Giveaway - Stella & Dot Necklace

I mentioned awhile back that statement necklaces are going to be front and center this fall, so why not embrace the trend now by entering to win this awesome bloom flower necklace (retails for $69) from Stella & Dot thanks to Stella Stylist, Marlis Kapellusch.

Everything Stella & Dot offers is right on point with accessory trends, and would be great gifts for friends and family.

Stella & Dot works similarly to Pampered Chef and Mary Kay, and is becoming just as popular with all sorts of celebrities and fashion magazines taking notice. If you are interested in buying Stella Dot accessories, make sure to contact Marlis Kapellusch via her Facebook page or website.

Now onto the giveaway....

To enter the contest, you must become a fan of Marlis' Stella & Dot Facebook page and make a comment on your favorite Stella Dot piece. You have until June 22, 2010 (my bday) to enter. The winner will be announced on June 23, 2010. Good luck!

Fashion Inspiration

Here's your sugar rush to make it through the rest of the day! These photos are very inspiring to me. Enjoy!

Style Citations

You may or may not know that I shell out style citations on a weekly basis for the popular Arizona show Sonoran Living on ABC Channel 15. (I really wish they would call it something other than "style citations" because compliments are definitely given along with helpful hints to enhance the outfits in the pictures.)

So, I wanted to take time and offer an opportunity for you to send a photo of an outfit you are unsure of or a photo of what you are thinking of buying. Sometimes you just need a second set of eyes, and I'm happy to help you all navigate the "ins" and "outs" of trends and figure flattering tricks.

If you are interested, go ahead and send your pics to alexandra@avestyles.com. There isn't a deadline. This is just a free flowing opportunity.

Want to see a couple past style citations? See below...

The Girls Step Out in Style

Happy Hour Fashion Hits and Misses

Menswear Monday: The Summer Uniform Part 1

For those of us in warm (or even tropical) climates, the rising mercury presents guys with a challenge.  After a fall whose fashion hallmarks were heavy flannels and military-rugged outerwear,  what can you do in the spring that won’t reduce you to a puddle of sweat and style.  For the next six weeks, we’ll look at essential warm-weather pieces and how to wear them. Week 1:

The Slim Khakis

Look, khakis will never be really, really cool.  Despite the many cool guys who’ve worn them well (Newman, McQueen), they’ll always be synonymous with pleated Dockers for guys our age.  They’re your dad’s pants, just like relaxed fit Levi’s.   But look again at the basics of what khakis are: lightweight, durable, neutral-colored cotton pants that look best when a little rumpled, not pressed.

That works for the summer, doesn’t it?

Now, since you’re not going to wear your dad’s Dockers, what about the new Dockers?  The venerable office-wear pants got an update last year, with new cuts and colors.  Check out the D-1 slim fit, or if you’re rolling, the K-1, a note-perfect reproduction of military uniform khakis like your grandfather wore, with higher quality fabric and fabrication.

Beyond the hallmark brand, J. Crew, Save Khaki, and Club Monaco all have plain-front, narrow (but not skinny) leg khakis in a variety of colors.  Match it up with simple shoes lik Sperry Top-Siders, slip-on Vans, or some colorful Zuriicks, and one of the shirts we’ll discuss later, and you’ve got a perfect slumming on Saturday outfit that can drag into drinks and dinner in the evening without needing to change.

Next week: the only t-shirt you'll ever need.  Really.

-Rob Hays

LIV Designs

 A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about how I had spent some quality time with my mom making lovely bracelets in Sedona. I also mentioned that my mom would be opening her Esty shop shortly and selling these gorgeous braclets. Well, she just launched her site this week, so make sure to check it out. Below is a taste of what you'll find...