GURU Style Star: Allison Melocik

Chances are you won’t guess why Allison Melocik chose to wear this outfit today…

Meet Allison Melocik

On the day we met, she and her grandmother were walking through the mall after having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  Allison selected the outfit for this day, because it was from her grandmother.

 Allison’s chambray button-down and plaid skirt are from J. Crew. Her tights are from Nordstrom Rack.  Her boots, with exposed zipper trim and red piping, are by Steve Madden and from Macy’s. Allison’s infinity necklace is from Tiffany & Co.  Her bag and watch are both Fossil finds. Allison’s layered bracelets are by Alex & Ani. Some of them are from Nordstrom. 

 

 

Describe your style.

Whatever I like. Whatever catches my eye. I like patterns.

What are your favorite stores in the mall?

Free People and J. Crew. I do mix stuff from those two locations.

What trends are you enjoying most this season?

I like bright colors. Big Sweaters.

Who is your style icon?

I don’t have one. I just wear what I like. If it catches my eye, I’m going to wear it.  

If you could go back in time to any decade for the style, which one would you pick and why?

Probably the 1970s, where they just wore the sweatpants and leg warmers all day. That would be pretty awesome.

Here are links to some recent GURU Style Star posts: 1/9 William Daly and 1/2 Whitney Neale

 

Holiday Serving Pieces & Hostess Gifts at Macy’s

Holidays have a way of bringing childhood memories to the surface. 

The Martha Stewart Holiday Vintage Paper Collection at Macy’s  is a powerful trigger of a time when you still believed in Santa.

The pieces in the collection include accessories and dishes. They’re perfect for holiday entertaining and gift giving.

Small bowl, spreader & Salt and pepper shakers

This double tiered stand gives you twice as much space to display your holiday cookies! Or, bake a batch and serve them up to a friend on the stand.

Cookies optional…

It’s always fun to serve on platters with a message that doesn’t get revealed until the food disappears.

Go green and add on to a gift at the same time by wrapping small presents in decorative dishtowels or cloth napkins.

Doubles as Wrapping Paper

The timer is ticking fast. Need help finding anything for the holidays? Just ask. That’s why I’m here.

GURU Style Star: Maria Stauffer

This week’s GURU Style Star, Maria Stauffer — is strutting a color combo I never thought about coupling — grey and navy.

Meet Maria

Maria pieced together her look from a number of stores at Towson Town Center. The cardigan and turtleneck are Macy’s finds. She scored her grey leggings at Express and her navy suede boots from Nordstrom. The jewelry is from New York & Company and Caché.

“I like classic pieces, but I like to incorporate some trendy fashions,” describes Maria of her style. “I love fashion.  I’m addicted to clothes.”

What styles are you enjoying this season?

For this season, I do like the fact that I can wear a lot of leggings with boots, expecially with winter coming, to keep it comfortable but trendy.

What are the most treasured items in your closet?

I’m into a lot of jackets. I like the jackets with a lot of personality, and I keep them in every color. You can dress them up or dress them down. I like shoes. 

What is your favorite store at Towson Town Center and why?

One of my favorite stores is BCBGMAXAZRIA just because I think it has a lot of the classic styles that will never go out of style and also adds edge. That makes it a little more appealing and more unique.

Tell me about the best piece of fashion advice you have ever received?

Don’t overload your look. Less is more. You don’t need to really wear hundreds of pieces of jewelry. I try to always keep it  in proportion.

Here are links to other recent GURU Style Stars. Click  here  for the full archive.

NOVEMBER 2013

11/7 Madison

Madison

October 2013

10/31 Eliza Bulley, 10/24 Colleen Fraser,  10/17 Amanda Nelson

10/10 Kristy Toney, 10/3 Paige Henson

September 2013

9/26  Varsha

9/19 Lisa Van Bavel

9/12 Sara 9/5  Sherri Sibel Thomas

 

Style Session: Shopping for Interview Attire!

Earlier this fall at a “Dress for Success” fashion show at Towson University, I gave the students a challenge. I offered to do a job interview style session with the first person to write me on the blog.

I heard from Jennifer Eguzoro right away.   At the time, she didn’t know that she would receive a $50 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card on the day of our shopping trip.

Meet Jennifer

I still remember my first interview outfit. It felt like I was playing dress up. I’m sure I’m dating myself by telling you that the suit jacket was a good half a foot longer than any jacket I would wear today. It definitely had a little padding at the shoulders. The oversized jacket must have looked comical with the fitted pencil skirt.

There are so many more options now for getting dressed for an interview. Jennifer is a junior and has her eyes on a range of career fields including financial advising, public health and sales.

I showed her separates that she could wear to an interview but also get mileage out of for other occasions as well. Whether you are going to enter the work force for the first time or jumping back into a career, I believe two will take you far — a black pencil skirt and a simple dress. Both can be paired with a range of cardigans and jackets.

At The Limited (Level 2), Jennifer tried on this standout burgundy dress. I know what you may be thinking. It’s sleeveless. The cutout by the neck isn’t professional. Keep reading. This dress takes on a completely different look when paired with a jacket. Jennifer can also wear a look like this one for an evening event.

GURU Tip: Go for pieces that can pull double duty

Take a look at how the dress looks when styled with a blazer. I can see also adding a thin belt for a different look.

A blazer gives the dress a different look.

The same blazer also plays well with this patterned dress. Just like Jennifer can wear the dresses on their own, the blazer is also a trendy topper to skinny jeans, a tee and boots. Or, a dress like this one can be worn casually with tights and booties.

Two more looks

We also hit Macy’s. This LBD was made for Jennifer. I’m a big believer in trying on many little black dresses until you find the one that hits you just right. It doesn’t pay to settle. Amazingly, this is the first one she tried on at Macy’s. It came with the scarf.

The scarf comes with the dress.

Again, I would save the sleeveless look for other occasions. You can make a dress like this one look entirely different by swapping out different cardigans or blazers.

A dress like this provides a blank canvas for endless options.

While Jennifer didn’t take home any of the outfits she tried on, she says she left with helpful information.

Best of luck to you, Jennifer!

If you’re facing a fashion challenge, please leave me a comment. I just may take you on a future style session.

GURU Style Star: Eliza Bulley

The triple power of a black lace top + a sassy black & white striped skirt +  a double pop of Emerald = a head turning look!

The moment I saw Eliza Bulley, the Weekend Morning Producer at WBAL-TV, while at the station to do a style segment, I knew I had to snap some shots of her look! What’s most impressive to me is that Eliza put this outfit together hours before most of us roll out of bed!

Eliza Bulley

Eliza’s top, beaded necklace and boots are all  from Macy’s. Note how her socks are boldly pulled up higher than the boots.

Here’s a closer look at Eliza’s statement necklace.

Eliza couldn’t be more on trend with the black and white. Emerald hit the fashion limelight as the “it” color of 2013 and is a hot fall hue.

Describe your style: 

Classy, but not too dressy. I love a mixture of colors. I don’t like matchy matchy. I love to mix colors.

What is the most treasured item in your closet and why?

It’s my leggings. I wear them everyday when I’m not here and my boots.

If you could go back to any decade for the fashion, which one would you pick?

The ’60s. I like you’re not showing too much. You can show a little skin but not be all out there.

What is your favorite store at Towson Town Center?

I would say Macy’s, because you can get both high end and affordable pieces all at the same time. It’s fashion for less. You never break the bank.

Here are links to other recent GURU Style Stars. Click  here  for the full archive.

October 2013

10/24 Colleen Fraser,  10/17 Amanda Nelson

10/10 Kristy Toney, 10/3 Paige Henson

September 2013

9/26  Varsha

9/19 Lisa Van Bavel

9/12 Sara 9/5  Sherri Sibel Thomas

August 2013

8/29 The Models from the Back to School Rally, 8/22 Ramon Santos, 8/15 Kailee Martin

 8/8 Rebecca, Kreshtool, 8/1  Suzanne Caffaro

GURU Style Star: Colleen Fraser

This week’s GURU Style Star, Colleen Fraser, is wearing the kind of jacket that makes you notice her from a distance.

 

 

 

Colleen’s standout green jacket is INC from Macy’s. Her one piece pant suit is a score from Bebe (Level 3), and the pumps are Michael Kors from Macy’s.  

Love the one piece pant suit!

 

“I feel like I radiate,” says Colleen of how she feels in her outfit. “I’m on a mission to get what the day holds for me. Part of that mission involves seeking employment in public health, marketing, fashion or branding, explains Colleen, who has a Masters in Human Services.

 

 

Here’s our Q&A: 

Describe your style:

I like to represent my mood and personality on any given day. I think it’s one of the best ways to represent who you are with the blink of an eye… It defines who you are. You represent yourself as classy, not sassy.

What trends are you excited to try this fall?

I like a lot of color. I like a lot of textures. I love a lot of designer clothes. I’m a designer shopper.

Tell me about the most treasured item in your closet.

I have several. I have this hot, spicy yellow Jessica Simpson dress. It’s sexy but not over the top. It’s classy and an eye catcher. That’s one of my favorite outfits in my closet right now that I don’t want to give to anyone.

What are your favorite stores in the mall and why?

I think my whole closet right now is furnished by Macy’s. They have a lot of brands and designers that I like. I like Macy’s. Nordstrom. I like their return policy. If I don’t like something, I can return it fairly easily.

Tell me about the most valuable style lesson you’ve learned and who taught it to you? 

I would say my mother. That lesson is less is more. Simple beauty. Be natural. Look at your features and enhance what you have. I think that exudes natural beauty.

Want to meet more GURU Style Stars? You can access the GURU Style Star archive here. Here are links to recent Style Star posts.

October 2013

10/17 Amanda Nelson

10/10 Kristy Toney, 10/3 Paige Henson

September 2013

9/26  Varsha

9/19 Lisa Van Bavel

9/12 Sara 9/5  Sherri Sibel Thomas

August 2013

8/29 The Models from the Back to School Rally, 8/22 Ramon Santos, 8/15 Kailee Martin

 8/8 Rebecca, Kreshtool, 8/1  Suzanne Caffaro

Move over Neutrals — Check out all the Colorful Leather Looks!

Brown & Black, you’re facing some stiff competition. Have you noticed all the bold colors out there when it comes to leather looks? With faux leather and authentic leather options, you can find the style at a wide range of price points.

I spotted this faux leather power jacket at Macy’s. The red and animal print make a head turning pairing.

Power Color!

Here are two more picks from Macy’s.

Caché  (level 4) features a standout red leather vest.

Alternative to the Jacket

This leather jacket, in a similar shade, from Johnston & Murphy (level 2) is all about detail. Note the textured pattern on the shoulder, waist and sleeves.

Johnston & Murphy

At BCBGMAXAZRIA (level 2), this deep green jacket is described as “moto meets rock and roll!”

Moto Leather Jacket

I showed this belted leather jacket from BCBGMAXAZRIA with a sweater skirt in yesterday’s post. You can check out sassy sweater looks here.

Flattering Belted Look

Are there any trends you want to read about on this blog? Let me know. I would love to hear from you.

Celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Towson Town Center!

You can do your part in helping to design a dress for this White House Black Market mannequin! The real benefit goes far beyond what will hopefully grow into a full length gown. White House Black Market (Level 2) invites you to make a donation in-store this month to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Each donation is celebrated with another ribbon on the mannequin.

White House Black Market

Plus, $20 from each purchase of the the Hope Collection’s Give Hope T-Shirt and $10 from each Give Hope necklace will go to the organization as well.

Give Hope

Here’s a closer look at the Give Hope butterfly necklace.

Give Hope Butterfly Necklace

The Give Hope Collection will be available throughout October, while supplies last.

The giving spirit continues at Ann Taylor (Level 4). You can purchase a special Ann Cares card for $25 through 10/15. For every $100 you spend throughout October, you’ll save $20. The card can be used multiple times and will quickly pay for itself. Ninety percent from your card purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. There are a limited number of cards available, and they are selling fast.

Cares Card

You can also show your support by purchasing the Brilliant Bow Necklace and Brilliant Bow Bracelet. Ann Taylor created the Brilliant Bow jewelry collection in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through 12/31, Ann Taylor will give 70% of the purchase price of this necklace and bracelet  to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The collection is excluded from any promotions.

Bow Necklace

70% of purchase price will be donated

Brilliant Bow Bracelet

Features Hidden Stretch

At Macy’s, if you make a $5 donation through 10/14, you’ll enjoy 20% off storewide. Good in select departments. Exclusions apply. Macy’s is teaming up with Ralph Lauren on a campaign supporting cancer research.  See store for more details.

8 Hot Handbags!

I hit Towson Town Center for a whirlwind shopping spree this week for HANDBAGS to feature here. With so many colors, shapes and sizes out there, it’s near impossible to choose just one.

These are the kinds of bags that just may inspire you to build your outfit around your bag instead of the other way around.

Here are 8 picks!

Animal print is huge for fall. Check out this standout take on the style from Michael Kors (Level 2), with red and black cheetah print.

Michael Kors

You can find this animal print tote at Lucky Brand Jeans (Level 4). Along with the studded detailing, there is a an attached studded coin purse.

Lucky Brand

While in Lucky Brand Jeans, this “haute red” satchel stole my attention too.

Lucky Brand

You can wear this tote from Ann Taylor (Level 4)  two different ways. Unzip for added space and style!

Ann Taylor

When you unzip, a pop of print gets revealed.

Unzip for a pop of polka dots

If you’re leaving the office to grab a quick bite or going out for dinner and don’t want to take your entire purse, a little clutch can come to the rescue. Consider keeping a clutch in your larger bag for times when you don’t need to carry everything with you. The double sided feature on this clutch will keep you organized.

Ann Taylor

Over at Call it Spring (Level 3), I found this rich hued tote with studded detailing.

Call is Spring

I tend to go for bags with compartments. If only I could remember to put my keys in the same pocket every time, I would buy myself back many minutes a day! I also spotted this fun green bag at Call it Spring.

Call it Spring

  Here’s another green find. This cheery tote is from Aldo (Level 3).

Aldo

If you could take home one of these bags, which would be your top pick?

Tune into WBAL-TV Morning News this Sunday (9/22) in the 7 am half hour to catch my segment on hot fall trends!

GURU Style Star: Suzanne Caffaro

Meet Suzanne Caffaro, this week’s GURU Style Star. Love her crisp black and white look. The animal print top really jumps out with the white capris. I am guilty of always wearing black pants. Suzanne’s look is making me crave white ones!

Suzanne Caffaro

Suzanne scored her animal print top at Macy’s and the white capris from Victoria’s Secret (Level 4). She says she picked out this outfit for comfort and likes that she can as easily wear it out shopping and then to dinner.

Bold in Black & White

Now on to our Q&A…. 

Describe your style:

Comfortable, casual.

What is your favorite store in the mall and why?

Nordstrom. It has a little bit of everything.

 What styles are you looking forward to wearing this fall?

Bold color.  I love color.

If you could give fashion advice to a 20-year-old just starting out, what would you tell her?

Invest in some good staple pieces, classic timeless looks like white pants, crisp sharp black pants and build on that.

What is the most treasured item in your closet?

I just bought a Tadashi Shodji dress. It’s a navy blue, one-shouldered, fitted knee length dress. Macy’s carries Tadashi.

If I gave you $1,000 to spend anywhere at the mall, where would you go and what would you buy?

 I would probably go to the Coach (Level 4) store because I need a new purse.

Here are links to other recent GURU Style Star features.  The full archive is available here.

July 2013:  7/25 Montara Cureton, 7/18 Romisa Clark, 7/11 Annie Krall

GURU Style Star Montara Cureton

GURU Style Stars Romisa & Annie

June 2013:  6/27 Joan Ottenritter, 6/20 Caroline, 6/13 Michael Lindsay & Son, Michael Jr., 6/6, Jodi Blake

GURU Style Stars: Joan and Caroline

GURU Style Stars: Michael & Michael, Jodi

May 2013: 5/31 AnnaLance, 5/23 Jennifer Pleszkoch, 5/16 Sheena Jones,  5/9 Amy, Emerson and JoAnn, 5/2  Kenzie

May 2013 GURU Style Stars

Do you want to be featured here? Send me an email with a picture  and a little about your style.