I love shopping. I love traveling. What happens when you mix the two together? Magic. 

Going straight to the source for great wardrobe additions that are one of a kind is certainly a luxury. I take extreme pride in choosing beautiful, handmade, locally-sourced items that make incredible conversation pieces. Not only does this make your look original, but it also includes a fabulous story to share about your beautiful find.

Colombia was filled with unbelievable, gorgeous pieces at incredible prices. This mochila bag above is hand woven and completely original. I searched for days through hundreds of options because I wanted to pick the perfect one. Yes, this takes patience, but it is a treasure hunt filled with overwhelming joy. It only made it sweeter when I got back and saw a similar bag at Bergdorf’s for $1350. Mine was under $100…..

No matter where you are shopping, at home or abroad, look for unique, interesting jewelry that showcases your personality. It is your chance to throw caution to the wind and just buy things that you LOVE.  I found this fabulous pair of statement earrings in a little boutique. Sure, they were more expensive than the street vendors, but I absolutely LOVE them and that’s what really matters.

Shopping abroad should feel like the most amazing treasure hunt ever. The whole idea is that you are having fun looking for cool, locally made items. Yes, I just said FUN. If you aren’t having fun then you aren’t doing it right! Colombia was filled with beautiful, hand-made straw bags which are very in style right now. I was lucky enough to go straight to the source to find my perfect summer bag.

When I’m shopping abroad one of the most important factors to me is knowing what each country specifically produces. I’m looking to buy from the person making it! Colombia is known for their absolutely beautiful alpaca scarves so obviously I was going to get one. My client’s rave about how much they love this oversized pink scarf, little do they know it was under $50…. Amazing quality and a great price? Now I just need to decide where I’m flying to next….

Can’t fly to Colombia? Shop my amazing finds here!

Amy Is Available for Online Styling Services

Click Here to Learn More!

Happy birthday to me. That’s right, I turned 40 this year. And in honor of nothing other than being alive, 17 people joined me in the Dominican Republic for a 4 day extravaganza. Aside from planning every waking moment, I had to put together an epic and fitting 40th birthday look book.

The key to creating this birthday look book was to re-style and photograph what I already had. Aside from my actual birthday party look, I was ONLY pulling from what I already owned. Economical and stylish.

Shout out to all of my friends and family that flew all the way to the Dominican Republic. It helps that my birthday is in January so everyone is looking to get the hell out of dodge. I was brought up right, so thanking my guests with a little, stylish gift was a must. I found these straw clutches on Etsy.com. Straw is my favorite trend right now, share the love!

The most important trick to packing right is to style full looks BEFORE you get there. This way you do not overpack. You need to create a (mostly) detailed itinerary of what you will be doing so you create appropriate outfits. I pulled out everything I might want to bring and then put together fully styled ensembles, accessories and all. From the bedroom floor to the beach!!!

We spent most of our time lounging around our fabulous, eco-friendly resort, so beach looks were important. I’m not one to just “throw on a bathing suit”, so completely styled sand/water-friendly outfits are necessary. I know you are shocked. From your cover-up to your hat, put your back into it. Looking fabulous all the time (especially when you are the center of attention) is a not an option.

I knew we would spend 2 of our evenings at the VERY laid back resort, so the option to throw on whatever was definitely there. But why would I do that? I choose to be comfortable AND fabulous all the time. It takes only minimally more effort, I swear. I always say that the difference between “just clothing” and an outfit is adding great accessories…..

We had one big night out so being over the top fabulous was in order. It is MY birthday after all! I picked up this 2 piece see-through gold cover up in Greece and definitely never thought I would wear it as an outfit ever again after that trip. I was wrong. I put my bronze bikini underneath (the look was see-through as I mentioned) and went to town, literally. It was a great moment when all of my friends were in awe of this crazy ensemble. Mission completed.

The final night of my big, 40th birthday trip was a dinner and beach bonfire hosted by moi at the resort. I wanted something ethereal. I called the look, “island born again chic”. I designed the entire look around a flower crown that I ordered from the resort. My mistake of not explaining what exactly I wanted the crown to look like became clear when a “drink the Kool-aid floral head piece” was handed to me. After my slight meltdown, my wonderful boyfriend brought back a huge pink flower to top off my look. Crisis averted. Best. Birthday. Ever.

Amy is Available for Online Styling Services

Click Here To Learn More!

Straw is everywhere this season. From bags to jewelry to shoes, it is a material to be reckoned with. I have been traveling the world (as I love to do) and from Greece to Columbia, straw is all the rage. 

So what are the best straw pieces for any gal to own? Well that depends on how much straw you can handle.  I’m privy to say that all your summer looks will pop with a great straw addition!

Panama Hat

The most obvious addition to your wardrobe should be the Panama Hat. It is a classic piece and will long out-run the straw trend. Not to mention this topper protects your face from the sun AND it adds that extra oomph that your look deserves. I’m typically not a “matchy” stylist, but pairing your Panama Hat with neutral straw earrings is chic as shit. Yup, I said it.

Earrings

Yay to a colorful straw earring!!! I bought this fabulous pair in Columbia for $35, yes, 35 bucks!! The beauty of these straw earrings is that they are huge statement earrings and they weigh NOTHING. So go big or go home, why not? They are such a fun accent piece for your look and definitely a conversation starter!

Crossbody Bag

My straw obsession is truly focused on all things bags right now. I might argue that getting a straw bag is MORE important than getting a Panama Hat. Might. It is the easiest way to incorporate the straw trend into any look instantly. There are a TON of straw bag styles on the market that are fun and flirty, I’m loving the messenger bag. They are typically pretty inexpensive making it easy to say YES to the straw bag trend!

Clutch

Another popular straw bag style is the clutch. Adding a colorful tassel incorporates your personality and steps up the neutral color of the straw material. I bought all those attending my 40th birthday in the Dominican Republic a clutch with a personalized tassel. I love this trend so much that I passed it on to 17 people!!!

Sandals

And finally, the straw sandal. What can I say but, “YAAAASSSSSSSSSS!!!” These are amazing AND they will go with almost everything. Jean shorts? Yup. Sundress? Hell yes. Sassy drawstring pants? Duh. Don’t even question this, buy them. I know I’m promoting owning all of these straw trend items, but that is because I seriously love them. Not to mention, they aren’t that expensive so the commitment will only sting a little…..

Amy is Available for Online Styling Services

Click Here To Learn More!

It is my favorite time of year. That’s right, end of season sales!!!! Don’t be shy, buy. As if you really need a reason, but in case you did, please see all that I listed below. You’re welcome.

Coat

A great end of season purchase should have several components:

A great price tag.

The ability to be worn for seasons to come.

Be a quality item. Buy splurge pieces.

 Puffer

A warm and cute puff coat is a must in anyone’s life if you are forced to live through a frigid winter. Why not get a great coat at a great price if you know your life involves future winter weather? This is your “DUH” moment.This Vince Camuto coat with faux fur trim was originally $400 but is now on sale for $280. Yes, please. Time to click and buy.

Boots

Another “Oh hell, I have to live through this crap again next year” item is a great winter boot. This pair by Aquatalia is water proof and is seriously the best cold weather boot on the market. You want to invest in your snow boots, cold and wet feet are NOT cute. Originally $650, these boots are on sale for a mere $386. Again, we are not looking for cheap, we are looking for a great deal. That means steep discounts off of GREAT quality items.

Purse

You will always end up using a basic black bag so why not purchase a super stylish one at a fantastic price? This designer Calvin Klein bag was originally $1290 and is now $645. This classic bag is your “everyday, for seasons to come, throw everything in, make your outfit look good no matter what” bag. If there is any item on this list that you should go for, it’s this one.

 Faux Fur Vest

Amy is Available for Online Styling Services

Click Here to Learn More!

Holiday party time is in full swing and that means sparkle and sass are appropriate for all ages, body types and lifestyles! Oh how I love this time of year, my inner 10 year old is able to come out and play. I deem December “sparkle month” because I can. 

‘Tis the season to LOVE all things shiny no matter what your body type. There is always a way to work in a sequin, shimmer or rhinestones during December. Check out the looks below based on your shape and go forth fabulously.

Skirt, Pumps, Blouse, Tights

Let’s work that hourglass shape ladies, shall we? The key is to ALWAYS highlight your waist. Be sure to tuck this shimmer green top into your a-line pleated leather skirt to truly define your mid-section. Add a fun, patterned tight with a rhinestone heeled pump to push this look to the top. You can always go a little further in your styling during the holiday season and especially for a party!

Pants, Jacket, Studs, Top

Well hello my rectangular friend. Keep that straight and sleek figure looking great in a modern women’s tuxedo. A cocktail dress is NOT your only option when attending a cocktail party. Think outside the box and choose something that truly makes you stand out in the crowd. Pair your tux with a sequin top and rhinestone earrings to push your party look to a 10.

Dress, Blazer, Pumps, Earrings

Inverted triangle have no fear, the holidays are here. Grab that sassy LBD (little black dress for those that need translation:) and re-style it for some holiday cheer. Add a touch of red to really pop at the party. Using a structured, waist length blazer adds sophistication to your look and compliments your shape. A crystal pump and small rhinestone earrings will elevate your look with just the right touch of sparkle.

Pumps, Dress, Blazer, Earrings

You are going to be the belle of the ball this December apple shape! Create a waist by choosing a waist length blazer to layer over your dress. As shown above, choose 2 different colors for your dress and your blazer. This only continues to highlight your “waist” even more. Choose a trendy (and super fabulous) mule to top off your holiday look. Why not add a touch of crystals and feathers to your footwear???

Tunic, Boots, Earrings, Clutch

Don’t think I’ve forgotten your my pretty pear shape! A great style for you this holiday season is a tunic dress. Not only does this compliment your shape, but it allows you to eat and drink until your heart is content. My kind of fashion! Change it up by adding a tall pair of heeled boots, not every party dress needs to be paired with pumps. A sparkle, envelope clutch is a perfect punch for your look AND works for any night out once the holidays are over. Re-style everything!

AMY IS AVAILABLE FOR ON-LINE STYLING SERVICES!!!

Click Here To Learn More!