Fashion Crimes Podcast

Do you have burning fashion questions? Have you been slipping into Holly’s social DMs to ask your deepest, darkest style questions? Well – you are not alone, because we get a TON of questions.    So, we only thought it was fair to share one simple fact: Everyone has questions about ‘what to wear.” Every. Body.    And Fun Fact: Holly LOVES to answer your fashion questions. So, if you have ever sent her a message then you already know this: HOLLY ANSWERS!    It’s shocking. We know. But WE ARE THE BEST FASHION FRIEND YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED, remember? And we mean it. You are our Fashion Besties, and we are here to help.   This week, Holly does some shout-outs to listeners who have shared their own fashion concerns – which also just happen to be the type of questions many women “of a certain age” might have.   LISTEN HERE NOW   Question from Christine:  How to shop for clothes when vertically-challenged (aka, short)?   Answers from Holly: If you are 5’ 3” tall or less, you are in the Petite category of sizing. This should not come as a surprise to you. You have always needed to make clothes work for you. So, no newsflash there.    The only rule you need to know is this: Buy only for fit. Not for fad. And certainly not on the wish that you were taller. Not. Happening.    What IS happening is called alterations. Go to your local dry cleaner and make a new BFF with the tailor at your cleaners. Hemming a dress, skirt or pants is not rocket science! If your clothes fit you perfectly, it does not matter how tall you are. Or are not.    This may mean one extra step when purchasing something new to wear, but you can do it. And it is worth the minimal cost and time it takes.   From Lisa:  What are the rules for mixing prints, and can I really do it?    Answers from Holly: First, some key points. It takes a lot of confidence to pull off this look. It is advised that this style may be for seasoned and experienced shoppers!   Next: but anyone can do it.    Holly suggests concocting a highly curated mix for this look. Stay in the same color family, to start. If you are trying this look for the first time, do this:   Start with nice jeans as your foundation. Pick a nice jacket or blazer with a pattern. Layer a printed shirt in the same color family - and maybe with a smaller pattern - under the jacket.    From afar, you will look well-dressed in a jacket and pants. But closer up, the ‘Wow Factor’ pops out from under the jacket.    LESS IS MORE, PEOPLE!!!  Do not try this look for the first time with flower-patterned pants and a polka-dot top. Most humans cannot pull this look off - and shouldn’t try.   You CAN try a patterned bag or shoe, or other accessories with prints and patterns, as less risky alternatives.  From Sticky Bakery in Toronto:  What the heck does “dressing age-appropriate” actually mean?  (And yes, this question is from a bakery!! LOVE IT)   Answers from Holly: While this topic is something Holly talks about EVERY SINGLE EPISODE, the term ‘age-appropriate’ can actually be confusing depending on how old you are and where you are in your life at any age.    As an example: Holly is 49 years old. But 49 for one person is not the same for another. If you are 49 years old with no children and are a fashion professional, your style needs may be different than someone else who is 49 and enjoying her days helping to take care of her new grandbaby.     Dressing age-appropriate simply means not giving up-putting in some effort and wearing clothes that fit. Not dressing too old or dressing only to be comfortable. It also means not dressing too young. If your clothes are too tight, you are dressing too young. If your clothes are baggy, you are dressing for comfort. THESE ARE MAJOR FASHION CRIMES.   We don’t care how old you are, your clothes need to fit you well and you need to dress with intention. Meaning: Don’t give up. Don’t slob-out.    Holly encourages people to dress a little out of their comfort zone and be a little unpredictable. Do not dress “safe.” Take a small risk and get yourself in a place that makes people question your age.    Because that's what great style is: When people have no idea how old you are. Suggested ways to combat dressing too old:   Buy nice jeans that have stretch in them. Not high-waisted, Mom jeans. Not your old 501 Levi’s. Shop for jeans that fit well and hold you in. If you need new evening shoes, and you are worried your feet will hurt, take the extra time to shop for style and comfort. Not just comfort. No old lady shoes with padding and low heels, or no heels. You CAN find a beautiful shoe with a lower heel that is still dressy and fun.  If you are ready to let your hair color go grey (which is fine), have a plan. Go to your hairstylist and learn how to transition your color. But more importantly, you must still have a hair STYLE. Just because you go grey does not mean that you don’t need a current haircut or you stop blowing out your hair. Long, wiry, non-styled hair is not OK.  You need to keep it looking sharp.  From Linda:  How can I dress better without breaking the bank when I work in a corporate job supporting higher-level executives?     Answers from Holly: When you shop for brands that fit your body best, you won't have to spend a lot to get a great look. Wearing the best-fitting slacks and dresses will automatically elevate your style. Then add fabulous accessories to pull it all together.    Understand what your body needs. If shapewear or support is needed underneath, get fitted for a great bra and wear the shapewear.    Keep your shoes in great shape and buy yourself a freaking nice handbag. Shoes and bags do not need to be high-end designer brands, but they do need to look nice and be made of quality materials. Pick a color and style that is not trendy. And honestly, if your bag costs a little bit more, consider it as an investment in your career. You can easily use a nice bag for 10 years!   And the secret sauce? Gift yourself with a Jiffy steamer. Crisply ironed clothes go a long way in making your style look elevated.    From Maryann at Cape Wishes: What is your favorite bra brand for someone over 50, and I mean, wayyyy over 50?   Answers from Holly: Holly has 3 go-to’s for bras:   Marie-Jo    Prima Donna   Rigby & Peller A great fitting bra changes your perspective on how you look in clothing. Just because you're a Size A does not mean you opt out of getting fitted for a bra. Period. Exclamation point!   If you are extra large, you need to get a minimizer or something that really fits. This means a bra that holds your breast tissue up and on the inside frame of your body - not down, not out, not up to your chin - to define your waist. Y’all know we’ve talked about this before. Go. Get. Fitted. For. A. Damn. Bra.   Anyway, that’s it for this week. I cannot thank my new Fashion Besties Lisa, Christine, Linda, Sticky Bakery Toronto and Maryann for writing in!   Do you have fashion questions for Holly? Go to her Instagram and leave her a DM, and don’t be shocked when she answers you.    If she does not, by chance, see your message the first time, you have our permission to send the following message in all caps: I WILL NOT BE IGNORED, HOLLY! And then she will answer, we promise.    Please subscribe, like, download, share, etc. the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST as much as you can! We just want to share the fashion love.     www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

So, you’ve heard of “Saying Yes to the Dress” if you are a bride.  Next, comes the “Mother of the Bride” dress ideas all over Pinterest.    But you know what you don’t see? Nothing for the “Mother of the Groom.” Nada. Zilch!  #RUDEEEE   And, since Holly is about to become one, not only does she have a bone to pick with the fashion industry, but she also has some INCREDIBLE suggestions for all those moms out there, who need to look their best without outshining the bride - and/or for sure - the mother of the bride.    Coming in at 3rd Place in the wedding pecking order does not mean that what you wear does not matter. Just because you do not have the pressure of being the “Mother of the Bride” does not mean you don’t own a place at the table. You do.     There are so many layers to consider when deciding the TONE of what to wear to your son’s wedding that it is daunting. But the truth is, there are some simple style rules to follow, and YOU CAN DO ITTTT!!   Holly is here to save the day with her style suggestions. Be sure to follow her on Pinterest and see her curated MOTHER OF THE GROOM board for guidance. Her suggestions are much more updated than what you will find in bridal stores. Because if you have ever been to one, as the Mother of the Groom, it is depressing, sad and just tired.   So, first off: Shopping for events like this becomes especially difficult for those who may hate to shop. Shopping too early for your perfect dress just to get it over with when you have a big event is a FASHION CRIME.     Important to know for our Boy Moms, and for all women, is based on Holly’s basic principle:  SHOP FOR YOUR BODY TYPE, and SHOP FOR FIT.    Also?   The day your son comes to you and says some woman wants to marry them, you need to thank God, and Allah, and the Space Aliens that you have raised a respectable person that another person wants to spend the rest of their life with. Can we just celebrate that? You are a SUPERHUMAN for raising an award winning son that someone wants be with 24/7. #awinisawin     “The day your son comes to you, and says he wants to get married; you should breathe a sigh of relieve right then and there.” – Holly Katz, mother of the groom.     The wedding of your son is an important event. You will have the pictures of this moment for the rest of your life. So please give yourself some grace and love yourself enough to make these moments matter by allowing yourself to look as wonderful and happy as you feel. This is called self-love, and you deserve it after raising a boy. I mean, let's be honest.   Your son still looks up to you with pride. You are the shining beacon that has always guided him. Showing up with confidence and pride – when you happy with your look and style for his big day – he will feel confident, becuase you do.    So, if this moment feels daunting you to, just know that this isn't rocket science. There's a gajillion dresses in the world. You only need 1. Maybe 2. Really. We promise this will be easier than middle school.     The Top 3 Pain Points for Mothers of the Groom:    Pain Point #3: “I don’t want to upstage the bride”    Holly’s first thought is: “Great. That’s adorable.”  But what Holly really wants to say is: “Bitch, PLEASE.” Because unless you are a 50+ supermodel, that ain’t gonna happen. You can quote Holly on that.     What you are really saying is: I want to be in my fashion comfort zone, I don’t want to try too hard.” This is setting yourself up to fail – because you want little-to-no attention on you.     You may not be saying this consciously, but unconsciously, you are insecure in this situation. Recognize that, so we can fix that.     Pain Point #2: “I don’t want to show my arms, or legs, or what-have-you”     Do not hold yourself back because you have body issues. When you focus on this, you are not open. You need to be open to anything and everything. You never know what might work for you.     For example: you don’t want to show off your legs, so in your mind, you have a length or style that you reject before you even try it on. TRY IT ALL ON first. Then decide if your legs work or not. But, do not avoid a style based on your fear.     STOP HOLDING YOURSELF BACK.    Pain Point #1: Money  When you don’t shop a lot, you are not familiar with how much things cost, or why they cost what they cost. As with anything, you get what you pay for.     So set a budget. Shop within that budget and buy what FITS your body and your budget. There is something for every body type, and every budget.     When it comes to evening wear – it may seem frivolous to spend a lot money on a one-time occasion.     But think of it this way: if you have a child in your life getting married, so are all their friends. Chances are, you will be invited as “parent friends” to a ton of weddings in the next few years.  You can wear a gown many times.     If it’s too formal, after your son’s wedding, you can change the length of the dress, add a sleeve, alter it to change the style for a different look.  NOT NECESSARY TO BUY A NEW OUTFIT FOR EVERY OCCASION. Please.     Second-hand or special occasion rental is always a great idea!   Putting the Look Together:    The Dress  Shapewear  Shoes  Jewelry  Evening Bag*  Possibly a wrap or a coat    *Do not assume you can ask your husband to hold your lipstick, phone and credit card in their suit pockets. A bag is part of the outfit, and you need your stuff with you. All night. Not having a fashionable, function evening bag is a major FASHION CRIME. #notnegotiable      How to Shop for the Outfit:    You must shop in person: fondle the fabric, try things on, take your high heels, wear the shapewear. At the very least, learn what does not fit you, so you can shop for what does fit and looks bet on you. Is it itchy? Does it stretch? Is a size 10 the same for one brand, and different for another? GO. IN. PERSON.  Dress brands to consider:  Tom and Linda Platt  Bagley Mischka  Mac Dougal  Black Halo  Teri Jon  Chiara Boni  Zac Posen  Consider shapewear: Do you need a strapless bra? Do you need something around your tummy? This is the first place to start.   Do not shop only online. You will slow down the process. Try on

The 2023 Academy Awards just happened, so Holly is back this week to discuss Red Carpet fashions with “just a few comments and opinions,” because who would we be if your favorite personal stylist didn't give her opinion on Hollywood’s biggest night?     Duh, that is why we are here! #Helloooooo    In this episode, Holly takes us through her favorite hits and misses on the 2023 Red Carpet, helping you understand what the stars are wearing, so you can learn how this type of high fashion will translate and trickle down to regular everyday folks.     In general, the Oscars do not aim for the outrageous or wacky factor like we see for the Met Gala or the Grammys. This is the absolute highest honor in the film industry. Traditionally, the Academy Awards Red Carpet is where the world's most prestigious stars present themselves in the way they'll be remembered decades from now. And, at least this year, most people understood the assignment.     But hold on a minute! Did you know that in 2023, the “Red Carpet” is not actually red anymore?(We are still calling it the “Red Carpet” for this episode, however.)    So, fun fact:   The New York Times recently quoted a big-time celebrity event planner, Mandy Weiss, and she said the color of the red carpets has changed because of fashion. It must match the dresses, and the color red just really clashes. The carpet has been red since 1961, back when it was all about a star’s movie and what role they were nominated for.     Now it's all about what the stars are wearing and which designer they are wearing. The New York Times states that, in fact, event planners say trends and carpet colors now correlate with the trends on the runways. "It all goes back to fashion and style and trendsetting," says Mrs. Weiss. The carpet should reflect the fashion that's going to walk down the carpet and not fight with it.    So, this year it was called the Champagne Carpet. Alrighty then. We can roll with it.     HOLLY'S TOP PICKS:    Halle Berry   Halle wore a stunning angelic white haltered gown by Tamara Ralph with a thigh-high slit, a midsection cutout, and a flowing skirt. But the most notable aspect of the look was the shimmery pink rose appliqués placed delicately across the neck and at her hip.     Honey, that slit up the leg! We mean, we literally couldn't tell she if had underwear on. That's how high it was...and speaking of her legs, she sure does have the legs pull off this dress. She was absolute perfection.    Michelle Yeoh  Continuing with the white trend, Michelle Yeoh made history when she won the award for Best Actress at the Oscars, becoming the first Asian woman to take home the prize. It had already been a hugely successful award season for the actress, not just in terms of recognition, but also when it came to her red-carpet style.    But, when it came to deciding what to wear for the biggest night of them all, Yeoh turned to Dior and creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, who created a beautiful feathered white gown especially for her.    This dress initially may look like just a lot of fabric, maybe even like a bridal gown. However, it was handmade by Dior Haute Couture atelier – featured waves of feathers in ivory silk organza. It had a sleeveless illusion top which made her dress look strapless from far away but wasn't. When you take a closer look, you can see the illusion part which is a netting. Added with diamond earrings, her hair style, and her diamond jewelry, she was next level! She is just stunningly, remarkably gorgeous at 60 years old. We had to look that up! She's completely fabulous.     Emily Blunt  Blunt matched a form-fitting, off-the-shoulder Valentino dress with a white clutch that was adorned with pearls and a silver appliqué to keep the outfit monochrome. She added hanging, embellished earrings to her stylish updo of backswept hair.    Blunt showed that an off-the-shoulder column dress, done right, can be perfection. The understated gown got a dollop of bling courtesy of Blunt's Judith Leiber envelope clutch and a double dose of pink perfection via a pair of Chopard chandelier earrings. DYING over the earrings.    When Holly says “off the shoulder,” it was boob level, low, low off-the-shoulder. But she is so beautiful. You can see how gorgeous her skin is. And those gorgeous earrings! She had very, very natural makeup. She was just glowing and effortlessly chic.    Mindy Kaling  One of Holly’s top looks of the night in custom Vera Wang was Mindy Kaling. She was someone who made Holly fall out of her chair! Never have we seen her look so beautiful and elegant. The custom Vera Wang white dress featured off-the-shoulder sleeves and a mesh Illusion with white boning bodice. So unexpected and fashion forward! Her hair was simply slicked back and effortless. She just looked stunning, stunning, stunning. #NEXTLEVEL   Eva Longoria  Wowza. Speaking of wowza, and we mean wowza! Eva Longoria in her Zuhair Murad couture beaded deep V-neck gown just brought a level of elegance that very, very few can achieve successfully pull off. This dress was made for her - even though this dress was a disco ball. (Those were her words, not ours.) But a chic disco ball.   But it didn't look like a disco ball, and it was not too much on her, even though she is a bit “vertically challenged.” She is not tall. She is a very petite and small person, but she just looked like a supermodel and this dress.     TREND ALERT:  Longoria’s dress was a very sexy dress and with the mirrors on it, which has been a trend that we’ve seen a for a few seasons now.  Normal people can add this trend in simple ways: on a sweater or jeans, a sweatshirt, or just on a handbag.     Instead of sequins, it's like wearing tiny, little mirrors. This look, in small doses, can easily trickle down for styles for us regular people.    Sofia Carson  Dressed in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, what looks like a gown is actually a custom white draped silk-chiffon off-shoulder crop-top featuring a twisted cut-out bodice paired with an asymmetrical waist ball gown skirt.     Sofia styled her look with a Chopard necklace featuring seven octagonal shaped emeralds totaling 122.49-carats along with 92.57-carats of pear-shaped, marquise cut, baguette cut and round shaped diamonds set in Fairmined-certified white gold jewelry from the Haute Joaillerie Collection. www.chopard.com  O.M.G.   Everybody was talking about this necklace. It looked like something you see in a museum. This necklace...absolutely unreal! She must have had security guards around her by the 1000s. We mean, she probably couldn't pee that night by herself, right??      Tems  For the Oscars, Tems (the Grammy-winning Nigerian artist—born Temilade Openiyi— who is the first African woman to have five Billboard hits) selected a custom white sculptural gown from Ukrainian brand Lever Couture's AW22 Leleka Couture collection, a look that Tems described as

Hiiiiiii fashion insider besties! 😍   Atlanta Designer Spotlight Alert! This week we have Yolanda White; founder of Dayo Women. Established in 2018, Dayo Women is the premier destination for stylish, modern women who want to find high-quality, elegant women’s loungewear. Join us this week to learn how this powerhouse executive went from the C-Suite to designing loungewear and the incredible results of her journey.    “It’s time to feel beautiful, powerful, and comfortable at home. No more t-shirts, constricting lace, boring pajamas, or hubby’s clothes… Dayo is for women!!”    With a team of outstanding women from around the world, Dayo was created to redefine loungewear with new silhouettes, fabrics, and construction to allow women to move with comfort, style, and versatility to fit any mood.  Being introduced to Yolanda, Holly wanted to know about this brand and how she could get in these hot pajamas as quickly as possible. The fabrics are soft as soft can be, tencel some mixed with lycel, all made in Italy.  And if that isn’t fabulous enough, Dayo's exquisite fabrics are durable and machine washable – using sustainable and natural fabrics – and you know those are Holly’s favorite words!  With exactly zero fashion design experience, Yolanda jumped on this idea as she needed functional, easy clothing to wear multiple ways both in and out of the house. She loves to celebrate women, their changing bodies and helping women understand that anyone can look and feel beautiful.    “One insight that really drove me is, as women, we show up beautifully put together for strangers. And when it's time for us to show up for ourselves, we don’t.”    Much of the research for her designs came from actually asking her girlfriends what they loved about their own bodies. What areas they were challenged by. Moms are at home; they are moving, cleaning, running errands and then back at home when someone may knock on the door, and they must open it up and face whomever is standing there. Even if it’s the Amazon delivery man, it can be all about comfort at home, but don’t give in to sloppy.   On her website you will find under the "Styling Room" styling tips with dozens of different ways to wear her elements versi scarf, her wrap top, the lounge bra band and so much more. You can count on Dayo Women to really understand what women need during their downtime to feel both comfortable and stylish.  In addition to her clothing line, she curates women’s discussion panels to present ideas about living with a limitless mindset, and pop-ups called “Self-Love Saturdays,” and many other unique events to celebrate Women’s History Month.  She is sharing the love, y’all – and we are here for it!  The Dayo Dresses can also be styled many ways and can give you the elegance of a dress  with the comfort of soft fabrics, adjustable sleeves, different ways to tie them and show off your favorite parts. Can we add one more piece of genius? POCKETS!! Pockets, people. Because women need a damn pocket. #FACTS On the video posted on the Fashion Crimes Podcast You Tube Channel, you will find the video of Holly modeling the the new endless cape and the ultimate lounge palazzo pants. The endless cape is everything a woman needs to cover up easily and be stylish. This design is soft and free-flowing and can be worn with an under-the-top, bra band, or alone. It has a reversible aspect that will allow you to style multiple ways, including off the shoulders, tied around the waist, or draped over a shirt or dress. Also, great for moms breastfeeding. This outfit is so incredibly comfortable and verstitale it can easily be worn for day or night. Styled with a sneaker or a heel, this is something that will never go out of style.  Make sure you follow dayowomen on instagram and be a part of this community lead by designer and founder, Yolanda White. Her and Holly have become fast besties, and now we are so proud to have her as a friend of the podcast!   Thanks for joining us again this week, don't know how your day can get any better. Please follow us, like us, love us and let us know how we can help solve your fashion and style issues!   FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com  Your favorite personal stylist and the only Holly you need to know,  Holly Katz

Last week, your favorite personal stylist and our podcast hostess with the mostest, Holly Katz, shared EXCLUSIVE fashion news straight from New York Fashion Week 2023 in Episode 132. This week in Episode 133, she’s back with an in-depth discussion on the NEW TRENDS you will be seeing in stores and online soon, and how to incorporate them into your own wardrobe.  Note to some of us of a certain age, these “trends” may not necessarily be “new” to you:  Moto jackets Cargo pockets Leather pants, shirts, shorts, tops, dresses, and blazers Viva Magenta dressing – Pantone’s Color of the Year Tie Dye  Minimalist neutral  Deconstruction dressing Storybook dressing Pop Art on clothing MOTO JACKETS: If you have been a fan of the podcast, or a client of Holly’s, you will know that the classic Moto jacket is considered a staple for anyone looking to zhoosh up their style. Wear casual with jeans, dress one up with a maxi dress, or even wear it over your shoulders with a more formal dress. Loving this! These jackets come in a variety of colors and embellishments, and never really go out of style. A moto jacket (or motorcycle jacket) is the one with large lapels, zippers and hits shorter at the top of your waist. The moto jacket is evergreen. Other leathers like a bomber jacket or other styles of leathers aren't always in style, but the moto jacket is. You can wear it for any season, day or night. Try one in a fun color.  Brands to Shop:  Iro | www.iroparis.com All Saints | | www.allsaints.com Nour Hammour | www.nour-hammour.com CARGO POCKETS As much as it pains Holly to say it: cargo pockets are back. #NOTOKAY. She has never liked this trend. Ever, Never. Ever. However, anything high-end designer with a cargo pocket is obvi an exception to Holly's "DO NOT WEAR" rule. Keep in mind that it is still a Fashion Crime to wear cargo shorts, or ugly camo cargo pants. #GIRLNO Of Note: Cargo pants add volume to your thigh area, so be aware that this style is not for all body types! If you are ready to try this trend, dress it up. Get some designer slacks and pair them with a blazer.  Or maybe silk cargos or faux silk joggers and dress it up with a heel. An oversized jacket with cargo pockets is also a great way to try this trend. Brands to Shop:  Marc Jacobs | www.marcjacobs.com Proenza Schouler | www.proenzaschouler.com Rag and Bone | www.rag-bone.com Heron Preston | www.heronpreston.com   EVERYTHING LEATHER: Leather is not just for jackets anymore. Every designer at NYFW had some version of leather (or faux leather) in their shows. Holly saw everything from soft draping leather, to structured blazers and long, plain, A-line dresses. Look for leather pants, leather shirts and shorts, blazers, tops, dresses and skirts.    Brands to Shop: Proenza Schouler | www.proenzaschouler.com Bibhu Mohapatra | www.bibhu.com   VIVA MAGENTA – COLOR OF THE YEAR: If you missed our “Color of the Year” episode, please go back and listen to Episode 127 - Viva Magenta | Pantone’s Color of the Year. Literally, everything from the pink family was featured in all the shows that Holly attended. This pink trend, in various shades from the Color of the Year to bright neon, will be everywhere and isn't going away any time soon.   TYE-DYE: This is not your Grateful Dead T-shirt tie-die, people. The newer version is a lot more sophisticated. Designers at Zara and Proenza use ice dyeing on velvet maxi dresses and it. was. stunning. Ulla Johnson’s Serafina Gown is made from prismatic silk twill, with a lightweight purple fabrication printed with shibori motifs.  There's also botanical dyeing, which Holly has seen quite a bit of lately, using real flowers and plants to create designs on clothes. What she loves about dyeing is the originality of wearing something that's very unique and unlike anything else. It's really an art form. Look into the tie-dye trend and see if there's something that you would be interested in. We also have a FABULOUS episode dedicated to the art of tie-die, featuring our Bestie Lindsay of Made by Keeper. Listen to Episode 76 here.   Brands to Shop:  Zara | www.zara.com Proenza Schouler | www.proenzaschouler.com Ulla Johnson | www.ullajohnson.com   MINIMALIST NEUTRAL: This really goes back to monochromatic dressing but with simpler, easy silhouettes. Pair some easy slacks, like a wide-leg, high-waisted pant that's comfortable with a bandeau top and a long cotton trench. Think of it as a long matching set.  Designers were showing muted colors like grey, sea foam, ivory, and the beiges.  See Holly’s curated Pinterest board this week for images of this trend, and everything discussed today.  DECONSTRUCTION DRESSING: What is deconstruction dressing? It looks like one garment that was totally made up of pieces of other garments. Designer Thom Browne is well-known for this style, and many others have taken men’s dress skirts and blazers and cut them into new items while maintaining their original elements. It may not be a look for everyone, much but one that will always leave you as a conversation starter!   Brands to Shop: Thom Browne | www.thombrowne.com Monse | https://monse.com/   STORYBOOK DRESSING: Think of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales. In the old days, we called it Goth.  Holly saw it all: old-school 1990-2000s Gothic! Yes, you heard it right. It’s painful: Rave pants with chains, bonnets, dark makeup, Victorian-style boots, Peter Pan collars just like the Adams Family, petticoats, and layered dresses with really large collars. As she has said before: the 90s are back. Ugh!    Holly has already warned you that if you're seeing this trend for the 2nd time around, it's okay if you want to wear ONE element of a trend. Moderation, people!! For many of us though, this is a trend we are seeing this again and might bring back some not-so-great college outfit memories. Tread carefully!   POP ART CLOTHING: NYFW was full of models walking down the catwalks wearing art-inspired images on clothing. And just like art, style is subjective. This trend must make sense for you and your lifestyle.  It will be interesting to see what you like out of these trends - and how the stores will be interpreting the trickle-down effect to the middle-American customer. Let us know what you like and if you try one of these new trends! We’d love to hear from you! LOVE us, FOLLOW us, SHARE us, DM us! Join our posse of fashion besties by listing every Friday to the FASHION CRIMES PODCAST! FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Holly recently attended the 2023 February New York Fashion Week and is here to report that this was one for the record books! On this episode, she shares the highs – and the lows – of what is about to come your way in fashion and style. Traditionally, your favorite personal stylist, and podcast hostess with the mostest, attends about 13 to 15 shows during NYFW. But this year, Holly took the new approach of quality over quantity, and frankly, she is not sorry. Getting to enjoy the art of fashion, rather than running all through NY traffic and weather, really gave her a chance to study what the latest trends, designs, and fabrics designers are showing this year. The purpose of this episode is to encourage you to learn how to interpret these new fashion trends, and ultimately, incorporate them into your own wardrobe! Now would be a good time to remind you to head over to Holly’s Pinterest boards to see all the new fashions mentioned in this episode, as well as photos from the shows. Make sure there are no distractions for the next 30 minutes because let's be honest, this is the stuff we all need to know! PROENZA SCHOULER What Holly saw: Their clothes were on another level this year! They paired a fleece hoodie with a black A-line leather skirt. Holly loved the way they style their suiting, which has been around for several seasons now. They paired an oversized white jacket with like an asymmetrical midi straight skirt and slouchy white boots. There was a skinny contrasting black belt around the jacket. And there were several dresses that were long with “carwash” detailing. (If you don't know what carwash detailing is – think of when you go through a carwash and you go through the strips that are wavy like noodles. THAT is the detailing of some of the dresses at the show.} What Holly liked: #1 – This company has nice people who work there and appreciate their customers. #2 – They have a variety of price points, meaning their current line is expensive, but they carry another brand, which is a lesser price point called White Label with the same aesthetic as the full price line, just different fabrics that are a little bit more relatable to moderately priced consumers. #3- Lastly and most importantly, consistent sizing. Season in and season out, the Proenza sizing and fit are something you can rely on.   PATBO What Holly saw: PatBo is a very hip women's wear brand by Patricia Bonaldi. She is a Brazilian designer who has been sewing since she was a child and started making gowns for private clients in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The woman who wears this brand tends to skew a bit younger with styles that show a lot of skin and leg. Along with gorgeous gowns and two-piece sets that are full of embellishments, sequins, and beads for days. All beautifully made.   What Holly liked: Holly loves this designer’s playful and beautiful use of embroidery, fringe, beading, sequins, and adornments that are over-the-top and fabulous.   UMMM VERY IMPORTANT PSA: Just know that at this point in the episode, Holly shares that she met one of her Peloton idols: Ally Love. And if that wasn’t girl-crush enough, Ally had on the most spectacular PatBo two-piece ivory fringe and pearl embroidered mini skirt set ever seen. DYYYIIINNGG. We love her. The PatBo customer is definitely a party girl who loves to turn heads when she walks into a room. This is always a fabulous show and never disappoints. SERGIO HUDSON The Sergio Hudson collection is a ready-to-wear label crafted entirely in the USA, with meticulous attention to detail that is at the forefront of every single garment. He is known for dressing celebrities, such as Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Jennifer Lopez. What Holly saw: Hudson’s show was a complete and total throwback to the early 90s. All the models channeled their inner “Fran Drescher,” with literally the same hairstyle, a suit with a short short (and we mean SHORT! Like no pants on short!) skirt, pumps, a suit jacket, and dark pantyhose. Every single model had their hair wavy and very long past their shoulders, with part of their hair up and part down like we used to wear in high school - complete with a scrunchie! What Holly liked: This show was really playful and played up the styles that are just for the show and some that will actually go into production. It was all about neon colors, and 90s hair and makeup. Flirty clothes with a twist on a business suit in a really fun way. There are so many things in his ready-to-wear collection that Holly would love for herself: Jackets with very strong shoulders, wide-leg pants, and the belts, the belts, the belts, they are really the most elegant way to top off one of his looks. Holly highly recommends you try a pair of pants just to see if you like the fit. CAROLINA HERRERA (omg) This was literally the opportunity of a lifetime for Holly. (She tells us how she ended up getting a seat at the very last minute because someone very special went above and beyond to get her a ticket.) The show was at the Plaza Hotel and if you've never been to the Plaza, do yourself a favor the next time you are in New York City and go there even if you go sit at the bar and have a Bougie overpriced drink! Anyway….. What Holly saw: Timeless, ageless, elegant style. Needless to say, when you go to a show like Carolina Herrera, you just cannot compare it to the other brands. Herrera makes gorgeous, showstopping, and timeless clothes that are an investment. When you purchase a dress from this designer, you wear it forever. It never goes out of style. This is true elegance. There is just no comparison to it. What Holly liked: Beaded, cropped pants and a matching jacket, a color-blocked sheath dress, a purple and green damask dress with a train, a black and white striped strapless dress with floral shoes, a floral gown with sheer sleeves, a yellow and white chevron dress with pants underneath, a red and pink striped dress, AND, a floral pantsuit. She loved it all. All of it. Every bit. She will get one of these dresses. Oh yes. Markarian NYC This designer has been sewing since she was a child with her grandmother. She started this line in 2017 and designs dresses, bridal wear, blouses, jackets, and everything in between. She can make anything custom – a customer can change the top of one dress or put them on the bottom of another, change the fabric, or use a different strap. You can choose from anything she has to create your own look. Everything is made locally in New York City.  She had a presentation, not a runway show, which means it was like a cocktail party where she shows her line in a more intimate setting. What Holly Saw: The venue was stunning with clothes in different rooms that were decorated with gorgeous dried flowers everywhere. There was a jazz band, and the whole aesthetic was very 1920s, and very, very, iconic New York. What Holly liked: Party dresses and sequined skirts–and especially a sequined fish-scale skirt that has Holly’s fingerprints all over it. Holly loves this brand because it is sophisticated, very achievable, and wearable for all. This designer is not out of reach, nor is a ridiculous price point. Please visit Markarian-nyc.com. They are a small company and you would be supporting a small women-owned brand that is fabulous! For more visuals and to really get a taste of Holly’s NYFW, check out her Pinterest board and follow her on Instagram!

Footwear designer Ashley Cole has had a passion for business and fashion from a very young age. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelors of Fashion Merchandising, she worked for Giorgio Armani, Diane von Furstenberg, and JetBlue Airways. Ashley comes from a very entrepreneurial family – her father, David Neeleman, is the founder of JetBlue Airways. Her first real job after college was working at JetBlue under Stan Herman, an American fashion designer who was President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), until 2006 at which time Diane von Furstenberg took over the position. He is also known worldwide for his leading-edge corporate uniforms. Ashley tells us she feels very lucky to have worked with Herman, as he was hired to lead JetBlue toward being a fashion-forward airline.  And while that was an incredible experience to work with him, Ashley was ready to go off and do her own thing.  In 2015, Ashley created Cecelia New York, named after her first daughter. Her designs incorporate style and comfort with the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship, using Italian leathers with a range of authentic and luxurious materials.  The Cecelia New York shoe line is now carried at Nordstrom, Anthropologie, SAKS Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and specialty stores internationally. In this episode, Ashley tells us about life as a designer and business owner, while raising her 6 children in Holladay, UT, near Salt Lake City. You read that right. 6 KIDS. She continues the family tradition of raising entrepreneurs by involving her children along every step of the design, production and marketing processes and values their input!  Holly asks about Ashley’s design background and start in the fashion industry:   “In my life, I have to be really engaged. And I if I can hyper-focus on something, I feel like I can make anything happen. So, I wanted to find a place where I could do business and fashion because fashion is such a passion. But I knew I loved business, too. So, I did some electives in design, but it was not my major. My major was actually in business.” – Ashley Cole After hiring different designers to help start her business, she felt frustrated when no one was able to really get to what she had in her mind.  She found herself sketching out her own ideas. She wasn’t formally trained for that, but she feels her exposure while working with major designers and mentors gave her a real-time learning.  Who is the Cecelia New York Customer? Ashley tells us that her customer is a woman who doesn't mind getting noticed, and who likes a little something special, a little different. But it needs to be wearable. As a mom of six herself, she is always chasing kids. The Cecelia customer needs function, but also a little extra. The target age is mid 30’s and up to whoever wants a little more style in their life. #YESPLEASE What is the price point of your shoes? Ashley says she is sensitive to the expense of her shoes, but just cannot skimp on the craftsmanship of her shoes, or compromise on the quality of the materials she chooses.  “I wish I could help people understand what a quality shoe costs to produce. We use the best leathers, we bring them in from Italy. We really work on quality and comfort. And, try to give a price that is attainable. There is so much that goes into making a quality shoe.” – Ashley Cole Sustainability is also a factor.  Her team spends a lot of time in their factories in Italy. There are very strict tests that monitor the chemicals and processes they use.  They are working toward more sustainable designs because Ashley knows it is so important. People want durability, but not by hurting our earth, when wearing something beautiful.  Key to this area is taking care of the people who work in her factories. She says the workers are happy and love their jobs. She makes it a point to visit the factories and to care for the people who ultimately produce her designs The Cecelia Shoe Designs: From Ashley’s famous Hibiscus flower embellishment to high-style boots and functional, pretty flats, not only are her designs fun, flirty, pretty, and unique, but they are COMFORTABLE!  The HIBISCUS FLOWER Heel: A bold flower blooms at the ankle of an attention-grabbing, lace-up sandal lifted by an angled block heel. Comes in a rainbow of beautiful colors! Heel style:  block/chunky. Toe style:  open toe The LILA Flat: The LILA Flat is the perfect flower flat.  The leather upper and moldable flower add a chic touch to a comfortable flat - designed to wear comfortably all day. The BRACKET Boot: The BRACKETT ankle boots are ideal to wear from season to season with transitional ease. These bootie style leather uppers have leather fringe dripping off the top, a pointy toe and padded insole. YES!! THANK YOU FOR THE COMFORT!  The EMMIE Boot: A sheer mesh, suede synthetic, stretch boot with a clear 3-inch heel. Please run to Holly’s Pinterest board to see this fabulous style!  The WHINNEY Wedge: The Whinney is a standout wedge sure to turn heads, with an ankle strap, a 4-inch wedge heel, padded footbed, 2-inch platform, fabric bow detail, and double toe strap in bright color combos like blue and red, or multi-pinks.   The REGGIE Tweed Flat: Tweed fabric upper flat with large buckle detail and the soft sole is the perfect slip-on shoe for all your needs. There’s so much more to learn about this amazing designer!  We loved getting to know Ashley Cole and how she built her designer shoe brand. You too will love learning about her journey through the fashion industry, the importance of her family in her business model, and her passion for beautiful and highly-crafted footwear designs – that are as comfortable as they are stylish. To learn more about Cecelia New York, visit their website at www.cecelianewyork.com. You can also follow them on Instagram @cecelianewyork.  Please LIKE, LOVE, SHARE, DOWNLOAD and SUBSCRIBE to our podcast wherever you listen! FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The best fashion friend you never knew you needed!” www.fashioncrimespodcast.com Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz.

Sheeeee’s baaackkk!  Our favorite celebrity stylist, fashion partner in crime and lady about town, Nolan Meader, joins Holly this week for their annual Grammy Red Carpet Fashion Review! Find out their picks for best dressed, who committed fashion crimes – and a ton of commentary in-between.     Buckle Up, babes.. 'cause they’ve got a lot to say.  Mkaay. Let's hit it.   (Before we get started, did you see Holly’s Grammy fashion insights from  AP News on Sunday night? Read the article here: https://apnews.com/article/2023-grammys-fashion-photos-71628ee2a73e43a445d921c0ebfb2fb5)  YYYYYYAAAAAAASSSS   Also, to help follow along with the conversation, please refer to all the fashions listed below on Holly’s Pinterest Board here.    Holly and Nolan’s lists:     MEGA Hits:    ADELE, wearing a velvet custom oxblood Louis Vuitton gown and Tiffany jewelry   Giving. Us. Life.   Rapper DOJA CAT went the vampy route in a black, one-shouldered latex gown by Versace—complete with the matching opera gloves.  All. Day. Long.   ANITTA, the Brazilian singer, opted for a vintage Versace gown from 2003. Don't know who she is, but BIG FAN.    CARDI B in Gaurav Gupta  WOULD DIE FOR THIS DRESS.   FRAN DRESCHER  Are you serious right now? She looks amazeballs.   MARY J. BLIGE in The Blonds  ALWAYS A QUUEEEN.    HEIDI KLUM in The Blonds  BEYOND. I CAN'T.   KELSEA BALLERINI in Prabal Gurung with Brilliant Earth jewelry  HOLLY WOULD LOOK FABULOUS IN THIS. #justsaying    BONNIE RAITT  Queen of Country-Always true to herself.   SHERYL CROW in Alexander McQueen  LOVING THIS JOURNEY FOR HER   LAVERNE COX in Kim Kassas with Commando leggings  SLLLAAAYYYY   BEYONCE in a sleek black Schiaparelli Haute Couture corset-and-skirt combo, one of three Grammy outfits.   JUST. STOP. IT.      Holly and Nolan Can’t Agree/Meh:    JENNIFER LOPEZ in Gucci with J Lo Jennifer Lopez shoes  YES. YES. YES. Nolan says no. This might cause us to break up.   MACHINE GUN KELLY in Dolce & Gabbana  Looked like tinfoil but he rocked it.   PARIS HILTON in Celine  Come on. Not your best.   TAYLOR SWIFT in Roberto Cavalli  Loved this, but we wanted more.    SHANIA TWAIN in Harris Reed (should be a “Miss” but her heart was in the right place)   Alrighty then. Fun but giving us Alice in Wonderland Vibes.   BRANDI CARLILE in Versace  Please explain this to me.     Misses:    LIZZO in Dolce & Gabbana   Whhhyyyyyy.   HARRY STYLES in Egonlab  He can never look bad but I can't with this.   MEGAN FOX in Zuhair Murad  Total Meh.   OLIVIA RODRIGO in Miu Miu with Tiffany & Co. jewelry   That's it? I mean...so underwhelming.   CAMILA CABELLO in PatBo  Meh. But I'm sure better in person.   KACEY MUSGRAVES in Valentino  wwwaahhhhhhh (me crying.)   JACK HARLOW in Ernest W. Baker  Whatever, dude.   DJ SPINDERELLA (no t-shirts at the Grammys)  SHE CAN DO NO WRONG.   MAREN MORRIS in Off-White with Commando briefs  GORGEOUS. But totally see through.   DARYL HANNAH What in the literal hell.   Best Dressed:    Holly’s favorite was Prabal Gurung’s Goddess Gown created for Kelsea Ballerini.    Nolan chose Adele and Beyonce    Reminder to check out Holly’s Pinterest and our Instagram to see images of all designs mentioned!    Enjoy this episode wherever you get your podcasts or at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.    FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed”  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Take Note: “Work from Home” attire no longer means pajama pants. Most of us have had to migrate back to the real world at some level – whether it be hybrid, full-time or even still remote.    It doesn’t really matter – you need to know what is acceptable to wear to work now – because while people are still dressing comfortably, there IS a dress code to follow.    PANTS: Let's talk about the difference between pants and jeans. Some like to call them slacks. Some people call them trousers. The truth of the matter is, y'all have no excuse not to have a good-fitting and comfortable pair of slacks. #TRUTH   With the advancement of fabric technology, this is what people are really demanding: wrinkle free, easy to care for, easy to travel in, comfortable pants. By the way? This means you.   These are not sweatpants, or joggers, or pajama pants. They are pants made with quality fabrics and with quality seams and finishes.    Shopping tip: Look for fabrics that give you a bit of stretch in the material, and importantly, a little support in the stomach and/or the butt.  Finely made slacks will hold you up and hold you in - and will take you through an active day without wrinkles. Loving this journey for you!   Slacks are real pants that can be seen in the real world. Just in case you forgot? I know I did for a hot minute.    Choose a dark color to start the foundation of your outfit, like a navy, black, smokey grey or even burgundy.  Any of these colors will create a great foundation for work outfits.   BECAUSE YOU'RE MY FAVE PERSON:  All of these styles are on Holly’s Pinterest board – if you are ready to research and purchase. You can doooo it!   She has done all the work for you. You will find some moderately-priced, and some high-priced options, but for a quality pair of pants for work, you should be spending at least $150 or more for things that will incorporate into well-constructed outfit.    Holly’ Picks for Pants:   High Rise Flair by Spanx The Atala Pant by Veronica Beard Maeve Avery High Rise Pleated Wide Leg Trouser at Anthropologie Kick Cotton-Blend Cropped Pants from High Sport   DRESSES: If you want to really be comfortable – and be dressed nicely at the same time – the answer is always a dress or skirt.  You can move around, sit, look presentable in and out of the office, and be active. We are not talking fancy or dressy, but pretty and presentable dresses!   Wearing dresses and skirts are a favorite of Holly’s when working with her clients. Dresses are easier to wear more than anything else. It is the epitome of comfort when having to be on your feet all day, or moving around a lot, or talking to people all day.    A dress is the no-brainer for a what to wear to work solution.  Just make sure you choose quality fabrics that you cannot see through (a lined dress is best), and that you conduct the Holly Sit-Down Test:  Your dress is too short if you sit down and you can see parts that shouldn’t been seen. Choose a knee-length dress for work; just make sure it's not ass-tastic when you sit.   Also, these are not special occasion dresses. If you need shapewear to wear a certain dress, it’s not a work dress. You don’t need that kind of body-conscious stress in your life all day at work! #PREACH   Holly’s Picks for Dresses:   Petite Lena Dress by Hobbs London Valentine Dress by Ramy Brook  Averiee Draped Neck Midi Dress by Ted Baker Kamala Dress by Trina Turk   BLOUSES: Sleeve length is critical here. Some like to show their arms, some do not. It doesn’t really matter as a beautiful blouse on top of your solid foundational slack is the work outfit uniform you need. But, you should really have a mix of both, and not to wear the same thing all the time.   Holly’s Picks for Blouses:   Frankie Henley in Noir by Frame. Nemona top by ba&sh Calli Tuxedo Blouse by Reiss Kallie Bodysuit by L’Agence So, to recap: You wear pants with a top, or a comfortable dress, or a skirt with a top to work now. 2023. No pajama pants on the bottom for zoom. I will find you.   But that is not the end of it. There is much more we could discuss – like jackets, accessories and shoes. But we are taking baby steps back into the world.    So, let's start with pants. Be the best dressed in your office. They should pay you for being so hot. xoxoxo Holly Katz  "The best friend you never knew you needed in fashion." The ONLY Holly you need to know-live it, learn it, love it.

This week we are talking about “How to Style Sneakers.” So, pay attention, women over 40! And we mean, waaaay over 40!  One of the most common questions your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz gets is, “Am I trying to look too young by wearing sneakers?   And the answer is a resounding, NO. There is actually a perfect way for you to look younger by wearing a hip pair of sneakers!  (For those of you in the back of the room: Fashion sneakers are more popular than ever right now.)   Not only are sneakers a multibillion-dollar industry, but they have also created a global movement of collectors and fans around the world that buy, sell, and trade for a living. There are so many different types of brands and styles of sneakers, it’s confusing. You are probably very unsure about how to navigate through the zillions of choices when trying to purchase a pair.   So just know this:  a good pair of sneakers is something that should always be a wardrobe staple for you. You only need to continually update the styles.   NOTE:  As always, for the best podcast experience, please follow along on Holly’s curated Pinterest board just for you to see all the outfits and styles she will be discussing this week.  A good pair of sneakers can last several years if you take care of them and keep them looking new. Just like polishing your leather shoes, you can't let your sneakers get beat up or worn down. That is NOT a good look (even though the Golden Goose brand may try to say otherwise.)     “Don't look like you're trying too hard. Sneakers go with most clothing items,  but it's important that you plan a cohesive outfit – and not wear basketball sneakers with a fucking dress.”   #duh – Holly Katz    There are many different categories of sneakers, but you only need to worry about 2. So, let's break it down.   The Recreation Sneaker            a. Rec Sneaker usually means this is just a shoe for looks, not for function, also called a                fashion sneaker.       2. The Work-Out Sneaker             b. Anything that you would go running in, or to the gym. PERIOD.    FASHION CRIME ALERT:  Your sneakers have a purpose: Either they are for working out, or they are for fashion. They don't do both.   Do not let Holly catch you in your On Running cloud workout shoes with a dress.   DON’T DO IT! She will hunt you down and find you.    Holly’s favorite way to style sneakers? With leather or faux leather leggings and an oversized chunky knit sweater.   There are so many ways to wear them! Try them with dresses, skirts (like a maxi skirt) suiting, and, definitely, with a mini skirt in the summer (instead of shorts). JEANS:  Obviously, this is the most common item to wear them with. But not with your Mom jeans and a sloppy sweatshirt. You need to ELEVATE YOUR LOOK if you are going to wear sneakers with jeans.   Want a big fashion cheat? Wear a nice blazer over your jeans! You can even wear just a T-shirt and then add your sneakers. But do not wear your workout sneaks. #nomaam Otherwise, it will be a miss. Not a hit.  Add lots of jewelry and a really nice handbag, and you are DRESSED UP! It’s magic.  ATHLEISURE:  You can go for leggings or track pants (which are really on-trend) if you want to be more on the comfortable side.   A rec sneaker, with large statement earrings and a trench coat, is a super no-brainer when heading to the airport for a long flight. Holly loves that look. You look dressed up, and put together, but not like you just rolled out of bed.   It looks intentional, which is what we're going for.    HOT STYLES, AGAIN:  Just so you know, Holly is 49 years young. Don't get mad at us, but all the shit from high school is back.  And we mean: Air Force Ones, Tiger, Fila and K Swiss (which Holly wore every day of her senior year of high school.)  It's all back. Every bit of it. So, if you're trying to get a sneaker that you already know you're going to love, go for one of those!    IMPORTANT NOTE:  One last thing that we want to mention is the correct socks.   If you are wearing a low-cut sneaker, that means it goes below your ankle bone. You don’t want to wear a full sock, so you need a no-show sock.  Do Not Wear Sneakers Without Socks. Ew. The best socks come just to the top of the back of the heel, and then they cover the entire top of your foot. Cover your foot, not your ankles. Or your calves all the way to your knee. No knee socks. Duh. We can’t believe we need to say this, but we do.   That’s a wrap for now. There are a zillion more tips and ideas in this episode, so please DOWNLOAD, SUBSCRIBE, LIKE and SHARE!  In the meantime, Holly has a ton of great style and new wardrobe information she is working on for you: Trend information and new designers that are up and coming, as well as amazing new fashion inspo, just for you.    Be sure to set a reminder on your phone to take 30 minutes a week for yourself and make time to listen to this podcast. New episodes drop every Friday wherever you get your podcasts.  It’s a kind of meditation of sorts! You don't have to think, you don't have to take notes. Holly has done it all for you.    Fashion Crimes Podcast  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com   #fashion #sneakers #podcast

What the in the world does Viva Magenta mean? Who and what is Pantone? Why am I being told I need to know about the color of the year?     This is actually a very exciting subject for our podcast! There is nothing more fun than a new trend, a new color, or a new style to spice up your life – just as long as you have your favorite personal stylist (Holly Katz) here to guide you in how to make it work for you and your wardrobe. First off, what color is it? Is it red? Is it pink? Does it have purple in it? Or maybe blue? And what does Viva Las Vegas have to do with it?  Ha!  Let's figure this out.   First of all, if you've never heard of Pantone, this is the company that provides everything that has anything to do with color, color placement, and product design for almost every industry. Pantone literally covers all things color....paint swatches, art and design trends, global color trend forecasting, as well as products and consulting services for anyone in the fashion design, textile, interior and manufacturing businesses.  This is where color is born.   They are the ones who determine what colors will be popular. And of course, the world just follows suit for everything from clothing to furniture to carpet to cars.    Pantone sets the stage for what consumers will be looking for, and more importantly, incorporate color psychology and emotion of a company's design strategy.     If you go to their website at www.pantone.com, you will be amazed at how detailed the business of color can be. It goes way beyond paint stores and samples. When fashion companies pick colors for the season, they go through a very extensive process of color labs, color dipping and dyeing to get the shades of fabrics exactly correct.    Next, what color is Viva Magenta?    In their own words, “Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta 18-1750, vibrates with vim and vigor. It is a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”    Mmmmmkay. So, what is it, really?     It’s basically pink. But a strong pink, with red in it. And, blue. And somehow, some earth tones, too. This is not your Barbie’s bubble-gum pink, people.     If you really want to visualize it, please jump over to Holly’s Pinterest for her newest board with the Color of the Year trends and more style ideas.     How to Wear a New Color Trend:    If you have been a listener of the podcast before, you know exactly what Holly is going to say:   Shop for Fit First.  Shop for Your Body Type. Do Not Shop for a Color or a Trend.     How many episodes to we need to record before you learn this??    The best place to start is with my Wardrobe Checklist (Episode 118), which is THE ONLY wardrobe checklist you will ever need! By starting here, we can start with the basics, which is a blank canvas like a top or pants.     How to add Viva Magenta to your wardrobe.    First, pick your blank canvas: jeans or pants.    Next add a top: a T-shirt, jacket, shirt, blouse, or blazer. This is where you can add your new pop of the Viva Magenta color!     You do not need to invest in a brand-new wardrobe. Start with one statement piece and build your confidence from there.     Once you have graduated past one item, next you can try monochromatic dressing – like a pant suit. If that is too much of a commitment, then try the monochrmatic color in some pants and a sweater. That way you can break them up if it is too much for you.     Another simple idea is to wear two colors from the same color family, like a light pink with viva magenta-esque pants.     FASHION CRIME ALERT: Do not chicken out and wear just an accessory or a scarf. That is not ‘wearing' the color of the year. You need to jump in a little deeper to really claim that you are trying the color of the year.   It's just a color. It's not scary. Getting into fashion and elevating your style means taking risks. Small risks. Subtle changes.  Not crazy, outlandish costume looking clothing or anything like that.     Just try one thing that's out of your comfort zone. Fake it ‘til you make it, and you will start to get more creative and courageous with your style choices. YOU CAN DO THIS!    Speaking of which, did you know color is proven to affect your mood? The colors that you wear can make a difference in how you feel according to psychologists.    Warm colors like brown, orange and read are known to help you feel energetic. Cool colors like blues, greens and soft tones can calm you down.     With that being said, when you wear black and gray all the time, what is that saying about your mood? When you wear color, it's just human nature for people to take notice and comment. Happiness occurs because the chemicals in your brain are being activated. Color makes people happy. Just an observation for you to be aware of next time you're choosing your clothes.    Want more good news? Holly discusses even more color trends for this year, the power and fun of color in fashion and what to expect in the upcoming fashion seasons – and HOW TO WEAR THEM.    We are all about fashion over 40, and we mean, wayyyyy over 40. So do not be afraid to try some of these ideas out. You cannot go wrong with Holly’s personal styling tips and tricks, and in fact, she can prevent fashion crimes before they happen.    Just by listening! As Holly would say, “You’re Welcome!”    Enjoy the show! Please share, like, repost, and rate our podcast. And as always, thank you for being our fashion besties!!    FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Get ready for a very special new episode, dropping FRIDAY, January 13th, with an exclusive interview with Supermodel and Life Coach Emme!    So, FRIDAY the 13th is actually your lucky day! Because your favorite personal stylist  Holly Katz, is expanding her focus on CELEBRATING WOMEN-OWNED BRANDS and WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS on the podcast - all year - this year!  #Yaaaaaasssss!    And who better to PUMP US UP with confidence and wisdom than our new BFFF (Best Fashion Friend Forever), than supermodel and fashion mold-breaker, EMME?!     After three decades empowering women and influencing (shapeshifting / disrupting) the worlds of fashion and beauty, Emme has all this experience and more to share!    We are all about Fashion Over 40 - and we mean, WAAAAAYYY over 40.  So, it is perfect timing that EMME sits down with Holly to talk about loving who you are - no matter what stage of life you are in.    LISTEN HERE!    About EMME:   Emme has been a trusted voice in the fashion, wellness, beauty, and news industries for more than 20 years, and she is widely regarded as a trailblazing social reformer for women's empowerment and positive body image. She is the founder of the True Beauty Foundation, whose mission is to enhance young people's mental wellness.     Emme's passion is to "feel extraordinarily free in our bodies and live our most inspired lives possible" as a TV personality, brand spokesperson, TV and podcast host, consultant, author, Revlon spokeswoman, keynote speaker, and creative director of her clothing lines (EMME®, mebyEMME®, and TrueBeautybyEMME®).    Emme was chosen twice for People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People," and Ladies' Home Journal named her one of the "Most Important Women in America" and one of the "Most Fascinating Women of the Year."     In 2018, Oprah Magazine dubbed her the "Godmother of the Full-Figured Industry." Emme is also a TEDx speaker. She has also been recognized as one of the "Women of the Year" by Glamour Magazine and one of the "25 Most Influential Women" by Biography magazine.     So, now you know that EMME is a BFD.  (If you need to Google that, then go ahead.) But this girl knows fashion. And she knows women’s fashion over 40...and how to love living in your own skin after 40.   Join us for a delightful, enlightening and refreshing conversation about loving the woman that you are. Not what you see on Instagram. Not the one you see in photoshopped images in magazines. Not what the trends tell you to be.     In Emme’s words:    “I love finding joy within the honoring of my body and all that it can do. I love being in fashion, being able to be involved in fashion and wearing trend-appropriate fashion. I was also an athlete growing up, so I love being out and about and being fit.”    Emme has written a book and done TV shows, and it's all around honoring the body, all the different shapes and sizes and colors and all that we are - and not listening to voices that dictate that “you should be this way, or you should be that way.”     “I don't want to feel like I am “less-than” every single step of my life. I want to feel infused with joy. That is it. It's an inward journey to tap in, tune in and turn on to that.”    “So, when you hear messaging on the outside, when you hear conversations around the dinner table, when you hear cocktail party discussions, or you see billboards and your image - or your friends’ images - are not reflected in the ideas of beauty, just know that deep down inside, that if you're rocking your life and you're in it to win it, that's the best place to be, instead of trying to change yourself.”  EMME    MKAYYY, #PREACCHHH     For instance, one day, you might not have a big butt and then suddenly the trend is that you need to have a bigger butt.  So, you run out and try and get one.  Or, the next day you need to have a certain hairstyle, so blah, blah, blah. Don't spend time being something you're not.    From her early days in journalism to becoming the first plus-size supermodel to becoming a life coach, EMME’s journey is one all women can relate to.     She has broken every rule and every mold that women have been forced to believe for decades – and then – she walked New York Fashion Week runway in her 50s for Chromat - in lingerie - no less!   (Or, very much less!) This is GIVING. US. LIFE.   Her inspiring, nurturing and thoughtful approach to being body-positive, to tapping into to her female super-powers and spreading human happiness, is just a beyond refreshing conversation to hear. You'll want to save this one.   Listen, review, SHARE and enjoy this soul-comforting episode wherever you get your podcasts.     FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”    Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

We are kicking off the new year with focusing on powerful, fabulous women changing the fashion industy for the better! YAASSSS. Kiya Tomlin is the woman of the week who is our new obsession! Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Kiya is a couture designer that started her own ready-to-wear line after figuring out that clothes need to made to fit people, not meaurements. Her casually elegant styles are for real life and real women. Each and every garment worthy of being seen, enjoyed, admired, and appreciated. Just like the moments that inspired them. And the beautiful, incredible women they're made for. #PREACH   Through years of garment construction experince, her namesake sustainable brand are clothes that are ageless, elegant, seasonless and flattering without constriction.  We can honestly say her clothes are designed to spend more time on real bodies than on hangers. Fabrics are made from bamboo, known to drape nicely over middles with comfort and ease.  It all started with her dress that she made for herself that she could work in, run with her kids, and go on date night in. Everyone started asking where she got her dress and soon started making them custom for her customers.  As Kiya sent Holly the twisted tee- jersey top-let's be honest, she'll take 3. GET. ONE. NOW.  Everything is made in Pittsburgh in her storefront, which means she creates in small batches, which means the is intentional about how they lay the fabric to decrease waste and donate it to several community services around the area. Loving this journey for her.    Since her husband is All-star coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers (BFD alert!), she expanded her line into an NFL collection for women which she fought to license and made her dream come true! Vote with your dollars to support Kiya Tomlin and her vision to dress women for real life and representing during NFL games. GO Steelers!    Check out the full episode on the Fashion Crimes Podcast website, or wherever you stream. Follow us and Kiya on all social channels and sign up for our newsletter so you get this free fashion content delivered straight to your inbox every. single. week. YAASSS IG: kiyatomlin FB: kiyatomlin TT: kiyatomlin

Did you know that you can shop your own closet for New Year’s Eve? If you are like many of people – late to make plans for NYE, and then even later to get an outfit together – then you have come to the right place, Fashion Friends! “On New Year’s Eve, no matter what your plans are, you are supposed to look like a freaking disco ball. End of story.” – Holly Katz This week your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz, is here with her secret formula for pulling an outfit out of your own closet! Don’t run out and shop at the last minute. You will buy something you will never wear again, and FOR SURE, you will overpay when you shop in a panic. The Best Dressed Formula for NYE: Dress Code: "put in some effing effort". (New official dress code invented by Holly-feel free to use this on your next invitation.)         2. Wear something overdressed and impractical.           3. First, pick a blank canvas:  A top, a dress, or even a jumpsuit-that you can build upon.        4. Pick a 2nd item that will go over or under said blank canvas:        A turtleneck, a sweater, a blazer, a camisole, lacy bra, or animal print thigh highs (from Vienne Milano, our BFFF) or just great jewelry.         5. Pick a 3rd item – usually outerwear because let's be honest...it's cold, bitches. You should have a nice dress coat already in your closet! If not, go back and listen to EP 72  “How to Buy a Winter Coat” Do NOT wear a puffer or casual ski coat with a nice outfit. I will find you.    Fashion Crimes for NYE:   Do not wear jeans. You have 364 days a year to wear jeans. Don't let this be one of the days. We don’t care how expensive they are. That is not special.  Faux leather pants, colored jeans, wax coated or leather pants, or an embellished pant.             2.  Don’t dress like you do every day. Try new make-up, do your hair differently. Make it special!        3. Do not wear sneakers, casual flats or shoes that you run to the grocery store in.  Find shoes that have feathers, sparkles, high heels, or a bright color. Metallic boots are very on trend right now and elevate just about any outfit. We love a metallic boot.   How to Shop Your Closet First:   Look at your closet with a different eye. Go through and find things you haven’t worn in a while – or that you bought for NYE last year and have never worn again. #Duh!If you are falling flat in your closet hunt, you are allowed to shop for one new thing to help give you some motivation to get dressed up! There are so many sales after Christmas that you can easily find fun accessories or pieces without breaking the bank. Go to a nice department store, not a discount store.  In need of some style inspo? Glad you asked. Check out Holly’s NYE Pinterest Board to see her favorite style ideas for the big night out (or in!).    Final thoughts: Find the playful side of you when getting dressed for New Year’s Eve! Just for one time. Make it special. And make it fun.   Thank you for listening ALL YEAR LONG – we are so grateful to all of our listeners and fashion friends! We wish you all the best in the New Year. And we are super excited about focusing on our fave thing for 2023-women owned small brands that are changing the fashion industry for the better! We love you and can't wait for you to tune in in 2023!

Holly-Day Gift Guide Designer Spotlight: Jaimie Hilfiger for Igal Dahan is joining us this week...how lucky are we?!? It’s a name you think you may be familiar with, but our guest - Jaimie Hilfiger - is 100% her own woman: a model and actress, a beauty mogul, a mother, a businesswoman, AND, oh by the way, the niece of fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger.    But that is not her story. A self-made entrepreneur, Jaimie has flawlessly parlayed her early success in acting and modeling into a burgeoning beauty empire. Even at an early age, Jaimie possessed an innate understanding of the inner power that comes from looking and feeling your best.    As she became a woman, this intuition ignited a calling to help others cultivate confidence through an intentional approach to self-care. In each of her endeavors, Jaimie employs beauty, skincare, and fashion to empower the mind, body, and soul.    This week, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz interviews Jaimie to learn about her style sense, her journey as an actress and model, becoming a mother and juggling all the changes motherhood can bring.     But more importantly, we get to learn about ID X-Change “Cuffs of Love,” a line of bracelets designed by her esteemed jewelry designer-husband Igal Dahan which she now represents.     Every piece in the Cuffs of Love accessories collection has a connection with LOVE. The pieces were for those who embrace and want to express the connection of love they cherish with friends, family, and in relationships. These innovative interlocking cuffs have hit a cord with consumers and celebrities alike.    NOTE:   Jaimie has graciously given us one of her items for our HOLLY-DAY Gift Guide and Giveaway! If you have not yet entered to win over $900 of gifts from our gift guide, you have until 12/23 at noon to sign up here:    https://hollykatzstyling.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d92b8d8d5e09396aead1e621&id=24668f0c75    We are so grateful to Jaimie for joining us and for being a sponsor in the Holly-Day gift guide for 2022.  New Fashion Bestie alert!   Be sure to listen to EP 123 wherever you get your podcasts, at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC or watch on our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSbw7VOQhPmQwmYbnJmIwQ    FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”    Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!  www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Riddle us this: What do a former meteorologist, the sport of tennis, the fashion industry, and the recycling of plastic bottles have in common?   A superstar entrepreneur named Jackie Meretsky, who created Jgame, a new tennis and activewear line focused on style and sustainability! #AMAZEBALLS   “Tennis’ popularity (and now Pickleball) - and the accompanying apparel - has exploded globally in recent years. The activewear is now a statement of style and must now co-exist with functionality. But, I wanted to take things a little further… if sportswear can represent your style, can’t it also represent your values? I think so!    This is why I decided to create JGame, which merges effortlessly chic and classic styles with beautiful, recycled fabrics that are eco-friendly, locally sourced, and ethically made right here in NYC.”    – Jackie Meretsky, founder of JGame.   This week, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz introduces us to JGame, a female-founded, eco-conscious and ethically made NYC-based brand.    LISTEN HERE NOW!   If you love tennis, care about reducing your carbon footprint and want to look effortlessly chic on and off the court, then JGame is what you are looking for.     Each stylish piece, made with high-quality recycled fabrics, is designed with both functionality and comfort in mind.    Our guest is a full-time mother, a former meteorologist and now the female founder of a new company. How does this happen? With a passion for tennis, a lot of research and a commitment to a brand profile that is driven by not contributing to something that will hurt our environment, while at the same time, offering style and function.   That does not sound easy, and it’s not. But Jackie has the energy and drive to manage her family, learn an entirely new business category AND create and run a unique and interesting niche in the crowded world of sportswear.    What is the secret sauce? She loves tennis. So, she knows what women want to wear (and men and children) when participating in an active and demanding sport. You need comfort, fit, performance, style – and to offer something more than the Big Boys in the sports apparel arena. Jackie’s difference? Environmentally conscious materials that include chips of recycled plastic bottles, which helps to decreases the greenhouse gas emissions that are created by processing virgin polyesters.    She also demands local manufacturing and produces her fashion line just a short drive from Manhattan in New York.   Sustainability is the Difference – The 3 Pilars of JGame:   Recycled Fabrics Their garments are made from fabrics that are 75-100% recycled polyester, which is made by using PET from clear plastic bottles.  The plastic bottles are broken down into small chips, and those chips then go through a process that turns them into yarn. #oooooaaahhhh         2. Local Manufacturing JGame is proud to have a manufacturing partner just a short drive from their headquarters in Manhattan. Manufacturing locally can make a tremendous impact - shorter distances mean less CO2 emissions. When they need to make a new sample or check on the sewing of a garment, they aren’t adding significant greenhouse gas emissions caused by cargo ships and sea freight traffic.           3. Sustainable Packaging They are targeting packaging in several ways: first by partnering with a sustainable packaging company that delivers high quality packaging that is either compostable, reusable, or recyclable. If you are purchasing JGame at a pop-up, your packaging will be as simple as a recycled paper bag accompanied by recycled tissue paper. If you’re buying online, you’ll receive your goods in a minimalist, recycled mailer.   “Like much of the fashion industry, sportswear often turns toward fast fashion with little accountability vis-á-vis environmental protection, working conditions and carbon emissions.”      But JGame is not all about function. It’s about form, too! And by that, we mean skirts, tops, dresses, shorts and visors made in fun and flirty colors, with a fabulous fit and a nice side of sassy. Yasssss!   We are absolutely obsessed with Jackie’s designs, and you will be, too! Please be sure to check out Holly’s exclusive Pinterest board featuring all her favorite JGame styles!   BONUS GIFT FOR THOSE WHO STAYED ‘TIL THE END: If you go to the JGame website and use the discount code “HOLLY” – you will get 20% off your purchase!  This is only for our special listeners and fashion friends. You’re Welcooommee!!   ALSO: Don’t forget, JGame is part of our HOLLY-DAY Gift Guide and Giveaway! Jackie has given us one of her fabulous tennis tank tops as a gift, and you can win over $900 in gifts if you enter our giveaway BEFORE DEC 23rd!   Enter to win HERE.   Thank for listening this week! Be sure to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, DOWNLOAD and LEAVE A REVIEW for our podcast.    FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”   Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!

Fashion Friends! Join us this week as we welcome not one - but THREE - amazing entrepreneurial superstars: Anya, Phoebe and Melissa, who have created Taelor.Style, a super savvy menswear fashion subscription box service that offers hundreds of brands and styles for any man’s social life or work life, including blazers, shirts, jackets, sweaters, polos, pants and more.    You MAY think that their business model is similar to other subscription box services, but there has never been a styling or fashion rental service for men ONLY, and let’s face it, who needs more help in this area? #Duh #MostMen!    So, these three rockstars came together to create a menswear rental subscription service in the United States that offers some of the world's most famous brands that let’s men RENT, WEAR, and RETURN! No laundry, no shopping, no guesswork.    Their Mission?   To help men achieve their goals by building confidence in how they look and feel when connecting with others.    Taelor.Style helps people to be the best version of themselves every day, without spending time chasing after their clothes. And, they play a part in saving the environment by extending the life of garments and supporting sustainable fashion.    Just who are Anya, Phoebe and Melissa? And how did they come together to build this very successful business:  Anya Cheng, former eBay & Facebook's head of product, with strong e-commerce experience working for Target and other major brands Phoebe Tan, Anya’s University of Chicago MBA classmate    Holly interviews all three this week, where we learn how they found each other, how they discovered this very unique niche in the on-line fashion category, and how this subscription service is different than the others out ther.   DRESS YOUR BEST WITHOUT BUYING CLOTHES  What man needs to waste time worrying about their wardrobe or what looks good on them? Taelor.Style helps them make fewer decisions so they can free their brains up for what really matters. #FACTS   OWN LESS BUT ENJOY MORE   Why spend money on clothes you will only wear a few times? Simplify your life by owning less and enjoying more. Take out the complications of figuring out what's in or out, let them do the work for you! EMBRACE SUSTAINABILITY  By renting clothes rather than owning them, you'll reduce waste and help save the environment while refreshing and keeping your wardrobe rotating without buying more.    How It Works:    The monthly subscription fee for Taelor is $88 USD per month, and users would receive 8 stylist-picked or AI-picked clothes. They do not charge additional transportation fees and dry-cleaning costs.  Stylists and AI pick clothes for you, based on your preference & purpose.       3. Wear for weeks, Free shipping, no commitment to buy, get up to 70% off retail price if you keep items!      4. Swap instead of shop! No more shopping or laundry, just return with prepaid envelope, get free shipping & laundry, and then just wait for your next box!   How Can This Possibly Work? No Man Knows His Size!    With stellar customer service, Ai software, some very experienced and talented fashion industry experts, and believe it or not, trial and error – this service provides ample opportunity and ease for trying things on and returning them to quickly get men to their best fit.     How Does Taelor.Style Pick the Brands They Offer?    It is really important that the brands chosen aligned with their mission. So, one of requirements is that they play upright and save the environment. Taelor.Style is trying to promote a circular fashion model. Why buy something that you don't think you would wear often, when it just sits in the closet collecting dust?  The rental business philosophy takes a lot of that waste out of your closet.        2. The brands they partner with are sustainable brands. They take time to know a brand’s manufacturing, fabric selection and design processes in addition to the brand's sustainable elements throughout manufacturing stages.      3. Taelor.Style does not offer fast fashion or luxury high-end fashion. Their focus in on performance, quality, style and comfort.  The average price point falls between $100-200 per item. Holly’s Point of View?  Holly has always promoted sustainable fashion practices.  She loves that this company is offering a moderately-priced option for customers who want to elevate their style! This is perfect for nearly ALL OF AMERICA, people!        2. This service is for anyone and everyone who wants to look good in a fashion forward and understandable, unintimidating way. Taelor.Style takes the fear of shopping away, helps people find what fits them well and looks best on them. They also take the fear of commitment away when as the customer is under no obligation to buy, unless the feel inclined to do so.   This is what we call a STYLE WIN-WIN! We are excited for all of our Fashion Friends to find this new tool for their husband, brother, cousin, neighbor, brother-in-law, dad, friend, etc. This may even start giving men a voice in an area where they may be afraid to step up and try, or even ask for help.    As you know, the first step when inproving your style is awareness. Then comes change. And Your Favorite Personal Stylist, Holly Katz, definitely thinks they can really help elevate fashion change:       Taelor.Style provides an on-demand clothing rental service monthly subscription. Pick, Wear, Return. Own less and enjoy more!  FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”    Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.    Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!

Welcome to our latest edition of Designer Spotlight, featuring Bad Ass California fashion designer Kim White, who started making designer handbag made with vintage upholstry car fabrics.     Uhm, WHAT?    PRO TIP:   Kim White is part of our HOLLY-DAY Gift Guide and Giveaway 2022, so if you have not signed up to win over $900 in items, please drop us your email here to enter: https://hollykatzstyling.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3d92b8d8d5e09396aead1e621&id=24668f0c75    Kim White Handbags & Belts was established in 2003 in Los Angeles, California.  What began as a one-of-a-kind, handmade textile bag business with Kim sewing each bag herself has bloomed into a boutique business specializing in both leather belts and bags.      Kim’s belts and bags are all made in the USA with the finest craftsmanship, made by real people, one by one.  This specialty line of leather goods is made to last, with attention paid to the finest quality craftsmanship. The buckles Kim uses on her belt line are specially cast uniquely for Kim White.     Craftsmanship is key, only gorgeous high-quality leathers are used, and styles are designed to withstand temporal trends.    All proudly designed and hand made in the U.S.A. Kim White lives and works in Highland Park, California.    We could literally write every word Kim White shared with us in these show notes – because she is THAT awesome.        “You need a niche to get rich!”      To summarize the vibe she brings to the show this week, we’ll just share this. This is how it all started when Kim had no money:    “Okay, so what happened was, I worked for a big fashion designer in Los Angeles for a really long time. And they were crazy. They went out of business eventually. And I found myself out of a job. I found myself so broke, I hadn’t even been paid for the past three paychecks, So, no rent money, no hotel, I was screwed. And I was in an apartment at the time. And I'm just like, “What am I going to do?”    Well, she asked around LA for fabric sources because she had a fabric sewing machine. And someone told her about a company that supplied fabrics for American cars from the 70s and 80s. She literally couldn't believe it. This is when she said, “This is my niche to get rich!”  She started a fabric vintage car handbag line, and she killed it.     “I killed it. In my first month in business. I was like on E TV, I was in French Vogue, I was on all the fashion magazines back then. And this was in the early 2000s. So that's when it really mattered to have actual press. So that's “a must” for beginning stories!”    Today, Kim has extended her line to include unique belts and other accessories. In this episode she shares her journey as a designer, as woman entrepreneur, and the rollercoaster ride of running your own fashion brand.     It ain’t easy folks, but with the attitude and passion of someone like Kim, it can be done.     This is one wild ride of an episode, so hold on to your seat, and meet KIM WHITE!    PRO TIP: Want to see all of the designs discussed today? See Holly’s exclusive curated Pinterest Boards here.      FASHION CRIMES PODCAST  “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!”    Hosted by Your Favorite Personal Stylist, Holly Katz!    www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Happy Black Friday?  Or Shop Small Saturday? Or Cyber Monday?    No matter how you decide to shop for holiday gifts this year, we want you to SHOP SMALL and support INDEPENDENT CREATORS as much as you can!    This HOLLY-DAY season, your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz has created a spectacular GIFT GUIDE full of unique items that has something for everyone, gives back to an important cause - and - ends with a one winner who will win it all!    When You Give, Holly Gives:   This year, we are using our GIFT GUIDE to support Ahimsa House, helping people and pets escape domestic violence together in Georgia, USA. https://ahimsahouse.org   Ahimsa House is Georgia’s first and only organization dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety together.    Domestic violence often hurts family pets, too. Ahimsa House, Inc. (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) is dedicated to helping the human and animal victims of domestic violence across Georgia reach safety together.    They have provided over 150,000 nights of safe, confidential shelter for pets in need. It costs them approximately $500 to care for one survivor’s pets.  Ahimsa House relies heavily on individual donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.   So, because we love pets, especially dogs, please consider a donation: https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=11674&n=150757   But if you are not able to help right now, Holly will donate FIVE DOLLARS for every listener who sends us their email! Drop us a DM, send it to us on our website, or DM on our social. We will count you in!   The Gift Guide:   Happy Socks, Fun, Fashionable Socks:  www.happysocks.com/us/socks  Gift: 5 pairs of Happy Socks, valued at $80.00   Spreading #HappinessEverywhere since 2008.   “COLOR, CREATIVITY, AND FUN” Happy Socks is for all of us who think that life can never be too colorful. And that true happiness stems from the freedom to be yourself. Our vision is to bring happiness and color to every corner of the world - inspiring authentic self-expression through color, creativity, and fun.   Fleur'd Pins, Men’s Lapel Pins: www.fleurdpins.com GIFT: Pink Leather Carnation Lapel Pin, valued at $100.00   The Timeless Symbol of the Well-Dressed. Lapel Flowers Handcrafted in NYC by Andrew Werner.   For generations, the boutonnière has been a symbol of romance, power, and sophistication. It celebrates elegance, refinement, and prestige; an accouterment meant to enrich the ensemble it is paired with.  Handcrafted in New York City from the finest fabrics to leathers and exotic skins, wearing Fleur’d Pins will undoubtedly make them take notice and leave a lasting impression.   GGMaul Designer Handbags: www.ggmaul.com Gift: Rebel Key Chain valued at $200.00   Gorgeous multi-wear handbags for women who multitask.   Gretchen Maull Berger founded GG Maull to fulfill her lifelong purpose of empowering women through fashion by elevating their self-confidence and inner strength.     Kim White Handbags and Belts: www.kimwhitehandbags.com   Gift: Mini Ring Wristlet, valued at $135.00   Kim White handbags and belts was established in 2003 in Los Angeles, California. What began as a one-of-a-kind handmade textile bag business with Kim sewing each bag herself, has bloomed into a boutique business specializing in leather bags, and leather belts.    Fun Fact: She went to a fabric warehouse and bought old car upholstery fabric and started making bags out of them. All her belts and bags are made in the US, with the finest craftsmanship, made by real people, one by one.   Brightkins Pet Learning: www.brightkins.com Gift: Surprise Party Treat Puzzle, Cactus Surprise Treats Dispenser, & Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set, valued at $63.00.   Interactive Pet Toys and Training Tools! This new line of pet toys and products unlock our pet’s curiosity while providing bright ways for pets to play and stay entertained. With the surprise party treat puzzle, dogs of all ages can snack along as they figure out how to open these treat-filled presents.   6.) Taelor, Men’s Subscription Style Service: https://taelor.style/ Gift: One Free Month of Subscription Styling, including 8 items, valued at $88.00.   Look good without buying clothes, menswear rental subscription. Stylist and AI pick for you.   Our new friends at Taelor.style,  Phoebe, Anya and Melissa created a menswear monthly box subscription platform for just $88 a month. Your favorite guy can have an online virtual stylist help them through the everyday mundane chore of picking out clothes and even doing their laundry!   Men can choose, try on, wear, and send back items for a new box or purchase right there on the spot. No laundry, no dry cleaning. It’s the best of both worlds and best of all, no shopping.    There are over 200 brands that they partner with to make getting dressed super easy and fun - and take up less brain space for those who are jumping from their busy lives to business travel to their weekend or social lives.   7.) Mobvoi Smart Watches: https://www.mobvoi.com/us Gift:  Mobvoi TicWatch E3, valued at $199.99.   Maker of #TicWatch and #TicPods An AI company that strives to push the boundaries of next-generation human-machine interaction.   No matter how busy your life is, it’s important to devote time to maintaining an active lifestyle. Powered with the Qualcomm® Snapdragon Wear™ 4100 Platform and Mobvoi dual processor system, TicWatch E3 combines smooth performance and advanced health sensors in a classic, stylish design. Effectively manage your life, health, and well-being with more than 20 professional workout modes, built-in GPS, and helpful apps and services on Wear OS by Google™.   8.) i.d x-change Cuffs of Love, By IGAL DAHAN:  https://www.instagram.com/idxchange/ Gift: One cuff bracelet, valued at $75.00.   Every piece in the Cuffs of Love collection has a connection with love. The pieces were designed for those who embrace and want to express the connection of love they cherish with friends, family, and in relationships. The innovative interlocking cuffs have hit a cord with consumers and celebrities alike including Chris Daughtry, Snoop Dogg, Kelly Clarkson, Matt Damon, Kim Kardashian, Teri Hatcher and The Jonas Brothers.   9.) JGame Tennis Fashions: https://jgamenyc.com/ Gift: Gift Certificate for $50.00.   Do good and look good in Tennis Apparel.  Female Founded - Sustainable – Made in NYC.    JGame is a female founded company, who is an eco-conscious, ethically-made NYC-based brand. If you love tennis and pickleball or if you care about reducing your carbon footprint and want to look effortlessly chic on and off the court, you've are about to meet your match!    Each piece is made with high quality recycled fabrics is designed with both functionality and covered in mind. They want to mitigate the culture of disposability and create pieces that are timeless. Each piece goes through a rigorous process of wearing washing and drying several times to test its longevity.  How To Win All of These Items:   1.)  Shop, shop, shop these amazing small-businesses during this Holly-Day season!   2.)  Give, Support and Love Ahimsa House, so that families and pets can be safe and secure this holiday season - and always.   3.) Send us your email to enter to win ALL. 9. GIFTS. For each email we receive for our newsletter list, Holly will donate FIVE DOLLARS to Ahimsa House in your name.    Happy Holly-Days!  FASHION CRIMES PODCAST “The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!” www.fashioncrimespodcast.com Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!

Do you want to make your life about 1,000% easier instantly? Especially now that the holidays are around the corner? Well, do we have a gift for you! This week, Holly helps you straighten out your wardrobe to avoid being overwhelmed, confused and dreading getting dressed every day or for special events.   How does she do it? With a miraculous styling tool called “The Only Wardrobe Checklist You Will Ever Need!”   There are lots of people out there with Wardrobe Checklists – which are basically a list of the things you should have in your closet no matter what.  But the difference here is that Holly’s Checklist is made up of a simple formula. It’s clear, concise, and achievable – without a bunch of professional stylist word salad that can throw you over the edge.   PRO TIP:  As always, Holly has tons of photo examples of what should be in your closet on her Pinterest board, so be sure to follow along as you listen.   Listen this week to get the FULL CHECKLIST! And the added bonus? Once you check off the items you REALLY need in your closet, you have also managed to clean out your closet (using uniform velvet hangers, of course).    You’re welcome!!!  We just saved your sanity before the holidays even start.   Listen to Episode 118 “The Only Wardrobe Checklist You Will Ever Need” wherever you get your podcasts or at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC.   FASHION CRIMES PODCAST "The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed!"   Hosted by your favorite personal stylist, Holly Katz!   www.fashioncrimespodcast.com   #hollykatzstyling #fashioncrimespodcast #personalstylist #fashionover40 #fashionover50 #whattowear #podcast #podcasters #fashionpodcast #wardrobecheklist #wardrobeconsultant #stylist