RuMe Metallic Combo

Dear Girlfriends,

 

I know we all at one point or another try to stay away from “plastic or paper”.  And for those of us trying to recycle and “be green” not matter what the reason . . . it’s about time the reusable grocery bag got a serious makeover! 

I know that at times you want to be practical and function almost always trumps form, but why not have both with a little piece of affordable luxury?  I was shopping the other night and the lady in front of me had an adorable grocery bag so I took it upon myself to find the perfect reusable grocery bag! 

I think I found it!  RuMe’s new Green Label Metallic Line has a great shape, sturdy construction and versatility AND made from a ridiculously luxe satin fabric that will be sure to make you the toast of the grocery store; not to mention the town!  . . . and here’s the added bonus!

Each bag has an inside pocket for phones, keys, Blackberry, wallet, cards and more bling, plus a simple enclosure system that allows you to use the velcro strap to close the top of the bag.  I had to order one!  Again not only are they the most luxurious reusable bag to date, they also have “the inside” features as I mentioned that keeps everyone close at hand when you’re out and about.

Girlfriends … I must say affordable, stylish RuMe Bags are designed for daily use – and “reuse” – in any situation:

• Grocery or mall shopping; as a gym, sports, diaper or beach bag; for après ski, picnics or overnighters; for laundry, farmer’s markets, work or as ReUseable gift bags.
• The comfortable handle is sized to carry over any shoulder – male or female – even while wearing a bulky winter coat!

RuMe Bags are designed and packaged following a no-waste philosophy – there’s no superfluous pouch or packaging. Up to three RuMe Bags can be rolled and tied together for simple, compact carrying and storage. RuMe Bags are small enough to fit in a purse or glove compartment – the patent pending enclosure system enables three bags to roll up to about the size of your cup of coffee.

Is there anything left for me to say.  Now how can you beat that! 

Until the next adventure,

Monica

RuMe Metallic Lavendar

RuMe Metallic Silver

 

RuMe Metallic Gold

 

RuMe Metallic (How it looks when folded!)

Comments (0)

Dear Girlfriends,

Warm weather is upon us and that means that it’s time to head for the water. Girlfriends, soon your inbox will be filled with invitations to cookouts, beach soirees and poolside parties as well as evening cocktails. How do you pack for fun in the sun then make the transition to drinks and dinner?

Here is a quick guide to pack the ultimate day-to-night bag:

First, make sure that your “beach” bag is fabulous and something you don’t mind toting with you all day. Leave the canvas bags for grocery shopping! A summer statement in straw with copper, cocoa and clementine satin blossoms–it’ll carry your look.

Flower Basket Straw

You’ll need something to read while you’re relaxing. Stash a copy of The Little Black Book of Style in your tote for the perfect beach or poolside read.

The Little Black Book of Style

Slip your 7 for All Mankind White Roxanne Jeans on under your caftan for flattering daytime-to-evening style. A Diane von Furstenberg caftan acts as a brilliant cover-up by day. At night, put on a white tank, toss the caftan into your bag, throw on a chunky necklace with multi-strands and you’ll have the ultimate in simple evening chic.

White Jeans

Paisley Caftan Dress

Pack a pair of jeweled or fringed sandals for day but don’t forget the heels, diva! Stash a gorgeous pair of tribal or chic platform wedges or sandals at the bottom of your bag for a quick chic upgrade!

Fringe Flat Sandals

Crochet Platform Sandals

Keep your money, cards, keys, essential cosmetics in a fabulous clutch so when it’s time to move into the evening with style, you’re already properly glam and accessorized!

Girlfriends if you follow at least one of these tips; we are sure you will have a flawless transition from lounging to chic dining in no time flat.

Until the next adventure,

Monica

Pink Straw-Inspired Clutch

Comments (0)

Dear Girlfriends -

If you’re on the East Coast this weekend you were met by warm temps and the beaming sun.  And I am sure a few of you ran to get a pedicure (I hope) Saturday morning before you “donned” your thong sandals. 

I was telling my friend on Sunday, these days there are so many options for wearing thong sandals.  She completely agreed with me.

Thong sandals come in a wide variety of different materials, feature different heel types and heights, and can be quite extravagant — in fact, you can even find women’s evening shoes that also happen to be thongs! Yes its true. 

Let’s go on a journey together in search of the perfect thong!  We can start with the sling-backed thong sandal with ruffled fabric on straps. Next try a leather thong sandal with T-strap and stud detail throughout.  Girls, if you prefer something with a little more bling and the wedge look.  Try a metallic thong sandal with a jeweled T-strap and covered 2″ wedge.

If you are into more color and frills girlfriend you may want to go to Barney’s and try this one one.  A satin thong sandal with jewels and grosgrain bows t-strap, closed back and adjustable ankle strap.  Go traditional with an ankle thong sandal in silver, gold, black or white and a simple pattern.   Do I have any girlfriends daring to be different?  Fashion-forward yet completely walkable? Looks like we’ll be living in this style.  Look at the suede thong sandal with layered ruffles at upper and buckle closure at ankle strap.

Don’t be afraid!  Add a splash of color to your step with this gorgeous thong sandal from Tibi. Crafted in glimmery metallic leather, the upper features a diamond-shaped shield detail on the vamp with an underlay of pretty pastels.

Ankle Thong Sandal

Girls, take a look at these!  These will up the style quotient of any simple sundress. Metallic leather thong sandal with double buckled straps at ankle.

If you really want the chic gladiator style; slip into the boho-chic style of these suede hooded thong sandals with adjustable leather criss-cross straps with a side buckle closure that scrunch up the hooded ankle, a back zipper closure and a slight stacked heel. You won’t go wrong! 

Free People Sandals

Another colorful option I told my friend to pick up for her trip to Barbados this Spring.  A pair of leather thong sandal with studding on footbed, colorful details and an ankle strap with buckle and zipper closure in back for perfect fit.

Studded T-strap Thong

Gladiator w/Color Thong Sandal

Remember have fun with thongs this season and schedule your pedicure appointment soon!  Well I hope I’ve been able to take you on a journey to your next Thong Sandal Shopping Spree!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

Comments (0)

My cousin and I were talking last night about how it takes only ten seconds (or less) to make a lasting first impression.  I told her “right or wrong, shallow or not, we instinctively judge by appearances”.  She and another girlfriend asked how to go from work to network events after hours.   As the old adage goes, dress for the job you want – and the clients you want – at networking events just as in the office. I am sure there are many ways to get there but here is the path I would take!   

Prepare to look professional and pulled together at impromptu meetings and last-minute event invitations by keeping a tailored jacket in your office or car at all times.   A chic jacket in yarn-dyed wool/linen featuring notch lapels and puffed cap sleeves.  Or try a refined, lightweight linen jacket.  You could even try a modern jacket in nubby tweed made of fine Italian fabric. 

Tweed Short Jacket

 

Carry a small handbag with just your essentials (keys, lipstick, phone, business cards) and leave your briefcase or laptop bag in the car. You don’t want to be the woman banging into everyone with her bag! And since you’ll need both hands free (for shaking and eating), consider a shoulder bag over a clutch.

Dooney & Bourke

A color option for shoulder networking bags a subtly grained calfskin leather is crafted into a chic shoulder bag finished with a diminutive logo plaque at the front.  Then Kate Spade offers a large, contoured flap slips into the branded tab on the front of a smooth leather hobo. Two small tassels dangle from the strap for a trend-right touch!

Small Black Bag

Do you know how far you will have to walk from the parking lot to the event? Factor that into your shoe (and pant or skirt) selection for the day. Keep in mind that you will be coming from work, so your feet may already be tired and may tend to swell during the evening (smile).

 

BCBG Pump

 

Sofft Natural Pump

Freshen up your lipstick and eye makeup. Try navy blue eyeliner to make your eyes appear brighter and erase some of the day’s tension. Go for a natural or neutral lip color to avoid the dreaded lipstick ring – and the lip print on your glass.

Nars Makeup

 … and the she asked the one question I am sure stumps everyone – “what about color?”

 

When networking color sends a strong nonverbal message and is the first thing a person sees. Think about what you want to communicate and then choose colors that support that impression.

• Navy: honesty, integrity
• Black: sophistication, authority
• White: freshness, reliability
• Tan: elegance, approachability
• Brown: stability, security
• Gray: strength of character, refinement
• Burgundy/Maroon: classic, elegance
• Plum: regal, diplomatic
• Teal: inventive, soothing
• Red: passion, tenacity

Think chic and practical when networking at after-office-hours events. Remember to wow them with style at your next networking event!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Linen Belted Jacket

Dear Girlfriends:

Comments (0)

Dear Girlfriends: 

One of my good friends called me this morning and needs help on finding and carrying a chic laptop bag for a client meeting out of town on Monday.  Geez …. where do I start?!?

Let me begin with a story ….

In a Chanel-styled suit with the latest peep-toe pumps from Jimmy Choo, you enter that meeting looking like you walked straight off the set of Lipstick Jungle – like you could rule the world with just a BlackBerry and a couple lattes. But wait … what is up with that awful laptop bag?

You’d never carry a purse made from black nylon, but you’re still sporting the ugly laptop bag you bought years ago when you had no other choice. 

Well before this story ends, I’m hear to tell you that I have good news Syndey and my girlfriends!  Now you have options, thanks to a few fashion-forward career women who were so frustrated with the limited choices that they created their own product lines.

I told her that I love these options … and think its a great place to start.

These chic designs look like large designer bags on the outside, but they have all the pockets and sections you want in a computer bag on the inside. 

Bianca Tote Laptop Bag

Trendy but work-appropriate, these trendy bags add a punch of color and pizzazz to your look.

Kerri Mack Laptop Bag

Need more variety? Try this plum-pink laptop bag.  It offers the perfect companion for the stylish gal about town!

Siena Laptop Bag

I called her back during my lunch walk and was able to schedule a shopping trip with her tomorrow morning.  Getting ready for her meeting while remaining fabulous and chic … Monday here we come!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Comments (0)

A girlfriend called me at this evening and was super excited that her college friends’ wedding is almost here – in two weeks!  But help, she doesn’t know what to wear.

I told her when deciding what to wear to a Spring wedding think of a way to have glitz & glam with color.  If you plan to wear a royal purple sheath dress pair it with fuschia peep toe pumps and a clutch and finish off with wooden bangles – perfect!

First I would start with a dress, of course!  If you start with a chic dress yet a simple shift dress spices it up with a captivating look. Girlfriends get into the mix with an affordable and chic dress and add accessories in jewel or wooden tones.

Twist Back Dress

Parabolic T Dress

Origami Pleated Dress

As I told her one of the season’s standout trends is the profusion of eye-popping colors, for a Spring wedding all you have to do is follow in the stylish footsteps of these suggestions. Bring intense magenta into the bright shade with individual pieces. Such as wearing a double dip of accessories with the dress. My favorite version of this look comes in mustard yellow, pewter gold or royal purple.

Adorable with dresses or denim, these Tiered Peep Toe Platforms feature a tiered fabric construction, peep toe and 4″ stiletto heel. Paint the “town and the wedding” red in this sexy fashion forward sandal.  Or a dreamy pair of high-heeled sandals. These feminine satin heels are perfect for that special occasion.  Bold babes only–step to this hot slingback from Chinese Laundry, this style also has the confident heel and pert platform to put you heads above the crowd.

High Ankle Satin Pump

Tiered Peep Toe Platforms

Layered Platform Sandal

Chinese Laundry Patent Sandals

When she asked about accessories, I told her try three strands of pearly purple shell with embossed metal beads, rosy frosted glass, and acrylic accents–all floating in tonal harmony on barely-three illusion wire.  If she’s planning to wear a deep pink dress top off your classy-chic look with a multiple faux pearl strand necklace.  Like bands of cloud backlit by the sun, these strands of peach facets warm vacant horizons – like those above strapless dresses.

Bauble Necklace

Faux Pearl Necklace

Stranded Necklace

Skystone Necklace

Well after spending a few hours with her and going through her closet, I’m done!  She decided on a Spring wedding outfit similar to this collaboration!

The Dress

The Bracelet

Open Toe T-strap Pump

Isn’t see glam?

Girlfriends and fashionistas think change of color this Spring and when dressing for a wedding or special occassion. Color – the precisely perfect style tip to perk up your spring and summer dresses.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Comments (0)

A girlfriend called me this evening asking if she can wear her white jeans to work tomorrow for casual Fridays? First, can’t believe she is getting her clothes out the night before (isn’t that what tomorrow morning is far – smile).  And I thought to myself, ‘you don’t have to be a bride in order to wear white’.  Actually, just a hip gal wearing what’s trendy this spring.

I told her that wearing white at the start of Spring is perfectly fine.  White really is just everywhere, and everyone is going to wear it.  There’s a way to wear it for every person, regardless of how much money you want to spend, your body type and your style. There are so many ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Even consider the 5-pocket Cheap Monday jeans in soft denim with spandex for movement. Or a classic Seven style just right for warmer temps. Ultra-skinny stretch jeans in a clean white rinse are styled with tonally embroidered back pockets for a clean finish.

Roxanne Skinny Jeans

Cheap Monday Fit Jeans

Ultra Skinny Jeans

So whether it’s a white eyelet sundress with white patent leather platform shoes, an all-white suit with a white belt or a pair of white pants and a white button-down, pale garments are all the rage.

Vida Long Dress

Sweetees Maxi Dress

I know fashionistas a lot of people really shy away from white.  I know some of us have our fashion myths and rules – its time to debunk the rules. Don’t be scared … it’s not scary anymore.  Wearing white is chic and fresh.  And it’s not just pure, bright white that’s making a splash. White’s cousins, including cream, off-white and ivory, are having a heyday, too.

Sound a little too blinding or just plain boring to you? No worries – I want you to  spruce up the white with a little something-something from the opposite end of the spectrum — as in black or color!  Wait … but fashion isn’t all black-and-white now that the weather is getting warmer. There are some actual colors that are in for Spring, like sunset orange, mint green, royal blue and pink, to name a few.

I’m just getting off the phone with her and I told her to make tomorrow one of those sultry days - go for it wear white jeans, colored top and wedge sandals!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Comments (0)

Print Sheath Dress

Dear Fashionistas;

Today was a tough getting dressed for work day for me, not just because of the cold weather in April – its just sometimes I just don’t know what to wear to work!  I am sure we all have those days, right?

We I’ve learned that yes we can … stand out at the office by taking a few smart risks from Michelle Obama.

Don’t be afraid to bust out of your neutrals rut.  Find rich colors, like purple and ruby red.  Go for super-sleek sheaths.  They’re as authorative as a suit.  And the fit does matter as you need to be able to walk in it!  Considering sheaths, the back of a dress makes the last impression. And if done right, it makes a lasting one.

Pleated Sheath Dress

Fashionistas be sure to wear grown-up prints.  Feminine patterns even florals are fine for 9 to 5.  Like a delicate watercolor floral print enhances a slim sheath dress styled with low V-necklines at front and back.

Floral Print Dress

And of course, being the Accessories Guru I want you to know … pick “look-at-me” accessories.  Bold pieces … gum ball-size pearls, wide belts, a big brooch – will spike your style and confidence!

Show up for work with a multi-strand beaded necklace with satiny ribbon trim; ties in back.  A fringe of lustrous white pearls stationed on gleaming silvertone chain. Or a distinctive chain necklace featuring an ornate cluster of jeweled oblong filigree medallions.

Multi-strand Beaded Necklace

Faux Pearl Necklace

Glass Pearl Multi-Drop Necklace

And finally fashionistas simplify your beauty routine.  Don’t reinvent yourself daily … of course you can change your hair and your makeup from simple to glam but don’t overdo it!  You want to be the same person just a bit more consistently chic!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

Comments (0)