So proud of Ryan! He was the star of a wonderful night!

Last night The Style Duo had an amazing night celebrating with Paula’s son (Mindy’s nephew), Ryan at his Bar Mitzvah! It was a night filled with joy, laughter and most of all pride! And in this week’s blog we wanted to share some party tips with all of you. We are NOT party planners but we have a passion for glamorous events. Whether you are going to a Bar Mitzvah, wedding, birthday party or red carpet event it is so important to feel confident and party ready. Boy, girl, woman or man….we ALL want to shine. And no one shone more last night than Ryan, the Bar Mitzvah boy. He wore his hair his way. Long and cool. During the party he played Metallica on his guitar and wore a rock t-shirt instead of his suit jacket. He rocked HIS own handsome style and he was the star!!

Top 5 Tips to be Fabulous at Parties

1. Buy your dress or outfit weeks (sometimes months) in advance. We are BIG believers of alterations. Almost every garment looks better when tailored to fit your own body. This means leaving time for alterations. Sometimes one, two or even three fittings just to make it look perfect.

2. Heels! We are big “heel girls”. We are not sure if it is because we are short and married to tall husbands or just love the way it makes us feel special. It is as if we are still playing dressup in our Mom’s closet. But test out the shoes a few nights before the party. Walk around the house with them for at least an hour and make sure they are comfortable and dance floor friendly!

3. Extensions: We love our hair extensions and take the good with the bad. They make our super fine hair look so much thicker but extensions are costly, and can damage your real hair if not treated with great care. We especially love them for parties and special occasions because you can curl them and really get the red carpet look. But if you are not ready to invest in the semi-permanent ones, try the clip on extensions. They still give a glamorous hair-style for the night but the price is more affordable and you can take them right out after your event.

4. Party Emergency Kit: Always bring a little bag of tricks to special events. This means, pins, double sided tape, bra-pads, and our favorite emergency tool: baby-wipes! If you are the host you can leave your kit in a party suite or if you are a guest leave it in the car for any fashion emergency that might arise!

5. A go with the flow attitude: Sometimes you can prep as much as you want but on the big day things can still go a little awry. For example Paula bought her beautiful lavender Roberto Cavalli dress a year before the Bar Mitzvah. She had numerous alterations and was ready to go. Minutes before the party when she put on her lovely gown, she realized the zipper got stuck half-way up and would not budge. Instead of panicking we chuckled at the hilarity of it all and called a local seamstress who rushed to the venue and stitched her in with only seconds to spare. As we always say at The Style Duo, the best style is confidence and a smile!!

Never let them see you sweat! Check out Paula's fashion zipper emergency on her left side. Thanks to her wonderful seamstress for saving the day 5 minutes later. Keep on smiling!

On the third Sunday evening in September, our husbands and children know that for that night they are going to order in pizza, make their own baths, tuck themselves in and be as quiet as mice. That’s because it is EMMY night and nothing makes us more excited than a good red carpet event and award show. The dresses, the makeup the hair and jewelry inspire us as stylists, fashionistas and just as girls! This year is turning out to be no different. As we write this blog, the awards are still being handed out. But let’s face it! For us clothes obsessed gals it’s really not about the EMMYS, but all about the dresses!! This year sea-foam green rocked the red carpet. Along with reds, greys, blues and alot of burgundy. Yellow was a pleasant unexpected hit. Lace, brocade and metallic details were standouts. Plunging necklines and slits up to the sky were also popular and oh so pretty! Jewelry in colors that matched dresses were seen all over the red carpet as well as bright red lipstick and old hollywood curls. This year ALOT of stars got it right but as always some were an award show “DON’T”. So here are The Style Duo’s version of Fashion Awards for the EMMYS 2012!!

And the winners are…

Best Dressed: Heidi Klum - This was an easy one for us. She would look good in any color but this choice was stunning.

Best Jewelry: Emily van der Camp - We are big fans of Van Cleef Arpel. And her feminine bow bracelet blew us away!

Worst Dressed: January Jones - Dress, hair , makeup....Don't Don't Don't!

Sexiest Dressed: Sofia Vargas - As always Sofia gets it right. This girl could make feetie pajamas look sexy but we adored her turquoise Zuhair Murad mermaid dress. Absolutely exquisite!

Best Makeup: Jessica Pare - The "Mad Men's" star's coral/red lipstick was gorgeous. Her skin was glowing and flawless. Her makeup artist gets an A++!

Best Accessory: Claire Dane's belly - Bravo for showing off her beautiful growing belly with a strapless yellow and flowing Lanvin gown.

There are many fun trends to try this Fall 2012 season. Peplums, the color blue, and leather just to name a few. But trends can be TRICKY. You want to look current and stylish BUT be careful!! If you overdo a trend you may wind up looking like you’re wearing a costume. And even though it is almost Halloween, that is a major “DON’T” in The Style Duo’s book!

Here are some “Duo” and “Don’t” looks showcasing some popular trends…

PEPLUMS

Blake Lively, always a "DUO" rocking a gorgoeus white and black colorblock dress with peplum.

"DONT" - This couture peplum look can be appreciated on the runway, but will always appear over the top in real life!

SHADES OF BLUE

Stunning Shades of Blue are a "DUO"

TREND GONE WRONG!

LEATHER

"Duo" rock black leather skinnies like Leighton by balancing it with a soft girly blouse. Love the contrast.

This look is starting to look like a super hero costume. Too much black, too much leather....too TRENDY!

Fashion Week is quite the scene every September in NYC. Designers come out and put on elaborate shows, showcasing their Spring fashions. And to add more excitement to the mix is Fashion’s Night Out, a night that starts off the week with a celebratory feel and one that everyone can participate in. You don’t have to be a designer, stylist or fashion editor to partake. Just grab a friend and head to NYC for great deals, promotions and parties at your fave stores and restaurants!

Created a few years ago by Vogue editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, Fashion’s Night Out aimed to inspire excitement and boost sales around NYC — by bringing celebrities, champagne and offbeat activities into stores. And this year was no exception. Fashion lovers were out in droves, airkissing, posing and looking fabulous! Here were some standouts:

Uptown, shoe designer Brian Atwood threw a party celebrating the opening of his new Madison Avenue store. His pals Rachel Zoe, Michelle Trachtenberg, Heidi Klum, and Ryan Lochte made this stop A-list all the way!

Du Jour, the latest glossy magazine to hit newsstands, celebrated it’s debut issue with a party hosted by cover star Christy Turlington and photographer Bruce Weber. The party, which was held at Capitale, drew the likes of Russell Simmons, Hoda Kotb and model Hilary Rhod.

Downtown in the meatpacking District, the party took to the streets. One fashion goer exclaimed, “It looks like Times Square!”. From DVF to Vince to Theory; in some cases the lines went around the block.

So what can the fashionista at home, who is unable to get to NYC on Fashion’s Night Out do to feel like part of the scene? Well, alot of stores participate online with deals and promotions. Trina Turk and Tibi just to name a few of our faves! Department stores like Neiman Marcus have their own event each year and even stores in the suburbs participate in one way or another.

And the parties are just beginning! With Fashion Week now underway, you will be seeing alot of promotions and celebrations at your fave stores and boutiques all week. We will be blogging in upcoming weeks on all the great Spring Styles that hit the runway this week. So stay tuned for that! And we here at The Style Duo ALWAYS love a party! So we are hosting our own SHOPPING & STYLE EVENT in honor of this incredible week on Thursday at one of our favorite stores in NJ, GITO!

We often have women ask us what they can add to their wardrobe to spruce it up. Bored with their usual tee shirt and jean look or chunky sweater and legging ensemble, many of our ladies are always looking for ways to spice things up with their fashion choices. We love to help them find “wow” pieces that are fabulous yet easy to wear. Of course, we might fall head over heels in love with a glamorous look from the runways but trying to incorporate that into our own daily lives might be a little tricky. However, this season, we have fallen in love with a hot item straight from the fashion shows that is easy to embrace. We are excited to introduce… the NEW leather pant.

Now we know that you might be thinking that leather pants are a little too edgy or Olivia Newton John-like for you but don’t make your mind up just yet. Skin hugging bottoms of seasons past are back (only not as “rock and roll”) and are making room for more forgiving styles as well. Most popular this year is the slouchy silhouette. Preppy trousers, pajama versions and cropped leather are also fun ways to try this new trend. Leather pants are popping up all over and they are running the gamut of colors and styles. Deep shades of caramel, bordeaux, and of course black are great color options for leather pants for fall.

Elle Macpherson wearing RED HOT leather pants.

Miranda Kerr rocking brown leather.

Leather down the runways.

Celebrities are usually the first to try out the new hot trends. Here we see some top celebs rocking their black leather skinnies. Paired with simple t's, chunky jewelry or a pop of color, leather pants when worn right are certainly head turners!

So those of you who know us well at The Style Duo know that the end of the summer makes us feel blue. We are and have always been summer girls. But this year we are excited to say that the end of summer and start of fall fashions is making us feel VERY BLUE!! That is because we are seeing blue in every gorgeous shade popping up in fall fashions. From exotic bags to faux fur to dressy dresses! And quite frankly we couldn’t be happier.

This happens every season. Just when we are pouting and stamping our tanned sandaled feet, insisting we are going to hold on to summer as long as we can and not even peak at the September issues of our fave magazines…..suddenly out of the corner of our eyes we see a glossy spread with the hot new fall bag. Or just as we are hitting the fabulous summer sale racks in our favorite department stores we can’t help but notice the rich, luxurious outfit adorning the mannequins. And sure enough it happened this August again. Maybe September isn’t so bad after all?

Thanks to the gorgeous blue fashions that are taking over this fall season…we are suddenly not feeling so blue!! From lapis, to cobalt to navy….this Fall, we are going to rock every shade of blue as if it is the new black. Here are some of our must haves. Let us know what you think!!

So summer is winding down and Labor Day weekend is right around the corner. With that comes family vacations, last summer bbqs, goodbye to summer camp and the ever popular question, “Do I pack away my white jeans until next summer or keep them around a little longer?” Most would answer hastily that wearing white after Labor Day is a “DON”T” Well guess what we here at the Style Duo say…”Wearing white after Labor Day is a major DUO!!” And here’s why…..

1. We believe in the unexpected when it comes to dressing. Let’s face it, go to a trendy restaurant in the middle of July and EVERY girl is wearing white jeans with a sexy top. But check out that restaurant in September….not a one is wearing white. This is the BEST time of year to style to your own beat. And this time don’t wear the usual slinky top; instead pair your white jeans with a colorful cardigan or maybe a silk top with a scarf and ankle boots. Edgy, chic and most importantly unexpected.

2. There are so many great white dress options that look chic and cool in the fall. Just buy them in a bit thicker and warmer fabrics. Tweed, heavier silks, and light cashmere are all great options.

3. White looks great with a tan but it also looks great with shiny fall hair and darker, autumnal makeup. We love the crimson lips they are showing this season and with white fashions, you will be beautiful and sexy, ala Marilyn Monroe!

4. Nothing says chic better than a white pant suit. This look is perfect for fall when you are still feeling easy breezy like summer but also feeling a little cool when the temperatures start to drop. Since you probably were too hot to wear yours in the summer, we say what are you waiting for? Get in that suit for fall and feel fabulous!

But don’t wear white sandals after the summer. Store those until next summer rolls around. This look will never cut it into the Fall. No exceptions to that rule!!

Rachel Zoe Pre-Fall 2012 Collection

Michael Kors white coat

Celebrity's white suit trend can be worn well into the Fall

A Fall Trend Worth Trying: White Jeans & Gray Sweaters

Winter White

Now, who says you can't wear white after Labor Day??

We have always loved hosting fabulous parties and events. Even as little girls, we would play dress up and pretend to host fancy balls. Today, as The Style Duo, we tend to host many style soirees where we combine our favorite things…family, friends, fashion and food! We believe a hostess should always dress the part and wear a special outfit for their special occasion.

The spotlight is always on the hostess so it is a good time to break out that stunning new dress or anything else that makes a statement. Just be careful not to overdo it and make your guests feel inappropriately dressed compared to you. Also, since pictures are usually taken at parties, make sure you look your best since those pictures could easily end up online or on someone’s Facebook wall for all the world to view.

We believe a true sense of style is key to looking great but NOTHING compares to confidence when it’s time to shine. If you get that special glow from a really great mani or pedi go for it. Some ladies say a facial makes them feel really pretty. Or maybe it’s a really great night sleep or sharing a laugh with the girls.

This summer we hosted a few fashion girls night out parties and had a great time planning the events as well as figuring out what outfits to wear. Take a look at some of our pictures. And see, they did end up online!

We here at The Style Duo love summertime and we never want to rush our time on the beach, bbqing with friends, and enjoying the lazy hazy days. BUT the end of the summer is not all bad. First of all, nothing is better than the September issues of our favorite magazines. They are always chockfull of gorgoeus fall fashions and that can be very exciting. But the best thing about the end of summer is that we, along with many others, take a nice long family vacation!

No matter where you go, or who you are traveling with we say celebrate the end of summer vacation in true style. Break out the cool clothes you weren’t brave enough to wear in July. Go to the stores and take advantage of the fabulous summer styles that are on sale. Show off that tan you’ve been working on and relax, enjoy and feel beautiful.

So now you’re really looking forward to your August vacay, but what to bring you might ask when you have so much to choose from? We suggest you pack well but “travel slim”. Here are some important tips from The Style Duo.

The key to “traveling slim” is packing versatile pieces that with the right accessories, can look perfect for various occasions. For example, a simple maxi dress can be worn as a beach cover-up, if worn with flip flops, a straw hat and a pretty tote.The same maxi can be worn for a night on the town , if worn with stylish wedges and a sequinned or lace shawl. Wear the same dress for a casual lunch date with a denim jacket, woven belt or colorful scarve.

A white blazer is another essential piece that can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a dress.

This Rachel Zoe blazer would look great over the maxi you are going to pack for your trip. And it will also keep you warm on cool beach nights and on airplanes!!

Also, take into consideration the fabric of your clothing when packing. Jersey materials travel well and remain mostly wrinkle free, while gauzy pieces are actually meant to be a little wrinkly! So both are wonderful options. Just remember when packing, take versatile clothes that can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.

And ladies,one very important tip, always leave just a little room in your suitcase for that little something special you just had to buy on your trip!

You have probably noticed that department stores, boutiques, and all the fashion magazines are starting to show the new fall clothing. But we here at The Style Duo, are holding on with a tight grip to our summer sundresses and wedge flip flops. We are not ready just yet to invest in the leather blazers, fur vests and sweaters that are out there for Fall 2012 no matter how fabulous they are. So instead we are going to focus on a wonderful trend that we (and other fashion lovers) have found ourselves drawn to this summer- and that is bold geometric prints.

Now we understand that this trend could seem really scary and the last thing we want to do is have our fashion friends run for the hills (and their plain neutral wardrobes) at the mention of this idea but maybe, just maybe, we can think outside the box a little and at least try this wonderfully exciting and yes slightly risky summertime trend.

For years, Emilio Pucci has impressed us with his widely recognizable geometric printed clothing and it seems like many other designers have followed suit this season. Dresses, tunics, halters, pants and bikinis are popping up in colorful prints from ocean blues to bubble gum pinks and gorgeous greens. And just like other summertime thrills like diving in to a swimming pool from the high diving board for the first time or riding the biggest roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure, trying bold geometric prints requires taking a deep breath and just going for it!!!

This Everly printed dress is a definite duo way to embrace geometric designs. Pair it with neutral shoes and bag and chunky jewelry. We are loving everything about this look.

True fashionistas aren’t afraid to try new things. And this Trina Turk one piece with a plunging neckline is a great way to try a bold geometric pattern.

This lovely, easy, breezy Pucci dress is so gorgeous that any fashion scaredy cats out there will have to admit that this could definitely make them want to embrace this bold print trend.

We like the bikini top and we like the printed pants but together it becomes too much of a good thing and our don’t of the week. Be careful not to overdo it!