Marilyn throws a curve

Marilyn Monroe has just authored a book which I was surprised and elated to see includes a compilation of her diary's, poems and inner most thoughts.
After she died, everything went under lock and key and now 48 years later they have released them to the public.

"Fragments" Poems, intimate notes, letters by Marilyn Monroe'.

Her death was such a mystery. Did you know there was a glass by her bedside that went UNTESTED during the investigation into her death? That she called one of her friends and begged for his help that fateful night.
I quite honestly have been obsessed with Marilyn since I was in high school.

I have always identified with Marilyn Monroe. The sparkle in her eye, that infectious smile, those fabulous curves, the platinum blond hair, the flirtatious pouty way she spoke her lines in all her films. She has been my muse for over 2 decades.

They say the trend these days in Spain is headed towards curvaceous models on the runway. Someone just told me a big time designer is now focusing on all curvy models to represent their collection in print. Amen.

I have curves. I've loved them and of course I have hated them at times but diet or no diet they are always going to be a part of me. Marilyn embraced hers. And so have I.

When women come in to my boutique who have curves and hide under over sized clothing, the result is that they end up looking bigger then they are.
Then I sometimes get to watch the transformation happen right in front of my eyes. I offer them a pencil skirt and a fitted top or a dress that reveals her curves. At first, most resist. Then they begin to see how sexy, powerful and truly beautiful they look.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you have curves and resist accentuating them, you are making yourself look bigger.
A few pointers for dressing your curves: Wrap tops, pencil skirts and form fitted dresses are always a great way to start dressing for your body type. V-neck wraps draw the eye down the center of your body and honestly ladies, a little cleavage never hurt:-) Even if you think pencil skirts would never ever work for your body type, trust me, try one. I bet most of you would rock it!

Did you ever see Marilyn in baggy over-sized clothes? No. Always always in something that revealed and accentuated her curvaceous size 12 body.

If you got them, flaunt them. What do you think my curvaceous friends?

Confidence. It is all in how you dress!

Last night I realized as the clock got closer to 6:30pm, one of my dress designs was hanging there waiting to be put on to go to a Holiday party at the White House by a client of mine!

Whoa. This is truly a moment in time and a huge highlight in my career. I needed to bask in the moment.
And because of some wild karma going on, this is actually the second dress in ONE week that has been selected from my collection to be worn for an event being hosted by the Obama's!
A wish come true? Absolutely! Pinch me? Definitely!

From what I have heard so far, my client that went last week had the pleasure of a photo op with the Obama's and got to walk through a beautifully decorated White House.

So here's my take away from being asked to dress 2 fabulous women for a 6:30pm Holiday Reception at The White House:

The event invite, which, by-the-way, was an extremely formal embossed heavy paper invite, DID NOT in fact state the dress code for an event at the WH.
What? I know right, a White House invitation with no dress code listed??
So how do you find out how to dress for your WH event?
Well you call the White House and they connect you to the Social Office messaging center to get further information. The gal on the message states to call x number to leave you and your guests full name and social security number and then, at the VERY end of a rather long message, she finally states that the attire will be: BUSINESS.

BUSINESS? At 6:30pm, at a Holiday party at the White House, where you will get to MEET and take a picture with the Prez. and F.L.O.T.U.S.?

Yes. Business.

Ok so Business attire to me means a very nice SUIT because most likely you are coming from WORK. But Business attire for a WHITE HOUSE Holiday party is a whole another level of dressing, don't you think? And neither of my clients were coming from work!

Neither of these 2 FAB ladies wanted to wear a suit?! And a floor length black tie event it was not, so where does that leave you?
So after MUCH debate, we decide it was more than appropriate to wear a DRESS. But a Dress that is COCKTAIL LENGTH ONLY.
In there 40's, with 3+ kids, both women have svelte figures and can luckily can pull off anything at all so I/we went with a fancy cocktail length dress in holiday colors such as deep red satin, and Chantilly black french lace with deep red silk taffeta underneath. Both ironically went strapless. More power to them!
The dresses looked right, appropriate and they felt beautiful, comfortable and most importantly confident!

Each women said to me that she wanted to look more curvy in her dress, so we padded the bras as much as possible and kept the dresses slightly a-line at the hem to create a curve in their silhouette. Fitted at the waist with a 3+ inch heel, they both set off for their exciting event in Washington D.C.

So my overall take away.
If you are unclear on how to dress for an event, I personally feel it is always better to be OVER dressed than under dressed. Dress UP rather than in a more casual direction. You will always feel confident in something you look good in. And ultimately it will create a more powerful energy around you.

Here are three items that always increase my confidence levels when I need to dress for an important meeting or a special occasion. Not necessarily worn together but 3 separate items to wear at any giving time.
A pencil skirt which falls just below my knee that has a hair of stretch for comfort.
A blazer that fits across my back and arms well, never fails to help me to feel strong and clear headed.
And lastly, I am forever in a pair of shoes, heels or boots I can power walk to my event in.

Confidence can always be found in well fitted clothing.

Long Johns saves lives!

I know what you are thinking?!
Does Cibeline really wear Long John's!?!
....YES! I do.
And man have they saved my a$$, (literally), during the LONG New England Winters.

So a tip for this COLD winter December week:
Wear Long Johns under everything! Ok, Ok, so I am not talking like the thick bulky lumber jack ones, I mean the super light weight silk ones or cotton blended ones. Believe it or not, they actually help your jeans slide on a bit better if you have the right ones. LL Bean has superior ones.

I just decided last night, that this is the week I need to dig them out, dust them off and start warming my core everyday with my beloved Long Johns.

LONG LIVE LONG JOHNS!

Fashion Festivus, don't let it get the best of us

gifts extraordinaire: fender amp, jersey Tobi dress/Tasa earrings/vintage bracelet at Cibeline

Here it is cool cats, whether you look forward to it or dread it, the Holiday "shopping season" is upon us.
So the question is, are you the "perfect" one who has it all done by Turkey day or do you wait until Dec 23rd to run frantically around town shopping for 2 days straight?

OR are you the one who shops continually over the course of several months or through out the year and select random things which you are drawn to knowing someone in your life will enjoy it more than you and then pull it out when the time is right and say "OH so and so would probably love this!"

Can you guess which "one" I am?

I suppose I now need to divulge to you my little secret, I am the "one" who has, what my husband likes to call, the "magical little gift closet".
Yep, a closet dedicated solely to gifts I buy throughout the year!

I then dig through it, pull out a few precious little finds and debate whether or not the person in question would like said fabulous 'do-dad' I have in my hand.
You name it I got it for birthday, baby, wedding or x-mas. Gifts galore I got.

Guess how much stress I have alleviated from my life?

I used be the "one" who would round around town an hour before an event when I needed a gift, end up buying something out of pure desperation, spend much more then I had hoped and inevitably be later than I usually am to the party!?! AAh! (yeah yeah yeah, if you know me you have to factor in the "cib time.")
I have enough stress in my life as it is, no need for more.
Gift giving can be uber stressful for a lot of you right?
Well, let me tell you this has been a godsend for my quality of life.

How I got the idea to have a special gift closet?
Two wonderful people in my life. A gal pal & my Aunt. My post college roomie, lets call her 'Soccer-Chick', used to buy cards in bulk and keep them in a drawer for when she needed one or two or three...(you could always count on getting more than one sweet card from her too!)
And my aunt who told me years ago that she "collected gifts in a room" as well as gifts that she "would receive that weren't quite" her style and then of course would have gifts when she needed them. WOW. And then ultimately how much it saved her in time and money to just go into her "room" for a gift as needed.

Viola! And that is how my card drawer in bulk and magical gift closet were born.

I have saved oodles of dollars on affordable amazing gifts, bazillion minutes of precious festivus time, and several unwanted pounds from pumped up adrenals which inevitably created extra weight on my waistline...from having my prized "magical little gift closet".

PS. I LOVE giving gifts can you tell?

Fall 2010 Trends I can and can't live without...

Hey Guys....Whoa! So much has happened since I last sat down to write my blog...My most favorite time of year 'Summer' came and went, the absolute BEST fashion season 'Fall' came and went, the least pressure ridden holiday called 'Thanksgiving' came and went and here we are...heading into 'Winter' and the Holiday shopping madness of 'Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa' or 'whatever you celebrate'!?!

OK so here are a few of my own Fashion thoughts of the 2010 Season:

The Best Trends this year so far: Animal, Feathers and Fur! Mink Fur on Vest, Leopard printed fur on belts & boots, Crocodile Leather on Handbags & biker jackets, and Feather rocker chic earrings! It's like I am re-living my Joan Jett days of the 80's all over again but this time I have more appreciation for it, no braces or bangs and well more....money to spend:)


Trends I have had to embrace as a mid '30'something year old: The Jegging! Ok so my staff and I debated whether or not our customers would 'get' them and wear these like a year ago. We decided it wasn't quite ripe yet...Well, I brought some in in October and tried one on myself. HOLY CRAP! I friggin adore my Jeggings?! Like Wow. Comfortable, wearable, flattering on everyone (believe or not, I really haven't seen anyone not be able to pull these off, from my '20' somethings to my '60' somethings!) Jeggings will become a 2010-2011 STAPLE in your wardrobe.

The Trend I refuse to embrace: The Legging worn with your BUTT hangin out. Ok ladies what is the deal here? I just don't get it. Leggings are meant as a light layer to keep you warm under a sweater dress with boots or tunic shirt and ballet flats. But seriously come on, with a half shirt or sweater hitting just the top of your waist line? That was meant to be left "behind" back when Madonna was still trying to keep her marriage together with Sean Penn! ugh. I am just appalled every time I see a chick with her a$$ hanging out, and her thong showing through her 'oh so thin black leggings' meant only for her dogs eyes. And I behind by that!

So I promise it won't be long before I give you my next post...I've been brewing the next one for the past 3 months...A Fashion Foodie. My take on Boston's best Restaurants by neighborhood!

Fall 2010 Collection Preview

Although it's only August 12th those of us in the fashion world are steps ahead and already planning for Spring 2011. Since Fall is just around the corner, I'd like to give you a sneak-peak into the incredible things you have to look forward to seeing at the boutique. I am so excited about what we have coming in.

I will be introducing three new dress styles for fall...two being jersey, one of which I am SO excited to finally produce. One is called 'Tobi" and is jersey with a retro-square neckline and rusching at the waist for a flattering fit that looks dynamite on any body shape and will surely bring you from day to night.

The other is 'Soleil' which is a long-sleeved, high back neck jersey dress with a pleated v neck and hits right above the knee .

Also back by popular demand, 'Elsa' stretch fine wale corduroy shirt dress. This piece is a must for Fall and comes in 4 different color ways with contrast color detailing. (The purple/black combo of this dress is stunning, So rich and perfect with a pair of boots!)

Military-inspired designs are going to be huge for Fall which means I'm bringing back a bestseller- the 'Aileen' military jacket but in fabulous new colors and fabrics! It will be available in Hunter Green Cashmere, Chocolate Brown Wool as well as Stretch Plum Velvet. I also produced it in a Black Stretch Ponte (Thick Cotton Jersey) I'm so excited to be working with this durable, uber comfortable fabric - it's sure to make this a wardrobe staple you will want to sleep in!)

On the subject of fabric ...Isda & Co. is new line we picked up specifically for their Ponte collection (pencil skirts, skinny 5 pkt pants, leggings, wide leg trousers, and sheath dresses) in the most comfortable , wearable fabric for wardrobe basics (seriously feels like butter on your skin!). These are the pieces that wardrobes are made of. We've already received some of the items and they are absolutely amazing.

Nautical-chic is another trend to watch for this Fall... we are thrilled to be carrying the line, Saint James for the first time this season. Made in France-it's classic , nautical, and the definition of Parisian-chic..

Going along with this trend I've brought back my Sailor Pant. It comes in fabulous fall colors-a rich, midnight blue, a dark charcoal and also a refined black stretch crepe (I don't normally use this type of fabric but when I saw it I couldn't pass it up?? It has a gorgeous drape)

Are you read for Fall yet?

Hot Days and Hot Deals

The sale at Cibeline is heating up, with even more items up to 40%!!

We still have quite a few hot summer days ahead of us...come on by to snag your favorite pieces so you can feel cool and collected during these hot end of summer days .

Also this weekend is TAX FREE shopping in Massachusetts!

Stop by Charles Street to save even more on your sizzlin' summer deals!

Sample Sale at BlueFish!

I'm excited to announce that Cibeline Boston will be taking a trip to Martha's Vineyard this weekend to have a sample sale at BlueFish!!!

The sale will take place at BlueFish
Thursday July 15th through Sunday July 18th
Located at 11 Winter Street in Edgartown

All Dresses, Jackets, Pants and Skirts will be $100
(Sizes XS, S, M, L, XL will be available in various styles from previous seasons)

A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund

So come join us--shop, enjoy the island sun and support a worthwhile cause!!

Sample Sale Hours
Thurs: 3-9, Fri/Sat: 9-9, Sun: 9-5

Pack it up and get travelin'!

As I prepare for my getaway to Montreal with my husband, I realize how essential it is that you know how to pack your bag correctly. Through my many years of traveling, I've picked up some great techniques and pointers on how to be a savvy packer...

1.) The most important thing to remember is roll, roll, and roll! So many times I've gone on vacation with my girlfriends and while I'm pulling out my 9th top, they're in amazement on how much I could fit into my suitcase! Not only does rolling your clothes let you pack more but it keeps things tight and less wrinkling will happen during the travel in your bag.

2.) When starting to pack, I like to place my shoes in the four corners of the suitcase with the heels in the corners and the flatter part of the shoe facing inward. I then start by rolling in some of my things to match the height of my shoes in order to create a flat foundation to roll the rest of my clothes on. As far as the bulky items, you can fold them on top at the end like jeans or a jacket/sweatshirt.

3.) Things such as underwear, socks and bathing suits you should stuff right into your shoes! Yep that's right, the space in your shoes is precious cargo space:) They will protect your shoes so they don't get smushed, you will always know where you packed them for a quick find and this will save space for more fabulous items you can pack! If you only pack say a pair of shoes (who are you!? haha) then stuff the extra undies and sock in the corners or spaces in the rolls.

4.) Best to wear your bigger/bulkier items...So plan to wear your hat (fyi , we have some amazing sun hats and beachy fedoras), biggest pair of shoes and even your jacket (if you're bringing one). This way you can bring these items along but won't be stuck trying to fit them into your suitcase.

5.) Accessories! Try and pack the most versatile jewelry as possible; a pair of silver hoops and a pair of gold or even bring a pair of studs and a pair of hoops. When traveling, I also bring my crystal jewelry so I can dress up just about anything with it. Bangles are your friend and in silver and gold, cover just about all looks!
A pashima is a MUST! Great to wear around your neck to keep you warm if you're flying, then you can use it as a sarong at the beach, and even as an evening shawl for a nice dinner out.

6.) As for packing toiletries...if you are flying and packing those in a suitcase, putting them in a zip lock plastic bag will save your precious clothes from getting showered in hairspray and shampoo. Your local pharmacy now has those 3oz plastic bottles that you can transfer all your schtuff into. If you are traveling by land, a great way to pack and organize your products are by putting them all in one bag. I use a Herve Chapelier, who makes a fabulous zip top bag that you can use for your toiletries. And man I can fit EVERYTHING I could ever need in there!

7.) Don't forget your moisturizer and face wash! My new obsession is going organic with my skin care and I have found the Organic Vitamin C line from Whole Foods is terrific! Not only does it smell delicious but it’s non-oily, and leaves my face feeling clean and fresh! I think orange is always a great scent to use for skin care because it is happy!

7) Last but not least...I never leave home without something in either cotton jersey from a line called Lilla P or my very own microfiber Jersey collection. Jersey material is fantastic, light, does not wrinkle and is hand washable, which is perfect for every vacation! Whether it's my “Moxie” 2 in 1 reversible wrap dress, my easy summer “Judie” skirt, or my “Nonie" maxi dress, these items are a travel must- easy pack, easy wear, easy care.

Bon voyage and safe travels this summer fashionistas!!!

3 Stain removing tips for my fellow fashionistas

Ok gals I have some great suggestions for cleaning stains from your favorite clothes....Did you know that if you get an oil stain say from salad dressing or chicken au jus splashing on your fab new top, you can put Baby Powder on it and it will pull the oil out of the fabric. Now this only works if you haven't already tried the water and club soda trick first, just leave the stain until you get home and put the baby powder on it and leave over night. Then dry clean or wash.
So next is a crazy one but true...did you know that your very own saliva will take out a blood stain? Lets say you prick your finger adding that fab new flower pin on your cotton white eyelet dress and you get a lil blood on your dress. yep, just spit on it and watch the saliva start to remove that lil prick.
I'll leave you with this one...AND I JUST found this out from one of my favorite customers...You know how after you wear your favorite tops and wash them a few times, nothing seems to remove the sweat odor? Well I do! I have had to throw out dozens of favorite t's or work out clothes because of this...WELL, get this, VINEGAR removes the odor once and for all. Dilute vinegar with water say 1/3 of vinegar and rest water...spray on the underarm area and wash. It completely removes the odor! AMAZING! I wish I had known this 10 years ago!?!

Fashion Show at the Liberty Hotel and Sample Sale May 13th!

I will be showcasing 15 new looks from my 2010 spring and summer collection. The fashion show is inspired by the AMC Original, Emmy-award winning television show, Mad Men and will be set to 60’s music. Looks will include: signature knit jersey reversible wrap dresses; cotton eyelet dresses; seersucker jackets, pants and dresses; denim and linen trousers as well as colorful knit jersey halter tops. We also will be hosting my second annual sample sale before hand at Alibi Lounge. The sample sale will be items from my previous collections available to my VIP clientele for the amazing discounted rate of $100 per item. All sizes will be available at the sample sale on select seasonal merchandise.

Where: The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street, Boston

When: Thursday, May 13, 2010

5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sample sale – all seasonal items are $100
(XS, S, M, L will be included in the sale on various items)


9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Cocktail hour

10:00 – 11:00 p.m. Fashion show featuring the Cibeline Boston
2010 spring/summer collection