My Favorites: Fall & Winter Nail Polish Shades

I don't know about you, but I always feel so much

better when my fingers and toes are primp and

proper. I just think hands and feet look so pretty

when they are cleaned up and polished.

Here are a few of my favorite colors for this season!

All can be found at Sephora, Nordstroms, and Essie.

My Top Picks:

Rachel Zoe for QVC

With a hit show, countless of A-list celebrities as clients and an enormous

fan following, its only about time that Rachel Zoe, the famous founder

of RZ Inc., and world renowned wardrobe stylist, created her

own line of clothing and accessories. Her undeniable love for

vintage and old hollywood glamour has shaped and

shined through the pieces of her QVC line

which has made it an instant success.

Below are a few of my faves.

Listed from Top to Bottom:

• Black Water Resistent Trench Coat $116.00 Perfect for a rainy day in the city.
  
• Patch Pocket Vest with Sequin Trim $72.00

• Brilliant Faceted Stone Ring $39.00

• Make a Statement Bold Gold Necklace $79.76 Classic

• Slinky Snake Hoop Earrings $43.00

• Drawstring Bucket Bag with Removable Strap $67.10

• Double Faced Belted Cape $85.76

All pieces and more can be found at http://www.qvc.com/

Five Things to Remember This Holiday Season

Retire the Christmas Sweater your mom likes to see you wear for the holidays.

One of the best things about the Holidays is that you see relatives and

friends whom you don't see too often. It's a great time to reconnect and

catch up and you want to leave a great impression on those who don't see you everyday. Make sure your hair looks nice, teeth are clean(white),

and that you don't look like a fool..AKA, that sweater your mom

made you wear when you were 13, even if it still fits, must go. Immediately. You want people to remember you for how charming or funny you are, not for the goofy red sweater with Rudolph on it that you spilt eggnog all over.

Don't Drink & Drive

Although you've been told this a million times, it never hurts to hear it again. Only a raging idiot would drink and drive on a holiday evening where cops are just waiting to pull over those who may have hit the spiked eggnog or champagne a little too hard. Call a cab or call a friend. A few drinks is not worth losing your life, someone else's or your freedom.

Don't Procrastinate with Presents.

In the economic times that we are in now, I'm sure a lot of people are cutting back on the amount of money that they spend on their loved ones for the holidays..however that doesn't mean that when you go to the mall at 8pm on December 24th to go shopping that the shelves and racks will be filled..because they won't. Take the weight off your shoulders and get it out of the way early. My favorites are http://www.overstock.com/ because they have a great shipping rate and you can almost find ANYTHING for ANYONE, whether its a coffee maker or designer jeans at half price. Be smart and shop early.

Be in the Moment

After my brother recently left for Basic Training for the Marines, it has really made me remember to soak up all the time you have with loved ones. Its too common that we take everyone in our lives for granted, so for this holiday season, instead of being on your cellphone or watching the clock because you made plans for later, just enjoy where you are and who your with. Spark up a conversation with someone you haven't had a one-on-one with in a while, and get to know them all over. Take pictures or play a game that will get everyone involved. By the end you may be asking, "why don't I spend more time with my family?"

Have fun. Relax. And be Merry.

Get Creative
Just because we are known to spend a lot of money on decorations, presents, ect..doesnt mean we neccessarily have to. In times like, well right now, where money is tight, it doesn't mean you need to give tube-socks to your loved ones..unless they want them. (weird..)

Put your thinking caps on and get creative. For my job as an assistant to a genius stylist & interior decorater, I have seen all of the fabulous decorations to use for the holidays this upcoming season. While those are a bit on the highend side, I am finding a way to create my own without breaking my budget. Gold is beauutiful for the holidays, so grab pretty leaves, pinecones and holiday looking plants, and spray paint them gold with perhaps a touch of glitter. Use glitter on the table (lightly) for a glamorous touch. Instead of spending a lot of money on expensive flowers for center pieces, I love the look of a big glass vase with glittery white/silver or gold ornaments, or pretty fruit. Invest in some holiday magazines and try to recreate your own version of what you see in them.

Best of luck,

xoxo

Say Buh-Bye to the One Shoulder

Often enough we love something so much that we have the tendencies to over do it. A little over a year ago, we were graced with the presence of the one shoulder whether it was on a cocktail dress or a top. It graced the run-ways, covers of magazines and walked its way down the red carpet on countless number of celebrities. And while it had its time to shine, all good things come to an end, right? I'm sure as most history repeats itself, this trend will rise again in a few years, but for this years cocktail parties, choose a flattering strapless or long sleeve lace number.

Stay tuned for the next blog on what to wear

to this years holiday parties. xoxo

Hot Accessories for Fall!

If you follow my blog or know anything about me, you will soon discover if you haven't already, I am a die-hard, obsessed, fashion junky. I love the beauty of it, the glitz and glamour and the fast pace environment that surrounds it. I am constantly reading high fashion mags such as W Magazine, Vogue, Elle, Nylon..anything! I am signed up and receive 3-4 emails a day each from big retailers like Neimans, Barneys, Bergdorfs & Bendells to get the lastest info on whats in and whats to come.

Although I am obsessed and read about everything fabulous in those magazines from the Hermes totes to Bulgari cocktail rings, I would be lieing if I said I can afford all of that stuff...

Which is how I get many inspirations for my blogs..I love to browse through magazines to view trends and find ways to make it work on my budget.

No only do I get inspirations from Magazines and Style.com, I also work with an amazing lifestyle designer, Amy McLaughlin, whom I learn so much from. She has taught me so much and I am so lucky to be on the AML team.

Below I found pieces that are inspired by everything I've seen in magazines for the hottest accessories for fall!

Enjoy! XOXO

• Juicy Couture Emerald Cocktail Ring: $63.99 www.piperlime.com
• Juicy Couture Oversized Cocktail Ring: $88 www.piperlime.com
• Kenneth Cole Gold Cuff: $38 www.piperlime.com
• Betsy Johnson Gold Bracelet: $35.00 www.nordstrom.com
• Kate Spade Fire-Ball Studs: $45 www.piperlime.com
• "Lauren" by Ralph Lauren Gold Hoops: $44 www.Macys.com
• Chic Street Bag: $67.99 www.ModCloth.com
• Michael Stars Ribbed Ruffle Scarf: $98 www.michaelstars.com
• Quilted Bag from ALDO: $50 www.aldoshoes.com
• Jessica Simpson Black Patent Leather Pumps: $69 www.jessicasimpson.com
• Coconut's Leather Riding Boots: $139.95 www.DSW.com
• Black Sheer Tights: $18 www.LuLus.com

My first New York Fashion Week

As we got closer and closer to the skyline that makes NYC famous in movies and television, postcards, and paintings, it became more realistic to me that my dream of one day attending New York Fashion Week was coming true.

I wasn't going on a vacation with my family or on a fieldtrip for school, I was going to NYC for work. I was attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as a wardrobe stylist, viewing the latest collections of the Spring/Summer 2011 lines put on by designers ranging from Gwen Stefani's line"L.A.M.B" to the iconic woman herself, Diane Von Furstenberg.

I couldnt have felt more like a tourist, and as we got closer and closer to our hotel, I couldn't contain my excitement. We pulled up to one of the hottest boutique hotels in manhatten, to The Hudson Hotel that looked like something right out of Gossip Girl. The lighting was dim, the suite was amazing and the electronic vending machine had everything from sequin mini skirts, toothpaste to renting a Bentley for a day. And this is just how the trip started..

I woke up Friday morning at 6 a.m. to prepare myself for the long day ahead, not ever imagining what was instore. As we approached Lincoln Center, tickets inhand, I looked down to just double check the confirmation code & number. "Sarah Nearis: Stylist/ Wardrobe Stylist" it said. I wanted to die. It finally hit me. We got inside to check in and while waiting around, an entourage of 4 men, two on each side, were walking a petite woman through the crowd. I was only about 10ft. away from her when I realized who it was...the famous bob haircut, the Chanel sunglasses...Anna Wintour..the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue. ANYONE in fashion knows who this woman is. Huge deal.

We started our day off with a farely new designer, Guli. Next came Tadashi followed by the most amazing show, BCBG MaxAzria. After a delicous lunch, we were lucky enough to view 3 more shows in the American Express BlackCard VIP Lounge (Ports 1961, George Chakra and Buckler). It was amazing. Champagne, tea sandwiches and fingerfood, followed by appearances by a few celebrity stylists & a New York Ranger. I had to keep my cool because everywhere you turned were huge celebrities (Rachel Zoe, Kelly Rowland, Serena Williams, Rebbecca Romain, Naomi Campbell, Rachel Bilson, and my favorite real housewive other than Bethenny Frankel, Sonja Morgan). The next few days continued with such fun nights out, amazing dinners and beautiful shows.

My favorite show however had to have been Ports 1961. Before fashion week I wasn't too familiar with their clothes, but they had beautiful purples, sequins and flowy chiffon and after that I fell in love.

I am so lucky to have had such an amazing opportunity, and I am so blessed to have the most amazing boss. It is so true that when you do something you are truly passionate about, you will work that much harder.

Photo by Eric Gauster www.rgphoto.ifp3.com

Myself, Amy McLaughlin, Christina Pierce & Renata Gauster

Photo by Eric Gauster www.rgphoto.ifp3.com

Myself & Amy McLaughlin

My Fall Favorites!

Fall in love with Fall all over..

Fall is my favorite season. Everything from the changing of the leaves to the smell in the air, there is just something that makes me so happy. However, as much as I appreciate the outdoors, there is one more thing that deepens the love I have for this season.....the clothes. The sweaters, coats, jeans and boots.. I could go on forever.
I have gone around and found my favorite fall picks for the season!
For each item, I found a steal and then a splurge! Hopefully this helps you with your fall shopping!

A Leather Jacket

Sometimes its cool enough to wear a jacket but too warm for something heavy like a Peacoat.. thats where I find leather jackets to be the ultimate fall neccessity. Whether its just black, taupe or caramel, you can never go wrong with throwing one over a cute blouse and skinny jeans!

LEFT (Forever21 Classic Motorcycle jacket) $34.80

VINCE (80's wedge leather jacket) $845.00

The Perfect Boot

To me theres not a better fall outfit than skinny jeans, a comfty sweater

and to top it off..the perfect boot.

Whether you prefer booties or boots, with are perfect for fall weather :o)

CAMEL COAT

The Must-Have for Fall.
Top Single Breasted Coat at http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/ $79.99 Bottom: Fleurette Lightweight Cashmere Coat athttp://www.nordstrom.com/ $1350.00

The Perfect Sweater

Whether your applepicking, going to a football game or enjoying an afternoon in the city, the perfect ensemble calls for a feminine cardigan or sweater. Also, making a come back the cowl-neck sweater! I think its a hit or miss, and it doesn't fly with everyone, but if you see one dont hesitate to try it on! :o)

The New Cotton Cable Boyfriend Cardigan $48.00
http://www.victoriasecret.com/

A Few Great Colorful Scarves

Not only do they provide extra warmth to your neck and chest when its cool and bitter outside, these favorites add a splash of color to an ensemble instantly and can easily make an outfit. Whether they are Snood, ruffled or just a plain chunky scarf, they are worth stocking up for this fall and winter.
Designers like Burberry and Chanel make beautiful pieces, however don't for a second feel like you need to spend an arm and a leg.

The best places to get pretty budget friendly scarves:

Marshalls, TJ Maxx, JC Penny, ForeverVII, Charlotte Russe,

Nordstrom Rack, Kohls & Target.

The best places to get designer & brand-name scarves:

Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, http://www.bluefly.com/,

http://www.shopbop.com/, http://www.shopstyle.com/, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Sequin & Lace

One of my favorite things about the fall is entertaining indoors. Don't get me wrong, I love a good BBQ and day at the beach, but there is something so cozy about having all the people you enjoy spending time with, having a few drinks with warm food and hot clothes inside. Just because the weather is gloomy and bitter, doesnt mean you need to dress like Cousin-it. Beautiful beaded dresses, sequin embelished tops and black lace dresses are the perfect fall staple when going out on the weekend. The sequin sparkles and the lace gives off a sexy vibe when wearing it on a cool night.

Where theres a Will..Theres a Way.

If your from a small town like me, sometimes having a dream thats larger than life can seem unrealistic and completely out of reach. However, from a young age I decided that that just wasn't an option. I knew that there was a reason I was captivated by the things that sparkle; like the rush I got from the twinkeling of lights of Manhatten, the glamour of Hollywood, and last but not least...the fashion that ruled both coasts..both so different, yet so unique and beautiful.

I knew that I would never be able to work a normal 9-5 job.

One late friday night after working a 12 hour shift at a job I liked, but never had a future in, I said to myself.."Sarah, you gotta get your s*** together." I knew what I wanted to do, but didn't know how to get there..thats when I googled WARDROBE STYLING. I believe it was the second link, and it was the first big step I took to pursuing my dreams. Always being Daddys little girl and although I was 18 at the time, I still felt like I had to ask my parents permission to do something; however I didn't this time. I booked a 3 night stay and roundtrip ticket to Hollywood, and I was gone three weeks later.

Let me introduce to..SCHOOL OF STYLE.

As I walked into the famous SmashBox Studios of West Hollywood, (seen The Hills, Keeping up with the Kardashians & The Girls Next Door), I felt starstruck. I walked in to a wall of every cover they have shot there..Cosmopolitan, GQ, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and many many more..I was in heaven.

I was so nervous to meet the others who were taking this course to further their careers in wardrobe styling, however, little did I know I had nothing to worry about. We all began conversing, talking about where we were from and what kind of experience we've had.

When the teacher of the course walked in, I had no idea what to expect.

Luke Storey, wardrobe stylist to the stars, walked in like NBD. He wasn't just

super nice and wicked down to earth, but so was his assistant, Lauren Messiah.

They offered us drinks and a ton of snacks to keep us alert during the long day.

Never a huge fan of sitting in a classroom, I couldn't have been more on the edge

of my seat taking in everything I was learning. Everthing from personal experiences that hid

MAJOR lessons to remember, advice and the process of becoming a wardrobe stylist will

stick with me forever. I don't think I have ever learned more in 8 hours than I did in my class one at SOS. We were given a little handbook that seems like the bible to all wardrobe stylists..

It answers all of the what, where, when and why's, and I am constantly referring to it.

School of Style defintly made me realize that my dreams were anything but out of reach.

If you think that wardrobe styling, being a personal stylist or being a personal shopper is what you'd like to do for a career, then I would HIGHLY recommend School of Style. Not only does it educate you, but it motivates you to just go after what you want to do! If you pursue your career, you make back triple the amount of money you spend on the class in no time! I have never made a better investment.

I could never thank Luke & Lauren enough, and I suggest School of Style to anyone considering

a career in wardrobe styling. Not only to they teach the courses in Los Angeles, but check their website for when come to NYC to teach! Visit http://www.theschoolofstyle.com/ to pursue your career in fashion styling!

Goodluck!
xoxo