​Spirits are lifted as spring emerges from hibernation and shows signs of sticking around. Even in Arizona, despite our mild winters and seemingly endless days of sunshine, there is a different feel about the season as warm tendrils of air waft around us and bees are sent into a frenzy over the blooming wild flowers.

What better time of year than spring to bust out some silk in bright vivid colors, especially colors that can be seen from outer space!  A silk buttondown shirt is a classic that stands the test of time, you can be sure it will re-appear merged with different outfits year after year which also makes it a good investment!

The shirtdress is a timeless classic that can be worn by young and mature women with the same level of effortless chic. It basically takes the form of a long button down shirt, comes in a myriad of fabrics ranging from denim (mostly in the form of chambray) to silk.  Like a good shirt, the shirtdress can be utilized for smart and casual occasions but with the added advantage of not having to wear pants! It's a wardrobe staple and the versatility it offers makes styling it fun. 

Crane birds are the latest graphic to turn iconic, rather like pineapples and pelicans in seasons past. My crush began last year with a pair of crane bird palazzo pants, and now continues with two recent finds that are so inexpensive they're bound to fly off the racks before you can say "Get the flock out of here!" 

​We have Balenciaga to thank for the return and subsequent sock booties crush that has emerged this past fall and winter season. That's alright, I for one enjoy crushing on high-end designer styles, especially when they're rapidly made available at a not so high-end designer price!

Shopping for jeans is perhaps one of the most difficult endeavors we women have to deal with from a clothing stand point. Finding the perfect pair has been my life's work!
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With high street shops and mall store favorites closing down on a weekly basis, we better get our heads around this online shopping malarkey. It's here to stay and millions of online vendors selling everything from cat litter to cat walk designer clothes are magically opening their virtual doors for business out there in the ether of internet land. So too are the plethora of  "influencers" jumping on the band wagon from here to Timbuktu persuading their followers that this, that or the other product is the best.  But it's not all bad... let me explain! 
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Hello, my name is Karen and I'm addicted to coats! As a self professed coat addict, I recently decided that a faux fur leopard coat is not just a "nice to have" but an essential winter wardrobe "must have"! Clearly everyone else thinks so too, because faster than I can write this article, the faux fur leopard coats and jackets are selling out like hot cakes.
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Here is my comparison between two faux fur leopard coat contestants that made it to the keepers finale!

Ready for Christmas, I wish! It's a rare occurrence for me to be fully prepared for Christmas in advance of the actual due date, in particular the buying of gifts. Even less likely to be gift ready for those I know who celebrate Hanukkah since the due date for that is even earlier! You probably think I have a fear of deadlines... perhaps so!

At least I have the decorations up! Last year the hubby didn't erect the tree until it was so late I didn't have time to hang the baubles on it! We had a naked tree all through the holidays with the only consolation being that it's pre-lit so it sort of had it's underwear on!

Let me introduce you to my new shopping BFF, Natalie Attired! Fashion fun in a box delivered right to your door as often as you like!  

Wearing a suit definitely gets you taken more seriously. The epitome of power dressing, a Prince of Wales check suit is one to be reckoned with, and this one is serious on so many levels: style, comfort, price and versatility. 

It's quite possible I may have saved you from the arduous task of searching for the perfect little black dress that can be styled up or down, is simple, comfortable, versatile and inexpensive. You're welcome! My perseverance has paid off and "voila", say hello to my little friend the perfect LBD!

Don't underestimate shopping in your daughters' favorite stores. Whilst they're not likely to become our be-all and end-all shopping euphoria, the prices are ridiculously cheap, and if you seek out the right fit, fabrics and styles, you can snag yourself a wardrobe gem that doesn't look cheap or Forever 21! 

What could be easier than jumpsuit dressing? One piece only, doesn't require much thought to the coordination of other items with the exception of shoes and accessories. Not only does it offer effortless style, but the jumpsuit trend is still holding steady this season, almost to the point of encroaching on the classic evening attire of dresses. A jumpsuit strikes a pose with it's long line and fluid silhouette.  It's created a class entirely of it's own, a sort of "sophistichic"!

Previously limited to the grunge department unless actually wearing them for exercise, jogger pants were only a small step up from lounging in PJ's all day.  Hardly surprising, since they are athleisure wear.  Not the case anymore... enter the fashion trending jogger pants, the new wave entering the playing field are carving a re-launch of this old informal favorite!
 
Joggers have been re-invented in a variety of hybrid crossovers. A sort of trouser, if you will, made to look like joggers with a cuffed or ruched ankle. Even those with no ankle cuffs have the addition of side stripes creating the illusion of track pants. Still in high demand are the classics we all know and love in a variety of cozy cottons, comfortable loose fitting form, elasticated waist and ankles.  Fabric options are no longer limited to the old norms. This season's coveted options of satin, silk and velvet are among the choices available, as well as classic cotton twill for a more formal interpretation.