Well I know the grass is always greener on the other side, so I'm gonna cross over (again). I was born with straight straight hair and have always longed for nice voluminous wavy hair. I admit, I've gotten perms before…as an adult. Yikes, scary, huh! Well they haven't been THAT bad (at least I keep telling myself that). So this time I'm going to a salon that claims to have mastered the "WAVE" perm which is supposed to come out nice and wavy, rather than crazy curly. It's just hair, so if it turns out bad, I'll just go short. The appointment's this Friday, so there's still time to be convinced otherwise…what do you think??

…they are jeggings! Yes, jeggings, or leans if you prefer. Jean-Leggings. Don't hate, they are awesome and comfortable and look great (well, I think so anyway). I got a pair this weekend at H&M (for $17, mind you) and I might just live in them. They really do look like denim, but have the cotton stretch comfort factor of a legging. They are great paired with an oversized shirt or sweater and boots. What do you think?

P.S. The sweater is my awesome find from Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart.

Courtesy of Lucky Mag, this post is a little lesson on the best trouser shapes for those out there who have curves. Trousers are a great alternative to jeans even on the weekends. They can be dressed up (with a jacket, nice blouse) or casual with a fitted T. If you have a narrow waist and full hips, you may have a hard time finding pants that fit well all over. This is the cut that is the most flattering for you:

           FLAT IN FRONT: Avoid anything that adds volume (pleats or front pockets).

           STRAIGHT LEGS: Skip boot cut pants, they can make you appear big all over.

           STRETCH: Opt for a fabric that has a bit of stretch to it, which creates a clean line.

           TOP: For a top, pick a jacket or cardigan that hits right above the thigh (it conceals bulk without overwhelming your figure).

There are some great sites out there that offer a full range of sizes for curvy figures in a range of prices: Avenue, evans (sister to Top Shop), JCrew, and my personal favorite Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart. Don't be afraid to shop online! Most sites offer free returns and free shipping over $100. Just buy both sizes if you aren't sure and return the one that doesn't fit for free. Specifically, these are some great trousers to try (click on the pics for more details):

Last week I was looking online to spend my Christmas money. I wanted to get a pendant with Noah's name on it, kindof like a modern dog-tag. I was searching around Etsy and didn't find anyone that had this specifically, so I decided to browse the local Portland designers. On each person's store there is a button called "request custom item", so I found a designer that I liked their style and requested that they make this for me. IT IS SO COOL! You name your price, describe what you want and they make it for you! She did some sketches and we went back and forth a couple of times and after a week, it was done. She was so great and I am so happy with the end result. Check out Scrap Bin Design's store and if you want to have her make you something, she's happy to do it and does a great job. Here is a pic of my cute new Christmas present for ME.

I sign up for alot of these weekly email newsletters. I know it's silly, but i have an email address specifically for them and sometimes I end up liking what they send. One of them is called www.like.com. This week I am in search of a rain coat (like the ones we wore when we were kids).

Like.com aggregates styles from all different sites and puts it all together for you to browse in one place. I'm telling you, it's crazy. THEN, if you find something you like, you hit the button "visual search" and it will find all of the items that are like that from different retailers. Love it. Needless to say, I found my yellow rain coat. Not exactly like the kiddo version, but it will work.

Happy Shopping!

(I didn't have a pic with ALL of us in it, so here is a link to Rene's BEAUTIFUL wedding pics!)

Every Wednesday night, a few of my best girls and I have "girls night". We basically just get together to connect and share our lives. It's always a highlight of my week and I leave fully refreshed and thankful for my great friends. Last night we had our second "swap". We started early and had a killer meal (butternut squash soup, couscous, beer bread) and then all brought stuff to swap (clothes, books, accessories, etc). we all left with something "new" and a good time was had by all. I am always amazed at how talented, creative and beautiful these girls are…I love you guys!

 One of my New Years resolutions for the year, is WEAR WHAT I HAVE. I have tons of clothes, and probably wear only 20% of them. Sooooo, this year, I'll be trying really hard to buy less new stuff and get creative with what I have in my closet. That said, I'll be posting a few of my "creative looks" here and there to see if I can spark your creativity too.

Let's hear it for the girls!

Winnie, Melissa and Megan all have blogs…I'm tellin' ya, CRAZY talented!

One of the things that I think it's ok to spend a little bit more on, is a good pair of boots. They go with everything and always look chic. Here is a lovely pair of grey suede boots for under $100! They come in 5 different colors, but I love the grey. Winterize a summer look by adding tights/leggings and a turtleneck under a summer dress.

Just because you are all bundled up doesn't mean you have to throw your fashion sense out in the cold! Make an appointment to see me this month and let's make sure you are ready to face this season in style.

**Get a free hour of Personal Shopping with a Closet Consultation Purchase.**

See the website for more details and don't hesitate to give me call if you have any questions. (This promotion will run January thru March, so be sure to set up your appointment soon.)

A nicely fitted blazer is definitely a must have. It's a great way to dress up a pair of jeans, or add some edge to a basic dress. Add some cute accessories and chic shoes, and you are ready to go. Here are some great options at a few different price points.

This is how I would wear it! (click image to see where to buy these items)

Wishing you a very merry Christmas this year! 

More to come in the new year, stay tuned!!!

Much love,
Bari