Charge Yourself A Little Happy

“Oh honey, well here, charge yourself a little happy.” This immortal phrase from Will & Grace’s Karen Walker is music to any women’s ears. It is true there is nothing like buying yourself a little something to bring a smile to your face. We are seriously in the grips of winter doldrums here, snow, ice, freezing fog, clouds, grayness everywhere and I think the sun has deserted us, which means I am in need of some retail therapy!

Thanks to Tory Burch and a Godiva Chocolate bar I can bear the winter doldrums. As the chocolate is melting in my mouth, sending happy endorphins through my body, I am online at www.toryburch.com “charging myself a little happy”. The source of my smile comes from this beyond gorgeous, purple sequined tunic. It is a beautiful, dainty but statement making blouse that will brighten up my winter wardrobe now and add sophistication and polish to skinny cropped jeans when spring arrives. Go ahead “charge yourself a little happy” and help the economy by indulging in some retail therapy to chase away the winter blues!

Stay Warm, Look Chic

Baby it’s cold outside, wait let me revise that, Baby it’s DAMN cold outside! Old man winter has most of the country in his firm, wintry grip and does not want to let go. Here at home wind chills were hovering in the single digits and we will be lucky if our high makes it out of the 20’s. So, if you have to drag yourself out of your warm, cozy bed and brave the cold, you might as well do it in style!

The key to looking good while staying warm is to invest in a warm coat and boots and then set about layering soft, warm pieces. Natural fiber/fabrics tend to be warmer than synthetics, mother nature is on to something. Start with a silk under layer (cami, tee or blouse), then add a cashmere/wool sweater and top it all off with a coat, scarf and gloves.

A few of my favorite cold-weather must haves:

These cozy Tory Burch sweaters do double duty by being warm and stylish. All sweaters available at www.toryburch.com.

This cashmere/wool blend sweater comes with its own cable knit scarf attached.

You can never go wrong with an elegant cardigan with stylish buttons, easy to wear, easy to layer.

This cashmere dolman sleeve cardigan has a laid-back cool vibe, wear it over a slim fitted turtleneck for extra warmth.

Add a little bling to a cold day with this beaded cashmere blend tunic, it will easily look as great with jeans as with a pair of skinny black pants for evening events.

I am loving these quirky, colorful scarves from Juicy Couture. They will keep you warm while brightening your day. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

Ugg boots work wonders at keeping your toes warm so why not let them keep your hands warm with their sheepskin gloves. Available at www.zappos.com.

Lilly vs Tory

I was working on a fashion article for a local magazine where we featured two outfits by Lilly Pulitzer and as I was perusing the line choosing the outfits, it dawned on me how similar Lilly Pulitzer is to Tory Burch. Albeit Tory Burch has a more contemporary modern look but I couldn’t help noticing the many similarities between the two lines.

Both lines were created by socialites, Lilly’s came about when she asked her seamstress to make her a simple shift dress out of bright, colorful, printed cotton to hide fruit juice stains she got while working in her fruit juice stand. It wasn’t long before she started selling more dresses than juice and the clothing company Lilly Pulitzer was born. Tory Burch started her clothing line after working PR at various fashion houses (Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang) and feeling the need to create a line of everyday, classy basics that filled in the holes in her couture wardrobe.

Both lines err on the side of preppy, Lilly Pulitzer is the epitome of Palm Beach chic and Tory Burch is considered preppy boho. Prints are a major focus and selling point for each line and each season fans eagerly await the new prints. Both lines revolve around basic, simple silhouettes that are given depth and texture from their prints and embellishments like lace, beading, sequins and trim. Colors play a major role in each line, Lilly Pulitzer’s signature colors are pink and green and Tory Burch’s signature colors are orange and navy. Both lines make very wearable items that seem to be timeless, transcending trends while also looking incredibly chic.

To shop both lines check out www.lillypulitzer.com and www.toryburch.com.

Lilly Pulitzer

Tory Burch