RECESSIONISTA: MEN-- THE DRESS SHIRT

Alright guys, it's your turn. Whether you are the metro-male, the bad boy or the 'guy's guy'-- a fitted dress shirt is alot more versatile than paired with your Hugo Boss suit. Stripes, plaids, or solids can transform right before your eyes with pieces you already have in your closet. Put your wallet down and take a new look at your favorite dress shirts.

Pinching pennies without compromising current fashion trends-- is it possible? The answer is yes. The fashion movement is called "Trans-fashion". It's the ability to manipulate one item that your currently have one of or multiples of and wear it in a new way that you might not have even thought of before. An important trend for men in '09 is the European fitted and extremely tailored look. Warning, only go for fitted if your body worships the treadmill daily. Stick with a slightly less severe tailored shirt if your body isn't beach-ready. (Don't worry you have some time!)

Here are 5 Dress Shirt Looks that will definitely take you from Winter to Spring in style!

1. DAPPER POET'S SOCIETY. Layers are important when creating a crisp, clean, and polished look. Start with a solid black turtleneck, light color buttoned dress shirt, and a tailored blazer. This look can be dressed up or down depending on mood or attitude. For a casual twist, add a pair of distressed jeans and your favorite kicks. To take this look away from casual, opt for a dark slack and a dressy boot. Celebs who love this look: David Beckham, Hugh Grant, Zac Efron

2. THE BAD BOY. Who doesn't love a bad boy? Edge your personal style by incorporating the vintage rock tee, a dress shirt left open, and a leather jacket. The mixture of textures screams trouble! And now there is another reason to wear your favorite ACDC shirt in a new 2009 kinda way! This look is for the hipster strolling Melrose or the record exec who is scouting new acts. Stick with dark denim for that alternative flair. Just say no to SKINNY jeans, a man should wear jeans that fit his body. (Do not emulate photo completely, could be hazardous to your dating life!) Whether you are a "regular", "mid-sagger", or a "full sag" this ensemble can work for you too! (Note: if you are above the age of 14, a full sag deserves a citation from the Fashion Police). Celebs who love this look: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Rob Patterson

3. A SOLID IN-"VEST"-MENT. How to dress like a GQ cover with your wardrobe basics? Patterns, such as, tweeds, herringbone, and plaids are a big trend for menswear 2009. The easiest way to try this trend is by separating that 3-piece suit that you might have worn once to your best friend's wedding. The key piece is the VEST. Try a solid dress shirt under a fitted vest. Add a stripe tie for a contrast effect. Celebrities who love this look: Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, George Clooney

4. THE PERFECT PROFESSOR. Here's a quick fashion lesson to learn-- Less is More. Yes, guys this applies to you too. Stay simple- dress shirt, great tie, and a bold sweater. This look works for all body shapes & sizes. Make sure to tuck your dress shirt into your favorite jeans-- no one likes to see your tails sticking out. Take the time to dress for success and you will definitely get an A for applying these rules in fashion! Celebrities who love this look: Michael Vartan, Tom Cruise, Ryan Seacrest

5. THE HOT & HOODED. Experiment with the looks that work for you. A hoodie can be a deal maker or a deal breaker. Here's a look that is for the guys who are going from college and transitioning into the Hollywood scene-- begin with a light colored dress shirt, layer on a contrasting sweater, and complete the look with a dark or colored hoodie. Key to pulling this off with ease, stay away from printed or obnoxious graphics on the hoodie. Celebs that love this look: Usher, Jason Mraz, Robin Thicke

And just because I love the men in my life, . . .Here's one more tip, aside from the typical dress shirt, tie, and blazer, why not skip the first 2 buttons on the dress shirt, toss out the tie, and cozy up to the idea of a cardigan. Not talking about Mister Rogers' favorite thing to put on in his neighborhood, but a varsity sweater can be sophisticated without aging you a bit!

Look for more exciting ways to wear your favorite pieces in the weeks to come, . . .every guy can dress with style and still have money for the most important things in the world, like family & friends!

RECESSIONISTA: WOMEN- BASIC BLACK BLAZER

Every recessionista needs to learn about "trans-fashion". Trans-fashion is the ability to take one standard piece that is typically found in every woman's closet and transition it into more than one outfit. Let's start with the ladies, . . .Suit, Suit, riot? Hardly. The basic black blazer can be transformed easier than you think. The fitted blazer is an important piece of the "Boyfriend" trend, where women are influenced by men's fashion. This little jacket doesn't have to always be paired with a black slack, unless you are a stubborn New Yorker going to an important interview. But for the "laid back, hip" west coasters take note. Dust off the basic black blazer and try these 5 different outfit options.

Below are 5 outfit options, all of them when paired under a fitted blazer come to together beautifully, so go ahead and experiment! These looks can flatter any age range. Fashion is meant to be fun, so if you are brave enough, I challenge you to try all 5 options, your friends will wonder where you had the funds to get 5 new outfits, but it will be our lil secret that you just needed a stylist's help and your own confidence to rock a whole new you!




1. THE SEX KITTEN. Take a note from actress Amanda Bynes, pair a blazer over a sexy dress to make any outfit a lil more polished and adds just the right amount of sophistication. Don't be afraid to try an animal print or a silky chiffon sundress. Blazers definitely help to transition from winter to spring. Think date night or red carpet, because you will definitely have heads turning. If you have gorgeous gams like Ms. Bynes, try going high fashion, by rockin' ankle booties with this look. Young Hollywood has embraced this trend with open arms and it has suited them quite well. Celebs who love this look: Amanda Bynes, Jennifer Aniston, and Heather Locklear

2. GEO-METRY GODDESS. Try a bold print or geometric pattern over black opaque tights. The contrast is pure genius. Keep the accessories in a pewter shade, keys being: large shades, textured belt, and flat suede boots. The dark colored tights give the illusion of length and a knee-high boot draws the eyes down to the floor. The cardigan keeps the femininity and by adding the blazer, creates the perfect symmetry of structure! Celebs who love this look: Drew Barrymore, Ashley Tisdale, and Jessica Alba

3. ROCK 'N ROLLER. Inside every good girl is an inner bad girl, this outfit lets you expose that Joan Jett, Pat Benetar that is dying to be unleashed! The best part of this look--- its sooo simple and chic that you have these items in your closet!! Black cami/tank, lighter denim (even a faded grey works) To vamp up this vixen-look, add patent leather kitten heels if you are to shopping on Robertson, but if you have a date at the House of Blues later, opt for a sensational studded stiletto. The blazer need not be boring ladies, try a leather blazer that is fitted to your sexy shape! Add some pizazz with a fun handbag.

Celebs who love this look: Duffy, Rachel Bilson, and Miley Cyrus

4. UPTOWN GIRL. What happens when you take your favorite blue tunic and your favorite dark skinny jeans and pair it with a blazer? You get the new uptown girl. East or west-- this can work for you! Turn up the color in the tunic- try primary colors-- red, yellow, and blue! Spice up the look by incorporating a key trend in

'09- FRINGE. The fringe should always be subtle and in an accessory, so why not a fringed handbag? To bring an urban flavor, add a beanie cap for those chilly spring days shopping in SoHo or running errands in the Village. Keep the boot basic to tie the look together. Celebs who love this look: Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Audrina Patridge

5. DELIGHTFUL DARLING. Sweet meets chic. Basic t-shirt,

comfy cardigan, your favorite jean, plus a tailored blazer equals delightful darling. Its great for day to day, from office to play date. Even mommy's need a re-charge in their wardrobe and this playful ensemble is a perfect combination. Remember, accessories can make or break an outfit. Sometimes you can base a whole outfit on just the floral headband or colored sweater. It's about being creative, this outfit can even be Boho with the right scarf and statement jewelry--- big colorful beads or a few strainds of thin gold chains. Celebs that love this look: Katherine Heigl, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift

RECESSIONISTA

With President Obama's speech, echoes of the FDR era rang through and through. High end luxuries are no longer realistic, especially when the families who have never had to budget, have to budget now. But the 1930's although were tough, taught us to be thrifty and create a New Deal and let's not forget how the fashion industry flourished afterwards. That was the decade of Dior's "New Look". In 2009, the Fashionista must become the Recessionista.

Most men and women are bored with their current wardrobe and do not have the budget to hire a personal stylist or can't afford the threads that Kate, Brad, Jen, and George can. So, how do you re-create new style from your old comfy favorites? Just take a step back and we'll have you cleaning your closet and re-vamping that little black dress, a basic blazer, a traditional suit, vest, and we are not leaving the little ones out of this fashion equation. The whole family needs to remain on budget and still be trendsetters.

Every week I will post 5 Solutions to a typical piece that most of us have in our closet already, but maybe we didn't look at it in a new way. Clothes become boring because we have a method to our madness and only wear it with a certain belt, certain shoe, etc. This will go outside of just the women. I will also show the fellas how to incorporate new ideas that will take you from the office to guy's night out! And even though I am not a mommy, myself, little ones are affected by the economy too! I have enough younger nieces & nephews and friend's with children to get my expertise right on target. For the little ones who grow so fast, I will show you how to mix and match pieces to maintain longevity without ever wearing the same piece the same way ever again!

Spruce up your Spring Wardrobe no matter what city you live in. Learn to love FASHION when your pocketbook doesn't!

First "RECESSIONISTA: BASIC BLACK BLAZER", . . .