CJ Jeans! A Jean for Everyone!

In the ever exhausting search for "the perfect pair of jeans," Cookie Johnson became so frustrated she decided to launch her own brand. The wife of basketball great, Magic Johnson, Cookie had plenty of connections and resources to launch her namesake brand, CJ by Cookie Johnson, with a tremendous bang! Her collection is designed to fit a woman's body, curves and all. It does not disappoint!

I love all three styles we have in stock, the fit on each one is amazing. Not only are they great on a curvy body, they also look incredible on straighter silhouettes. Perfectly done. Keep in mind, the styles are running a bit big, so size down one size.

I'd love to hear your feedback! Email me (jennifer@jlamore.com) or comment here!

Jennifer

Boyfriend Jean

This season, fashion is not only about wearing stuff from your own closet. One of the hottest trends involves stealing… from a guy’s wardrobe. The boyfriend jean is loose fit, low rise, most times, cuffed at the bottom.

How to wear a Boyfriend Jean look:

*Roll up the cuffs

*With ballet flats, sandals, fashion boot, or heels

*Keep the rest of your look relaxed and casual

*With a leather belt

Jessica

Stylist/Model

Match a Blazer With Skinny Jeans

Kate Moss sure knows how to wear a blazer jacket and rock it! I love how she paired it with skinny jeans and a cognac colored boot to complete her look. The boot really makes the outfit stand out and gives it a little pop. I am definitely going to steal this look :)

Kalyn

Cool workout tool!

Hi Jennifer and Friends! I started running about a year ago! A group friends and one co-worker decided to get together every weekend (if possible) and go for a short run. I used to run when I was younger and this new found fitness is incredible! I feel fantastic!

I also have to say that running has brought out a whole new level of wardrobe, shoes and gadgets that I was never used to before. I used to think that a Timex Ironman watch was amazing but then one of my running buddies showed up with this thing; The Garmin Forerunner 405CX Sport watch. Holy Smolly is that thing fantastic!

The Garmin is a GPS-enabled device (which means it locks into a satellite signal to track your pace and distance), it also comes loaded with features for runners of any level, including, most helpfully, a virtual running partner. This tiny animated figure, who dashes across the face of your watch as you run, holds faithfully to whatever pace you’ve set for him and lets you know whether you’re lagging behind or burning up the trail too fast. Another handy feature allows you to set a location (a hotel, say, when you’re running in a strange city); take off on a random sightseeing tour, lose yourself in the alluring reverie of an endorphin high, and, once you’ve had enough, the GPS will guide you back to your starting point. After your run, the data wirelessly and automatically transfers to your computer, which keeps an ongoing tally of your workouts, including a detailed map of your routes, your average pace and heart rate, and calories burned. Seriously, this thing is amazing!

It's around $350 but I want one.

Happy trails!

Lynn Los Angeles, CA

My Favorite Aspiring Artist

After seeing her as the opening act at a local concert, I became an instant fan of Anya Marina's raspy voice and meaningful lyrics. Her music is very "chill" and different from anything else I've ever heard. She's not someone I'd normally like listening to, but there is something about her music that I can't get enough of!

Anya had a song (back in 2004 I think) that was on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack called "Miss Halfway." Just recently it was announced that her new song is one of the tracks on the upcoming "New Moon" soundtrack. I think this will really be the big break for her! "New Moon" (the Twilight movie) is going to be huge, and I bet the same for the soundtrack. I wish her the best of luck that she'll gain some recognition and get big with this track!

The first video below is pictures from Twlight/New Moon and her song off the soundtrack called "Satellite Heart." The second video is my favorite song and video of hers, called "Move You." Enjoy!

If you love her music, do her the favor and buy her music on ITunes. First off, she's an "aspiring" artist, which means it actually counts when people buy her music. Secondly, her new track "Satellite Heart" is already #88 in ITunes which is a huge jump from yesterday! I'm really rooting for her!

-Charlotte

W magazine has some of the most incredible photo shoots and fashion layouts I've ever seen. Here's a behind the scenes look at renowned fashion photographer Paolo Roversi shooting for W.
Jennifer

Health warning in France: Retouching!

Hi Jennifer: (and all who read the friends blog) A recent discussion has come to light about the cost of looking beautiful in Europe and if what you see in the magazines is really what you're looking at. What I mean is the cause and affect of retouching images in advertising so the model looks flawless and all the problems that are associated with doing this and what appears to be some sort of false advertising and health risk.

Let me expalin again! In France there is pending legislation that will require a disclaimer on any photograph appearing in advertising, shown in the media or product-wrapping, where the photograph of a man or a woman has been "retouched" by a computer program such as Photoshop and failure to do so would result in a fine. What this law is trying to do is stop the perceived image of perfection that can drive women (and some men) into despair and anorexia, etc. What? Please! Think about this for a minute. If this law was passed in America would it affect J. LaMore and jlamore.com?

I was surprised to read and hear this because as much as I agree with trying to stop anorexia and other related health problems, I'm not sure it actually requires a law and disclaimers. I wonder how many young girls who see an ad of a beautiful woman selling makeup become depressed. I'm not a doctor but it seems to me that they probably have other issues as well but this is an easy target to put their finger on.

I also wonder what the fashion world has to say about this, or even the celebrity world! OMG! Celebrities expect computer/electronic flattery whenever they sit for a picture. Elle Macpherson is said to travel with her own retouch artist! What happens when retouching makes you look worse then you are? There are so many variables to this topic that it's almost impossible to mention every possibility. What about serious news where photographers have actually been fired for tweaking a catastrophe picture. How do you handle that?

I have to say that I'm not really worried about all of this nonesense and it seems that we have much bigger problems to worry about then covering up a pimple on a super model and letting the world know about it ot taking a bad picture of Britney or Lindsey coming out or going into rehab. C'mon lets be serious here!

Watch this video and you will be amazed at what an expert retouch artist can do.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Mother daughter fashion wars!

Hi Jennifer & Friends: Saturday morning I was at a local market with some friends shopping and having tea and one of my friends had her 14 year old daughter with her. This young lady is very pretty and extremely sweet but she looks well beyond her years in many ways but mainly it's because of how she dresses and uses makeup.

I think she dresses and looks like she's in her 20's and when she was off by herself the conversation came up with the four of us about the age of when you stop buying clothes for your daughter or at least drawing the line of what she wears and how she looks when she starts choosing clothing and styling herself on her own.

What this came down to and the biggest worry for all of us was if a young girl dresses far beyond her years will she be able to handle to sexual advances she is bound to receive. The conversation went all over the place after that.

I heard a wide range of solutions and some crazy reasons about why some mothers let their daughters wear the things they do and why some do not and the reasons that they keep to themselves. I also heard some serious reasons and some real problems that mothers have with their daughters. I don't have any children but I want to some day so I was listening to this discussion with an open mind. (Something I rarely do, by the way.) I have to say that what I heard was unbelievable and I have a new found respect for mothers and the dilemmas they have with their daughters.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this topic? This was a very interesting conversation and I would love to hear any coments or experiences you may have had.

Clare
London, England

All the Single "Babies"

Jennifer, I loved the You Tube video you posted. That cat is so cute!! I wanted to post one of my recent favorites for those of you who haven't seen it. It's hilarious!




-Charlotte

Over The Knee or Over It

Everyone is talking about the over the knee boot trend that is here for the fall and winter 09. I came across this picture and for the first time the reality of me actually wearing this trend came true. I love the way that they are styled with the skinny jeans and white tee with a leather jacket. I could wear this...now I'm on the hunt for a pair of these babies :)

Kalyn

Lookbook looks!

Hi Jennifer and friends! I notice that everyone seems to be catching on to the lookbook these last few days. I've noticed it for some time and I've been very impressed with how the lookbook is styled and how the jlamore.com staff pulls it all together.

Jennifer, I don't know where you find the people to do such high quality work but they do an excellent job. I also see that you added some other elements to your site. Wow! Very cool!

This Sequin dress by Flavio Castellani has turned my head and it's gorgeous. I especially love how 'Flavio C' tied it to the runway trends for fall.

I love the Parameter dress and Miss Me "Ruched Sleeve Jacket" that Amanda in NY bought. What a hot look! The dress is gorgeous but the jacket adds a touch of sass.

Well it's early Saturday morning and it's dark now in LA. I have my coffee and my work stuff ready to go. It's so quite and peaceful. I have a work assignment to finish before Monday and I'm going to a football party today and I want to get it done so it's not weighing on my mind.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

PARTY DRESS

Hi Kalyn :) I think that the best dressed was Blake Lively. She wore this little black number after the Emmy's to all the after parties. She hit all the hot fall trends for fall by having a higher shoulders and being covered in sequins!!!
A sexy party dress is a fabulous way to wear the "sequins look" or you could go more settle and wear a little sequin vest to still hit the trend!


Jessica
Model/Stylist

jenny Necklace

Did anyone watch the Emmy's on Sunday? For some reason I totally spaced it and missed the whole show! I did catch up with what all the celebrities were wearing on some of my favorite blog sites. I love this dress that Ginnifer Goodwin wore. The color, the cut and most importantly the necklace :) It's so great and the color contrast with the plum dress is remarkable. I think that it resembles the jenny "Rain Drop" Necklace that J.LaMore carries. I must have it!

Kalyn

For the Love of Cats!

For anyone who loves cats or even if you don't this is hilarious!

Jennifer

Kalyn, I agree...I'm lovin' the Lookbook right now. The "Runway" to "Our Way" segments are great. In fact, I loved that first outfit SO MUCH, I just bought the entire look! Both pieces, the black leather jacket and the silver brocade dress, will stand on their own. I can't wait to pair the jacket with sexy jeans and a top, and even pair the dress with a sweet cardi and pearls.

Amanda in NY

Look at that LOOKBOOK :)

I just jumped on to jlamore.com to see what's new and I'm loving the new Lookbook! I want this outfit that is pictured in this lookbook shot with the Parameter "Bow Front" Dress and the Miss Me "Ruched Leather" Jacket! It looks so great together and I can wear the "Ruched Leather" Jacket over and over again. LOVE :)

Kalyn

Black Orchid Jean

I’m fashion obsessed. Yes, I’m that girl who peruses all the celebrity gossip blogs, and puts her heart and soul into a Saturday night outfit. I’ve been into leggings and skinny jeans for over 3 years now and I was thinking in my mind…what’s next? I need something edgier… Then I got my answer earlier this week when we received the Black Orchid "Jewel Grey Skinny" Jean. When I put these jeans on they felt like a million bucks but they're are reasonable priced at $107 :) It's exactly the look that I wanted to update my wardrobe for the fall.

Jessica
Model/Stylist

Madonna

OK. So, I am sure that many people have written blogs on Madonna, and I know that she has been controversial her entire career, and I know that many people have referred to her "reinventing" herself, but I would just like to write about the impact that she has had on the fashion industry, especially myself, since I was 15 years old.

Who can forget the bad dye job and lace fingerless gloves, the neon tights, the black rubber bangles all the way up your arm, the net tops. It was a fashion revolution. Of course, my father wouldn't let me dress "like that," so I had to change in the car, as my mother was part of this conspiracy as well.


Well, the next look that had an impact on myself is the "cone bra", or to put it simply, wearing lingerie on the outside, as an outfit. This was during my college years. I seriously don't think that this look has gone away. I still think it's sexy to wear a bra underneath a sharp blazer, maybe matching pants, pin-striped. It's masculine, but sexy. I still love it.

She brought back the hippy look when she was 40, with her long locks, and today, she is fifty. What fifty-year-old still looks sexy wearing a black corset, posing for a crotch shot? I hope that I look that hot at fifty.

Madonna has revolutionized fashion. A woman can wear whatever she wants, at whatever age, and still be sexy. Well, there are exceptions. One doesn't want to look like a teen-ager. My main point is that we can still push the envelope with fashion. I'm 40, but I don't want to dress like I'm 40. Forget Mom jeans.

Sometimes fashion is timeless. Maybe people question Madonna's morals, but I still LOVE to see what she is wearing. That's hot!!!!!!

Make Up Help!

Thanks for the great blog Clare. I also struggle with make-up, so I thought I would find a make-up expert to help all of us! Enter, celeb make up artist, Valerie Sarnelle!

For more than 20 years, Tinseltown beauties such as Nicole Kidman, Heather Locklear, Tori Spelling, Tiffani Thiessen and Pamela Anderson-as well as scores of local and bi coastal socialites-have regularly beaten the tree-lined path to Sarnelle's "plush palace" for her signature glamour makeovers, expert eyebrow shaping and custom makeup palettes.

Sarnelle's makeup and eyebrow shaping expertise is regularly featured in top fashion glossies like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and Allure, while her products are favorites on the sets of such television shows as "The Sopranos," "Baywatch", "Six Feet Under" and "The O.C".

I came across this video and thought the instructions were doable and the results fantastic. I hope it helps all of us!

Jennifer

Make up help. . . . Please!

Hi Jennifer & friends: I read the "friends fashion blog" almost everyday and find it very helpful. The new skinny jeans by Black Orchid are amazing and I look forward to seeing them on the site.

All the other fashion tips and suggestions are great but what I really need help with is 'make up'. I am completely lost when it comes to make up and what the trends are or what colors are right for me. I know everyone will say that I should go to the MAC counter and get some help and I have tried that but where this fails is when I'm trying on a different top or a dress and I feel the make up I bought from MAC doesn't apply for this outfit. I become confused and I loose my confidence on what looks good with what I'm wearing. Does anyone else have this problem?

So, does anyone have the magic formula on how to apply makeup that's easy for a clueless and helpless fashionista like me? Any advice I could copy and place at the side of my bathroom mirror would be greatly appreciated.

Clare

London, England

Black Orchid Denim

I'm completely obsessed with our new brand of jeans, Black Orchid! So new, we don't even have them up on the site yet, but they will be tomorrow!

We just received the Jewel style in an amazing grey wash with tie dye looking coloring and tears on the thigh and knee. I know what you're thinking, that sounds like a lot going on Jennifer! But its not, they are so fabulous.

Here's a shot of Nicky Hilton wearing the style and wash we just got in! Aren't they amazing?

Can't wait until tomorrow to purchase your pair? Email me your size and I will set them aside for you! jennifer@jlamore.com
(They are running one size big, so size down.)

Jennifer

Rain Rain Go Away

Today was a gloomy day in Chicago. When I woke up this morning, I was bummed that I'd have to cater my outfit to the weather outside. I feel like I have nothing cute to wear on rainy days!

Does anyone have any suggestions for cute rainy day wear?! I need help!

I have a pair of Sperry rain boots, and even a little rain jacket, but nothing that I'm actually excited to wear. Leggings are always my go-to item on rainy days, which are cute, but I wear leggings all the time. I do like them for those rainy days though because they tuck in easily to rain boots, and I know they won't drag and get wet! I'm looking for that certain outfit that will make me excited for it to rain.

-Charlotte

New Arrivals from Flavio Castellani!

Hi Jennifer and Friends: I was perusing the site this evening and had to write about the new 'Flavio's' I saw in the "whats new" section. I absolutely loved all of them. I had never heard of this designer until jlamore.com and the one piece I have of them makes me want more.

This deep blue drape bow top on the left is so fashionable that it instantly caught my eye as I took a quick glance over the entire collection.

The other item that caught my eye was the "Sequin Sass" dress on the right. Sequins are so big right now and this dress is hot! All the runway action is showing sequins for fall and holiday and I love this look. I always have. Sequins are feminine and sexy and they set a woman apart from everyone else. I need a dress like this for an upcoming event that I need to look amazing for and this would fit the need perfectly.

Jennifer, I know Flavio Castellani is an expensive designer and worth every dime but can I use my 'friends discount" on this item and use a lay-a-way program? I don't even know if you have a lay-a-away program but I don't think I can afford these items all at once. Please let me know.

If this is possible, I see a new purchase in the future.

Clare

London, England

Hi Lynn and Charlotte: I have to say that I love the over the knee look in boots but I agree with Lynn; I don't know where I would wear them. I see women wearing them every once and a while but they always have mini skirts on and I think the look is a little over the top for me. The entire look is all about the boot going over the knee so you have to show it off some how and the only way to do that is to wear a mini skirt. I guess you could wear them with skinny jeans but I would have to see it first to know if I would like them that way.

I also think that Megan Fox is way to 'slutty'. :) (I apologize for the bad word but it fits her perfectly.)

Megan Fox . . . !

Hi Jennifer & Friends: Here we go again! It seems that all the men and the women in our office are talking about Megan Fox . . . Again! I don't know what to say about this but I'm so tired of her that I can hardly stand it anymore.

The big talk around here is about her full lesbian kiss that she does on screen in her new movie Jennifer's Body. This scene is being billed as the most anticipated scene of the year and is heavily promoted by non other than: Megan Fox herself. Seriously folks, is an on screen kiss from Megan Fox that big a deal? I could see if it was from Jennifer Aniston but Megan Fox? Kissing a girl? That seems pretty normal for her.

In all fairness, though, she can do a pretty good job of 'PR-ing' herself and it seems that everything she does will draw a ton of attention. She can't act to save her life but she is the new bad girl in town and is sexy as can be. I will never admit that out loud to my colleagues at work but it's hard to deny.

All the men say that she is the new Angelina Jolie with her bewitching looks and oozing sex appeal. Most women I know hate her publicly but are secretly envious of her looks. I don't hate her and I'm not envious of her looks but the tattoo's and smoking gross me out. Maybe I'm not looking at this properly.

Oh well, I wonder how long it will be before the world tires of a pretty face who can't act. If you go by past sex symbols they seem to last a long time.

Lynn

Los Angeles, CA

PS: Jennifer the Flavio Castellani new arrivals are AMAZING! I especially love this dress. Wow!

All of the Flavio Castellani designs are just fantastic. Beautiful!

PS+ I have to make a comment on the knee high boots that Charlotte wrote about. I absolutely love this look but I don't think it looks good on me. I tried over the knee boots before and I felt like it was too much for me. I can't explain it and I could never figure out where I would wear those boots. I'm in my 30's and this seems to be a much younger look.

Over-The-Knee Boots

What does everyone think about the over-the-knee Boot trend for Fall?? I was undecided until I spotted that pair of Jimmy Choo's pictured (at $1,400 I don't think they are quite in my budget....!) I actually really like the trend and I plan on picking up a pair of my own over-the-knee boots.

I like the boots because you can either go for a chic or rockerish look. I will probably wear them with a pair of skinnies and a rockin' Lauren Moshi tee. That would be a hot! Otherwise, they'd look really chic with a classy pencil skirt (just that little bit of leg between where your skirt ends and your boot starts would be an awesome look.) Not all over-the-knee boots are that showstopping. Some are more simple, and would work better for day-to- day wear. A pair of flat over-the-knee brown suede boots are what I've been dreaming of finding... Jennifer, if you're getting any over-the-knee boots in (or boots in general), e-mail or call me!

-Charlotte

In Style

I'm an instyle.com addict. Everyday I look at their "Look of the Day," which shows a picture of a stylish celebrity and tells what they are wearing and why it's hot right now. Celebrites are a huge inspiration for my fashion choices, so it's no wonder that I use these pics and tips to pick items for my own wardrobe.

Natalie Portman is looking stunning- both for her fashion choices and because she is beautiful!-in this "Look of the Day" pic. Her cape and scarf combination made me think that it's time I get a cape sweater for Fall. Surprise, Surprise...J. LaMore has them in stock, and they are adorable! I'm loving the Laurie B. "Platinum Milady" Cape. It's a great neutral color that will work well for Fall. A cape like this will look great paired with a skinny jean or pencil skirt to balance your outfit. Now I just need some new Fall scarves! Jennifer, are you getting any in?

Have a good weekend!

-Charlotte

The Importance of Accessorizing

An outfit doesn't feel or look complete until the right amount of accessories are present. Sometimes all it takes is a delicate bracelet and a pair of stud earrings to look well dressed. Other times it may take a belt, some jewelery, and a great pair of shoes.

I've been struggling with accessorizing one of my favorite outfits lately; a plain top tucked into my high waisted skirt. I love this look because I can wear it to work or out on the weekend (and all it takes is one great skirt and a bunch of tees and tanks.) I saw on J. LaMore this fabulous bracelet, and I knew right then and there that this was the answer to my problem! My outfit will look great paired with this bracelet, and that's all I'll need. It's so fantastic on it's own, so I don't need a belt or any other jewelery.

-Charlotte

Lady Gaga. . . .VMA Awards

Hi Jennifer & friends! I have to write about poor Taylor Swift getting completely screwed by Kayne West in this years VMA awards. I understand it's just another awards show to glorify people who always need to be awarded for something but this was more than a little rude.

I was watching the show as I always do and when Taylor Swift, a country singer as we all know, won the award for the best female video when she had the microphone taken from her on stage by West while she was giving her acceptance speech. West completely took over the stage and made an announcement that Beyone had the best video of all time and pointed right at Beyonce. Of course the camera pans to Beyonce who is unsure of what just happened.

The crowd booed West as he handed the microphone back to Swift and then he walked off stage. Swift stood there stunned and didn't know what to say. West was later asked to leave the show and was removed from the building. Wow! What a jerk!

The show also had Lady Gaga stun the crowd with her performance of her hit song "paparazzi" in which she acts out the death of Princess Diana which of course was caused by the paparazzi chasing her in Paris. She is out there, I have to say. Look at this picture of her covered in blood! Gross! I think I like her music but I can't remember why. Does she do the stuff she does just to be different? Is she trying to hard or is she really like that. She's kind of a female version of Kiss!

I guess it wouldn't be the VMA's with chaos.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

Peppino's Restaurant!

Hi Everyone! I was just informed by our great friend, Angela Gargano that her family restaurant, "Peppino's" is closing in December! Owner/chef/(and Angela's father) Peppino Gargano is retiring after 35 years in the biz. Wow! I'm excited for the retirement but sad that I will no longer be able to go to one of the best restaurants in Madison. The atmosphere and friendly nature of Peppino's is something to behold. Peppino knows everyone in town and will call everyone by their fist name when you walk in the door. He's not serving dinner to a customer, he cooking dinner for a family member, about a half a million of them!

So, go say 'good luck and enjoy' to Peppino and have a great meal along with it. I know I am.

Jennifer

jenny jewlery line is incredible!

Hi Jennifer: I have been watching the new arrivals lately and noticed that you have a new jewelry line called "jenny". I love her fresh and interesting approach to jewelry. I also noticed that her pieces are listed as one-of-a-kind. I have to say I'm a little bummed out by that but completely understand why someone would only want to make something once. It's a ton of work and mass produced items can be less meaningful.

The piece I have listed is incredible and I love it. I was going to ask if she could make another one for me but if it's one-of-a-kind that hardly seems possible and would defeat the purpose.

How you guys styled this piece is fantastic and you never cease to amaze me with your site and customer service BUT I WANT THIS PIECE and I'm a little short on cash. It's expensive and I don't suppose you would hold it for me. I also sent you an email regarding this as well. Oh well, I hope you can help me out and I'm going out with some friends tonight so I have to go.

Talk to you later.

Lynn

Los Angeles, CA

I heart jenny

I love the new jewelry by jenny! It's new, fresh and a lot of her pieces are one of a kind :) I love these jenny "Line" Earrings they're are so different than any other earrings that currently own. I love that they are made out of sterling silver...unfortunately I have very sensitive ears so I have a lot of good experience wearing sterling silver!

Kalyn

Ellen is new 'Idol' Judge

Hi Jennifer & Friends! I have to say that I'm so excited to read the news that Ellen Degeneres is the fourth judge on American Idol replacing Paula Abdul. This is a stunning announcement and I couldn't be happier. I love Ellen!

I can hardly wait for her witty comments and I have to say that Simon had better watch his tongue with her. She will cut him to pieces and that will make for great television. Although in thinking about it, Simon only picked on Paula and nobody else so the banter will probably end anyway and a new fresh commentary is in the works.

I don't believe Ellen has any music credibility but I don't really think you need that anymore. The audience has a good ear (for the most part) and the judges only supply the contestant with advice and criticism. I think anyone can do that.

This is great news and I look forward to watching the show as I believe this is a smart move by Fox.

Lynn
Los Angeles, CA

P.S.

I love the new Salvage stuff Jennifer. Wow! Super cute!

The Beatles. . . . 40 years ago!

Hi Jennifer & Friends: For the past few weeks London has been revisiting the break up of the Beatles that took place 40 years ago this month and what's interesting is how the break up actually happened and who was responsible.

(John Lennon signs an autograph for his killer Mark Lee Chapman.)

I had no idea what had happened or how they broke up but the many articles written recently shows that John Lennon is the person who broke up the group but it was Paul McCartney who was blamed for it. Lennon broke up the group at the peak of their popularity because he saw changes coming in music industry which he believed would affect the band and cause them to decline and become insignificant. Lennon felt that the Beatles had their run and their best work was behind them. He wanted the band to be remembered in a positive way and stated in a meeting with McCartney and many other people that he wanted "a divorce" from the band and walked out of the room. He never returned. Granted, McCartney and Lennon had their problems before this but it was Lennon who ended it.

After the break up, McCartney then produced his own solo album and a release of the album had taken place months later after the 'divorce' comment. However, once the album came out the entire world thought it was McCartney who broke up the band as the album was made without the Beatles. McCartney has spent his entire life trying to live down this dubious accusation.

The Beatles were responsible for many things in music, fashion, pop culture, etc. The list of their achiements is long and impressive but any chance of a reunion ended on December 8 1980 when Mark Lee Chapman shot Lennon three times outside his house in New York.

Clare
London, England

Fall Fashions on TV

One thing (and maybe the only thing) that I enjoy about the Fall season is all the TV shows that come back. I'm a fan of Gossip Girl, I love to see what all the characters are wearing :) If you're not familiar with Gossip Girl you should definitely tune in on Mondays at 9pm on the CW.

All the girls on the show have fabulous style but they're all a little different. Vanessa has a very earthy look :) There's Jenny (who is my favorite) who has a very rocker girl edgy vibe. Than there's Blair who has very sophisticated style and is always so well put together. Finally there is Serena who has a little sexier look than the rest of the girls, she wears a lot of dresses and stylish reveling tops.

XOXO Kalyn

Fixing a closet crisis

Do you constantly find yourself out of closet space? I know I do. College housing doesn't offer the best of amentities when it comes to storing clothes and if you shop as much as I do the problem becomes even bigger. So when I found an article in InStyle Makeover about closet organization I thought I'd share it for all of us who don't have dream closets like Cher from Clueless. Here are my favorite tips:


1. Best storage options for Purses
Treat your purses as art. Buy pretty knobs or hooks and arrange them on the wall like you would a collection of pictures. Start with the largest handbag and build around it. Store special-occasion clutches in a translucent container on an accessible closet shelf and out-of-season bags on a high shelf.

2. Organization help
Group clothes by function (work, social, casual), then by type (skirts with skirts), and then color. Basically, aim to arrange clothes based on how you actually wear them. Another solution: Color-categorize hangers by function so you can quickly see where to hang them back up.

3. Find room for shoes and boots
Sort them by style or purpose and relegate shoes to different areas in the house based on use (ie. casual/errand running shoes placed by the front door in cubbies). Reserve closet for special pairs in hanging holders or racks on the floor. As for boots--avoid flopping by lining them up and stuffing them with magazines to preserve shape.

4. Create more capacity
Approach your closet as if you are packing for a trip: be conscious about what you put in it and fold and place objects with care to maximize room. Start evaluating your closet row by row and donate what you don't use. One of my personal heroes, Tim Gunn, instructs in his book, Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, that the first thing to do when building a wardrobe is to clean out and build from the ground up. Make three piles: Keep, Donate, and Mend and sort all clothes into one of the three. Be honest with yourself and don't keep anything you won't wear. For whatever you do keep, make a pledge to start wearing those items as part of your everyday wardrobe. Take things from the Mend pile to the tailor right away and rid yourself of anything that is taking up valuable space. You will feel better when you do.


Once you get organized, keep it that way.
Got 5 minutes?
Vacuum or sweep closet floor and refold messy piles of clothes.
Got 15?
Put a pop up mesh hamper or large shopping bag in the back of your closet from clothes that no longer fit or that you don't wear. Once it's full, give the items to charity.
Got an hour?
Make a "look book" by taking photos of your favorite outfits and gathering them in a three-ring binder. Catalogue by occasion--travel, dressy work, casual Friday--so you can get dressed quickly. Include runway images or magazine tears for inspiration. An even easier idea: Punch a hole in each photo and place on a key ring, then hang it off a hook on your closet door.

I hope these closet tips help you because they have certainly helped me. Nothing is better to a fashionista than having a well-organized, well-stocked closet.

Mandy


[Source: Instyle]

Soul Revival "Amanda" Jumpsuit

I love this Soul Revival "Amanda" Jumpsuit it's amazing! Sometimes jump suites can be a little out of control with too much going on on a novelty piece... but this one is just perfect :) I also love that it comes with a cool fashionable belt. The belt is also removable so you can wear it over and over again!

Kalyn

Knee-Length Skirts

Going into fall, one of the best lengths for skirts is at the knee. Knee-length looks are so easy to wear. This season, knee-length skirts and dresses come in a variety of fullnesses, including poufy skirts, pencil skirts and circle skirts.
We have this Miss Me "Ruffle Pin" Skirt to start you out right for fall. This skirt is flawless and can be worn dressed up for the office or with a fun tank and a leather jacket for that rocker look.

You can email me at jessicap@jlamore.com if you have any questions or need some help.

Jessica
Model/Stylist

Welcome Lisa from Wichita

Hi friends: Please give a big welcome to our new shopping friend Lisa from Wichita, KS. I've never been to Wichita but I look forward to reading Lisa's reviews and her blogs about her life and her interests.

So, welcome Lisa and recently Laura from Philadelphia. It's so great to have you on the site. If you need anything please let me know.

Jennifer

J. LaMore is constantly upgrading the website and is looking into more offers and benefits for our friends all the time. If you are interested, please sign up to become a friend. Its easy, it's FREE, there's no obligation, and you receive discounts and other benefits.

Fall Fashion Week. . . .Coming up!

Hi Jennifer and welcome new friend Laura. Nice to meet you! If you ever get to London please let me know.

In the upcoming week NY will have fashion week! This is one event I would love to go to but it never works out for me. I remember many years ago I was in Paris, France and I was able to "party" with some of fashionistas and it was only because I happened to be at a club when a large after party was going on and it was pure luck I happened to be there but it was a fantastic party. I have been hooked on fashion weeks ever since.

NY Fashion week is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and begins Thursday, September 10, and goes for one week ending Thursday, September 17.

I would love to have Jennifer send me to the show as a correspondent for jlamore.com but registration for that ended weeks ago. Maybe next year. :)

Clare
London, England