sport a swimsuit like this on your vacation or this summer?

I know this is a very common "type" of suit that you would see on a European vacation, Mexican vacation or any vacation for that matter (because, I'm guessing that is why they WOULD wear something like this - when they are somewhere that NO ONE knows them!).

I'm not knocking the designer at all! It's Versace, for goodness sake, you CANNOT knock Versace. It's just bewildering to see such fashion and style in a man's BIKINI swimsuit!

To the man or men that wears this suit - MORE POWER TO YOU! You, obviously, have the confidence to back it up!

Just had to share this tidbit of fashion info with everyone, because it caught me off guard today! But, Versace is smart....because now all of us fashion-crazed, trend-seeking shopaholics are all a buzz right now! Free publicity...can't go wrong with that! :)

Go Long...Long....Long....

I LOVE the long necklace trend that has been going on for about a year and still going strong. Cross your fingers that it keeps going....going...and going.....(just like the energizer bunny), because I am LOVING IT!

Here is why I love the long necklace trend. First, ANYONE can wear in accessory. It does not matter what shape or size you are, everyone can wear a necklace! Second, because it is a simple item that can dress up an outfit.

There are so many styles, colors, and lengths that are available right now in long necklaces. Gold, silver, whatever you prefer is out there! Another fave thing of mine with the long necklace trend? LAYERING! I love that you can throw one long necklace on or six of them and it can give you a completely different look. Mix them up too! They don't have to be all matchy-matchy!

So, if you are looking for a quick fix for a tank top, sweater, tshirt or dress...throw on a long necklace! In fact, throw on two or three necklaces! I guarantee the look will be fun and instantly take your outfit to a new level!

So, don't delay...get your long necklaces today!

Before February Comes To An End...

If you haven't been sporting a lot of RED during the month of February, you should be! If not to celebrate the month with the most romantic day of the year, Valentine's Day, than for celebrating your HEART!

February holds the National Wear Red Day to show support against the fight against heart disease! In addition to that day, February is dedicated to a host of events that promote awareness against heart disease/stroke. You will find local campaigns and national campaigns all focused on promoting heart healthy lifestyles.

There are a few days left before month end! There is still time to show your support by wearing RED!

Take care of yourself....take care of your heart!

So, don't delay....wear RED today!

http://www.goredforwomen.org/

Change is upon us....

Hi, Everyone!

Just a quick head's up that stylishstepmom.com will be evolving into stayingstylish.com. You will still be able to find me as "Stylish Stepmom". But, my site will soon be showing subtle changes! I hope you are just as excited as I am for the changes to come! Be patient with me as we work through this transition...hopefully, you won't even notice any big differences! (That's my plan!)

Attention Retailers! I want to get you involved with my site!! Contace me and I would be happy to fill you in!!!

Attention Viewers! I want to make sure I'm giving you what you want to know about it! So, please any and all feedback is helpful!!!

Can't wait to turn this into the "go to" site for your fashion/shopping needs, wants, and desires!

Valentine's Day...Local Style...

Here are some great ideas for Valentine's Day from local Tulsa retailers.

Going out on a date: Check out the strapless dress from Flirt (Utica Square) or this gorgeous jewel tone top from Little Black Dress (Cherry Street)

Gift ideas from TA Lorton (Cherry Street) - Pictured Above:

Ban.do hair accessories - ALL THE RAGE in major markets!

Yummy cookies

Fun bedazzled cell phone covers

Other great ideas:

Spa gift ideas - Spa Luxe (91st and Memorial) is offering some great packages for the romantic holiday!

Lingerie - check out Muse Intimates (Utica Square)

Soaps/bubble Bath - TA Lorton (Cherry Street), Bath & Body Works (Utica Square)

Candy/Cupcakes - Sweet Tooth Candy and Gift Company (3747 S Harvard), Wanda's Cakes (Cherry Street), Kupcakes (71st/Mingo)

Don't delay....Buy your Valentine's Gift local...Today!

Love is in the Air....

O0oh-la-la....Love is in the air!

Valentine's day is drawing near and how are you going to say "I Love You" to your special someone?

Check out these fun Valentine gift ideas:

"Stylish" Chocolates: in a denim jean heart or candy heart boxers. $19.00 each. www.sugarfactory.com

Lovopoly Game: (with your own customized photos) $19.95 - $79.95. http://www.lovopoly.com/

Conversation Hearts Coffe Mug: $14.95. http://www.gifts.com/.

Couple's Table Topics: $24.95. http://www.redenvelope.com/

Cupcakes: $39.95 http://www.redenvelope.com/

Don't delay...Get your Valentine's gift today!

National Wear Red Day - TODAY - Fri, Feb. 5th!

As you're picking out what to wear this morning, only look at the items that are RED. Red! Red! Red! By wearing red today, you will support the American Heart Association with their Go Red For Women campaign.

I'm not going to get into all the specific statistics. It is as simple as this...heart disease is known as "the silent killer". It is amazing how many women die of heart disease every day, every minute, and are totally unaware that they even have a problem. Most women think cancer is the leading killer in women....WRONG! It is heart disease!

So, this is the day, as well as everyday, to show your support! WEAR RED! Tell all the women in your life to support the cause and join the movement of GO RED FOR WOMEN! It could help save another woman's life!

Will you be wearing red today? I will be....

The United States Olympics Team Goes "Designer"!

(Image from the Today Show website/AP)

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35199433/ns/today-countdown_to_vancouver/


On the Today show this morning, they unveiled the outfits to be worn by the United States team for the opening ceremonies. The United States will be going "designer" by sporting outfits by, none other than, Ralph Lauren. The iconic POLO logo can be found on the jacket, which also includes an American Flag on the back of it!

The United States will be opening the games IN STYLE!


I'm curious......do you like the opening ceremony outfit?

Weekly Style Secret: SMILE

I was able to watch some of the Miss America pageant over the weekend. Personally, I LOVE watching pageants for the clothes, especially the evening wear segment.

I was watching Miss Hawaii dance during the talent portion and it mentioned that her favorite accessory is a SMILE. My first reaction was - WHAT?! What a cheesey and "typical" pageant answer.

But, then, I got to thinking. A smile IS an important accessory. Her answer is SO TRUE! If you don't have a smile on your face, you don't have anything. A smile is the best accessory that you can have to finish an outfit.

There are days where you will forget your earrings, the necklace you were planning to wear, or even your belt....but, you will never walk out the door without a smile, if you choose to use it!

SMILE! It's the best accessory anyone can have.....

A Valentine's Gift He Will NEVER Forget...And NEITHER WILL YOU!

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! The most romantic day of the year is upon us in a few weeks! Have you already found the perfect gift for your Valentine? Well, if you haven't, I HAVE the perfect gift!

There is an up and coming trend in the photography world called "boudoir photo shoots". It started in the bridal industry, brides wanting to take a few intimate photos for their soon-to-be hubby as they are getting ready for the wedding, what they could expect AFTER the wedding, or what they may have on UNDER that wedding gown. Do you see where I'm going with this? They end up being these amazing intimate photos and an absolutely unforgettable gift.

So, women, as well as photographers, are taking this one step further by offering "boudoir photo shoots" that is stepping out past the realm of bridal and into the "everday' world". Why not? It's a great opportunity to do something "out of the ordinary" for your companion, a.k.a Valentine, for the upcoming sweetheart holiday, a birthday, or even an anniversary.

The first step: you need a good reputable photographer that has experience in these types of shots. I say that, because a good photographer will take it beyond the sterotype of "trashy lingerie photos" and turn the photos into beautiful works of art! Another reason that you want an experienced photographer for something like this is, they will respect the intimacy level of these photos, do everything they can to make you comfortable, and will let YOU call the shots to what level of comfort you are needing in regards to setting the scene, what you choose to wear, etc. Sure, the photos can be sensual with varying degrees of lingerie, but, have FUN with it too! My hubby loves cake, which is why I did the shot of me eating a cupcake. I did lingerie, but, he also loves cars, so I did a few photos that incorporated that too. Take who you are, think about what your companion loves... mix the two together and you will have some wonderful works of art!

As it's been revealed with this blog, I did a boudoir photo shoot for my husband with a fantastic photographer (in Tulsa) by the name of Jesse Reich. I can't believe I'm "letting the world" know about this. Eeks! But, it was important to share about the feelings and emotions I had from doing something "out of the norm" for me. I have to say, it was the most amazing experience! I had worked with Jesse on some other projects and he was sharing with me this new avenue of business. It started out to be this fun, "out-of-the-box" gift for my hubby's birthday. But, it turned out to be this really great gift for me too.

I know, you are wondering what in the world am I talking about. But, it really was an amazing gift for me too! It gave me a renewed confidence within myself. I scheduled my appointment, picked out my outfits, thought about the type of shots I wanted, and headed to my photo shoot. When I arrived, I was SO NERVOUS! During the first part of the shoot, I thought my heart was going to come right out of my chest. I have done photo shoots before, but, nothing on such an intimate level (especially knowing they were for my hubby). I was FREAKING OUT! But, Jesse was amazing and he calmed me down, respected me, and told me to have fun!

As we turned the music up and I started to relax, I found myself having a ball with it! Knowing they were for my hubby, it gave me this little kick of adrenaline. I can't really explain it, but, I was having so much fun! All of a sudden this air of confidence came over me. I didn't care that my skin is/was not perfect, that the "dimples" on my thighs and bum were shining through, that my teeth were crooked or not glowing white...it didn't matter. None of it mattered! At that moment, I felt like I was the most beautiful woman in the world and I left the studio feeling like I could really "kick some a**"! My apologies on the choice of words, but, it's the only way to describe this level of self-esteem and confidence that had come over me from doing something that I thought I could NEVER do and stepping "out-of-my-box". It was an amazing feeling of confidence that I can't ever really explain in words. I left feeling like I could conquer the world!

This gift that started out for my husband turned out to be a gift for myself. It was a perfect way to surprise him (he was TOTALLY blown away) and I suprised myself too. It is a gift that we will both cherish!

I'm telling you ladies, it's a great way to surprise your Valentine and do something for yourself too. You may be wondering WHY I shared this idea with you? It is a personal one. But, I think it's important to see the "moral" of the story. I walked away with a whole new level of CONFIDENCE that I didn't even know that I had. Style, your own personal style, isn't just about what you put ON your body, it's about how you feel on the inside too. Confidence is HUGE when it comes to personal style! A person's aura is entirely different when you are filled with confidence! Try this, I'm telling you, you won't regret it! And, even if it's not a boudoir photo shoot, every once in awhile, do something that you thought you would NEVER do. When you accomplish it, you will feel so empowered!

So, don't delay....book your boudoir photo shoot for Valentine's today!

http://jessereich.com/xo/

Helping Haiti in Fashion...

Ok, I'm the first one to admit that I'm stealing this information from the infamous Rachel Zoe. Yes, THE Rachel Zoe, the stylist of the stars. WOW, to be working for her!!





Sorry, I'm "stealing" your information, Rachel, but, I felt it was important to share with more people!



Anyway, I saw this on Rachel's blog and had to share, because I think it is an awesome piece of jewelry, as well as for a great cause to support the recovery of Haiti. I will let Rachel tell you more about it. Check it out:

http://http//www.rachelzoe.com/help-haiti-hope#more-2515

Monday Markdowns (On Thursday), January 28,2010

I know, I know, I've totally been slacking on the Monday Markdowns and Weekly Style Secret. I just can't seem to get a grip on 2010. It's racing by ALREADY! But, I am working on ways to help keep me on track, so bear with me!!

Here are some amazing savings that are being offered RIGHT NOW in Tulsa, OK:

Little Black Dress (Cherry street) is offering a great opportunity for facebook lovers to shop thru their facebook page. Kelly at Little Black Dress does a fab job of posting new arrivals on her page. If you love something that you see, but, just can't get to the store, contact her! Let her know what you like, your size, etc., and she will ship it to you FREE for being a facebook friend! How great is that!

Chrome (Cherry street - across from Little Black Dress) is offering some HUGE savings right now! Don't miss out on their text messaging service either. It's a perfect way of finding out about their new arrivals, as well as coupons, special sales, etc., that they may be offering.

J Cole Shoes (Riverside and The Creek) just took additional markdowns on merchandise that was already at great prices. LOTS of 50% off merchandise! Most boots are 33% off and it's a perfect time to buy them, because you can wear them now, as well as they are on track to be popular for spring/summer too!

Baby Bump (Brookside) is offering savings for the expectant mothers. It's a boutique style store (and spa) just for you, pregnant mommies. Plus, there is all kinds of new merchandise coming in like Citizen jeans. Who says that you can't stay stylish while pregnant?!

Kate918 (101st and Yale) is being inundated with all kinds of new merchandise from their LA market trip. They are offering Miss Chic jeans for only $79.00. 30% off on Big Star and Joe's Jeans. Plus, they are a KID FRIENDLY store. To prove that, they offer a "Snow Day Coupon". If the kids are home, because schools are closed, come shopping WITH your kids! Kate918 will provide donuts and juice for the kids and $10 off a $50 purchase for moms. How great is that!

Glass Slipper (Lewis and 81st) is offering HUGE savings that range from 30-75% off on tons of merchandise. Semi-Annual sale going on right now! Plus, perfect "in between season" styles are arriving all the time!

So, Tulsans, out there! Don't delay....go shopping and enjoy these savings today!