Bond Girl's, Vodka & Dangerous Men!

Hi Mandy! Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so happy that my little "Bond Girl" comment on the Flavio Castellani coats inspired your creative energy. I don't think that has ever happened to me before. LOL!

You truly captured the look in your photography and images that I had in my head when I saw the coats. For some reason, every time I see fur coats like these I think of sexy and glamorous Russian woman wearing them. (I also think of them drinking vodka and and associating with dangerous men but that's another image altogether. Maybe maybe not!) The ads I've seen in the past have never brought me back like these have.

Which reminds me. Why is it that certain thoughts or images stick in your mind and when you see a familiar image you are instantly transformed back to your original thought? That happens to me all the time. I can't tell you the last time I saw the movie "From Russia with Love". I can't imagine what you would have done if I said the coats look like they're from "Dr. Zhivago"!

The black and white photo's give a cold weather temperature to the lookbook and the cover page and the model is stunning! She is perfect for that Russian look! Does she have a Russian accent? :)

Anyway, it was great looking at your work and I'm glad my "Bond" comment helped. I wish I could afford that coat in the image. I love it more now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah
Dallas, TX

New Lookbook: From Russia With Love

As the creative mind behind the lookbook at J. LaMore, I am constantly being inspired by the clothes we get in. When I saw the Flavio Castellani coats I knew they were something special and I wanted to do something interesting with them for the lookbook. I had a few ideas bouncing around in my head, but J. LaMore friend and blogger, Sarah, gave me some great inspiration when she mentioned that the coats looked straight out of the Bond movie, "From Russia with Love". It was the perfect concept because the coats totally embody the glamourous "Bond Girl" aura with a little Russian flair. Our model, Allison, portrayed the look perfectly.

I wanted to give her a little shout-out for inspiring me, so thanks Sarah!

I hope everyone enjoys the latest lookbook and has a great Thanksgiving!

-Mandy
Creative Director

Introduction

Just signed on so want to send my regards form Paris which is just finishing up with Christmas decoration

Turkey Trot. . .Stuffing Strut. . .or The Mashed Potato Mile?

I'm all ready to eat turkey on Thanksgiving! I'm also ready to RUN! Who would have thought?? I'm usually the girl parked in front of the TV watching the Macy's parade. Somehow my family talked me into doing a charity run (which from what I hear is a nationwide event) called the Turkey Trot. I can't decide if I will do the 5K stuffing strut, or be a "bum" and do the mashed potato mile! Hilarious names...

On the topic of Thanksgiving, I just wanted to write about a few things I'm thankful for! I'm extremely thankful for my family, friends, good health of my family and friends, good fortune and good luck that comes to me once in a while, economic stability (and still being able to afford beautiful J. LaMore clothes from time to time), my 12 year old dog who is still in great health, and for continuously being surrounded by people who love and care about me.

What are you thankful for friends? Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

-Charlotte
Chicago, IL

TV shows... My Fashion Inspiration?

I've noticed lately that I get a lot of my fashion ideas from the T.V. shows I watch. What's funny about this is that most of the shows I get my ideas from are either from the 80's or 90's, or based on an earlier decade. Fran Drescher in "The Nanny" may have some wacky outfits, but some of the pieces she wears are actually really trendy today! Everything always comes back into style.

The show that I've recently fallen in love with is "Mad Men." Watch it if you haven't yet! It's a quality show that I will definitely start following. I love all of the women's fashions. The show takes place in the 1960's, so the style is very conservative and of the time. January Jones is not only a great fashion inspiration on the show, but she's also gorgeous!

-Charlotte

Chicago, IL

Body Image

I would actually like to talk about a serious issue: women and their body image.

My 8-year-old daughter came up to me and asked me if she was fat. I froze. She's EIGHT years old. She should not be thinking of these matters. She should be playing with dolls and other toys.

It made me think about myself and about the way I felt about myself as an adolescent. I have always been little, yet I was very insecure about my figure in my twenties. Maybe it was just age, but it definitely has to do with magazines and the media. You see the same excuses all of the time: models say that they are "naturally thin," and that they are not the reason so many of young women in today's generation want to achieve that imperfect body. Well, guess what? When I was a young teen, I looked at all of those models and said to myself that I wanted to look like that. I'm not blaming them because some women are definitely naturally thin, but not the majority.

So, what can we do to feel good about ourselves as women and accept the body type that we were born with? First of all, eat healthily. This is nothing new. I started working at Whole Foods Market 10 years ago, and I completely changed my eating habits. It's simple. Eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're full. If you feel like having ice cream or a brownie when you're not hungry, do it!! Especially if you have a well-rounded diet for the most part.

I am in the best shape of my life after having 2 children. Actually, the day I gave birth to my daughter, I weighted 2 pounds less than when I graduated from college: thank you beer and Taco Bell.

My main point is is that I vow to raise my daughter with a positive body image, and I think that all women should step up to the plate and do what they can to ensure that they are living a healthy life and maybe teaching others (a friend, family member, child, etc.) that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The most important thing is that you have to like who you are and maybe try to educate others about a healthier lifestyle to feel confident in who they are as a girl, teen-ager, woman.

Lila

Why I Love My Closet

Ok, so this may seem like a frivolous thing to write about, but sometimes you have to forget about bills, loans, administration, and all of that stuff that can drive you crazy. So I'm going to write about why I love my closet.

First of all, it was a present to me from my husband when we built our house. We decided to forego the huge bathtub/jacuzzi for a big closet for me. Who cares? Think of all the money we're saving on our water bill. Also, with two small children, who has time to take long, romantic baths?

Well, my husband picked out the carpeting, a beautiful, wine-colored design. The lighting is also wonderful; not typical, with very low lighting which makes for a wonderful atmosphere.

First of all, it is such a great place to hang out. My gay best friend comes over, and we have margaritas in my closet while I try on my designer clothes. It's just a great time.

Secondly, it is the perfect play area for my daughter and her friends. They spend hours in my closet trying on shoes and my beautiful dresses.

Thirdly, it is the perfect place for "making whoopee". My closet has the only locked door in our house since my mother convinced me that it would be detrimental to put locks on the doors in case the children locked themselves in. Of course, the last time my husband and I were "folding my clothes," as he told our children, they just happened to knock on the door. Romantic moment killed.

Fourth, I have so much fun in my closet, rearranging clothes, getting rid of old things. I actually have an entire section with just J. LaMore clothes. I just can't seem to get rid of those. I guess they're timeless.

Finally, the closet is all mine!!!!! My hubby is in the basement, where he belongs; a place where he can throw 100 pairs of socks all over his closet, and I won't see it. It's wonderful!!!!!

Lila

Whoa. . . !

Hi Jennifer! I see you guys just keep improving! Your new holiday lookbook story is so cheerful and festive and the model is stunning!

You make me want to go Christmas shopping!

As you know, I'm going home for Thanksgiving and I'm leaving Sunday. I haven't been home for a couple of years so I'm excited!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

More than a pump, less than a boot

I have been seeing everyone from Rachel Bilson to my hairstylist wearing ankle boots when I finally realized....I need a pair! I'm obsessing over all the different ways that ankle boots can be styled.

You can wear ankle boots with tights, skinny jeans, shorts, skirts and dresses! The possibilities are endless!

Here are some ways that you can rock the ankle boots with your body type-

Tall & Slender - You'll look best pairing ankle boots with leggings or skintight denim. Petite - You'll look best pairing ankle boots with bubble skirts or cuffed shorts and fitted tops, Tall & Curvy - Layering long tunics and footless tights with ankle boots is your best bet.

Jessica

Stylist/Model

Fashion Scoop

Girls just want to have fun! According to WWD, Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga have been named the latest faces of the MAC AIDS Fund. The newest campaign, dubbed "From Our Lips," will break on Feb. 25. MAC Viva Glam Gaga Lipstick and Viva Glam Cyndi Lipstick, $14 each, will launch in North America on March 18 and globally throughout the month, with 100 percent of the proceeds being donated to the MAC AIDS Fund. The MAC AIDS Fund has invested more than $150 million to organizations in more than 67 countries since its founding in 1994.

This is definitely a worthy cause. I can't wait to try the collection!

Jennifer

Holiday Hair Pieces inspired by the J. LaMore Lookbook

Are you looking for an easy way to add a festive flair to your holiday outfit? We have plenty ideas for you in the new "Holiday '09" lookbook.

As you may know, whimsical hairpieces and headbands are very trendy right now and are also a perfect touch for the holiday season. Some hairpieces sold in stores can be a little pricey, so here are some do-it-yourself ideas that will save you some money and give you a unique look:

1) Ribbon. Buy a 1.5-2" spool at your local craft store and fashion it into an exaggerated bow. You can pick through different patterns and fabrics to get the look you want: red satin, plaid or glittery are some options. You'll look like a cute, giant present!

2) Gift bows. You can buy standard stick-on bows, curly ribbon clusters, or even specialty bows made out of fabric strips (as pictured below) for $1-3 at places like Target or Michaels. Anchor them on a headband or simply fasten them into your hair with bobby pins. They would also look cute pinned into an updo. Be creative! Choose something unexpected and make the look all your own.

3) Tulle or Lace. If you buy a little bit of fabric, you can make a head wrap or even a fabric flower hair piece... or both! You could even try braiding the fabric into your hair, a hair trend currently seen on some runways. People will be asking where you got such a unique accessory!

The holidays are a time to have fun, so don't be afraid to spice up your outfit with a fun hairpiece. You can also play with hoisery options, like fun tights or fishnets, to add a little flair to your look. Take a peak at the lookbook to get some ideas...

-Mandy

Creative Director

Good Luck Raquel

I'm incredibly excited to see 12 Angry Juror's tonight! Raquel Burish, who interned with us at J. LaMore and is also the daughter of my sweet friend Joanna, was cast as one of the jurors in the play that is currently running at Edgewood High School. I can't wait to sit in the audience and watch her perform. I know she will be amazing. I did a little digging and here's a brief synopsis of the play. The original title was 12 Angry Men, but I believe Edgewood changed the title to 12 Angry Jurors to accommodate a mix of male and female students.

The play (which was a movie) is a story of a Puerto Rican boy accused of murdering his father with a switch blade, and his subsequent trial by jury. Initially, it appears as if it's a cut and dry case of murder. Fortunately, one brave dissenting juror votes 'not guilty' at the start of the deliberations because of his reasonable doubt. The jury of twelve 'angry jurors,' are literally locked into a small, claustrophobic rectangular jury room on a stifling hot summer day until they come up with a unanimous decision - either guilty or not guilty. The compelling, provocative play examines the twelve jurors deep-seated personal prejudices, perceptual biases and weaknesses, indifference, anger, personalities, unreliable judgments, cultural differences, ignorance and fears, that threaten to taint their decision-making abilities, cause them to ignore the real issues in the case, and potentially lead them to a miscarriage of justice.

I'm so excited to see the play and to watch Raquel. She is a wonderful young lady, who I simply adore. Break a leg Raquel!

Jennifer

Hair Color Help...!

I need ideas for a better hair color. For the last 10 years I've been highlighting my dark/dirty blonde hair to a color similar to this picture of Hilary Duff. My hair has gotten much darker as I've gotten older, and my roots are becoming a major problem. I have to get my hair done every 10 weeks to avoid horrible roots, unlike when I was younger when I could go 6 months without a color job.

I hate hate hate my natural hair color (it seems like everyone does. and if you don't, you are blessed!) It looks dull and lifeless, and the color is just that "dishwasher water" blonde. What a gross way to refer to it... but it's true!

Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm getting my hair done tomorrow, and if all else fails I'll just get my classic blonde highlights (which make me happy, but they are damaging and tough to upkeep!) I went "brown" about 5 years ago and somehow it turned out auburn (professionally done.) It was cute, but didn't stay for more than 2 weeks! Totally washed out, and was a waste of $150!

Thanks for your help!

-Charlotte

Chicago, IL

Wink "Amber" Top

This Wink "Amber" Top is my new favorite top! I ordered it the second I saw it on www.jlamore.com. I'm going to receive it today and I could not be more excited to wear it on a Friday night out in New York City :) I love the way that J.LaMore styled this flowing top with skinny jeans. I'm going to match this top with a pair of black skinny jeans and a pair of black ankle boots!

Kalyn

New York, NY

Bark'n for the Yak Lady. . . !

Hi Charlotte! I don't get to write that much on the blog but I have to add a few comments on the Christmas topic! I thought Love Actually was a great movie and one of my all time favorite holiday movies.

But the very best Christmas movies of all time is Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase and A Christmas Story. These movies don't have any music to speak of but for knock down fall on the floor laughter you can't beat them.

In our movie room we have a replica of the leg lamp, complete with fishnet stocking, sitting on our bar that had a small part in A Christmas Story. Everyone who comes over to visit comments on the lamp and remembers the part it played. Frrrggeeeelllaaayyyy. . . . ! Too funny!

There were so many funny characters and lines in Christmas Vacation that it's hard to remember any of them. However, when Clark asked his cousin about his kids future he said "right now he's bark'n for the Yak lady at the carnival . . . " Clark responds, ". . .you must be proud . . . !" We have a college gal named Julie who works with us at J. LaMore and I always tell her that if she doesn't pull those grades up she'll have a career bark'n for the Yak lady! I die laughing every time I tell her that.

Jim

Favortie Christmas Music (and Movie!!)

I also love the Mariah Carey Christmas album. It's such a classic! My favorite Christmas time movie (and maybe even my favorite movie of all time) is Love Actually. I can watch it over and over again and still love it! I've never met someone who really didn't like the movie.

Not only is the movie fantastic, the soundtrack is the best! It's not all Christmas music, but it definitely puts me in the holiday spirit. I love the song "Christmas is All Around Us." If you've seen the movie, you probably understand why I laugh to myself every time I hear that song! That character is hilarious in the movie.

Clare, I saw your post about that new move "Pirate Radio" and saw that you mentioned people who loved "Love Actually" should see the movie. I'll definitely be seeing it over Thanksgiving weekend. I will let you know what I think of it!

-Charlotte

Chicago, IL

Holiday music. . . .!

Hi Jennifer: I'm going home to Colorado to visit my family for both holidays this year and this Mariah Carey Christmas album is one of my favorites of all time. My parents like the traditional albums of Frank Sinatra and Johnny Mathis. I also really like the Pottery Barn Christmas cd's and I always pick some up during the shopping season. That in itself is a tradition now.

I have the Amy Grant CD you wrote about and I have to agree that's it my all time favorite but Mariah Carey is fantastic too!

I have to say that when I hear the oldies I immediately think of my parents and all the special times all of us kids had when we were young. I still carry those traditions with me when ever the holidays arrive.

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Write it down. . . !

Hi Charlotte: In order to have a successful weight loss regime you need to have a goal and write everything down. You're absolutely right about one thing - writing everything down is very important. That practice and being consistant in keeping a journal is what made Weight Watchers the huge success. I keep my journal online right now and I go to it everyday and can keep track of everything I eat on my iPhone. I love that. I can then enter everything into my online journal later.

As all of you know from my previous post, I lost a bunch of weight by writing everything down and having a goal. Never loose sight of the goal. One of my goals was to fit into the fashions of jlamore.com. Like this right here. Nice!

I also took some vitamins and strongly suggest that just a small daily pack of vitamins can really help with appetite problems. But the #1 thing I did to loose weight is EXERCISE, and lots of it. Start out by walking 30 minutes/day and go up from there and keep track of that too! My husband used to tell me when I didn't want to go exercise is ". . . they sent someone to the moon for God sake you ought to be able to put one foot in front of the other for 45 minutes, . . . !" I guess when you put it that way. . . . Keeping things in perspective is aways a good thing. Sometimes the hardest part about excercissing is getting off the couch to put your workout shoes on.

As you can tell, I really get into weight loss topics. I worked hard and it paid off!

Sarah
Dallas, TX

Free Weight Loss (or Maintenance) Tool

For those of you looking for a FREE online weight loss program, I wanted to share one that I have used for a few years! http://caloriecount.about.com/

First you have to make an account. From there, you can fill out your profile, set your personal goals, and information. Use the calculators that they offer to see how much you should be eating (calories) to reach your goal (you enter a goal weight and date.) It's also a good tool for maintaining your weight! Then from here you can log your food and exercise. The foods aren't always 100% accurate, or listed, but there's a lot considering it's a free service. You can add your own foods if they aren't listed and you have the nutrition information. I've heard one of the most effective ways to lose/maintain weight is to write down everything you eat!

The feature I just found and I'm really excited about is under "exercise" and then the tab "exercise plan." It's a 12 week, professionally made work out plan. It gives you step by step, DAY BY DAY, workouts for cardio/weight training and how to work out effectively. You don't have to do the workout for that day. There is a list of other possible workouts you could do (or take the day off, do your own workout, etc.) I'm not going to live by it, but I think it has some really useful ideas! Everyday has a little "tip" which I definitely will do (for example, one day I have to throw out one "unhealthy" food from the pantry.)

There's also a ton of other features that the website offers, like recipes, other workout plans, and my favorite are the discussion boards. The discussion boards which I find REALLY helpful are open for any of the members to post on. For example, I was going out to eat for Mexican for my friends birthday and I didn't know what "bad" Mexican food choices were. I posted something and within a day, got around 50 thoughtful andhelpful responses. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help!

Like I said this program is FREE! Although there are no proven results (like for example, with weight watchers), I think if you are really dedicated and get into the routine of using it, it will be a very useful tool. I hope some of you find it as helpful as I do!

-Charlotte

Chicago, IL

My Favorite Christmas Album

It's a bit early to start thinking about Christmas music, but we're planning on playing some next week on Thanksgiving, so it's been on my mind.

One of my all time favorite Christmas albums has to be Amy Grant's "Home for Christmas." I sing along, loudly at times, to every song. I love this album.

What are your favorite holiday tunes?

Jennifer

Holiday Look

I am definitely obsessing over this Maloom "Paparazzi" Dress it had just the right amount of sparkle and class to wear to all my holiday parties this year, and I may even pull it off again and wear it on New Years! This is the new and improved little black dress :)

Kalyn

New York, NY

Fresh face . . . !

Hi Sarah: The new face on the site is local model Paige. You're going to be seeing a lot more of her in the coming months as we shoot more and more cover shoots, lookbook, and product images.

Paige participated in Wisconsin Fashion Week this year and won the fresh face contest, which was really no surprise to anyone who knows her. Outside of being absolutely stunning, Paige is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.

Paige has the look of "fashion" that few people have and our goal at jlamore.com is to maintain that look as much as we can with the models you see on the site.

Stay tuned as you will see more of Paige in the new lookbook this week.

Jim

Maloom dress is amazingly hot!

Love this dress! I agree with Charlotte, this dress is amazing but I wouldn't wear it backwards. I would wear it just like it's shown.

Also who's the new model? She is amazing and I love her look. So fresh and interesting. she has a wonderful smile.

I also noticed that she's wearing the Maloom dress that everyone loves, including me.

Sarah
Dallas, TX

Thanksgiving Attire

After doing some online shopping, I finally decided what I'll be wearing for Thanksgiving day! I'm thinking of pairing the Linq "Lurex Stripe Tunic" Sweater with my black leggings and flat over the knee black suede boots. I'll probably throw on some fun accessories (like a chic feather headband) for some added color.


What I'm REALLY excited for is the night before Thanksgiving. My family travels to Bloomfield Hills, MI where the rest of our family lives. The night before Thanksgiving is a huge night for partying/going to the bars there. My sisters, cousins, and I all go out together and it's a totally blast! I'm going to wear my new Maloom "Happy Hour" Dress- BUT I'm going to wear it backwards! No worries, I plan to wear a black tube top underneath it. I love the cut, and I'm really into high backs on dresses. I think it'll be a really chic look! Again I'll probably pair this with my over the knee boots. Those sure do come in handy!

What is everyone else planning on wearing for Thanksgiving? Also does anyone have any good recipes? It's "that time of year" and I love to hear of everyone's favorites!

-Charlotte
Chicago, IL

Go see "Pirate Radio"

Hi Jennifer & Friends: My boyfriend and I went to see Pirate Radio this past weekend and I have to say that if you loved "Notting Hill" and "Love Actually" then you're going to really enjoy this film.

The year is 1966, and British schoolboy Carl (Tom Sturridge) has been sent by his mother (Emma Thompson) to live aboard a semi legal vessel called Rock Radio. Helmed by Carl's hip godfather (Bill Nighy) and staffed by several adorably disreputable disc jockeys, this ship will be the party pad where Carl becomes a man. The movie is based on a true story.

What ensues is "Animal House" meets "M*A*S*H," with randy boys causing trouble, drinking, and chasing the women who are shipped in like cargo. The Count (Philip Seymour Hoffman) may cross swords with super-smooth Gavin (Rhys Ifans), and heavyset Doctor Dave (Nick Frost) may steal someones girl, but that doesn't seem to really bother his friends.

(Please know that this movie has some sex scenes in it and is raunchy but really great. This is not a movie for kids.)

This movie is fun and the laughs are many and the music is fantastic with the Rolling Stones, The Kinks and The Hollies, just to name a few. I was having kind of a rough week and this was just what I needed to cheer me up.

Clare
London, England