WHIMSY

Have you noticed the trend toward what I jokingly call “disposable clothes?” It’s appalling, really. Some of the trendiest stores are offering pieces that literally fall apart in the wash or look so wretched after a few wearings that they end up as cleaning rags.

With the economy still in a slump (sigh), I’ve had to reevaluate some of my more impulsive fashion choices. And now, more than ever, basics like tanks and t’s need to wash well, wear well, and last (at least a full season!).

Lucky for me, I discovered the Tt Collection. In addition to a spectacular line of dresses, tops, leggings, skirts, and even cashmere pieces, Tt has a line of “luxury basics.”  The line is a favorite in Hollywood and has been spotted on some of Tinsel Town’s most stylish celebrities – from Keke Palmer, to Lauren Conrad, Kate Hudson and even Angelina Jolie.

My top three favorites? First, a girl can never have too many tanks in her closet. Alone, with a Henley, or under a sweater or jacket, the Tt Triple Tank is super soft, luxurious, and available in a rainbow of colors. Incredibly well made, the neckline is finished with the Tt signature triple-binding. Retail $60.00

Next, it doesn’t get any more basic than a t-shirt. But just because it’s basic, doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on style. The Tt Triple Scoop Neck T-Shirt offers incredibly flattering styling, and is perfect with everything from a smart suit to your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Made right in Los Angeles, the crafting is superb, and like the TT tank, the t-shirt is finished with the firm’s signature triple-binding. Retail $64.00

Finally, much as I hate to admit it, cooler temperatures are just around the corner. So, it’s time to stock up on Tt Triple Scoop Long-Sleeved T-Shirts. The dramatic scoop neck is the ideal foil for a funky necklace or casual cotton scarf. The long-sleeved t-shirt is also beautifully made and finished with the Tt signature triple-binding. Retail $84.00

So, who’s responsible for these amazing basics? Tt designer Tiffany Saidnia, an LA native, began her fashion career catering to high profile clients of notorious celebrity stylist Jessica Pastor. Later, Tiffany decided to create her own line that has the construction, fabrication, and design quality of a designer brand, but at a contemporary price point.

The essence of her collection is comfortable yet elegant, with timeless appeal—like her luxury basics. Using elements from her background in denim and leather, Tiffany takes an unconventional approach to fashion pieces and everyday knit items.

The result? Tt is classic, functional, and unique – a taste of haute couture for everyday.

The entire line is available online or find a store near you.

The Tt Collection goes beyond basics!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Tt Collection.

Sometimes emerging trends are so surprising! One that I see everywhere this summer is plaid. Now, plaid has long been a fall favorite of mine. Wooly scarves from Scotland. Short, pleated schoolgirl skirts. Anything Burberry.

But summer plaid? I admit I was on the fence until I saw the new line from ClaudiaE!

Of course, ClaudiaE is well known for a truly lovely use of soft fabrics and bright colors. With a feminine approach to dressing, the new ClaudiaE collection is overflowing with gorgeous wardrobe staples – flirty dresses, flowing tunics, short skirts, and leggings. But this season, the collection is also filled with — you guessed it – plaid.

Whether draped in silk jersey, cotton sateen or silk chiffon the ClaudiaE collection makes plaid this season’s must-have.

At the top of my personal wish list is a pair of the Maria leggings, pictured above. Made of Lycra and luscious silk, these are perfect for summer, but could also work as a transitional piece into fall. I absolutely love the vibrant colors and bold pattern.

Second on the list is the elegant Virginia dress. Its simple lines and timeless design make it the perfect way to incorporate summer plaid into my work wardrobe. This dress would also be perfect for dinner or drinks after work.

The best part of the ClaudiaE collection for me, though, is that this exceptional design is actually affordably priced, with prices ranging from $88 – $345.

The full collection is available to view at ClaudiaE. You can also get a sneak peek at the fabulous Fall 2010 Collection.

My wish list just keeps growing!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of ClaudiaE.

I’ve never been one of those girls that just loves to work out. I do it because, after three kids, I really have no choice! My philosophy, however, is just because I’m going to the gym to strain and sweat doesn’t mean I can’t look cute when I arrive!

Because my gym bag is a larger, even more chaotic version of my handbag, I was excited to learn about the Live Well 360 Core bag. This is a super stylish and functional bag – in fact, they bill it as the “anti-duffel bag.”

Really, this bag is incredible, offering storage compartments specially designed for shoes and sweaty clothes, a fleece lined pocket for jewelry or a watch, and a signature, inspirational liner. I think this bag can even survive my using it – it has incredible durability with a ballistic nylon exterior, a soft seatbelt webbing shoulder strap, satin nickel hardware, and seriously heavy duty zippers. Available at Live Well 360.

After my workout, I don’t like to spend a lot of time fussing around to get ready to leave (I also don’t like the showers, but that’s another story!). That’s why I love these super easy-care Kanji Shorts by Dragon Attire. Cute, easy to wash, and basically fuss-free.

Kanji actually means “Spiritual Inner Power” – something I definitely need as I’m contemplating another series of crunches! And with a price tag of only $24.95, I can afford the red pair, plus the white and the black ones, too!

Dragon Attire also makes this great little French terry, ribbed drawstring skirt. Adorable and so comfy! Besides being easy gymwear, this is also great to pull on over a bikini to walk the Boardwalk or to bike back to the house.

Dragon Attire is designed by Tori Myotoshi Eldridge, author of Empowered Living and a 5th Degree Black Belt. Tori is clearly someone who knows a thing or two about fitness!

So now I’m off to the gym. At least I’ll look good!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait!and Susan Said What?!

This week temperatures have been soaring on the East Coast, making me impatient for summer! I’ve been dreaming of backyard barbeques, sitting by the pool, and of course, breaking out my favorite summer clothes!

I’m so ready to abandon heavy sweaters, jackets and pumps. For me, summer is definitely the time for a freer, more relaxed fashion statement. And my one of my favorite go-to labels for singular style is XCVI.

Effortless, slightly bohemian and supremely confident, XCVI is a brand for women who know who they are – a little Kate Hudson-esque! XCVI pieces are expertly crafted of super-soft, breathable fabrics that drape without clinging, flattering the body.

These are clothes that can be worn every day – in a thousand different ways. Clothes that feel comfortable all day long and can be dressed up or down. XCVI is fashion you can live in.

In 1996, XCVI founder Gita Zeltzer introduced the first season of XCVI from a storefront on the famed Melrose Avenue. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Pictured is one of my favorite pieces from the line — the All-Star Top with ruched appliqué details on the front and the ¾ sleeves. Made of supima cotton jersey in a gorgeous, muted shade of bisque, this is fabulous paired with the Confection Skirt. Dreamy white voile in three layers end just at knee length and slimming vertical stitched panels make this skirt extremely flattering. Perfect for date night!

Another of my must-haves for summer is the Twofer, shown here in white. The clever construction allows the piece to be worn as either a skirt or a dress, with diagonal gores of ruched stretch poplin and a fold-over stretch knit waistband/top.  40″ in length when folded from the waist and worn as a skirt, the Twofer is the embodiment of easy summer style.

Finally, XCVI has a huge selection of tanks and tees in yummy, jellybean colors. These tops are 100% supima cotton and boast 4-color silk screen interpretations of stripes, Hawaiian prints, and tropical florals — all enhanced with cool, texturizing washes. Of the many choices, my top pick is Light Shine In Tank pictured, with a Crystal Clear Wash. This is the kind of tank I absolutely live in from June through August!  The entire line of tanks and tees will be available in stores beginning next month.

XCVI pieces are not available for purchase online, however, the firm has an easy-to-use website with a comprehensive Store Locator, so you can find a retailer near you.

Oh please summer, hurry up!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

I am really looking forward to Thursday! Not only because I love my turkey, but I am not cooking (Hooray!) so this year I can afford to be a little more stylish than I normally would.

My history with Thanksgiving is not too inspiring … white angora sweater splashed while stirring the gravy (ruined), magenta silk scarf dipped while mashing potatoes (ruined), grease spots on my favorite black silk pants (ruined)… well, you get the picture.

But this year, I vow, will be different (did I mention that I’m not cooking?) Now comes the hard part…what to wear? My family and friends are certainly not going to be playing touch football on the lawn a la the Kennedy clan, but we’re not exactly stuffy either. Which leaves me with a conundrum – what to wear that will be fashion-forward, comfortable, and not too formal?

My answer was, as always, online. At Talbots I found an absolutely perfect seasonless, wool-blend flounced-hem skirt for $99.00. This is such a useful item – work, play, holiday. One skirt goes everywhere, and in my favorite color of the season, gray!

The skirt would be beautiful paired with the Ann Taylor flirty ruffled cardigan pictured here in an irresistible, deep garnet. This gorgeous cardi can be dressed up or down and is a major bargain at $49.50 (previously $90)

The look just begs for another of my favorite trends, patterned tights. I found this pair of black tights at Banana Republic in a great, muted texture – nothing too crazy – for only $17. And the best part — they’re machine washable!

The finishing touch? My new silver Tiffany key pendant, a recent birthday gift from my fantastic hubby. Now just keep me away from the stove!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc.wordpress.com