Why I dress like weather girl!

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Susan
Strategic simplicity has power


Carven rayon dress
bernardboutique.com

Red dress
$160 - littleblackdress.co.uk

I was searching for something to wear to work the other day when I suddenly realized — there were almost no prints in my closet! It wasn’t always this way. Back in the day, I was known to sport enormous cabbage roses, sultry leopard or spunky plaid. But somehow today, almost every dress in my closet is a solid color.

I wondered to myself… why? Solids are easy. Solids can be dressed up or dressed down. Solids are simple to accessories with a scarf or some over-the-top jewelry. And, just the other morning, when I was watching the morning news it dawned on me… I had started dressing like a weather girl!

Of course, I ran right out and bought an all-over patterned sundress to wear this weekend! But my discovery prompts me to ask, “What fashion rut have you fallen into?”

As always… I love your comments!

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur, BAZAAR Style Ambassador, and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!

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The Great Gatsby inspired pearl necklaces with a modern twist!

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Susan
Gatsby inspired pearls with a modern twist


 

Sumptuous sets and dazzling costumes are some of the hallmarks of a Baz Luhrmann production and the recently released film The Great Gatsby does not disappoint. The visual splendor of the film alone is enough reason to see it in theatres!

I’ve always adored 1920’s inspired fashions — headbands, drop-waist dresses, and yards and yards of fringe! But, one of my favorite looks from the film is the long pearl necklace. Worn in ones or twos, knotted, or embellished with ornaments, this is a look that is timeless as the story of Jay and Daisy.

I’ve highlighted three variations on the traditional pearl necklace above. These are elegant roaring 20’s inspired pieces with serious style, plus a bit of extra panache for 2013.

I wonder… are you adopting any Gatsby style into your wardrobe this spring?

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur, BAZAAR Style Ambassador, and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game!

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High pony, side braid, or messy bun… Summer hair is easy when you have Maddyloo hair accessories!

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Susan

Maddyloo heart box, hair accessoriesSummer is tantalizingly near and that means a return to a more active, outdoor lifestyle. If you’re like me, I tend to semi-hibernate in the dreary winter months. But, with temps skyrocketing this week, I can’t wait to get outside and run, garden, play with the dog, and generally enjoy the sunshine!

Standing in my closet today, I realized that my summer wardrobe needs a bit of an overhaul… new running shoes to start, some colorful spandex pieces, and, this year I also have a secret weapon called Maddyloo!

Maddyloo is a new no-crease hair tie product that is the perfect solution to keep my long hair firmly in place without leaving a “hair dent” like traditional hair bands. Maddyloos are also kind to hair and don’t snag or damage delicate strands.

These hair bands not only hold hair securely and comfortably, they are also incredibly cute! Available in every style — from camouflage, to metallic, to tie-dyed — you are sure to find the right look for your personal style. There are 14 color themes: Black Cherry, Safari, Sweet 16, Pirate Love, plus so many more. And, each combination comes packaged in an adorable heart-shaped box (great for gift giving, although you definitely won’t want to part with them!).

I selected the Silver Orchid Maddyloo Mini Heart Box (pictured) for low ponies, side braids, or even a messy “beach bun.” I especially love the sparkling crystal bead that can be used to dress up such a utilitarian object! Retail $15

Maddyloo’s various designs – including headbands, beaded bracelets, gemstone bracelets and more – are sold at over 500 retail locations throughout the US. Or, you can purchase your faves online at Maddyloo.

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur, BAZAAR Style Ambassador, and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! 

DISCLAIMER: I received a sample of the Silver Orchid Maddyloo Mini Heart Box in order to fully evaluate the product. Regardless, I only recommend products and service that I believe to be good for my readers.

PHOTO: Used with permission by Maddyloo.

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Derby Day may be over, but here’s a stunning hat from Scala that you’ll wear all summer long!

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Susan

Dorfman Pacific, floppy packable sunhat 2013Simply say the words “Churchill Downs” and what comes to mind? For me, it’s thundering hooves on a manicured track, mint juleps sweating in sterling cups, and glorious, over-the-top women’s hats!

This weekend, the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby showcased not only the athletic prowess of the nation’s finest 2-year-old thoroughbreds and the cunning of the sport’s top jockeys, but also the fashion sense of a bevy of debutants, celebrities and fashionistas in the stands!

If you’re looking for a smart new women’s sun hat for the fast-approaching summer, look no further! Scala’s new floppy style brimmed hat by Dorfman Pacific (pictured) will become your go-to hat all season long.

This floppy style has a 4-inch brim with a paper braid and comes in four pretty color variations including black, tea, turquoise and fuchsia. Chic enough to wear with a floral sundress to an al fresco brunch, it’s also practical enough to use while trimming the rose bushes!

This is also the perfect hat to take on your summer vacation. Not only will it accessorize your bathing suit in style, it’s also light weight, packable and bounces right back into shape.

But, best of all, this hat carries a UPF Sun protection factor of 50+ —  just what today’s savvy women need as added protection to their daily summer outdoor routine. In fact, since May is Melanoma Awareness, I think that stunner is an important investment to protect my delicate skin!

You can find this – and so many other stylish women’s hats – at Hartford York.  Retail $25

Susan Conforte McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur, BAZAAR Style Ambassador, and the co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait! In addition to Susan Said What?! Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! 

DISCLAIMER: I received a sample hat in order to fully evaluate the product. Regardless, I only recommend products and service that I believe to be good for my readers.

PHOTO: Used with permission by Dorfman Pacific.

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