Have you ever put on a dress and wondered: “is this a dress or a tunic?” Or tried on a dress from your closet, and thought:”This used to be longer! Did it shrink?” You may still love those pieces, but don’t feel comfortable going that short anymore. Your slip is showing, is a fabulous idea. Pull on a slip with beautiful detail on the bottom, and give a sneak peak. You’ve just reinvented about a ten things in your closet. Now, these slips do not come cheap AT ALL. So, you need to ask yourself how often you think you’ll realistically wear it. The possibilities are endless though. You can mix it up, and throw it under all kinds of skirts and dresses. My favorite is the black and white feather. I don’t think I will pay $300 for it though. I’d probably pay $100, but no more than that. What do you think? How much would you pay for one of these slips? If it were $50-100 would you be more willing?

In 1994, with the ink not yet dry on my diploma, I went pounding the pavement looking for an interim job while I figured out “what I wanted to do with my life”. Having always had a love for fashion and, more importantly, style, I applied for a job at a shoe boutique hoping to get a taste of the retail business. I never suspected I would get the job considering the only experience I had was buying shoes, not really selling them. I interviewed with Tom, one of the store owners. He had an immense amount of energy, and was a little overwhelming at first. I was definitely intrigued by the passion and energy he had for his business. He wasn’t just looking for a warm body to run and get shoes, he wanted someone who could represent , and protect the integrity of his store. I got the job! I learned more about retail from working at this boutique than I ever did working for a retail giant like Saks Fifth Avenue. Customer service is the most important thing to Tom and John. They go out of their way to make a customer happy, and they taught us to do the same. They’re smart enough to know that building a good relationship with the customer will make that customer choose their store before another. It’s more than a machine to them, it’s personal. In these times, that will end up serving them well. That little boutique, which now has a total of 9 stores in New York and Connecticut and a web presence, was Plaza Too. They have just relaunched their Greenwich, CT store and have added some fantastic features and great new products.

When I walked into the store, I was like a kid in candy shop. Where should I look first? The jewelry counter was filled with beautiful pieces by Alexis Bittar, Gerard Yosca, and Kara Ross. Bags were displayed throughout by designers like Mulberry, Treesje, and Beirn. And of course, shoes, shoes, glorious shoes! They’ve added fun accessories from Commes Des Garcons, sunglasses by Thakoon, exquisite scented candles, and beautiful books. Tom and John couldn’t have picked a better time to relaunch the store. With the Holidays around the corner, they will be your “go to” place for awesome gifts. Whatever your price-point, you will find something fabulous at Plaza Too. If you can’t make it to one of their stores, check out their website. You won’t be disappointed! This shout out is more than just a nod to an old employer and fellow entrepreneur, it’s a shout out to my readers - when I find a place with integrity, one you can trust, I will always share it with you. Keep it up guys!

This summer we saw the gladiator platform bootie, and now we welcome the
cut-out! It looks great at the end of a skinny jean, or peeking out from a wide leg pant. If you’re wearing it with a skirt or dress, make sure the outfit doesn’t overpower or fight with the shoe. Remember, this shoe is a focus piece - keep the rest simple. It’s a shoe with character, depth, and is worn by a woman with confidence. So… do you make the cut?

Cut Out Pumps in this observation:

Style seekers around the country have been craving a TOPSHOP presence here in the states, and when it arrives it will be every hipster and boho goddess’s heaven on earth. Until then you should know that H&M is offering an extremely similar fashion palette these days..

H&M has always been known to have inexpensive, on trend designs that won’t last a lifetime, as well as a source that provides ideal pieces for last minute fashion emergencies. We love H&M for that, but the newly vibrant store seems to have woken up from a looong nap with a completely new, and very TOPSHOP-like image. I discovered this when I strolled into H&M not expecting to find anything aside from the overstuffed racks, ill-fitting jeans, polyester sweaters that we love until they pill, basic tee-shirts, and lingerie for those blessed with the Barbie physique. However, I was immediately shocked as I reached for cascading ruffled blouses, fabulously contoured dresses and vests, empire waist coats and oh-so-over the top fabulous sweaters, tees, tanks and tartan high-waist skirts.

People, we have a lot to think about here - where will you be shopping? Take a look at H&M and let us know if you think their current image is similar to their rival’s. While TOPSHOP is offering Americans European styles, online shopping and a Kate Moss line, H&M prices are much lower and stores are located everywhere. What’s your pick? Are you going to hike to Broadway and Broome, stay loyal to our old friend, H&M, or mix it all up like a true fashionista?