The "Mini Trend": Is Bigger No Longer Better?

While reading the Sun this afternoon, I stumbled upon an intriguing concept emerging from this recession, the “mini trend”.

In an effort to continue marketing to the “recessionista” crowd, the mini trend has emerged as a way of appealing to style junkies whose bank accounts are quickly becoming tapped out.

Instead of purchasing a full outfit that embodies a current trend, those who want to look stylish, but no longer have the cash (or more likely, the credit line to buy a full outfit), may instead buy one item from the trend.

This is hardly a new concept.  As women grow older, they look silly in a head-to-toe trend.  Not to mention, those fashions were not made for our more, shall we say, mature bodies.  So, in order to look hip and young, we buy the “in” belt, shoes or handbag.

But then I got to thinking, is America changing the way we think about ourselves and how we spend our money?  Are we becoming more introspective?

Money magazine has declared “Super Size Is So Over…”  While they are referring to the actual size of things like the Mini Cooper and the decline of “Mc Mansions”, I’m beginning to wonder, are we really changing our opinion that bigger is better?

The king of luxury, Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld was recently quoted in the New York Times as saying:

“This whole crisis is like a big spring housecleaning — both moral and physical… Bling is over. Red carpetry covered with rhinestones is out. I call it ‘the new modesty.’ ”

Could this recession be changing the way we think about ourselves and how we spend money? Or is the downsizing that many of us are experiencing a short lived fad to get us through, until we can go back to our more free spending ways?

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Merry Christmas!

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

These pictures were taken tonight outside this extravagantly decorated house in Royal Oak, MI. 

I didn’t know my husband was taking the photo below, but it gives you a good idea how many decorations this house has.  He has a donation box outside to help pay for the lighting bill.  There was a line up of cars tonight to come look at the lights.

Merry Christmas everyone! -Tanya

Fashion Lesson #27: Par-tay!

It’s that time of year, the ubiquitous holiday party season.  Free flowing Eggnog, family traditions and the of course the stubborn question of what to wear.

Today’s Holiday Party Edition of the Fashion Lesson series will focus on on two looks that will carry you through all your obligatory holiday invitations without breaking the bank.

Most of my selections are on sale and nothing is more than $102. 

The Every Occasion Dress

I found this dress at jcrew.com on sale for only $49.99 (orig. $148)

It’s a perfect day to night dress for multiple body shapes.  Not to mention an excellent choice for the after work holiday party. Really the only shapes I would not advise it for, is the full busted, full arms or possibly a woman with a round bottom.

Take a look at all the pleats in the back.  They are wonderful for women with a flat bottom, but will only add volume to an otherwise ample backside.

For day, wear a blouse under, or a fitted cardigan over the jumper for a sensible business look.  There are endless accessory options from the thin belt and necktie illustrated in the first photo, to several strands of pearls.  If opting for pearls, keep the following in mind: short strands for petites or small busts- it draws the eye up making your face the focal point or long strands for average to taller women. 

If you have a long waist, the waist line on this dress will help to elongate your legs.  Further, pair it with a pair of pointed or peep toed shoes to make your legs look even longer.

If you were one of the shapes mentioned above that would not be flattered by the above dress, I haven’t forgotten about you.

This V neck shirred dress by Evan Picone would be a knock out on you.  The ruching at the waist also draws the eye to the smallest part of your torso, shaving off a few pounds, and who wouldn’t like that?

(I was unable to link a picture in black so click here to see what I am referring to.)

*As a bonus, take this 20% off discount code + free shipping to knock the price down to $79.20 (good thru 12/15)

Now that we have our dress, we need something to jazz up our simple LBD.  The best way to do that is with a little sparkle or a pop of color.  These should do the trick…

 

   

Family Christmas Party- Say no to the “Santa Sweater”

We all know someone who owns one.  The old lady holiday sweater or even worse, her wicked sister, the holiday sweatshirt.

 

[Photo Source]

Unless your family holiday has a holiday sweater requirement, I have a few alternatives to the Christmas sweater that are so chic that you won’t even miss your old holiday standby.  Maybe you will even inspire some loved ones in the process.

 

Apple Shape                 Full Arm

          Long Waist/Pear/Hourglass            Petite

*Coupon Alert:  Here’s a coupon for the silver sequins sweater from Ann Taylor.

Enjoy your merriment in style.  If you have a great holiday party story, be sure to leave a comment!

Also, for those of you who haven’t noticed yet, there is now an “Ask Fashion Sensei” tab at the top of this site to ask me your most pressing Fashion questions.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Be sure to check out the Fashion Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.

Fashion Sensei- ONE HOUR Giveaway!

*UPDATE*

And the winner of our last giveaway is…

Suzie!

Congratulations! You are the winner of the amazing Sekhmet cuff!  Man are you lucky!!!

I will be contacting you soon.

I want to thank everyone who participated in this giveaway, especially those of you who entered each drawing over the course of the day and didn’t win.   I wish I had more prizes.

Be sure to check out the exclusive discounts on the above “Cyber Monday Madness!” post for more great online deals.  While all the giveaways are done, you can get in on a great discount until 11:59 EST.

Thanks again everyone!

Tanya Zager Chisholm

Fashion Sensei, Editor 

 

You are not going to believewhat we have for today’s final Fashion Sensei’s ONE HOUR Giveaway.  Take a look at this…

We will be giving away the Sekhmet cuff!

Product Detail:

Shimmering Sterling Silver frames the delicate crocheted gold in this intricate cuff. 2 inches in width and 6 inches around. Sekhmet is the Egyptian sun Goddess of strength and protection.

Value: $225

How To Enter:

You only have ONE HOUR to enter.

This is our final giveaway today.  Scroll, to the bottom of this post or click HERE to leave us a comment on where you will wear this incredible work of art. You have ONE HOUR submit your comment, before this amazing day is over.  The winner will be chosen at random from all the comments submitted this hour.  So get a move on!   (U.S. residence only)

Keren Peled, started with a vision to create elegant and wearable art, with signature styles that blend European, Mediterranean and Latin American cultural design. 

Inspired by the beautiful works of the ancient Egyptians, Mayans, and Hindus, Keren has also integrated crochet and macrame techniques in the styling of her jewelry.

The incredibly talented designer behind Keren Jewelry, has a “whose who” list of credentials.  She has been featured in many magazines, including InStyle, Wedding Style, Harpers’ Bazaar and many more. Celebrities that have worn her pieces include Alicia Keys, models Nazri from “Project Runway”, CariDee English from “America’s next top model”, Vivica A. Fox, Michelle Williams from Destiny’s Child, Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. 

The collections have participated regularly on the runways of major fashion weeks, in 2006 Keren accessorized the Abaete line at Bryant park at NY fashion week.  Then in 2007, she accessorized the Renee Larc line also in NY fashion week and in 2008, she accessorized the Kelly Nishimoto collection on the LA fashion week runway.

The Line includes a collection of necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and hair accessories.

Didn’t win?  If you would like to buy the Sekhmet cuff shown above, please click here.

*If you haven’t already, be sure to click here for a listing of all of today’s Fashion Sensei “Cyber Monday Madness!” deals.

*Fashion Sensei is not responsible for this prize, the value, shipping, or any possible damage that may occur during delivery.

Fashion Sensei- *BONUS HOUR* Fresh & Green

*UPDATE*

And the winner of the Mr. Ellie Poo giveaway is…

Marian Neely

Congratulations!  I will be contacting you soon.

If you didn’t win this time, don’t be discouraged.  We still have two more fantastic hours to go!  Be sure to check back.

Be sure to check out both the ONE HOUR Web Buster and the ONE HOUR Giveaway!

Be aware that this deal and giveaway is only for ONE HOUR.

Fresh & Green will be offering each of these three Naturally Bamboo Shirts for just $14.99, regularly priced $24- $28.

Use your exclusive Fashion Sensei discount code: WebBuster when making your purchase. (Click on image to buy now.)

Remember, this deal is for only ONE HOUR.  After that, it will be gone!

“Fresh & Green is owned by two women who wanted to create a one stop shop for all your eco-friendly needs.  After a few months of research, Fresh & Green was born.  We have a list of eco standards, and we label each product so you know what makes it different.  We have products for the whole family, including pets to live a non-toxic, environmentally friendly life.” – Sasha Windes, Fresh & Green

 

 

 

Fresh & Green will be giving away this one of a kind “Mr. Ellie Pooh Pachyderm Paper Book”.

Yep….. You guessed it! Paper made out of elephant poo….  What a great gift and conversation piece for your family or friend. They won’t forget this gift, we are sure of it!

These elephant dung paper journals have a craft color appearance with an authentic kittle bark binding. Elephants love eating kittle bark. They are 6″ x 7.5″ with ~60 pages. The items are 100% handmade 75% elephant poo. The paper in each book is naturally textured and acid free.
These elephant dung paper books are great gift items for the elephant lover as well as the journal collector. Great for the little ones too. Quite sturdy.

How To Enter:

To be entered to win, you must leave a comment this hour.

Scroll to the bottom of this post, or click HERE to leave a comment and tell us why you would love to own this fantastic prize. I will refrain from making any pooh jokes.  

Remember, you only have ONE HOUR to leave a comment.  The winner will be chosen at random from those who comment this hour, and will be announced next hour. (U.S. residence only.)

Good Luck!

Mr. Ellie Pooh is a new eco-friendly, innovative company that sells grades of paper made of  75% Sri Lankan elephant dung (Ellie Pooh Paper).  Mostly, elephant orphanages supply their product Pooh, while Maximus makes their exotic paper.

All of their paper products are 100% recycled, 75% Pooh and 100% fun. There are no toxic chemicals used in their paper-making process. Only basic bonding agents such as alum and rosin, along with water soluble salt dyes for coloring are used. No bleach. No Acids. As no alkaline or acid solutions
are introduced during manufacturing, their handmade papers are of an ideal pH value for photography preservation.

How cool is that????

Didn’t win?  To purchase the “Mr. Ellie Pooh Pachyderm Paper Book”, click here.

*If you haven’t already, be sure to click here for a listing of all of today’s Fashion Sensei “Cyber Monday Madness!” deals.

*Fashion Sensei is not responsible for the prize, value, shipping, or potential damage during delivery.

Fashion Sensei- *BONUS HOUR* Jimi™

*UPDATE*

And the winner for the Jimi collection is…

VEGGIEMAMMA!

Congratulations, I will be contacting you soon!

Thank you to everyone who has participated.  Look for more fantastic giveaways and deals today until 5:00 pm EST.

  

Jimi™ is offering an additional 20% off this hour only!  Better get shopping!  This offer only lasts ONE HOUR. Use discount code: WebBuster.

Don’t remember who Jimi™ is?  They’re the cool “green” company that makes “The Wallets For People Who Hate Wallets.” 

Read on to see how you can win a collection from the Jimi store.  But don’t take your chances on being the big winner.  This fabulous 20% off deal will be up before you know it.

  

One lucky winner will receive a Red Jimi™ wallet, a Blue JimiX wallet, a Multi Media Case and a game shell ! Click on the links provided to learn more about your bounty or click here for a Demo.

 

About Jimi™

Our flagship product, Jimi™ wallet is a really handy and stylish way to carry your essentials and cut down on the clutter and bulk of the traditional stodgy old wallet/pocket book. It’s compact, water resistant, and translucent – as much at home in a vintage Chanel clutch, a busy Mom’s diaper bag or being grasped defiantly by a lapdog-toting Diva breezing through security at the airport! As ergonomic and beautifully designed as it is, it’s still only $15, so makes a great stocking stuffer.

Jimi wallet’s also an award winning, recycled/recyclable, made in USA accessory product that’s being sold in more and more places – from the MoMA design store, NYC to boutiques in Tokyo. We’re member #71 of the 1% For The Planet initiative and an approved member of Co-Op America. Jimi was included in the California Design Biennial 2007, and we were recently invited by Bill McDonough’s folk to receive Cradle to Cradle certification. (Click here for more information on Jimi “green” initiatives.)

How To Enter:

You have ONE HOUR to leave a comment! 

Tell me why you could use these fantastic environmentally friendly products or to whom you may give it to this holiday season.  Do you know someone who has a George Costanza wallet?  I think the Jimi™ wallet is just what Santa ordered.

Scroll to the end of this post, or click here to leave a comment.  The winner will be chosen at random from those who have commented this hour and will be announced at the top of the next hour.  (U.S. residents only)

Good Luck!

Be sure to shop the Jimi™ store this holiday season!

 If you haven’t already, be sure to click here for a listing of all of today’s Fashion Sensei “Cyber Monday Madness!” deals.

*Fashion Sensei is not responsible for the prize, value, shipment or condition of the prize upon delivery.

Today Only-Win a $500 Shopping Spree!

Hi guys,  I wanted to give you a heads up on a chance to win a $500 shopping spree from my friends at jbandme.com.

To celebrate the launch of their new site, jbandme.com is hosting a $500.00 Shopping Spree for One Day Only!

Tuesday, November 25 one lucky winner is going to receive a $500 Shopping Spree from jbandme.com.

What a a great way to get yourself outfitted for the holiday party season.  Don’t forget to set up an account and sign up for their e-mail list to receive special deals and promotions, not to mention you can add merchandise to their wishlist option, for your honey who never knows what to get you.

I certainly wouldn’t mind adding this cozy sweater to my wishlist!

Good Luck!

*UPDATE*

TO ENTER TO WIN, MAKE A PURCHASE, CREATE AN ACCOUNT OR SIGN UP FOR THEIR E-NEWS.

 If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Don’t forget to check out the Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.

Psychic Girl Does Fashion

Get ready for some fun!  Fashion Sensei has an exciting opportunity for you!!

Do you have an important meeting coming up?  An interview, special event or just a really hot date?

Fashion Sensei can tell you what is in style and what would suit you, but Psychic Girl Justine Kenzer can go beyond that to see what will bring you even greater success.

Celebrity psychic Justine Kenzer, has read for many A list celebrities including cast members of Friends and Desperate Housewives.  Further, she has been featured in publications such as  The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, Glamour, People and InStyle.

Justine also provided Justine Cho fashion advice on her Vh1 show, The Cho Show on what to wear when she accepted “The Korean of the Year” award.

Here’s how you can get in on the fun.

In an exclusive offer to Fashion Sensei readers, Justine will answer  your most pressing concerns as it relates to what to wear at your next big event.  Should you wear the heels or flats?  Dress or pants?  Only Justine knows which your audience will prefer.

Leave a comment below and your question may be answered next week in an exclusive interview with the Psychic Girl.  Space is limited, so get your questions in quick!

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to SUBSCRIBE via RSS or EMAIL now so you don’t miss a thing!

Don’t forget to check out the Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.

How Cool!

This week the witty and talented writer of Nothing Fancy, nominated me for a Brilliante Weblog Premio Award!

I certainly wouldn’t classify my blog as brilliant, but I hope others find it interesting and informative.

In accepting this nomination, I am to nominate seven blogs that I love.

I encourage you to log on to any and everyone of these thought provoking blogs.

If you are one of the nominated blogs below, you can share the love and nominate seven more blogs that you love.

What Men Think- An insightful look into the mind of a single man and his valuable advice to single women everywhere.  Because of his blog, he recently was offered a full time writing job.  Keep an eye on this guy!

Running With Heels-  THE go-to web magazine for shoe lovers!

Indian Rose Fashionista-  Everyone knows the English Rose, but did you every meet the Indian Rose Fashionista?  This very intelligent Brit of Indian descent, has the goods on what it means to be fabulous!

Authentic Soul-  An incredibly creative and talented photographer, Courtney Jones encourages women to be true to themselves and believing  in being the best you can be.

Fashion Nation- Whether they know it or not, they have served as my on-line mentors in fashion blogging.  These Singaporean girls dish on street style, independent fashion sites and their own lives in fashion.  A must read.

The Ronan James Blog-  A tender and passionate blog dedicated to her autistic son who is a talented artist at the ripe old age of 6.  I salute you!

the function key- I don’t know how she does it, but Kim always seems to find the coolest stuff.  I sincerely hope that she one day is able to open a store.  She certainly has an eye for it!

Keep up the great work everyone and a special thanks to Nothing Fancy for the nomination!

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Don’t forget to check out the Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.

Campaign T-Shirts

I can’t help but notice that there are more campaign t-shirts than ever this election.

I will say up front that I am still undecided at this point, so there is no bias in my selection of shirts for this post.

However, from a fashion standpoint, Obama seems to have the upper hand, with an entire web page of designer campaign t-shirts.

The page is entitled “Runway to Change” and has designers from Alexander Wang to Zac Posen.

(click on images for shopping info)

When I logged on to John McCain’s site, I couldn’t find any love from the fashion designers.  Just these…

The funniest one that I found for the McCain/Palin ticket was this one from Cafe Press.

 

Which shirt do you vote for?

                                                         Gap

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Don’t forget to check out the Sensei Services page for more information on Fashion Consultations in the Metro Detroit area and more.