online style consult | can you help me with some new styles?

Ms. E recently lost a good amount of weight (100 lbs., YAY!), and asked for my help shopping for a few brand-new outfits. Online Style Consult to the rescue!

With a huge lifestyle change you want to buy clothes that fit, but are likely worried that you will lose more weight and may not be ready to invest in new wardrobe options. But hey, why not? This is the time to celebrate the new body you have and the new frame of mindset that comes with it.

Staying in your old wardrobe will only remind you of where you have been. And mentally, as well as physically, none of that stuff fits anyway.

Shop slowly and choose staples that can grow with you as your wardrobe needs change. I picked a pair of Karen Kane pants for Ms. E that have an elastic back waistband, but are front flat-fitted. I would like these myself as I know I tend to pick up a a gallon or so of water weight every month. They will fit through those changes and will look great too.

Although Ms. E let me know her style is "classic", I picked Chico's animal print blouse in a worry-free travel fabric. Animal prints are the new "neutral". This blouse will carry her through just about any season and will look great with white jeans, black dress pants or leggings.

Ms. E can switch it up by wearing the off-white cowel neck top. This top is deceiving; it is a concealer and it is slimming, and will give her some shape while not being too clingy.

Add a patent leather pump and statement necklace and she is ready to shine.

Each outfit is under $300.

Lifestride Vera Peep Toe Pump (comes in Wide), $53.95
Karen Kane Structured Knit Flare Pant, $52.80
Karen Kane Long Sleeve Front Drape Top, $78
Chico’s Lucy Necklace, $59
Chico’s Loria Earring, $20
Total, not including taxes and shipping, $263.75

Lifestride Vera Peep Toe Pump (comes in Wide), $53.95
Karen Kane Structured Knit Flare Pant, $52.80
Chico’s Travelers Collection Leopard Print Lana Top, $99
Chico’s Leoma Bibb Necklace, $59
Chico’s Dira Hoop Earrings, $20
Total, not including taxes and shipping, $284.75

Would you like an Online Style Consult? Or just have questions? Email me, glenyse at styleosophy dot com.

fabulous friday | january 20 2012

Happy Friday fellow fabulous friday readers!

I really enjoyed doing my very first blog interview with the owners of KaVatee (let me know if you enjoyed it too!). KaVatee is currently offering Styleosophy readers a 20% discount off any Neckalina. Use the code "POP" while making your purchase.

Check me out over on Fab Over Fifty giving my opinion on what's hot and what's not. 

Over on Coco and Creme, we get some new rules for going pantiless. Doing so while attending church is considered a no-no.

I'm really digging this tutorial for making heart-shaped eggs. I'm filing this one away for the Easter holiday.

source: the fancy - dibdab

kavatee and the neckalina | the game changing accessory

Today I want to introduce to you the newest once-monthly feature on styleosophy, emerging styleosophers. It will feature interviews with fashion-forward entrepreneurs and introduce you to new options to add to your wardrobe.

Lovely readers, please feast your eyes on this great accessory, the Neckalina. The Neckalina is a game changer and is "the marriage of a pashmina looking circle scarf and statement necklace. Each Neckalina is made from luscious, cotton modal blend fabric and features a striking necklace that can be worn separately. This one-size fits all, versatile accessory can be worn multiple ways so you can create your own unique look." (Click on any picture to go directly to their website).

It's produced by Katie Fairhurst and Valerie Eidson through their company KaVatee. They have several years of experience in fashion industry and I am absolutely over the rainbow that they decided to grant me an interview.

And guess what ladies, KaVatee is giving you a 20 percent discount off any purchase! Enter "POP" when it's time to purchase. (I know I love that! The Gail Neckalina is on my "gift to myself list!").

Can you tell us some of your difficulties in becoming entrepreneurs?

It is a lot harder than it looks!!!  Fashion Design is not as glamorous as it seems.  It does have it's moments for sure, but there is a lot of BLOOD, SWEAT, and TEARS that are involved!  We both have evolved tremendously and have grown thick skin with everything we have gone through the past 5 years.

We are like sponges, we soak up everything and are still learning everyday!  Some of our major hardships were/are: Nailing down finances, learning the manufacturing process, running a business while still working full time (we are still doing that), getting doors, elevators, car doors, etc. slammed in our faces (for 100 people/contacts we go after 1 will call us back).  However, as much craziness as our business involves....we know KaVatee is our destiny everything we have gone through, we will go through is ALL worth it!  We just love that fact that being an entrepreneur in our opinion means...."sky is the limit."  We are blessed to be able to follow our dream, but we work our BOOTY's off for it!  :) 

How do you intend women to feel when they wear the Neckalina?

Today’s woman is so multi-faceted. Her life is very full and filled with a lot of demands on her time. The Neckalina makes her life easier because this one accessory can take her through her entire day. She can wear the scarf to her morning yoga class, use the necklace for her business lunch, and combine the two for her hot dinner date. She can de-clutter her closet and have one accessory for all of her needs.  We want the KaVatee woman to feel beautiful, but also in control of her life!!!

The Neckalina is our first and flagship creation. We are proud of the countless hours we poured into researching the needs of today's woman to design a beautiful and functional accessory that is new to the market.

The Neckalina is a timeless piece that will be the center of each collection we design. Our goal is to continue to design innovative and versatile accessories that follow in the footsteps of the Neckalina. We will always strive to create products that are high in quality and function.

Which celebrity would you most like to see wear the Neckalina?

We are big fans of Beyonce, Rachel Bilson, Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Viagra, Kelly Ripa, Carrie Underwood........  We see neckalinas in their future SOON!  :)

What is on the horizon for KaVatee?

We are excited for our Spring 2011 and Fall 2012 collections to launch!  Get EXCITED!  We are adding more accessories similar to the neckalina concept!  Due to the success of the Neckalina online, we are getting ready to start approaching boutiques/stores in Feb.  Please contact us for wholesale prices.  (katie@kavatee.com).  We are also excited about some more upcoming press (we have stay hush hush about it until it drops).  Everyday is exciting and it's very entertaining/enjoyable to see what each day brings. 

What's your styleosophy (style + philosophy)?

Our Daily Fashion Philosophy Styleosophy: Find a flattering silhouette for your figure. Keep it clean and classic, and add something to make it pop, make a statement, or get you noticed! Bright Colors, bold textures, statement jewelry and scarves, a striking pattern, etc.

KaVatee’s mission is to design and provide truly unique and versatile women’s accessories. We want to make it easy for today’s woman to make a fashion statement, as we like to say, make it POP!

Any boutiques that are an absolute "must shop at" when we visit Cincinnati?

We love Soho and Snap (now called Kate) boutique in Hyde Park....also, we are obsessed with the NEW LuLu Lemon store in Hyde Park (What a fantastic company).  The new Sloane Boutique downtown, is a fabulous boutique too!  :)

All images were sourced from the KaVatee website. Thanks again to Katie and Val!

*Disclaimer: I worked with Katie and Val on this interview simply because I love the product. I did not receive any compensation, nor was a product given to me for this interview. In fact, I will be using the discount above to get my own Neckalina!