{DVF gown; Sparkly Soul headband; Versace for H&M necklace; CC Skye earrings; Nicky Hilton ring; Kate Spade clutch; Christian Louboutin shoes}

*****

A black tie affair with nothing to wear!

That’s nearly how I felt this past weekend when I ventured to the good ol’ hometown of NYC for a wedding so fancy and fabulous, it repeated the aisle two step of “that Jonas brother” who got married at the very same venue mere moments (ok, years) earlier. If it’s good enough for a Jonas… it’s good enough for elshane. 

So in my closet I peaked…. I rummaged… I ravaged… I sulked. I found tons and tons of {ain’t fly enough for this fashionista} gorgipants gowns that just didn’t hit the mark. I needed inspiration to recreate these closet woes. And then, shimmering like the popular gal she was, hanging so peacefully, was this long sleeve sequin Diane von Furstenberg snoozefest (turned bombshell) of a gown. Yes! The identical gown that was seen on Giuliana Rancic on Fashion Police’s post-Oscar one-hour special, of course! OK, fine. If it’s good enough for a Rancic…it’s good enough for elshane.

With a few safety pins {Angelina leg alert!} and a strategic loose wrap tie situation, this conservative wrap gown went Rihanna Grammy edition in five minutes flat. Added some Lioness details like jewels, a fony {faux-pony}, and it.all.happened. Would you look at that?

Lesson learned: Something hanging in your closet can be salvaged with an inspiration. With the lingering image of Princess Ri-Ri Rihanna in my head from that unforgettable Grammys night, her “Scarface” Michelle Pfeiffer rendition of music royalty transpired into a Jonas Brothers PG rated hit.

Halloween in March? You can do it, too.

xoxo,

elshane

Sometimes all roads lead back to black.

From the most classic combo in the books, has emerged a new twist…make that Windsor knot… bow tie… collar dude…

So fresh that it’s seen nightly on the likes of {insert mega-scale age odometer here} Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Emma Watson, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, the {so} black {so} white menswear trend can be pulled off at any age!

{Jill Stuart blazer; DVF feather headband; Zara lace top; Marni at H&M sequin collar; H&M shorts; vintage sunnies; Kardashian Kollection for Sears bralette; Nicky Hilton rings; black bow pin (on left sleeve) and fanny pack from Japan; Alaia boots}

****

On a canned soup budget…

Grab your go-to-man’s trusty white collared shirt {oversized tunic style}. Buy a long 1 inch wide black ribbon from a local craft store and tie it in a bow around the neck {dainty detail}. Celebrate the “no pants party” by adding matte black tights to complete the look. Extra artsy? Affix two matching gold rivets to the tails of your bow to polish the tie into a classic Vogue moment!

On this week’s lunch money…

Good thing menswear is so.hot.right.now; it’s available at all of your favorite street-style mall stores like H&M, Zara, GAP, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropology. Check out my {cheap (ha!) as a 1 lb. lobster} H&M shorts (see above) and try to tell me you prefer a warm baked chunk of tail dipped in butter… Well, with these prices, you can actually have both…

On, well… not really on a budget…

Fill that gas tank with “regular” and put the pedal to the splurging metal. Head to luxe-land…Barneys, Saks, Bloomies {Rachel Zoe Collection- check!} and get your splurge on. Best to invest in a classic black and white combo menswear top with a removable bow tie/tie/sash. Why? {two-fer alert, two-fer alert!} That little removable detail will take you a long way…you can pair it back to any other top in your closet!

Lesson learned? Playing around with menswear is almost as fun as men playing around in heels.

xoxo, elshane

Shape-shifters beware: Blazer is a good word…

{DVF blazer; Urban Outfitters lace top; Kate Spade necklace; Lizzie Fortunato Jewels turban; JBrand jeans; Lia Sophia bracelet; Christian Louboutin clutch; Sam Edelman shoes}

*****

In wake of winter slowly passing and spring inching forward, layering is left front and center on any fashion fabu’s to-do list. The problem? It’s hard to make chic head to toe blazer looks when you have been wearing the same abused piece of cloth for the last two seasons. {Suit up, wo-man up, stand up} for investing in key wardrobe items that will create your signature look.

For the budding fashionista, a double breasted blazer has victoriously made her mark as spring’s big ticket item. The look? Think… navy double breasted blazer paired with {mis}matching navy cropped shorts and a tucked casual tee. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Add a bib necklace, a bangle, and swagger-fied gold leather flats. Talk.to.the.hand!

For any body type, try an updated menswear blazer {cheers to Theory for always making the most reliable versions}. This type should sit right at the upper hip and be perfectly tailored to your shoulder shape. Pop that step, confidence in check: Pair with black skinny jeans and a bright chiffon top. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!}. Finish the look with a bold pump and killer-I mean studded- I mean killer handbag.

To all my curvy ladies, a blazer doesn’t have to be so structured! A more “blanketed” blazer resembling an airy, fitted poncho will do the trick and {slim-ify}. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Picture… On fiya LBD to the knee with a blanketed blazer hitting the top of the small of your waist, finishing with a leggy pump…{promotion alert!}

Lastly…for my secret spenders. You know who you are. Scenario: Approaching big city bright lights store straight ahead…“Let me peak through the window….oh, maybe I’ll pop in just to see if they changed their floor around…oh, that’s a new shoe…no, I’m not buying anything today! Oh, wow…that shoe is really cute. Ok, size 8.5 please….can you put these on hold…OK, I’LL TAKE THEM!!!” {Sorry…that was me retracing yesterday’s steps…} Casual Friday came early this week… with the luxe new fabrications of the ultimate casual spring blazer. Linen, silk, and plain ol’ cotton will do the trick, especially for a Sunday {faux -splurge} at street style stores like H&M, Gap, or Old Navy. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Have fun with color and pair back to basic blues or white denim to complete the fresh look.

So there you have it. Looks like we all know what you’ll be doing this weekend…

xoxo, elshane

p.s.- my favorite stores to shop for blazers are Zara, H&M, Theory, Diane von Furstenberg, Forever 21, Helmut Lang, and J. Crew. Happy shopping!

Secret’s out… it’s still February… still cold, still windy… still pale, still dark-rooted…

Oh, the day that I can store my bulky winter coats and release the air around my spring dresses… “still a distant dream,” says the multiple {un-cahooted} Groundhogs…

How confusing, then, is it that pastels have snuck their mellow muted magnificent way onto the racks of our favorite clothing stores? How rude! Or is it?

US Weekly magazine

PASTELS FOR WINTERY~SPRING:

No rules in fashion! Start shopping for those sucklin’ sherbert pastels and get them on your bod pronto! Think…

Creamy Pink cotton cable knit crew neck sweater (hi and thank you, H&M!)…

Winter/NOW: Confident prep’ster never felt so right… With dark denim skinnies and a nude patent pump.

Spring/LATER: With blue tweed shorts and gold flats. The leggy look… fans? J’Lo to Rachel Bilson to Betty White. Ok, reaching…

Baby Blue denim-inspired button down shirt (true denim button downs?///so last year!)…

NOW: Your Baby Blue baby buttoned up tight, tucked in right, a dark denim skinny, and glow all night! Navy blue pumps to stomp.it.out.

LATER: Same outfit alert? Oh yes! Just switch up those dark denim skinnies for classic white jeans and an open toe platform sandal.

Buttery Yellow trousers (open embrace!!: wide, skinny, tall, short)…

NOW: Tough chick, big personality: E-f-f-o-r-t-l-e-s-s. Classic loose white tee. Black leather jacket. Buttery Yellow trouser. Plus, colorful bangle or necklace (orange, pink, or mustard). Did you just tone-on-tone a pastel? No you didn’t! Yes you did!

LATER: This one’s easy. Color block with another pastel on top, of course! Powder green silk tee, casually tucked. Gold gladiator flat. Major smile. Major memories.

Orange Sherbert shoes (do it like Brooklyn Decker and score a tennis-pro hubby, too!)…

NOW: I hear the promotion bellz-a-ringin’. Off to work in a black {Victoria Beckham} sheath dress and Orange Sherbert patent wedges. The shoes just paid for themselves…

LATER: Learn from a style star like Brooklyn Decker {or elshane…cough, cough}. To a dinner date, a wedding, a vacation, and beyond… pastels are born to go on blind dates with other pastels…

(Pastel combo shirt, pink studded pack, and pastel watch from Tokyo, Japan; JBrand jeans; Lenora Dame necklace; Kitson earrings; Robert Rose bangles; Chanel flats)

*****

Oh how I love a two-fer!

xoxo,

elshane

It’s official! Our tans have faded into the memories of last…

Long are the days of summer. In New York, we actually held on for a bit… a few dribbles of sunshine here, a leather jacket day there, a sunglasses splurge to keep the Groundhog… {grounded}… And creepy are the winds and snow… sneaking up on us like this, laughing through the bustle of the trees: Al Roker, we hear you loud and clear! It’s a cold one ahead…

Coats: Investing in the right coats is a vital tool in balancing the classic fashion yin and yang: Aesthetics vs. Utility. Here’s what you {need/must/lust}:

*Fabu/Gori-wear: A coat that is meant to be a timeless {a total moment!}: think ankle length black wool with bow closure, grey tweed double breasted menswear silhouette, chocolate mink with shawl collar {ulti-DIE-moment! (Literally for some?)}.

*Practical-wear: A puffer! For snow, rain, football game, the works. Keep it basic, black, and inexpensive.

*Under-wear: Leather jacket gone winter! Don’t dare retire those fall-favs once the blizzard hits. Leather jackets make great layering pieces under an oversized coat, like a puffer. (Situation: Heading out to your birthday dinner… in the snow? Doctor orders a sleeveless sheath dress with tights, leather jacket, and puffer to peel off the second you enter that restaurant!) E.F.F.O.R.T.L.E.S.S.L.Y E.L.E.G.A.N.T.

(Fur hat from Russia; Sasha Samuel headpiece; DVF dress; Mosley Tribes sunnies; Fur gloves from Paris; TopShop boots)

Accessories: With the abundance of small business shops, D-I-Y craftings, and re-gifted store credits, buying multiple sets of hats, gloves and scarves should never intimidate! Like a fine wine, these quirky extras add personality, long shelf life, and worth to your winter layered look, and they never go out of style. Splurge…on quantity, not quality!

Shoes: Oye! Snow salt? Muddles {muddy puddles, anyone)? Head to the local shoe sale and buy last year’s boots for these slushy days. I prefer a dry and revived chic outfit from head-to-ankle, over a salt-stained couture shoe to complete a head-to-toe look. Plus, if your shoe in this weather doesn’t quite hit the mark compared to your nosy neighbor… just wait until she steps in that sad, sad suede-eating bath… Who’s laughing now?

There’s something so charming and nostalgic about the chills of winter. We always remember where and when that snowstorm hit… let’s also remember the flippin’ fresh n’ fly look we donned…

xoxo,

elshane

There’s something about “a girl’s best friend” that makes us feel so legitimized… taken… sparkled… expensive… whole… sigh… {we’ve made it}! We spend our whole lives searching… testing the waters… trial and error… this one’s good for now… this one’s good forever… {heartbreak} {withdrawl} {empowerment}… and then we find The One, inevitably leading to “a girl’s best friend”…

THE PERFECT PAIR OF SHOES!

Valentino "Rock Stud" heels

{Women’s love affairs with shoes date back, yes, before Carrie Bradshaw’s grandmother was born! Six inch stunners took the form of pointy toe lace up booties in the 1890′s… I imagine walking to my sushi dinner reservation way back then would be tres elegante– a little dirt, pebble, grass path ain’t stoppin’ nobody.}

When I buy a new girl’s best friend, I make so many plans with her. We go out to dinner every night of the week; we hit the bar scene; we join the ladies who lunch; we stroll our favorite shopping streets. Girl’s gotta strut it…

But, too often it’s hard to draw the fine line between lust and must… I lusted for this Valentino pair only after {doing hard time} behind the computer, researching the perfect fit for my not-so-petite-feet. Forever 21 and H&M usually hit the spot for me– I’m talking leopard flats, bejeweled sandals, color-blocked wedges, and of course, the staple black heel– I’ve got ’em all. But this time, I had to turn a blind eye to savings… Must!

And I don’t look back– no regrets! If you put the work into researching what’s right…be it shoes, groceries, schooling, exercise, you’ll inevitably be confident and satisfied with your choices. A random splurge should be celebrated!

And, sometimes, on that fairytale of a morning when everything is as right as that first perfect sip of iced coffee to start your day, a splurge is not really a splurge at all…

Did I mention I bought these at Nordstrom Rack for 65% off?

xoxo,

elshane

(NastyGal sheer top; DVF bralette and shorts; vintage hat; H&M sunnies; Christian Louboutin handbag and boots)

****

Everyday I’m shuffling!

You know that Party Rock video? The uh-mazing wardrobe choices… think drop crotch pink leopard pants, neon printed tees, wide rim glasses and huge Afros… These LMFAO bandmasters grabbed 2012 by the ball drop!

Can’t we all be so lucky? If I hear one more New Year’s Resolution pertaining to caloric intake by way of cheesecake… I might just go Chicken Vindaloo on your thighs. Let’s be creative: touch our inner soul this year with some positive changes for 2012… inspirations that will lead to a beautiful New You. Dr. elshane calls for a Rx of fashion overdose: we’re all trying something new this year!

Here’s a rundown of some fun fashion moments of 2011… you’re not too late! This doc guarantees a hippin’ hop in your step if you try one of these trends:

+ Sheer Genius: Forgo the “cami included” the next time you wear your sheer chiffon blouse. Opt instead for a printed tank or {age appropriately} just a black demi strapless bra. (A demi- style strapless bra gives off a demure note, as opposed to a regular bra = Street Walker!)

+ Tight End: Calling all printed tights! Me? I prefer sheer black with a Swiss dot. Print on print? Of course! Wear your printed tights with a printed dress. Rule? All prints should stay in the same size frame.

+ Metallic Bond: A metallic shoe is the end all, be all, ladies! No excuses. It’s the new basic black.

+ Color Code: Colored denim is the biggest pant trend of 2011. This look works for all ages and all seasons. I love red denim paired with a black leather jacket. Or a cobalt blue jean with a grey sweater and silver kickers. Joe’s Jeans makes 55 colors!

+ Eye Candy: MUST alert! Have you treated-yo-self lately? Fresh frames are oh-so-fly. Stay current in 2012 by updating your eyewear. A thick frame is the only road to fashion acceptance. Square, round, cateye… black, tortoiseshell, colored. There’s a shape and size for each of you. Splurge it up, do it up nice, and leave that narrow rectangular frameless pair on your neighbor’s front stoop.

Party people!

xo,

elshane

(vintage fur vest and belt; DVF dress, bangles, and handbag; Lizzie Fortunato Jewels necklace; TopShop shoes)

****

The bittersweet memories of stepping on our scales in mid- December and weighing in like a champion have since drowned in our sorrows of pumpkin pie and cured-meat-ten-ways. I recently heard a very chilling tale that each holiday season, the average person {I know…we are anything but average} gains two lbs and never looses it! Ten years later, you look back at your boy-sized Jets jersey that you used to wear for Sunday football and, well, it’s been passed down to your boy. Scaaaaary!

In efforts to support the two lb gain each season, for all of the wonderfully delicious and deserving {foodies} out there {me, me!}, there is a way to well-rounded (wink) holiday success! Belts. To cinch or not to cinch? Here’s a guide to hiding and skinnifying that twice baked potato belly button:

{The Skinny}…

Dress n’ Fly: Throw on that A-line dress and fly out the door, not without, of course, a skinny minnie belt in rich embossed leather cinching your waist. Finish the look with a classic pointed pump. Your friends will gasp, “WOW! How do you look so polished and trim,” all while hiding behind their potato sack dresses… Victory!

Back to School: Get your “ladies who lunch” on with a shift dress, cropped cardigan sweater, and skinny minnie belt. Of course, hold on the desert while looking so Vogue-worthy. Anna Wintour-approved.

High Tides: Break out the high-waist, wide-leg trouser this new year! Add a chiffon button down blouse and finish with a skinny minnie trouser belt. Are you there, Diane Keaton? It’s me, your cinched twin.

{The Wide Load}…

Shift Over: Grab that mini shift dress…I see it…peaking out the far back corner…behind your pile of “way too” mom jeans that you still haven’t parted with {cue: Closet Raid article that you didn’t follow!} and yank it back to life. Add an wide waist belt and get your boogie on.

Posh Spice: Have a muy importante business meeting and need to woo away? Add a wide waist belt to a below-the-knee sheath and stomp through the glass-on-dewy-carpet-doors like a true Beckham.

Risky Business: Add style and skinnify your daytime routine in an oversized men’s shirt and a wide belt. With tights and ballet flats, you lead with a win-win in your battle with expired coupons at the grocery store.

Moral? Belt shopping is typically more fun than doing crunches…

xoxo, elshane

(BCBGeneration jumper, necklace (worn as headpiece), belt; DVF bracelets; Nicky Hilton rings; Kelsi Dagger boots)

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My favorite part of New Year’s? Run{way}ing into the party in the same dress as everyone else! Sparkle-o-fun in a wine spritzer!

Who are we kidding here? That is the biggest {party foul} {buzzkill} {Debbie downer} {fashion suicide} in the elshane handbook.

So…the approach to the No-Fail, No-New Year’s-Beige-me, No-Way? A punch!

1. LBD: If your NYE lewk involves an LBD {little black dress}, hurrah, hurrah! How très chic! A punch and a splash is all you need to keep your… photos on Facebook a frequented subject of conversation…

     *A punch? A bauble-y bib necklace in a rich jewel tone will light up your face like a Christmas tree! Try searching for costume jewelry from brands like Dannijo, Kate Spade, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, and J.Crew. *A splash? The weather outside is… flippin’ frightful! Doesn’t mean your overcoat and scarf have to follow suit. Add a faux leopard coat (try Club Monaco, ASOS, DKNY) or a shimmering swirly lollipop of dreams colorful scarf, from Theodora & Callum, Pucci, or Diane von Furstenberg.

2. PASTEL: You heard it straight from elshane! Pastel! No, not shimmery golds and silvers… unless you want to be oh-so-Beige this NYE. Calling all warm, soft, sorbet-inspired Pastels! Take notes from the Spring 2012 runway collections like Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rachel Roy: stretch your bad ankle and leap into 2012 fashion-foot-forward! Orange-Creamsicle-Punch- you glad you heard it here first?

3. X-FACTOR: {Reference my photos above} Are you surprised I chose this look for New Year’s? Probably not, because it’s just so punchy-kewl from head to toe! Spelled Easy E: effortless, extravagant, elegant, e-sexy, this look guarantees all eyes on the prize, all in the most shimmering light! No haters can hate, all lovers can love: a sexy jumpsuit that shows just the right amount of winter white skin, and leaves just enough room for three remaining slices of 2011 cake. (Take an Easy-E jumper home from designers like Robert Rodriguez, BCBG, Tibi, Vince).

So there you have it. New Year, New You, in a punch!

(DVF shirt, scarf vest, pants, luggage; vintage hat; Lia Sophia bracelets and necklace; Christian Louboutin heels)

****

{“When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life”} – Diane von Furstenberg.

Holiday spirits, people! Everyone’s goin-a-packin! Trains, planes, and automobiles…guaranteed you will be part of the mass exodus {“movement of ‘Jah people, oh-oh-oh yea-eah!”} – Bob Marley) this holiday season. For the sun-chasers, Cabo San Lucas? Miami? For the snow-seekers, Aspen? Vail? For the rest of us in this world who don’t follow the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills travel itinerary, Uncle Joe’s house? Down the river?

{“No matter where you’re going, you will surely be a-tow-in”} – elshane. There’s nothing chicer than a shimmery soul in a scrawny suitcase, La Petite Valise.

How to pack your La Petite Valise? {cue unlined paper, colorful pens, and an imagination…} **I’ve substituted clothing for names; see how I pack my weekend La Petite Valise from LA to NY…

FRIDAY  (69°LAà 42° NYC)

Airplane: Jimmy leggings; Kimmy sweater; Shimmy scarf; Winnie flats; Minnie

leather jacket

Dinner with parents: Binny jeans; Spiny chiffon button down; Shimmy scarf;

Winnie flats; Gwinnie fur coat

Out with friends: Binny jeans; Gimmee sequin top; Shimmy scarf; Lynnie killer stilettos; Minnie leather jacket

SATURDAY (38° NYC)      

Business meeting: Timmy harem pants; Spiny chiffon button down; Shimmy

scarf; Lynnie killer stilettos; Gwinnie fur coat

Lunch with old co-workers: same look as above

Dinner with college friends: Flynnie leather pants; Kimmy sweater; Lynnie

killer stilettos; Minnie leather jacket

SUNDAY (43° NYCà 74° LA)

Shopping Soho: Flynnie leather pants; Spiny chiffon button down; Shimmy

scarf; Winnie flats; Gwinnie fur coat

Museum tour: same look as above

Airplane: Timmy harem pants; Kimmy sweater; Winnie flats; new scarf I

purchased while shopping earlier that day; Minnie leather jacket.

Friends, we call this “hanging with Kimmy, Shimmy, Winnie, Minnie; Binny, Spiny, Gwinnie; Gimmee, Lynnie, Timmy and Flynnie.”

Therefore, when you pack a La Petite Valise, you…

ALWAYS HAVE ROOM TO “MAKE NEW FRIENDS”

xo, elshane