Has your wardrobe come down with a bad case of the winter blahs?  Good news! I’m here to rescue you … I will show you some simple changes that will take you far this winter for a more pulled-together look when the blahs hit you!

See inspired ways to simple styling:  Consider layering lace tights under a stylish romper.

From designer Kova+T, these lace leggings feature an elastic wiastband and its semi-sheer.  This scoop-neck silk romper features a patch bust pocket and slant hip pockets. Single-button closure at split back. Gathered elastic waist and cuffed hem.

Lace Leggings Kova & T

Anna Combo Romper

By adding this chunky, cable-knit sweater vest features a shawl collar and patch hip pockets it will begin to finish up the look. These pull-on suede over-the-knee boots feature a buckled strap at the shaft. Seam detail and 3.5″ top slit. 4″ covered heel. 20″ shaft and 15.5″ circumference. This tote features a suede front panel and pebbled leather back panel.

Peacock Cable Vest

Suede Above Knee Boots

Mixed Materials Shopper

Finish this look off with a beaded belt.  This handcrafted belt features sequins, two-tone beads, and contrast threads at the lattice panel. Two-tone beads and print fabric backing at edges. Assorted beads at double tie closure.

Beaded Belt by Deepa

Again, don’t forget to update your style and look during the winter blahs?

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Romper and Lace Look

Dear Girlfriends ~

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Dear Girlfriends,

I discovered that its never to late for wearing white … you just have to pair it with black and contrasting is a BIG part of the story! 

Styiling tips for wearing black and white are here, fashionistas we can start here!  This strapless polka-dot silk jumpsuit features a sweetheart neckline and gathered elastic banding at the top hem and empire waist. On-seam hip pockets.

DVF Marron Jumpsuit

Let’s consider some of these options:

This double-breasted stretch-wool tuxedo jacket features a 2-button closure and a satin shawl collar. Welt bust pocket and welt hip pockets. Pointed hem at front and tuxedo tails at back. Satin trim at cuff slit.

Conductor's Jacket by Haute Hippie

Girlfriends, this draped, star-print top features a V neck and racer back. Inverted front pleat.  This necklace features distressed gold-plated, silver-plated, and black discs. Assorted gold-plated beads at lobster-claw clasp.

Sao Paolo Tank

Elastic Belt Skirt

This silk skirt features a wrap detail and an asymmetrical hem. Contrast elastic banding and pleating at waist.  A timeless style in an on-trend animal print, these zebra-print haircalf booties feature a covered elastic inset at the inner side and vertical suede banding at the back.

Zebra Pipe Cover Pumps

A street-chic version of a functional style, this oversized, print PVC handbag features a resin logo plate and snap side gussets. Enameled hardware.

LAMB Tote

Again don’t be afraid to try this pairing … simply black and white!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Dear Girlfriends ~

On Saturdays we all have places to go, things to do and people to see.  Saturday is a day of running errands!  And what better way to make your errands go a little smoother than with the Saturday essentials. 

Start with a military-inspired jacket/coat to pair on top your denim leggings.  This double-breasted canvas coat features a zip-off hood and fold-over collar. 6-button closure and 6-button detail. Button-flap and zip hip pockets.  This double-breasted military-style jacket with side pockets and center-back smocking for better fit.

Tony Military Hooded Coat

Ruffles add femininity to this fresh military-style jacket from Free People. 

Free People Ruffled Military Jacket

Girlfriends when considering what to wear at the bottom (smile) consider anything from denim jeans, leggings or stylish pants.  These corduroy skinny pants feature 5-pocket styling and a single-button closure. 

Skinny Corduroy Pants

These light-wash, straight-leg jeans feature 5-pocket styling and a single-button closure. Two-tone stitching at back pockets and whiskering at front. Shredded holes, worn spots, and moderate distressing.

This linen-jersey tee features a wide neck and a vertical back seam. Elbow-length dolman sleeves.  Look cool while keeping warm in this long-sleeved thermal top from Lucky. Featuring a split neckline, allover ribbing, LOVE print across the chest, a multi-colored peace sign at the side chest with frayed embroidered trim, contrast stitching and a shirttail hem, you’ll love this trendy long-sleeved thermal top.

Michele Tee

Lucky Long-Sleeve Love Tee

A fun unfinished hem adds chic casual styling to this Lucky Brand Jeans thermal tee.

 along with the clothing options you must consider the accessories!  The ever important Saturday essential.  Going from a stylish handbag to a chic watch to a fab scarf  – these are all a part of your Saturday!

Lucky Brand Crewneck Tee

Girlfriends,

This oversized watch features a leather band, studs, and a square case.  This glazed, wrinkled leather handbag features a tasseled drawstring and magnetic closure at the patch front pocket. Metal nuts and resin logo beads at tassel.

La Mer Collection Watch

Marc by Marc Jacobs Hobo

This leather wrap bracelet features a textured 18k gold-plated chain. Ring-and-toggle clasp. This handmade, tie-dye woven scarf features fringe at the ends.

Chelsea Double Wrap Bracelet

Bambi Bianca Scarf

When deciding what to wear on Saturday for errands, don’t forget to consider the essentials and have fun with your wardrobe!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Fashionistas we all feel the change in weather during the morning commute; come on and admit it! 

But I have GREAT news!  Cardigans can be a fun and versatile fashion accessory for the transition of the season.  If comfort is the ultimate luxury, what could be more better than a slip-it over/under-everything, prep-school-inspired knit.

A partially-buttoned sweater combined with equally soft pieces can look effortlessly casual. But don’t overdo the layers. Not only does casual suddenly look forced but you’re likely to start peeling off pieces in most overheated interiors.

As the first signs of fall, search for a lighter fashion piece instead of bringing a heavy coat out of storage, why not throw on a stylish cardigan? The cardigans of today are not like grandma’s sweaters but have a style and flair all their own. Plus, they’re so versatile! Wearing a cardigan can take you from a casual day to an evening out at a restaurant with great panache.

A lightweight wrap cardigan in cotton/cashmere/silk. Long ribbed sleeves. ribbed hem. Wrap front. Ruching at back neck. Layer with camisole or tank top.

Wrap Cardigan

Sand chunky knit oversized cardigan with sailor collar and 3/4 length sleeves. Cardigan comes with an elasticated bow belt.

Chunky Knit Cardigan

A ruffled cardigan – nook and cranny, featuring notched crew neckline; front zip, ruffled detail down front and three-quarter sleeves.

Ruffled Cardigan

You can really expand the depth and versatility of your wardrobe without spending money by layering items you already have. A cardigan provides the perfect finishing touch for that layered look. Just one cardigan can multiply your fashion options many times. Try belting a long cardigan over a skirt and silk top. Wear a long, loose one over your favorite black dress.

Long Wool Cardigan

Cashmere Cardigan

Wrap Around Cardigan

Open your closet and start experimenting by adding a cardigan to your usual outfits and see what works for you.

Slick Zip Cardigan

Maxine Sweater

Peace Scarf Cardigan

A cardigan can add a whole new dimension to your standard office attire.

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Maternal America Red Front Tie Dress

Dear Girlfriends ~ 

As many of my fashionistas and girlfriends know,  I am expecting a baby boy in April and the hubby and I are very excited.  With the excitement comes my intense efforts to remain stylish while pregnant.  I am currently in my fifth month and haven’t bought a single piece of maternity clothing (except a NY Giants shirt for the MNF game a few weeks ago)!  I am elated.  When I do eventualy gain a few more pounds, I plan to continue this pattern with stylish tunic and leggings OR a dress with opaque patterned tights and wedge boots.

There isn’t a rule that a pregnant women can’t be glam and must look frumpy.  Who told you ladies that?  Its easy to carry a little glam in your maternity clothes by following a few key steps.

Visiting a maternity shop can allow you to find styles that are trendy and comfortable. Comfort is very important to the dress of pregnant women. It is wise to find items that aren’t too tight, but look good.

Even if you can’t find a good maternity shop, all is not lost. Most department stores, even budget ones, have maternity departments. If you’re unsure at first, try a few items on before you buy them. This is the best way, to determine, if the clothing size, color, and style suit you. Don’t forget the wealth of the internet.

You’ll love this paisley print with banded neckline and lantern sleeves. Always a bestseller, Maternal America’s front tie dress is flattering and stylish. Cross front with tie makes this easy to wear. Tie can be worn in front below vneck or tied in back.

Everly Grey Sonya Maternity Dress

 

 

C&C Turtleneck Dress

Girlfriends, certain styles look especially good on pregnant women such as A-line skirts, empire-waist dresses and tops, and pencil skirts paired with swingy shirts. If you are feeling really self-conscious about your changing body accentuate other parts of your body that you feel more comfortable with.

NOM Print Wrap Dress

Mezzanine Maternity Jeans

Ella Moss styles and fabrics will work well through your pregnancy and are equally as stylish afterward. This stylish colorblock tunic looks great with pants,leggings, or jeans.

Ella Moss Harpo Tunic

So elegant, I love the simplicity (with a twist) of this maternity dress. It has an innate sense of style for day or evening.

The Knot Dress

To get people to notice your neck and shoulders choose a shirt with a ballet-cut or bateau neckline, or dress all in one color and add a scarf or some other stunning accessory. Then people will notice you’re accessories and after your pregnancy you won’t feel bad that you spent money on them because you can keep on wearing them. Some accessories could be a brightly colored piece of jewelry, a pair of shoes that match your handbag, a colorful scarf or a button-up sweater.

Pregginistas, many maternity offerings, are online for customers to take advantage of. If nothing else, you will be able to get ideas on style, you like.  A money-saving tip for maternity clothing shopping is to avoid impulse buying. Make a list of a few must-have items that can go with almost everything.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica the Pregginista

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Dear Girlfriends -

Whether they’re bright and bulky or full and fierce, the chunky choker is poised to be one of the biggest trends to date even for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday parties and soirees you will be attending – hooray!  I adore this easy piece for several simple reasons: it adds some posh pizazz to the wardrobe essentials you already own, looks great with everything from a casual blazer to a killer cocktail dress, and there are cool versions available at every price point. In short, this all-purpose accessory is at the top of our list!

This chain necklace features rhinestone-studded cutout flower details. Textured flower details at assorted cutout pendants.  Just as sensational with a LBD (little black dress) as it is with a tank and jeans, this chain bib necklace features bead details.

Lace Drama Necklace

Jen Bib Necklace

Sure to garner a second (or third) glance, this multi-strand mixed-chain necklace features rhinestone strand and asymmetrical chain fringe. 

Fashionistas, this wool-cashmere bib necklace features studs, brass chains, distressed leather appliqué, and vintage glass accents. Chiffon trim and contrast grosgrain tie closure.  Or consider this statement choker.  These capsule shaped beads with a pearl-esque finish are linked together in a bib like formation which drapes beautifully from a dainty chain.

Multi Chain Choker

Rambler Necklace

Pearly Beaded Bin

This gold-plated choker features hammered squares. This herringbone wool-cashmere necklace features brass chain detail. Clustered leather-covered stones, glass beads, brass studs, and distressed beads. Bone beads, African brass beads, and garnet stones at ends. A beautiful combination of Mother of Pearl, quartz, Swarovski crystals and glass beads wired within several arcs of sterling silver necklace finsished off with dangling Mother of Pearl stars.

Hammered Square Choker

Herringbone Cashmere Choker

Mother of Pearl Choker

Sequin Spinning Bib

Girlfriends, these necklaces are so necessary this season that we suggest that you throw on at least one chunky choker-or several-every day. (When you’re wearing a mélange of chains, the more the merrier!) If you feel overwhelmed by the look or don’t know where to start wearing it, just take inspiration from the fall runways on how to combine the right statement strands with the correct clothing.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Are you crazy about colossal cuffs as much as I am?  I’ve learned to pair a bold piece of arm candy into everyday outfits and especially now during the holidays and all the festivities!  Its simply a matter of adding a piece without overdoing it.  To get an idea of how to show off your bold arm candy properly consider these style options.

An exquisite grey shagreen cuff creates a perfect perch for a jeweled sterling silver bug encrusted with rubies, sapphires, green agates and crystals. Because each piece is handcrafted by an artisan, expect yours to have subtle nuances all its own.

Shagreen Cuff

Inspired by tropical islands and exotic locales, this statement piece sets the style for your total look. Gold-tone intricate design with brilliant coral-colored stones for an unforgettable bracelet.  Girlfriends, consider this handmade brass cuff as a style option. A high polished metal cuff bracelet featuring a faux leather top with sewn-down faceted studs.

This option offers a wide cuff featuring agate stone front and hammered texture detail.

Adia Kibur Gold Jewel Cuff

Stud Metal Cuff

Handmade Brass Cuff

Still not sure how to begin? 

Agate Stone Cuff Bracelet

Amp up your rock-chic kudos with Halston’s studded blue suede cuff. Wear this sensational style with a floor-skimming gown to bring Studio 54 glamour to every look.

Stud Embellished Cuff

Gold Plated Cuff

Girlfriends, a collectible cuff that our jewelry designer took ages to perfect–a layered look in gold-plated metal designed to dress up your wrist.

Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Maria Cuff

A bold piece of arm candy can one day be your favorite accessory! A piece that pops on in a flash and transforms whatever you are wearing into a work of art!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Whether your invite says office party or New Year’s Eve party, we have the perfect dress for you! You may want to take a cue from Charm Chat and add sass to basic black with colorful accessories, like turquoise earrings and shoes. Or strike a balance with an empire-waist dress that shows off the decollete, while the flowing skirt hides a larger bottom half.

Asymmetrical Long Dress

Asymmetrical Ruffle Dress

A sparkling beaded tunic dress is the easiest way to add instant glitz to an evening ensemble. Pick one of the metallics to match your accessories to.

If you wear a short polka dot dress like this one, counterbalance the length with a high neckline to achieve a cute and fun party look. If you wear ankle-strap shoes with a short hemline, make sure the strap sits low on the foot. This prevents the illusion of a cropped, shorter leg.

Bridgette Dress

Wear a short jacket over a dress like this Marcella Vintage silk tiered ruffle dress during the day and then remove it later for an easy day-to-night look. Large tiers add curves and dimension to a petite figure. Fuller figures should opt for smaller tiers.

Folded One Shoulder Dress

If you want to show your festive side, don’t resort to Santa accessories; opt for a silk red taffeta dress instead. Soft, flat tiers work well on feminine curves by moving with, but not enhancing, them. Metallic accessories work wonderfully with red.

Lavenda Leather Dress

Then fashionistas sometimes a little shoulder is all the skin you need to show to achieve massive amounts of sex appeal. A draping dress like this party wear one is perfect for a holiday dinner party, when you want a little extra room in the belly area.

A punchy color and bold necklace are not for a wallflower that isn’t ready to bloom. Show an equally vibrant personality for a New Year’s Eve party or other fun event. The popular pocket trend adds a casual touch to this electric party dress.

Ummm . . . so you have a better idea of all that’s out there right? Even if you have something in your closet that might be close to the “perfect” holiday dress, don’t forget colors, shine and shimmer this holiday season!

Until the next adventure,
Monica

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