Glam it Up!

December is here and Christmas, with all its fuss and festivities, is on-deck. What better time to fantasize about glamorous looks for holiday parties? Now is a great time to wear something a little more glitzy, rich, or extravagant than you normally wear.

Though the little black dress is always a good look, especially for a company party or a nice dinner, this is the time to add some sparkle! Stash your phone, lipgloss, and breath mints in a black satin purse covered with large black stones for a low-key addition, or toss on silver sandals with sequin accents and a silver shawl for a punch of shine. Or try a copper and black combo for an updated look. Lynn Ritchie makes a great shift dress with a print metallic layer under a sheer black one. The overall effect is one of shimmer and shine, rather than in-your-face metal.

If you prefer pants for your gathering (very tempting when the winter winds are whipping through), satin or wool are great winter-y options. I love a great satin wide-leg pant with mile-high heels and a jewel-tone cashmere sweater or sequin tank. The richness of the two fabrics make an otherwise-boring look fab and festive for your gathering. A few hot colors this year, aside from the classic red (try Sisters’ cocoon-style sweater in wine), are royal blue or purple (like Chaudry’s swing-style sweater).

Tired of black as your wardrobe staple, or looking for a super-glam look? Try metallics! A slim grey sweater or cardigan-and-cami combo looks great with a hematite-colored satin skirt and jeweled shoes, or with pale silver pants and heels. Chaudry makes a great sequin tank in silver or gold that adds a touch of sparkle to your look and is perfect with your favorite black pants or skirt.

Whatever you decide is the best holiday look for you, wear it well, and enjoy your holidays!

Heart Full of Joy

Just in time to purchase a heartfelt gift for your favorite aunt, your best friend, or even your mom or daughter, Yaya’s is offering a great promotion from Brighton. With any $100 Brighton purchase you’ll get a free heart chime engraved with the word “joy”. Not only is this a great value, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake for years to come.

The Brighton company prides itself on “the Brighton philosophy”, or the belief that details make all the difference. Each piece, whether a bracelet, photo frame, or handbag, is part of a coordinating line, and each piece has a defining detail. A handbag might have a photo frame attached or a ring might have a special engraving on the back. Brighton jewelry is created by the traditional process where each item is sketched out by hand and the designer follows the product through completion. This process allows for a level of quality unmatched by other manufacturers.

Brighton’s line consists of hundreds of products, but here are a few that I just love. The silver ID bracelet with “mother”, “sister” or “friends” engraved would be a great simple gift for the special ladies in your life. The heart to heart photo bracelet or necklace is perfect for showing off a treasured photo of a child or grandchild. The Serendipity clutch is a trendy but classic style with a fun print and great red hue. A key part of the Brighton philosophy is that all products are sold only in small independent stores, and are not available online. Yaya’s is a Brighton Heart store, so please stop by to see our selection. If you’d like to see the entire line, check out brighton.com.

A New Outlook

As Sherree wrote in her first post, "Fashion should be fun." This is the most important thing to remember when choosing an outfit. Far too often, I see people stressed-out, upset, or even frantic when shopping. I, too, am guilty of this fashion no-no. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "I can't go out tonight. My outfit isn't trendy enough." Or, "This skirt that was so adorable in the store is too dressy for work and too casual for the party." Or even, "Nothing looks good on me. I give up!"

But, I sat down today to do some research into winter trends, and I realized that clothing should be the wrapper on your body. It doesn't make you who you are. It isn't life-changing (though a great pair of heels can improve your outlook on life). It doesn't define you; it just enhances who you are and shows off what you love about yourself.

I made a decision today to never let my clothing be a cause for concern. My new motto is: If it is made well, fits well, and flatters my figure, there is no reason not to wear it. Not everyone can wear every trend well, so I need to find the ones that I can wear, and work them! Or, even better, I can take a trend and make it my own. Cutesy actresses like to wear leggings with hip-grazing tops and flats. Well, I'm only 5'2", and that formula would make me look like I'm 12 years old, so I've revamped the trend to work for me: I'll wear dark (read:slimming) skinny jeans with 2" heels to lengthen my legs and a top that hits below the hips to lengthen my torso. Instantly, I look longer, leaner, and more grown-up.

So, here is your assignment: find one trend that you can adopt and make "yours." Menswear? 40's-inspired suits? Red as your signature color? There's no limit when fashion is the choice!

Great Grey Days

There is one trend I keep coming across while shopping that I haven’t found mentioned in any runway recaps. Grey is still a hot, hot color, though it isn’t talked about much. I’m not sure why that is, though it may be that it’s become so popular it doesn’t need to be mentioned anymore. I was a little reluctant to put too much money into buying grey at first because I was afraid it would be a flash-in-the-pan. Turns out I was wrong. Grey is a great neutral, but it’s also a fun color all by itself.

Yaya’s just received a great collection of suiting pieces from Nicole Benisti in grey stripes. I’m loving them. They’re cut well, classy, and cute. The pants, vest, and jacket can be worn together as a suit, with printed shoes for a fun kick. Or mix the individual pieces with funkier items for a variety of looks. A bright button-down under the vest would be great with jeans for a weekend look, or with the pants for a put-together look that isn’t quite as formal as the whole suit. Colored shoes and chunky jewelry would complete the look perfectly.

Also check out the suit with skirt from Nicole Benisti in brown plaid. Love those, too!

Oh, Blustery Day

November is here, and along with it, the icy cold whipping winds and dreary rainy days most of us dread. But, like most things, there is an up-side: you can dust the mothballs off those cute coats and jackets in your closet, or you can splurge on a fun new one for the season! Coats are fun because they can change your look so easily; a bright print or pattern can make an otherwise-classic look a little more festive, or a sleek, tailored fit can help you feel more polished before heading off to work.

The big bold plaid pattern on these trench coats by Compos’d is sure to bring a smile to your face on even the coldest of fall days. In either black and ivory or brown and green, the coat is a winner. A tie belt cinches your waist to keep you from looking bulky, and the hip-length hem makes the coat perfectly fitted no matter where your travels take you.

Looking for more cozy-soft look? MINS sweater coats in cocoa and oatmeal are home-runs. The long silhouette helps keep you toasty from your head to your knees, yet the swingy open front won’t let you look too stuffy. With 2 patch pockets to store your mittens, you won’t end up like those three little kittens we all have heard so much about.

Tricky Threads’ quilted “Brooke” jacket is more feminine in its styling, and more cheery in color. The bright red quilted fabric is sure to keep the wind from nipping, and the tie-front closure and over-sized collar lend softness and style to the silhouette. Yaya’s carries a great selection of other coats, jackets, and sweaters, so click the links to look around.

Show Me Your Tatas

Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends this week. You may be thinking that it’s too late to do anything to support breast cancer research, but it definitely isn’t. Aside from being able to purchase special pink ribbon products anywhere from K-Mart to Nordstrom’s, you can buy adorable Save the Tatas tees and hoodies from Yaya’s. You’ll wear your breast cancer support on your sleeve (well, chest), and 5% of your purchase price goes to support breast cancer research.

The Save the Tatas line is more than the traditional pink ribbon on a black tee. Try confidence-boosters like “Bewitching Tatas” and “Fabulous Tatas” or more sentimental sayings like “Laughter Heals.” If you prefer some bling with your breast cancer support, check out the handful of tops with sparkly rhinestones.

Click on any of the images above to find out more information.

Confessions of a Fashion Blogger

I have a confession. I don’t like to shop. Strange, right? That’s not to say I don’t enjoy it when the planets are aligned, the weather is sunny, and my hair is perfect, but most days there are other places I’d rather be than cooped up in a store.

That’s part of the reason I love internet shopping: I can squeeze in 10 minutes looking at jeans while waiting for my coffee to brew, or I can browse winter coats for an hour while watching “Project Runway.” I can compare features between brands, select style options, and look for the best deal in pricing and shipping, all without leaving my recliner.

On those occasions that I am in the mood to shop in “bricks-and-mortar” stores, I have a handful of favorite places to visit, and an arsenal of tricks for making sure I get the best service and have the best time possible. I’d like to share a few of those with you.

First, do your best to find a place that suits your style. Are you plus-sized or petite? A boutique that only carries normal sizes and lengths probably won’t be able to offer you very much. Do you like really fashion-forward, edgy pieces? Find a place that caters to your need to be on the cusp of new fashion, rather than someplace that carries more classic looks. Do you want to look stylish without blowing the bank, fashionable without being a slave to trends, and youthful without looking immature? Check out Yaya’s! (You’re already here on our site; browse around and let us know what you think.)

Now that you’ve found a place to shop, how do you make the most of your shopping trip? If at all possible, try to shop at off-peak times. I know that’s much more difficult to do for some of us than others, but there’s nothing better than blowing a vacation day in a cute downtown shopping area, grabbing a fancy cup of coffee, getting your nails done, and browsing the stores just for fun. If you can’t make it during the week, try to stop in first thing in the morning on a Saturday, before the crowds hit and the chaos sets in. If you can, make an appointment to shop so that you’re guaranteed time with a sales associate. As a bonus, you could find yourself hitting it off with her and making a great new friend with the inside scoop on new designers and great deals. If there’s a designer you love, find the store that carries the largest selection of that line and give the sales associate your information. Most stores are more than happy to call a customer when new arrivals come in, and some will even hold a few pieces in your size until you can get there. Be open to trying things that don’t look like your typical style. Some of my favorite pieces of clothing are things that I passed up on the rack a time or two before finally giving them a chance. Trust the staff when they bring you piece to compliment something you’re already trying on. They know the merchandise and they’re really just trying to help you out. And, if you can (self, take note) don’t shop when you’re rushed, angry, or irritated. You need to be in a positive state of mind to truly evaluate an item of clothing, and you may need to try on half a dozen different black tanks in various sizes and styles before you find the perfect one. Really take the time to be sure what you’re about to buy is something you’re actually going to wear. What’s the use in having a closet full of jeans if you always go back to one or two favorites?

Finally, these might seem unimportant, but they’re huge: be polite to the staff, and pick up after yourself. If you want great service, be someone they want to give great service to. Would you want to be helpful to someone who barely acknowledges you, or would you want to shop in an area after someone left a huge pile of clothes on the floor? Just use some common courtesy when you’re out and about, and you’ll be sure to get that returned to you tenfold.

Happy shopping! Stop back next week when we take a look at some great coats for the upcoming winter.

Fall Recap

Over the last few months, we’ve covered the full range of Fall 2008’s predicted trends. I’ve told you what the most important ones are, how to wear them, and key pieces to help update your wardrobe. As the season has progressed, Yaya’s has received more great items that can help you with these looks, so don’t fret if you haven’t found the perfect coat or a to-die-for sweater just yet. This week, I’ll pick a handful of the trends we’ve already covered and give you links to some of the great new arrivals that show them off.

Texture- Whether it’s lush velvet or a nubby tweed, this fall’s fashions make fingers happy!

1. Tricky Threads 2. Anac 3. Veeca

Color- Color is always a huge part of a season’s trends, and this fall is no different. Mustard, forest, sunset, eggplant, and shades of brown are in.

1. Christopher Blue 2. Sisters 3. be.ology

Knits- There’s nothing better than a warm, cozy sweater on a frigid fall day.

1. Real & True 2. MINS 3. KLd signature

Patterns- Dark florals and abstract prints make fall’s fashion refreshing and fun.

1. Tribal 2. Lynn Ritchie 3. G Wheels

Hot bags

This week, we’re going to take a look at a woman’s most prized possession- her handbag. In the past few years, bags have been all about excess; huge, floppy bags with flashy metallic hardware and stones have been all the rage. This season, bags are smaller, more structured, and much more practical. Fortunately, though, that doesn’t mean that they’re boring. In bright leathers or crazy prints, they’re still a great way to show some personality! As always, Yaya’s carries a wide selection of bags to get you set for the season.

Mellie Bianco’s pleated patent bag is a really unique-looking piece, thanks to its top snap closure and great grey color. This is the perfect bag to liven up any ensemble, from jeans to suits. The small size makes it great for a few carrying just a few basics while shopping, sight-seeing, or shakin’ it.

If you’re looking for a larger bag, Big Buddha’s “Bonnie” bag is what you need. Available in orange, red, and green faux leather with brown trim and brass hardware, this bag ads a touch of color to your workday. It’s perfect for carrying your phone, wallet, lipstick, and keys, but still gives you room for a few larger items. Big Buddha also makes a few smaller styles, like the “Kristen” and the “Postman”.
Searching for something small and svelte? Nino Bossi’s clutch is for you. Sleek and elegant, it’s great for date-night essentials like a credit card and lipstick. Plus, you can slide it into a larger bag (like Nino Bossi’s shoulder bag) to hold it all together during the day. Available in four great colors, including mustard and sunset, it’s sure to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe.

Click on the items above for more information, and click here to send us your fashion questions.

Wrap it Up!

Cool fall days and even colder winter days are fast approaching. If you’re like me, and a lot of others I know, this means I can finally dress in the layers I love so much. Tank tops, camisoles, and cute tee shirts are so much better when you can wear them layered under soft, cozy sweaters. This fall, wrap sweaters are perfect for a variety of looks.

Sisters makes a cocoon sweater, available in both wine and charcoal. It has a cutaway front, making it swingy and fun. It would go well with jeans and a tee, finished with casual flats or sueded boots

525 America makes a cocoon sweater with a thick rib knit, ¾ length sleeves, and shawl collar. This is a perfect workday look. Try it with grey pants, a brightly-colored top, and heels for a sophisticated and fun look.

Chaudry makes a cropped version of the sweater with a wide knit, available in eggplant and brown. This is a more elegant style that would work well with a fitted satin tank and a flouncy skirt.

Sweater season will be here soon, so click on the “Jackets & Sweaters” link above to see more great styles. Remember to click on the pictures above for more information.

Boyfriend Style

One of the hot runway trends this year is masculine-inspired clothing for women. This trend started with Spring’s safari look and belted jackets and tops. For fall, the trend is very similar, though some of the pieces have some feminine touches, like ruffles and rouching.

A lot of designers are carrying jackets and suits this fall. Nic & Zoe and Yuvita both carry great belted jackets and matching trousers or skirts, and KLd Signature carries a swingy cropped houndstooth jacket. Kld Signature’s jacket would look fab with one of the ruffled tops below and a simple black pencil skirt or black pants.

Cino makes a great assortment of long-sleeve tops that work as great layering pieces under your cardigans and suiting pieces. All have exquisite detailing, like hidden buttons covered with tiny ruffles or tuxedo pleating on the neck area. These shirts are feminine and pretty, and compliment your masculine looks perfectly.

As always, pants are the foundation of your outfit. One or two great pairs of pants can carry you through the whole season. Anac’s Rocky Mountain wide-leg pants juxtapose nicely with a fitted top or belted jacket. Complete the look with black heeled boots and simple silver jewelry. Or, for a punch of color, try Nic & Zoe’s trousers in tarnish. With a more fitted silhouette and slightly higher, belted waist, they’re a work-appropriate way to show off your curves. They would look perfect with one of Cino’s ruffled tops and a jacket or cropped vest.

While this trend isn’t novel or new, it is a great trend for a variety of body types. The ruffles and pleats help fill out a small figure, while belted and tailored waists are great for creating definition in a fuller figure. Plus, this trend really compliments your workday staples, while still allowing you to have fun with your fashion.

Remember to click on the designer’s names above to see their full lines, or the images to get details about an individual item. Send us your fashion-related queries by clicking here.

Origami Clothes

When you think of origami, chances are good that you don’t think of clothing. Maybe you picture those cute little paper swans, or some ornately folded cloth napkins at a fancy dinner. This fall promises to change that. Designers all over are adding fun folds, twists, and pleating to their fall lines. Exquisitely feminine, yet distinctive and bold, folded fabric is a fun way to add some pizzaz to your look.

Yuvita’s unique look lends itself well to this trend this fall. The grey skirt has a wide folded panel hung asymmetrically across the waist and a front inverted pleat for a unique look. The shirred lapel jacket has tiny pleated cuffs and a belted waist for feminine definition.

Karen Kane’s semi-sheer purple and black top has smocking on the boat-neckline and sleeve cuffs, which leave the full sleeves and full-cut top with delicate pleats and folds that fall nicely across the body.

VFish’s fall assortment has perfected the origami look, and Yaya’s carries three of their best dresses. The “Beth” dress has great folds on the shoulders and around the neckline that draw attention up and away from the lower body, while the rest of the simple silhouette flows smoothly over the body. The twist front dress has just that: a gathered neckline that meets betweens the breasts with a bold twist that opens to the body of the dress. Two large front pockets complete the look. Check out our whole selection of VFish here.

Also check out our selection of dressy tops in the clothing section above for more great options.

Click here to send an email, and remember that you can click on the pictures to learn more about each item.

Charm School

I was reminiscing with my mom over the weekend about goofy things I used to collect as a kid. My favorite things, from about 3 years old until fourth grade, were those plastic charms from vending machines that you were supposed wear on plastic chain necklaces (remember, this was the 80s). I had a shoebox full of them, and I cherished them so much that I never wanted to actually wear them for fear of loosing them!

I’m a little older now, but I still have a love of charms, and I know I’m not the only one. The lovely ladies at Yaya's are huge charm fans, and they can help you mix and match from a selection of designers to create your own unique piece. This month's featured jewelry designers are Pandora, Brighton, Pilgrim, and Debra Sheperd.

Pilgrim Jewellery was founded in the 1980s in Denmark. It is one of the fastest-growing international jewelry and accessory brands, with products made from pearls, resins, beads, wood, semi-precious stones, silver and 14K gold. Shop online and see the whole collection here.

Originally founded in 1982 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora is now one of the world’s top charm and jewelry companies, with their products being sold in 18 countries. Pandora’s line is designed in Denmark and hand made in Thailand from sterling silver and 14K gold. While you can only buy Pandora in-store, you can check out their website here.

Brighton was founded in 1991 with a single collection of belts, but today carries a complete line of women’s accessories. Each piece is designed with a defining detail that gives it special meaning, like a love note engraved on a bracelet or a photo frame on a handbag. Brighton is not available online, but you can check out their current collection here, then stop by the store to find your perfect piece.

Debra Shepherd designed her first pair of earrings in 1972, but soon packed it away and forgot about it. After years working as an art director and designer, she and her daughter found that pair of earrings in 2002 and were inspired to launch a jewelry line. Today, her line is found in 21 countries with tons of loyal followers, including Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan. See the Debra Shepherd collection here.

After browsing the sites above, stop by Yaya's right away to pick out your favorite pieces and design a piece of jewelry as unique as you are.

Nicely knit

Chunky knits always seem like a perfect look for fall and winter. Warm, cozy, and comfy, they’re a great way to keep out the chill but still look hot. This year, chunky knit sweaters are at the top of the must-have list for fall. As always, Yaya’s carries just what you need to make sure you’re a “do” and not a “don’t.”

For a super-soft, super comfy sweater, try 525 America’s pullover. With a loose knit and loose fit, it’s perfect for layering. Try it with soft grey straight-leg jeans or trousers, and wear a brightly-colored tank underneath for an eye-catching burst of color. Simple dangle earring would complete the look.

For a more sophisticated take on chunky knit, try Tribal’s single-button cardigan. The loose and open silhouette allows a flirty camisole or tank top to peek through, while still keeping you nice and toasty. This is a perfect piece with black pants and a tan tank, or even over a sleek floral dress and knit tights with boots. It comes in crimson or buckskin, both colors sure to fit your wardrobe’s fall color palette.

Chunky knit sweaters work well all fall and winter long, so make sure you stock up now! Check out the sweaters and jackets link above for more great looks.

Remember that you can click on the images above for more information about the item, and you can click here to send me an email question or comment.

Pretty Patterns

Standout patterns, from argyle plaid to watercolor-inspired abstracts, are flooding the fashion world this season. A bold pattern can make an otherwise-dull outfit outstanding, and a turn a simple silhouette into something stunning. Check out a few great pieces below.

The “New Harmony” mesh top by Anac is a unique piece. It has a tapestry-look piece inset into the front so it looks as though you’re wearing a layered outfit, without the bulk of extra layers. This piece would look stellar with a snug black skirt and ribbed black tights, or with black or grey trouser-cut pants. Tiny silver chain bracelets or chunky black beads would finish the outfit with subtle class. The rest of Anac’s line is also full of great prints. Check it out here.

Weston Wear makes a few dresses with fantastic patterns for fall. The “Camilla” dress has lush reds, yellows, and browns printed on a natural background. The “Rosario” dress has a swirl pattern of browns, blues, and greens. Both dresses would be great for fall under long cable-knit cardigans and knee-high boots. Take a look at the rest of Weston Wear’s line here.

For a more casual look and more symmetrical pattern, try Lauren Hansen’s striped cashmere sweater. The grey and brown shades work well with denim or khaki, and the zip front makes this a perfect layering piece. Wear it over a tan or white ribbed tee with jeans and sueded flats for a great weekend look.

Next week, we’ll check out a few more hot runway trends, so please check back then!

Tactile Fashion

Last week we talked about the dark, rich colors that will be making the grade for fall. Easily going hand-in-hand with those fabulous colors are the luxuriously textured fabrics they will accompany. Fluffy sweaters, soft velvets and velours, lush silks and satins, and nubby tweeds all add interest and spice to everday outfits. Again here, a few key pieces can go a long way toward updating your wardrobe without maxing your budget.

A2Z has a line of fun tops, including sweaters, tees, and tunics in soft cozy fabrics perfect for the first touch of cool weather. The fleece “Cozy Top” has ¾ length sleeves, a banded boat neckline, and banded hem. Its comfy casual styling would complement soft jeans and sueded boots for a great weekend look. Check out the rest of the A2Z line here.

Tribal makes a great chunky knit cardigan in a loose and easy silhouette that perfectly compliments a variety of body types. Available in crimson or buckskin (two great fall colors that fit perfectly into the color palette talked about last week), it can coordinate nicely with jeans for a fall festival, or with bootcut grey or khaki pants for an office look. Add some wooden beaded bracelets or a stone pendant to finish the look.

Nic and Zoe nails this part of the fall trend as well as they did the color trend. Two key items for fall 2008 are the tweed trouser and tweed jacket. Together they make a cute tweed suit, but as separates, they can add endless possibilities to your wardrobe. The trousers work with a variety of styles of tops for your workday. Add a pair of black pointy-toed heels or boots to boost your height and add some pizzazz. The jacket works with black pants, a grey skirt, or even jeans. Add a satin tank top underneath in royal hue for a punch of color. Click here to see the whole Nic and Zoe line.

Check out the “Clothing” links above for more great rich fall fabrics, and try the “Accessories” and “Jewelry” links for perfect accent pieces.

Would you like eggplant with that?

After a few weeks of highlighting reader questions and fashion secrets, it’s time to get back to the Fall 2008 trends. This fall will be all about rich color, luxurious fabrics, and standout patterns. In a time when the economy is struggling, prices on everyday goods are soaring, and people everywhere are feeling the strain, a few key pieces can go a long way toward updating your fall and winter wardrobe without breaking the bank.

An easy way to start this fall is to add a few items in a rich, dark hue. Eggplant, olive, tan, and mustard look great with the season’s classic black, grey, and brown. These royal-inspired colors project an air of luxuriousness and class. They look great on many skin tones and are perfect for the office or a special event.

Nic & Zoe, one of our new lines, has this color trend nailed. With a great selection of pants, tops, tanks, and sweaters in tarnish (a deep green) and brick (a mustardy tan), you’ll be sure to find a perfect piece for you. Try the trousers in tarnish with the multi-colored wrap top, brown boots, and a few wooden bangles for a work-day look, or layer the long cardigan in tarnish and ivory over the “perfect tank” in tarnish or brick, along with a pair of medium-hued denim jeans and camel-colored flats for a great casual weekend outfit. Check out the whole line here.

Press has a fabulously rich chocolate-colored tank and cardigan set that would add a subtle touch of color to a classy workday look. Try it with a camel-colored skirt or pants, with chocolate-colored pumps and a beaded necklace in olive or camel. Or, dress it down with dark denim and sueded boots for a casual-but-not-frumpy look for a weekend lunch date.

Accessories are also hot in these dark shades, especially when mixed with natural elements like wood beads or jade stones. Art by Any Means’ fall collection is full of sophisticated beaded jewelry with accents of dark wood, jade, onyx, and pearls. Try any of the necklaces or earrings to add a punch of color to any natural-hued outfit. Click here to see the whole Art by Any Means collection at Yaya’s.

Check out the “Clothing” links above for more great richly-hued clothing for fall, and check back next week when we showcase fabrics with rich textures and fun fabrics.

It's Magic!

The world of fashion is kind of like a magic show; both are full of tricks, secrets, and illusions, and those out of the loop are always wondering “How do they do that?” Lucky for us, many of the fashion world’s secrets are secrets no more. Below are a few items the pros use to make every outfit look outstanding.

Spanx brand products are the best inventions ever. Period. They smooth, shape, and control whatever problem areas you might have, and they eliminate panty lines! Try the Higher Power panty for shaping from the midriff to the lower thigh, or the Tight End tights to smooth your legs and tummy, while boosting the hips, thighs, and rear. For the upper body try the Hide & Sleek cami for coverage and tummy-tightening, or the strapless cami for coverage alone.

Hollywood Fashion Tape is used by celebrity stylists and everyday folks alike to fix all kinds of problems. Stick a piece in the gap between buttons on a button-down shirt, and never again show the world your bra. Use a few strips to hold a strapless top or plunging neckline in place, or even hold a fallen hem until you have a chance to stitch it up. The clear tape leaves no residue and is hypoallergenic.

Take Outs and Cleavage Cupcakes are two amazing products for boosting your bust. The soft silicone or gel inserts fit inside your bra or bathing suit to add a full cup size. Use them whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Yaya’s also carries many other tanks and camis for layering. Check them out and find the full line of Spanx products here.

Green Up Your Wardrobe

We’ve all heard the buzz lately about “going green” and doing our parts to help counteract some of the damage we’ve done to the planet: Drive less, walk more. Reduce your waste. Reuse what you can. Recycle, recyle, recyle. Honorable ideas, yes, but not always the most fun. Unless, of course, clothes shopping is involved! Many designers are hitching a ride on the green train and using recyled materials or organically-grown ones in their products, while others are donating money or planting trees for every item of clothing sold. Below is an overview of a few of the Yaya’s designers who are doing their part to help the environment.

Eco-Centric- Eco-Centric tees are made from 100% organic cotton and sport pretty prints of nature. The company will plant a tree for every tee sold. Shop Eco-Centric
Haley K- Haley K tees are made from 100% organic cotton and their eco-friendly messages help you show off your earth-friendly side. Shop Haley K
Billy Blues- While not “green” in the most obvious way, all Billy Blues clothes are made right here in the US, eliminating cross-continent travel and saving tons of diesel fuel along the way. Shop Billy Blues
Panda Snack- Panda Snack clothing is made from environmentally-friendly bamboo, one of the most resilient plants in the world. Not only does the fabric provide a pesticide-free alternative to cotton, the fabric is silky soft and antibacterial. Panda Snack will also donate part of their proceeds to panda preservation. Shop Panda Snack
Pure & Co.- Pure and Co. is ahead of the curve when it comes to being environmentally friendly. The company is working to find a way to reduce carbon emissions, rely on solar power, and recycle scraps whenever possible.
Armand & Alba- Armand & Alba garments are partially recycled, with scraps of old sweaters woven in.

Check out the links to the environmentally-conscious designers above and ease your conscience while improving your wardrobe!

Sale Time!

If you’re anything like me, you love a great deal. Sale, clearance, discount….you zero in on those words like a sniper to his target. So, to appease all you bargain-hunters out there, here are a rundown of a few hot sales items from Yaya’s. They’re sure to keep you in-style and on-trend for less!

First, try Billy Blues’ straight jean. They are a classic-fitting, extremely versatile style, sure to become a staple in your wardrobe. Try them with a loose-fitting tunic or a fitted tee, dressed-up with heels, or -down with flats. Or, layer them under a shorter casual dress for a unique way to keep warm this fall.

Eco-Centric’s butterfly tee is a great piece for this time of year. The pretty butterfly print feels light and summery, while the longer sleeves make it wearable into cooler fall weather. Try it with khaki pants, a short denim skirt, or black capris. Add a few bangle or cuff bracelets (still hot for summer and into fall) and you’ll look polished and put-together. Even better, the tee is 100% organic cotton and Eco-Centric will plant a tree for each tee sold.

Wanting to dress up and still find a bargain? Try Lan Vie’s paneled sleeveless dress. It has a deep V-neckline, empire waist, and slimming diagonal panels on the skirt. Wear it with metallic sandals and a long chain necklace, and add a black or silver metallic cardigan to make it work-appropriate.

Now is the time to stock up on great basic items, too. You’ll find tons of great layering pieces and body helpers under the “body basics” link in the “clothing” section above. Check out tons more great deals on all kinds of items under the “sale” link above.

Denim for All!

Time for another reader question! This week’s quandary: What jeans should I be wearing this season? Skinny, wide-leg, high-rise, low-rise? The fabulous answer: wear whatever flatters you!

Sure, that sounds too good to be true, but it isn’t.

This season’s newest, most on-trend style is the wide-leg jean. With a mid- to high-rise and in dark coloration, it looks great with a fitted top or cropped jacket. Though you may be tempted to wear a really wide pair, steer clear of anything too loose or you risk looking shapeless.

Skinny-jean lovers out there, don’t fret. You can still wear your painted-on jeans all season long, just be sure to mix them with a top that has some extra volume. A loose tunic, a babydoll top, or a chunky sweater once the weather is cooler, will provide a nice contrast to the tightness of your pants.

For those of us afraid to commit to either of these trends, we still have two great solutions: first, try a pair of flared or boot-cut jeans for a classic flatters-everyone look. Fitted in the waist and thighs and looser from the knee to the ankle, these jeans do double duty, working well with both fitted tops or looser ones. Or, if you prefer a slimmer look without going too tight, try straight-leg jeans. These will also go well with either slim or voluminous tops, and they will never go out of style!

Below are a few styles Yaya's currently carries, but be sure to check out the "denim" link above for additional styles. Check back often because we'll be getting in new styles all season long!
1. Level 99 "Dorothy" Flare
2. Christopher Blue ""Lexington" Bootcut
3. Level 99 "Laguna" Wideleg

And if you'd like to send me a question of your own, click here.

Reader question: What is "business casual" attire?

In an attempt better target my trend research and writing to be truly helpful to you, the reader, I will occasionally be answering questions from readers in my weekly column. If you have a question, please send it to me at kelly@theclothesgallery.com, and it could be featured in an upcoming week.


To start with, I will answer a question that I (and the ladies at Yaya's) hear quite often: Just what, exactly, constitutes "business casual" attire? This is a great question, though a difficult one to answer, because dress codes vary greatly by company. I've worked for a company where pretty much anything was acceptable for business casual dress, with the exceptions of jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. I've also worked for a company where business casual simply meant that a full suit wasn't required. I guess the best I answer I can give is this: err on the side of conservatism.


A knee-length skirt with a sweater or blouse is a good start. Tailored pants of any cut, along with a casual or dressy top (nothing sleeveless), are a simple and classy look. Cropped pants may or may not be acceptable, depending on the length of the hem. Generally, ankle-length is fine, but mid calf or shorter is not. In many circumstances opened-toe and -heel shoes are acceptable, and stockings are generally not required.


If you’re concerned with business casual attire for a luncheon or other event, there is probably more leeway. You could wear city shorts (Bermuda shorts in a crisp tailored fabric) or a sleeveless top and be perfectly acceptable. Of course, if this is for a workplace, consult your company's dress code and take a look at what those around you are wearing. That is often your best reference.


If you feel that the dress code doesn't allow you to be "you", try adding some fun accessories. A print scarf or headband, an armful of bangle bracelets, or a pair of brightly colored shoes can liven up any outfit and express your true personality. Below are a few unique jewelry pieces Yaya's carries, just to give you some inspiration. Check out the "jewelry" and "accessories" links above for more.