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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What better time to showcase your personal style than during the holidays. Whether your plans include an annual company party, good cheer with friends, or taking your child to see Santa, you can commemorate every event by wearing clothes that represent who you are and how you want to express yourself.  Perhaps sequins show your dramatic side, or velvet suits your classic sensibilities.   Maybe a ruffled satin blouse brings out your romantic nature. When you dress with intent, you herald each occasion as noteworthy.  You also invest yourself more fully in each moment. 

If you think back on previous holidays, you may very well recall the outfits that you and your loved ones wore on a given year.  Did your mom always wear a favorite rhinestone necklace?  Do the men in your family follow the holiday theme tie tradition?  These little clothing details weave their way into your subconscious, making the remembering of cherished times that much richer.

No matter how you spend the holidays and who you share them with, make lasting memories and enjoy affirming your authentic style. Above all, let your image capture the joy you hold in your heart.

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”.

I stand tall in my clothes.

I strive to maintain good posture because I understand that the way in which I carry myself affects my health and well being. When I stand up straight, I am perfectly aligned from my head to my toes. My spine is supported, there is less stress on my joints and muscles, and my internal organs have enough room to perform optimally.  Like a highly efficient machine, I move gracefully and effortlessly.

When I keep my head straight, pull my shoulders back and open my chest, I command a strong presence in the world.  My straight carriage changes everything about my appearance. I stand out,  look proud and appear more confident. I am stylish and stately in my clothes, which fit as if they were custom made.  People often compliment me on my appearance.

I know that good posture is a habit. When I find myself slouching and shrinking, I know that I can reverse this tendency through awareness and practice. When I pass by a mirror or see my reflection anywhere, I check out my posture and immediately make the corrections that are needed. I also regularly do a quick body scan, especially when I am sitting or standing for long periods of time. If I’m slumping, I focus on what that feels like, and I also experience the reverse sensation of filling out my frame completely. The difference is unmistakable. Every day I choose to stand tall for my spine, my health and ME!

"I have made my peace with bathing suits".

The very thought of going bathing suit shopping, let alone wearing a swimsuit in public, sends most women into a tailspin.  Under those department store florescent lights, with next to nothing on, all of our imperfections are glaringly obvious. When faced with this situation, the impulse might be to put our clothes back on, flee the dressing room, and resign ourselves to wearing the same chlorine ridden swimsuit for another season.  On the other hand, we could stay and face our demons.

So, if you are less than thrilled about wearing a bathing suit on your next beach vacation, then perhaps you will find comfort in being reminded of this: all of us have imperfect bodies, imperfect personalities and imperfect lives. Mare Petras, fitness expert, author and inspirational speaker, cautions us about the pitfalls of pursuing perfection in her book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Swimsuit Shoppers".  A strong proponent of mind-body fitness, Petras advocates striving for balance, “vibrancy, and vitality” rather than perfection. Removing the pressure to be perfect is a critical step towards self acceptance.

We can also make friends with our bodies by developing healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising, eating nutritious food, and managing stress levels. Living in our bodies is a lot like living in our houses. They both require constant upkeep in order for us to fully enjoy residing in them. Unlike home maintenance however, the stakes are much higher if we fail to take proper care of ourselves, and we don't have the option of moving from our bodies. As a veteran of the fitness industry for over thirty years, Mare Petras has her own formula for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Her motto is "K.I.S.S." or "keep it simple, sweetie". All three of her Fitness Simply books are full of common sense techniques, meant to inspire and energize you on the inside and out.  The next time you put on your bathing suit, take some deep breaths, and then call to mind the things you like about your body. Also, do one extra  health enhancing thing each day. Eat a handful of blueberries, take a brisk walk after dinner, or just sit quietly with your eyes closed for a five minutes. Remember to also practice this month's affirmation.