Dear Fashionistas,

As I prepare for an evening of relaxation and comfort at home, I was thinking about how nice it would be to be out in the wild, enjoying the sun, and thinking global. Where do I want to travel this year? Going somewhere and dressing the part are two different things.

As I think about it, this season’s global reach highlights Africa and colonial India as sources of inspiration. Start with contrasting earth tones, intricate wooden beads, and animal and block prints on delicate fabrics, the mood is a journey-into-the-wild offering luxurious and chic safari-styled clothing.

DRESSES

Velvet by Graham & Spencer “Vivica” Kenya printed maxi dress. Sleeveless deep v-neck long maxi dress. Large beaded detail at front at neckline. $275.00

Down-to-there flair, with a plunging neckline and knot front. Ties at waist and fit-and-flare shape. Imported polyester/spandex matte jersey. $98.00

A squareneck crochet caftan-styled dress offers a crisp and clean look. A natural weave of beauty. Ruffle hem and imported cotton. $58.00

Step out in a pretty pattern. Adjustable, elasticized straps. Banded waist, side pockets and imported cotton/spandex. $59.00 sale

Stylish wrap-front shirtdress is updated with charming puff sleeves and four-pocket detailing. Matching sash cinches the waist for a perfect fit. $97.90 sale

Safari-style blouson dress in stretch jersey knit. Stand collar, button front, patch pockets and shirred 3/4 balloon sleeves and a 38″ from waist. $24.99 sale

Walk on the wild side in this Safari inspired dress. This gorgeous jumper dress has all of the right details in the right places to flatter your figure. $54.00

Pair these strong elements with basic and open shoes to make the look modern!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Fashionistas;

I was walking the other day when the high was 68 degrees, on my stroll to Borders Books & Music. I felt the sun and started to get EXCITED about the change of season approaching us (hopefully by next month). I started thinking that I need to get my fashion wardrobe in gear, and what better way than with one of the best sandals! The Spring and Summer calls for hot pedicures and sandals – - – wedge sandals, to be exact!

These versatile shoes go with the short skirts and denim jeans! You can even wear them with your strapless dresses, and even your jersey dresses. With all the style options nowadays, some wedge sandals have extra room on the sides of the heel for bursts of color. And get this, since there’s extra material under your foot as opposed to a stiletto heel, you’re less likely to injure yourself. The wedge sandals’ heel will be steadier, more comfortable and you’ll be less likely to lose your balance and possibly twist your ankle. Not to mention you get the sexy calves heels offer, with less pain. But as far as heels and fashion go, the wedges are a good bet. They’re stylish, yet easy to walk in.

Since wedge sandals are the shoes of choice for Spring/Summer, shoe lines are offering quite a few styles to choose from! Here are a few examples:

Get into the swing of things with these dazzling sandals. Smooth patent leather upper in a dress casual platform wedge strappy slingback sandal style with a rounded open toe and multiple criss crossing front straps.

Disco patent wedge, patent leather high heel sandals. Ankle strap. Silver-tone buckle. Decorative cutout detail. Open toe design. Covered platform wedge heel.

Delight in the breathtaking beauty of the delectable wedges by Charles David. Mesh elastic fabric upper in a slingback dress wedge sandal style with a round open toe.

The fun and floral “trophy wife wedges” offer a 4″ wedge and a 1″ platform. Man-made materials by Sugar.

Fabulous … wedges are a must-have this season! Tortoiseshell patent leather, fine topstitching and patent ankle straps with golden buckle. Metallic grained leather lining and padded insole and treaded rubber sole.

Colorblock suede sandal with seam detail at vamp and buckle closure at ankle strap. 1.5″ covered platform, 4.25″ covered wedge heel and rubber sole.

Wedge sandals will definitely get you noticed. Just use good sense when you wear them, and try not to wear them day after day. Enjoy the beautiful styles found everywhere from Payless to Nordstrom.

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Fashionistas:

You can NEVER go wrong with a black dress, we all know that. But what happens with the “Little Black Dress” goes out on the town? Are you ready for the style adventure ahead?

Let’s get down to business. So the little black dress; everyone has one, and if you don’t, go out and get one now!

There are a number of styles to choose from when it comes to the little black dress: wrap, tank, A-line, sheath. I suggest finding the most basic one then you can add your own “fashion spin” on the dress.

If you are a last-minute fashionista, you want to be able to just through on your pumps, grab your colored clutch and get out the door. Simple, chic, and ridiculously easy, this is the little black dress working its’ hardest.If you love to accessorize then this look is for you. Again, find the simplest little black dress you can and then go wild with the accessories.

A chic embroided dress offers a silk dress with wide neck. Gathered elastic banding and self-belt tie at waist. Slant pockets at hip. Circle embroidery and cutouts at hem. Short dolman sleeves.

What do you think makes an uptown-chic look rock? It isn’t just the black dress, but the whole package! A shiny satin black dress is easy enough to make it go whichever way you want. A funky clutch plus an up-to-the-minute trendy nude colored shoes paired with a sassy updo can make your dress look less dressy and totally CHIC! If you plan to go dressy, add pearls and a classic clutch with black pumps.

Jersey halter dress with crossover V neck and drawstring at top hem. Gathered elastic banding at empire waist. Spaghetti straps tie behind neck. Lined at bodice.

Knit dress with knot and gathering detail at wide neck. Vertical banding and inverted pleats at front. Rounded pockets at fitted hem. 7″ jersey cuffs at 3/4 dolman sleeves. Jersey lining.

Jersey dress with ruching, U-ring, and pleating at bust. Unfinished edge at bottom hem. Strapless. Lined at bodice.

Slinky jersey dress with draping at crossover V back. Ruching and crossover detail at shoulders. Long sleeves.

Strapless dress in a textured cotton weave. Bow detail at bust and pleating at front. Light boning at sides. On-seam hip pockets and hidden back zip. Lined.

Silk dress with cascading chiffon ruffles at V neck and front. Hidden zipper at side and 8″ slit at back.

Whatever your style selection, make sure its a look that will rock and reveal a fabulous fashionista shining through a simple little black dress!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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Dear Girlfriends:

An instant style look for the season are piled-on necklaces.  From fashionistas to celebrities are getting their pile on to make instant outfit-makers! 

Fashionistas, the newest take on the statement necklace is a dream – an attention-grabbing strands of fabulousness!  Don’t be afraid to pair ropes of pearls or gold long necklaces together with a floral choker.  You can also do a tangle of chains with a simple or structured dress.

Here are a few options to consider when piling on the necklaces.  This multi-strand, mixed-metal necklace features placed faux pearls for a fresh, modern twist on ladylike style. Features cable and curb-link chains. Faux pearls measure 6-12 mm. Necklace measures 33 inches. Lobster clasp with 3 inch extender chain. (Sale $2.99).  Long necklace features multi layers of pearl strands and removable asymmetrical chiffon rosette. Necklace falls 20 inches from adjustable clasp closure ($28.00 final sale).

City Style Multi-Strand Necklace

Chiffon Rosette Necklace

This necklace has length!  A black long necklace featuring small beads, wraps around multiple times and is 112″ long ($10.50).  Look fashion savvy with this posh long beaded necklace from Catherine Stein, featuring allover clear faceted beads in ascending varieted sizes on a black ribbon necklace ($35.00).

Black Long Strand Bead Necklace

Clear Bauble Necklace

Girlfriends, go for bold!

Gold tone long necklace with orange beaded embellishment throughout. Kenneth Jay Lane necklace has a hook fastening and logo-embossed plaque at back of neck ($65.00).  Rachel Reinhardt designs jewelry for the woman who fancies glamour every day, not just on special occasions ($118.00 sale).

A long pearl chain fleur de lis necklace can only be described as phenomenal. This beautiful piece features a 60 inch yellow gold plated chain. Tiny, dainty white pearls are spaced along the entire length of the necklace. A yellow fleur de lis pendant dangles from the bottom to make it extra trendy.

Rachel Reinhardt Resin Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane

Dereon Fleur de Lis Necklace

No matter what mood you are in, pile on some necklaces (short and long) and it will take you from drab to fab in less than five seconds!

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Dear Fashionistas;

Have you noticed the bit of change in the weather back and forth? On those days while the high is 60 degrees you may want to put away your heavy winter coat and check out a trench! Trenches are wardrobe workhorses–sophisticated and timeless. Girlfriends, take a look and find the perfect one for you at a great price!

The Delia double-breasted cut says professional, while the polka-dot print and skirted bottom are playful and fun, making this a great choice for both work and play. ($39.99 sale)

Newport News satin trench its been found! The perfect topper for your little black dress! Add a splash of color with this decadent satin trench when you’re headed out for the night. ($79.00 sale)

Finish off your look with this hip and casual long sleeve twill trench coat featuring a double-breasted styling, front inset pockets, button tab epaulets, adjustable sleeve straps, and a removable belt. ($24.80)

Short trench coat with a glossy patent finish. Double-breasted with notch collar, flap patch pockets, belted cuffs and buckle belt; back vent. Leather-look. Wipe clean. Imported. ($49.00)

A satin sophisticated grey trench coat. Wrap yourself in luxury with this trench coat, showing long sleeves, snap closure, large lapels, two-front pockets, adjustable waist tie. ($39.80)

Girlfriends no matter what your style or choice, choosing a trench coach it’s all in the details with any adorable trench: a trench is a stand-out piece to wear with jeans or a pencil skirt!

Until the next style adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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