Few fashion items have as much history as the cape. It’s a symbol of nobility—royalty from the likes of the Queen to Miss America wouldn’t look dressed without one. Let’s take a walk down the “chic cape” fashion runaway!

Evoking a more romantic era is easy with capes as traditional as a classic six on the park. Wear the vintage-inspired Cejon Women’s Belted Cape($125) with a pencil skirt for an elegant effect, and pair it with 1920s-style accessories to complete the look. Of course, if you’re going for the sleigh-riding snow bunny look, pick up a sweet and innocent knit cape. Nothing says fireside flirtation like pom poms, and at about 30 bucks, it’ll leave you plenty to spend on hot chocolate.

If your winter coat gets lost amid a sea of look-alikes at your office, set yourself apart with a business-ready cape. The Dale Dressin Peacoat Cape ($375) plays off the classic peacoat design for a bold but familiar look. Pair it with skinny pants for a sleek silhouette, or layer it over bold prints for even more impact. The Tarnish Ribbon Trim Cape ($128) with its oversized ribbon channels the old-fashioned glamour of the 1950s office boom. I couldn’t help but notice the ingenious design of this Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet Detachable Cape Dress ($148). Wear them together or separately for major cape action. Dramatic types who like to make an entrance should go all out with something grand and sweeping; with lace-up heels and a bold handbag, it’s a can’t-miss power outfit that works from the boardroom to the Oak Room.

If you want an up-to-date cape on a recession-era budget, the INC International Concepts Cropped Cable-Knit Capelet ($69) will give you the value you’re searching for. Its charcoal hue and texture make it perfect for pairing with contrasting materials, but for a minimalist style, just throw it over an all-black ensemble and you’re good to go.

Are you ready, get set … go shop for your capelet today!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Liven up your look with these hot boots; put on your skinny jeans and chic top.

When lots of walking is on your trip agenda, stylish shoes with a high comfy quotient are a must. Nine West has a few stylish boots and these have to be one pair to mention.

Got boots? The hottest look for fall is available now. Beautiful suede and supple leather, sexy, slouchy mid-shaft boot. “Galen” features a classic almond toe, buckle detail, metal hardware, leather bottom and 4 3/4″ stack wood heel.

Shop Nine West in store or online today!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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My girlfriends and I were, of course, interested in trying the new Cover Girl Queen Collection, designed by Queen Latifah and her personal make-up artist, Roxanna Floyd. This collection has been designed to give women of color make-up that truly flatters our wide range of skintones. Let me tell you, I think the Queen has achieved her goal.

The Natural Hue Compact Foundation is fabulous. It’s lightweight, but creamy in texture. Yet it still manages to stay on all day without leaving your face looking like an oil slick. The mirrored compact is small and portable and it comes with a sponge that you can use to apply the foundation. I found the foundation to be blendable and sheer enough to look natural, yet substantial enough to even out the skin. I am quite impressed with the formulation and how elegant it looks and feels – it is a great affordable option for women who still want to look polished, without breaking the bank.

To learn more about the Cover Girl Queen Collection.

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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The days of wearing pleated skirts is back. Pleated skirts are classic; nowadays you can wear this skirt with confidence!

Tummy-Smoothing

With flattering lines and delicate details, these reinvented classics are polished for work and comfortable for play. Stitched-down pleats on this tweed skirt smooth the tummy, then flare out to add volume in the right places. Try this one by the Gap’s pleated skirt.

Beyond Basic Black

All the details—the intricate laser-cut floral hem, the built-in belt, the wide pleats—take this wool blend skirt well beyond basic black; Robert Rodriguez Ruffle-Hem Skirt.

On Trend

A delicate silk skirt illustrates three of this season’s big color trends—yellow, gray, and ombré from Victoria’s Secret Catalogue.

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Everyone’s on a budget these days BUT you can still look great in denim this Fall season. Chic, fabulous and affordable, check out these jeans for under $100.

Great pairs that are both figure-flattering and budget-friendly!!!

Classic Jeans: Don’t get stuck in an unflattering trend if it doesn’t work on your body type — go for bootcut, the most universally flattering style. Fading on the thigh and a roomy fit in the leg have a slimming effect. Try these $99.00 Miss Sixty Extra Love jeans.

Long Jeans: A dark wash looks refined, making this pair office appropriate (if your work environment allows jeans, that is). A 35-inch inseam is ideal for long-legged gals, and Lycra adds stretch to contour curves. The find would be Black Orchid “Black Pearl” jeans for $95.00.

Black Jeans: Black jeans are the new black pants! Dressier than blue or white, this dark option is ultra-slimming. A skinny fit works well on lean legs, and the ankle-crop suits petites and for only $51.00 look at these Hurley One and Only Movement II denim pant.

Whether you’re looking for a particular denim-wash or style, don’t forget to be stylish and get what works for you!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

*Excerpt taken from Monica Byrd’s D.C. Shopping Examiner article.

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