ann taylor – the Spiff

Daytime Sparkle

December 12, 2016 No Comments

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I’m trying out a new picture spot in my house.

Jackson graciously let me pull his toys aside and use his room. I didn’t get to all the toys, obvs. But I did get the diaper genie out of the way so YOU’RE WELCOME.

I love these stripes on the wall. I want to paint every wall in my house this way. But then there would be days (like almost today) when I would blend in to the wall because I wear a lot of stripes. And then my family couldn’t find me and the washing and the dinnering wouldn’t happen so I’ll just let the one wall have all the glory.

This top is one that I saw in the Ann Taylor window at West Town Mall last year and it almost stopped me in my tracks. So I waited it out and like a good Hallmark Movie, we came together in the end…after the top went on sale (unlike the movies).

This is actually a petite size, which, I’ve found on more than one occasion can still work if you’re not petite as long as you size up.

Every time I get dressed for anything festive, or even just Wal-Mart, I try to incorporate some kind of sparkle. The subtle sequins in the stripes makes this sweater perfect for a light daytime sparkle.

As I said, I got it on sale, but here is a very similar option from JCP.

Merry Christmas Everybody!

Beauty, Spiffy, west town mall

The First Gift Guide of the Season

November 28, 2016 No Comments

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A quick scroll through Instagram and you’re tripping over gift guides. But how many of them are carefully put together for your cousin who came from Philadelphia with their dog Trix who is into glamour and smelling good?! Right? You’re welcome.

Let’s dive into this bad boy. All of these gifts can be easily, conveniently and warmly picked up at West Town Mall…

This is not a bracelet. It’s for your CAR. Finally Yankee Candle has gotten all my letters and created a pretty car scent! Dangle it from your rear view mirror and your friend will be driving through fields of daisy’s all season long.

Ann Taylor fur stole – to make your friend feel like she’s Lucy Ricardo and she found it in the piano where Ricky hid it to give to her on her anniversary #ILOVELUCY. It is beautiful and makes a glamorous alternative to a scarf!

Gift the gift of cute in every area of life with this great Vera Bradley curling iron case.

It’s a gold sequin tumbler. If she has a pulse, she should love it. Stop by Francesca’s for your own…er…I mean your friends gift *WINK.

Everyone has THAT friend whose phone is always low on power. Get that friend this bag from The Limited that will recharge her phone inside of it. It’s also great for the friends who want to feel like MacGyver. (If they don’t know who that is, I’m sorry, that’s a whole other gift list).

Face masks are the best. I mean it. I wear one once a week now and pretend like I’m at a spa (speaking of which, another great gift idea here). These are a fabulous and rare pack from Sephora so snatch one up for your beauty-loving friends.

Gift the gift of glow with this set from Bare Minerals. Who doesn’t want to look like they’re walking around in ambient lighting at all times!? Arlight then, glow get ’em!

Dogs are people too! Well, dogs HAVE people too and how could you not love someone more if they got you something cute for their dog from Altar’d State?

Spiffy, Videos, wbir, west town mall

Cozy, Cute & Comfortable Outfit Ideas for Thanksgiving Day

November 16, 2016 No Comments

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Put down the recipes and let’s talk about what you’re going to WEAR to this Thanksgiving!

These looks will help you not only look cute, but will leave room for seconds :)

Fashion, Spiffy, west town mall

Mid-Summer Shopping List

July 8, 2016 No Comments

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Someone asked me the other day what my favorite part of summer is. I responded…counting down to fall.

So maybe I don’t enjoy the extreme heat, bugs and humidity like some do (I painted such a beautiful picture, didn’t I ;) I do enjoy the easy style offerings that come with lazy nights outside, wiping off the watermelon from my chin and feeling weightless as I float in the pool.

Let’s squeeze out all the fun wearing any (or all!) of these picks, which can be found in the beautifully air-conditioned West Town Mall!

1. My love affair with gold could be fleeting, so I’ll pick up this wallet-friendly, yet still glamorous gold watch from Charming Charlie.

2. GAP workout clothes are fan…tastic – all the wicking and support and cuteness without all the cash dropping.

3. I love everything about this dress (and I’m pretty sure it has pockets!), find it at The Limited.

4. I need more pattern in my closet, but until I find something as beautiful as stripes or leopard print, I’ll go with a great textured top from Ann Taylor.

5. A beautiful cover up for your bum and you don’t even have to tie it! Just slip it on and walk the beachy cat walk :)

6. Wearing my hair up without studs in my ear is breaking a fashion commandment. And the color of these beauties from Francesca’s will go with everything.

7. Ever since we moved into our house, I’ve been buying pillows like they are jugs of milk. Pottery Barn and their fantastic sale is feeding my addiction.

8. Simple black wedges are so important to rounding out your summer looks! Thank you, Charlotte Russe!

9. I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE (Dillard’s).

10. After I had Jackson, I passed a pregnant girl wearing jeans like these and I slapped myself in the forehead. They are the perfect during-and-post pregnancy jeans because they have the elastic waist!

11. What’s better than a Piko top from Fiore in the summer? A sleeveless Piko dress from Fiore! (or tunic because really, these things are short for those of us with long legs).

Fashion, Videos, wbir, west town mall

Summer Style Plan

June 20, 2016 No Comments

At the start of a new season (hey there, summer) I like to make a style plan.

If you’ll remember every year I like to set style goals. I know you remember this because you re-read all the posts on The Spiff on a weekly basis, duh.

A style plan falls in line with my goals, but is just altered to fit the season and everything it entails. I hope I haven’t lost you with all this scientific style talk. I think I would have lost myself by now so I’ll quit.

Last week on the show I talked about creating a capsule wardrobe. This will help you get the most out of the pieces you’ve bought for summer, but even more importantly it will help you create cohesive looks that fit your event, your style, and you short getting-dressed time frame.

Here are a few things I didn’t get to say in the segment…

1. Look at your summer season as a whole – what does it involve the most of… Outdoor weddings? Picnics? Play dates? Whatever fills your schedule, think of those events when you look at what you’ve got and see how you can more easily get dressed for those outings.

2. Limit your clothes shopping once you’ve bought a few pieces. You want to challenge and awaken your creativity and the best way to do this is to limit what you buy for a bit. I KNOW, IT’S HARD. If you can’t cope, just “shop your closet.” Hire a friend to stand there and look at you like you don’t belong, and then hire another friend to stand there and look like they can’t wait to go home – there you go – shopping experience: check.

3. Push yourself. Style your outfits differently so that you’re not wearing the same exact outfit over and over again. Get your creative juices flowing and do your best to not wear the same pieces the same way twice!

Now watch the video for more tips on building your summer wardrobe!