The Stylish Planner is officially closed for the Holidays.  We will return on January 4, 2010 with great new topics, guest bloggers, and exciting information about our 2010 Style & Image Workshops for Wedding/Event Planners in 10 US cities.

If you are visiting the site during the Holidays, we hope you will take the time to catch up on posts you may have missed.  We welcome your comments!

The Stylish Planner wishes you and your family a wonderful Holiday season.  God Bless!

A couple of years ago around the Holidays, a wonderful happy accident happened that has changed the way I use my daily handbag and evening purse (a clutch).  I was having a particularly busy social schedule during the Holidays in addition to just the hectic day to day stuff called life.  For the very first Holiday party of the season, I transferred the basic necessities from my everyday handbag to my evening clutch as I always do.  Normally, the very next day I would transfer everything back to the handbag and then put the clutch away in my closet until the next time it was needed, then do it all over again for the next evening social event.  This time, however, the transfer just never happened, I didn’t have time.  Instead, on the way out the door one morning, I just threw the clutch into my handbag thinking I would transfer everything while sitting in traffic or waiting for a meeting to start.  Instead, I kept the items in the clutch and transferred several additional items from the handbag, removed my everyday wallet and other unnecessary items from the handbag and dropped the evening clutch into my handbag.  I carried both items like that all season and it saved me so much hassle.  Whenever I needed the clutch, it was ready to go.  In essence, my clutch became an oversized wallet.  It was also great for times when I needed to just run into a store very quickly and didn’t want to drag my entire handbag in.

Here is a short list of the items I keep in the evening clutch:

personal credit card

personal debit card

business debit card

business debit card

drivers license

cash

pen

business cards

lip gloss

slim compact

Christmas shopping list

gum

Most days I carry a Coach Brooke Cross Body Bag (shown below) and my clutch fits inside perfectly after I remove my everyday wallet.  Here are two styles that would work well together for this time saving plan:

www.coach.com

What do you think?  Would this tip work well for you around the Holidays?  Do you have any fashion or accessory tips to ease the transition from day to evening wear?  We’d love to hear your ideas!

Featured Stylish Planner of the Week – December 17, 2009

Jeni DuBard, Atlanta, Georgia

Note from Jeannine: I am so pleased to share with you this planner who is such a dear friend to me.  Jeni DuBard was the very first intern at my wedding planning company, FAVOR Events.  Jeni came to us through Georgia State University, where she was pursuing an Event Planner Certification through the School of Hospitality.  Jeni interned for only three months before I hired her to act as our Director of Tailored Services.  During her time with us, she designed and developed our blog, as well as contributed numerous articles on wedding related topics.  Quite honestly, our blog (FAVOR Events) has not been the same since she left!  Jeni has an incredible work ethic, is so warm and caring, and has an amazing, polished sense of style.  She now works as the Social Events Coordinator for Low Country Catering here in Atlanta and is doing amazing things to further develop their wedding business.  Please read her bio to learn more about my sweet friend, Jeni DuBard.

Company Name: Low Country Catering in Atlanta, GA

Number of years in business: 2

Website:  www.lowcountrybarbeque.com  

How would you describe your personal style?  I would call my style “casual classic”.  I love tailored, classic pieces and I love to dress up, but most events in my life call for casual clothing. 

What is your “go-to” meeting attire? It depends on the meeting, but I try to find a balance between being “too casual” or “too over-dressed” by mixing the pieces in my closet.  I will wear jeans with blazers and a big necklace, dresses with jeweled flip flops, etc.

What is your “go-to” evening industry event attire? (i.e., associational meeting, vendor or venue open house, etc.)  Depending on the season, it is usually pants and a great top (Fall/Winter) or a dress (Spring/Summer).  I love dresses!

What is your attire for wedding/event day set-up?   For warm weather weddings I prefer knit dresses with J.Crew flip flops.  In cool weather its jeans and a sweater with flats.

What is your attire for actual wedding/event?   Nine times out of ten it is some variation of a black dress – usually paired with a bold necklace or bracelet.

What style and brand of shoes do you wear on wedding/event days?  I always start in heels but end up in flip flops!

What are your favorite jeans and why?  Joe’s "Honey" boot cut or skinny.  They are the only jeans I have found that fit exactly right!

What are a few of your favorite cosmetic products?  NARS blush, Dior Show Mascara, Chanel lip gloss, Stila lip glaze

What products are in your current skincare regimen?  I have problematic skin, so I use a combination of dermatologist prescribed products.  I love Korres Moisturizer, though!

Who is your favorite celebrity style icon and why?  Reese Witherspoon – because of her classic style.  She always looks polished and pulled together.

Please share with us (in 50 words or less) your favorite beauty or style tip:  I’ve always been taught to buy pieces that will last.  I can rationalize spending money on a piece if I know it will stand the test of time.  This is especially true of shoes and handbags.  Nothing says “pulled together” more than a great pair of shoes and a well made bag.

We all have them.  We all wish we didn’t.  I personally gain between 3 – 5 lbs this time of year due to a combination of increased food intake and lack of calorie burning exercise.  My particular weakness is sweets – of all kinds.  It’s a vicious cycle, really.  I am tired and sluggish because I’ve consumed too much sugar…I crave sugary sweets because I am tired, sluggish and stressed.  All will power simply escapes me.  I take solace in the fact that it happens to most everyone.  It does, right? (Please say yes, please say yes!)

To add insult to injury, I actually allow myself to indulge this time of year.  To my credit, I am really good the rest of the year.  I am a healthy eater, and after a 40 pound weight loss over the last couple of years, have managed to keep off 33 lbs of the total.  I love veggies, don’t drink sodas or sweet drinks, and eat small portions.  I allow myself one day a week to have whatever I want, otherwise, I eat items only from my “approved” list.  So why do I blow it around the Holidays?  Because I say these words to myself, “It’s ok – it’s Christmas!”  I’m not exactly sure how the birth of the sweet baby Jesus gives me permission to indulge in not one, but two Reece’s Peanut Butter Trees in one sitting, but somehow, the two are related.  I’m gifting myself, I suppose.  “Here Jeannine, have a chocolately good, wonderful peanut delicacy.  Merry Christmas to ME!”

Sweets of all kinds, I love.  Pastries, pies, cookies, fudge, candy, etc.  I just keep packing it in even though I was full about halfway through the traditional Kennedy family beef tenderloin and twice baked potatoes.  And I do the same thing the very next day, and the next, until every last morsel is gone. {*sigh!*}

I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Alright, Ladies, LET’S HEAR IT!  What is your Holiday Food weakness?  Give it up on twitter to @Stylish Planner.  Let the salivating begin!

Coming in 2010, we will have some great posts from guest bloggers that are experts in various areas.  One such guest blogger will be an award winning hair & make-up artist.  Until then, you’re just stuck with me and my thoughts!  Today, I thought I would share with you my cosmetic choices for eyes.  I have added each item to my repertoire very carefully over the years after weeding out products that were not right for me for various reasons.  The result is the products shown below:

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

I like this because:  This kit includes Creamy Concealer on top and Sheer Finish Loose Powder on bottom to set concealer for long-lasting wear.  Retails for $32.00

Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Single in Vanilla (not the color shown)

I like this because:  I can use this as a brow highlighter, and all over my lids, keeping the eye shadow application down to one quick step.  Retails for $2.99.

Maybelline Expert Eyes Twin Brow & Eye Pencils

From the Maybelline website:  This has been the # 1 eye pencil in the US since the 1920’s.  This dual-purpose pencil works as defining brow filler and a precision eyeliner.  Comes two to a pack, the waterproof formula lasts all day.  I like it because:  the light brown comes closet to my hair color and the pencil feathers on and isn’t too thick or cakey.  This product looks extremely natural – I get complements on my brow shape and definition all the time.  Retails for $2.99.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

I love this award winning eyeliner for it’s staying power.  It goes on wet, dries quickly and as soon as it is dry, there is no smudging or smearing.  I use the color black ink.  Retails for $22.00.

L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara in Carbon Black

From the website:  For dramatically longer lashes with 2X the intensity.  Contains 2X more pigments than regular L’Oreal regular black shade.  I like it because:  The black is the darkest black available and that works great for my fine eyelashes.  The brush is great for lengthening and separating my lashes too.  Retails for $8.99.

There you have it, my tried and true favorite eye products.  What are your favorite cosmetics for eyes?  Send us a note with your favorite item and why you love it!

It’s that time again.  Time for your hubby or boyfriend’s annual office party-or the industry gala held every year that you wouldn’t dare miss.  At any rate, chances are that within the next 30 days, you will be attending a wonderful, fun party and you are considering what to wear.  In your search for the perfect ensemble, you may ask yourself, how much skin is too much skin?  So many things factor into that answer.  I tend to be pretty conservative, although I wasn’t always.  Does anyone remember the TV show from the 90’s called Ally McBeal? 

Well, as a result of that show, I had all my suit skirts altered to a length that would have made Ally herself blush.   I worked in the insurance industry -a very conservative, male-dominated industry at the time.  It’s a sheer miracle I kept my job…or maybe the skirts were some sort of job security, I may never know.  Looking back, I can now say that the skirts were inappropriate.  I was in my early 20’s and had a sense that they were on the borderline, but I didn’t care.  Today, I have a much better sense of appropriate attire for my age, my figure, my profession, and for the event I am attending.  And, I have a foolproof rule of thumb that I follow.  Allow me to share.

Choose one feature to “showcase”.  I have nice legs up to about mid-thigh, and then they start to get a little too much jiggle when I wiggle if you know what I mean.  I am well endowed, so I have a nice décolletage, but I would never show a lot of leg and a lot of cleavage all at once.  I’d choose one or the other.  I have nice shoulders and a long neck and my arms are fairly well toned, but look best in the warmer months when I’ve been in the sun.  My personal opinion is that skin is most sexy when it is limited to one area – upper or lower body.

For instance:  If I wanted to show off my shoulders, arms and a bit of cleavage, I would consider this little number.  I’m assuming that the length hits just above the knee.  Perfect for showing off a sexy upper body!

If I wanted to focus on legs, I would consider this dress:It has a nice, open neckline but it ends at about mid-thigh, so the emphasis is on the legs.  Pair the dress with a great pair of heels and it’s discreetly sexy.

We expect too much skin from celebrities.  We expect it from young girls in their 20’s who are rebelling against their ultra conservative higher-up’s. (Guilty.)  However, I feel that at a certain age and in certain company, too much cleavage or too much leg can be dangerously inappropriate and send the wrong message.

What do you think?  How much skin is too much skin?  I’d love to know!

Cashmere. Nuff said.

You want it. You need it. You’ve got to have it.  Every woman should have at least one cashmere sweater in their closets.  Yes, it is a bit of a splurge, but there is nothing like it in the sweater world.  Cashmere has a warmth and a softness to it that cannot be duplicated.  It is an exquisite luxury to indulge in the ownership of a cashmere sweater.  I could be taking it to the extreme here, but I reach for my cashmere when I am cold.  I reach for it when I am down in the dumps.  I reach for it when I really need a hug.  I wear it when I am invigorated and when I am tired.  I wear it when I am going out and when I am staying in.  I wear it with slacks and a great heel for a meeting, and I wear it with jeans and pointy-toe flats to dinner with family.  Cashmere has the warmth of wool without the weighty, heavy feeling.  No other article of clothing has the feel good power of cashmere.

Last year, InStyle Magazine tested nearly a dozen cardigans and declared the winner to be Ann Taylor’s cashmere cardigan. The magazine declared it a great buy, loaded with luxe touches and declared Ann Taylor’s version to be “The Better Sweater”.  Here’s why:

*Ann Taylor’s cashmere sweaters are rich with details.  Some versions have jeweled button fronts, chiffon ruffle trim, etc.

*The knit is of the highest quality.  A denser gauged knit means that there is more cashmere (goat hair) in the sweater.  Avoid purchasing cashmere that feels limp, no matter how soft it feels.  The Ann Taylor version’s collar is linked, meaning that it was knitted rather than sewn on.

*The hems and cuffs are smooth, not bulky.  This means a more flattering fit for you. 

*Tight buttonholes – tight closure of the buttonholes ensures the sweater will keep its shape.

www.AnnTaylor.com

Right now, Ann Taylor is carrying 5 different versions of cashmere sweaters, 2 versions of cashmere scarves, and 2 versions of cashmere gloves with prices ranging from $45 to $278.  They also have a cashmere beret for $45.  (Did anyone see Emma Pillsbury’s ivory cashmere beret on Glee this week during “the kiss”?!  SWOON!)  Excuse me, I digress…

This weekend only, Ann Taylor is offering 40% any one full price item both in-store and online AND free shipping on items over $150.  To redeem, simple enter code HOLIDAY at checkout.

Please, for me, add the cashmere sweater to the top of your Christmas list.  Make it your Christmas gift to yourself.  Tell your hubby, boyfriend or significant other you will just die if you don’t get a cashmere sweater under the tree this year. (Dramatic, I know, but we’re talking a fashion must-have here, ladies!)  You will thank me, and please do – write me after the Holidays and tell me all about your new cashmere sweater.  I’d love to hear from you!

What do you think – will you be adding a cashmere item to your wish list this year?  Why or why not?

Featured Stylish Planner of the Week – December 10, 2009

Jenifer L. Hammond – Vail, Colorado

Note from Jeannine:  I am so pleased to share with you this week’s Stylish Planner, Jenifer L. Hammond.  I have never met Jenifer in person, but she was one of the first planners to send in a submission to be featured.  (Thank you Jenifer for being so enthusiastic about the blog!)  A fellow Anthropologie and White House | Black Market enthusiast, Jenifer has a very creative sense of style and she reflects that creativity in her attire by wearing bold accessories and colors.  I love that Jenifer embraces her curly hair rather than trying to fight it.  In addition to running a successful wedding planning business, Jenifer is a mother of three children, and wife to Fred who is a DJ.  You can follow her on Twitter @IDoWeddingVail, and check out her style secrets here.  Enjoy!

Company Name: I Do

Number of years in business: 7

Website: www.IDoWeddingServices.com

How would you describe your personal style? Classic and artistic

What is your “go-to” meeting attire?  Grey suede Victorian-style button up boots, over black or blue jeans, grey v-neck tee-shirt and a quirky, red, ruffled sweater from Anthropologie. Beaded pendulum earrings, silver and blue topaz bangles, large chunky glittery rings – and my pink Vaio laptop!

What is your “go-to” evening industry event attire?  Black high heel boots, black jeans and black strapless corset top with white floral embroidery from White House | Black Market.

What is your attire for wedding/event day set-up?  Because I work at 8,500 – 10,000 feet altitude this varies by
season. Sometimes it’s jeans and snow boots, and a cowlneck cashmere sweater, in the mid-summer its jeans, orange leather flats from Bjorn with an orange flower detail, and an interesting Anthropologie top with lots of floral or beaded details. 

What is your attire for actual wedding/event?  I like to look like I belong at these gorgeous events so my “uniform” for 2009 was a black lace, strapless dress, from White House | Black Market.  Strappy 4” black heels with chiffon rosettes, a “watch” ring, bangles, and long dangling crystal earrings, and a beautiful crystal clip or beaded hair comb. 

What style and brand of shoes do you wear on wedding/event days?  For set-up, flat and funky Bjorn ballet slippers in orange leather. For ceremony/dinner/dancing, a variety of high heels but often shoes from White House | Black Market. 

What are your favorite jeans and why?  What are your favorite jeans and why? I wear one basic pair, they are designed by Miss Me and have a beautifully detailed gothic cross on the back pocket with crystals, and finished with gorgeous rivets and buttons. I love them because they are pretty, and they are long enough, which is amazing because in my grey boots I’m approx 6’2”.

What are a few of your favorite cosmetic products?  I live in an arid climate and have dry skin to boot. I love Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Keeps my skin tone even (I’m quite ruddy) and my skin looking soft. I’m also allergic to petroleum and mineral oil so am constantly looking for a good gloss that avoids those ingredients.  Currently I’m wearing a MAC Cosmetics lip-gloss. 

What products are in your current skincare regimen?  I use a skin care system recommended by my dermatologist called Clenziderm. It helps control breakouts. 

Who is your favorite celebrity style icon and why?  I love Jennifer Garner. She’s my age and always looks so beautiful, graceful and feminine. 

Please share with us (in 50 words or less) your favorite beauty or style tip:  I believe that part of my job is creating beauty. I like to wear things that are interesting, a large, multi-layered Peruvian opal style necklace from Anthropologie, large enameled or beaded rings, or maybe just a blouse with delicate, intricate details and finishes. These items help me look stylish no matter where I am and hopefully convey confidence and capability as well as creativity.

Are you ready to Make Things Happen in your business?

As of the time of this writing, a few slots may remain for this workshop to be presented by Lara Casey on December 21st in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  Regardless, I wanted to write about it because I know Lara plans to “take the show on the road” in 2010.  Anyone involved in the wedding and event planning industry needs to follow Lara, (@WeddingRep on Twitter) her luxury wedding market consulting business blog, and the magazine she created and publishes, Southern Weddings.  If you are a mental list person like me, I highly recommend that you add her to your list of industry professionals to watch, in 2010 and beyond.  In the meantime, check out the Making Things Happen Intensive :

Without a doubt, I consider Lara a dear friend, but I have also had a wonderful experience as a recent client of her consulting company, Lara Casey Reps.  Lara was so instrumental in helping me with the launch of The Stylish Planner and I am incredibly grateful for her insight.  The end result of The Stylish Planner if I had proceeded without her assistance would have been completely wrong, and I have no doubt that the project would never have taken off as it has.   She has an amazing ability to visualize and execute the vision of others.  That ability really blows me away because honestly I had this great vision with no clue what to do with it  – I could barely even verbalize what was in my mind.  Lara also has amazing connections in the industry and pointed me to the right vendors to contract with for the services I needed to execute The Stylish Planner.  Lara does what she says she will do.  You will not have to follow up with her.  Lara will get excited about your ideas, and she is an amazing encourager.  When my project took a scary turn that caused the launch to be delayed, Lara helped me be at ease with the change of plans and focus on the end result.  I can’t say enough what a wonderful experience I had working with her on this project.

For those of you who may not know Lara personally, you should know that she is very genuine.  She will take the time to learn about you on a personal level prior to learning about your business.  I am a very relational person, so for me, that is so refreshing and only adds to her charm.  Lara is very warm and caring – when she asks how you are doing, it isn’t just lip service.  She often randomly replies by direct message to my tweets even when they are of a personal nature.  Lara is real, and as a woman, I appreciate her transparency.  Many would say it isn’t professional to show emotion in business.  Personally, it makes me relate and empathize with folks and I then have an opportunity to encourage them.  Lara gets that.

In addition to all this, perhaps her most redeeming quality is that she is tons of fun to be around!  Here are just a few of our fun times together:

Want to attend a Making Things Happen Intensive in your city?  Let Lara know via Twitter @WeddingRep – she is planning her 2010 trips as we speak.  Will you be watching Lara in 2010?  Tell us why here:

As I get older, I find myself returning to things that worked for me in the past when it comes to my personal style.  I think I am less and less interested in the latest trend and more interested in classics, quality and versatility.  This holds true for me with both fashion and beauty choices.  I’ve been recently growing my hair out after having a very trendy hairstyle that ran its course –the Victoria Beckham cut.  I am now wearing my hair in a longer, strait style with long layers and slightly flipped ends.  This style works for me and I’ve worn my hair this way several other times in my life.  I like the versatility of creating up do’s, half up do’s, ponytails, wearing fashionable headbands, pulling only my bangs back, etc.  Before I decided to grow it out, however, (a grueling process, right?!) I did a little research into some other styles that I consider “classic” hairstyles.  Here are my top 5 favorite classic hairstyles:

The Flip:  This hairstyle has been around for many years – very popular in the 50’s and 60’s, you may think of Mary Tyler Moore when you think of the flip.  To keep it current, take note from our beautiful First Lady and keep the flipped ends very subtle, not exaggerated, and go with an uneven part for volume at the crown.

The Ponytail:  Nothing new here, but sleek, low and streamlined is the way to go today.  For a perfect finishing touch, wrap a strand of hair around the elastic you use to secure the ponytail.  Très chic!

Waves:  Healthy hair is definitely in, and glossy soft waves are simply beautiful.  Think refined, not messy.  You will want to begin creating each wave below the ear line and wrap hair around the outside of a big barrel curling iron to get this look, do not clamp hair in the handle.

The Pixie:  You will see this classic hairstyle come back “in style” every few years or so.  Today’s pixie should be slightly spiky with asymmetrical pieces on the top.  This hairstyle is not for everyone!  It works best for ladies with flawless skin, gorgeous features and a small face.

Long & Strait:  As with loose waves, healthy, shiny hair is key for this style.  Today’s long and strait styles have lots of movement with face framing layers and volume at the roots.  I love the versatility this style offers, although worn down and sleek, it works with every sort of attire.

Of the 5 classic styles shown here, which is your favorite?  Do you currently wear your hair in any of the styles shown?  I would love to hear from you!