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!

A spray-on tan has to be one of the easiest and cost effective ways to get yourself an allover instant golden tan ready for a vacation or special event.  I had the opportunity to try this beauty treatment, a completely customized hand sprayed tan at the Golden Glo Airbrush Tanning salon in Scottsdale.  I am absolutely amazed how natural it looks and how gorgeous it made me feel.
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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.

Fall tentatively flutters it's way back into our lives for those of us in Arizona at the end of a long hot summer and  the excitement of wearing a jacket looms ahead like a chocolate fudge sundae after a four month diet!  It's not cold enough for a coat, but a jacket is the perfect transitional piece to take you from summer into fall and beyond.

Here is my pick of five jacket styles that are still carrying a major torch on the fashion scene of hot trends this season. I've linked several cute finds beneath each style that you can shop directly from the thumbnail.

Palazzo pants, also known as wide leg pants, generally fit around the body, flaring into fullness as they gain distance from the hips such that when standing still, they take on the effect of wearing a mid length or long skirt.  

Until now I've never had my "Lady in Red" moment! This is the first red dress I've owned since a red pinafore dress my grandmother made me when I was five years old. Why has it taken me fifty years to do this? I've had all out pink dresses, the brightest of floral dresses, all of which I could have been seen from outer space in, but why not red?

With the beginning of September upon us, most people across the US are starting to think about fall, whether it be the upcoming holiday plans, when they will have their first taste of pumpkin anything, or what they will need for their fall wardrobe. Even here in Arizona, we're thinking about fall in a drooling sort of way -  for us it means only four more weeks at the mercy of the desert's relentless heat, hooray!

A number of styles are playing a huge role this coming fall / winter season and plaid is one of them. Plaid prints and bold checks from seasons past are not going anywhere.  It is my theory that the buffalo check is the continuation and grown up version if you will, of gingham!