I'm Dreaming of a Cavalli Christmas

Merry Christmas to all from Oliver B. Styles!

As we approach the end of another year, I wanted to take a moment and give a special gift to those of you reading my page (when I post) and taking away better feelings of your own personal style in a world where you are overrun with trends trends trends that have no everlasting substance. I hope that I have made your 2010 a little brighter and beautiful.

As I begin closing out this year of fashion I like to look back at the tips I have given you this year for one central theme that will capture 2010. I think I have found it: BREAK THE RULES!

This entire year I have presented you my thoughts on white shoes after labor day, complementary colors over matching, throwing out hosiery, spring colors in cold seasons, dark and rich colors in spring, and so much more. What is this all supposed to teach you? That there are no longer hard and fast rules for fashion. We all have to explore fashion--experiment with your look and do crazy things. I'd rather fail as a leader than to succeed as a follower. Except of course when it comes to flip flops. I will never back down that those are hideous, useless, and lazy fashions. I will never support them as everyday wear ... NEVER!

So be a leader in fashion. Take charge of your look and own it. We all want to look and feel beautiful. As we approach 2011 I hope all my readers take my lessons and make themselves look their best every day. There is no excuse to neglect yourself.

I got a great piece of advice today. it was in the context of becoming rich, but I think it works for style as well. I read that everyone should live like they are going to die tomorrow, but invest like they are going to live forever. I think that's great style advice.

Dress like you are going to die tomorrow. What I think that means is you should always look your best so that when you die you leave a legacy of beauty. If you died tonight, how would you be described through your clothes? Is that what you want as your legacy? Will you have regrets?

Invest in clothes like you are going to live forever. This goes back to my theme of distinguishing style from trendy fashion. Your main pieces of clothing should be investments. Maybe it's your favorite handbag, or a bracelet, or a sweater, or a pair of jeans or shoes. Whatever it is, when you choose that expensive must-have piece, it should be something you will wear far into the future. For example, I spent about $200 back in 2005 on a DKNY blazer that I loved. It was an investment, a must-have item. Cut to last night: I wore it out with a friend who commented on how nice the blazer was. When I told him I bought it 5 years ago, he was stunned. It's still fashionable. The amazing part is it looks even better on me now than it did back then. Invest in fashion readers! Your wallet will love it, and you'll find that you're more confident with a safety blanket in your hot timeless pieces.

So this is 2010: break rules, and set the standard for YOURSELF. It has been a pleasure having an audience to share my tips with. Now it's time for your Christmas present: a special holiday rewrite for you. Enjoy:

Collections ring,
are you list’nin’?
On the runway
clothes are glist’nin’.
A beautiful sight.
We're in vogue tonight.
Strutting in a Wintour wonderland.

Gone away: tacky sweater;
here to stay: something better.
A shiny silver dress.
Red bangles to access’.
Strutting in a Wintour wonderland.

In your hand you need a clutch or wristlet.
I found some good ones on bluefly.com.
You'll ask: Should I buy this?
I'll say: Why not?
But I would try to
split the cost with MOM.

Later on
trends will tire,
as your style stays on fire.
‘Cause Oliver B.
knows just what you need.
Strutting in a Wintour wonderland.

On your feet I think you need Zanotti.
You can’t go wrong with crystals and black suede.
You’ll be the best dressed gal at every party.
And give your male arm candy an upgrade.

When style shows
ain't it thrilling?
When you look good my life’s fulfilling.
We're fashionistas all day-
the Oliver B. way.
Strutting in a Wintour wonderland.

Strutting in a Wintour wonderland.
Strutting in a Wintour wonderland.

Here's to Style. Cheers!