Winter Wonders

 

 

 

'tis the season to... “Bring on the Bling”! What's your favorite color? These days, you can own a rainbow of fascinating faceted diamonds. If your piggy bank can't afford a slice of kaleidoscope diamonds... faux, faux, faux is always fabulous.

 

 Real and Faux... why not wear them both.... together. I tried it. I liked it!    

“Ladies who Lunch” are wearing “fauxbulous” dinner rings at noon and for cocktails.

This sparkle plenty attitude is even twinkling it's way onto suede and leather.

LastLast Last year,  I jazzed up a tired vest with screws, mirrors and pearls medallions to give it a new life.

 

This year, it's time to glue a handful of oversized outdated ear clips onto an otherwise uninteresting leather jacket.

 I've been noticing a plethora of  "steam Punk" necklaces in hip boutiques and trendy magazines.

I thought: "hum, I can do that" ... and I did!

      

 

Why not give it a try: just dig through your jewelry box... you'll find "a necklace worth" of broken bits and forgotten pieces. Simply attach your “this and thats” on to a chain. Oh and save the glitzy chips-n-charms for a suede vest or leather jacket.

 

For yet another season... from black tie to jeans... the CLUTCH is... "IN THE BAG".
 

 

 

Just a reminder:

 You can make a clutch bag out of a place mat faster than David Copperfield can cut a woman in half.

 

 

 Come on...you can do it... let your crazy creative juices flow. I've made dozens. If you need help or instructions: click on Kathleen Solmssen "Couture Clutch"  YOUTUBE below.

http://youtu.be/XfkSNZ7UCkQ

 

 

Way back when, we called ankle length pants: floods. I just added a bit of braid, ribbon & bows to a pair of  yesterday's fancy floods.  Because, the TUX is theee “AFTER FIVE” look for the holidays... today these "long enough" evening slacks are: NOW, NOW, NOW and ready to twirl.

 

I don't even want to mention his name...but one of the TOP designers in the world is sporting a strange attitude. Year after year, I totally trust his style. This year, I don't just get what he's saying or selling. Maybe hair dye or hair removal.

The cameo...oh the cameo... it's showing up everywhere.

     

Once again... I went on a safari hunt in my jewelry box. After clipping the pins and hooks off of these faux and real silhouettes, I glued the collection onto an otherwise dull and boring jacket. Stylin' cameos...what a concept.

From cameos to camouflage. There will be no incognito disappearing acts when wearing these nearly neon patterns .

 

                                                               It pays to study trends.
 Last week, I was obsessed over this "break the piggy bank"  pink and black purse.

 

 

The next day, I found this crazy-n-cool-army-camy purse at a resale shop for less than a week's allowance. NEED had nothing to do with it; I was just nurturing my shopping addiction. Charity centers thrive on donations and survive on shoppers. My latest finds are here on this The Salvation Army Kathleen Solmssen "Shopping Therapy"  YOUTUBE:

http://youtu.be/IuGJmPYQ8jg

 

  

Luv, luv, luv this gold paper clip and scarab earring. Without any emerald scarabs handy, I copycatted it using hobby shop paperclips and a bit of bauble. Hooray: yet another fashion addiction satisfied for pennies.

 

So many designers are continuing to spotlight faux fur... on shoes, purses and jewelry.

 

  

 I  trimmed a pair of "ready to round file"shoes and a few bangles with faux fuzzy trim.

 

 The alligator bracelet is the tail end of a vintage belt.  Just sitting in the closet,
 how did that belt get too small for my wasted waist ?

 

OK  so handcuff me. I must admit it, this expensive cuff bracelet... locked in a bargain of an idea:
 brass hinges and buttons  glued on to a plastic bangle.

                        This season, every shoe designer is making a serious “BOOTY CALL”.

 

Time to pull out all of the stops...rifle through my closet and start steppin ' out in boots galore.
 

 

                            Spotted in limos and mudrooms... from outrageous to outerwear,
 

                                       today's boots are made for walkin', riden' and dancin'.

                    The combat boot has moved up to chic status. Last week, I lusted over a pair.

 

This week, scored a pair (Gucci) at the flea market. OK cold weather: bring it...I'm ready.
 

 

                  Here's a trick: roll up a few magazines and twist'em down into your slouchy boots.
                     They'll stand up at attention until you are ready to: saddle up and git' down.

 

A few years ago, somewhere between the cat walk and the mad house, I found these insane boots.

 

 

                                                  As seen in Sunday's New York times,
 my ten year old hot lipstick pink faux fur jacket... continues to be “too much of a good thing”.

 

                              Although... never allowed  to be out and about at the same time,
                   once each season... both pink fairy tale looks... are let loose...on me... in public.
 

This year, an entire zoo is happening: all at the same time. Animal-print-on-animal-print...it's wild!  Time to slip into all of your fab faux furs and animal prints  "whatevers". So nature girl, unleash the untamed crazy beast inside of you and prowl around the jungle you call home.