I am "Green" with envy these days. It seems that everywhere I look, I am salivating over the gorgeous green hues. I am attracted to this bright fresh color, in everything from art to handbags, but ironically, I don't own anything green. I guess that means it is time to start shopping. What do you think? What color are you drawn to this Spring? I am loving...

This watercolor by Sonia Delaunay painted in 1924 is amazing. So modern and "Chique" for the early 1900's.

These Chrissie Morris shoes are way out of my league, but a girl can always dream, right?  

Again, champagne taste on a beer budget, but this Fendi Daisy Clutch bag is perfection.

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All eyes are on jewelry this fall as this ultimate accessory shares center stage with the latest clothing fashions.  Jewelry animates the wearer and delights the beholder. It also possesses the power to instantaneously transform a somber outfit into a sensational one.  Holobi  DRES System has created jewelry and accessory guidelines for each of the four body types and face shapes: diamond, emerald, sapphire and ruby. The team of Holobi independent stylist consultants will train individuals how to incorporate fabulous fall jewelry trends like the following into their wardrobe:

• Feather’s Unfurled:  Exotic plumes in the form of cascading earrings, choker necklaces and brooches are certain to add “glam” to jeans as well as a LBD.  A feathered pin strategically placed on a lapel or at the waist draws attention to those areas.  Feathers appeal to dramatic dressers who enjoy making a statement with their clothes and accessories as well as Ethnic style personalities who favor a bohemian look. 
• Pendant Power: This 1970’s iconic necklace has morphed into a thoroughly modern style.  Pendants come in all sizes and shapes this season. Designs include delicate filigree leaves, bejeweled Byzantine crosses and glass and bead pendants. Ethnic fashion styles will take to pendants made of natural elements like stone, bone and wood. Antique brass and semi precious stone pendants, on the other hand, inspire the romantics at heart.  Sapphire body types, whose hips are larger than their bust and shoulders, look smashing in bold “statement” pendants that rest at mid chest and highlight the décolleté.  Ruby body types, the opposite of sapphires, can sport longer pendant necklaces, provided that they are small busted. Rubies have broader shoulders and/or a larger bust compared to their narrower hips and thighs.  
• Metal Magic: Brass, silver, hematite and antique gold standout as this season’s most sought after metals. A single strand silver or gold necklace projects timeless elegance for those who prefer a conservative sheath dress or tailored suiting. The multi strand mixed metal designs infuse a pair of jeans and a simple tee-shirt with an edgy vibe, especially those with twisted strands and interwoven beading.  What better way to showcase mixed metals than by wearing an eclectic assortment of bangles or a turquoise cocktail ring set in gold and silver. Assorted stacked bracelets and rings work well on ruby body types because they extend the hip line and showcase the legs. The beauty of mixed metals is that they complement both warm and cool skin tones.
• Welcome Back Chokers:  One just might find a long forgotten choker somewhere in the recesses of a jewelry armoire. This season’s hot style runs the gamut from woven designs with feathers and beads to sleek hammered silver minimalist collars. Chokers bring attention to the face, hair and eyes. They also suit petite women better than many of the popular oversized chunky necklaces. Since chokers rest at the base of the neck, they coexist nicely with a variety of tops including those with shawl collars, turtlenecks, peplum jackets with notched collars and oxford style blouses.  

Frank Sinatra once crooned about “baubles, bangles (and), bright shiny beads” and their power to delight. This season’s array of jewelry options offers women the opportunity to take their personal style to new heights and add extra brilliance to their image.  As the song goes, “sparkles, spangles, your heart will sing….wearin’ baubles, bangles and beads”.

Trying to find a belt that is functional to wear while golfing can be an arduous task.   I had been wearing fabric ones that lay flat but there’s always the question – “What do you do with the flap?”  You know, all the extra belt that’s left over at the end that you inevitably try to contort into a knot to keep it from hanging down and interrupting my swing.

Problem solved with hipsi, the ingenious belt designed by two career women-turned-moms.  Both Alyson Harber and Amy Sirich, the company’s founders, are golfers but the idea began when they started dreaming of a belt to wear with their Seattle soccer mom uniform of t-shirts and jeans.  They created a long list of criteria including no flap, it would lay flat, be invisible under their shirts, and be fashionable.  When they looked and couldn’t find anything, they knew they were onto something.

It took nine months of designing, but their finished product is brilliant.   The buckles come in various colors and designs and are interchangeable.  Your first purchase of $60 is a belt and matching buckle of either “Back in Black” or “Bubbly,” a champagne color.  You can then purchase additional buckles, for $32, each named after a song.  The belt itself is made of superior-grade elastic and doesn’t have a lot of give, so it stays in place.  They come in three sizes AND have bra hooks on the inside so that you can adjust it to go around your waist and your hips.

When I ask them how they came up with the name, Alyson and Amy look at each other and smile.  “It’s a play on words of ‘hip’ and ‘hips,’” Amy explains.  “But it wasn’t our  first choice.  We were getting ready to submit our trademark application for the original name and Victoria’s Secret beat us to it.  So we made this up instead.” “Hipsi fits the company so much better,”  Alyson adds.  I agree.

I tried the belt when I went golfing and it works perfectly.  It doesn’t slip, move around, or have the annoying flap.  And, it looks great.  What more can a girl ask for?

To see the whole collection and buy your favorite, go to hipsiworld.com.

I accessorize artfully and thoughtfully.

Opportunities to express your individuality and creativity present themselves every day. You could invent a new recipe, transform a room by adding touches of color to it, or write in your journal. Fashion provides  another vehicle for self expression. When you wake up each morning, you can decide not only how you want to look, but what image and mood you hope to capture. Do you wish to project a powerful presence for an upcoming business presentation? Are you going for a chic and sophisticated appearance for your vacation to Italy? Dressing with intention and looking your best requires that you have the proper clothing essentials to suit your personality and lifestyle.  Next, you need a host of accessories. Like icing on a cake, accessories are what help you to stand out and look finished. In addition, they are the personal touches that reveal your authentic style. If you have a bohemian streak, you can wear a head scarf and multiple bangle bracelets. On the other hand, a double strand pearl chocker may be exactly the right jewelry choice for your classic and traditional tastes.

Would you like to learn how to “take your outfits from ordinary to extraordinary” and gain the confidence to create a winning look from head to toe? The expert DRES stylists at Holobi are eager to assist you with all of your accessory styling and  personal wardrobe needs.    

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