FOR SHORE

Anyone a fan of the Jersey Shore? The place and/or the reality show? I happen to be a lover of both. I am back east from CA and breaking my usual rule of only visiting April through October. My birthday is in October, so once my annual trip around the sun is about to restart, that means it is time to leave until the ground thaws and the sun makes more than one appearance every few weeks. I am not sure why I feel compelled to spend the wintery months here this year, but I have been enjoying it (most of the time) and not really complaining about it (maybe occasionally). So I took the opportunity to hop on the GSP and stop at every shore town along the way to get my fix.

REALITY OR VACATION:

When I told my friends (who also recently left LA to escape the crazy) that I was at the shore, they asked if I was doing my own reality show or seeing Snooki. While neither of those occurred, I felt completely lit up when I walked the boardwalk and the snow scattered sandy beaches. Sand and snow….so cool, right? Luckily, I was able to enjoy the days under perfectly blue skies. Even though I wasn’t working on my tan, I soaked up the warmth of the sun and it felt so embracing. I thought about how living there year round was really the best of both worlds with the high energy of the summer and the serenity of the winter . I stayed at the Icona in Avalon. It was an instant getaway from all of reality. The lobby was bright and white and welcoming with a glowing fireplace and coffee bar. The rooms were decorated clean and modern with all the comforts of home and since home is what I am currently searching for as my last blog, Home is where the Sun is ,I felt like I never wanted to leave.

Feeling at home at Icona Avalon.

THE SUN….RISE:

I get confused here and rightfully so since I am used to the sun setting into the ocean and not rising out of it. Much like the fact that I am always messing up my left from my right. Is there a scientific term for that? I swear it must be a disorder, but I digress. I am not a morning person and rarely do my feet hit the floor while it is still dark outside, but it was totally worth it to get up and get out to the beach to watch this…phenomenon. It happens in such gorgeous stages that I almost forgot that my fingers and toes were close to frozen. I feel like if I moved back to the east coast, on the coast, that I would become more of an early riser to begin everyday like this. However, I could also enjoy it as I did in West Palm Beach and not have to forgo feeling in my extremities.

Sunrise in Avalon, New Jersey

Sunrise in West Palm Beach, Florida

As I spent time in this place that has been the backdrop for some of the my most memorable moments since I was a kid..and some that I have zero memory of at all( as it should be if you did it right in your teens and twenties)…I felt like this was a contender of possible next homes….for shore.

Have you ever spent any time at the Jersey Shore? I’d love to hear about your favorite places.

Let’s get social! Follow me on Instagram @glamandsassy

Home Is Where the Sun Is

I forgot what it was like to exist day in and day out with no sun. Living in southern California for the last 13 years will do that to a person…among other things. Yet, people are here in the northeast corner of the country functioning, surprisingly, under perpetual gray skies. It was a distant memory for me and one I was happy to leave behind.

Point, CA.

It isn’t all bad being in Pennsylvania though, in fact, being close to my family is very good. As independent as I tend to be, by nature and by choice, it is wonderful to have a support system all around me.

Point, PA. (Maybe that is worth even two points.)

So in this new year where I find myself uprooted from the city and home that I loved, I am certain I will find the next one and it will be everything I crave. Whether it is the east coast, west coast, or somewhere in between (but somewhere cool, of course, like Dallas) remains to be seen. I am very grateful for the unexpected changes of 2020. It propelled me into drastic move making that never would have happened without it. I truly believe a situation as rare as this, is nothing short of a gift. A gift of total freedom and to choose anywhere I feel led to be.

It was also an opportunity of new beginnings as I am now with a new athleisure brand, Savvi. I am blessed to spend my days sharing not only an addictive collection of luxe clothing, but freedom to work from wherever home is. Sun or no sun.

Check out the latest collection from Savvi. New styles drop every Friday!

Care to join me in this Savvi adventure? DM me here.

I’d love to hear how your 2021 looks entirely different from your 2020. Share in comments below and wishing you all the best in the new year!

Ready or Not

Hello Glam & Sassy loves!  Have you ever noticed that we are all looking for the same things in life but at different times?  When my life has been a series of right- place-right-time scenarios all feels right in the world.  When this is not the case, it seems like achieving these things is more of a struggle.  What if while we are waiting for the timing to be right, the very thing we are looking for passes us by?

As an entrepreneur, my business volume is a series of ebbs and flows.  It takes a certain tenacity to withstand these dips and the uncertainty of it all. The reassuring thing is that a lot of it is within my control so it really is up to me how hard I want to hustle. And that’s exactly what I just did.  I cherry picked the most desirable boutique on the most prestigious fashion avenue in the world to work while I continue to grow my own business and make some exciting changes. I knew if I wanted to achieve these goals, there was no time to waste.

So why do we wait until we are “ready” to be in a relationship thinking it will just happen when it is supposed to?  I have started businesses from nothing such as franchises from a signed document and personal styling services in a city where I knew absolutely no one.  With either of these, or even my new amazing job, if I went through the motions of my day thinking these opportunities would just appear, I would have missed out. While I have always been a career driven, self evolving individual, I also realize it is more rewarding when you have someone to share it with and cheer each other on along the way.

The raw truth is this. I want it all. I want the successful career, the fit body, the circle of friends and family…and I put in the work for all of it. None of it just happens.  I also want the guy I am with to be all about me.  You know those movie moments where the couple finally figures it out and ends up together (usually due to one removing one’s head from ass) yeah, that’s what I am holding out for. I want the butterflies, the goose bumps, the heart leaps.  I also want the struggles to overcome, the agreeing to disagree, the “I may not like you but I will always love you” moments.  A true partner to do life with.  So while I won’t settle, I also won’t risk missing him along the way.  Ready or not.

What are your goals and how are you achieving them?  I reply to all comments so feel free to share! Let’s connect on IG @glamandsassy

 

Stand Out

Social media. Dating apps.  Texting. Sliding into the DM.  Is anyone getting asked out proper anymore? I am (fairly) low maintenance and this is not about expensive dinners and lavish gifts.  In our culture of convenience dating, if you want to stand out , it will take minimal effort.  I know I am not alone feeling this way,  so I’m going to give a few quick tips to help us all out.

1) Hand Gestures: I am all about technology to promote my business and stay top of mind with an occasional flirt, but we all need to remember that the device practically attached to our hands can actually make calls.  If we just met,  how do I know that I want to sacrifice an hour of my life that I will never get back if we have never spoken?  When most guys are just blowing up my texts and DM’s , it is the one who makes the nice gesture and calls who gets my attention.  No pressure to have an extensive conversation as I know we are all way too busy for that, but calling to say hi is such a rare occurrence, it will get you upgraded to weekend plans status.

2) Face Facts:  Face Timing is tricky. While I think it is a “do” after I have been out with someone, and especially important if it is a long distance situation, it can easily be a “don’t”.  I will never understand the random FaceTime attempt  if I am not dating a guy regularly, nor will I ever pick it up.   It is intrusive and, keeping it 100, I may not want you to see me after I just got home from leg day at the gym.

3) WYD:  While I appreciate the interest in my current activity, are actual words too much to ask ?  I am an intelligent woman. I can read. So feel free to spell it out otherwise prepare for an eye roll emoji as my reply.

4)Pic Requests: If I wanted to send them to you, I would have. So if you have to ask, the answer is no.  You will just have to wait until we are together to find out just how perfect they really are.

5)Match my Hustle: There is nothing sexier than a guy who is doing what he loves and making s**t happen. It is also more likely he will understand the demand of what I am doing as well.  I will still let him take the lead and be the man..in fact, I will welcome a break from decision making like where and when to meet.  Also, I love it when a guy is a gentleman and offers to pick me up.  That says a lot about respect level and good intentions. It’s not a deal breaker if I have to Uber myself, but the time in the car is a great opportunity to see if we like the same music. So important!!!

Ok so what are your thoughts on these things? Ladies, do you agree? What would you add to this list? Guys, show of hands, who of you are out there are making these efforts? I can assure you, they will be much appreciated and also rewarded.  But guys, if you are and are not getting these efforts reciprocated, you should keep trying until you find someone who does. xo

Let’s get social! Follow me on Instagram @glamandsassy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Act your Age

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! I don’t mind being honest about my age and admit that I am not living a life that is typical of someone in their forties. As a single female entrepreneur, my days aren’t scheduled around carpools and soccer games. I have more freedom in that regard and I am very focused, hard working, driven and compassionate.   However, as much as I have tried to stay quiet and at home (aside from working, working out, and the necessary mani/pedi/tan rotation) my infatuation with my city still lures me off of my couch from time to time.  One of those times was this past weekend. I really felt like getting dressed up and getting out.  Did you ever feel like that? It was fun for sure, but I also learned a few things, so now I consider this blog “note to my future self contemplating what to do on a Friday”.

The night started off like every other. Gym, shower , get ready, change outfits five times then switching to my evening handbag before heading out the door. With my beautiful bestie in tow, we went to our  favorite spot, Mastro’s,  to grab a cocktail and light dinner at the bar. It has such fun energy and cool vibes and we always manage to meet new friends.  Mastro’s is in Beverly Hills and we live here so everyone wants to talk to us. The fact that my BFF is blonde, funny, smart and gorgeous may also have something to do with it! The night could have ended after our yummy salads and the best dirty martinis in LA at the respectful hour of 11ish. But it didn’t. We got an invite with our new friends to go to a club and maybe it was the martinis talking, but we said a resounding YES and with that we were out way past my current bedtime of 10 o’clock .  There was even a Taco Bell pit stop on the way home even though no tacos were actually eaten. The next day while struggling on the stair master,  I made some silent observations to myself.

Mastro’s martini and my fun Louis Vuitton handbag

 

Observation #1: Expensive silk blouses and nightclubs don’t mix.  My final outfit choice was based on dinner and drinks out at a classy establishment. No where in my future did I see myself pushing my way through crowds of twenty somethings until 2am.  Yet there  was my luxurious black silk top on the floor next to my YSL heels with spill marks on the back. Luckily, I have a great dry cleaner that will remedy that.  However, I should have worn something that I have from H&M that is a bit more disposable.

The before photo of my fave silk blouse from W by Worth.

Observation #2: If your age starts with a “2” I am NOT interested.  Some women may find this flattering. I find it absurd. I realize I was out among the Millennials, however, I was there with a group of friends my own age…ok close enough to  my own age.  The same applies for dating apps , which, for the record, is the reason I am not on any of them. My age is right there in black and white, boys. Pay attention and while I am sure you are mature for your age as you all claim to be, I do not have any desire to find out. Act your age and I’ll (try) to act mine.

Observation #3: Upon waking up, immediately review your Instagram story.  This is very important. As the night goes on, content seems more post worthy than it actually is.  It is never anything inappropriate as I always keep a clear head no matter how late I stay out. But the roses purchased by the random guy from the vendor outside of the venue need not be documented. Especially since they didn’t even make it home with me and I don’t even know his name.   (notice no photo insert here of meaningless flowers)

So, as another weekend approaches, I look forward to time with my girlfriends and getting outside to enjoy a hike or the beach.  Sadly, I don’t have my dog to walk anymore. She was the best reason and reminder to get me out from in front of my computer and outside a few times a day. I still need to do that even though she is gone and I am making that my latest effort in dealing with her passing.  And the next time I am out for a classy dinner , I will be sure not to end up at Taco Bell.

I miss walking in Beverly Hills with my pup

What lessons are you learning as you go through life especially if you are single in a city? I would love to hear about it and compare even if your zip code isn’t 90210.  Let’s get social! Find me on Instagram @glamandsassy !

 

 

Simple Math

Hello Glam & Sassy loves.   I came across an interesting quote online that said “When things aren’t adding up, it’s time to start subtracting”.  I have been giving this a lot of thought lately. As it turns out, I have subtracted a few things from my life, and a few things have been subtracted from my life.  That may sound like the same thing, but I assure you , it is not.  The act of doing the subtracting holds much more power and control than having something taken away.

If you read my last blog, and thank you to the many amazing friends and followers who did , then you know I recently had to say goodbye to my dog. Yes I am still writing about her and no I am not over that yet.  Just as there is an equation that it takes half the time you were with someone to get over them in a breakup,  I am pretty sure the same holds true for pets… and probably even longer because their love is so pure.  Since my dog was almost seventeen, which in human years is over 100, I will no longer be alive by the time I no longer miss her. Simple math.

On the other hand, choosing to subtract something is liberating and puts you in control of purging the unnecessary chaos in life.  It has been helpful to eliminate anything that no longer serves me or my goals.  However, first I needed to define what my  goals are so I can determine what is contributing versus taking away from them. I am going through an awesome challenge called “Life on Fire” . I took a step believing in the power of visualization and made my first vision board. I felt silly at first as I flipped through a stack of fashion and lifestyle magazines , but couldn’t help but notice the congruency of the words and images that resonated with me and how they all fit together into my big picture. It is now clear when I am engaging in something (or someone) that doesn’t fit into one of those buckets and bid it farewell with confidence. The attention that these things require become an energy suck and I don’t know about you, but I do not have any extra energy to be donating. I now reserve my positivity and loving spirit for family, friends, clients, peers, the stranger on the street who returns my smile… anyone who reciprocates and appreciates.

Vision board in the making = goals about to be achieved

In  my personal life, I was scuba diving in the dating pool.  It was fun but now it doesn’t fit my vision of who I am and who I want to share myself with.  I was married young so I was reliving lost years but at what risk? The risk of losing more valuable time? The math is simple. When I decided to be done with all that, it opened up my heart and mind for the right guy when he comes.  In my professional life, I am at a crossroads which I did not see coming and had no control over, but instead of freaking out (which I ABSOLUTELY did at first) , I see it as an exciting opportunity to set new goals and crush them. I have done this before. Twice. I just had to remind myself of that.

Glam and Sassy fashion show team-GOAL CRUSHED

Featured 5 page article in Entrepreneur Magazine-GOAL CRUSHED

 

In summation,  one disenchanted relationship  + one painful goodbye to my pup+one lost business opportunity = zero tolerance for wasted energy.  Math was never my forte. Until now.

 

Do you have a vision board? I’d love to hear how you are achieving your goals.  Let’s connect on Instagram @glamandsassy 

 

 

 

Saying I Do

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! We are embarking on that season where everything is in bloom. It is refreshing to wake up to birds chirping and the sun shining and my summer body is almost in full effect. Also in full effect is the bridal season. I recently had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of a very posh bridal boutique in La Jolla, California,  Online Consign Couture.  Maryanne Sefton, President , had a dream to bring joy and happiness to each bride by offering affordable prices on lovingly worn designer dresses, and it shows! When I entered the beautiful home turned boutique, I was greeted by the fragrance of fresh florals and the eye candy of gorgeous gowns.  It made even this Glam & Sassy girl for life, whom I am devoted to, in sickness and in health, feel as if the words “I do” were about to roll off my tongue and out of my parted lips while my eyes gazed at the couture filled room! A feeling this good is as exhilarating as an unexpected chance meeting which I also experienced this time last year. See, it is definitely a “Spring Thing” so here are a few of the reasons I fell in love at first sight!

The One:

The show stopper for the night is actually the gown I want to feature because I don’t believe in saving the best for last. I am not into wasting anyone’s time, especially mine, so let’s get down to it. This breathtaking bridal is by Ines di Santo and as if the train wasn’t stunning enough, I was blown away when I saw it removed and then removed again until all that was left was a perfect party dress, and let’s be honest, the party is the best part! Not only do I love every aspect of this gown, but it eliminates the need to have a second wedding dress to change into AFTER the wedding. This three way is so exciting and I am ready to shout it from the rooftops that I am in love! Groom is tbd.

 

Second Time’s a Charm:

The other cool thing about Online Consign Couture is after the honeymoon phase is over, you can consign with them and know your precious dress is going to make someone very happy the second time around! They specialize in designer wedding gowns with an original retail of $4500 or greater and you can get more info at http://onlineconsigncouture.com/ .   The nice thing about consigning is you could turn your wedding night bliss into a new Chanel bag faster than you can say “Vera Wang”.

Happily Ever After:

Whether you have always envisioned the wedding of your dreams mimicking a fairy tale, or would be ecstatic with a quickie chapel ceremony in Vegas, your wedding day will be captured forever in pictures.  Be sure to have no regrets. Choose your dress wisely and you’ll look Glam & Sassy for years to come.

 

For more Glam & Sassy Inspiration, follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glamandsassy/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Green With Envy

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! I just wrapped up showing the W by Worth Spring 2017 collection. I had so much fun styling my amazing clients in the hottest trends for the season. We were all ready, myself included, for a fresh start and new adventures. Changing of the seasons will do that to us Glam & Sassy girls and I absolutely embrace it! Once you get stuck in a rut, fashion or otherwise, the bravest thing you can do is decide to break away from it and take a chance on something new. Here are a few ways I suggest to make that happen.

Make a Clean Break:

Routines are nice and even necessary in some instances. However, fashion should never be mundane. You should change things up a bit from time to time. Don’t keep going back to an old standby just because it is what you are comfortable with. Have fun putting together outfits and add a few elements of surprise . A great way to do this is to mix textures and patterns. If you look at your clothes, and all you see are a bunch of solid colors (and I am going to guess mostly black) then there is no better time to add stripes and prints!  Both are very on trend and very Glam & Sassy.

 

The Grass is Absolutely Greener:

Another way to reawaken your wardrobe is to add color to your closet. The palettes right now are as vibrant as the season itself… Heat Red, Malibu Blue and Grass Green. The amazing thing is everyone I styled in these shades could wear them no matter what hair color or skin tone. Not only does that make my job easier, it makes getting dressed so enticing. Discovering you can have something you didn’t think you could is a great euphoria. Go after it and enjoy it.

 

Everything is Replaceable:

Every well planned wardrobe consists of basics. Basic tees, denim and blouses. Take a look at your essentials every spring and decide what needs updating. A tell tale sign something no longer needs to be in your life is if it no longer excites you. I was thrilled to find the perfect button down that was an improved version of what I already had.  Making the switch was a no brainer because I was definitely trading up!  If you worry that you might regret letting something go, I can assure you, you won’t. In fact, you will love your new additions so much, there will be virtually zero memory of what once was. Now go out and flaunt your new looks and make everyone wish they were as Glam & Sassy as you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Perfect Look

Hello Glam & Sassy loves.  How many times how you already heard “New Year, New You” and it is only mid January? I understand why the fresh turn of the calendar year makes us feel like we are embarking on a fresh start, but the truth is, we can reinvent ourselves at anytime. As a personal stylist, my mission is assisting women in achieving this goal. Some clients want me to put together an entire wardrobe and others just want a few improvements to their current style.  Either way, I am passionate about what I do, so here are a few ways I perfect a look.

Enjoy Multiples:

Two is better than one and three is better than…well you get the point. I tell clients all the time, once you find that perfect pant, shoe, basic top, etc. , get one in every color. If you don’t, inevitably you end up searching to  find something else you like just as much. We all know the likelihood of that is slim, so splurge now and save time later.  Here is a great example. I love this basic long sleeve “buy now wear now” top from W by Worth and love it even more that I get 12 times the fun with all these vibrant colors! Bring on the multiples because you are Glam & Sassy and deserve nothing less than the best…over and over again.

Something Special:

Once you are dressed, add one thing that would make it more special. I always add sparkle and bracelets are my accessory of choice. I stack bracelets like arm candy and yes it is totally ok to mix metals.  I am obsessed with this rose gold cuff from Kendra Scott. If you are not into jewelry (gasp!), add a scarf with the colors of your outfit to pull it all together.  When you are headed out for date night or girl’s night, please don’t even think about using your daily driver handbag. Instead, switch it up to a cute clutch or cross body. Nothing says high maintenance like a huge bag filled with useless items.  Don’t forget to spritz perfume in the air and walk into it before walking out the door. By the way, your bathroom vanity doesn’t have to look like the fragrance counter at Saks. Experiment to find one that works best with your body’s natural chemistry and make it your signature scent. When people ask what you’re wearing, feel free to not tell them. Remember, this is your little secret, ladies.

 

Own It:

I am a girly girl. Even though I can hang with the guys and was brought up around cars,  I am not really into sports (although I recently developed an interest for basketball).  I’m a huge fan of pink champagne and I prefer shopping to almost any other activity. I think of it as keeping up with industry trends and if some of them just happen to end up in my closet, then so be it.  However, what I enjoy dressing up (or down) in is not what I think everyone should wear.  The single most important element in perfecting your look is exactly that…make it yours. There is only one you and so many outfit choices, so be sure to choose the one that suits your personality and lifestyle. Then walk into any room and own it like any good Glam & Sassy would.

Will you be looking to change up your style in this new year? I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below ! 

Let’s get social ! Follow me https://www.instagram.com/glamandsassy/

Click it and Get it Guide:

Long sleeve top: http://www.wbyworth.com/gina-morell

Kendra Scott cuff: http://www.kendrascott.com/catalog/product/view/id/20155/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tis the Season to Sparkle

Hello Glam & Sassy loves! The holidays are in full swing and I love this time of year! I listen to Christmas music from Thanksgiving till New Year’s and you can find me singing along if you pull up next to me in my car.  After moving to Southern California from New Jersey, it took me a year or two to find the Christmas spirit amidst the sun and the seventy degree temps. Now at the first twinkle light sighting, I am planning parties to attend, gifts to buy, and outfits to wear. I also have found there are a lot of sales prior to Christmas, so I no longer have to wait to see what Santa brings and settle for the leftover styles on December 26^th   …and now neither do you! Check out a few of my fave looks for holiday that you will enjoy now and straight into 2017.

Red Hot

This year, I actually embraced the traditional “anything red” for holiday parties. I tend to skip that for several reasons one being I am not at all traditional and second, I prefer pink all day long to red. Then I found this festive blouse from W by Worth that is THE perfect red for me and for anyone. It is a blue red, not an orange red, and that makes it work on all skin tones. While wearing this top, I felt like I was draped in pink’s grown up sexier sister and now I will be buying more pieces in this daring color.  Cheers to that!

Dream Guy

I have had one true love in my life. When we were introduced a while back, I knew one day I would have him. I thought it to be a bit outrageous at first, but after the first touch and feel and smell, I knew it was love at first sight. It was totally worth the wait and I still feel that way and probably will for the rest of my life. This love of mine is Louis Vuitton.  I am not a label whore, but these bags do last forever and therefore the price is (somewhat) easily justifiable. This LV tote comes in handy for daytime outings in the city and as my travel survival kit on any flight because it is strong and sexy and feels so good! Just like my perfect man!

Sparkle on Sister

I believe we Glam & Sassy girls should sparkle every day, but there is no better time than the present. I love sequins and glitter and anything that shines. The sparkle trend isn’t limited to fashion and I am obsessed with glitter manicures! I added glitter to every other nail and a soft pink on the others. I like how versatile it is and since it is gel, I will be rocking this straight into the New Year as I fist pump into 2017. Hey, you can take the girl out of Jersey, but you can’t take Jersey out of the girl!

Which of these looks and trends do you hope to find under your tree?  Whether I was naughty or nice this year, I’ll never tell. But one thing is for sure… I was definitely Glam & Sassy!