First Look at Liz's New Line

Welcome to Elizabeth Hall's first look at Fall 2012. This video is full of great wearable styles like our machine washable wrinkle resistant contrast trim shirts and tunics styled with fabulous standout accessories. It also shows off a line of hand blocked knit styles like the classic wrap dress and Trish top.  Liz spend countless hours designing the geometric prints herself as well as working on the garment fit. You won't be disappointed.

How To Pick Swimwear: One Pieces & Tankinis

Let’s face it, when it comes to swimwear, if you’re a size zero, you’ve never had kids and you just LOVE the gym you probably don’t need my how to… so I focused this swim post on my two favorite styles for swim, one pieces and tankinis. Luckily one pieces are regaining popularity so there is a much greater selection then there has been in the past. I am a big believer in leaving a little to the imagination so read on for some seriously stylish options that offer a little more coverage.

There are three trends that I am loving for this upcoming swim season, Ombre, Classic Nautical and for you girlie girls, ruffles. It’s not all about the trend, right? It's also about what flatters, so as always I will cover some equally important design details including ruching, bust support and structure.

Availabel (left to right):  Gottex Ombre Suit at Bloomingdales, Miracle Suit 14w-24w Salon Z Saks, Lauren at Dillards

Ombre: Summer is all about color and many readers are sick of their classic black suit. If you are looking to spice up your swim wardrobe this vibrant style just might be for you. Look for styles that gradually vary in the same color family, i.e. all warm tones like reds, oranges and pinks or all cool colors like blues, aquas and purples.

Ruching: I have used this term a lot in other blog posts but for those of you who are new to the term, it means gathering. It is one of my favorite details for swim because it helps make clingy swim fabrics more forgiving. Fortunately it is all over the markets this season in Grecian inspired styles.

Available (left to right): Miraclesuit Pin Point Oceanus Suit at cyberswim.com (all sizes), Michael Kors 'shipmate' at Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama Sunspots Suit at Bloomingdales

 

Classic Nautical: There are a few things that define this look think polka dots, stripes, navy, white and red and you are done! Any combination of these elements and colors will give you the desired look. Feel free to add a little pin up flare red lipstick, retro silhouettes or a drama filled cover-up.

Bust Support: If you have a full bust look for built in cups and wider straps. Wider straps support your bust and actually make you look slimmer. If you are smaller busted you may want to choose a strapless style but make sure that it has a shelf bra built in and is tight enough. All fabrics loosen up in the water. 

Tip: Want to look great on the beach but haven't seen the sun in a while? Check our how to guest post from Lydia Stulb Butler on perfecting the at home self tan.

Available (left to right): Ruffle Tankini at Alwaysforme.com (plus), Miraclesuit at Bloomingdales, Jersey Lomellina flutter bandeau at J. Crew

Ruffles: This trend is great for girls who want a little feminine detail on their suit. Ruffles are fun, have movement and help conceal. This style is ideal for apple shaped shoppers who may want to conceal a tummy.

Structure: Structure may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of bathing suits but it should be! Make sure you are looking for a suit that is sewn well and is made of a strong fabric. The sun, beach and water are very tough on clothing so there are very few garments in your wardrobe that will have more wear and tare. Flimsy fabrics are more clingy and wear out quickly.

How to Host the Perfect Bridal or Baby Shower Tea

Guest Blogger Series: Have you ever had to throw a party for a sister, good friend or colleague? Try throwing a tea party! It is feminine, elegant and just feels special. To discuss how to put on the perfect tea, we brought in an expert, Adrienne Morella Brason of Mrs. B's Tea Party.
Tip #1: If you can, bring in a professional. Don't want to plan on your own? Check out Adrienne's website, www.mrsbsteaparty.com.

Every girl wants something different, elegant and memorable for the special days in her life. The biggest ones are wedding day and childbirth. An elegant tea party is a great way to celebrate these amazing occasions. It will take time and a bunch of planning, but when your guest of honor walks in and sees the presentation-it is all worth it!

Personalize: Upon our first meeting, I like to find out as much as I can about the bride or momma to be. Such as... Does she like yellow? maybe vintage glass? Is she shabby chic? These are all ways to bring a personalized touch to each of my parties. You, however, have a upper hand! She is already your friend, someone you know.  You can make it more special than anyone :) I have always loved hosting parties, it was a few years ago I decided to write my ideas onto paper for a Tea Party business. Today I am going to share with you, some of my ways for making the perfect tea party!

      

Tip: Maybe you have those special photos from your little getaways to put into beautiful crystals photo frames to display everywhere. You know she loves the color pink, there never can be too much pink!

Layout: Spacing for a Bridal or Baby shower can sometimes be an issue. Bistro tables are a great way to go when you are at a lack of space. You will be surprised how many place settings you can do up in your living room!

Tea Prep: I always brew the tea for the guests.  This can be tricky, unless you take the time to understand how to brew each color of tea. I have a water brewer, but you can manage with a candy thermometer and a pot of water. 

Tip: “Though most teas will produce a decent cup if you steep them all in boiling water, many of the finer teas will do much better at lower temperatures. Green and white teas, for example, are more delicate and you get more flavour if you brew in slightly cooler water.” – About.com
 

Event Flow: Ideally, I like for the Guests to be able to mingle and sip teas at each table. I like to scatter my tea selections around so each can be sampled :) If spacing is an issue, I always rotate the teas for each table, at many parties folks have tried to hold their favorites "hostage" until they try the next one and love that one the same! I label each pot with a pretty tag, so guests know which they are about to try.  

Tip: My favorite teas are from Harney and Sons Fine tea which can be found here..
http://www.harney.com, I have had many guests say they never loved tea until they tried what I brought.
Setting Your Table

Linens: you can borrow buy or rent from a local party rental shop. Make sure you use colors that compliment one another. If you are not good at color selections or are not sure, white is always a great option. It is classic, elegant and basic. You can add color later:)

Décor: Next, decorating with flowers. I am a huge fan of flowers. I think they make almost any space beautiful, and a must for your tea party. Be careful though, many folks are highly allergic to certain flowers, so try and avoid those main sneeze causers.

Settings: Almost every family owns a set of China dishes and silverware. Why not ask to borrow some? If each of the bridesmaids brought a few sets, you can have a mixed match variety in no time...Thrift shops, yard sales, Ebay, Craigslist and antique shops also have some one of a kind pieces if you are able to spend some cash. 

 

Tip: Nifty little storage and carry boxes can be found here to carry the China without breakage...http://www.organize.com/ Beautiful tables cannot be without beautiful serving pieces or stands. Also try HomeGoods, QVC or other discount stores.

Available (left): QVC

 
 

What about the Food?

First, Scones: This is a First course in a Fine Tea. This is a plain scone or an assortment of flavors. They can come in Raisin, Cranberry and a variety of other fruits and nuts. They are served with butter and jam, so have the two in a couple of pretty glass dishes and a dainty little spoon in each one.


Next, the Little Tea Sandwiches: Tea Sandwiches can be cute, cut into special shape and made with every and anything from Peanut butter to Turkey. I prefer to do two to three sandwich choices, one for the meat eater, one for the chicken eater and one for the vegetarian. My favorites are Roast Beef with Horse Radish Mayo on a hearty rye, Chicken Salad with Grape and Green apple on a Wheat or Multi Grain, and Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese on Raisin Nut Bread, yum!

Salad: Salads are a must, a delicate spring mix with some nuts and craisins is a nice way to go. Please do dressing on the side, otherwise your greens will get wilty!

Dessert: What you all have been waiting for...The Desserts! In my opinion, you can never have too many desserts. I love to fill my cake and cupcakes stands with as many varieties that I can so guests can try them all. Chocolate Brownies, cream puffs, eclairs, Petit-Fours, Homemade pies, cakes and cupcakes are just some of the options I have offered. Have a few friends make their special dessert to add to the table. Don't forget to make sure you add the guest of honor's favorite flavor when doing your display! If she is a chocolate girl, lots of chocolate is key:)

Call for a lunch time tea: 12-2 or 3 are my most suggested times. This is perfect for lunch, and gives you plenty of time to prepare in the morning.
I hope this helps with your serving up the perfect tea! Happy Spring!!!

Adrienne Morella Brason is the owner of Mrs B's Tea Party, www.mrsbsteaparty.com (610) 715-3001 Bringing Elegant Tea Parties to you for Big Girls and Little Girls. She lives in Abington with her husband Greg and their cats and dog. In her spare time, she loves decorating and to ride and show her Arabian horse King.
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"How to Dress Your Body Type" - Best of Basics

We all love shopping for that perfect party dress, statement top or even fun jewelry, but when it comes down to it the most important items in your closet are the basics. Those items that you reach for time and again.

• Invest in Excellence: Quality is important especially when you are planning on wearing and laundering a garment frequently. You will end up spending more money in the long run on items that wear out quickly.
• Solids & Basic Patterns: The whole point of basics is that they easily mix and match. Stick to solid neutrals like black, brown, ivory, white, navy and grey. Basic patterns like stripes, dots and color blocking may work as well.
• Simple Silhouettes: Keep it simple. Again the whole idea with basics is that they are palette pieces. On their own they may not make much of a statement but with the perfect necklace, shoe or cardigan your look is transformed.

Apple: Apple shaped women have straighter figures and often carry their weight in the tummy. (These tips also work for sporty or boyish figures)
Pear: Pears carry weight through their hips and thighs but often have defined waists and smaller upper bodies. (These tips also work for curvy or hourglass figures)

Tanks & Tees: This category explains itself. No wardrobe can function without these.

Apple Shape

Look for boxier silhouettes in your basics. Avoid overly long pieces that will make you look shorter. Cap or short sleeves are a good choice in tee shirts and deeper necklines help to slim and elongate.

Right: Karen Kane Long Tank (small to 3x), Eileen Fisher (xs to 3x),  Supima Short Sleeve Scoop Neck Tee by Michael Stars
   

Pear Shape 

Look for a line styles that are more fitted through the shoulders and looser through the hips. Look for slightly longer styles that give you more coverage of the hips and thighs.

Right: Eileen Fisher Wide U-Neck A-Line Tee in Linen Jersey (xs-3x), Gap Pure Rayon Tank, Sejour Fitted Tank (Plus)

Fitted Blouses: There is nothing like the crisp look of a tailored shirt. Perfect for the office or over jeans for the weekend. It is a must have basic.

Apple Shape

Look for styles with darts at the bust line but not too much tailoring through the waist. Styles with tuxedo & ruffle details add more interest to the basic style. Safari style shirts with roll cuffs are a great style for apples because they are often very fitted through the arm.

Right: Foxcroft Shirt at Nordstrom (Missey & Plus), Hira Tuxedo Shirt Thomas Pink, Claton Roll Sleeve Shirt Lauren by Ralf Lauren (also Plus)

Pear Shape

Look for styles with more definition around the waist and under bust. Wrap styles are adjustable and give more room through the hips. Princess seams and ruching are other details that can help the fit.

Right: Talbots Wrap Blouse (also in petite & womens petite), Banana Republic Chambray Button Down, Craig Taylor Front Ruched Shirt (also in plus at Saks)

Other Must Haves: Dress, skirts and casual pants.

Apple Shape

• Fitted Color Denim: Ankle and capri length fitted denim or jeggings show off an apples great legs.
• Above Knee Fitted Skirt: A short skirt with a cute top is also great way to play up your legs. Plus shoppers may have to look into hemming because there aren't many above knee options.
• Basic Above Knee Dress:  Pick a dress with 3/4 length or long sleeves that hits at or above the knee. Its a great one and done look with your favorite necklace and bag.
  

Above: Colored Denim Gap sizes 0-20 (Plus NYDJ), Short Skirt J.Crew (Plus Try NYDJ), Basic 3/4 Sleeve Dress Lilly Pulizer

Pear Shape

• Maxi Skirt: Maxi skirts are chic and comfortable. Pair with a cute top and belt to show off your waist.
• Relaxed Fit Linen Pants: Drawstring or knit waist pants allow your to define you waist and the loose fit through the leg is super flattering.
• Wrap Dress: Just like with the fitted shirt wrap styles will fit you perfectly from season to season and can be worn to almost any event.
  

Right: Maxi Skirt by Michael Kors (also in Plus), Relaxed Linen Pants by J.Jill (also in Petite, Plus & Tall), Wrap Dress by Kiyonna (plus only)

How to Guide for Vintage Decorating (For the Home!)

Guest Blogger Series: Our author this week is Jessica Crowell. She is a clever Rutgers doctoral candidate with a great eye for vintage. She brings a unique perspective to home decor by blending her country charm (she grew up in Nashville) with space conscious urban design from her time in New York.

In these tough economic times, decorating your home/apartment in vintage styles may be as much about economic necessity as your aesthetic inclinations. As an indigent doctoral student, I have to be creative on a small budget. But with free time and a trained eye, you too can find quality items to fill your space and make it your own!

Here are some easy tips that I hope will help you find that perfect vintage piece.

1. The decision is in the details: So, you've arrived at your local Salvation Army, flea market or second-hand furniture store. How do you ensure you snag a high-quality item? Repeat my vintage shopping mantra: the decision is in the details. 

Upholstered Items: If you find an awesome easy-chair, make sure you turn it over to inspect the underside for construction and evidence of reupholstering. If you see any evidence of decay or a moth-attack, pass it up. 

For side-tables or dressers: Open up any drawers and inspect the wood. Does it seem to be lower quality or differ from the wood used in the piece itself? If so, it could be a new table that has been refinished to appear aged. Pass it up.

Tip: If your item passes these tests, remember that high quality pieces are more likely to have handmade details. I knew my easy chair was the real deal when I inspected the carved decorative piece on the top. The carved lines in the leaves were different, so I knew it wasn't just mass produced. (see chair detail above from Jess's collection)

2. You can't decorate in a day: While vintage shopping can be very rewarding, finding cheap one-of-a-kind pieces means you have to browse more often. Make a list of core items you really want, but also keep an eye out for smaller pieces that are well-made and interesting. Find some closet space to dedicate to storing your vintage items until you find that perfect spot.

For example, I found this vintage Christmas ornament at an antique store in Tennessee 4 years ago, and even though I didn't have an exact place for it, at $2 I couldn't resist. Now, it has finally found it's home hanging over my kitchen sink! Eventually, your effort will pay off; vintage-lovers must be more patient. (As you see from the main photo, I still don't have curtains in my living room -- still hunting for the perfect accent.)

3. Be willing to make (minor) repairs: In many cases, great items have been discarded by their former owners because they needed some repairs. If you really want to decorate your home in vintage goods, invest in a decent tool set, some wood and ceramic glue and an inexpensive power drill.

When I saw this broken vintage mirror framed in hand-painted blue ceramic tiles, I knew it had amazing decorating potential. I carefully inspected the tiles to make sure they were not cracked, that the wood frame only need to be re-nailed and that the frame was not split or broken. After nailing the edges in place, chiseling away the old ceramic glue, reaffixing tiles and a bath, this item was as good as new!

Tip/ Caveat: while minor repairs are part of the shopping experience, don't invest money in items that will need hours of complicated repairs. I usually won't splurge on an item that will take more than $20 and 2 hours to fix-up. Remember, vintage shopping is about acquiring high quality items, and some goods are difficult to save.

4. Pair vintage with new or more modern pieces: As much as I love antique or vintage goods, filling your space *only* in items from an older area can look outdated or depressing. The idea

is to utilize well-made pieces from the past, not replicate your grandmother's living room.

This 1930's cream vintage French settee looks fresh when paired with Indian throw pillows from Marshall's HomeGoods ($15 each on sale), a glass lamp with clean lines from World Market ($35 on sale), and a handmade driftwood end table I found on Etsy ($125).

5. When all else fails, learn how to "antique": "Antique" is not only a phrase to refer to the age of an item, but it also a process of painting/distressing which you can use to match unmatchable vintage goods. No matter how committed you are to vintage shopping, you will eventually find that some of those great finds stored in your closet cannot be paired.

Of these green frames, 3 were vintage finds, 1 was handmade by my great-grandfather, and 2 were bought new at Michael's. When I couldn't find a place for them in my home, I opted to distress the frames and antique them collectively to decorate my bedroom. 

Tip 1: Youtube has a number of great resource videos which you can consult to learn how to DIY antique in a style you like. (Here is a link to one I prefer, Click Here) However, this process requires use of paint and paint thinner, so it's a good summer project for when you can open windows and ventilate.

Tip 2: Frames are a great way to display some of your finds: as you can see in this photo, I have displayed a gorgeous 1940's evening clutch alongside some personal photos.

  

6. Splurge on vintage art you love: While vintage goods are always one-of-a-kind, during your shopping sessions you will undoubtedly encounter some discarded paintings or other art pieces. In many cases, discarded art has a slightly higher price tag, and a framed well-preserved piece is rarely available for $5.

Tip: If you find something that you like, try to work it into your budget. Once you find a painting you adore, you will love it for life! If possible, keep your receipt from the purchase and get any information you can, and affix it to the back of the painting for future generations.

I hope you will find that vintage shopping is not only cost effective and environmentally friendly, but will inspire you to be more creative and innovative. You will find you are the envy all of your friends when you nab that anthropologie-esque easy chair for under $100!

~Jess

Jessica Crowell is currently finishing up her second year in media studies at Rutgers University where she is working towards her doctorate. For any questions or comments on this post contact us through the Elizabeth Hall Style facebook page.

How To Wear The Bird & Feather Trend

Feathers: Everywhere I look I see feather prints and feather inspired jewelry. They are very light and airy. The prints can look vintage or bold.

Available: Dress by Melissa Masse, Feather Earrings Endless, Free Bird Necklace at Nordstrom, Vintage Look Feather Dress Eshakti

Dress: A feather print dress can make vintage or basic styles more interesting and modern. These styles by Melissa Masse and Eshakti are both available in all sizes. The sleeveless style is great for women with boyish or apple figures and the kimono style dress by Masse is perfect for pears because of it’s v-neckline and arm coverage.

Jewelry: There are plenty of actual feathers out on the market right now but I prefer a delicate metal style. They are more updated and sophisticated.

Bold Birds: For those of you who like a bolder look try styles with a tattoo print that is positioned on the style rather then covering the whole piece.

Available: Maxi Dress anthropologie, Dove Earrings Etsy, Leather Feather Bangle Lucky Brand

Graphic Tee: A printed graphic tee like this one from Lucie Lu is the perfect choice for a more casual look. Pair with your favorite pair of jeans and flats for a day around town.  

Available (Left): Lucielu.com, plus

   

Maxi Dress: A fully printed maxi dress can be a lot of print but the style above from anthropologie is perfectly proportioned. The strong bird print doesn’t overwhelm the whole look.

Rustic Jewelry: Chunky silver jewelry with leather details is a cool way to interpret this trend. It's better for every day casual.

Simple Silhouettes: Many of the prints and pieces on the market have very simple silhouettes or outlines of the bird. This gives you the same airy and elegant feel that you got with the feather styles above.

Available: Dress Piperlime, Ring Etsy, Necklace Nordstrom, Earrings by Lucky Brand at Zappos

Small Repeat Print: Look for bird prints with a small constant repeat like this style from C.Luce. The print becomes more of a texture then a bold statement.

        Jewelry: Look for bird silhouettes like the ones in this ring   

        from Etsy. 

How To Wear/ Choose Polka Dot Prints

Black & White Dots: This combination never goes out of style. If you read this blog, you know that I am a big fan of timeless style and a simple print like the polka dot in black and white will never go out of style. Pair it with a pop of color like the electric blue denim from J-Crew to keep the look modern.

Available (above left to right): Skirt White House/Black Market, Dress (plus sizes) Rachel Pally at Nordsrtom, Blouse Jcrew.com

Gradient Dots: Polka dots are available in all different shapes and sizes at the moment. The gradient dot is an interesting way to wear this print. The dots go from small to large creating an ombre like effect. 

Available(Left): Gradient Blouse Eshakti.com

Tip: Choose dots that are in the proper proportion to the item and your shape. As with all prints, don’t wear an over-sized dot in your problem areas.  


Imperfect Dots: A polka dot print doesn’t have to pristine or even made from dots. Look for prints that look like a polka dot from far away but have more detail close up or even painterly dots like the blouse from anthropologie (below left). 

Available (above left to right): Blouse anthropologie.com, Dress (plus sizes) Jones NY at Bloomingdales, Skirt Trina Turk at Bloomingdales