Cecilia Jane

"To provide unique and functional designs, which allow our customer the ability to create and update a style "all their own"

Cecilia Jane is the brainchild of designer Simonair who creates funky eclectic looks to top off any outfit. She features long drapey necklaces and unique earrings but the highlight of the site are her handmade bags. Combining fun with function these bags pair playful patterns with accents like buttons, flowers and bows. And if you want a more individual look, Cecilia Jane will customize bags in whatever shape, color or occasion that you need.

I am always on the lookout for distinct pieces and I love the creative looks of this site and the prices are very reasonable. Cecilia Jane will also feature a clothing line tentatively scheduled for Spring 2007.

Fashion Friday!

Sofistafunk

Sofistafunk Skirt Co. is the creation of Arlinda M. and Cheshire Mickens whose tagline is ready to wear everyday couture. Their skirts remind me of rainy days playing dress up with a modern feel. I admire the sassiness of their designs and the skirts look so fun! The quirky, stylish, A-line and circle skirts are created with vintage fabrics of cotton and silks or vintage reprints and hand finished. What I really love about the ladies of Sofistafunk is that they have created the Sofistafunk Social Society, a not for profit group "dedicated to celebrating life through fashion" by lending a helping hand to someone else.

The ladies have also introduced SofistaFunk Girls for the little diva of the family.

Their motto is not only a great attitude toward fashion but for life.“Our Motto: Life is a gift meant to be celebrated everyday. Run, skip, dance - do whatever makes you feel free - today is yours. Congratulations!”

Weekend Getaway

For you fashionistas who frequently travel, here are some tips to packing like a pro:
- Make a list. This will save you from throwing in last minute items or forgetting something important that you meant to bring. This will also help you figure out what shoes work best with more than one outfit. (This is torture for me to bring only a couple of pairs of shoes!)
- For dressier pants and long dresses, pack them on the bottom with the ends hanging over the sides.
- Next, roll shirts, jeans and dresses to save on wrinkles and space.
- Fold the ends hanging over the sides on top of the rolled items.
- Shoes are packed around the sides and socks are stuffed into them.
- Pack underwear in the side pockets or zipper compartments.
*Make sure you have at least one change of underwear in your carry on bag. (My aunt recently found this out after she missed her connecting flight but her luggage was already shipped and she had to spend the night at a hotel.)
7- Pack toiletries, mediations, etc. in your carry on bag.

- Distinguish your luggage with a stylish bag or cute luggage tag.

Plum Party Luggage Tags

Make sure to save room in your bag (or bring an extra one) for your shopping purchases!

Obi Anyone?

Obi belts, wide sashes typically worn by traditional Japanese women with kimonos are popping up as another opportunity to show off your waistline.

Kelly Ripa from Live with Regis & Kelly

Singer Monica at TRL Studios

I was actually going to bid on an obi that I found on Ebay but I found some great alternatives:

Another style alternative is just buying a wide swatch of fabric and making your own!

Get Your Fash-On! Old Navy Plus Size

I think Old Navy has some of the cutest plus size fashions online and the prices are great too! If you have a full bust and hips here are some tips to maximize your look:
1. Boot cut jeans help balance the hips.
2. Look for fabrics that drape over curves but are not too tight.
3. A wrap dress flatters your waist.
4. Dress to show of your appeal, darker colors minimize those areas you want to detract from, prints and lighter colors attract attention to your assets.
5. Baggy or loose clothing makes you apear larger than you really are.

Women's Plus Flutter Skirt $14.99 (sale!)

Women's Plus Wool Blend Peacoat $78

Womens Plus V-Neck Sweater

Women's Plus Just Below Waist Jeans $32.50 (Bootcut)

Women's Plus Stretch Trousers $36.50

*Most importantly, have fun! Try on something you might not normally wear, you may surprise yourself!

Bebe Fabulous

Bebe has released it's first ever Fall 2006 couture collection in its stores. It is a collection of old Hollywood with updated accents like knee length leggings, bubble skirts and asymmetric cuts. The tulip was the inspiration for the collection and it is evident by the curves and lines of the coats, dresses and jackets. L.A. designer David Cardona and Madonna stylist and costume designer Arianne Phillips collaborated to revitalize the 30 year old brand with new appeal and best of all, it's available online!