29June

{Cocktails} 4 summer spirits for the 4th of July

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Shake things up this FOFourth with anything-but-ordinary summer spirits from FOF cocktail guru Cheryl Heisler. (Plus, have your own cocktail question for Cheryl? Ask it, here!)

What you'll need:
Ice
1 part grapefruit juice
1 part Pinot Grigio
Splash of Campari
Wine glasses

Preparation:
Prepare a large white wine glass with ice. Fill 1/2 with grapefruit juice, 1/2 with Pinot Grigio. Add a splash of Campari. Mix gently and enjoy.

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What you'll need:
Ice
Seasoned pepper
Sea salt
1 part scotch whiskey (Try "Scottish Leader" or another "peaty" flavored brand)
2 part Bloody Mary mix (medium spicy)
Highball glasses
Corn on the cob (for garnish)

Preparation:
Prepare lowball glasses by wetting the rim in a little water and then twisting them on a small plate with a mixture of sea salt and seasoned pepper. Fill with ice. Pour 1 part scotch whiskey into the glasses and roughly 2 parts Bloody Mary mix. Stir.
To garnish, oil and season an ear of corn on the cob. Grill until grill marks show. Remove from fire and slice horizontally into one inch disks, cutting a small notch in each disk. Allow corn to cool to room temperature then garnish the lip of each glass with a corn disk. (Note: garnish should be made in advance to allow for cooling time.)

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Note: If you make this as an individual drink, "1 part" should equal 1/4 oz.; keep the percentages the same and you can blend up a whole swarm at once!

What you'll need:
ice
1 part vodka
1 part gin
1 part light rum
1 part tequila
1 part triple sec
4 parts sweet and sour drink mix

Orange juice
Cherries (for garnish)
Pitcher or tall glass

Preparation:

In a shaker or blender, combine ice plus vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec, and sweet and sour. Strain into a tall glass (or divide and strain mix equally into multiple glasses). Fill each glass to the top with orange juice. Garnish with a fresh stem-on cherry.

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What you'll need:
1 part Kahlua
1 part Bailey's Irish Crème
1 part white crème de cacao (you can also use dark crème de cacao -- the flavor will be the same, but the drink will retain more of a coffee color)
3 parts cream
Cocktail or martini glasses
Cinnamon sticks or whipped cream and shaved, dark chocolate (for garnish)

Preparation:
Pre-chill a stemmed cocktail or martini glass. In a shaker, combine Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Crème, crème de cacao and cream. Shake well. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish simply with a cinnamon stick, or, if you are feeling decadent, top with whipped cream and shaved, dark chocolate!

3 comments

29June

{Style Expert} Shorts for FOFs: The long and short of it

It's the question that's vexed us all summer (and every summer). Now that we're FOF, should we wear shorts? Or are thigh-revealing garments better left to twenty-somethings? Our FOF style gurus give us the long and short of it.

FOF Sandra Soich: "On my last trip to NYC, I saw lots of young girls wearing short shorts with tasteful tees, thick belts, light scarves and perfect ballet flats. How adorable! If you're FOF, swap in a wonderfully-safe bermuda short and a thin belt instead of a thick one. The bermuda, after all, is about the same length as a skirt. If you can wear skirts, you can wear shorts."

pictured: shorts: gap, $14.99 // tee: jcrew, $27.60 // belt: felder felder, £82.50

Sandra Soich is wardrobe stylist to the stars and founder of YourFashionTherapist.com.

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FOF Donna Perone: "This summer, I'm loving two short alternatives: a beautiful print skirt, shortened to just above the knee and cropped pants. They can both be casual, worn with flats, or dressed up with a high-heel strappy sandal. But, let's not rule out shorts entirely -- a beautiful knee-length Italian denim short (with no holes or fading, please!) or simple knee-length cotton or linen shorts would work too."

pictured: jean shorts: doncaster, $225 // cropped pants: doncaster, $215 // skirt: doncaster, $250

Donna Perone is the founder of Living Fit with Style, a New York-based personal training and styling company.

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FOF Lovey Dash: "Like Peter Pan, I thought I'd never ever grow up. But, shorts gave me a reality check this year. Regardless of how gorgeous your legs look, short shorts should not leave the house when you're FOF. I fell in love with a pair of cotton shorts from Billy Blues collection. They come in lots of colors, flatten your tummy, and the flare is not too wide. I wear them with ballet slippers but, they would also look good with thongs or a cute sneaker."

pictured: shorts: billy blues, $174 // ballet flats: london sole, $215

Lovey Dash is a Beverly Hills-based stylist. She was formerly in VIP sales for Louis Vuitton on Rodeo Drive.

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FOF Terry Gibralter: "FOFs can definitely pull off shorts! We’re not talking short shorts or hot pants here, but a nice fitting tailored short can be worn at just about any age. The key is choosing a pair that works with your body type -- the right length, the right fabric and also what you pair with them is important. That said, I still feel the best option for hot weather is a lightweight flowy skirt— there's nothing cooler than that!"

pictured: black shorts: express, $29.99 // checkered shorts: jones new york, $35.40 // khaki shorts: not your daughter's jeans, $74

Terry Gibralter is the founder of Bespoke Custom Shopping Tours, carefully-crafted shopping “vacations” and a self-proclaimed, “fashion-obsessed” FOF.

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FOF Susan Grant: "I'm definitely of the opinion that short shorts should be left to young, toned women. For FOFs, a loose, lightweight cotton dress or separates care more comfortable in hot weather than binding shorts. Ann DeMeulemeester makes loose, edgy tops, skirts and dresses which are easy to accessorize. Issey Miyake makes cotton knits that are comfortable and hand washable. For full figured women I always recommend pieces by Eskandar which create a very simple, chic, flattering line."

pictured: black pants: ann demeulemeester, £515 // white pants: eskandar, $156

Susan Grant is merchandise manager for Muse, a full-service jewelry showroom.

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FOF Susan Hersh: "There is no reason for women to forgo wearing shorts. They are a staple for many sports such as hiking, golf and trekking. There are also 'dressy-casual' options. I like the Vince Silk-Contrast shorts that hit mid-thigh."

pictured: khaki shorts: vince, $178 // black shorts: vince, $135

Susan Hersh is a Ford model and the host and executive producer of Meet The Experts.

51 comments

19May

{Style Expert} Find it for le$$

Our FOF Style Gurus share their favorite, wear-everywhere summer pieces. Then, for the truly frugal, our FOF Bargain Gurus recommend look-alike items at a fraction of the price.

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Style guru pick: Colorful teardrop earrings in sterling silver and citrine by Coralia Leets, $180

FOF style guru Sally Hillkene: “Color is key this season and knowing when to use it and when to spare it is what Coralia Leets does so well. These earrings are gold vermeil set with multi-colored natural gems. They wear well with just about anything.”

Bargain guru pick: Teardrop earrings by Glitzy Rocks, $16.49

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I found these at Overstock.com, where you can take your pick of teardrop earrings...and also how much you spend for them! These were only $16.49. They’re gorgeous!”

Style guru pick: Cotton linen raglan top by James Perse, $85

FOF style guru Sandra Soich: “I wear this tee untucked with a vintage, neutral, woven belt from the '70s.”

Bargain guru pick: Whisper linen v-neck tee by J.Crew, $36.50
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “J.Crew comes through with a very similar tee to the James Perse one, but for only $36.50.”

Style guru pick: Thai Silk Button Down Shirts by Imperio jp, $200

FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “Jessica Packer, emerging queen of fresh silks, creates wonderful ‘go-to’ garments. These blouses are especially fantastic for busy ladies who want a great classic look. They’re available in 52 different shades and counting.”

Bargain guru pick: Silk Blythe blouse by J.Crew, $98

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “This J.Crew blouse comes in your choice of six colors including white! The collar doesn’t button down but with the savings, who cares?”

Style guru pick: Pure linen Kate top by Chicos, $79

FOF style guru Linda Cohen: “I like a tunic like this with some length to it. I make sure it’s no shorter than the tops of my thighs. Chicos has a great assortment of sizes and colors.”

Bargain guru pick: Shirred collar tunic top by Mossimo from Target, $21.99
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I found this at Target. Can you believe it?”

Style guru pick: Signature belted shirtdress by Jones New York, $129

FOF style guru Linda Cohen: “The classic khaki shirt dress never goes out of style and can be worn at any age. This one hides our upper arms and isn’t too short. I’d wear it with ballet flats or comfy wedges and big sunglasses to channel my inner Jackie O.”

Bargain guru pick: Short-sleeved military belted shirtdress by AGB, $34.99

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “This AGB shirt dress from Macy’s is only $34.99. With the savings, go buy some new shoes!”

Style guru pick: Aurum Sandals from Anthropologie, $198

FOF style guru Sandra Soich: “These strappy, metallic sandals are sure to be the shoe of the summer. I’d wear them with an ankle length gauze skirt in cream and a James Perse v-neck tee. The look could be my hot-weather uniform.”

Bargain guru pick: Metallic Beaded Button Sandal from Gojane.com, $16.90
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “When I'm shoe hunting online, gojane.com is one of the first places I look. Although I can't wear some of the super-high shoes they feature, I can always find a lot of options and you can’t beat their prices!”

Style guru pick: Tassel Earrings by IRIT Design, $4,740

FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “IRIT jewels are the dernier cri for this season and beyond. They’re timeless creations with recycled metals, rose-cut diamonds and edgy style to culminate in all out glamour. Wear them liberally, pardon the pun, as Michelle Obama did at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, or wear them one piece at a time."

Bargain guru pick: ANOUK rhinestone tassel earrings by Etsy user portobello, $29
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “These are so like the more expensive ones! Plus, by buying them on Etsy you’re supporting a craftsperson. There are hundreds of other styles of tassel earrings like these on Etsy too!”

Style guru pick: Silk Pintuck Pleated Shawl by IMPERIO jp, $325
FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “Jessica Packer, founder of Imperio, has emerged as the queen of fresh silks. Her somewhat-slubby natural silks wear beautifully and comfortably because there’s a natural ‘give’ built into the weave.”

Bargain guru pick: Entwinements Giant Star Shawl, $260
FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “At only $260, I think these pure silk shawls are a great find.”

Style guru pick: The Boyfriend Jean in the “Loved” finish by Current/Elliott, $206
FOF style guru Wendy Foster: They are 99 percent cotton and 1 percent polyester with no stretch. They’re super soft like your boyfriend's vintage jeans. Roll the bottoms and wear them low.”

Bargain guru pick: Cuffed boyfriend jeans from Gap, $69.50

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I love Gap jeans. They fit well, wash well and won't break the budget. Bingo! These are a super match to the more expensive pair.”

Style guru pick: Multi-strand diamond necklace by IRIT design, $4,500

FOF style guru Sally Hilkene: “Irit Erlich designs for many stars including Penelope Cruz, Rhianna and Selma Hayek. Pair this with jeans or dress it up for high brow events. The muted silver tones play well with all other metals, too, allowing a daring fashionista to make her own rules.”

Bargain guru pick: Delicate Multi Strand Silver Necklace by Etsy user SilverLotusDesigns, $32

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “Once again, Etsy strikes a home-run! If you can’t find lower-priced versions of your favorite jewelry on Etsy, then you’re just not trying very hard!”

Style guru pick: Tictactoe lead nappa by Stuart Weitzman, $212

FOF style guru Susan Hersh: “I wear these with jeans, leggings, or shorts. They’re an updated gladiator with straps around the ankle and look really pretty on the feet.”

Bargain guru pick: Divas 2 Gladiator Sandals by Kickers, $80

FOFrugalista Jacqueline Gikow: “The thin rubber sole gives you just enough support without feeling obtrusive."

Style guru pick: Yellow and white gold bangles by Jennifer Miller, $175

FOF style guru Lovey Dash: Bangles, bangles, bangles! The best I’ve seen for summer are by Jennifer Miller. You get about 30 in a bunch. You can wear them with a gown or with a sarong.”

Bargain guru pick: White enamel and crystal bracelets by Chamak by Priya Kakkar, $58

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin : “Okay, you’re only getting six bangles here but wowza, they’re gorgeous and only $58.”

Style guru pick: Linen Wide Leg Pants by Krisa, $138.

FOF style guru Lovey Dash: “I love these pants. The linen is not too sheer, the wide stretch waist band holds in the hip area and the price is right.”

Bargain guru pick: Wide leg linen drawstring pants by Tommy Hilfiger, $47.99

FOFrugalista Jacqueline Gikow: “Tommy Hilfiger's linen drawstring pants are a must-have for the summer, the lightweight fabric and neutral colors makes getting dressed a breeze.”

Style guru pick: Long embroidered skirt by Zara, $79.

FOF style guru Sandra Soich: “My must-have for summer is an ankle-length, gauze skirt in cream with a feminine lace trim at the ankle. It’s gathered and has a yoke at the tummy for a very flattering silhouette.”

FOFrugalista Deborah Martin: “I honestly couldn’t find anything this pretty for this price. This is a gorgeous skirt. I want it!"