Pam's Pick: Elizabeth Daniel NY Shirts

This is absolutely, hands down, the best collared shirt I’ve ever owned! At $110-$138, Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts are worth every single penny. Comfortable for travel, ideal for layering under a dress to transition from summer to fall, amazing stretch when you’re pregnant, an easy go-to for running errands with the kids, yet dressy enough for work.  Forget about bunched fabric that rolls as you walk or is so thick it creates unnecessary lines. Products like this give busy moms like me absolutely no excuses for always being our best selves. Put on this shirt with a little rouge, and you’re good to go.

Pam's Pick: Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts, August 7, 2013



Pam's Pick: Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts, August 7, 2013

Originally, only available in black and white, I’m THRILLED Elizabeth Daniel NY added color to their collection. 

Pre-Fall 2013 Magazine Covers Echo 50s Glamour

Red lips, sultry hips and a dose of Rat Pack nostalgia, has me thinking that fall will be my season. I live for fur, sexy lingerie just because, mascara on a Sunday morning and 24/7 glamour – Always means ALWAYS Be Your Best You!

Do you love these covers? Which is your favorite?
VOGUE with Katy Perry, W with Jennifer Lopez, or DEPARTURES with 50's American Summer  

Katy Perry, VOGUE Magazine July 2013

Katy Perry, VOGUE Magazine July 2013

Jennifer Lopez, W Magazine July 2013

 

Jennifer Lopez, W Magazine July 2013



DEPARTURES Magazine, July 2013 Cover

DEPARTURES Magazine, July 2013 feature on top chefs sizzling in Vegas

Parisian Summer Style, Celebrate Bastille Day

Feeling the 4th of July red, white and blues, already? Fear not! You can play hostess, once again, on July 14th, by celebrating Bastille Day, France’s version of Independence Day which commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. So, swap your hot dog buns for baguettes and your baseball caps for burettes, and channel your inner Parisian fashionista.

Parisian Inspired Summer Style

(Clockwise from top left) Jolie, headband; Dorothy Perkins, romper; Gerard Darel, cardigan; Hermes, scarf; Etsy, necklace; Tory Burch, tote; Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, flats; Juicy Couture, wrap dress

Summer 2013 Color: Aqua Blue Green Style for The Office

Even if you’re stuck in a stuffy cubicle Monday through Friday, Never Surrender your desire for stylishly, uplifted summer fashion. Embrace the aquatic hues of the season in the boardroom, as you dream about the boardwalk.

Aquatic Fashion Summer 2013

Clockwise from left: Ramy Brook Bella Blouse ($375), Love Alex Alder Shoulder Bag ($1460), Kate Spade New York Paloma Pumps ($182), Torn by Ronny Kobo ($198), La Mer Collections Simple Wrap Watch ($88), Boden Skinny Belt ($38), Ohne Titel Dress ($276)

Beach Wear: Sexy One Piece Swimwear for New Moms

Hitting the beach less than two months after giving birth is no easy task, even for mini gals like myself. Every woman who’s given birth knows that you can’t exercise for 4-6 weeks. Moreover, if you are breastfeeding, you have an urge to eat up a storm in order to maintain your energy level and proper milk production. So, what’s a new mom to do if she wants to Never Surrender and feel sexy? Work with the body you have NOW.

New mom poolside in Aquarella Swimwear New York Monokini

My mission, two weeks ago when I went to Miami for a bachelorette party, was clear: find a glamorous one-piece that accents my newly developed lady friends (bonus!), while synching in my tummy and hiding my excess back flab. This was my mission. Yours might be entirely different. You may have a tummy for much longer, hate how your legs look, detest the bigger boobs. The point is, for every style/beauty problem there is a solution to achieving one’s most fabulous state of beauty. (Darlings, pardon the British-esque tone in my writing. I started watching Downton Abbey during breast pumping and I find it quite marvelous to speak in such a manner.)

Where was I? Oh yes, me ;). I ended up wearing a divine black number from Aquarella Swimwear because it made me feel secure, stylish and, oh yes, SEXY, in the body I’m currently rocking.


Aquarella Swimwear 2013 (L) Calypso Maillot (R) Phoebe Maillot

Here are two other Aquarella Swimwear pieces to consider, if you want more coverage. While I’ve previously hated to spend over $40 for a bathing suit (which you can confirm with my sister, Michelle) I stand by the quality of this brand and it’s ability to keep everything that needs to be hidden, hidden, and everything that needs to be lifted, lifted!
Do you have a swimwear dilemma? Let me find the perfect PamsPick bathing suit that will help you Always Be Your Best You, this summer. Leave a comment below and, who knows, maybe you’ll even get to keep the pieces I find for you!



Jill Stuart Fall 2013, Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

Here’s another recap from my fabulous assistant, Tina Yu. This was the first show she ever covered. Mine was back in 2005 and I believe it was Tracy Reese. Those were fun days.
 Jill Stuart Fall 2013 Runway Show

Jill Stuart, Fall 2013

Stepping into Lincoln Center with my very own ticket, for the first time, was an exhilarating moment. Here I was, a Californian girl from the little suburban town of Cupertino, being dropped in front of Lincoln Center and it occurred to me that I’m finally living my dream. Being in the main show area of Lincoln Center was unforgettable, mostly because I was surrounded by diverse styles and could feel the vastness of the media world. Jill Stuart’s Fall 2013 collection was everything I could ask for as my first fashion show: crazy photographers at one end of the runway, a beautifully lit entrance on the other end. I witnessed bloggers capturing the hottest outfits on camera, celebrities being interviewed, and a plethora of gorgeously, gorgeous shoes. Also, I experienced the meaning of “fashionably late” (the show was 25 min late).** Besides being surrounded by clothes/shoes I couldn’t afford, the experience of the show itself was overwhelming; my eyes wandered all over the place, unsure of where to look first. I couldn’t soak up as much of each outfit as I was accustomed to doing at a store or online, and I couldn’t decide whether to continue watching the present model, or the following model. However, after a few looks, I fell into the flow of things. I started recognizing the feel of the collection.



Jill Stuart, Fall 2013

Stuart’s collection started off with tailored pieces in black and navy blue with little bits of white detailing peeping through (bows, collars, tasteful frills). Then, the clothes started to incorporate lace and fabric that had a lovely sheen, while still keeping the structured silhouettes that resonated throughout her collection. Thinking back, Stuart’s woman seems to be one who is classic, yet bold and chic. As the show progressed, colorful geometric patterns, golden flowers, polka dots, and bold stripes slowly emerged. The show ended with looks that sported the brighter of the fall colors, including applique flowers with the red, orange, and plum. Overall, I felt like her collection had a wide range of looks that speak to women who appreciate unique, dressy, yet wearable looks.
**Tina, late is waiting over an hour! This is standard.



Jill Stuart, Fall 2013



Vivienne Tam Fall 2013, Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week

This season, I wasn’t able to attend fashion week. Running from show to show, standing even for ten minutes and worrying that someone would elbow me, just didn’t sound appealing or glamorous. Plus, aside from the obvious baby project, I’m cooking up something else that’s craz-y town amazing … details to come later in the year. As such, I sent my wonderful intern, Tina Yu, to a few shows. Here’s her reporting.

Vivienne Tam, Fall 2013

Vivienne Tam Fall/Winter 2013 Runway Show
Similar to other collections this season, including Tracy Reese’s, Vivienne Tam’s Fall/Winter 2013 line incorporates red and black. The difference is that Tam almost exclusively used these hues. While the silhouettes were conservative, the collection was sophisticated and politicized, vis-à-vis prints featuring abstract cartoons of President Barack Obama and the number 44. On many of her pieces, Tam used lines in unique ways, while giving us room to breathe with beautifully tailored solid dresses and coats. Towards the middle of the show, there were more separates that utilized leather and plaid, again reinforcing the sophistication of the woman she has in mind. Although I found this collection more masculine and sharp than some of her previous work, the polish is not lost. I only wish I could’ve seen more of her stunning dresses.



Vivienne Tam, Fall 2013

Tina's shots of Vivienne Tam, Fall 2013

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends - Pastels

Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week kicks off on Thursday, and by next week, we'll all know what's going to be the it color, trend, silhouette and global reference du jour for Fall 2013. But, as much as love fall, fashion and forecasting, most of us are really just thinking about today and our immediate style needs. With the official kick off of Spring just a month and half away, let's talk spring trends.

Pastels were all over the runways and now they are popping up in beautifully photographed advertising campaigns. Get inspired by your favorite macaroon flavour and softly embrace these angelic hues.

 Blumarine ad, Spring 2013

Mulberry ad, Spring 2013

Mulberry ad, Spring 2013

Etienne Aigner, Spring 2013 Preview

Kohl's Spring 2013 Preview



Clockwise from Top Right: L.K. Bennett flats ; L.K. Bennett pumps ;
Elliott Lucca hobo bag ; Ted Rossi cuffs ; Kohl's accessories ;
Stuart Weitzman sandals ; Stuart Weitzman flats



Kim Kardashian Sexy Style from Before to Baby Bump

Kim Kardashian is pregnant. I hope Max and Lubov Azria over at Herve Leger are finally going to figure out the perfect cut for pregnant gals who want to rock the famous body-con, bandage dresses for nine months. (From personal experience, I can vouch for the scoop neck, simple horizontal bandage style as the best option for belly comfort.) 

Being the bombshell that she is, I wouldn't want Kim,to give up your sizzling style -- neither will Kanye West. Like Kim, I have found amazing ways to showcase my figure while being comfortable and not hurting my precious cargo. As I always say, pregnancy is NOT the time to become lazy in the fashion or beauty department unless you WANT to slowly kill the chemistry in your relationship. 

Kim, here are some looks to keep in mind for the next few months. 

 

 

Motel, $44 ; Max and Cleo, $94

 

Show off that body in figure-hugging cotton or silk jersey. You may even get away with wearing the exact same size you're used to, or just one size up. I prefer buying pieces that I can wear after the baby comes to maximize CPW (Cost Per Wear).

Avoid zippers and leather piping, which will prevent stretch and cause discomfort.

Catherine Malandrino, $171 ; Diane von Furstenberg, $221 

Ruched fabric is a sexy pregnancy essential. I purchased the purple Catherine Malandrino dress, last week. It's amazing. (Side bar: it was on wicked sale - $45!)

 

Helmut Lang, $275, $ ; GAP, $79

 

Helmut Lang, $185 ; J Brand,$176

Work it during the day in draped tops paired with skinny jeans. The GAP skinny jeans are my personal favorite in terms of fit, quality and price. For draped anything, Helmut Lang is king.

Fashion Fix: Tunics While Pregnant, Under $100

Style always matters. You know my motto: looking good makes you feel good. And, I love feeling good and confident about my appearance because it makes me a better leading for my team and a more pleasant  (not to mention sexy) wife for my hubby.

While pregnant, I've come to adore tunics. They accomplish three points every pregnant  woman seeks in her wardrobe: style, comfort and ease.  That last point "ease" is crucial. We have enough on our plates, so we like when our fashion isn't fussy. Pop a tunic over leggings or jeans and off you go. Best of all, you can wear them after you're pregnant. Maximize that CPW - cost per wear.  

Yesterday, I wore a gorgeous tunic from Ted Baker, which I purchased at Bloomingdale's. The scalloped details sold me.

Here are some tunics you and your belly will adore. All styles are under $100.

Forever 21, $22 - The loose belt easily places above belly, and off to work you go.

Three Dots, $57 -This would look phenomenal with metallic jeans!

Riller & Fount, $42 - Draped anything is my pregnancy secret.

 

Forever 21, $22 - Nix the belt, until after birth.

 

ASOS, $66 - Hello, third trimester.

 

 resort ready

 ASOS, $66 - This i sthe color for holiday dress-up.

 

 

Fashion Fix: Holiday 2012 Hosiery Trends

One of the reasons I adore winter is the constant excuse to wear hosiery. Sheer, opaque, fishnet, texture, prints of all kind, I can't get enough. In fact, I'm pretty old school in that I detest going to a formal function with bare legs. Ah, winter weddings!!

When you are in a fashion rut, accent your bland grey shift dress with herringbone tights or try some polka dots. Wearing interesting tights will not only elevate your overall style, but your mood. How can one frown with floral hosiery?

Below, Laura Godsal, founder of AlexBlake.com, my go-to site for all my favorite European brands, shares her top tights trends for the holiday season.

Glitter Luxe Perfect for the Times Square Ball Drop, see in the New Year with shimmer and sparkle.  For all over shimmer, opt for the Pamela Mann Lurex Highball Tights for instant party legs. If you’re coveting a more elegant style, look no further than Jonathan Aston Stardust Tights with glitter back seams.  Emilio Cavallini has added a touch of Hollywood to the glamorous Metallic Fountain Tights. (PS I wear these!!) 

Winter Woolies It's all about texture this season, as cable knits and ribbed pattern come out in full force.  Avoid frost in the Jonathan Aston Horizon Tights to get the ribbed look or go preppy in the Pretty PollyTangled Cable Tights. For a festive spin Pamela Mann has a snowflake print throughout their FairislePrinted Tights.

 

Punchy Prints Prints create lasting fashion statement. Hot off the catwalk, the houndstooth print is an easy print for all to wear, just perfect for those wanting to dip their toes in the pattern world. If you like it colourful, vibrant Henry HollandHoundstooth Tights will get your legs the attention they deserve. 

Embellished Transform your legs into works of art. For ultimate evening elegance, Emilio Cavallini proves that diamonds are not just for the jewellery box with the Cable and Diamond Baguette Tights. 

Colour Block O’Clock Fashions it trend can easily be accomplished with tights.  Pair your LBD with the  Oroblu Myriam Tights in Teal to hit on the peacock color craze.