I was in San Francisco this past weekend, and while my friends were busy doing something boring, I was busy doing something fun – getting to know my new friend.

I walked into my favorite store in the world (I truly mean favorite), Michael Kors. I was at the San Francisco Centre on Market Street. I walked in the mall and contemplated leaving because I was exhausted from the night before (too much of a good thing), then all of a sudden, my second wind came calling. Off to the right was: the cream in my coffee (nonfat), the perfect kiss on my lips, the smile after a fight, and the possibility of a new something or other that I would be wearing that night!

Now, I have to be honest. I am not an easy sell (ask Brent); I tell people “like it is” and know what I want. I walked into Michael Kors and the store was alive with color, the buzz of salespeople, happy customers, and prospective buyers. My mission was a tote. This salesperson approached me with a smile and asked if he could help me. I said I was looking for a tote. He asked what color I was interested in, and I replied, a “New York color.”

He looked at me sort of smiling with a quizzical look on his face. I told him dark, no pink, coral, yellow, or orange. I then saw a look of relief and a smile, and so the hunt began. We went through the whole store from top to bottom looking for the perfect tote. Along the way, I started to chip away at the stranger barrier between us.

As he showed me many, and I mean many options, we got to know each other. We shared stories, laughed a bit too loud, gave our opinions about things (well, I did), and started to speak about the love we both share for Michael Kors.

I can personally tell you that I am gaga over MK! He’s an “upstate” boy, loves his Mama, appears to be a “very nice” person (never met him—but hoping to someday), and wow, can he dress a woman! When I think of New York, I think of MK, when I think of the Hamptons, I think of MK, and when I think of fashion, he’s on the top of my list!

Here’s a “Jo” story for you. A couple months ago, I was at an Oscar party and was surrounded by celebrities: Morgan Freeman, Glenn Close, Michael Douglas, Jack Black (what a sweetheart, and boy does he adore his wife), Jennifer Aniston, and I couldn’t get any closer to Sir Elton John (he has the most gorgeous eyes), and the list goes on. Now, I mean no disrespect, but I was not “stirred” by 99.9% of them. My thrill was sitting with Jack Black and getting lost in Elton’s eyes. I’m not moved by most people, and if I am, it’s usually the “average Joe.” I was raised to believe that we “all” put our pants on the same way! However, there is something about MK that makes me excited, mesmerized, and in awe of his gift in designing.

I loved how my new friend and I got equally excited over our MK conversation. I love (and was jealous) of his picture with MK. This guy is a sweetheart and I never met anyone who truly loves his job more! He is a great salesperson who is honest, respectful, easy to talk to, and I could easily tell, has a genuine soul. Over an hour later, I walked out with a new pair of shoes, adorable jeans, and a gorgeous ring (going back for the tote).

If you are ever in San Francisco, go to the San Francisco Centre on Market Street and head straight towards the MK store. Ask for Brent—he will not disappoint you and you never know, you may walk out with a new friend like I did!

On a side note, it is my opinion that Michael Kors is extremely lucky to have Brent working for him. He is a hard worker, dedicated to his career, and most importantly a very nice person.

It has been proven that if you allow yourself a moment to slow down in life, wonderful things come your way.

To my new friend, Brent Amerman, Assistant General Manager: it was truly a pleasure meeting you and I will see you soon…

xo, jo

*Photography by the original: CrazyDave*

It all started with St. Patrick’s Day.

I am “new” to California, and I was invited by my new friend (her parents are from the East Coast—Jersey/New York) to go out and celebrate. Of course, we were going to wear green, but what should we wear? She suggested cute jeans, a ginny-tee, and wedges (I know what you’re thinking).

It sounded cute to me. My new friend got me started on a trend. Sometimes we are stuck in a rut and you see or hear something (so vanilla) that all of a sudden you feel like you’ve heard it for the first time. She said she wears ginny-tees (rib-knit tanks) with Capri jeans and shorts. For some reason, my thought was transformed into a vanilla/chocolate twist. I went to Old Navy where I picked up tanks in a variety of colors. My eyes popped (in a good way) just seeing the rainbow of colors, and I’m thinking a splash of color is the new serotonin boost we all need!

I like layers: layers of cake, napoleons, lasagna, and clothing. You can start with one, add another, remove, and start all over. I started playing around with the tanks in my closet and got lost.

You are limited to your own imagination. I love to layer, add color, and play with textures. I also layer with camisoles (lace and plain), and I have many jackets from bolero to tailored blazers.

Here’s a tip: before you go shopping, head to your closet first and don’t forget to have a style magazine with you. Make yourself a cocktail, turn on the music, and try to piece together outfits with your magazine to guide you along. You’ll be surprised what you have hiding in the closet and what treasures await you. You can also invite friends over to critique your ensembles (make sure they are not frenemies) and when you’re done, go out to lunch!

Here’s some suggestions:
• A-line or pencil skirts (add a blazer during the day; remove at night).
• A tank under a flowing blouse.
• A colorful tee under a sweater (showing only the straps).
• A see-through shirt and splash it with a colorful tank.
• Work-out gear (an old favorite), and go meet a friend for coffee after yoga class.
• A lace tank with a long skirt (don’t forget a fedora)!

Have fun and enjoy! It’s fashion, and that should equal fun!

My friends and I on St. Patrick’s Day sporting our ginny-tees! We are a colorful combination!

xo, jo