JEAN DAY

The day of the jean needs to come to an end. When every suburban mom is wearing the go-to outfit, i.e. jeans, cute top, heels and cute bag,, you know the look is over. I'm not saying to never wear jeans again,, but let's put them back where they belong----casual events,, cookouts,, soccer games,, running errands. But for a big night out? Graduations? Brunch in the city? No. no. no.

How about a dress, a skirt, a pant made out of something other than jean? Try it and get away from the boring jean pool.

WALLPAPER GIRL

Yes, that's Blake Lively from Gossip Girl but the real gem in this Upper East side apartment is the wallpaper. Nothing gives a space dimension, style, boldness like a gorgeous wallpaper. Chinoiserie hand painted papers from Gracie Studio in New York are as luxe as they get. Use it in a foyer or a bathroom or even a designer closet. Until next time...

XOXO

Sparkle Girl

www.graciestudio.com

BABY MAMA 12 WEEKS-LOOK 2

Going to a girls' brunch is a snap in an Empire waist GAP dress and Kate Moss leather jacket. Coach flats keep it comfy.

www.GAP.com

www.topshop.com

www.coach.com

VINTAGE PROM

No matter what town you're in,, prom is special. And next to your wedding day, finding a dress for prom is just about as important. You DO NOT want to get to prom and have someone else wearing your dress. It's hard to do these days unless you go vintage. Posh Girl Vintage has so many dresses to choose from,, you can be Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe or Lucille Ball. I love prom.

www.poshgirlvintage.com

BABY MAMA 12 WEEKS-LOOK 1

Hello Mama! With sickness gone, pregnancy gets fun. Still a tiny bump so no need for maternity wear. Old Navy jersey dresses, GAP cardigans, Chloe belts and J.Crew flats. Daytime pregnancy is a snap.

www.gap.com

www.oldnavy.com

www.jcrew.com

www.chloe.com

HATS ON

Summer is coming and so is,, thank goodness, the SUN!! But with the sun comes sunburns. But how unnecessary is that? Stay protected AND wear a hat that'll fit right in at the local beach or on a stroll down Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. Hats ON to that.

www.peterbeaton.com

GIVE 'EM THE FINGER

When your little ones act like rock stars it can be annoying. The theatrics, the stealing of your sunglasses, the off key tune sung loudly, over and over and over. But there's no sense in fighting it,, so you might as well embrace it. A good way to do this is stockpiling on rocker duds,, at least you'll enjoy THAT. Little Fashion Gallery carries an enormous amount of cool and current frocks (I only wish they made this stuff in my size) and the design house of Fashion in the Nose tops the list. For girls and boys,, this is one finger I don't mind being given.

www.littlefashiongallery.com

I'VE GOT A CRUSH

Sallow. Not quite green, not totally yellow,, not white either. Sallow. Rosy cheeks? Never had 'em,,  except after an 8 mile run in the middle of summer. But who has time for that anymore? I needed a way to get that look without exerting any energy. Stila's Cherry Crush. A stain that can be worn on cheeks and lips and DOES NOT disappear after your first cup of coffee. It's also completely sheer so even on bare skin it's undetectable. Now that's cheeky.

www.sephora.com

FREE TO BE YOU,,,,,BUT NOT TO BE ME

One of the things that makes you stylish is creating your own look. If you think about fashionistas you'll recognize that they are unique. Sarah Jessica doesn't dress like Madonna who doesn't look anything like Kate Moss. They each have a style which is part of their essence. It's ok to draw inspiration from these fashion icons, and even your friends, but simply copying someone else's style is just plain lazy. Embrace your individuality and create your own look. 

It is said that imitation is a form of flattery, but I disagree. Imitation is just a form of ripping someone off. Don't be a style thief.

COTTON CANDY

Dresses that look like cupcakes? Shoes that look like candy? What can I say? Sweet is cute. And these are adorable. It's got bows, it's got pink, it's got stripes. But somehow it manages to not look like a 3 year old on her way to Sunday school. 

Pair it with your skinny white jeans and a soft tank and you're good to go.

www.piperlime.com

www.betseyjohnson.com

BERRY NICE

I recently read an article in BAZAAR where Halle Berry was interviewed. She said a thought we all know to be true and I had to share.

 

The interviewer stated the following: Nahla is a beautiful girl---amazing, given her challenged parents. (this was obviously a joke)

Halle Berry replied: Let her be sweet because I believe beauty is as beauty does. My hope is that she is sweet and kind because no matter how beautiful you are, ugly ain't cute. 

Now that's sparkle.

SWEET FASHION

Looking like dessert is a favorite look for me,, but it has to be balanced so it doesn't get too over-the-top confectionary. Cupcake fashion can be so much fun and be high fashion at the same time when you pair it with a cropped, worn in, jean jacket or a leather jacket. Remember, no prom hair or makeup allowed. In fact, a little black eyeliner would be just the right amount of icing on the cake. 

www.betseyjohnson.com

TOMMY BOY

Wondering what to get the guy who has everything? So was I. But then I found it. The Booze Cruise watch by Tommy Bahama. I know he already has a watch but this one is sporty, colorful, waterproof and not too expensive. The perfect gift for a guy who likes to hang at the beach in the summer or for the dad who doesn't mind giving a bath now and then. Good boy.

www.tommybahama.com

CRYSTAL TIME

I can't help it. I have a problem. I'm a sucker for sparkle. Sequins? Crystals? Gems? Yes please! BUT, we're not talking showgirl here. We're talking light reflection amidst classic and refined. The Candela clutch adds just the right amount of sparkle when paired with the little black dress or the pale grey silk jumpsuit (you know you want one). No other sparkle required.

www.koturltd.com

SPRING?

If you live in New England you'll be able to relate. One day Spring arrives. The next day Winter is back. And the next day and the next day and the next. There's only one way to make sure Spring is here and stays for at least a week. Buy some flowers. Rununculas are my favorite but all flowers have charm, especially when their backdrop is still leafless. 

BABY MAMA-6 Weeks

Being pregnant does not mean you can't be fashionable. We all know this by now right? But sometimes it's just nice to get some ideas that are simple and easy to recreate at home with clothes you already have in your closet. No shopping necessary,, at least not yet. Welcome to our Baby Mama Series. We'll be styling our Mama-to-be (her 3rd, for the record) throughout her pregnancy, to hopefully inspire you and give you the confidence to pull off some great looks.

6 Weeks,, tiny bump emerging. Black workout leggings, long roomy top and old sweatshirt. Add some glitzy jewelry and sparkly flats,, great makeup and hair and you have a look. Comfortable and cute.

HURRAY FOR NORDSTROM

I didn't have my hopes up. Why would I, right? I mean,, Mall? Big department store? Suburbs? Suburb of Boston?? Doesn't exactly scream high fashion, right? Wrong. Well, sort of wrong. While it wasn't HIGH fashion,, it certainly was fashionable. And while there was food, drink, a band and a DJ, the sparkle was all about the rotating models posing as mannequins. They were the highlight, showcasing Spring's hottest looks up close and personal. Fashion has arrived to the Northshore. There goes your excuse for wearing sweatpants to the parent conference.  

www.nordstrom.com

YOU SHOULD BE DANCIN'.......YEAH!

No you're not hallucinating. No, it's not the 70's and yes, I'm getting one. I'm serious. I'm definitely getting one. And I'm hanging it in my kids' bathroom. I would put it my living room if I didn't need actual light. I am in love with the disco ball.

I know its usual home is a dance hall with strobe lights and loud music but never mind that. Think of it as your sparkle bag with your classic dress. This is your sparkle disco ball with your classic beadboard beachy bathroom. Do you get it? Where are the BEE GEES when I need them??!

LOVE THYSELF

Really,, if you can't love yourself, who can you love? If you're tired of waiting for a romantic gift from a loved one, why not just give one to yourself? You know you're worth it and you know you deserve it. And on a super plus side,, it'll be exactly what you want AND it will fit.

The minute I saw this "Love me like a rock" ring by Isabel Harvey my heart skipped a beat. It's playful and fun but bursting with love. To thine own self be true.

www.isabelharvey.com

IT'S ALL IN THE WRIST

When my best friend and I had our wedding,,, wait, let me rephrase,, when my best friend got married, and I was her maid of honor, I liked to think of it as "our" wedding because I was just as interested, if not more so, than the groom in all things pretty,, i.e. dress, hair, flowers, centerpieces. So when it came time to decide on the bouquets for the bridesmaids, I had a vision. Wrist corsages. Now before you go thinking they're just for old ladies or prom, think again. Wrist corsages can be edgy and flirty or traditional and sweet but they'll always go with your dress and will never go to waste. You can't ditch this baby at the bar or leave it in the ladies' room, and I promise you won't want to. 

www.winstonflowers.com

www.etsy.com

BIBBIDI-BOBBIDI-POUF

Adding a little spice to your wardrobe is important,, it's also important to add it to your home. You don't want to be a one note,, looking like you had the showroom "set" dropped off in your living room. Snore. If you're stuck on how to add that interesting element, here's an idea. A Moroccan Pouf by Calypso. Use it as a foot stool, or an extra chair, or just to fill in that empty space in the bedroom corner. Luckily you don't need a fairy godmother to get one,,, if only finding a prince could be so easy.

www.calypso-celle.com

CALL THE DOCTOR

Need a summer shoe that is comfortable, i.e. flat, affordable AND looks good? Need one that you can walk your dog in and also go to lunch in? Need one that goes with everything you own? And want to throw a little nostalgia in there too? Dr. Scholls. 

They did you right for every summer cook out, family lake getaway and ice cream sundae binge. And remember how easy they were to take off when you went to the roller skating party? Yeah.. me too. They will never go out of style and neither will we.

www.drschollsshoes.com

HOTTIE

So hot pink is in and will continue to be in in the fall. And while I'm truly dedicated to all things pink, sometimes hot pink can be severe, or severely preppy, depending on the item. So how about a dash of hot pink on something totally functional and completely hip? A carry everything bag made of cotton and watersnake!!! YESSSSSSSssssssssss.

www.calypso-celle.com

PRETTY CLEAN

Washing your hands is a necessity. And having the soap readily available is also a necessity. This was always a bit of an annoyance to me because soap wasn't pretty,, it certainly wasn't sparkly,, and it honestly ruined the look of my well planned out kitchen. I didn't want to spend a fortune on hand soap but I did want a dispenser that went with my kitchen. Thank goodness for Target. They now carry a full line of J.R. Watkins cleaning supplies that are natural, smell great and look amazing. 

www.jrwatkins.com

www.target.com

GET CRAFTY

So I saw a pair of flowered espadrilles in a catalog recently. They were gorgeous but they were pricey,, over $350 pricey, which was well over my summer sandal budget,, but it got me thinking. I have a pair of $13 wedges from American Eagle from last year and I knew where to find silk flowers,,, a plan was hatched. Two fake flowers ($2 total) and a hot glue gun later and the plan was complete. Summer flower espadrilles for $15. Move over Martha Stewart. 

www.michaels.com

www.anthropologie.com

www.ae.com

STONED

Whether you have a lot of time or a little, wasting it on a laborious makeup application isn't fun for anyone. If you could minimize the routine and still look fabulous, wouldn't you? Stila Cosmetics has one of the most full proof products on the market. Convertible eyeliner in Stone. It comes with a self sharpening liner, eye shadow and smudger all in one. So no more sharpening, no more hunting for the right shadow (and then spilling it), no more q-tip cotton stuck in your eye after doing the smokey look. And there isn't an eye color that Stone doesn't look good on. Sweeeeeet.

www.stilacosmetics.com

www.sephora.com

www.ulta.com

NORDSTROM EVENT

For anyone in the Boston area who wants to do a little good and have fun while doing it, Nordstrom is having its grand opening at the Northshore Mall, Wednesday April 15, 2009 from 7-10PM. There will be cocktails, dinner, dessert, live music and of course, shopping. Tickets are $75.00 and all proceeds will benefit the North Shore Music Theatre and The Friends of Beverly Hospital. Hope to see you there,, and if you see a little Sparkle,, please say hi.

For tickets call 978-236-1600 or www.beverlyhospital.org

BLUSHING BRIDE

You got engaged and now you need the dress. You know you want pink and orange flowers for the tables, you're putting your bridesmaids in fuschia, even your groom gets to wear a colored tie. So what about you? Why do you get stuck wearing white? Can't the bride have any fun? If color is your thing, then wear it on your wedding day. Pink, blue, green,, pick your favorite color and work it. Gwen Stefani wore pink on her wedding day and was inspiring. Her pictures were splashed across every fashion mag out there touting how daring and beautiful a choice it was. Sarah Jessica Parker wore a pale pink dress to the Oscars one year and granted it wasn't a wedding and she is a movie star but isn't a wedding a great time for you to feel like a movie star? You can still look like a princess in color,, just a bit more BAZAAR one. 

JUST DESERT

I'm sort of getting sick of my UGGs. Regardless of fashions' ins and outs, nothing got me through the winters quite like them. The comfort and the warmth,, it was hard to resist. But I'm determined to change it up this coming winter and I think I found just the boot. Spotted at the Milan fashion shows was a new model sporting them,, granted she could make anything look cool, but still. They're classics. They're rugged. They're warm and they're comfortable. My UGGs may officially be deserted.

www.clarksusa.com

GOING TO PARIS

I have a plain kitchen. White cabinets, white subway tile, stainless steel and white marble counters. It's neutral, it's sparce. It works but it needs punch. It needs pizzazz. It needs SPARKLE! A big piece of sparkle. A crystal chandelier kind of sparkle! In a kitchen you ask? Yeah! Why not? In fact,, putting a fancy parisian crystal chandelier in an unexpected place adds a wink,,,an element of surprise and fun. Opulence where there usually isn't any. Try putting one in your bathroom and see how much more fun brushing your teeth becomes. Qui, qui!

www.myparisfleamarket.com

TURN ON THE HEAT

Get ready for a safari summer. A little bit Indiana Jones a little bit Out of Africa. You get the idea. This Nicholas Astor dress in Smoke sets the right tone. And you can accessorize it for day or night with jean jacket and fip flops or leather jacket and high heels/sparkly clutch. If it seems short, pair it with some leggings or those Diva white jeans. Smokin'.

www.revolveclothing.com

PARTY GIRL

I think we could all learn a lesson from our 4 year olds. Dress for a party even if you're not going to one. What are you saving that really pretty taffeta skirt for? Doesn't that rhinestone pair of shoes deserve more than one outing? And if you don't wear that sequin purse now,, when will you? Every day can be a glamour fashion day even if you're just getting hot dogs and fries at Spike's Junkyard.

FACE IT

So you're buying organic apples and oatmeal for your kids. You're drinking green tea and you've almost given up Diet Coke,, but what about your skin? Going organic with your skin can not only make your skin radiate, it can also be affordable. Aubrey Organics has a range of products for sensitive skin, combination skin, dry skin, oily skin. I personally use the Sea Buckthorn in the summer and the Rosa Mosqueta in the winter but all of them work. And let's face it,, if your skin looks great, you feel great, no matter what bag or shoes you're wearing.

www.aubrey-organics.com

www.wholefoodsmarket.com

DIVA IN WHITE

I cursed the day, and Kate Moss, the day the skinny jean arrived. I resolved to never wear a pair, and was convinced I was doing my legs and hips a huge favor by bypassing this look. 

So much for resolutions. 

When it comes to fashion there is a time to hold firm and there's a time to be open minded. When I found the Diva,, I laid down my fashion swords and never looked back. However,, I did grumble. You see,, the Diva only came in dark jean and blue jean,, but no white. I succumbed to other brands last summer but no longer. The Diva jean is now available in white!!!! Can you hear me?? WHITE!!!!!! And the best part? They are $29.50 at Old Navy. At that price,, you might want to buy 2,, just in case the butter from your lobster bake wants to steal the Diva's show.

www.oldnavy.com

WALL VALIUM

I'm having one of those days. One kid is sick and the other is being Superman off the counters. I think I have pink eye and my jeans aren't fitting. The babysitter canceled for this weekend and my husband said he'll be home late from work. I'm not a drinker, although this could lead me to be one, but I do have a mantra and it's hanging on my wall. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. I stare at it and say it over and over. And if that doesn't work there's always BEN & JERRY'S.

www.keepcalmgallery.com

ONE OF A KIND

This summer you're going to want a necklace that goes with everything,,,,,cocktail dress, jeans, bathing suit,,,, but do you really want to see it on everyone else?  i.e. J.Crew, Anthropologie, GAP. Don't get me wrong,, I love what they're doing with costume jewelry and own a few pieces myself, but if you want a real gem, invest in a vintage piece by Miriam Haskell. They are exquisite, made by hand, works of art. And although some of the pieces date back to the 1920's, 30's and 40's, they're still just as relevant in today's fashion as they were back then. Glitterbox.com has a nice collection of Miriam Haskell along with other designers of the time. Glitter on.

www.glitterbox.com

'CAUSE THIS IS THRILLER

The 80's are back but that doesn't mean you have to dress head to toe looking like you came out of a Michael Jackson video. One piece will do and if you keep it in a neutral palette it will keep it looking more modern. Keep the motorcycle jacket short and fitted,, roll up the sleeves for a more casual look and throw it over any and all dresses. The more feminine the better. Topshop has a great one and it's only $90. Now beat it,, before they sell out.

www.topshop.com

BIG LOVE

Hello gorgeous. That's what I said when I saw her,,,this 4 ft by 5 ft piece of art by Andy Warhol for Chanel. I also got the "crazy eyes" as my clients like to call them. Happens any time I see something that I fall crazy madly in love with, and this was one of those times. In fact, I don't really purchase anything that I don't get the "crazy eyes" for,, otherwise what is the point? Buy what you love, not what you think is "right" or "in" or "safe". Big. Love. Crazy. Words to design by.

CHUCK IT

I am supposed to be a grown up by now. I know this. Turn the music down to a sensible level, wipe your mouth after drinking a milkshake, and for God's sake stay out of the puddles!! I'm managing all of it,, I really am. But ya know what? When it comes to sneakers,, I'm going to be a kid. I held off long enough but every time I put them on my kids, I longed for a pair of my own. I may look like I have rabbit feet while wearing them but I'm hopping right into a puddle when I do.

STOP POUTING

Have you been looking for the perfect red for,, like,,, EVER? Do you have 12 tubes of varying shades of red in your makeup kit that you thought made you look like Marilyn Monroe in the store but looked more like Marilyn Manson when you got it home? You're not alone. Red is one of the hardest colors to get right and when it goes wrong,,it's unforgivable. But I found it. I really did. The perfect red. "Icon" by Hourglass Cosmetics. Not too orange, not too dark,, not too bright. Just iconic.

www.hourglasscosmetics.com