Hostess With The Mostess!

Getting ready to host your own holiday soiree? Here are some helpful tips so you can be sure to earn the title "Hostess With The Mostess"!

Take the quiz...what kind of hostess are you?

What To Wear: Of course this is first on my list!! Be sure to have your outfit planned in advance. The last thing you want to happen is to have a list minute panic of what you will wear an hour before your guests arrive. Decide what look you want to achieve. Do you want to be fun and flirty, formal and sophisticated or holiday chic?

A great blouse paired with a dark denim jean or pants is always a great look! Keep in mind that you will most likely be photographed by your guests, so be sure to pick out something in one of your best colors. Avoid trendy holiday inspired tops that will wash you out. If you go with a lighter color, be careful when cleaning up and pouring wine. Also, be sure you are comfortable in your outfit and that you have the right top and bottom for your body shape. You don't want to appear uneasy if your blouse is too tight or your undergarments aren't holding up!

If you want to dress more formal, consider a tiered skirt and pair with one of your many black

sweaters or blouses. Add some great jewels and you're ready to party!

Or go for a great silk dress, which you can always layer with a shrug or cardigan when you are greeting guests at your front door. Be sure to have a new pair of tights on hand and consider a great chandelier earring to accessorize!

Contact me for any last minute shopping help!

Setting The Mood: Even if you don't have a big budget for decorations, you can set a festive mood simply by lighting some candles and ensuring there is a loop of great holiday tunes playing in the background. If you have pictures from past parties, print out and create a collage for everyone to see! Consider also how many guests you are having and if you should rearrange any furniture to create either a very intimate setting, or make more room and reposition tables and chairs to create a nice flow in the main room. As the Hostess, be sure to spend time talking to each of your guests. Introduce your guests to one another and point out any commonalities. This will create a warm environment where everyone is encouraged to mingle and get to know others,

rather than staying huddled in one corner and to themselves!

The Food & Drinks: Try to have the preparation for all of your food

and drinks completed before your first guests arrive. This will ensure you don't get frazzled in the kitchen while also greeting people. Create a self serve area for the bar. Open up a couple different bottles of wine and have a pitcher of pre-made Sangria or holiday punch so your guests can help themselves. Have a picture of water and sodas also available. If you have hot foods to serve, either have them ready in heated chafing dishes or figure out the time you want sneak into the kitchen to heat and serve. Have some munchies ready and available for your guests to have when they arrive. Cheese and crackers, veges and dip, nuts and grapes are great options. Check Martha Stewart's website for some great recipes, like the Easy Goat Cheese. Foodnetwork.com also has 100 Appetizer recipes and some great holiday cocktail ideas. Be prepared for guests who might bring a dish. Have extra serving platters on hand just in case! And of course, help to ensure all of your guests drink responsibly!

Happy Hostessing!!

The weather outside was frightful, but inside was surely delightful!

Wednesday's Girl's Night Out was still warm and cozy at Beneath The Gown's amazing space, upstairs at The White Dress By The Shore. Josie Jolon shared her magic with expert bra fittings and tips for wearing the perfect foundations!

Josie has a beautiful collection of lingerie on sale for the Holidays. Contact her for an appointment! Ladies- pass this information to the men in your life...wink, wink!! Gift certificates are also available!

___________________________________________

A Sampling of Holiday Treats!

A round of applause goes to Corine Dell'Orso, owner of Lovely Lollies, who brought an amazing display of sweet treats! Her Red Velvet Lollies are a must have indulgence! She is not only skilled at baking, but also has a creative technique for visual display and packaging. If you are still in need of some holiday gifts, contact Corine today and she will put together a customized package of delectables for your co-workers, friends or that special someone. She can also do an arrangement for your own holiday party or favors for any other special events during the year!

Special thanks to the very creative Designer and Photographer, Allison Grazia, for taking these beautiful photos!

______________________________________________

Holiday Makeup from The Beauty Library!

Jennie Fresa brought samples of her amazing lip gloss, just in time to complete our holiday look! Jennie Fresa's Beauty Library in Clinton can help you with all of your beauty needs. From special occasion makeup application to beauty parties with your friends! For a full listing of services and special events, view her website!

_____________________________________________

The Perfect Holiday Look from Chica Guapa!

I had a great time pulling together some fabulous Holiday looks for all body types and budgets! Fashions were from BCBG, Jana Kos, Ann Taylor, The Loft, H&M,

Forever 21 and Old Navy.

Some fun ideas were also shared for reinventing your accessories for the Holidays. Using pretty ribbon, feathers and unique brooches to create a festive new belt, necklace or bracelet!

Still need help finding your perfect party outfit? Appointments still available - give me a call! Gift certificates from Chica Guapa are also available and make great presents for the special women in your life, or for your loved ones to give to you! Pass on the idea!

Holiday specials are still going on for appointments in January, February and March. Kick off the new year with a new look!

Special thanks to the very talented Amy Trahant, of Take Aim Photography in Clinton, for these amazing photos!

In this photo by Take Aim: Josie Jolon, Alicia Trotta, Corine Dell'Orso, Jennie Fresa and Heidi Jolon-Perez

Stay Tuned For More Events!

Be sure to become a follower of The Chica Guapa Blogspot to get updates on all future events and fashion tips!

Also follow the The Blushing Blog for future events at Beneath The Gown and The White Dress By The Shore. Two amazing and unique places for women to shop!

Happy Holidays!

Bobbie Brown Winter Coat Drive this Saturday at Lord & Taylor, West Farms Mall! Enjoy a free makeup lesson and save 10%!

Bobbi Brown Winter Coat Drive & Winter Skin Care Clinic
December 4 2009 : December 13 2009

Please join us at Bobbi Brown Cosmetics at Lord and Taylor in Westfarms Mall on Saturday, December 12^th, from 10-6.

"FRIENDS and FAMILY"

Dress for Success Hartford and Bobbi Brown are teaming up again! When you donate a gently worn woman's winter coat you will receive a complimentary skincare evaluation and makeup lesson as well as a customized face chart and skincare sample.

Also this will take place during our "Friends and Family Event" and you will receive10% off your entire cosmetics purchase so it's a great time to stock up on your favorite products and do your Holiday shopping. Update your look for the season and check out our great Holiday gift ideas!

Happy Holidays

From Chica Guapa!

*Holiday Special*

Let Chica Guapa help you make the most of your holiday gift card spending!

*Save 25% if you book a personal shopping appointment or other service in December, January or February. Also receive a Chica Guapa shopping tote filled with wardrobe essentials!

*Mention coupon code "Holiday" when booking appointment.

Offer Expires: February 28, 2010

Become a "Jean-ius"!!

No matter what age you are, no matter what shape, a GREAT pair of jeans is essential to your wardrobe. Now, I'm sure you've tried to find that perfect pair. I can bet that you've been out shopping, then after entering the fourth dressing room and trying on over ten pair of jeans, you're ready to retreat back home and just throw on your sweats. Well, Chica Guapa is here to help you! Below are some important considerations prior to purchasing that new pair of jeans.

What is your body shape?

There are many different cuts available and each will look different on your body shape. Determine what shape you are so that you can focus in on your best fit.

Curvy/Hourglass: Get a fuller fitting jean with a contoured waistband to avoid any gap. Try a boot cut jean. Avoid super low rise, super flare and pockets that are far apart. Try: Joe's Jeans- The Muse.

Tall & Slender: You can wear a straight leg, boot cut or skinny jean. (Lucky you!) Avoid baggy jeans that will highlight your slender physique and be sure to create a balanced look when pairing your tops with your bottom. If your derriere is on the flatter side, then try a jean with pockets that are detailed and are placed higher. Try: Mek Denim-Darwin Boot Cut or Milano Straight.

Petite: If you are petite and slender, try a straight boot cut with pocket details on the back .You can also try a skinny jean. If you are petite and curvy, avoid any super flare or embellished back pockets. Vertical whiskering on the front will help to lengthen you. Try: Red Engine Lily Petite Boot Cut.

Super curvy or pear shaped: Avoid wearing skinny jeans. Get a jean that has stretch and a fuller fit through the hip and thighs. A fuller leg or boot cut would look great and help balance your shape. Try: Joe's Jeans-Honey Booty Cut.

Plus Size: If you've got curves, avoid the skinny or tapered jean. Go for a stretch jean with tummy control, with more room through the hip and thigh. Try a boot cut in a darker wash to create a more slimming effect. Try: Liz Claiborne- Hepburn Bootcut or Svoboda Dakota.

Maternity: If you are an expectant mother looking for a stylish maternity jean that has the comfort you need at the waist, try AG Angel Secret Fit Belly.

Before you invest, also consider what look you are going for and what styles are missing from your wardrobe. Do you need a dressy pair of jeans? Casual? Flashy or Rockstar?

There are a variety of designer jeans and different washes suited for all your different looks. Always remember that just because something is trendy or you see it on some Hollywood folks does not mean that it is the right look for YOU!

The Dressy Trouser Pant - The Dark denim trouser jean is a classy look and the lack of embellishment presents a clean and refined image. You can wear to casual day at the office with a blouse and belt, or jazz it up for a night out to dinner by pairing with a great silk top, heels and accessories. Try: Red Engine, Levi's, Not Your Daughter's Jeans, Banana Republic, JCrew, Loft.

The Skinny Jean- This jean can be for your daily wear when paired with a long cardigan and your favorite flats, sandals or boots. Or, great for a night out on the town with a silk top or blazer and heels. Can be a light or dark wash. Try: J Brand, Mek, AG, Paige Premium Denim, Madewell, Seven7 Jeans. Budget: Forever 21 or Gap.

The Embellished Jean - This jean has glitz written all over it! Make sure the fit is perfect, because people will surely be checking you out with all those studs on your pockets and double-stitched seaming details! Try: Rock Revival, True Religion, Mek Denim, Miss Sixty.

The Casual Jean - This jean is your everyday pair that can be worn doing your errands, to your child's hockey game or even carry you right out to dinner. Pick the best wash to compliment your own personal style and the tops in your wardrobe. A darker wash will give a dressier look and lighter will be more casual. Try: Hudson, Joe's Jeans, Madewell, Paige Premium Denim or AG. On A Budget: Levi's, Gap, Simply Vera- Vera Wang for Kohls, H&M.

Finally, make sure to get the perfect fit! You've followed Chica Guapa's tips and found a great pair of jeans, but the fit is just a hair away from perfection. Fear not, your local tailor can help! If you are curvy and the fit is a bit loose in the waist or has a gap in the back, seams or darts can easily be added. For those of you in the New Haven area, you can have jean alterations done at Valentino Tailors in Hamden. If your jeans are too long, they can shorten and reattach your same jean hem for only $25.00. Be sure to prewash your jeans and bring your shoes with you to ensure the best length and fit.

Don't go it alone!!! Contact Chica Guapa to schedule a personal shopping trip and get the help you need to find the perfect jean and a great top before your next night out!

A Great Cause!

Donate a gently worn coat to your local Burlington Coat Factory, and enjoy a 10% savings on your holiday purchase. They will also accept hats, mittens and gloves! This even is sponsored by Good Morning America's "Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive".

Girls Night Out - Lingerie, Holiday Fashions, Champagne & Chocolates!

Beneath The Gown

is hosting a Girls Night Out

with Chica Guapa Image Consulting!

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Location: 104 East Main Street, Clinton, CT

v Come enjoy a glass of champagne, delicious chocolates from Lovely Lollies, LLC and learn some great tips for dressing to impress this holiday season!

v Josie Jolon, owner of Beneath The Gown, will share her beautiful collection of lingerie. Receive a professional bra fitting to help you find the perfect undergarments for your wardrobe and special occasions in her comfortable boutique space, upstairs at The White Dress By The Shore.

v Alicia Trotta of Chica Guapa Image Consulting will share some fabulous fashions for you to wear for the Holidays. She will share tips on accessorizing and wearing the best styles for your body shape!

v Relax with your friends, mix and mingle and get into the holiday spirit!

Please RSVP by Monday, December 7, 2009

Beneath the Gown Boutique is located inside The White Dress By The Shore at 104 East Main Street in Clinton, Connecticut. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Josie at beneaththegown@yahoo.com, or call 860-304-7399, or Alicia - alicia@chicaguapaimage.com or 646-296-3480.

Ulta is worth a visit!

For all you lovely ladies in the New Haven area....be sure to check out the new ULTA store located in the new North Haven Commons. (Near Best Buy and across from Home Depot).
I shopped at Ulta when I lived in New York and they have GREAT prices and products. Be sure to sign up for their rewards card to get discounts!
Check out this NY Times article...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/fashion/23Skin.html?_r=2&ref=fashion

A Favorite Boutique in NYC and Hoboken!

http://jessiejamesonline.blogspot.com/

Ladies...if you're in Manhattan or Hoboken, be sure to check out one of my favorite little boutiques...Jessie James!