Helene M. Fashion Blog

By Eva Victoria Roberts

Being the sophisticated gals that we are, it is likely that we will be traveling to a warm destination this snowy winter. Whether it is a long weekend or a multi-week excursion, figuring out what to pack is a constant dilemma. Read on, sisters, and I will share a few tips to make it as easy as it SHOULD be!!!

First and foremost, make a list. Be certain you check off everything before you go, and you will remove stress from packing- (blasting reggae with margarita in hand doesn’t hurt either)!! When traveling, accessories are absolutely key. Think lightweight scarves, fun jewelry, and huge sunglasses. On the flight, layer up! Then, when you land, peel off the extra layers, add huge sunglasses to hide travel tired eyes, and voila, island fabulous!!!

Here is my essential No-Fail list of items to bring on a casual tropical vacation:

- Jersey dress(es)- two or three even is fine! (bring at least one solid black)

- Perfectly tailored shorts or capris

- Various Michael Stars tees and sexy tanks

- Printed lightweight skirts (we have a GREAT one in from Tibi right now!!)

- A Shoshanna bikini

- Loads of bright jewelry (coral, turquoise, silver or gold hoops, cocktail rings)

- Tory Burch thong sandals (keep the heel low or flat for easy sightseeing)

- Sarong or Pareo in beautiful prints

- Huge Slouchy bag (Big Buddha makes the best!!) to carry camera, towel, ipod, and book.

- Printed head scarves to tie over sea washed, sun streaked hair…instant glam!

The key is to look effortlessly chic.  Simplicity is lovely, and if you can fit all of this into a carry-on, even better! You will be so relaxed and happy; you won’t need much more makeup than a slide of gloss, a coat of mascara, and a bit of bronzer across your cheeks. So, leave your blow dryer at home and revel in your fabulousness….!! Happy Travels!

By Liana Zaborowski

The after holiday sales are just about out of steam, but our new spring and resort deliveries are gorgeous, and the perfect sneak peek at what is just around the corner- Spring!!! New England has been exceptionally cold, snowy, and gray lately. Island bound or not, incorporating new splashy colorful spring pieces is the ideal way to revive your winter wardrobe. Tory Burch’s bright yellow cotton button down paired with any of your favorite denim(we know you have an arsenal), a standby neutral cardigan,(& yes, maybe some bronzer!) and you’re in transition! Milly is famous for their bright, chic prints, and under those cashmere cardy’s you’ve been sporting all winter, it creates an entirely fresh look and feel. You can perhaps skip the short shorts for now (although we have spotted several fashionistas in NYC wearing these in the winter with opaque tights and TB flats), just dont overlook the fact that lightweight fabrics and floaty floral blouses all look amazing layered, and mixing it up is half the fun in how we make a look our very own. Any piece you pick up now will transport you to the warmer days of spring, and well into the heat of the summer.

By Eva Victoria Roberts

My dream closet....

New Years is synonymous with revitalization. In these uncertain financial times, keeping up a fantastic appearance can keep your spirits high. Ladies, its time to throw open your closet doors and get rid of EVERYTHING that is not amazing. My rule is, if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s not likely that you ever will. Be ruthless….. Fill up a HUGE bag(s), and take your tired clothing to a charity, give them to friends or family, or even a second hand shop (it will bring in extra cash to justify new purchases). And remember, scaling down the wardrobe doesn’t have to mean scarcity. It means elegant simplicity, comfort, and confidence. Think Audrey Hepburn, who always looked clean and classic, but unique. This means, LOVE everything you have, and make sure it fits beautifully. If it doesn’t, bring it to a tailor, and get it nipped, let down, taken up, or whatever it needs to be supremely yours.  

Let’s see how you measure up to this timeless checklist of must-have pieces. I call it “The Wardrobe Foundation”….

- Favorite denim, (or two, or three….lets be honest here.)

- Perfect Black Pants

- White button down blouse

- Pencil skirt

- LBD- if you have to ask, you have to have one…

DVF iconic silk wrap dress...timeless

- Cashmere sweater(s) - lets face it, this is the northeast. We are entitled to cashmere.

- Statement bag

- Killer boots for slushy sidewalks. (Im a huge fan of my hunter boots)

- Absolutely stunning coat, warm, classic, and a touch of you, (color, button, cool collar)

DVF wool cashmere coat

Once you have these pieces, let’s talk about what you can add to make sure we don’t all look the same. You need an assortment of your most flattering colors, maybe in an array of Michael Stars tees. They go beautifully with anything, and last forever. Accrue jewelry and accessories that reflect your style, personality, and travels. Arty Bohemian? Grab some long dangly earrings, a fun knit hat, and a colorful scarf.

Evoke a modern flapper in this knit hat

More Classic? Wrap strands of pearls over your Michael Stars tee, and throw a cashmere wrap around your neck before you put on your winter coat.

Portia Clark Pearls

It’s all in the details, and once you have the perfect foundation wardrobe, adding pieces that make you YOU, is what makes a wardrobe so special. Let’s revive ourselves, give our closets a well needed feng shui sweep, and bring in some new energy to our image this year! Here’s to 2009….Happy New Year……!