Dear Girlfriends ~

My girlfriend is going to a “Cocktails in the Courtyard” event this weekend and called me awhile ago asking “what to wear?” and “what to rock on her finger?” 

Well as some of you who know me … I’m all about cocktail rings!  They can be for work, for play or just because.  The cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory.

The cocktail ring is an important eye-popping statement to make with your cocktail attire. Whether you’re wearing a colorful whimsical dress or a basic black number, adding a cocktail ring adds a splash of drama and glamour to your ensemble. With so many rings to choose from, ranging from the bold and the beautiful, to bling-worthy conversation starters, knowing what to look for in your favorite evening babble is key.

Cocktail ring features textured front and faceted oval center stone ($18.00).  By Juicy Couture a chunky cocktail ring glitters with sparkling stone inlays ($98.00).  Blu Bijoux cocktail ring is a stand out ring. Silver ring has a large black stone surrounded by turquoise cabochon stones ($28.00).  With a vintage air, this looks fabulous with one of this season’s lace pieces ($189.75).

Oval Stone Cocktail Ring

Juicy Couture Cocktail Ring

Oversized Cocktail Ring

Black Onyx Ring

Look!  Kennedy Jay Lane lapis dream cocktail ring is the ring of the season!  A lapis colored German glass stone set in a 18k gold plated ring dotted with turquoise resin beads ($165.00).  Blu Bijoux green oblong cocktail ring is fabulously fashionable. Set in a gold plated frame, the large green resin stone on this magnificent ring makes a statement ($15.00).

A dazzling vintage cocktail ring by Monica Macha, this piece features a medium blue faceted stone surrounded by a cloudburst of luminous rhinestones and accented with a small gold charm ($110.00).   A show-stopping ring that’ so very Kenneth Jay Lane.  Electroplated 18k gold ring with resin cabochon and Swarovski crystal detail. Size adjuster inset. 1.5″ wide ($172.00).  Anna Beck Sumba gold plated cocktail ring will make a splash at any event. Wear this ring with formal attire or to spice up a casual outfit ($190.00).

Oblong Cocktail Ring

Rhinestone Ring

Sumba Gold Plated Cocktail Ring

Turquoise Dream Cocktail Ring

Girlfriends, the cocktail ring has been around for centuries. And, one thing has stayed true – the unforgettable large size of the ring.   A cocktail ring is the perfect accessory to make an outfit feel new and fresh, not to mention glamorous.

So my girl has a lot to choose from and she borrowed most of them from me!  I will get them back … I know where she lives!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dea Girlfriends ~

So you didn’t get your Gold medal at the Olympics in Beijing?, but there is still time!  Wearing gold gladiator sandals this season is the ultimate treat and win!

While on the metro/subway the other evening  heading home from work, I spotted an ultra fab lady wearing a rustic colored gold pair of gladiator sandals with a black maxi dress – she was too fab, I had to tell her!  I think I made her day.  You too can have that same response when I see  you on the streets on downtown Washington, D.C.

As you may already know, gladiator sandals are a big trend this season. Like a lot of things lately, the ancient sandal has been modernized. It now comes in all shapes and sizes, and is accessible to more women. Gladiator sandals can be tricky for some. The question “what would I wear them with?” is on the minds of a lot of women.

Let’s take a look at the blaize metallic gladiator which offers a metallic synthetic upper, back zipper, flat and rubber sole.  $49.95 

Take a step back in time in these Sam Edelman Gilda gladiator sandals. Textured leather upper in a casual thong style sandal with a leather toe thong post. A slightly agressive strap design for an edgy look, dual ankle straps with adjustable buckle closures and a backless heel. Smooth, lightly padded footbed with Sam Edelman signature logo and contrast topstitching. $89.00

Get noticed in the trendy Fergie Island T-strap gladiator sandals, from the Kickin’ Back collection. Leather upper in a T-strap thong sandal style with an open toe and rolled toe thong post. Metallic stud embellishments add visual and textural interest. $99.00

Sam Edelman Sandals

Fergie Sandals

For instance, a simple gold gladiator can take a gold shimmery evening dress from ultra formal to ultra fabulous … similar to the girl on the subway remember?!? It’s a look that can easily be worn to a cocktail party on the beach.

Reflect on glorious style in the stunning Jayla sandals from Jessica Simpson. Leather upper in a dress gladiator thong sandal style with a round open toe. Mirrored round discs adorn vamp straps, adding bright, contemporary appeal. $69.00

Jayla Sandals

Stylish faux leather and metallic gladiator sandals featuring a strappy front construction, a triple ankle buckle closure, and a back zipper placket. $18.80

Get a great gladiator look with this sandal. Featuring a faux snake upper with a thong strap and a flat sole ($14.00). Or try the soft tumbled leather shapes a breezy gladiator sandal centered by an ornamental cutout. Brassy studs dot the double ankle straps of the warm-weather style. ($96.00). 

Juicy Couture Jackie Sandals

It’s a “bohemian meets roman goddess” look that is perfect for running around on a hot summer day.

Flat metallic discs shine down the center of an ankle-strap gladiator sandal lifted by a wrapped wedge heel. $89.95.  Spring your way into one of this seasons hottest trends. Gladiator leather thong sandal with metallic ankle straps, leather sole and low flat heel. $69.99

BCBG Axel Wedge Sandal

Gladiator Thong Sandal

The snakeskin gold gladiator is another style that I love. This one is perfect for casual chic days, or casual fridays at work. It’s a more sophisticated gladiator, and can easily be dressed up or down. You can pair it with white jeans, slacks, or shorts.

A downtown-glam take on the gladiator. Metallic leather sandal with studded upper. Tie at ankle. Leather sole. $77.00

Cocobelle Metallic Studded Sandal

The  gladiator sandal makes a statement! Hopefully, this will help you pull your gladiator together.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

The long tank can be chic!  A friend contacted me last night asking if she should pair a long peach-inspired tank with her denim skinny jeans and open toe peeps to a “funky” gallery opening – I said of course!  Ladies, as long as  you know how to do some creative styling with your long tank – you can’t go wrong.

Just think of this look as well – a long tank with drapey items – an open cardigan and harem pants – a sportly staple seems simultaneously sleek and earthy.

A tank might be the most versatile clothing piece in your summer wardrobe, as they are naturals for warm weather: keep you cool, look trendy or classic and can be paired with other pieces, depends on how you wear them.

Just the right length to show off a unique pair of leggings.  Print jersey tank with scoop neckline and shirttail hem featuring 1″ straps and semi-sheer.  Supima, modal, shine-all the words we’ve come to love and adore from Michael Stars. More gorgeous tops in the most season-appropriate colors for layering all day and night long.

Girlfriends, don’t be afraid to try different colors and patterns when buying a long tank.  Looks like we found the key to the effortlessly chic layering look.   Dip-dye jersey tunic with scoop neck and back and offering a shirttail hem and 1.25″ straps.

Print Jersey Tank

Michael Stars Tank

Tie Dye Long Tank

Supersoft, lightweight ribbed knit is shaped into a long, lean tank.  Perfect dressed up or down, this scoop-neck floral silk top features a 4-button closure and ruched racer back.

James Perse Long Tank

Floral Tank

A versatile, relaxed tank that still manages to be soft and sexy. For an effortlessly cool look that lengthens, pair this longer tank with skinny jeans. Another way to wear it? Tuck it into a pencil skirt for simply chic style.

Gathered Long Tank

This crinkled tank top is cut long with a scoopneck, racerback and fitted waist. Finished with a zipper at the back.

Lucca Couture Tank

Girlfriends, do like I do … buy several tanks and pair them with your current wardrobe – you will be amazed by the style you can create within your own fashion closet!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Keep it short! This summer staple is having its best season yet. 

Girls, when you are thinking army green or a nice summer color …. beyond their grab-n-go status, casual shorts crave the high/low treatment.  Styling them with something fancy adds a cool element of contrast. 

On the other hand, nothing says summer quite like crisp white shorts.  Pick a slouchy style and pair them with a dark top for a chic, lazy-Saturday-in-the-neighborhood look.

And I’m not really a “shorts” chick but these style make even me what to consider a pair this season!

Here’s how to wear the top styles this season!

Instantly ups the chic quotient of a basic blouse.  Woven raw silk shorts with metallic pinstripes throughout. Self-belt tie and gathered elastic banding at paper bag waist. Slant pockets at hip and patch pockets at back. Cuffs at bottom hem. Or consider a basic white tank an alluring retro flair.  Mid-weight jersey shorts with 4″ quilted banding at waist and slant pockets at hip. Hidden zipper at side. Cuff at bottom hem.  A cool compromise between short-short and jean.  Denim short with 5-pocket styling and single-button closure. ’7′ embroidery at back pockets. Whiskering at front and worn spots at edges. Moderate distressing throughout.

Drawstring Ribbon Shorts

Dojo Shorts

Jersey Shorts

When you know what works for you – work it.  Buy shorts that suit your style and your personality.  Comfy-chic style. Woven shorts with slant pockets at hip and snap-flap pockets at back. 3 snap-flap pockets at sides.  The designer Elizabeth and James is never short on style.  Look at these!  Wrinkled, lightweight woven shorts with slant pockets and button-tab detail at hip. Pleating at front and button-welt pocket at back.

Cargo Shorts

With all that is constricting in the world today, your clothes don’t have to be. Be yourself, be creative, be free with these cozy jersey harem shorts.   Some of you may consider … Casual vintage styling and a whole lot of funky hardware just means it’s easy to wear our fab high-waisted belted shorts over and over. A wide-leg construction, angled hand pockets, back button-flap pockets and double pleats at the front create a cool retro silhouette, but with a subtle herringbone texture, two-way adjustable belt that buckles at each side and a two-button concealed front closure, this sassy look will never go out of style.

Cozy Jersey Harem Shorts

Linen Cotton Short

And I absolutely LOVE these .. they are fun and chic!  These Roja high-waisted shorts feature a floral print, a zipper closure in the back, and cuffed bottoms and fits true to size.

High-waisted Shorts

Let me tell you – the styles this season are endless – get a pair of shorts today!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends –

Are you ready for a fabulous event – are you attending the Jody Davis Trunk Show on Saturday at the National Harbor?  Do you know what you are carrying? 

With this beautiful weather and this season carry a party-inspired clutch.  Liven up your summer wardrobe with bags so affordable you’ll want them all.

When selecting a clutch this season its very likely, you’ll want to buy more and more!  Generally, the size and style of the bag can be selected to suit your personal style preference.  But of course, girlfriends here are a few that I would consider carrying to a trunk show or style event this weekend!

This citron Mantero satin clutch ($125.00) will give new life to last year’s dress. Floral accents in sateen, straw and nylon add a luxe touch.  A ladylike floral print meets snakeskin in this structured clutch ($40.00). Skip a too-prim sundress and wear the bag with a playful denim romper.  Or even enough a bright and simple clutch to express your personal style with this rectangular clutch ($10.00).  

Yellow Flowered Clutch

Floral Clutch

If you wanted to try something a little bigger … The Rumer clutch by Nicole Miller ($150.00) has a signature metallic lining with a fold over flap. This is great for an evening wear especially when you want to carry less.  A pearlescent snakeskin texture defines a clutch-style bag ($90.00) fashioned from supple leather. The structured cutout handles open to reveal a vibrantly patterned lining.

Oversized Snake-Embossed Clutch

This structured bag ($50.00) is a standout in graphic black and white woven straw. Wear it with a canary-colored minidress for maximum ’80s impact.  Zipper rosettes toughen up this cute mini-clutch ($15.00). Use it to add a trendy touch to a simple slip dress.

Rosette Clutch

Black & White Clutch

Rich leather clutch ($68.00) in a unique tie-dyed finish with a bunched ruffle flap. Full printed lining; organizer pocket inside; link chain strap with leather handle.  

Tie Dye Clutch

Girl no matter what your style event this weekend – you must carry a clutch!  Don’t hold back … be chic this season.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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