Casey Explains It All

Explain What’s In The Bag

caseytrudeau — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:07:13 +0000

One of my Fave things to do is collect handbags. I justify spending moooolaaaaa on all my babies by looking at them as investment pieces. Let’s be serious on why handbags are soooo amaze-zing…. They carry all things I need in a day. I have been refereed to as having the “Mary Poppins” bag because at any given moment I can pull out almost anything. I have a bag-inside a bag- inside a bag. I love keeping it all organized because I change purses so often. It saves me time and I find things much easier with my system I have perfected. I have invited you all to take a peek of what I carry around day in and day out.

What I wore today…

caseytrudeau — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:52:07 +0000

Chill day at the office. Slumming around the photo studio!!! I look huge but I am wearing a oversized Vince top. Casual day, casual Casey!!! That’s the best way to be at work!!!

Make Your Collar POP…

caseytrudeau — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:41:16 +0000

I am obsessing over a new up-n-coming jewelry trend that I think all of you should partake in A.S.A.P. I am talking about the Shirt-Collar piece of metal. My first encounter with the Shirt-Collar necklace was at Louis Vuitton’s 2011 runway show. I knew then I wanted a LV Collar necklace but, this struggling fashionista can’t afford the LV original.

That is when I discovered one of my newest “Fall In love” designers, DANNIJO. These ladies made my dream necklace and it had my name written all over it. This is such a great deal. Running under $200!! So gals—you too can totally partake in this trend without going crazy with your finances. HAVE FUN!!!

Tell me what you think about this trend. Are you going to take part in this trend? email me at casey@CaseyExplainsItAll.com

Purge For The New Year…

caseytrudeau — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:52:11 +0000

It is now the beginning of 2012 and the new you has rejuvenated yourself-or have you?I love this time of year because this is the time I clean out my closet and make space for another year of new beginnings. Here are some guidelines I follow when cleaning out my closet:

1. Learning To Let Go There you are in front of your closet trying to figure out what to wear. Hmm, there is always that “go to” piece that you keep trying on in hopes it will look different then the last time you tried it on but, you always end up taking it off. Be aware that if you have tried it on four times in hopes that if you try it one more time it just might work. GIVE IT UP! I can guarantee you, it will never see the light of day. If this happens to you . . . You must say your last good-bye and toss it in the “Get Rid Of” pile. Please!

2. Packing Last Season. You should always pack away “last seasons” clothing
that you know you wont be wearing until next year. There is no need to fill up space when these items are only being neglected while waiting for next year. This is when I dedicate time in the beginning of each new year for packing away everything I know will not have any business being in my closet.

3. Keep A Log. One of my favorite movies is Clueless. In the opening scene Cher get’s up, brushes her teeth, then picks out her outfit for the day with her computer program. Love that technology! With that little bit of movie trivia that brings me to today’s technology, my bible, an application for the Iphone called Style Book. This App lets youorganize everything in your closet and also documents what day you’ve worn an outfit and will even be your reminder when planning a trip. It makes packing much easier. This app is free and all it takes is some QT time with your clothes taking pictures of each piece then and upload it to the program. AMAZING!!!

4. Don’t Be A Hoarder. Keeping things in your closet that you think you may wear or those jeans that you are holding onto incase you loose that extra 10 pounds, do yourself a favor, toss them all in the “Get Rid Of” pile. You are not only hurting yourself but you are hurting your other clothes that need breathing room. Once you do that you will free up space in your closet for the new outfits you know you will be buying.

5. What’s Next For Your “Get Rid Of” Pile. You now have in front of you, your “Get Rid Of” pile. The next thing to do is edit that pile. Everything that is in good condition or a brand name, place into a new pile, “Pile A”. This is the pile you want to take to a re-sale store to see if you can get some extra money for your future new-year threads. Then there is the remaining pile, “Pile B.” This pile you are going to toss into a large bag and take it to the Goodwill.

After purging your closet, packing away your seasonal faves, creating a log with your new IPhone app, you are now ready to go through the latest mags and start creating ideas of what you can put together and create for your new looks while compliment your new diggs with pieces you already own in your closet. You are now ready to take on 2012 with a lighter load and plenty of room to bring in new and improved fashions for 2012.

If you wish to show off your new fave’s to the world from the tips I have given you for
2012 just shoot me an email with your best pics along with a few words about how my tips worked for you. Email to Casey@CaseyExplainsItAt.com and you may find yourself posted as one of my latest fashionista follower.

Holiday Window Drooling…

caseytrudeau — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 05:42:32 +0000

As I Sashayed down 5th Avenue this afternoon, I stumbled by the Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows. WOW-ZERRR!!!!! Didn’t expect anything less from them.

A small dose of what I was drooling over….

Make-up Monday…

caseytrudeau — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:02:04 +0000

A couple of weeks ago I was on a shoot styling and in some down time the fabulous makeup artist who was also on set started applying makeup to my face. After a few seconds of disecting my pours, he developed a look of confusion and disgust. He asked me “how do you take care of my skin?” I am a simple girl , for the past 10 years I have used Proactiv Solutions. It has worked for me this long, why give it up now? His one eye-brow raised slowly as he cocked his head and asked “what type of face lotion.” I responded, ”I don’t use face cream.” Whe those words come out of my mouth, I think he almost had a heart attack. After ”his” very long speech about how important it is for someone in their late 20′s to start moisturizering, he gave me a list of products and sent me on my way.

Over the past few weeks I have been trying different products. Gathering Information from my sister, or my close friends and colleagues about what they use or suggest. Here are my thoughts on the ones I have tried so far:

For face cream I tried Lancome cream Vs. Neutrogena Healthy Skin with spf 15 and I have to say, Neutrogena may be cheaper, but I fell in love with it and recomend it to all you ladies that need to make the first step in moisturizing your face.

I am also using a face serum around my eyes and mouth. I found a brand that I have never heard of Korres Quercetin & Oak Vs. StriVectin-TL and even though both came pretty close pretty to tightening the skin and leaving my face refreshed I Chose StriVectin-TL.

It has been 21 days and I can already see and feel a difference. I now relized how important moisturizing your face truly is. I still wash my face with Proactiv but now add face creams to my nightly routine.

Final note: If you are still the ”soap and water” gal, be sure you start to include lotion to your face before bed time. The younger you start this habbit in life the better you will look.

Back to School…

caseytrudeau — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 05:00:23 +0000

Remember the days of going back to school was the best part about summer. Of course after a week in, the novelty wears off and you already went through your new school clothes. Now a days, all of our days are running together we don’t have summer to spend with friends or gearing up going back to school.

I am here to introduce a new rule. I have made the decision to go back to school shopping for myself this year. Just because I am no longer in school does not mean I have to give up my favorite pastime. I put together two looks that I know will mix and match everything I already own in my closet.

My first look is my ”Working Girl Chic” Something that every 9-5 lady can put on in the morning and feel refined all day long. Instead Of a new backpack I would need an iPad case and will be trading in my lace-up Chuck Taylors, for Givenchy heels.

My other look that fits my alter-ego personalty. I call this look “Classic on Acid” Something a little more edgier but still sophisticated. All the kids on the playground will be either envious of me or intimidated of how kick ass I will look.

Both of these outfits cost well into the thousands of dollars range. However the great thing about back to school shopping when you are my age, is that you will not be growing out of your clothes in 6 months. These are all investment pieces that you will have in your closet for years to come. Who said going back to school is a drag?

Fanny Packs are Back???

caseytrudeau — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:04:11 +0000

The name “fanny pack” originated in the UK. Fanny in the US means tush, fanny across the pond means vagina. Fanny packs reached the peak of their popularity in the late 1980s and early to mid-1990s. Today, fanny packs are considered to be a fashion faux pas. “Weird Al” Yankovic, for instance, mocks the wearing of fanny packs in his song “White and Nerdy.”

That is not stopping some of top Designers reintroducing them back into the main stream and giving them a new name. Goodbye ~~fanny~~, Hello “belt bag”. Some of the top fashionista Celebs are pushing for this trend to catch on. Can fanny packs re-invent themselves and make a bigger comeback then before??? If Mariah Carey can have a mental break down on MTV and then get dropped from her label only to come back bigger then ever… I think the new and improved BELT BAG has a good chance.

Top designers like Dolce and Gabbana showcased belt bags all over their Fall 2011 runways. It has come along way from the nylon neon obnoxious color we once saw. You see fine leather, sophisticated styles and not to mention it leaves you hands free all day long.

I have had my signature Gucci ~~Fanny~~ belt bag that has been in my bag collection for years. I think I secretly love this trend and will be busting it out and rock it.

Casey’s Side Note:::: All I ask is if you have a pet, please do not feed into this trend and mix the belt bag and pet carrier. This should not have even been created. The dog in this picture looks upset and un-happy. My advice, Do the belt bag trend but please do not include your animals.

Crayola Carving

caseytrudeau — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:00:24 +0000

I stumbled across this artist and was immidetly DRAWN to her choice medium. Inspired by folk wood carving, Diem Chau has created amazing carvings with Crayons. Diem chose crayons as her medium for their fragility and reminder of childhood. Here she has carved the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Impressive, right?

My Steals & Deals…

caseytrudeau — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:00:09 +0000

This past week I waited in line for an hour in the rain to feast my eyes and shopping fangs on deals at the Alexander Wang sample sale in NYC. When I got to the front of the line I only had 30 minuets inside before they closed the doors for the night. I first found a gorgeous peacock-blue knit jacket that is cut hight in the back. It is oversized and is stunning. I found it on the ground in a pile of rubbish. As I was in line waiting to pay I noticed a cream oversized knit sweater on a rack alone. I quickly through it over my blouse and it felt like the perfect fit.

Today I decided to go shopping in my closet and pair my new-found items with other things that I already own. Here are my fave outfits,

I paired this Alexander Wang Blazer with a fun floral dress and a striped belt I bought last season at Forever 21. I then decided to keep it casual and pulled out some sandals that I bought at a the cutest local boutique in he Upper West Side called ShiShi. Keeping my accessories simple I added my new Michael Kors double wrap watch I bought from Net-A-Porter.com. This jacket is very easy to mix and match everything in my closet and it was the a great steal!

Second, I decided to pair my oversized sweater with a floral maxi skirt and chunky heeled sandals. With the skirt being so busy I found a simple pendent to necklace that I found in my jewelry box that I got from a local designer in San Francisco Jennifer Tuton. I know this sweater will be a great transition piece in Fall. I know I will get a lot of use from this amazing deal I got.

Sample Sales are one of my fave things to do now that I live in New York. Especially when they are my fave designers.