Dress Yourself Skinny (TM)

Thank you Shelly and everyone at San Antonio Living for having me on the show!

This TV segment will appear on San Anonio Living (WOAI, Channel 4) on February 27, 2009. To watch it, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

No matter how attractive a woman is, more often than not, she doesn’t like what she sees in the mirror. We spend lots of energy trying fad diets, starting exercise programs, or just beating ourselves up about the way our bodies look. There is another way! You can make yourself look thinner just by changing your clothing.

Many women just choose the wrong clothing. Either we wear clothes that are too loose to cover up imperfections. Or we insist on wearing a certain size and look like we’re bursting out of our too tight clothes. We think we’re hiding our flaws but we are really making ourselves look 10 to 30 pounds heavier than we really are.

Today I brought along 3 women who would like to change their bodies. We’re going to make them look thinner just by changing their clothing. We aren’t even going to use Spanks!

Model 1 – Hips & Thighs

Michelle just had a baby. She used to be a size 2 and is now a size 8. She’d like to reduce her hips and thighs. Here’s what we did to create the illusion of smaller hips and thighs:
- Shrank her hips with wider leg pants and by expanding her shoulders (puffy sleeves)
- Showed off her small waist by emphasizing her ribcage (tailored vest)
- Divert attention away from her hips by bringing the focus to her upper body and feet (bright color and detail)
- Made her thinner over all by making her look taller - upper body lengthened with V-neckline and vertical lines, legs lengthened with really long pants and platform heels

Melissa's outfit is from Macy's: INC knit shirt ($24), XOXO Vest ($44), Kenneth Cole Jeans ($99), Rocket Dog Platforms ($59)

Model 2 – Tummy

Beverly is the business manager for sculptor Pablo Solomon. She is a size 8 and would like to minimize her tummy. Here’s what we did to create the illusion of a smaller tummy:
- Camouflaged the tummy (with flat pleats, or rouching)
- Showed off her small waist by emphasizing her ribcage
- Divert attention away from tummy by bringing the focus to her upper body (jewelry) & legs
- Made her thinner over all by making her look taller (Upper body lengthened by V-neckline and pendant necklace. Legs lengthened with high heels)

Beverly's outfit is from Macy's: Adrianna Pappel dress ($160) and Kenneth Cole shoes ($99)

Model 3 – Thick Torso (no waist)
Sarah (me) is a size 12-14 and would like to create a waist to make torso look thinner.
Here’s what we did to create the illusion of a smaller waist
- Broaden shoulders (reveal skin at shoulders)
- Boaden hips (A-line skirt)
- Emphasize ribcage (this is the smallest part of a woman’s body)
- Camouflaged the tummy (with flat gathers)
- Divert attention away from torso by bringing the focus to her upper body (jewelry) and legs
- Made her thinner over all by making her look taller (upper body lengthened by V-neckline and legs lengthened with shoes with heels)

Sarah's dress is by Alberto Makali (Dillard's, $178)

The tricks to Dressing Yourself Skinny (TM):
- Avoid horizontal lines (makes us look wider) & create lots of V’s (makes us look taller)
- Divert attention to your assets so you don’t look at your flaws
- Make yourself taller with long pants and heels (even ½" heel makes a difference)
- Balance your proportions so your hips and shoulders appear to be the same width and waist looks smaller

Click on the link to watch the segment

Spring 2009 Fashion Trends

This segment aired on Great Day Houston on February 17, 2009. To watch the segment, click on the link at the bottom of this post.

Spring 2009 looks are classic and wearable. The trends are a continuation of everything we loved from Spring 2008. I brought along some outfits from Dillard's to show you some examples of the hottest trends.

Trend 1 – Luxe Lady – Hollywood inspired glamour from the 1940s features very tailored pieces, dainty gloves, daring shoes, pearls, floppy hats and round sunglasses.

• Look 1 – Ralph Lauren brown and cream dress ($199), Carolee pearl jewelry ($48-$150), Preston York Hat ($58), J.Vincent shoes ($138) and Calvin Klein clutch bag ($178)


• Look 2 – Jones New York classic tailored black uit jacket ($199) and flat front slacks ($99), no iron white blouse ($69), Gianni Bini patent pumps ($89), and Carolee jewelry ($48-$150)



Trend 2 - Future Fashion – Flashback to the 1980s. Think updated Cindy Lauper with geometric designs, banding and bright colors.







• Look 3 - New Arrival - Peter Nygard navy and white geometric cropped jacket ($138), clacks ($88), pink knit top ($68) Donald Pliner handbag ($280), and BCBG bright pink pumps ($99)


• Look 4 - Peter Nygard (exclusive to Dillard’s) cropped yellow jacket ($395), sleveless paint brush silk dress ($148), black clutch ($99), Gianni Bini black strappy stilettos ($99)


• Look 5 – Amalphi paint brush top ($99), Michael Kors pima welesly capris ($89), Marchan sunglasses ($90), AK silver jewelry, Donald Pliner yellow handbag ($425)



Trend 3 - Garden Glamour - This trend features feminine ruffled pieces and garden-inspired prints with butterflies and flowers in pinks and greens.










• Look 5 – Lilly Pulitzer Newbury floral tunic ($225), white denim capris ($148), sandals ($138), go with the flo straw bag ($248) and vittadini earrings ($59).


• Look 6 – Ralph Lauren ruffle floral dress ($199), Makowsky green handbag ($298), Rachel Reinhardt bangles ($45 each), Melani Sandals ($99)




Trend 4 – Life Exotic - This trend is a continuation of the safari trend we saw last spring. Animal tribal motifs, fringe, bohemian styles, gladiator sandals, and Asian and African beading.








• Look 8 – DKNY black ikat jersey dress ($295), J.Vincent shoes ($150), kate landry zebra flap clutch ($45), ABS gelometric necklace ($125).


• Look 9 – Nuchael Kors knit flutter sleeves top ($89), Ikat jacket ($179), natural denim pants and belt ($129), barse tumble necklace ($250) and earrings ($100), and Gianni Bini slides ($99).


• Look 10 – Reba leather jacket ($348), Studded kint top ($58), dark denim ($78), Barse turquoise necklace ($210), Gianni Bini brown strappy sandals ($99)



What's Sarah wearing? Alberto Makali purple print dress (http://www.dillards.com/ $178), Enzo brown suede platform boots ($150), gold tone necklace (JS Collections, Harwin St. Houston, $5)

For more about the outfits in the segment, go to http://www.dillards.com/. Here's a link to watch the segment on Great Day Houston http://www.khou.com/greatday/video/?nvid=332951&shu=1

Decoding The First Lady's Inauguration Look

This TV segment aired on 10 Connects At 4:00 on January 21, 2009. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

We can tell a lot about a person by the clothes they wear. Image isn’t everything. However, our outfit does generate an instant emotional reaction and sets the tone for our communication and actions.

Michelle Obama was brilliant in her clothing choice for the inauguration. Her outfit was traditional and original, approachable and glamorous. It signaled the distinctly new elements of the Obama Presidency while still representing reverence for the Office of the President.

The underlying message of any outfit can be "translated/decoded" by analyzing the elements - style, color, and fabric.

Style - The style of the First lady's look was modest, classic, and monochromatic. The outfit mirrored the choices of past First Ladies and was traditional in this respect. The style element showed respect for tradition.

Color –The color gold is classic, inviting and regal. It was appropriate for the occasion and at the same time unique and unexpected since past First Ladies have chosen variations of red, white, or blue. Gold is a dominant color in traditional African fabrics, so this color also reflects Mrs. Obama’s personal heritage. The green shoes are a totally unexpected element of surprise. The colors of her outfit are a metaphore for the "Change" this family represents.

Fabric – The Isabel Toledo wool lace suit has a texture that looks like it feels good to the touch. Texture is very effective in making people feel closer to you – it makes the wearer seem warm and open. The crystal details add a little glamour. The fabric element communicates an openness for the American people (texture) and at the same time reinforces the regal quality (sparkle).

The message of The First lady’s outfit is "I respect the traditions of the Presidency, I am a new breed, I am approachable, and I expect your respect."

Go to www.sarahshah.com to download Sarah’s tips on what colors mean.

What's Sarah Wearing?

Purple silk and cashmere sweater with ruffle neckline (bostonproper http://tinyurl.com/733c3s), brown/bronze trousers (Alberto Makali), and Brown suede platform boots (Enzo).


Here's a link to the segment. Thanks for watching!

http://www.tampabays10.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=029414941d2e69091778eb01251cc6e3e320a82f&maven_referralObject=1008260777

Look Like A Million For A Fraction Of The Cost!

This segment aired on Houston's Channel 11 News at 5 on December 17, 2008 (watch it).

Resale is the new retail! Resale shops are clean, organized, have unique fashionable pieces, and give you lots of bang for your buck. The merchandise is in good condition (sometimes it's even brand new) and is current and fashionable. They are great places for unique and inexpensive holiday gifts (no one needs to know how much you spent or where you got it). Think of the staff as resale stylists - they can help pick the right piece for that special someone and have creative ideas for mixing resale pieces with your existing clothing.

Sarah Shah took Channel 11 News viewers on a field trip to some of Houston's hottest resale shops. Here is a list of the stores we visited, the items pictured on TV, plus some extra gift ideas and tips to make your resale shopping spree a positive experience.

Taxi Taxi
1657 Westheimer Rd (east of Dunlavy), Houston - (713) 528-5500

Taxi Taxi specializes in contemporary young clothing and accessories. This is a great place for the trendy young men and women on your gift list. Look for Vintage Members Only jackets (yes, right out of the 80's) for $25, graphic t-shirts starting at $7, skinny jeans for $25 (women) $35 (men), and "bang on" t shirts (you pring the picture, they "bang it on" the shirt for you) $30, "fly kicks" (the coolest sneakers) $40. Bring cash, credit, or your own clothes to trade. Here are pics of the outfits that were on TV.





Leopard Lounge
1657 Westheimer Rd (inside Taxi Taxi), (713) 528-5500

Leopard Lounge specializes in fashionable vintage clothing and accessories. Manager Brandon West has impeccable taste and hand selects every piece in the store. This is a great place to buy for fashionable young women and men on your gift list. Look for vintage western shirts from the 1930-40's ($80+), contemporary western shirts ($10+), vests ($17+), dresses ($10+), and western boots ($50). Here are pics of the outfits that didn't make it on TV.





More Than You Can Imagine
2817 Westheimer Rd (at Kirby), (713) 668-8811

More Than You Can Imagine is a resale Boutique. There is nothing resale about it except for the prices. They specialize in Designer pieces (think Gucci, Prada, Channel, Zac Posen, Monolo, Jimmy Choo, Hermes) at Department Store prices. This is not the place to come with $5, but if you come with $200, you're leaving with something FABULOUS for a party!!! They also have brand new gifts and accessories starting at $20. Look for designer handbags, shoes, party dresses, tops, etc. Clothing sizes from 0 to 16 and shoe sizes from 6 to 11. And swing by the last chance sale rack....saw a pair of size 6-1/2 red satin Gucci shoes for $105!! I almost cut my toes off to fit into these shoes. On second thought, they'd be beautiful displayed on a bookshelf in my office!

Shopping Tips (thanks Dardan, resale shopper extraordinaire)

Bring cash or credit cards (many stores don't take checks). Check the pricing schedule (it's usually posted), the item you want might be ready for another mark down. Check the return policy so you know whether items can be returned for the same value. Bring along any items you want to match so you can tell right away if they work together. Size labels may not be accurate - items may have shrunk, stretched, been mislabeled, or the brand can run small/large. Hold it up to you, try it on, use a tape measure or ask the staff for assistance. Buy the item because you love it rather than because it’s a great deal. Then you'll enjoy it and actually wear it.

Other Favorite Resale Shops

Marry-Go-Round 719 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019(713) 874-0688 (http://www.marrygoroundinc.com/) Wedding gowns sizes 0 to 24, viels, and new accessories. Get a fab dress for your wedding or sell the fab dress you already wore.

The Guild Shop 2009 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006(713) 528-5095 (http://www.theguildshop.org/)
A Fantastic variety of jewelry (real, costume, vintage) and home accessories.

What's Sarah Wearing?
Donna Ricco red cross-over top (Macy's http://www.macys.com/), Isabel denim flat-front trousers (Dillards, http://www.dillards.com/), gold potmetal pendant (Harwin St.), black stiletto leather knee boots (http://www.ninewest.com/).


Here's the link to the segment: http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=314277
Thanks for watching!

Stay Connected At For The Holidays Using Video Chatting

This segment aired Dec 11, 2008 on Channel 10 News at 4 on WLCY in Tampa. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

Lots of us aren't traveling for the holidays to see the people we love...but still want a way to stay connected. Video chatting Skype, Oovoo, and iChat video conferencing make that possible. Families can sit around their computers and have face to face conversations and open gifts together. You could even set the equipment up at the end of each of your dinner tables and actually have a family dinner together even though you're miles apart.

Video Chat programs are free, easy to use and just need a couple of accessories to really make your "calls" go smoothly.

The Programs

Most programs are free. Just go to the website and follow instructions to download to your computers. Some of the many - Skype (http://www.skype.com/ maybe you have seen it used on Oprah), ooVoo (http://www.oovoo.com/ has really cool visual effects), iChat (http://www.ichat.com/ a fav of MAC users), etc. Some even allow you to include people from up to 6 locations for free.

Sounding Good

Most computers are equiped with a microphone and speakers, but these don't work so well with video chatting programs because the person you're talking to will here your voice and their voice at the same time. So, you need is a microphone that can’t “hear” your speakers.
A headset is a great inexpensive option and good for privae conversations (start at $10). The only draw backs: 1) you’re tied to your computer by the wires so you can't step away for a minute, 2) only one person at each computer can be involved in the conversation, 3) it messes up your hair.

Another option is a non-interfearance speakerphone. My fav is the IPEVO version (TR-10i Speakerphone for iChat for MAC users http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=50, TR-10 Portable Conference Phone for PC users http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=14 $79). I like it because it has echo cancellation (so you can have a natural conversation), you can move around freely (because you’re not attached to your computer), you can switch to handset mode for private conversations, you don’t have to wear it (so your hair stays perfect). This is especially great at the holidays when you're including a whole group in the conversation, opening presents together, eating dinner together, etc.

Looking Good

Some computers come with built-in webcams. These can be weird to use because you never have an eye-to-eye conversation because it’s difficult to look into the camera and watch the other caller on your computer screen at the same time. It’s better to have a stand-alone camera that you can mount at eye-level next to your screen. With this configuration, you can naturally look back and forth between the camera and screen the way you would in natural conversation.

My fav is the IPEVO Pointer Cam because it's independent, so you can mount it where you want. You can also pick it up to show the caller something in another direction, give a close up of details, or even play with unusual camera angles. http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=12

Watch the segment http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=95878

Favorite Things For The Holidays

This segment aired on Great Day Houston on December 8, 2008.

As we've scoured the beauty and fashion scene for cool trends and products this season, we've found some things that make great gifts. Lucky audience members got to take some gifts and goodies home. A big thank-you to these generous companies!

Ed Hardy Scarves - Do you love tattoos, but don’t want to make the life time commitment? Here is the perfect solution. Ed Hardy Scarves combine the best of tatto art with fashion-forward design. There are so many ways to wear them - as a dress, wrap, top, headband. ($50 - $150) Lady Elle Boutique in Uptown Park and http://edhardyscarf.com/ Audience members got an Ed Hardy "Love Kills Slowly" bandana. And several lucky audience members got a fashion scarf too!

Jennifer Meyer jewelry has been spotted on Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate. The Star Necklace was designed by Jennifer Meyer exclusive for Stand Up To Cancer. All net proceeds will go to cancer research. Choose Silver, Gold, or Diamonds. https://su2c.thegivingbridge.com/necklace.asp
One member of the audience got a pendant made of sterling silver!

Red Envelope is one of my favorite sources for gifts. They do all the work, even wrap it and add a card with a personal message. They have unusual gifts and beautiful jewelry that looks more expensive than it is. Displyed - twin pearl earrings $29, gold and peridot earrings $49, friendship necklace $99. 100% Soy Chalkboard Candle, $24.95. http://www.redenvelope.com/ Audience members each received the candle!

Mommy Tags creates unique, personalized jewelry. Turn your art work or childrens’ doodles into jewelry with doodle tags ($95). This unique jewelry is made from recalimed silver. http://www.mommytags.com/ Use coupon code "Houston" for free shipping and silver polishing cloth when you order online.

The cutest stocking stuffers! Guiltless sugar-free mints plus a mirror for your purse! Each box is personality-personalized. $3, Rice Epicurean & Hot Pink Sugar Boutique. Audience members each got a box of personality mints! www.littlei.com/products/personality/personality_cute/products.html

Here’s another great stocking stuffer from Baxter of California. The unisex lip balm is glossy enough for women and neutral enough for men. Gotta love the Mojito favor! Sloan Hall, $8 Each Audience members got one to take home!

Skinn Wet Lips Super Shine Lipgloss – This lipgloss feels great and is super and it’s made from all natural ingredients. $12.50 available at http://www.skinn.com/ Audience members each took one home!

Here’s a stylish way to carry your lipgloss and cell phone. It’s the

perfect evening bag – it’s small, holds everything you need, and so elegant! $70, Paula Fridkin Designs, http://www.cellkeeper.com/

The Lipstick Case of Lipstick Cases by Judith Leiber. This one is the you saw Brooke Sheilds use on Lipstick Jungle. $495, Judithleiber.com A really luck member of the audience got one for herself!

GiiNii Digital Frames are so

easy to use. Just pop your digital card out of your camera and into the back of the frame and voila, you’re viewing your pictures. Selection of frames from 3.5" – 8" Prices range from $39 - $100
Available at http://www.walmart.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.walgreens.com/ and http://www.zbezt.com/.

Viva Terra specializes in stylish & eco friendly gifts -
Handbags made from vintage fabrics, necklaces and home accessories made of recycled glass beads, recycled glass stones with inspiring words, tea light holders from semiprescious crystals, and the list goes on! Check them out at http://www.vivaterra.com/

What's Sarah Wearing?

Inc. magenta sheath dress (http://www.macys.com/), Ed Hardy scarf (http://edhardyscarf.com/), Enzo brown suede platform boots (www.macys.com), Hue brown tights (http://www.dillards.com/)

Gifts Under $50 From Houston's Best-Kept Shopping Secrets

This segment aired on Channel 11 News At 5 on KHOU on Dec 4, 5 and 6, 2008. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

Looking for special gifts without a big price-tag? Here are three of my favorite secret sources for unique gifts on a budget.

Spec's Liquor Warehouse, 2410 Smith, Houston, 713-526-8787 www.spcsonline.com

Spec's is known for specialty liquors, wines and foods, but they also have unique gifts starting at $3. Glassware, bar baubles, cookies, cheeses, caviar, cigars...the list goes on and on. You can even select a bunch of goodies and they'll put them all in a gift basket.

If you're shopping for liquor, look for gift sets. Gift sets sell for the same price as the liquor in the set, plus you get some cool accessories like glassware, flasks, and shakers. Spec's has a huge selection of gift sets for almost every liquor. In the segment, we showed Mount Gay Rum paired with a mojito muddler & muddling glass ($15) and Jack Daniels with a logo flask ($32).

Spec's humidor is filled with cigars. In the segment we showed a box of 8 assorted Cubanos for $25 ... and even comes gift-wrapped. There's also a selection of cool lighters, cigar cutters, and humidors to make a gift for any budget.

The specialty food area holds caviars, teas, cookies, cheeses, candies, and sauces from around the world. American sturgeon caviar is about $35 an ounce...add belinis and creme fraiche for a real treat, all for less than $50. Something as simple and deliscious as Swiss and German jams can be a wonderful gift. In the segment we showed peach and appricot jam for $3 - $6. Don't worry, the recipient of these gifts won't know how much you spent because these foods aren't available in local grocery stores.

JS Collections, 9700 Harwin Street (inside the Central Mart) #156. Houston, TX 77036, ( 713) 244-0397

If you've never been to Harwin Street, this is a great place to start. The store is organized, well lit, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's everything you love about retail shopping with a wholesale price. You'll find necklaces for days, earrings, embellished reading glasses, purse hooks, jeweled ID holders, enamel & crystal frames, and evening bags. Most items are priced between $4 - $20.

Palmer Packaging, 1613 Richmond AveHouston, TX 77006(713) 524-5413 www.palmerpkg.com

Palmer packaging is one of Houston's best-kept secrets. The shop is overflowing with tissue, ribbon, gift boxes in every size and shape, organza drawstring bags, shoppng bags, shred, and more. Great wrapping is the secret to making an inexpensive item look special. Go for luxiourous ribbons and wrapping that adds volume to the item.

Turn a tin of tea into a beautiful hostess gift with some printed cellophane and pretty ribbon. A $6 decorative wine stopper looks like a $20 gift when presented in a gift box overflowing in crinkled shred and a big organza bow. Peach jam for $3 looks like a European treasure nestled in shred inside a big pretty box.

In the segment, we spent $2-$3 in packaging for each gift. In some cases, we even we spent more in packaging than we did on the actual present. This might seem silly, but when we added the cost of gift and packaging, the end result looked like much more.

What's Sarah Wearing?
Grifflen purple cotton ruffle top (Em & Lee http://www.emandlee.com/), Isabel denim flat-front trousers (http://www.dillards.com/), teal glass drop earrings (JS Collections, 9700 Herwin St. suite 156), teal plastic bangle (http://www.charmingcharlie.com/), Vaneli leopard print pony sling-back shoes (http://www.dillards.com/).

Here's the link to the segment
http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=310505&shu=1
Thanks so much for watching!