Project Runway 501

It's no surprise that I am an avid viewer of Project Runway. Even though it is in it's third season and the formatting and commentary hasn't changed one bit, I still can't turn my eyes away from watching this glorious show.

Last night the contestants were asked to make a new garment purely out of Levi's jeans. While I'm a big believer that denim should only be worn as a pair of pants, these designers made it their own and created some interesting concepts. At the end of the show, I was left wondering what I would create if given the challenge. Come to find out this morning, as I was checking up on some of my favorite blogs, you too can participate in the denim design challenge at the Levis Web site!

All you need to do is register online and upload your design before February 6th. They even go to the lengths of providing a list of do's and dont's insider design tips to help you out along the way. If chosen the winner, you will receive a $501 Levi's gift certificate and most importantly Levi's will sell your design on levis.com. Second and third prize winners also get gift certificates of $501 and $250.

For those of us who are inspired and have great ideas, but aren't exactly "skilled" in the world of fashion design, it is still fun to enter the site and check out what is going on. Once you register, you are free to view all the submitted designs and comment on them. Still not intruiged? As a judge, you too can win Levi's gift certificates. Not too shabby.

If you love Project Runway and have ever put on a quality pair of jeans, I highly suggest visiting the site. If anything, you'll be impressed with the creativity that exudes from the site.

Winter Warm-Up Session

Down in the dumps about my last entry that featured the trendiest solution to bearing the cold winter months? Me too. I felt bad about bashing such a key item for winter, I figure we better move on and look ahead to some sweet spring previews. Hello bold patterns! It appears as though the fun and flirty warm weather dresses from last year are only getting better with age.

For now, enjoy the shopping previews that are peeping their way into the stores slowly but surely, and we'll revisit this when we actually have warm weathr to pair with our shopping needs.

Eskimo Kisses

It took longer than expected, but now that winter weather has made up its mind and is in full force, let's chat about a growing trend that has also finally arrived. Over the past two or three years, maybe longer, the long, puffy parka jacket has slowly been making its way into department stores and closets of colder climates alike. But, it is this winter season where I feel they are officially taking over the world. That's right, taking over the world. Granted, I live in New York and the sheer volume of people I see walking around is significantly larger, but literally every other person I pass on the street is wearing one. Does that define it as a trend? One would argue most certainly it does.

If that is true, that would make every parka wearing trendster out there just as cool as the Eskimos. Did you know the parka, originally created by Eskimos living in the Arctic, were made out of caribu and used to protect from extreme wind chill and wet conditions while hunting? I find this fascinating. Now, they are made mainly of down, synthetic fiber and sometimes even a cute wool lined hood for an extra added effect of the loveable Eskimo culture.

When shopping for a parka to keep you warm while running around town and pushing through the frigid cold winter months, I think the two most important qualities to consider are cost and fit.

The cost - In today's fashion culture, I feel that there is such a push to own a top designer named parka. But, in my opinion (and don't gasp when I say this), a Marc Jacobs parka($500+) will keep you warm just as well as a North Face($275), or even better one from Target($25).

The fit - There is no getting around trying to make this look figure flattering. It is all about the comfort and warmth. I have seen women try to take a leather belt and cinch the waist to add shape - ladies, this is a coat made from down feathers and has seaming to emphasize the "puff". We are not looking to show off anything with this jacket. With that said, some popular looks and shapes that I have come across and really like are:




This cropped puffer jacket from Target is the cheapest in cost ($25), but certainly not in value. It is fun, playful and doubles as a puffer vest by unzipping the sleeves.


If it's quality and comfort you are going for, the North Face Metropolis jacket ($275) is by far my favorite. It elongates the body, is light weight and clearly keeps you warm. My mom and two sisters own the same jacket and swear by it when the harsh Chicago winters are in full force.


While I do poke fun at the loveable and somewhat ridiculous connection between today's suburban/urban friendly parka and the Eskimos, I guarantee once you test one out, you will want to wear it every day and cuddle up with it at night. Its warm, its loveable, and it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg if you catch one when the price is just right.

Boot Obsession

My latest obsession since moving to New York has quickly shifted from dresses (and cupcakes) to this fall and winter’s hottest trend: boots. I’ve learned since living here that boots are not only a trend, they are a way of life. They are a necessity. They are everywhere, they have stories, they express personalities, and everyone wants them. No matter what style of boot you choose or drool over, this fabulous accessory has the loveable quality of effortlessly pulling together any outfit. This fall you have a slue of styles to choose from for your every day comfort, the office, a night on the town…even boots to pair with the glorious changing weather patterns.

The Weekender
Finding a pair of casual boots to wear any day, no matter what you’re doing or where you’re going is the easiest piece to add to your closet for this season. Short or tall, flat or short heel, leather or suede – the opportunities are endless.
My personal favorite would have to be a classic tall leather boot in chocolate brown with a buckle (Steve Madden, $149.95). You can find your casual weekend boot, similar to this style, in any department store or boutique, and it is great because you can wear it with skinny jeans, leggings and a tunic, a dress…yep, pretty much anything.




The Office Transition
I’m willing to admit that finding a pair of shoes, or an outfit for that matter, that easily transitions from the office to dinner or drinks at night is a difficult task. Luckily, the boot trends for the fall and winter make it easier for us by giving us more option. No longer do you have to rely on the classic black leather boot with a heel. While this style will always be around, it can get old quickly. In addition to the taller leather and suede classics, we can now start considering the growing shorter boot trend, the "bootie" (Anthropologie.com, $98). The shorter ankle boot has been popping into wardrobes in a variety of texture and patterns. While this is not my personal favorite, it does offer a refreshing and fashion forward look when paired with skirts and dresses.


What is my personal favorite you ask? My eye has fallen in love with tall boots with texture.
The detailing on boots with texture adds an element of surprise to your outfit without any fuss. In addition to the detailing appeal of adding a wow factor to your outfit, it will of course be appropriate for the office as well as a night out with your girlfriends.



Cold Weather Ahead
As the cold weather has started creeping in with rain and eventually snow, more options to help us push past the dreadful blustery winter conditions have jumped onto the market. Attention has been given to both snow and rain boots alike. Last season we saw fun colorful and patterned galoshes splash into department stores and closets nationwide. For those of us who smile at the thought of dancing in the rain and jumping in puddles just because you can, this playful look is still in full force for fall with more patterns to choose from. I advise and recommend to everyone to bring out the inner child and purchase at least one pair to slip on when you’re running errands in the rain. Instant giddiness and glee included with every purchase.

For the snow bunny in us all, our options also extend beyond the ever-popular Ugg boots. Yes, the cozy and loveable brand is still around and offering more styles with fur lining and leather that will appeal to new and loyal customers alike. For those of us who are tired of the Ugg following, The North Face, Merrell and Aquatalia have a great selection to offer.












Costly Trend
There is no question that this growing trend can unfortunately be a costly investment. You are purchasing a quality piece that is typically handcrafted and involves a great deal of time and detail. And, naturally the larger department stores and designer name brands will be uber-expensive to the point where you want to run straight out the door. While you are making an investment with the bigger name brands, take comfort in knowing you do have other options. If you are looking for a great quality boot that does not cost upwards of $500, I recommend taking a look at Frye Boots (fryeboots.com, $250)
This brand has been around for 144 years and exudes quality and everything that a great pair of boots should be. If you are looking for something even cheaper, I think Steve Madden has some great options and even Target has it’s moments. In my opinion, shoes are shoes. You should pick a pair to invest in and a pair to have fun in and call it a day.




The boot craze is definitely in full force ladies, and whether you live in the big city or a small town, I guarantee you too will fall in love with 1-22 pairs of boots this season. Have fun shopping!

Closet Therapy: Tim Gunn's Ten Essential Items

For everyone out there who is a Project Runway fan, you are most likely aware of Tim Gunn's own reality show spin off "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style"(and naturally know who Tim Gunn is of course). If you haven't heard Tim has created a one-hour, eight episode series that airs every Thursday at 10PM ET on the Bravo network. To put it quite simply, we are talking about a makeover show with a tasty twist.

Using his combination of tough love and calm guidance, Tim provides women with advice on how to dress according to their age, body type and whatever fashion icon they relate to best. In general, I think the show hits it's mark best in that it does not focus on the one time makeover transformation. The unique quality of this show is that Tim and his assistant Veronica Webb, former model and fashion accomplice, really focus on the education and guidance side of being stylish and encouraging these women to make their own decisions. It is my belief that there are quite a few women out there that are not aware of how to dress themselves and how to purchase appropriate and classic pieces. This show helps educate and inspire all women, no matter their age, background, or knowledge of tailored clothing and fashion trends.

While there are pros and cons of the show as an entire series, there is one consistent tool that I feel every woman should know about and follow as their individual style guidance: Tim Gunn's list of 10 Essential Elements. In the beginning of each episode, Tim and Veronica help the "contestant" clean out their closets and then provide them with a list of 10 items to purchase on their shopping adventure to help revamp their wardrobe. The following ten items are must have basic pieces that every woman must have:

1. Basic Black Dress
Ah, the little black dress. This one is my personal favorite and will admit to owning multiple versions. It is a great essential piece because it is classic, always a safe choice and has its’ tendencies to boost a woman’s confidence and sense of femininity. Once you find the perfect fit, the black dress becomes your best friend.

2. Trench Coat
A trench coat is an important piece to have as it lends itself well to a variety of dress codes and weather changes. What more could you ask for? The tricky part in my mind is finding the proper fit. Trench coats are a particularly hot item for this fall, so most stores are carrying them in a variety of colors, patterns and lengths.

3. Classic Dress Pants
Classic dress pants are great for the office, dinner parties or an evening on the town. I would suggest a pair in black as it is flattering on most body types and will allow for more outfitting with tops of your choice varying in color, pattern or texture.

4. White Shirt
The white button down shirt is a classic staple that every woman needs in her closet. It is the piece that pulls many outfits together and can stand on it's own as a simple yet chic piece. I tend to look for crisp clean blouses that are structured in shape and have feminine detailing at the collar or waistline.

5. Jeans
When shopping for jeans, the process of finding the perfect style and flattering fit can be tricky and somewhat stressful. Trends right now in denim include the wide leg trouser fit, the low rise boot cut and of course the skinny jean. I own one of each - I will wear my trouser fit for a more polished and professional look and keep the boot cut jeans for weekend casual or going out. Women either love or hate the skinny jeans, and you'll know immediately once you try them on. While I would recommend sticking with a high rise, wide leg jean or a classic boot cut, don't be afraid of the skinny jean. Try a pair or two on, and you'll be surprised with the results. If you're still not convinced, try pairing the skinny jean silhouette with a tall pair of boots and a long sweater this fall and winter. It creates a slimming effect on most body types and you just may surprisingly fall in love with a new look. No matter what the style, I always rely on my gut instinct and comfort levels, but I always rely on second and third opinions from the sales associates. Typically stores have denim specialists who have a wealth of knowledge about jeans you may not have known about.

6. Cashmere Sweater
To some this may be a rather expensive "staple" to have in your closet, which I'm sure many can relate to. However, cashmere is really a symbol of quality, comfort, simplicity and elegance. When you slip on a cashmere sweater you feel cozy, you feel smart (and we're not talking book lovers here). If 100% cashmere scares you for one reason or the other, many retailers offer a cashmere blend at a lower price point. Again, if you are looking to add a cashmere sweater to your closet, I would definitely suggest sticking to a neutral color and a simple shape to help protect the timeliness of the sweater. You will be able to wear it with any outfit and it will last you throughout the years.

7. Skirt
Skirts can be fun and feminine when they fit right according to your body proportions. I actually learned a lot from Tim Gunn's show in what shapes of skirts to purchase according to the frame of my body. I learned to purchase according to what fits right versus buying according to the colors or prints that I am attracted to. Skirts can be flirtatious and professional based on what top or jacket you pair them with. Outfitting with a skirt also provides flexibility to dress your outfit up or dress it down.

8. Day Dress

Last spring and summer, the fashion industry definitely saw a splurge in styles, colors and the sheer mass quantities of dresses make their way into the market and into women’s closets across the country. Women were ditching pants altogether and making a statement with feminine and chic dresses instead. The day dress is fabulous in that it provides a complete, pulled together and fun outfit with only one article of clothing. When you are standing in front of your closet, unsure of what to pair with what, the day dress is a great alternative to all that “thinking” so early in the morning. And, with the colder weather on the way, don’t be afraid of wearing dresses – throw on a pair of boots and a cardigan or long sweater jacket and you’ll have a great outfit that can easily be transitioned from day to night when needed.

9. Blazer
Blazers, again similar to trench coats, are a popular trend right now given that the fit is right. I have noticed a lot of tailored jackets with feminine detailing that provides a flattering silhouette when paired with a great pair of wide leg dress pants for the office or your favorite pair of jeans when you are out running around town. Blazers offer a window of opportunity and flexibility when outfitting according to your mood, time of day, and where you are heading out.

10. Sweat Suit Alternative
The sweat suit alternative means different things to different people, on different days. Depending on the day this might mean jersey dress with leggings, it may mean a crisp dark pair of trouser jeans and a feminine blouse, it also may mean my yoga pants and a graphic thermal. Others may disagree with me, but in my opinion the sweat suit alternative simply should be anything but sweats and a t-shirt. While I adore my KU hooded sweatshirt on nights cuddled up on my couch, I think Tim’s point with this is to not let comfort take over your personal style. In other words, stay feminine, and do some further digging to find that “alternative” when you’re heading to the grocery store and when those elastic waistband sweats are calling your name fend off those thoughts and I guarantee if you put together a cute little outfit for yourself, you will find a bit more pep in your step.

The list may sound basic or a no-brainer to many, but the focus is really on making sure each piece of clothing fits you correctly. Not according to trends or what magazines and the industry says, but according to what fits your body portions best and boosts all levels of confidence and energy in you as a woman. The lessons Tim Gunn focuses on throughout his show is information that most of us tend to miss or not consider while mindlessly shopping and gabbing away with friends or thinking about what is next on the to-do lists in our heads.

I recently cleaned out my closet and was able to donate multiple bags of clothing to Good Will and with the change in season I encourage everyone to do the same. It feels great to clean out your closet of things you haven’t worn in years, things that simply don’t fit or that one sweater with the coffee stain on the bottom corner that you choose to ignore out of love for your favorite purchase two years ago. It is a way to donate to charity this season and start fresh in creating a simpler closet with the essentials you need to look and feel fabulous, confident, feminine…express your inner Sarah Jessica Parker, Jackie O., Tracy Reese, Coco Chanel or Gwen Stefani…express your own individual style.

Welcome to the Big Apple

I want to take a few words to apologize for the lack in posts over the past few months. Yes, months. So sad. Recently, Hide and Seek has been doing a bit more hiding, but more importantly, moving! That's right, two months ago I packed up and moved to New York to follow my dream to pursue a career in the fashion industry and live out the curiosity of what living in New York City is all about.

In the short amount of time being here I have learned many valuable things, such as time moves faster than people wittingly joke about, you can always find a bakery on any corner to satisfy your sweet tooth (even when you thought yours didn't exist), the cost of groceries is outlandish and naturally, fashion takes on a whole new meaning in this town alone.

Every day I take the subway to work where I spend 8 hours each day learning, teaching, selling and loving clothes from Anthropologie. Every other day or so, I motivate myself to walk home for the exercise and of course to people watch. Travelling from Rockefeller Center to Chelsea drags me through a variety of neighorhoods, where I have the pleasure of passing by an outrageous number of people conveying different fashion statements. Whether the styles make me smile, laugh or gasp, I take it all in and...well, lets just say I no longer have an excuse not to post an entry to this site on a daily basis. Now of course schedules can get tricky, but to my biggest fan's (my mother) request, I will be posting more thoughts and comments on my usual fashion favorites, and now the favorite people and styles I pass on my way to or from work.

Welcome to my New York and hopefully a more attention filled, light-hearted and fashion inspired Hide and Seek.

My Hero

It's been some time now since the news has broke, but seeing as how I have my own blog dedicated to fashion I thought it would only be appropriate to take a moment to talk about my fashion hero and style icon. Sarah Jessica Parker has created her own clothing line, Bitten. When I first heard the news a month or two ago, I literally jumped out of my seat and was shreiking (yes, shrieking) out of excitement. I just had to learn and see more, immediately.

After doing some research, I found out that Sarah has partnered with Steve and Barry's to develop a line of clothing that would fit women of all shapes and sizes, be affordable, and help build style confidence among women. It expresses a strong and genius concept that I believe in and sincerely hope it has lasting effects for everyone.

Clothes, clothes, clothes!
Let's talk about the clothes themselves. Sarah Jessica Parker notes on her Web site and in various magazine articles, such as Oprah Magazine, that the clothes are fun, cute, sexy, classic, and practical for any occasion. One of the many items I fell in love with was the v-neck cotton dress($19.95). It is the perfect, fun and light weight dress for summer. I like to pair it with graphic tees and tanks underneath or add a chunky belt. You can view this dress and the other fabulous pieces in her collection at bittensjp.com or at a Steve and Barry's closest to you.

Affordable
Thats right, unbelievably affordable! I took a trip to the Steve and Barry's to see if the rumors were true, and I was thrilled to find they were. Every piece in her line of clothing is $19.95 and below! Dresses, jackets and pants tend to range closer to $19.95, while tees and tanks are as low as $7.95 each. Fantastic!

Meaning behind the project
I not only love her designs but was also moved by her inspiration behind the project and Steve and Barry's as a company. Essentially, she wants to teach women everywhere how to dress and feel confident without breaking the bank. "There are no laws about how to dress," Sarah Jessica Parker says. "Show your confidence and take some chances." This quote I read in Oprah Magazine is inspiring for me and hopefully to anyone out there who has ever stood in front of their closet in the morning wondering what to wear. The truth is, buying clothes and expressing yourself through clothes doesn't mean you have to spend an outrageous amount of money or show off designer brand names. What I like about Sarah's line is that it promotes choosing different pieces and pairing them together to express your own individual sense of style. It is not a department store telling you which pieces to pair together, instead it is an open environment that allows you to be creative with your choices.

Lastly, my own take on style, which I found similar to the Bitten line's "manifesto" is this: I want my closet to be filled with pieces that I love, that are practical yet fun, that are classic yet sensual and beautiful, that are unique and exude confidence and a flirtatious vibe. I suppose that is asking a lot, but I do believe you should always love what you buy and what you wear.

If you haven't left this page already, I definitely suggest visiting her Web site bittensjp.com and I guarantee you'll be bitten by her sense of stlye, her mission, and the story that stands behind the clothes.