Holiday Gift Guide by Tobi's Little Helpers

Tis the season and Christmas couldn't come at a better time! The recession is starting to ease up, and the amazing fall, holiday, and resort wear s pouring in by the pound. No matter what the holidays mean to you, everyone loves to stay cozy and warm come November and we have the perfect items for you to pamper yourself with during the holidays, or to gift to your friends and family to make their holidays special.

1. Velvet & Rag Doll Bandeau's: The perfect solution to your holiday comfort woe's, these elastic bra's are comfortable, easy, and strapless so you can wear them with any top. Perfect for taking you from daytime casual to dressy holiday parties, these bandeau's are the ultimate fall fashion solution.

2. Blank denim: With the latest trends implemented into their fall styles, including studs, distress, and patent leather patches, Blank denims jeans are flattering on every butt and are even economy friendly, at a price point around $80 a pair.

3. Deux Luxe Wallets, Cosmetic Cases and Handbags (JUST IN TODAY!!): Deux Luxe's perspective on fun carrier cases is all about glitter. From pocket sized I.D. card holders to massive metallic handbags, they are the perfect holiday gift for any fun loving girl at any age. In Lipstick Pink, Mint, Neon Lilac, Gold, and many other colors of the rainbow, and at a price point that can't be beat, these little sparkly accessories are every jet setter's dream to hold together all their beauty essentials.

4. JET baby blanket sweaters: With re-orders coming in by the dozen, it is no wonder why John Eshaya's new blanket sweaters are flying off the shelves! These long pieces, that are great for layering, aren't too tough on the bank account and are so cuddly, they'll make you feel like you're an infant again, wrapped all snug in your favorite blankie!

5. Chan Luu Wrap Bracelets: The biggest trend in jewelry since Carrie's horseshoe necklace's, Chan Luu's wrap bracelets (either three times around or five times around) utilize the finest of leather and metal materials to add a polished bohemian air to any ensemble.

RMDHCSD Spa Day/Tobi Blatt Fashion Show a smashing success!!

This past Tuesday, Tobi Blatt boutiques were chosen to be the featured clothing for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego's Spa Day/Fashion Showcase.  We were thrilled to give to such a fantastic cause and to do what we love most: style!! Tobi & Casey Blatt hand picked all the garments, while Monica Ellis & Marla Bertsch of M&M Gems accessorized all the fresh new looks.  

Guests arrived at the spacious Bridges home in Rancho Santa Fe around 12:30 in the afternoon by limo, sipping on champagne and pinot grigio.  While the ladies enjoyed their vast menu of spa treatments, their hubbies enjoyed a lovely round of golf at the Crosby Estates for a charity tournament hosted by RMDHCSD.  Spa treatments, presented by the spectacular Bellus Academy, ranged from teeth whitening and pumpkin hand masks to manicures and facials.  There were fresh and fruity tray pass appetizers and lots of wine & champagne to cool the ladies down on a typical San Diego Indian Summer day.  The models, provided by Play by Play Models, arrived early for hair and makeup around 11:30 am.  The Tobi team arrived even earlier, to get the wardrobes organized and ready for the runway.  After getting their hair and makeup done, the models promptly prepared for the first look.  

It wasn't your typical runway show... models were stationed in pairs at two trafficked locations between spa service stations, and rotated throughout the home.  There were a total of 5 looks per model, and progressed from fresh daytime sundresses to glittery evening wear.  Highlights included the Faith Connexions white holiday dress, Custo Barcelona's fabulous trench coat, and one of our personal faves, the Georgie studded mini skirt.  

For more photos and information on the show and the looks, friend Tobi Blatt on facebook (look for the rainbow cow in the picture!), where we update news daily!

People Mag announces their Fall Must Have's, and we are diggin it!!

Our favorite part of the changing seasons is the announcement of trend forecasts because it confirms our suspicions on trends we have planned to have for the past season, and give us new looks to strive for, which is always fun.  This season, it seems many of our predictions were right on target!!  Check out the Top 12 essential trends for fall, as named by People Mag:

1. Black Leather: No fall collection is complete with out a classic leather jacket.  This season, broaden your horizons... go for a strong leather boot, a short leather skirt, or invest in some pretty leather gloves if you're in a cold place.  This goes along with our prediction of the hot motorcycle wear trend, in the form of studded jackets, skin tight pants, funky vests, and ankle booties.

2. The Color RED: The color of passion and confidence, red is meant to make a statement, or add a splash of color to the standard dark palette of fall.  What better way to spice up an outfit then with a red pout, a gorgeous red coat, or some patent red flats.

3. Sheath dresses: Luckily, with the popularity of sheath dresses among the working women today, this trend is a money saver and ensemble recycler.  In stock right now, lots of Hanii Y sheath-like dresses (at fabulous prices!) with modest hems and rich fabrics to maximize comfort and make you look and feel like a million bucks.  Try this trend with a classic clutch and some chunky jewelry.

4. Bright bags: Just because fall has arrived does not mean you have to kiss color goodbye.  Keep your outfits bright with a bold bag, in a kelly green or cobalt blue, for instance.  Michelle Trachtenberg was recently spotted sporting a hot pink patent clutch over a black outfit, giving just the splash of color to prevent looking drab or gothic.

5. Animal prints: Leopard, Dalmation, and Python, oh my!  Whether its your smock, your bag, or your shoes, animal prints are THE in thing.  Try out our dalmation print Giuseppe Zanotti peep toes, or one of our many python print Velvet pieces.  Let out your inner Glamazon with this fun fall trend, and eliminate the stress of animal rights activists by using faux products!

6. Neon pink & Black:  Pink may not be the new black, but it is definitely the new white.  Pink and black have long time been a likely pairing for those looking to blend color with the classic black that we all know and love.  Utilize the layered look this fall with a sheer black top over a bright pink shirt to make your ensemble pop!  Also, don some hot pink on your nails instead of the usual Lincoln Park After Dark... it will save your nails from discoloration and brighten up your look!

7. Ruffles: This is a trend commonly misinterpreted by many, but can be used to flatter your figure if it's done right.  Graham & Spencer is one of our favorite brands, particularly for their elegant take on ruffles and cuts.  Also, try a fun tiered ruffled dress for your holiday parties this fall, to elongate your figure and show your curves.  Combine with the animal print trend by incorporating a faux fur shrug, and you'll be absolutely fabulous!

8. Bold Gold Necklaces:  We here at Tobi Blatt believe accessories make the outfit, and what a better trend to be hot than this one!  TAT2 Designs, one of our leading accessory brands, makes long gold necklaces that when layered, make a bold statement.  Also, try Chan Luu's chunkier pieces with a higher neckline.

9. Sparkly Shoes:  Let out your inner princess with some glitterly gams this holiday season!  Our Giuseppe Zanotti collection is choc-full-of shimmering shoes, from the gold python sling backs to the crystal encrusted sandals.  On sale through the end of September, our shoes are the best brands at the lowest prices in town!

10. Embellished T-shirts:  One of our all time favorite trends, embellished t-shirts give off a fun vibe while remaining comfortable.  From Velvet's stone embellished collars, to Bejeweled's sparkly tank tops, we have every type of embellished t-shirt you could ever imagine!  

11. Dressy Leggings: Leggings are a staple for every woman, but try something new on your next pair: a leather legging, a zipper on the ankle, or some studding down the sides.  Whatever it is you like, incorporate it into your leggings to save time on accessorizing and save money on jeans!

12. Vintage:  Although we have always looked to the past for trends today, brands like Original Retro Brand, Karen Zambos and American Vintage have been using the materials, logos, and design aesthetics characteristic of previous eras to design their looks.  Acknowledge your past and dress for today!

Hopefully some of our tips will encourage you to seek these trends while shopping for the holidays and fall season.  For this fall's trends at affordable prices, come into our Del Mar location, where half of our merchandise is 60% (or more) off!  We have consolidated some of our stores and have a ton of merchandise we need to move to make room for our incoming fall clothing so COME AND GET IT while it's such a steal!

NEW news

So this week, although our uber fabulous September Sale Spectacular is in its second week, we have gotten some really killer new merchandise in.  As stated in our last post, Blank denim's motorcycle jeans are all the rage.  We have almost completely sold out of the black studded skinnies, but still have some of the denim studded skinnies and the motorcycle cut jean.  Additionally, we have received the following new goodies:

-Tucker blouses, dresses, and coats (Our new floral print blouse pictured)

-Original Retro Brand college t-shirts for Back to School

-Rozae Nichols Fall Collection

-C&C basics, sweaters, and tunics (to die for!! already on backorder in ONE DAY!)

-Joe's Jeans Honey's - the best fit around for curvy girls

If that's not enough to get your gears grinding, than how bout our fall preview... glittery wallets, clutches, and toiletrie cases by Deux Luxe, Holiday & Resort wear from Velvet, more Blank denim, Chan Luu wrap bracelets for weeks, La Vie Parisienne filigree earrings, and much much more... stay tuned!

Trend Report

This fall, the new hot trend we can't get enough of is Motorcycle pants.  Whether they're leather or denim, distressed or embellished, the motorcycle look is IN this season.  In fact, we just got our first installment, courtesy of Blank denim, who sent us black studded skinnies and motorcycle cigarette jeans.  As a result, leather jackets, a fall staple, are more crucial than ever.  From Cameron Diaz to Rhianna, ripped, studded and tie dyed jeans are the bottoms of choice.  For the bolder of the fashionistas like Sienna Miller and Lindsay Lohan, leather pants or leggings with zippers are a more edgy choice.  Pair these bold moto-inspired pieces with a solid basic and layers and layers of metal jewelry and you will let your inner rebel come through!

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something cute!

With the economy in this bottomless slump, it is hard to encourage those that are struggling to spend their coveted dollars on luxury clothing.  However, when it comes to fashion, no matter what the times may bring, one cannot sacrifice their total fashionable dignity.  It is a matter of being shrewd and making wise decisions.  Just because our budgets our tight does not mean we should sacrifice our right to make ourselves feel good.  

Pinch your pennies where you can... don't buy anything you don't need, and reinvent your old stuff.  Pair affordable basics with a couple elegant accent pieces and not only will you have a new low budget outfit, but you will also achieve an original ensemble that is far more likely to be one of a kind.  

Today, our Marketing go-to girl Casey is wearing Lindsay Lohan's zipper leggings, a tunic tank from Target, Christian Louboutin peep toe pumps, and inexpensive mixed metal jewelry.  Lindsey, one of our Sales Representatives, is wearing UNIV jeans (a north county consignment store/boutique known for their original styles), a Velvet blouse, and leather gladiators for under $100.  

It doesn't take a rich girl to look elegant and timeless.  Become a stylist... do whatever helps you visualize your wardrobe options, and mix and match until you find something you think fits well, looks cute, and is comfortable (if possible)!  If it helps you, like it does me, google image your favorite style icon and get some inspiration.  See if you can spot similar items in your own wardrobe and start from there.  

Soon enough, tobiblatt.com will be offering one-to-one styling to help you reach your own style.  We will be able to use web correspondence to answer your questions regarding your wardrobe, looks, and overall style, and use the blog as a means of displaying those services to those seeking fashion advice around the globe.  Fashion is individual and deliberate, but draws on influences across different times and cultures... we can all help each other bring out our personal best through fashion, and that is why we want to be here for you.

Tis the Season

The night comes earlier, the exceedingly warm temperature drops with the sun, football has started, and the kids are back at school... for some, this means fall has arrived.  But on the West Coast, it's the beginning of our Indian Summer.   Until about October, Southern California receives some of the best weather in the hemisphere.  It is a time when summer wear and fall early arrivals are blended to create comfortable versatile looks that will take you from the office to happy hour.  Where cooling down at the end of the day doesn't mean the evenings aren't hot.  A time when people cherish the after work cocktail and any hopes of catching a glimpse of summer warmth after a long day locked up in the office.  Leisure time is encouraged, and for those working it is minimal, but savored. 

For those of us fortunate enough to have this slow, drawn out summer weather, celebrate by making a statement.  Don't just recycle your summer basics and denim cut off's.  Now that the sun is setting earlier and the warm weather cools down quicker, try bringing back into rotation some dark jeans, flowy tops, and leather accent pieces.  You may not be able to sport a sweater or coat quite yet, but the cool night allow us to utilize some extra layers and heavier materials in our choices.  Handbags start to get bigger again too, which is a relief to those who keep their purses full of on-the-go goodies, or those jetting out after work.  After you clear your desk at the office, let your hair back down and play with accessories like hats and headbands.  Put on a cropped jacket or a light blouse and hit the town.  Step out in heels, ankle booties, or funky ballet flats; whatever will keep you on your feet through the night.  All you gotta make sure is your home at a reasonable hour to get some beauty rest before work tomorrow... But have some fun.  After all, tis the season.