DivaDebbi turns 7!!!

I admit that I am always tickled when I hear that my men friends read DivaDebbi.  Peter Sachse, Macy's Chief for Innovation and Business Devlopment, is a regular, and I am deeply flattered that he finds it relevant.

Two of my friends at Equinox, John and is always trend savvy, stylish son Jack, were asking me just the other day, about my blog and how long I have been writing it....It dawned on my that I probably just hit my 7 year anniversary. Looking back through the archives (available on my front page, by month),  I started writing DivaDebbi in March 9th of 2007.

I'm probably only a hair more tech adept, but along the way, I have met fantastic people, including some powerhouse beauty and fashion bloggers, heard from readers all over the world, created new relationships with many PR, media and marketing partners, earned two Brand Ambassadorship's (RoC and La Peau Skincare), penned a fashion column for a year for WAG Magazine, attended fabulous events, stretched my brain muscles, slathered my face and body with every conceivable lotion and potion and caused my UPS delivery guy a aches and strains along the way.

Its all good and I am ever appreciative of all my loyal readers and partnerships If you will continue to read, I will continue to write.

I thought it would be fun to share my very first blog with you.  As friends have always told me, they "hear my voice" in my writing.  It was interesting for me to reflect on this post and experience the very same thing!

You're the best!

xox and my thanks,

DD

Just Getting Started....

O.K., I have no idea what I am doing yet, not even sure how I will find my own blog again, but gotta give this a whirl...I have been consistently obsessed with all things beauty and fashion related for the last 30 years or so. Happily I have dear friends who can attest to it and fabulous new friends and clients over the years who have all been on the receiving end of my blast emails about my latest discovery that must be purchased pronto. If you will read, I will write...

My first wrinkle creme was Dorothy Grey Night Creme. It came in a lavender jar and I purchased it at age 12. I think even then, it was marketed towards mature skin, but in the spirit of sooner than later, I slathered.

I googled Dorothy Grey and would you believe there are still some 5000 products out there??? I imagine they all have an inch or two of dust on them...scary.

I soon graduated onto pilfering my sister's Clinique 3 Step System nightly (which she will learn about first right here)....ooohhh that fabulous cucumber colored sliding soap dish....As I contemplated taking this on, I mentally went way back and remembered many of my early obsessions...

Yardley Lipsticks, in those adorable orange and pink striped tubes with black scrolls ( I actually found one on ebay)!, Love's Baby Soft and Fresh Lemon Perfumes, Misty Mocha and Misty Lilac Revlon nail polish, Karen Graham of Estee Lauder ad fame, Psssst dry shampoo, Sun In Highlighting spray, Calgon take me away....

So, if any of this rings a bell, I am the girl who thankfully gave up suntanning with Reynolds wrapped double album covers long before I hit my 20's and has learned a thing or two along the way.  I will share all that I try and scour reading, with you, my readers.

My business is fashion, so if you think I will resist writing about Stars on the Red Carpet, I couldn't possibly, not. I am nearly in hives waiting in anticipation of Stars who blow it, despite having the best designer offerings and stylists at their disposal...think Tilda Swinton accepting this year's Academy Award in a Hefty trash bag....

Tilda Swinton

So, I hope you will check in and if you like my blog, share it, put me in your favorites (I would, if I knew how)...

Dish with the Diva anytime....what were some of your earliest, fondest beauty memories and products???

xox,
DD

DivaDebbi Turns 6!

DivaDebbi Turns 6! by divadebbi 

It occurred to me that I just had an Anniversary---DivaDebbi turned 6 years old this month.  I thought it would be fun to re-read my very first blog.  The sentiment of why I created it still rings true to my ears. During this time, some wonderful things have happened:

• My blog has had close to 1,000,000 page views from seven continents 
• DivaDebbi is published by two giant media companies Glam Media and TotalBeauty
• I have reviewed hundreds of skincare and makeup products and have developed great working relationships with many beauty and PR firms.
• I've and written dozens of DivaDebbi Red Carpet Report Cards, critiquing my flips and flops with a dash of snark as well as covering Fashion Week and reviewing shows
• I became a contributing fashion editor for WAG Magazine and Women's Voices for Change.
• I was asked to be a Brand Ambassador for La Peau Skincare and RoC Skincare, who I represent proudly.
•  I was invited to join Fashion Flash, a group of top bloggers who post together weekly to help share our combined monthly page views by 700,000 readers.
• Since joining Polyvore 18 months ago, I have the opportunity to share my fantasy closet with my blog readers and have posted hundreds of fashion sets. I have nearly 11,000 followers and my sets have been viewed over 4 million times. I hope you enjoy them.
• Nearly every day, I share my blog with over 1000 blog subscribers and FaceBook and Twitter users

I'm so appreciative of all your support, friendship, comments, emails and for sharing me with your family and friends. For those who would like to read it, my very first blog is below.

As I said then, I will say again now.  If you will read, I will write.

Happily...

xox,

DD

March 9, 2008

Just Getting Started....

O.K., I have no idea what I am doing yet, not even sure how I will find my own blog again, but gotta give this a whirl...I have been consistently obsessed with all things beauty and fashion related for the last 30 years or so. Happily I have dear friends who can attest to it and fabulous new friends and clients over the years who have all been on the receiving end of my blast emails about my latest discovery that must be purchased pronto. If you will read, I will write...

My first wrinkle creme was Dorothy Grey Night Creme. It came in a lavender jar and I purchased it at age 12. I think even then, it was marketed towards mature skin, but in the spirit of sooner than later, I slathered.

I googled Dorothy Grey and would you believe there are still some 5000 products out there??? I imagine they all have an inch or two of dust on them...scary.

I soon graduated onto pilfering my sister's Clinique 3 Step System nightly (which she will learn about first right here)....ooohhh that fabulous cucumber colored sliding soap dish....As I contemplated taking this on, I mentally went way back and remembered many of my early obsessions...

Yardley Lipsticks, in those adorable orange and pink striped tubes with black scrolls ( I actually found one on ebay)!, Love's Baby Soft and Fresh Lemon Perfumes, Misty Mocha and Misty Lilac Revlon nail polish, Karen Graham of Estee Lauder ad fame, Psssst dry shampoo, Sun In Highlighting spray, Calgon take me away....

So, if any of this rings a bell, I am the girl who thankfully gave up suntanning with Reynolds wrapped double album covers long before I hit my 20's and has learned a thing or two along the way.  I will share all that I try and scour reading, with you, my readers.

My business is fashion, so if you think I will resist writing about Stars on the Red Carpet, I couldn't possibly, not. I am nearly in hives waiting in anticipation of Stars who blow it, despite having the best designer offerings and stylists at their disposal...think Tilda Swinton accepting this year's Academy Award in a Hefty trash bag....

So, I hope you will check in and if you like my blog, share it, put me in your favorites (I would, if I knew how)...

Dish with the Diva anytime....what were some of your earliest, fondest beauty memories and products???

xox,
DD

Travel In Comfort and Style

Photographs by Bob Rozycki

Recently Georgette Gouveia, WAG Magazine's Editor interviewed me for their June issue, "Open Road."  Georgette wanted to know if there was any method to my packing madness.

Fortunately, there is.  Friends who travel with me are always surprised that I'm a light packer.  My husband is amazed at the strides I've made over the years.  He actually went looking for my "other" suitcase on our last vacation...there wasn't one.

Frankly, it's a relief.  Biggest hurdle?  As I told Georgette, "I've given myself permission to repeat outfits".   For more, as well as advice from Personal Image Agency owner Kendra Porter, read on...

There’s a terrific moment in “Pride and Prejudice” – not the one with Keira Knightley but the definitive version with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy – where Maria Lucas (sister of Charlotte, who’s the BFF of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Bennet and wife of the fatuous Mr. Collins, whom Lizzie has rejected even though he’s going to inherit the Bennet estate, which has been entailed away from the female line) packs and repacks her trunk, because she fears it is not up to the Olympian standards of the imperious Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Mr. Darcy’s aunt and Lizzie’s nemesis. Whereupon the self-possessed Lizzie informs Maria (pronounced Mah-RYE-ah) that since it’s her trunk and her dresses, she should pack anyway she wants and no one will ever know.

Way to go, Lizzie. Still, you sympathize with Maria. You plan the perfect vacation. You have your mode of transportation and lodging all lined up. And then you’re almost done in before you even depart by the daunting challenge of what to wear and how to pack it. It’s why some people hate to travel.

We know the feeling. That’s why we asked style gurus and WAG alumnae “Diva” Debbi O’Shea and Kendra Charisse Porter for some tips to help us put our best (sandaled) foot forward:

1. Travel light. As the child of an over-packing mother, Kendra never checks luggage and went all the way to Mexico for a cousin’s wedding with just a carry-on and a book bag. Debbi, too, says, “I’ve given myself permission to repeat outfits. You want to look chic, but you’re not going to be able to take everything with you.” With that in mind, what you wear on travel day is important, because it sets the tone and foundation of your vacation wardrobe. “There are no orphan pieces,” Debbi says.

2. Layer your travel-day look. Debbi likes a light cashmere tank, long jersey cardigan, Ali Ro skinny jeans in a color other than the traditional blue, a lightweight microfiber raincoat that rolls up, a medium-size purse and sturdy Yosi Samra packable flats in a neutral color. Kendra likes to wear the bulkier items that would take up space in her suitcase, traveling in jeans, sneakers, a tank, a button-down shirt, sweater and jeans jacket. (Obviously, the number of layers you wear will depend on the season and destination.) Key for both women – a big scarf that ties the outfit together and can serve as a cover-up, shawl or blanket.

For the guys, the stylists say, same idea. Debbi says a man can’t go wrong in dark-blue boot-cut jeans, a polo shirt, a good-looking travel shoe, a nice belt, a Zegna microfiber zip fleece pullover and a lightweight jacket. Kendra adds that light sports, track or cargo jackets are all good options for them.

3. The carry-on is all that stands between you and disaster. Veterans of the Lost or Misdirected Luggage Wars, Debbi and Kendra swear by their carry-ons. Debbi even recently treated herself to a woven hemp tote with leather trim by Fairchild Baldwin. In general, your carry-on should always contain your valuables and necessities should your checked bag be delayed – jewelry in a jewelry bag, electronics and chargers, overnight toiletries and makeup in TSA-appropriate bottles (look for sample sizes), medication in a multiday pill container you can find in any discount drugstore, a change of underwear and top, nightwear and socks to keep the tootsies warm, dry and clean in any environment.

4. Try the pyramid approach to packing. Having selected a palette of no more than four colors – say white, taupe, navy and black – Debbi and Kendra pack from the heaviest items to the lightest but in different ways.

Debbi, who is checking her suitcase, begins with her beach bag, umbrella and toiletries, contained in those heavy zippered bags that sheets come in, on the bottom. Next go her beige wedge sandals and pewter flat Jack Rogers sandals in cloth sacks. Then in go two pairs of shorts – one white, one bright; three bathing suits; one Calypso St. Barth cover-up; one pair of white jeans; one cardigan (white or taupe); two tanks; two Ts; one V-neck long-sleeve sweater; two pairs of yoga pants; two exercise tops; a neutral clutch; three jersey dresses on one hanger in a dry-cleaning bag; two oversize scarves; two nightgowns in different weights; and a packable hat with tissue in the crown. (No, we didn’t forget the undies. They line the sides of the suitcase.)

Kendra, who is using her carry-on as her suitcase, favors unlined, washable linen pants in white and taupe, corresponding blouses, a linen jacket, sundresses, a nightgown, two bathing suits (in ziplock bags) and a cover-up that can be transformed into a dress, top or towel. To these, Kendra takes the military-style approach, folding and rolling each article. She places her toiletries on the top or side of the bag in a clear cosmetic case so airport security doesn’t have to hunt for them. But doesn’t linen wrinkle? “It will have creases anyway,” Kendra says. “Besides, I’m OK with a little ironing.”

5. And for the guys: Kendra and Debbi favor a pair of dress shoes and something they can be comfortable in – mules, good-looking leather sandals, water shoes; a couple of pairs of shorts; a bathing suit; well-fitting khakis (try olive green and navy, Kendra says); chinos; cargo, convertible or running pants; a dress shirt; some polos and Ts; and a blazer in a garment bag on top.

And don’t forget a tie, guys. You never know what fancy place we’ll wind up in.

For more on Debbi O’Shea, visit divadebbi.com For more on Kendra Charisse Porter, visit kendraporter.com.

xox,
DD

WAG Magazine: Spring Ahead Into the Hottest Fashion Trends

Yigal Azrouel
Available at Richards

SPRING AHEAD INTO THE HOTTEST FASHION TRENDS

Written byDEBBI OSHEA

For March, the WAG Magazine asked me to do a round up of the trends for the season ahead and some advice on how to make this years purchases segue well with what already exists in your closet:

There’s a certain irony to my having written this article on spring fashion as I was making plans to attend Fashion Week to view the fall collections. Spring clothes have just started arriving at Richards, where I am the personal shopper. As Fashion Week proceeded, trends were emerging for fall before women have even considered what they’re purchasing this spring.

Shoppers are often frustrated by a cycle that’s always out of whack. Just now, as we’re experiencing the brunt of winter, you probably couldn’t find a new coat. Along the same vein, good luck trying to replace a pair of white jeans in July. The stores will be fully loaded with, “pre-fall,” which will include plenty of leather, cashmere, fur and yes, velvet. C’est la vie.

How much should seasonal trends influence what you buy each season and do they instantly make everything you bought last year passé? In a nutshell, somewhat and no. For women who love clothes, the desire to shop each season is hardwired. The fact that there are already some great things hanging in the closet, (occasionally with tags still on) is of little consequence. I should know. I’m one of those women.

What I do focus on for myself and for my clients is investing each season in timeless, chic pieces like pencil skirts, sheath dresses, knits from Valentino and Missoni and beautifully cut jackets. Just as important is making sure every piece is tailored impeccably. I promise that it is time and money well spent. When your clothes fit perfectly, they also flatter you.

Where do the trends come into play? Often as the “pops” – a ruffled blouse, printed pants, an embellished sweater or the latest accessories, shoes, handbags or sunglasses. I’m also a huge fan of a great coat. A truly stylish coat is a fabulous purchase. You can wear it often, and everyone will assume that what’s underneath is equally chic. Additionally, you will get to enjoy it for many seasons to come.

What are the top trends for spring 2013? Here is a roundup (from September’s shows):

Black and White – By far, the strongest trend of the season, shown in virtually every designer collection. Stripes, checks, color blocking and windowpane prints were abundant. The easiest way to fake it? Add a bold striped top to a black or white pencil skirt with bright classic Manolo Blahnik pumps. Ladylike is back in a big way.

Ruffles – They adorned many necklines on dresses and blouses, adding a feminine touch.

Vibrant Color – There were head-to-toe looks in cobalt, lime, orange and fuchsia.

Leather – Featherweight skirts, dresses and tops in pastels, whites and brights.

Sheer Delights – Silk chiffon, organza and mousseline were featured in the collections of Akris, Cavalli, Reed Krakoff, Tom Ford, Donna Karan and many others.

Collage – Exquisite pattern mixes and textures. The best were from the great print masters: Etro, Erdem, Peter Pilotto, Cavalli, Pucci and Mary Katrantzou.

Origami – Fabrics were pleated, folded, cut out and slit, often suggesting a Far Eastern influence.

Power Suits – The return to a strong-shouldered, single-breasted pants suit.

The Short Suit – A little sexy and a little retro. Most were shown with oversized blazers, making them a hair more office-friendly for more casual environments.

Bermuda Bound – Wearer-friendly, knee-length, slightly slouch Bermuda shorts were shown all over the runways.

How best to integrate the new trends into your wardrobe? I like to help my clients experiment and push the boundaries of their own comfort zones a bit. But if a trend makes you feel like you’re wearing a costume, it’s better to sit it out.

No need to fret. Next year, it will be long forgotten.

– Debbi O’Shea
www.DivaDebbi.com  www.Divadebbi.polyvore.com

DivaDebbi turns 5!

DivaDebbi turns 5! by divadebbi 

Today marks the DivaDebbi's 5th Birthday!  It's been such a rewarding endeavor and I am so glad I went down this pretty path.

I have met fabulous people, enjoyed emails from readers all over the world, developed great working relationships with other Bloggers as well as P.R. firms, started writing for WAG Magazine, became the Brand Ambassador for La Peau Skincare and have been interviewed for several publications.

I have purchased and sampled hundreds of products and shared my results with you in over 1000 blogs.  I have discovered some amazing finds that I truly believe have helped me turn back the hands of time.

WAG Magazine: Feminine Ideals and Shift Shapes

St. John Gown
Mitchells/Richards

This month, WAG Magazine dedicated their January issue to the "Bombshell". They asked me to 'weigh' in on the subject as it pertains to fashion. Below is a copy of the content:

Swing Shifts by Debbi O'Shea

I find it fascinating that like fashion, ideal body shapes for women seem to change with each decade. (Which one leads, or is it a chicken-and-egg kind of thing?)

In the Victorian era, women of means wore heavily boned corsets in an attempt to show off tiny waists that could be accentuated with extravagant clothes. Small waists were signs of social status. By the time the 1920s roared in, women were reveling in their quest for equal rights, along with the lithe, androgynous bodies and the drop-waist styles that accompanied them.

The 1950s was the decade of the sweatered, cinch-waisted, pencil-skirted bombshell. Voluptuous figures helped catapult Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida into the stratosphere of beauty icons, with the media playing a huge part, as they always have, in promoting the concept of the “ideal” body.

In the ’60s, that ideal again shifted to long limbs and a boyish silhouette, based on the popularity of the English model Twiggy. Such mood swings are enough to make you wonder: Is there any rhyme or reason to what defines the ideal body at any given time?

I think not. Just as one trend ends, another begins, reverting to – or, if you will, moving forward – to its polar opposite, mini to maxi skirts, heroin-chic waifs to supermodels. All of these images pervade our consciousness via fashion magazines and advertising campaigns. Of late, the ever-present images of celebrities, airbrushed to perfection, also command our attention through social media. In turn, women of all ages are under pressure to live up to increasingly unrealistic ideals of attractiveness. Think Victoria’s Secret models.

January WAG Magazine: What Do Stylish Women Wear Relaxing at Home?

• 
  The model sports an outfit from the Vince collection available at Richards in Greenwich and Mitchell's in Westport.

By Debbi O'Shea

When WAG asked me to write about what fashionable women wear when relaxing at home with a good book (or not), my first thought was my own stripped-down, go-to outfit – Lululemon yoga pants and a Majestic T-shirt. What else would there be to write about?

Apparently, plenty. I was fascinated by the array of answers I got when I posed this question to my clients at Richards in Greenwich. I think some of the answers were rooted in tradition and others were trailblazing along the way. The interesting thing was that my clients were still dressing with a purpose, even in their own homes and among family.
Here are some of the responses that I got:

“Now that we are empty-nesters, I feel it’s respectful to my husband to sit down or go out to dinner in whatever attire I wore during the day. I’m still active in the community and I sometimes travel with my art group to the city. He’s working hard all day, very often still in a suit. I want to look pulled together when he gets home, not like I have been lounging while he toils.”

•••

“With four kids, I sometimes feel like my day is just beginning when they get out of school. With sports, homework and staying on top of everyone’s schedule, I am always on the go. Still, I want to look pulled together and fashionable. My new go-to line is Vince. The leggings look chic, but they are incredibly comfortable. Whatever tops and sweaters they make are always just right for the season and the palette usually goes together. I know my girls are proud that their mom looks somewhat cool and I like the fact that I don’t look like I’m trying too hard.”

•••

“We are a very athletic family and I am a bit of a workout fanatic.
Basically, I am always in some form of exercise clothing and that just seems normal to everyone. I’m also not one for a lot of makeup and most of the time I will just pull my hair back in a ponytail. When we get dressed to go out to events, inevitably someone always says, ‘Wow. You clean up well.’ When they were younger, my kids were confused by it. Now they just laugh.”

•••

Lastly, “I’ve always been a jeans, boots and T-shirt or cashmere sweater type. I’m from out west originally and that’s how I grew up. It’s my uniform. My husband is the clotheshorse and I know he would like me to change things up, but what you see is what you get. If he had dreams of changing me, I hope he’s not disappointed. Opposites attract I guess, because we are going on 23 years of happy marriage.”

I’ve always said, “You never know what’s really going on in someone else’s bedroom or bank account.” Evidently, I can include closet to that adage as well.

For more beauty and fashion from DivaDebbi, please visit DivaDebbi.com.

What To Wear Where: Choosing the right party dress

Red Valentino Dress
Available at Richards 203-622-0551

As you know, I am also writing a monthly fashion column for WAG Magazine, a lifestyle magazine that focuses on Westchester and Fairfield Counties. The Editor likes each month to revolve around a theme.

November's  theme was "choices".  I "chose" to fashion that around the conundrums we sometimes face, when we receive invitations with specific attire requests.  I hope you will find some good tips from the trenches.

xox,
DD 

“BLACK TIE OPTIONAL.” I think most women would rather be served with divorce papers than open an invitation and see those three little words.

What exactly does that mean? A floor-length gown, a sequined cocktail dress or your best LBD? And what does that require of your significant other? Should you bring his tux to the cleaners? Or will his best navy suit be appropriate? In a smaller, more rustic venue, say a Vermont inn for a 6 p.m. wedding, would charcoal flannel pants and a navy blazer do?

When it comes to event dressing, most people prefer to have it spelled out. In my experience, Black Tie Optional creates a bit of confusion resulting in a mixed bag of attire. I have also learned not to “assume” anything based on the venue. I’ve been to spectacular, no-expense-spared events that were not black tie. Why? You’ll have to ask the hosts.

What other attire requests spark a shiver of worry? “Festive Attire.” “Sparkling Attire.” “Dazzling Attire.” “Casual Chic.” “Cocktail Attire.” I’ve received them all.

If you are unsure about what you should wear, the best way to find out is to communicate with the hostess. Generally, it is her vision, and attire may well play a part in the theme or mood she is trying to achieve. If you are accepting an invitation, it is your duty as a good guest to heed instructions.

For instance, you have a beautiful, long dress that you have only had occasion to wear once. You receive a Black Tie Optional invitation and are thrilled you will have a chance to wear it again. But after touching base with the hostess, you find out only the bridal party will be wearing long (and so probably will Aunt Esther.) What to do? Wear short.

Or you’re invited to a costume party but hate to dress up. Some people love costume parties. Some people loathe them. Most of us feel extremely silly when we are getting dressed and even sillier on the drive over, dressed as the Cowardly Lion. Ultimately, when everyone arrives, it is a fun-filled night. The one thing you don’t want to do is accept and show up as a “couch potato.” If you can’t embrace the spirit of the event, decline the invitation.

I think it’s always acceptable for the hostess to be a notch more festive than her guests. After all, it’s her special day or night. One thing you don’t want to do is outshine her so it’s always safer to err on the side of something elegant and a little more conservative rather than giving a second outing to something you wore to your own important event.

What about business dinners or 7 p.m. charity events? If you’re coming from work, this would be a perfect night to wear your classic navy wool sheath dress. By day, pair it with boots and a cardigan. By night, change into burgundy suede Jimmy Choo pumps, ditch the cardigan, switch your day bag for an understated clutch and add a touch of bling. Similarly, if you don’t work, this is not the night to wear the short, bare LBD, you wore to your best friend’s 40th birthday party on a SoHo rooftop. You don’t have to wear a pinstripe suit, but your own ensemble should echo what the majority of attendees will be wearing.

I think everyone has had a moment when they looked around and felt like a fish out of water by appearing under- or overdressed. Of the two, I’ll take the latter every time. In a pinch, you can always let it be known that you will be attending “two parties” that night and will be leaving a bit early.

Given the choice, I’d rather appear glamorous than unwitting.

The LBD: One of Life's Necessities

J. Mendel LBD available at Richards of Greenwich

Close your eyes and picture a beautiful woman in a Little Black Dress – the uniform of New York.Chances are you conjure Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the film of the Truman Capote’s classic, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

The iconic opening scene – featuring a pre-dawn, whippet-thin Audrey, dressed in perfectly cut Givenchy, long gloves, dark glasses and a swirling up-do – is seared into our consciousness.

Hepburn/Holly’s LBD is her armor, her art and her artifice.

So what is it about an LBD that demands space in every woman’s closet?

Accessories Before the Fact

Oscar de la Renta Sable poncho available at Richards

Sometimes, after several season of building a stable of timesless classics, it can be time to take a breather from clothing and focus on notching things up with spectacular accessories, that will be worn often and will get many future wears.

 

This month WAG Magazine, asked me to weigh in on how to update a wardrobe with well chosen accessories. Here is my article from September's issue:

How to class up an outfit? Choose a great accessory
People always ask me how I resist the temptations that abound at Richards, working as the store’s personal shopper.

What I have learned is to make thoughtful purchases instead of impulsive ones. Like most women, I reorganize my closets twice a year. I won’t pretend I don’t dread it, but I won’t make a single new purchase until I have decided what I’m keeping and what I am giving away. (Glam Media published my biannual closet cleaning tips this past spring at http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2012/04/divadebbis-suggestion-for-closet.html.) I strongly suggest you follow suit.

Once you have taken fresh stock of your wardrobe, you will be in a better position to see where the holes are. If you are aware of upcoming events, you can also prepare to make purchases for them if necessary. Frequently, my clients email me their event schedules, so I can keep my eyes open for clothes and accessories that will suit their needs. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of adding an Oscar de la Renta fur shrug, a great pair of Jimmy Choos, a new evening bag or a Loro Piana shawl.

In years prior, when the economy slowed down, lipstick sales would spike. Nowadays, accessories’ sales do. According to a recent article in The New York Times Style section (“Accessories Are Hot for Retailers and Fashion Students,” Aug. 9), some women are choosing to invest in new accessories to punch up head-to-toe black outfits and previous purchases, in the hopes no one will notice their recycled ready-to-wear.

I can’t say it’s not a viable plan.

Toto, I'm going to miss you most of all...

Toto, I'm going to miss you most of all... by divadebbi 

This is going to be a very hectic week. Between clients, fashion week and meeting a dead line for my October WAG Magazine article on the iconic Little Black Dress and why we all have five  one in our closet, I'm on overload.  Please bear with me!

While we were away, I only had my I pad, so I wasn't able to create  any Polyvore sets.  By the time I got home I had a bad case of  D.T.'s.  My fingers were literally shaking as I hit the key board.

I ended up creating 6 in a row...Don't ask how long I was parked!  With so many of my friends daughters heading off to study abroad, I created this Polyvore set with them in mind.  Naturally the silver lining is that they have a perfect excuse reason to take a trip Europe.

I'm squeaking this post in, in between my book club and the encore of The Real Housewives of New York.  Gotta run.

xox,
DD

WAG MAGAZINE: Accesories Make the Man

Photo of a gentleman in Zegna courtesy of Richards catalog
 by Sergio Kunajek

I hesitated for about 4 seconds when my editor at WAG Magazine asked me to write an article about Men's Accessories for their August issue.

My forte is women's ready-to-wear, but my roots are in menswear.  Compared to the lightning speed that it takes women's trends to transform our consciousness, men's trends evolve slowly.  It then take a few years to really change the landscape of how they dress.

15 minutes into my research, I knew I was on very solid ground...

                                                    Accessories Make the Man
By Debbi OShea

I thought I landed my dream job when I got out of college. Always outgoing, I imagined a job in human resources would be a perfect fit for me. The fact that I would be working for a world-renowned cosmetic company made it even sweeter.

What I hadn’t anticipated was being buried in the benefits department under piles of health claims. The highlight of my day became spending every nickel I was earning at the “company store” where they provided a generous discount.

It was soon time for a Plan B. I decided to take a second job, working Saturdays in the men’s accessories department at Paul Stuart, the luxe emporium of traditional men’s and women’s clothing. At this time, Barney’s was downtown and Bergdorf’s men’s store had not even been conceived. Basically, Paul Stuart owned Madison Avenue and every day was a party.  After one last visit to the “company store,”  (where I stockpiled a year’s worth of cosmetics), I handed in my resignation and went to work for Paul Stuart full-time.

It was there that I learned about collar and tie widths, how to fold a pocket square, and the difference between an alligator and a crocodile belt. (Alligator tends to be thicker, softer and more symmetrical in pattern).

Years later, I work for Richards of Greenwich, another spectacular retailer, as their women’s personal shopper. Of course from time to time, I still dabble in men’s wear.

Interestingly, almost all the same finishing touches still apply:

Accent on Shimmering

Karolina Kurkova in couture Rachel Zoe

(Reprinted from July's WAG Magazine.  Article by Debbi O'Shea)

It’s always fascinating to see how the worlds of fashion and sports collide. Is it too big a leap to think that the glittering gold of the upcoming London Games was subliminally in the imaginations of designers this past spring? Is it simply a coincidence that the likes of Michael Kors, Miuccia Prada, Karl Lagerfeld and Stella McCartney all caught gold fever at the same moment?

The most important night of fashion each year is not the Academy Awards, despite the fact that the winners actually do get to bring home the gold (or at least, the gold-plated britannium). No, the real night to shine is The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala, chaired by Anna Wintour. This year, for the first time, it was streamed live, to my delight. Believe it or not, there are those of us who value a gleaming bias-cut gown ascending a staircase just as much as we do a reverse 2 1/2 somersault in the pike position.

One of the most celebrated images of that night was Karolina Kurkova in a golden mermaid-style couture gown by Rachel Zoe, topped with a glamorous turban. She looked like a real-live Oscar. It was a breathtaking moment, worthy of its own gold medal in a paired event.

With gold on the red carpet and the runway, it was inevitable for it to trend through the world of accessories this season. Shoes shine, from Lanvin and Gucci gold ballerina flats, to platforms, pumps and sandals by Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik.

Gold clutches are having a huge moment and are particularly beloved by the Brits Sarah Burton, (for Alexander McQueen), Stella McCartney and Anya Hindmarch. They look particularly striking paired with dramatic cuffs by Philipe Audibert and YSL as well as 24k hammered bracelets by goldsmith Gurhan and skinny white jeans.

Not surprisingly, glimmers of gold have also found their way into the beauty collections of Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier, Giorgio Armani, Chanel and Deborah Lippman.

As the world prepares to cheer on its best and brightest at the Summer Games, you’ll have plenty to choose from if you attend any Olympic-themed parties. If not, we can do our part simply by raising a glass of Champagne to the athletes’ achievements. Truly, they are all winners and they do make us proud.

So go, USA. And as the Visa commercial says, Go, World.

Dresses in Bloom

I am very proud to officially be a "Wagger", earning a place in the writers masthead for WAG Magazine .  Each month the Editor creates a theme and the articles regarding, fashion, art, interior design and architecture are centered around it. 

This month was summer gardens.  I was asked to choose floral dresses and show how they might best be worn to parties and celebrations in outdoor gardens.  I couldn't resist throwing in a little dress etiquette as well...wouldn't it be great if the Kardashian sisters took heed?

Dresses in Bloom

By Debbi O’Shea

Is it any wonder that people wait till spring and summer to put their homes on the market? Homes and gardens are never prettier then when lush green lawns, colorful azaleas, plump peonies and thickets of rose bushes enhance them. It's also the perfect time to host celebrations and parties outdoors, from graduations and weddings to birthday and cocktail parties.

If you are hosting, you will probably take equal care with the guest list, food, table arrangements, signature cocktails and attire. As a gracious guest, any specific requests, from “no gifts” to “festive attire” should be adhered to.

If your host has requested a specific type of attire and you are unsure what exactly “cocktail casual” means, by all means feel free to ask him or her to clarify or confer with other friends who will be attending. It's always nicer to err on the side of over- rather than under-dressed.

It’s important to know if you will be standing in grass, on a patio, or in a tent with or without a floor. Let's just say, 90mm Jimmy Choo stilettos are best saved for indoor venues. Pretty patent wedges are a better option for stability, comfort and, if the occasion calls for it, dancing the night away.

Regarding dresses, wearing any of the “terrible toos”– too tight, too bare and too short – may entertain your fellow guests, but will not endear you to your hosts. Here are some looks that would be both pretty and appropriate for garden celebrations this summer: 

She Wears it Well: DivaDebbi interviews Equestrian Heidi Driscoll for WAG Magazine

Equestrian Heidi Driscoll at the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton.

There are certain women who just ooze chic. They are the head turners that make us sigh, with simultaneous envy and approval. No matter what the occasion, they appear cool, confident and crisp. To me, the epitome of chic is Heidi Driscoll, a tall, blonde whippet-thin mother and equestrian, who resides in Riverside.

Heidi often comes into Richards in riding garb, attired in tall boots, light colored jodhpurs and a crisp white shirt with a banded collar. Except for her rosy cheeks, you couldn’t tell if she had just dropped her son off at school or completed two hours of rigorous riding and jumping on her horse, Gridiron, in Bedford.

Over the years, I’ve seen Heidi at various fashion shows, like the Breast Cancer Alliance or Old Bags luncheons. Invariably, she is smartly turned out in a Valentino white sheath dress with matching coat or a cafe-au-lait  Brunello Cucinelli suede shift with piles of gossamer spun wool knotted perfectly around her long neck. I’ve danced next to her at the opulent Renaissance Ball, where she has lit up the tent, quietly dressed in a taffeta Ralph Lauren halter gown, with diamond studs.

Intuitively, I knew Heidi was the self-effacing type. She was surprised that I am such a fan of her style. I asked her if she would let me interview her to shed some light into the world of equestrian dressing. Graciously, she agreed.

When did you first start riding and did you take to it immediately?

“I first started riding when I was 11 years old in Virginia and I fell madly in love with it.”

Were you one of those obsessed teens who spent every spare hour at the stables riding and grooming horses? Did that inevitably lead to traveling to compete in shows?

“I spent every waking moment that I was not in school at the barn. In those days, I traveled mostly to fox hunts all around Virginia and Maryland. Competing avidly on the show circuit came later in life.”

Do you still compete? What do you most enjoy about it?

“I compete as much as I can, at least twice a month. I am very competitive by nature, and at any age, it’s nice to have an outlet for that.”

Are riding clothes strictly perfunctory or do you genuinely enjoy wearing them?

“I love wearing them but only when I am riding or running errands before or after. It helps that they are both functional and attractive.”

Is everything you wear for riding purchased from stores dedicated to equestrian clothing?

“Yes, I only shop at tack shops for my riding clothes. I mainly shop at (Beval Saddlery) in New Canaan or with local vendors at horse shows. (The shopping can be great.) My boots are by a custom boot company called Der Dau. They have great style and I absolutely treasure them.”

Every few years, equestrian styles make their way back into the trends. Two years ago, everyone was walking around with slim pants tucked into riding boots.  Did we just look silly?

“It is a beautiful look, but few people who ride dress that way other than when they are riding.”

Well, that was tactful! We should all take heed. Are there pieces that you wear riding that cross over into your everyday wardrobe? And conversely, is there anything in your everyday wardrobe that could cross over into your riding wear?

“Probably just my belts. When I am not showing, athletic tops from Lululemon work great.”

Obviously I adore your equestrian style. How would you describe your taste? 

“I believe less is more, and I prefer simple, beautifully cut clothing like Valentino and a terrific new up-and-coming young designer, Rubin Singer.”

Tally ho.

xox,

DD