LuckyFABB: Top 5 Big Moments

LuckyFABB: Top 5 Big Moments by theclosetbychristie on polyvore.com

Top Moment #5: Barbie Lunch

Do you remember all of your Barbie adventures from childhood? I do! One minute my Barbie was cruising up the highway in her shiny red convertible heading to the mall and the next moment she was a teacher, a veterinarian, a grocery-store shopper... anything I could imagine! Most importantly, Barbie introduced me to my life-long love of fashion and to a world of imagination and creation. This is why Barbie is considered a pop-culture phenomenon! What was your favorite Barbie? #nostalgia

Top Moment #4: Break-Out Sessions

Day 2 of LuckyFABB was made up of informative break-out sessions. Now, you may be thinking 'boring like school!' But in actuality, these speakers are top-notch experts in the industry and their presentations and discussions were seriously captivating! 

When I first signed up for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) Checklist, I thought for sure it would be a snooze-fest but knew I needed to know more about it. This turned out to be my favorite class! Hosted by Raman Kia- the Executive Director of Integrated Strategy at Conde Nast- he understood how to make this technical topic relatable to the average human; something internet articles weren't able to do for me. And I just have to mention, his visuals were amazing- like nothing I've ever seen! If you're reading this Raman, I'd love to know what program you used to create your presentation!

Top Moment #3: Kate Bosworth On Style & TOPSHOP

Day 1 of LuckyFABB consisted of various style conversations, brand experiences, and panel discussions. Kate Bosworth even came to discuss her personal style with us and Eva Chen, Lucky Magazine's Editor-In-Chief. She was beautiful, completely charming, and had a very kind spirit! You may remember her from her 2002 movie "Blue Crush" (one of my favorites!), but today, she's most known for her fashion and style. She describes her personal style as feminine with masculine silhouettes, but feels the fashion industry is lacking true boyfriend shapes. This desire for more in the fashion world and her love of Topshop is what sparked the idea for her own collaboration line with none other than Topshop! Shop it here: The Collection Starring Kate Bosworth for Topshop.

Top Moment #2: Eva Chen On Kindness & Gratitude

One of the most beautiful people at the conference was Eva Chen, the new Editor-In-Chief of Lucky Magazine. When I say beautiful, I mean she's absolutely stunning on the inside and out. From the moment she stepped out on stage, I was immediately impressed with her relaxed, down-to-earth, humble aura. But one thing she spoke about in particular really resonated with me; the importance of kindness and gratitude.

For a period of time, I was hesitant to pursue a career in the Fashion Industry. There's this preconception that the people in the industry are nothing but pretty snobs and I am not one-of-those-girls. But there's always been this fire inside of me, ambition, and fashion is where my passion truly lies. I had to pursue it if I was ever going to be truly happy and whole. The real truth is that there are snobs everywhere in this world and the majority of the people out there are nice. So when Ms. Chen spoke about kindness and gratitude, all I could do was shake my head YES! In this world, we are all interlaced (ever hear of six degrees of separation?) and we need each other to achieve self actualization.

Remember: Be kind to others. No one wants to be friends with the mean girl! Karma, karma, karma! Show gratitude; it goes a long way! Always send 'thank you' notes.

Top Moment #1: Eva Mendes: Impromptu Style

From the moment Eva Mendes walked on stage, she was full of life and energy! She was vibrant and truly beautiful, as one would expect. But the most important item of note is that she was a really nice person. She has a big personality and an even bigger heart! Ms. Mendes was also a ton of fun to watch and listen to! There was a real moment, my #1 BIG moment, where she gave us a tutorial on tying a scarf into a headband. This was literally an on-the-spot, completely unplanned and spontaneous moment because she borrowed a blogger's scarf to demonstrate! Did I mention she didn't use a mirror?

Shop her new collaboration line- Eva Mendes Collection- Exclusively at New York & Company

LuckyFABB: Founders' Series with Jess Lee of Polyvore

The highlight of the entire LuckyFABB event for me personally was the Founders' Series with Jess Lee, the CEO and co-founder of Polyvore. Now, I'm sure most of you are familiar with Polyvore but for those that aren't- Polyvore began as a fashion-focused website used for creating collages, or sets, which are essentially virtual outfits. It has now become a major shopping tool, in addition to a one-stop interactive experience for all things fashion, art, beauty, and more recently, home decor. But Polyvore is even more than just that... it's a positive social community! The company culture at Polyvore is a fun, creative, and supportive work environment and this definitely trickles down to the website community. I have interactions with users all over the world on a daily basis and everyone is so kind and supportive!

At LuckyFABB, Jess told her story of tenacity and passion. While working at Google, Jess heard about a mutual friend that started Polyvore with two other guys. She became an early user and quickly fell in love with the website! After sending suggestion after suggestion and exhibiting a huge amount of passion for the product, they invited her on-board as a co-founder and she worked her way up to CEO of the company. The most inspiring aspect of Jess' story is that she took a leap of faith and followed what she was passionate about. She was persistent and it paid off!

Polyvore has played a pivotal role in my life, too! I've been an active member of the Polyvore community for over four years and actually discovered it by mistake. I was bored so I typed a few words into a Google search and there it was- Polyvore! From that moment on, I became totally enthralled with the website! I quickly went from creating collages to winning contests. With practice, I began to really learn what my unique style is. It emphasized that fashion is my path in life! After years of wanting to start my own fashion blog, I finally was confident enough to launch it this January with the help of Polyvore!

Not only did Polyvore help me in finding my personal style and confidence, but it physically is a huge part of my fashion blog. The majority of my visuals are created by myself using the Polyvore mini-editor and then I upload it to my blog, where I write commentary and how-to-style-guides on each highlighted trend or style. I can even upload multiple photos in a flip-book style, similar to what can be found on a popular fashion magazine's website like Lucky Magazine! This gives my blog a clean, professional look.

A special thanks to Jess Lee for taking the time to meet me in person at LuckyFABB, answer my questions, and favorite my tweets! And an even bigger thank you for your tenacity during the early days of Polyvore- without you, I wouldn't be where I am!

Eva Chen, Lucky Magazine's Editor-In-Chief, interviews 

Jess Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of Polyvore, at LuckyFABB

Pop-Culture Corner: Nothing's Perfect

Me with my gorgeous new Galian handbag (for more product detail: Galian Classy Tote)

With the rise of body image issues in America, we're becoming accustomed to hearing "nobody's perfect" as a mantra for positive self-worth and confidence. But America's obsession with perfection doesn't stop here! We're also obsessed with things and moments being perfect. Too often I hear "this party has to be perfect... it only happens once a year!" or "I have to work on this painting until it's flawless." But the truth is- nothing's perfect! When we get caught up in the quest for perfection, we fail to see the moment for what it really is and in some cases, sabotage the moment. What ever happened to going with the flow?

I experienced this personally my very first day of LuckyFABB! I was so distracted by the excitement of the event and it going well. For the past month, every time my clock hit 11:11 I sent out good vibes for it to go well (can you tell I'm into numerology?). All I wanted was a great day! But within the first 2 minutes of my arrival (no kidding!), the worst thing happened. I had a major accessory malfunction- my tote strap snapped! It really threw off my confidence and comfort because it was awkward to carry with only one working strap. Unwilling to allow this disaster to ruin my much anticipated day, I learned the most valuable lesson- just go with it! 

You heard it-- instead of crawling up into a ball of self-pity, I put my best shoe forward and carried on. And you'll never guess what happened next! During a break, I was enjoying the All Access Gifting Suite and found a life savor; the Galian handbag vendor table! I was able to choose a beautiful color blocked leather tote compliments of Galian and Lucky Magazine. This gave me the chance to enter Day 2 of the conference in style with a gorgeous new bag that wasn't broken. What a relief!

Have you experienced the transformation of an imperfect moment due to your positive attitude? I would love to hear about your just go with it moment! Tweet me (@theclosetbycee) using the hashtag #justgowithit.

                                                    #justgowithit by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

LuckyFABB + Paul Mitchell Pre-Event: Supermodel Status

Before I head to any special event, I make sure to schedule plenty of extra time for primping and more-than-my-standard grooming. I might make a hair appointment to trim off those almost dead ends, or get a manicure and pay extra for the longer lasting nail polish. That being said-- what better way to kick-start LuckyFABB than with a primping party (great idea, Fabb Staff)! The evening before LuckyFABB, the FABB Staff planned two pre-events: a Dry Styling Soiree hosted by Paul Mitchell and a Lip Makeover Event hosted by Jane Iredale!

I made it to the Paul Mitchell dry styling event and it was fabulous! There's nothing more feminine than the combination of cocktails, light bites, and hair styling in a gorgeous salon like the Paul Mitchell Raika Studio (on W. 35th Street in NYC). There was a menu with styling suggestions, each customizable. I had the pleasure of getting my hair styled by Nelli, who made the event so much fun and styled me like a supermodel! She did loose, beach-like curls by setting it with the Paul Mitchell Dry Wash and finished with the Paul Mitchell Stay Strong hairspray. I left the studio feeling like a million bucks!

And as if all of that wasn't amazing enough... I left with a gift bag, filled with Lucky Magazine's November 2013 issue and samples of the Paul Mitchell products that made me feel fabulous.

Thank you Lucky Magazine, FABB Staff, and Paul Mitchell Raika Studio!

YOU Style! Menswear Inspired Fabrics

Menswear Inspired Fabrics Contest Winners! by theclosetbychristie on polyvore.com

A few weeks ago, I showed you how to style my favorite Menswear-Inspired Fabrics (see previous post: Menswear Inspired Fabrics), which included looks featuring wool, herringbone, tweed, and leather. I challenged the always fashionable members of my Polyvore group 'What's In Your Closet?' to style their favorite Menswear-Inspired Fabric! The results were astounding! We ended up with over 60 entries, so that means that our winners are extraordinary!

The above photo carousel (click 'right' arrow to see more) displays the top 3 winners of the contest. Each of these ladies accepted my style challenge and produced classic, yet modern takes on the hot trend.

Congratulate my winners by following their Polyvore profiles: @danahz, @spherus, and @mommygerloff!

The Closet by Christie @ LuckyFABB

The Closet by Christie @ LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

I'm excited to announce that I'm currently away at LuckyFABB, the Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference hosted by Lucky Magazine! Now, here's the best part... as my loyal reader, you have been granted front row seats to this exclusive event.

For LIVE as-it-happens coverage of my travels and the 2-day event:

Instagram

Twitter

Check back here all next week for exclusive week-long coverage of my #LuckyFABB experience! Stay tuned! You won't see this anywhere else!

Countdown to LuckyFABB: Sneak-Peek @ Day 3 Look

1 Day to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Only 1 day away from LuckyFABB! I cannot express my excitement in words! Here's a final exclusive sneak-peek into my personal lookbook! On Friday, the last day of LuckyFABB, I'll be attending a fantastic networking event at the Conde Nast offices. From a young age, I've always been a fan of the glossy fashion magazines and aspire for a career in editorial fashion. That being said, this last event is really special for me so I've planned this look to exemplify my personal style even more than the previous looks.

Here's a look at what I'll be wearing for this last event!

1- Kensie floral dress in metallic silver, navy, and cobalt, Macy's

2- The Limited black blazer, The Limited

3- Mossimo navy textured envelope purse, Target

4- LC Lauren Conrad black patent leather bow loafers, Kohls

5- White House Black Market silver crystal earrings, White House Black Market (not pictured)

6- White House Black Market black elongated bow belt, White House Black Market (not pictured)

Countdown to LuckyFABB: Sneak-Peek @ Day 2 Look

2 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Only 2 days until LuckyFABB! Here's an exclusive sneak-peek into my personal lookbook! Thursday kicks off the actual conference! The day is filled with discussions hosted by fashion superstars, like Kate Bosworth, Eva Mendes, and Lucky Magazine Editor-In-Chief, Eva Chen... just to name a few! 

Here's a look at what I'll be wearing for this event!

1- Michael Kors graphic print silk poncho, Macy's
2- Elle grey skinny trouser pants, Kohls
3- Jennifer Lopez large metallic tote, Kohls
4- Cole Haan grey patent leather pumps, Nordstrom
5- Jennifer Lopez gold tassel necklace, Kohls
6- Jennifer Lopez gold diamond earrings, Kohls

Countdown to LuckyFABB: Sneak-Peek @ Day 1 Look

3 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

We're just 3 days away from LuckyFABB! Here's an exclusive sneak-peek into my personal lookbook! On Wednesday, I'll be attending a fabulous pre-event; a soiree hosted by Paul Mitchell, where I'll receive complimentary dry hair styling. There's nothing like primping before a big event! Can't wait!

Here's a look at what I'll be wearing for this first event!

1- Michael Kors cobalt window-pane print silk blouse, Macy's
2- Phillip Lim for Target navy a-line skirt, Target
3- Mossimo navy textured envelope purse, Target
4- White House Black Market black floral belt, White House Black Market
5- Rock & Republic black studded loafers, Kohls
6- White House Black Market silver ombre necklace, White House Black Market

Countdown to LuckyFABB: 3 Must-Know Tips for Packing & Traveling

4 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

It's never easy getting ready for the day in a place that's not your own home. It's even harder to remember every little thing you may need! What if you forget something really important? How can I ensure that everything makes it there in one piece? There's a few things you can do to be as prepared as possible when packing and traveling. I am anything but an expert luggage packer, but these are the guidelines that I'm going to follow when packing for LuckyFABB this week!

1- Make a list! Lists are a huge part of my life. I make a list for everything; whether it be groceries or daily errands, I need a list! The truth of the matter is.. I can't remember everything at all times. And I don't want to deal with the pressure of doing so. After all, I am only human! A list helps me to free my mind of unnecessary clutter so I can use it for more important things.. like what my next blog post will be!

2- Be wise! Think ahead and try to anticipate possible problems you could run into while traveling. Now, we don't need to get too crazy over this because realistically, we can't predict the future. However, bringing a few 'just in case' items is always a great idea. A few examples are Tide to-go, safety pins, and a mini sewing kit. My personal favorite is Downey wrinkle release; who has time to iron?

3- Bag it up! My suitcase always ends up looking like bags inside of bags inside of bags. But hey, there's method to my madness! Different sized Ziploc bags can be really useful when traveling to prevent your items from getting messy. I always put hair and face products in separate Ziploc freezer bags to prevent spills. Then I put each necklace in a separate snack-sized Ziploc bag to prevent them from ending up in a big knot. This keeps all of my items in tip-top shape while traveling!

What guidelines do you follow when packing for a trip? Leave a comment with your advice!

Countdown to LuckyFABB: 3 Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd!

5 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

So you're going to LuckyFABB, but how can you stand out in the sea of fashionistas? You want to be the Belle of the Ball, but what happens when there's a Belle at every turn? Part of what defines me in my real life is being fashionable. I'm accustomed to being Miss Style, but when you're attending an event where fashion is everyone's 'thing' it's natural to feel a little intimidated. Don't let it get you down.. use that feeling to push yourself to shine even brighter! 

Here's a few tips on standing out from the crowd!

1- Work the room! You want to make great quality connections, but at this type of event quantity is key. It is much easier to build rapport when you're face to face. Use that to your advantage by connecting with as many people as possible. It may feel safer to be at the side of just one or two people, but bravery will really pay off. You can build on all of your new relationships later!

2- Make a statement! Fashion is an important form of nonverbal communication. Show that you're special by wearing something eye-catching! Whether it be a bold style or a fierce color, choose something that's uniquely you. Think 'conversation-starter!'

3- Express your difference! When you approach someone, you get just 30 seconds to make that first impression and express who you are and what you do. The problem is that when you go to a specialized event, like LuckyFABB, everyone is a fashion blogger. It's no longer unique! It's much more memorable if you say 'I'm Christie and my niche is how to's on wearing trends at the office.' Find what makes your blog different and use that as leverage to make that first impression a lasting one! 

What will you do to stand out at LuckyFABB? Leave a comment with your advice!

Countdown to LuckyFABB: What To Wear

6 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

"What should I wear" is the first thing that comes to mind when I'm preparing to attend a big event! As I'm gearing up for LuckyFABB, the same question is running through my mind. There's a certain pressure that comes with planning for an event or holiday because it's not just another day; it only happens once! It can be especially intimidating when you know you'll be in a room full of fashionistas. You want to look your best! You want to stand out!

Part of my creative process when styling myself for a big event is thinking, thinking, thinking until the light-bulb goes off! I spend some time wondering what I'll wear and then it just comes to me... like an ah-ha moment. The biggest challenge then is finding what I've imagined in the store. 9 times out of 10 I find a variation on what I had imagined, but sometimes the look completely changes when I hit the stores.

The most important things to consider when planning your look is:

1- Be you! You want to choose something that captures the essence of who you are. Everyone has a unique style. It's easy to get lost in the trends, but try to incorporate pieces of your signature style too. For me, it's bows, ruffles, and femininity!

2- It has to feel great! You may love how something looks on a hanger but when you put it on, you should feel amazing. You want to look in that mirror and think 'wow!' If you know you look good and you feel good, that confidence will radiate and make you look even better. You'll shine!

3- Comfort is key! I'm not one of those girls that can suffer through the pain. I value comfort! If I'm uncomfortable, it will show all over my face. Although it may be hard to believe, you truly can be comfortable and fashionable. If you're tugging and re-positioning the whole time, you'll lose that confidence. And you won't be able to enjoy the moment to its fullest because you'll be distracted!

What's your creative process when styling an important look? Leave a comment with your advice!

YOU Style! Must-Have Fall Prints

Must-Have Fall Prints Contest Winners! by theclosetbychristie on polyvore.com

Last week, I showed you how to style my favorite Must-Have Fall Prints (see previous post: Must-Have Fall Prints), which included looks featuring plaid, houndstooth, kaleidoscope, and floral. I challenged the always fashionable members of my Polyvore group 'What's In Your Closet?' to style their favorite Must-Have Fall Prints! The results were astounding! We ended up with over 90 entries, so that means that our winners were the true cream of the crop.

The above photo carousel (click 'right' arrow to see more) displays the top 3 winners of the contest. Each of these ladies accepted my style challenge and produced classic, yet modern takes on the hot trend.

Congratulate my winners by following their Polyvore profiles: @kginger, @yasminasdream, and @brendariley-1!

Countdown to LuckyFABB: It Counts to be Organized!

7 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Organization is essential for success! If you're disorganized, you may miss an appointment or an important deadline... or even worse, live with a chaotic mind. For me personally, being organized helps to ease nerves and anxiety. When you're planning a trip or an event, you want things to go well! By being a diligent organizer, you can control the controllable. This will help to ensure there are as few hiccups as possible and it gives you the clear mind to deal with the uncontrollable things life may throw at you.

As I'm preparing to attend a big event like LuckyFABB, it feels good to know that I'm doing what I can to ensure things go smoothly. There's so much to think about; hotel arrangements, traveling, event times and locations!

Here's a few things I'm doing to organize my trip:

1- Keep It All In One Place: It can seem pretty chaotic when things you need are in multiple places. If your nerves are high or you're feeling the pressure, you may not be able to quickly find what you need when you need it. This can cause even more anxiety! I like to use plastic expandable portfolios. These have numerous pockets, so if you're traveling with paperwork, receipts, or tickets you can organize each item so it's easy and quick to find.

2- Use Technology: We all have it; technology! These days most people have smartphones and/or tablets. There are so many useful apps on my iPhone! To stay organized, I like to use the calendar and notes apps. The calendar is great for organizing your schedule and location. I already have mine loaded with each event, times, and addresses. The notes are great for itinerary details, such as train schedules and hotel information.

3- Research In Advance: Search the internet, make phone calls, ask questions! If you're traveling- you can go for a test drive, study a map, or do a Google Map search in advance. If you're staying in a hotel- visit their website or call to find out check-in/check-out times, dining options, and parking fees. If you're attending an event- call the venue to find out about parking or other details that may be unclear on your invitation. Knowledge is power!

What do you do to organize yourself? Leave a comment with your advice!

Countdown to LuckyFABB: 5 Tips For Becoming a Networking Star

8 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Networking is one of the most important things you can do to further your career, or get the word out about your blog or brand. There are many ways to network and whether you have 500 contacts or zero, the job is never done! In Sales 101, I learned that the single most effective way of closing a deal is to get in front of the client. This goes for networking, too! In order to build rapport, nonverbal communication is key. Without it -all we are is a name, right?

So, you know that networking is important and that building rapport is best done in person. What's next? A networking event, of course! Even for a natural extrovert, it can be pretty intimidating walking into a room full of people you don't know. Whether you're attending a large conference like LuckyFABB, or a small soiree, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for making the most of your time.

Are your nerves building up just reading about this? Here's a few tips to lighten your spirits!

1- Plan a Meet-Up: Find out who else is attending in advance! Reach out to a few people via email or social networking and plan to meet-up before or during the event. Knowing at least one person will help ease you out of your shell. They may be relieved to have you at their side, too!

2- Use a Pick-Up Line: You heard me right! A great way to welcome yourself into a conversation is by using a pick-up line. Invite yourself into a conversation by saying 'I couldn't help but overhear you talking about Banana Republic. That's one of my favorite stores!' or 'Oh, I love shoes! What's your favorite style?' The conversation will flow from there.

3- Ask a Question: This is the easiest way to start a conversation! If you see someone standing alone, ask them something. 'Do you know who the first speaker is?' or 'Have you attended this conference before?' are both great examples. If you want to challenge yourself, ask a more personal question like 'how long have you been blogging?' People love to talk about themselves!

4- Flatter Someone: People love to receive compliments! Try flattering someone to spark a conversation. 'Wow, I love that bracelet!' or 'That red dress looks amazing on you!' will make any woman feel warm and fuzzy.

5- Open Yourself Up: Watch your nonverbals! The biggest mistake you can make is to stand in the corner with your arms crossed. That tells others you're not interested in talking. Open yourself up by wearing a pleasant facial expression, posing in a confident stance, and staying off the walls. Someone just may approach you!

Do you have any tips for being a 'star' at a networking event? Leave a comment with your advice!

Countdown to LuckyFABB: Designing Business Cards

9 Days to LuckyFABB by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

Fashion blogging has become more than just a hobby; it's a business! The fashion industry is looking towards bloggers now more than ever for new trends and styles, to promote new brands, and influence the masses. This job is not to be taken lightly. WE are the future! 

Nothing says professional like a crisp, clean business card. When I first started developing my brand and vision, one of the first things I did was order business cards. What better way to get the word out and be taken seriously than to present a beautiful card when talking about my blog. And if you're planning to attend networking events, like LuckyFABB, ordering business cards is the single most important thing. You want people to remember you! 

Not sure where to start? Here's a few tips!

1- It's all about you! Choose a design that captures the essence of YOU and your brand.

2- Keep it simple! Think easy-to-read. Find the balance between beautiful and functional.

3- Be sure to spell-check! A typo is an easy way to ensure your card will go straight into the trash.

4- Invest in quality! If you're going to spend the money, you'll want to make sure it's worth it! I like the glossy, heavy paper. It makes the best impression!

5- Always accessorize! Buy a business card holder to store your new cards. It will keep them in mint condition!

I designed my business cards on Vistaprint

Countdown to LuckyFABB: Say YES!

10 Days to Luckyfabb by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore

LuckyFABB is just 10 days away! And I couldn't be more excited and honored to be given the opportunity to attend this year. This is my Countdown To LuckyFABB series, where I'll bring you along on my journey to preparing for this fabulous event. Now, if you're a fellow blogger or even a professional attending large or small networking events, you can benefit from following this series. This is where you can learn from my own personal experiences; whether I got it right or terribly wrong, there's always a lesson worth learning.

So I've decided since I'm attending this huge conference and it's such a wonderful opportunity, I'm going to really seize every moment. Have you ever seen the Jim Carrey movie Yes Man? I saw it years ago and there's really something to saying 'yes.' I started saying 'yes' to things that I normally would have said 'no thanks' to and I discovered that things can be different than they seem. By saying 'yes,' you may be very surprised at what you'll discover! You may realize a hidden talent or interest, or you may even meet someone new. I've chosen to make 'YES' my mantra!

As the conference is approaching, I'm starting to get invitations to pre and post events. When I received an email about the Paul Mitchell Pre-FABB Soiree, it took me two seconds to hit reply and say 'YES.' Next, I received an email about a lunch hosted by Barbie with a workshop about her affect on pop-culture and my response was yes! The possibilities are endless when I say yes!

I challenge you to say 'yes' in your life! By saying yes, you are inviting endless opportunities into your life. You never know what you'll find!

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics: Tweed

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics: Tweed by theclosetbychristie featuring a knee length full skirt

When I think of a classic, preppy look the first thing that comes to mind is... tweed! This is our next menswear-inspired fabric that has reached popularity for Fall/Winter 2013. With its rough unfinished look, tweed is the epitome of shabby chic. It's a very durable fabric that is ideal for outerwear and has a "homespun" appearance. (Wikipedia) I've always loved tweed, so I'm excited that it's now at the trend forefront!

In the above set, I featured a brown-tone Stella Jean tweed midi skirt. I love this skirt because it's so feminine! It has an a-line silhouette, making it flattering for almost any body type and the midi-length is modest, yet stylish. I paired the skirt with a geometric-style plaid Marni blouse and a tan See by Chloe oversized peacoat. I adore the color palette because it's such a perfect combination of deep and bright hues, making it appropriate for the colder seasons and so eye-catching! I accessorized with an oxblood leather satchel and bright yellow J.Crew suede tassel loafers. For jewelry, I chose Baublebar crystal drop earrings and a gold Banana Republic braided bangle.

Do you love tweed? How would you style it?

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics: Herringbone

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics: Herringbone by theclosetbychristie featuring kate spade jewelry

This week we're covering menswear-inspired fabrics, a huge trend for this Fall/Winter season. Next up is... herringbone! This fabric derives from men's suits, but this season we're seeing it on everything from high-waisted skirts to outerwear accessories. So, what exactly is herringbone? It's actually a woven pattern in a V-shape. The name herringbone came from the similarity between the pattern and the skeleton of a herring fish. (Wikipedia)

In the above set, I featured a Dolce and Gabbana herringbone blazer. I really love this blazer because of the contrast and details. Herringbone typically comes in a shade of gray, so the black buttons and collar detail really makes it unique. I paired the blazer with a Ralph Lauren sleeveless ruffled tartan blouse and a mustard Jonathan Saunders wool pencil skirt. This is the perfect Fall look because it incorporates two menswear-inspired fabrics, while maintaining a feminine silhouette and style. I accessorized with Kate Spade- a black and white fabric and color-blocked handbag and black jewel-embellished block heels. For jewelry, I chose a black and gold Kate Spade bow bracelet and black Kate Spade pansy earrings. I love this look because of the blend of elegant black and white pieces with deep Autumn hues, such as mustard and hunter green. 

Do you love herringbone? How would you style it?

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics: Wool

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics: Wool by theclosetbychristie featuring a a line skirt

When I think of a chilly Winter coming, my first instinct is to invest in some warm clothes without losing my style. This can be challenging when most winter clothes are bulky and lack shape. Well, this Winter we're in luck because the biggest trend is menswear-inspired fabrics with super feminine styles and shapes! Heavy wool is among these fabrics. Bundling up in a nice, wool piece is the perfect way to keep warm during this cold season.

In the above set, I featured a charcoal gray J.Crew wool a-line mini. I love this skirt because it has a neat, tailored look and a flattering, feminine silhouette. It contrasts with the heaviness of the fabric. I paired the skirt with a pale yellow Chloe bow blouse and a black and white French Connection checked jacket. This is such a crisp, polished look. I love that it incorporates all of the new trends, yet it comes across as a classic look. I accessorized with black velvet Rachel Zoe loafers, mustard Marni leather crossbody bag, and a sequin floral mini snap clutch. For jewelry, I chose a black Kate Spade hingled bangle and black Kate Spade stud earrings. I especially love this color palette! The dark grey and black is great for the Winter and the yellow color pop adds an unexpected aspect to it. 

Do you love wool? How would you style it?

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics

Menswear-Inspired Fabrics by theclosetbychristie on polyvore.com

Here's an exclusive look into what we're featuring this week on The Closet by Christie! Need another dose of the Fall trends? We've got it all here! This season is all about the warm outerwear, intricate prints, and... classic, menswear-inspired fabrics! You may be thinking, 'ok I'm a woman, why would I want to dress like a guy?' Well, lucky for you (and me!) the trend is really about masculine fabrics with an extra feminine silhouette. 

Check out my carousel of trends above (click the 'right' arrow) to see all of my favorite fabrics. And don't forget to follow along this week to find out what these fabrics are and, most importantly, how to style them.

Must-Have Fall Prints: Floral

Fall Prints: Floral by theclosetbychristie featuring an alexander mcqueen jacket

Happy Friday to all my fellow worker bees! The final Fall 2013 print I'm going to talk about this week is... floral! You may be wondering 'uh, do you have the wrong season?' Florals are known for dominating the Spring season, but this year they're sticking around for the Fall, too! To style floral prints for the Fall and Winter seasons, the color palette is key. Instead of pretty pastels and brights, you'll want to choose deeper hues. Colors such as black, olive, deep reds, greys, and blues are ideal. Abstract florals and photorealism are two additional directions to take this trend in for this season. 

In the above set, I featured a Mango floral print blouse. This top is perfect for the Fall/Winter season because of the black background. I really love the pops of red and blue flowers because it adds some color to it without making it a Spring floral. I paired the top with a red Alexander McQueen structured blazer and a black Dickins & Jones floral rose leather skirt. I especially love the skirt because of the leather and rose detailing contrast. I accessorized with a red L.K. Bennett leather envelope clutch and black Jerome Rousseau pointed-toe ankle boots. For jewelry, I chose red Ralph Lauren stone cluster drop earrings and a red braided bracelet.

Do you love floral print for Fall? How would you style it?

YOU Style! Must-Have Coat Trends

Must-Have Coat Trends Contest Winners by theclosetbychristie on polyvore.com

Last week, I published a series of posts featuring Must-Have Coat Trends (see previous post: Must-Have Coat Trends) which included how-to style guides on the up-and-coming outerwear trends for this Fall season; collarless, capes, oversized, and leather detail. I challenged the fabulous, stylish members of my Polyvore group "What's In Your Closet?" to style their favorite Must-Have Coat Trends! I was, yet again, amazed by their talent and creativity!

The above photo carousel (click 'right' arrow to see more) displays the top 3 winners of the contest. All three of these lovely stylists not only accepted my style challenge, but designed a flawless and cohesive look. 

Congratulate my winners by following their Polyvore profiles: @rachelemme, @pinkroseten, and @danahz!

Must-Have Fall Prints: Kaleidoscope

Fall Prints: Kaleidoscope by theclosetbychristie featuring a sleeveless ruffle shirt

This Spring, we were introduced to the lovely, new kaleidoscope print. I fell in love with the abstract imagery, bright color pops, and mirroring that this trend put on the map. It's a real work of art! I'm excited to continue embracing this print through the Fall 2013 season! This time around, we're changing up the color palette from brights to deeper, more natural hues. Navy, cobalt, yellow, grey, metallics- these are the colors you'll want to look for this season! 

In the above set, I featured an Alexander McQueen kaleidoscope print pencil skirt. I love this skirt because of the symmetry of the patterns and the neutral colors. It's certainly a statement piece! I paired the skirt with a navy silk chiffon ruffled top and grey Reiss tailored blazer. Both of these colors were pulled from the skirt and maintain our neutral color palette. I accessorized with a cobalt Salvatore Ferragamo leather tote and grey AllSaints peep-toe ankle boots. For jewelry, I chose a cobalt Hermes leather wrap bracelet and blue square diamond-lined earrings.

Do you love kaleidoscope print? How would you style it for the Fall?

Must-Have Fall Prints: Houndstooth

Fall Prints: Houndstooth by theclosetbychristie featuring a retro black dress

The Fall print that I'm most excited about is... houndstooth! With the current popularity of the classic color combination of black and white, how could you not be head over heels for this print! Houndstooth is defined as a "duotone textile pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes" (Wikipedia). It's primarily designed in black and white but can incorporate other colors, too. You can go for a bold look with a larger scale print or tone it down with a subtle smaller scale print (sometimes referred to as puppytooth), which makes it so versatile to style.

In the above set, I featured a metallic Michael Kors houndstooth dress. I really love this dress because it combines the metallic and houndstooth trends, adding them to a beautifully feminine silhouette. The collar detail shows off the neck and collar-bones without revealing too much, making it a perfect work-wear piece. I paired the dress with a maroon Oasis ponte blazer, which has nice seam detailing and a structured fit. I accessorized with a maroon Michael Kors large tote and black Michael Kors leather pointed-toe boots. I love these boots with this look because the buckle and lace-up detailing adds some edge to it. For jewelry, I chose maroon Brooks Brothers rose stud earrings and a ribbon-tied bangle set.

Do you love houndstooth? How would you style it?