I had so much fun filming a style segment with NECN this fall!

I'm not too good at taking self-portraits with my phone, but I want you to check out this Alpaca sweater by Gap. I can't find it online but it's in the stores now for $59. I'll tell you why I love this sweater--it's lightweight but warm, it hits at just the right spot (not too short or too long) and it has a little extra room around the middle (doesn't show muffin top) but it's not baggy. It comes in a few different colors too...

This fall, I treated myself a leather dress from Banana Republic. I initially ordered it online but waited to checkout, and by the time I did, it was gone :(   But I was meant to have this dress...low and behold, a few weeks later there was ONE left in the store in my size for 40% off...yay!!!  I love it because of a few reasons. 1.  It's comfortable!!! When buying leather look for good quality, glove soft leather that moves with you and isn't stiff. This dress is so soft and buttery!  2.  It goes with so many pieces in my closet. From a cardigan to a jacket or "as is", it's a versatile chic piece that I will wear often.  3.  It can be worn for 3 out of 4 season....spring, fall and winter.  4.  I feel GREAT in this dress...chic and stylish!

Belting has become the end-all way to accessorize. Although many stylists encourage their clients to "belt" regardless of their body shape, my philosophy is different. I believe that belting is not for everyone.

So who should belt? If you have a defined waistline (hourglass figure) or if you have a straight "boyish" shape, a belt can accentuate your curves and create an ultra-flattering look.  However if you have extra around the middle or a very round tummy, a belt is going to draw attention to the area that you are most likely trying to camouflage.

Here are some guidelines to follow for adding a belt:

1.  Position is key!  Play around with the belt to find the most flattering spot on your waist. If you are very big chested, do not belt high on the waist as it will make you look even bigger. Most women look best when a belt is hitting the smallest part of their waist (the part of the waist that curves in).

Curvy women should make sure that the belt accentuates the smallest part of their waist.

2.  Layer  Wear a belt on the inside--belt a top or dress and throw a jacket or sweater over it. For women who are "waist conscious" this look can give a slimming effect. 

3.  Choose the width:  If you are petite or short waisted, a very wide belt will shorten your torso. A better choice for you would be a thin or skinny belt. However if you are tall or have a long torso, you can definitely wear the wider styles.

4.  Lengthen  your look.  If you want to get the longest sleekest look,  match the color of your belt to your outfit, but give it visual interest with patent leather, snakeskin or suede.


5.  Bottom line is...only wear a belt if you love the way it looks on you. Otherwise skip it!

Try a wedge instead of a  heel which puts less stress on the front of the foot since the slope is gradual.

Valeli Wedge from Zappos

Isaac Mizrahi NY from Piperlime

                                  

Cole Haan makes a pump with Nike Air Technology designed for comfort