The Gift Of Style

The Fromblog -Grace Group At Your Service

Hey guys and girls...my new guest writer just did a fun little piece on my company so I wanted to share with you.  It was written for a fab new interactive guide for all things cultural and oh-so hot, Mapcidy.com...lots of cool finds.

"I think I can safely say we all have at least one person in our lives who is in desperate need of a revamp. Maybe its your i-banker beau who chose sleeping on his work couch over shopping for acceptable post collegiate garb, your best friend whose recent break up left her uninspired to rediscover her form fitting dresses, or your dad who still thinks, even after countless arguments, that a fanny pack still counts as acceptable men's tote gear.

Regardless of whether or not we are conscious of it, how we chose to present ourselves sends a message to those around us. Your clothing, for example, can say to the world "I know my ass is slightly bubble-licious, and maybe I'm wearing 5 inch heels I clearly cant walk properly in, but feel like a rock star, so go F yourself" or it can say "I don't like this, or that, or this is too big, or that is too small, so please don't look at me." The point is we all have the ability to have personal style, and you don't have to work at a fashion magazine, or even a particular interest in or knowledge of fashion to be able to make the most of what you're workin' with.

Does the task of assessing your current closet situation seem devastatingly daunting? Do you secretly want someone to show you how to play up your most brilliant attributes? Or are you simply strapped for a creative gift idea? Enter Nancy Berger. Nancy likes to call herself a "Personal Brander". What exactly does that mean? Well I'm glad you asked. Nancy's company, Grace Group, "focuses on the importance of creating and maintaining ones own personal brand." To Nancy, "Personal Branding is not just an image-consulting tool, it is a lifestyle creation/management system that allows individuals to not only look their best but also to think their best."

Real life terms - this chick is a style guru with relatable guidance. With over twenty years of time served in the world of fashion, Nancy makes personal style unfussy, and that's what we all really crave. Not some queen trying to impose their own ideas of fabulosity upon us common folk. All Nancy's insanely affordable services can be personalized depending on what you desire. Whether you require a closet consultation, a personal shopper, or you simply want someone to help you define and understand your public persona, this maven of style can do it all. She'll even play the role of Jewish matchmaker with her love life coaching service if you need a little help in that area (and lets face it - none of us are experts in that area right?)

A woman with an innate sense of style and a uncanny ability to relate and connect with others? Check. Affordable, accessible, results-oriented services? Check. A unique company, which literally everyone can somehow benefit from. Definite check!"

~Sierra Fromberg

The Fromblog -Satya

   

Jewelry purchasing is something I rarely do for myself. This is for two very good reasons. One is that I've lost almost every piece of jewelry I've ever owned regardless of size, price, who bought it for me, state of mind, etc. The other is that I'm simply not a jewelry kinda girl. I prefer to accessorize with a snarky sense of humor and a giant smile (and occasionally a good bag). With that being said - recently I've found myself being more drawn to jewelry and the search for interesting and unique pieces.

Personally, jewelry feels more special when either its bought for you by someone you love, or it has a special significance. Unfortunately I don’t have any family heirlooms, and so it has fallen on my shoulders to start my own little collection. I made my first foray into this venture with a giant gold watch from Michael Kors, which people routinely stop me on the street to ask where I bought it. I figured it may not be heirloom quality, but a big gold watch is so classic it will never go out of style.

But my next purchase brings me to the point of this edition of the Fromblog. While wandering around my neighborhood a few months ago I ended up discovering a jewelry store called Satya, which makes spiritually inspired jewelry that is both delicate and wearable. According to founders/designers Satya and Beth, "stones are chosen for their healing properties…and each piece is tagged so the wearer will know the healing properties of the stone and the meaning of the pendant". I'm such a sucker for anything claiming to bring more positive energy into my life (case in point my hamsa tattoo) and so of course I was immediately drawn to a 36" gold chain with a cluster of three symbols. Combined, the hamsa, lotus, and OM are said to offer protection against negative energies, create the opportunity for new beginnings, and bring peace and harmony to the wearer. All that and for only $128? I'm sold!!

~Sierra Fromberg

The Fromblog - Blank Jeans

In my brainstorming for this weeks Fromblog, I realized that when it comes to fashion, I'm often on a quest to find the "perfect" solution to my query. Personal style is clearly not universal, but certain wardrobe items are, and so its with great pleasure that this week I bring you my most recent (and hopefully mass appealing) discovery.

Jeans have become the centerpiece for both male and female wardrobes, around which we build the rest of our outfit. Where it was once unheard of to wear denim to a formal event, these days you are more likely to see people dressed up in jeans rather than black pants (unless of course your bridge and tunnel and the memo just hasn’t made it way over the GWB). I once had a legendary brawl with my mom in seventh grade over wearing jeans to a family dinner at an upscale dining establishment we often frequented. Lets just say there's a certain restaurant in NYC that implemented a no denim policy after I disobeyed her and showed up in my super flared, light wash gems from Paris Blues.

But times have changed, and now we have so many different jean options, its hard to keep up. What with all the denim guides - what style will make my ass look less ass-licious, what type will help prevent crack attack, etc - I am here to offer what I believe is the best jean discovery I've made since J Brand changed my life with their "Love Story" style.

BLANK is a newer addition to the denim market and you heard it here first - they are going to be huge. Skinny jeans can sometimes be a little scary. They are, for all intents and purposes, essentially the same thing as wearing a pair of leggings (which we all know is a no-no unless you are rocking a tunic top/dress situation or at the gym). But I feel fairly confident that even the most timid of shoppers will enjoy the way their Skinny Ankle Zipper jeans fit. They hit just at the ankle so no annoying trip to the tailor for those of us of normal height; the denim is already slightly worn in, but still holds it shape well, and they seriously flatter all body types. No joke - during the 30 minutes I was at Intermix I saw a four different girls try on the same style and they all looked amazing!

To boot - I don’t know what makes me happier - the 10" silver zippers up the back of each leg or the fact that at $96 they are by far the most affordable, high quality jeans I know of.

~Sierra Fromberg

Introducing Contributor Sierra Fromberg

I am happy to announce that I have another new contributor to The Gift Of Style; cool girl-about-town and fashion publicist Sierra Fromberg.  Sierra grew up in NYC and brings a ton of insight into what is hip, underground and oh-so fab.  She is a self-proclaimed recessionista and her laid back chic style has even been featured on Allure.com.  Like me, she loves vintage and loves to shop "low"...she has great personal style and he kind of edge that makes fashion exciting.  She currently blogs for other sites and will be frequently mixing it up on TGOS under the pseudonym "The Fromblog".  I love her voice and am sure you will as well...

~Nancy