Bestselling author of How Not To Look  Old and How To Never Look Fat Again,and all-around  fashion expert, Charla Krupp died yesterday of breast cancer at age 58. I had the sincere pleasure of working with Charla at InStyle magazine early in my journalistic career, and more recently when she was a guest on my show on Plum TV in the Hamptons.

(Watch Charla on Plum TV HERE.)

Charla was a total pro on TV and soooo fun to interview. Her real advice on how to hide your “Muffin tops, Buddha bellies, and thick thighs” was always delivered in her honest and HILARIOUS  way.  And Charla knew of what she spoke.

As a fifty-something fashion guru in an over-saturated market of “self-proclaimed” experts, Charla not only refused to let age and not being a size zero define her, she USED these qualities to start an empire aimed at making women feel good about themselves EXACTLY where they were in their lives.

And Charla loved her life, it exuded from her. On set she was chipper and helpful and super down-to-earth. Now this is a woman who has done the Today Show over 100 times, but she always happily showed up to our “local” show early (like 7am early) on a Saturday or Sunday morning in the summer, when most Hamptonites are sleeping or surfing or playing tennis.

Never once did anyone guess that she had Stage Four Breast Cancer.

Now this sort of grace is all too rare these days. And it makes me ashamed when I think of how I waste time complaining about ANYTHING in my life.

I mean REALLY, how can the LAME thoughts of “Man, why can’t I have more money/less belly flab” compare with “I have stage four breast cancer, I might die tomorrow.”

They can’t.

Charla didn’t spend the last months of her life on a beach in Bora, Bora, though she would have looked hot in her cute little Spanx bathing suit.

No, she was at Nordstrom’s in White Plains, NY showing women how to get fitted for the right bra size so they could “look thinner by dinner.”

Everyone does not have to be Ghandi to change the world. In this society which so condemns “old” and “fat” there are literally thousands of women in America who are not living their lives, fulfilling their dreams, giving up on careers they covet and love they so wish they had, because it just doesn’t seem possible for them.

To them, Charla Krupp said, ‘To hell with that. Throw on some shapewear and some heels and start loving the life you have, the body you have, right now, because you are so beautiful, and life is so  short.’

Thank you, Charla. Every time I put on some Spanx, I will always think of you.

Robyn Moreno on Weekend Today

I stopped by Weekend Today and gave my palsy Lester Holt the 411 on where to shop for the hottest down-to-the-wire holiday gifts, watch segment HERE!

Merry Christmas!

Last Minute Christmas Shopping!!

It Christmas Eve and you still haven’t checked everyone off your Christmas list—not to fret! Here’s the lowdown on where to go to get the hottest down-to-the-wire gifts this holiday season.

1. So THE gift people are talking about this year are the new Air Jordan 11 Retro Concord’s from Nike. People have been lining up and getting into fights over these bad boys! The good news you can STILL get them, if you go to Nike.com, they say they’re out of stock, but will direct you to retailers across the country.

Here’s quick lowdown on whats open and until when today:

2. Many department stores are open until 6pm TODAY.

—For last minute fashion, Macy’s has been open for 24hours since weds and closes tonight (Christmas Eve) at 6pm.
—Kohl’s is open from 6am - 6pm on Christmas Eve and you can save 25-55 percent off entire stock watches.
—Sears will remain open until 6 p.m. (local time) on Christmas Eve, and on Xmas Eve you can save up to 70 percent off all fine jewelry and up to 50 percent off all Craftsman Mechanics tool sets*
—   Wal-Mart has great deals on appliances and electronics and closes at 6 p.m. on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve)

3. —For really late shoppers, The majority of Target stores will be open until 9 p.m. on December 24, so you can pick up big items like iPods, TVs, video games, GPS systems and more.

— Kmart will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time). , and you can save
Up to 60% off Sleepwear & Robes
Up to 50% off all Fashion Boots and Family Slippers

4. Pick up some gifts while you food shop

“Whole Foods Market is a one-stop shop for holiday gifts. From high quality body care like lotions, bath salts and soaps to food baskets, sweets, flowers, and even jewelry and goods from around the world for under $10, this is a great spot to find treats for everyone on your shopping list at the last minute as they are open Christmas Eve until at least 6 p.m. Check your store for hours.”

From fair trade flowers to gourmet chocolates to high end beauty products, customized gift baskets and even scarves, jewelry and clothing, you can pick up some creative gifts along with your organic food!

5. Don’t dismiss drugstores!

Many drugstores, like CVS are open on Christmas Day (On Christmas Day, some stores will remain open from 10 am – 8 pm and most 24-hour stores will remain open both days. Visit CVS.com/storefinder to locate exact hours for the local store) and boast a bevy of goodies beyond toiletries and trash bags!
From unexpected electronics such as televisions, netbooks and e-readers to popular toys from Disney as well as luxury beauty items like robes, slippers and designer perfumes, you get totally score wow-worthy gifts at the VERY LAST MINUTE.

Robyn Moreno on the Nate Berkus showcasing the hottest Xmas gifts this season!

Christmas came early for me this year, because I had the PLEASURE of appearing on the Nate Berkus show touting the hottest holiday gifts! NATE, by far though, is the hottest thing this holiday, I know I sound like Oprah, but girl he’s F-I-N-E… Oh and the gifts are good, too.

Check out the segment HERE!

And happy holidays to you all!!

Robyn Moreno in a COOL Ural Sidecar on Fox and Friends

I dropped by the Fox and Friends show to talk about the best “splurge” gifts to lavish on someone special this year, including this awesome Russian made SIDE CAR motorcycle !!!!!!!!!!!

It’s only $14,000, a deal I say! Check out the entire segment HERE to see what other goodies I talked about!

Watch HERE!!!!

Watch video HERE!

Winter is upon us, and one of the highlights of the season— besides hot toddies, cozy fireplaces, and all the necessary stay-warm snuggling—is winter fashion, yee haw! And front in center in your winter wardrobe is your coat. Listen up ladies: Choosing a winter coat is a key purchase that should not be underestimated, because as the temps drop, this staple will be THE piece everyone sees day in and day out. To make your coat last beyond a season, try to find a length and color that is more timeless and than trendy. A good dry cleaning and safe storing after winter will make next years resurrection that much easier. A visit to the tailor can help reinforce buttons so they last, and do know that lining can be replaced if you want to extend the shelf life of your coat.

Parka City

Parka’s aren’t just for snowboarding or Baltic climates! Designers sent parkas down the runway for Fall 2011 with their own stylish twists and accents, making this outwear staple as wearable on the streets as on the slopes.

I love this Quilted Parka with Faux Fur Trim from Betsey Johnson. The faux fur is both stylish and removable, so whether you wanna go glam or understated is up to you! The belt is great in giving you waist in what can usually be a shapeless silhouette. And even though the parka is downed filled keeping you extra warm, its machine washable, which saves you money on dry cleaning—score! $158, Nordstrom.com

New England Chic

If you’re feeling rather preppy this season, head to J. Crew.com for their adorable “Toggle Coat.” This coat is genius because its both utterly classic yet smartly updated. The rope-fasted wood toggles and come-in-handy hood are a total throwback to your youth and make you wand to grab a sled and head for the hills.
Yet, the wool and cashmere blend is super luxe and very grown up. J. Crew sweaters and coats are a great buy because they are manufactured at the same famed Italian mill as many other very expensive high-end designers, so even thought it’s a couple of hundred bucks, its still a great buy that will definitely last you winter after winter. $325, jcrew.com

Fabulous Fur

Fur continues to be a big trend this season, and this cropped coat from Halston Heritage is just plain fierce. Chicly paired down with jeans and heels is effortlessly cool, while thrown atop a cocktail dress is sexy glamour at its best. What else would we expect from Halston? Plus, we love that its faux fur, so PETA won’t be chasing you down the street!  $375, www.neimanmarcus.com
Upcycled Fur

If you do want to own a real fur coat, consider buying a vintage one. Not only are the styles, prices, and quality stellar, but you might feel better knowing you are buying a piece already in existence. Conscious and cool, a totally rad combo that is always in style. Check out alittlewicked.com.

Color Me Happy

Nothing brightens up a dreary winter day like a brightly-colored coat! We love this one from Bebe: the cherry red color is universally flattering, while the shawl collar and tie waist are subtle-ly sexy! If red isn’t your thing, blue and purple options abound and are more neutral than you think. Be sure and test drive your coat in natural lighting which is truer, and much more flattering than glaring dressing room lights. If possible ask the salesperson if you can try on near a window.
$198.00, bebe.com

Max It Out

Every woman should have a maxi coat in her closet. While mid-lengths are fine for work and play, holidays and big events invite you to play with the drama of long lengths. We like this double-breasted version from style icon Donna Karan. Because the Big D put the fun and fashion into women’s work clothes back in the ’80s, she knows how to make ladies look good in every silhouette. The belted cuffs and nipped waist add discreet flair, and the tapered cut and dark color will elongate any height. $298, nordstrom.com

Ombré Gloves From Missoni

The temps are getting chillier up here in the Northeast, so my mind is turning to all things cozy and cool, and by far my fave cold weather indulgence is cashmere gloves.

I remember my first pair of big-girl cashmere gloves which were gifted by a former boss, and I loved them to PIECES. They were a bright pea green and SOOO soft, I actually held on to them for a few winters,  which is a big deal for a moi.

Ever since, I have always splurged on a pair even when times were tight. Cashmere gloves are an easy way to elevate and rejuvenate your winter wardrobe, and if you choose playful colors they can make you happy even in the most bitter of winter.

Because cashmere is a luxury item (it comes from the soft underbelly of goats mostly in Mongolia and India) it is pricey. But you can buy good quality cashmere at big name/mass brand stores  at reasonable prices. I have a friend who is a high-end knitwear designer who swears by J. Crew.

To make sure your investment lasts, be sure and hand wash your cashmere because the solvents used in the dry cleaning process can be too harsh.  Try Woolite or the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo from The Laundress and lay flat to dry.

Here are some chic cashmere gloves that can be found (and treasured) this season!

1.Missoni Striped Cashmere Gloves (Pictured Above)

At over $200 a pop, these gloves might be more aspirational than your winter staple, but they sure are pretty! And Italians really do know their cashmere. $245, Net-A-Porter.com

2. Blue Cashmere Gloves from RedEnvelope.com

The trick with any fine wardrobe piece that will last beyond just one season, is whether to go classic or trendy. I like this pair from redenvelope.com because they combine both. The kingfisher blue is bright and eye-catching without being too of-the-moment. $79.95, redenvelope.com

3. Minnie Rose Cashmere Fringe Gloves

If you DO opt for some flash, fringe is always a fun detail and VERY on trend between the flapper rage we saw recently on the runway, and this seasons continuing love affair with Navajo chic.

These come also come in black, but I chose the oat because the understated color neuatralizes the fringe so they’re not so costume-y or rock and roll. $84, singer22.com

4. & 5.  Fingerless Cashmere Gloves

I totally recognize that “Fingerless cashmere gloves” are just kinda spoiled, being not super necessary per se. But the two options I chose are in fact Practically Posh, because they are well made, insanely pretty, and around $50.

Bird Cashmere Gloves from Weberline Couture

Methinks these bird-printed gloves are just lovely, and they come in four different colors, so lots of birds to go around.

$58,

weberlinecouture.com

Hand-Crocheted Cashmere Gloves

I told you above, the Italians kill it when it comes to cashmere and our amica Elenoir from Etsy makes these highly-coveted hand-crocheted beauties.  As dainty as they are sexy, these are really heirloom quality. $48, etsy.com

Robyn with Wendy Williams and Beauty Stylist Merrell Hollis

Me and my green eyeshadow had the fun honor of appearing with the formidable Wendy Williams at a “Fashion Night Out”  to benefit breast cancer awareness. Hosted by the Tanger Outlet Malls in Deerpark, NY, the event also featured Wendy’s super-talented (and totally hilarious) makeup artist who gave tips on fall beauty.

For my part, I spoke about the hottest fall trends from faux fur

to color blocking

All in all an amazing night!

So now that fall is firmly here on the East Coast, I have pulled out my sweaters and packed up the bikinis—adios guys, we had a lot of fun!

But as I was unpacking my winter clothing, I couldn’t help think that everything looked kinda lame? Has that ever happened to you? I was like “Is this what I wore last year? And I thought I was cute?” Uggh!!

But before I burn a hole in my credit card buying a whole new winter wardrobe (Vince “blanket coat” ) I’m looking at you!)

Here are some lessons I’ve learned over the years to stretch my fashion budget.

1. Trade unwanted pieces for clothes or cash.

Places like Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Company, and Beacon’s Closet are retailers where you can take unwanted clothing and get cash, or store credit. This is a GREAT way to make the best use of clothes that are kinda too good for straight giveaway. Bagborroworsteal.com is now buying designer bags and shoes, so you can get good money for last seasons accessories.

2. Go Vintage or Go Home! So I am a bit biased as I co-own a vintage store, but shopping vintage is a great way to get in-season runway looks NOW at a HUGE discount. Many designers come into our shop (A Little Wicked Vintage boutique) to buy inspirations for their next line. So, why pay a shit ton of money on  trends like gym-inspired sweaters and wrap skirts when you can go to a vintage store and get QUALITY in-season styles for a fraction of the cost.

3. Off price retailers— Stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s offer designer clothing at up to 60% off because of great relationships they have with buyers. They are able to get in- season items at a huge discount because the can buy last minute and bulk orders from around the globe.

4. Thinks outside the mall
I just did an event with the incomparable Wendy Williams at the Tanger outlet malls in Deerpark, NY, and it reminded what good deal could be found. Outlet malls tend to have a tired reputation because of their off-the-highway locations and cookie cutter settings. But no longer just home to Nike and Ann Taylor, outlet malls now feature tony brands like Catherine Malandrino, Celine, and Burberry, and outstanding savings. According to Consumer Reports, you can expect at least a 30% discount on merchandise, which makes a day at the outlets a worthy trip. People get good deals because outlet malls are where many retailers send their overstocked products.
Plus “outlet websites” like the outnet.com means you can get savings without leaving your home!

5. Consider consignment
Unlike vintage or thrift stores, consignment stores tend to sell newer items, like of-the-moment and last seasons clothes and accessories. Because trends tend to last beyond one season, this is a great way to buy a luxe piece at a discount. Check out Collette Designer Consignment or Resale Riches.

6. Shop Online sample sales and shop them on WEEKENDS-
Web sites like Giltgroupe and Rue la la offer huge savings everyday, but most people don’t know that they offer even bigger savings on WEEKENDS when most daytime shoppers are away from their desks, so totes worth it to stay in and shop for an hour to get deep discounts.

7. Accessories are a great way to “poshen up” any wardrobe. Add instant flair to your ensemble by donning your mom’s cocktail ring or brooch at your next soiree or head to retailers like J. Crew and The Express who have a KILLER array of affordable jewelry.

8. Mend your clothing. I feel every woman in America has a bag of clothes and shoes in her closet that she “means” to fix, whether a blazer needs a new button, or boots need to be resoled. Often times that “fix-it” bag can sit in the closet for seasons. Dust it off and drop it off at the tailors or shoe repair store, pronto. You’ll find you can get almost a new wardrobe for under $100.