Win a Copy of Stylist Sam Saboura's Book: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies

Celebrity Stylist, Fashion Expert and Style Ambassador for retailer Coldwater Creek Sam Saboura has come out with a wonderful book that will soon be your style bible, Sam Saboura’s Real Style: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies.  When he isn’t hosting Extreme Makeover or styling A-list celebrities, he takes time to help everyday women achieve their style dreams while working within their budgets and body types.  In his book he shares his favorite tips and tricks for reinventing your wardrobe with new pieces as well as using your existing items in new and interesting ways.  He shows that you don’t need to break the bank in order to stay fashionable and up-to-date with the season’s trends.  Here is a sampling of some great tips he offers for “shopping your closet”:

• Invite a friend with an objective eye for style.  Considering you’ve stared at your closet hundreds of times, chances are you are seeing the same thing you’ve always seen.  Having someone there that you trust can help you look at you clothes in a whole new light.  Grab some wine and some magazines and get creative!
• Play with layers.  Try adding a blazer or jacket to your favorite blouse or perhaps throw a belt over a cardigan at the smallest part of your waist.  Simple tricks like this can completely change a look.  Also, grab your favorite necklaces, lay them on your bed, and play around with stacking, twisting
• Mix prints and patterns.  Trying unusual color combinations or different textures adds dimension to your look and adds a young fresh energy.

What is also great is that he streamlines the season's hottest trends and offers ways of incorporating them into your wardobe in a way that works for you.  Take animal prints, for example:  you can either go all in with a stand-out dress or add on pieces in a more modest way by bringing in shoes or a handbag with a great cheetah print.  He dissects silhouettes for different body types and shows women how they can make themselves look as amazing as the women we see in the hautest of haute couture.  And luckily for my readers, you can win your very own copy of his book!  All you need to do is comment on this post and tell me the trend you are most coveting this season.  Be sure to include your email so I can let you know if you've won!  A winner will be chosen on Friday the 20th of November.  Get ready to get your style on!

Michelle Roy Designs: Fun Edgy and Beautiful Jewelry for Everyday

I have recently found out about an amazing jewelry designer, Michelle Roy, who creates gorgeous stand-out pieces and I couldn’t wait to share with all of you lovelies!  Her fun stackable bracelets have been a total hit with the Hollywood crowd and she’s even created a set of silk flowers worn by presenters at the Emmys.  Whether you’re looking for a headband, necklace, cuff, or a special piece for your wedding day, Michelle Roy should be your first stop.  I adore her Glam Rock collection which features a lot of tough and edgy studs and hardware mixed in with pearls, rhinestones, and jewels.  Just think motorcycle jacket, hot little dress, and her jeweled cuff or leather bib to really make your outfit shine.  The mix of silver with gold and chains with rhinestones really create a dimensional look that is sure to get people talking.

Her Favorite Finds collection is also one to definitely check out.  It features beautiful statement necklaces that are both elegant and edgy.  Both the rhinestone trimmed leaf necklace and the flower bib with pearl details are pieces I can see myself wearing to holiday parties and nights on the town.  What’s great is that they go just as easily with a cocktail dress as they do over a plain white tee and boyfriend jeans.

 

If you love to shop for a cause (and here at TastyLittleDish we are huge advocates of supporting charities) then you’ll surely appreciate her Gifts that Give Back collections.  25% of the proceeds from her Angel tees help support Project Angel Food, an organization which delivers nutritious meals to people suffering from HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.  Then there are also the Bow tops which offer 20% towards the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Michelle says, “I love the idea of wearing something beautiful and doing something beautiful at the same time”.  I couldn’t have said it better myself! 

First Look: Winter Kate Collection by Nicole Riche

I've been dying to see what our favorite fashionista/mommy Nicole Richie has in store for us with her latest venture, a clothing collection named after her baby girl.  Winter Kate features a selection of roughly 40 pieces:  dresses, tunics, jackets, vests, kimonos, and more.  They are a combination of feminine with edgy, structured with ethereal and are definitely pieces you can see yourself wearing years from now.  I am already adding her beautiful kimonos to my wish list and am definitely going to grab the folksy knit vest.  Check out the gallery for all of the images.

 Images via Nicole Richie blog

Photographer Nathan Halliday Emerges with a Voice

Last night I had the privilege of being able to view the first collection of photographs taken by a young and talented new artist, Nathan Halliday entitled 'Capturing Vietnam'.  He recently took a life-changing and inspiring journey to Vietnam and was able to bring back the "beauty in simplicity" he saw in the Vietnamese people.  The photographs tell a personal story and brought about a feeling of peace that isn't often found these days.  From village women with faces full of stories and wisdom to children playing and enjoying life.  The natural beauty of the mountains and rice fields were enough to leave you longing for more.  It was truly a collection I couldn't help but feel touched by and what adds the icing on the cake is that 20% of the proceeds of photographs sold would go to their Vietnamese tour guide.  He helped guide them on their trip and is beginning a new business of his own.  We definitely love shopping for a cause here at TastyLittleDish and what better than receiving a beautiful work of art while knowing you are helping someone start a new life.  This was a moving and visually impactful series of photographs that keeps us on the edge of our seats and looking for what Nathan has in store for us in the future.

Another interesting point of interest is the gallery the collection was held at.  The David W. Streets gallery in Beverly Hills has a wonderful collection of modern, contemporary, and fine art along with sculptures and gorgeous antique furniture.  When speaking to David he informed me of the many types of events held here from viewings to tastings to private dinner parties.  It is a gorgeous space with an impeccable collection in an estate-like setting.  I'm sure we'll be seeing more of him and his elegant events to come.

Follow David W. Streets Gallery on Twitter!   

Spice Up Your Handbag Collection with Zara Terez

Last night I had the privelege of viewing the latest handbag collection by Zara Terez. It was a fanciful array of feathers, sequins, suede, leather, chains, and seriously girly fun.  Zara Zimmerman is a third generation designer based in New York who was on the mission of creating fashionable and luxurious handbags at an attainable price point.  She says, "the fashion industry has taken the consumer to such a different level and so high that its time to bring it back to reality".  With this in mind, she has created a brand that is fun, poppy, and different while being affordable for the everyday fashionista.  Zara also is doing her part in helping this fledgling economy by producing all of her bags in New York, sourcing leathers from local and Italian tanneries.  What I find so interesting about the collection is what she calls her three categories: Clubbing, Strolling, and Schlepping.  For a night out on the town, the last thing we want is a bulky bag dragging us down.  It is because of this that she has come up with the most ingenious and crafty way of keeping your hands free and your valuables close. In comes your perfect "clubbing" option, the 14th Precinct Holster, a compact purse that has just enough room for your neccessities while staying snug on your body.  It comes in colored suede and leather and at $125 its sure to be on everyone's holiday wish list!  For the everyday, a great "strolling" bag would be the Prince and Elizabeth.  Roomy enough for your day to day items, versatile with a long strap, and a bit of whimsy and flare with the fringe to stand out from the sea of identical "it" bags. For "schlepping" around town, try the Nolita Grande, a larger version of its clubbing counterpart the Nolita clutch.  It has plenty of room for a laptop, scarf, and any other "just in case" items and features an adjustable strap.  Gorgeous and practical!  Another great feature of Zara's bags are the linings, ranging from her Studio 54 disco sequins to comic book art to rock n' roll skulls and roses.  Considering the part of the bag we look at most often is the inside, why not make it something worth looking at!  I asked Zara who the ideal Zara Terez girl is and shes says, "She is someone who is confident, artsy and sophisticated.  She believes in herself and what she does, and doesn't take no for an answer."  What a perfect way to put it, and definitely empowers any girl who wears a Zara Terez bag.  To view more of her fabulous collection check out the gallery and head over to ZaraTerez.com!