Sleeker Stirrup Leggings

Dear Girlfriends ~

 

Are you begging for leggings?  So many to choose from … zip vent, stirrup, denim knit, 5 pocket, ruched.  Sexy with heels, cool with flats, sporty with sneakers.  And leggings can be found for unbelievable prices too!

Before you get too excited ladies, I must tell you – there is a “way” leggings should look.  They are meant to be an accent … not your entire outfit – if you know what I mean, leggings aren’t for everyone! Leggings are not trousers so don’t use them as an alternative to trousers and don’t wear them with sweatshirt or short, tight tops as you might end up looking half naked. You might have noticed that the most common way how most women wear leggings these days is with oversized, long sweaters, long blouses or knee length dresses. It’s definitely the best combination and it’s very practical as well, especially when you have curvier hips or thighs.

My girlfriend and I are shopping for a pair and we came across some amazing styles and affordable prices. A pair of leggings with a side zip vents give this sleek legging a modern edge. They’re back and sleeker than ever! Leggings feature stirrup detail and elastic waist. lastic waist; mid rise sits low on waist.  Look out!  This soft, comfy knit looks like denim, giving a new, special look to the basic legging.

Side Vent Leggings

Cropped Leggings

The basic you can wear with so much in your closet (tunics, dresses, long sweaters), in a comfy stretch-cotton knit and a cool, cropped length.  This is your time to shine! Slip on foil shimmering leggings for a truly rockin’ style. Thin, stretch leggings feel like second skin they fit so close.  Give your leggings a touch of finishing style. Coordinating covered buttons close with loops near the cuff. Tapered legs finish below the knee.

Ruched Leggings

Zipper Leggings

Girlfriends, I love these!

 Skinny leggings cut long and trimmed with a zipper at the ankle.  Just remember when shopping for leggings, consider your style and look.

Let’s shake a leg!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

When I was looking through my closet last night preparing for fall handbags and clutch purses, and what to “carry” this season to me, I always try to start off with the idea of what bag?

Carrying a bag can be the biggest fashion accessory you would ever need. I’m loving the feel of the warm weather today and the potential hope that all my ladies are enjoying the style and feel of summer!  Soon it will be fall and 60 degrees.

I rummage through my closet, lucky for me I don’t wake my husband as I go through my walk-in closet.  I just have bags from clutches to vintage handbags to trendy bags and finding a perfect bag can be essential. One bag for the Fall season you may want to add to your accessory closet is a trendy fringe bag.  This bag can suit you and me!  It comes in all sorts of colors and shapes.  Don’t believe me, take a look for yourself.

Fringe Kiss Clutch

A Melie Bianco soft leather like handbag is a carryall for all your stuff including cell and sunglass pockets.  There are some of us who enjoy splurging on handbags!  Or you maybe want to consider an oversized fringe bag!  Go for a boho look with this Oversized Fringe Hobo featuring a faux suede fabric and fringe details.  A few of my fashionistas love clutch purses and so do I!

Fringe Tan Bag

Look at this leather clutch with woven leather fringe – its the perfect name a Fringe Kiss!  Stylish and environmentally friendly, this Novella Royale Liv Fringe Bag will do you wonders. Made from recycled leather jackets, each Liv leather bag is uniquely detailed to chic perfection.

Featured in People Style Watch, the Melie Bianco Fringed Clutch is a stunner. Be-fringed for a fashion-forward boho feel. Available in black, this fringe-ful clutch has a detachable shoulder strap so you can use it as a clutch or shoulder bag. Fabulous!

Fringe Clutch

Melie Bianco Fringe

Or consider fringe benefits! This bag is the perfect size to tote around your necessities during Music Festival season.

Festival Bag

Kate Spade

Inspired by Kate Spade, look at this four tiers of leather fringe lend subtle movement to a vertical shopper topped by resin handles.

Alexander McQueen

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends –

Going from a fashionista to a recessionista!  Well its no different in the fashion industry and a fashionistas got to know how to keep on looking fly even with the pocket crunch all around.

Many of us have been recessionistas from ever since but if you’re new to the “bargain hunt” or are looking for a few new ways to save a penny or two then listen up while I share a few of my ideas.

• One of my favorites is to shop at bargain stores and affordable shopping events. Hey don’t knock it till you try it, there are some REAL bargains to be had there, all you have to do is sift through the racks to find some true gems and basic pieces. If you’re in town this weekend, I recommend a stroll through the Ultimate Fashionista Flea Market happening on Saturday July 25th from 10:00am-3:00pm.    The ultimate shopping experience wants you!  Come out to see and buy amazing pieces from the closets of fabulous fashionistas keeping you on budget.  The event features new, trendy, hip, vintage and stylish pieces including shoes, jeans, belts, jewelry, handbags, dresses, blouses, accessories and more.  And the good thing is there is something for everyone – all sizes and styles.  As a part of the shopping experience there will be a Makeup Bar featuring professional makeup services. 
  

  Jackie O Inspired Sunglasses

  

  Flower Ring

  

  Diara Necklace

  

  Fab Handbag

  

  Galaxy Ring

  All fashionistas have become “recessionistas” – following their “passion for fashion” but doing so within the constraints of the current economy.  On Saturday, you never know what you may find and it may be only one chance to get a new and affordable addition to your closet!

Fashionista Flea Market

The Ultimate Fashionista Flea Market … an open-air shopping experience on Saturday July 25th 10:00am-3:00pm at the James Madison Middle School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772    (off Route 4/MD-223 Exit)

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

I was speaking to my girlfriend over dessert the other day and saw this magazine ad that reminded us how fearless we can be when dressing fabulous!  And you know one of my fierce clothing items are dresses.  Today more and more dress designers are forgoing the strap. A strapless dress is a great garment if you have nice arms and shoulders. Wearing one comfortably, however, can be a little tricky if you don’t take the time to prepare yourself first.

While deciding what to wear to this event next week, I can across a strapless “number” that I know I could rock!  Its a perfect silhoutte for the season and the occassion – a summer BBQ. 

Showing denim in a whole new light.  This strapless sexy denim dress is perfect for a day or night.  A fun shade and gorgeous silhouette put together, create the Tibi Nuit Long Strapless Dress in Green. Bright green silk jersey dress has a twisted ruched bust and side zipper closure. Edgy meets Catherine Malandrino elegant, this cotton strapless dress features layered ruffles at the top hem.

City Style Strapless Denim Dress

Tibi Long Strapless Dress

Catherine Malandrino Belted Strapless Dress

Coming from the London Times, a large bow detail on the bust adds girlish glamour to this strapless khaki dress with side zipper.  Strapless cotton dress with colorblock detailing. Featuring a structured at the top with stitched-in boning; flared skirt; back zipper closure and exclusively to Urban Outfitters.

Strapless Babydoll Dress

Colorblock Strapless Dress

No detail is missed on this gorgeous dress. Silk georgette creates a beautiful drape. The starburst embroidery of rhinestones and beads is crafted by hand in India. This strapless Juicy terry maxi dress features a braided self-belt and dramatic 21″ side slits.

Starburst Strapless Dress

Juicy Couture Maxi Dress

When shopping or going through your fashion closet – look for a good fit. No matter how cute the dress is, it won’t look good on you if you have to constantly tug at it to get it to stay in place. You want your strapless dress to be snug on top, but not so snug it gives you “armpit fat.” The dress should also balance itself out. Since the top is snug and there is nothing above the bust, a fuller, at least knee length bottom looks best.

And girlfriends … of course buy the right underwear. There are may different kinds of strapless bras on the market. Look for a simple one with smooth cups. Lace and other embellishments might make your chest look crumpled when you are wearing your strapless dress. As for your bottom half, look for undies that eliminate the pantylines. Options include thongs and slim wear.

Of course don’t forget to GLAM UP!  Adding a pretty necklace draws attention to your face. Dangly earrings look nice, too.

You think you got the idea?  I know I am ready … let’s see what I wear next week.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

I’m puzzled … debating whether or not to wear a sheath dress to a professional event this weekend or my A-line dress.  Both are adorable of course!

I was considering take a page out of Michelle Obama’s style book and highlight my best features in a sleeveless sheath and draw attention to my narrow waistline with wide belts. 

Ladies, sheath dresses are a staple that should grace every woman’s closet. Elegant, feminine and practical, the sheath dress is defined by a figure-hugging silhouette with a well-defined waist, that usually is cut mid-calf or shorter.

A cafe’ sheath dress offers a ladylike silhouette balances an eclectic print, this silk sheath dress features a crew neck and slant hip pockets. Knife pleats at skirt and darting at bodice.  A banded scooped neckline that dips just a bit lower in back tops a fitted sheath dress, ruched at the sides for a more flattering fit.  The season’s hot color – the sleek sheath dress in soft white subtle “rattan” jacquard texture and wrapped waist detail.

Cafe Sheath Dress

Ruched Sheath Dress

Sheath Dress

This sleeveless tweed sheath dress features slant hip pockets and front and back silk ribbon details. Back tie at keyhole and hidden side zip. Princess seams at bodice and darting at skirt.  Or consider a high contrast, floral print sheath dress rendered in crisp cotton sateen. Contoured shoulder straps join a square neck and pieced bodice that segues to an inset waist and straight skirt. 

Tweed Sheath Dress

Floral Print Sheath Dress

An elegant sheath dress in crinkled silk chiffon. Jewel neckline with ruffle detail at neck an bodice featuring tie at back neck with keyhole detail.  Or a slender satin sheath dress, styled with a deep V-neck, has flattering pleats at the bodice and an open lace-up back.

Ruffle Sheath Dress

Sleeveless Sheath Dress

And if you’ve ever wondered just what type of shoe to wear with them, you’re not alone! Don’t worry, there are definitely lots of fabulous shoe options for you to choose from. Nonetheless, you can surely have oodles of fun shopping for the shoe that works best for you and your personal style.

Girlfriends, the figure-hugging cut of the dress and a bit of dramatic makeup is all the sex appeal you need.

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Ranging from fancy to chic to modern, a pendant watch necklace for the summer may be the coolest wat to tell time yet!   I ran into an old friend at the metro the other morning and she had on the cutest pendant watch necklace and I thought “hey – what else is out there?”. 

Girls, in terms of summer jewelry trends, big bangles were poised to be the next huge thing and recently there’s been a rumor about the return of chandelier earrings.  In my opinion, the season’s sleeper hit is the pendant watch necklace.

Ranging from petite pieces to oversized and ornate the ultra long pendant necklace is hanging around!  Gold tone chunky link bracelet with a white flower-shaped watch pendant. Marc Jacobs bracelet has a white face with gold hands and a contrast designer logo, a oversized lobster clasp and a designer embossed tab.  More from Marc!  a pavé bauble watch pendant. Add a little sparkle to her day with a glittery fruit watch pendant. Chain necklace with clasp closure. 

Daisy Pendant Watch

Pave Bauble Watch Pendant

This retro menswear-style option is an ideal foil for a lacy dress.  A beautifully crafted gold-tone pendant case with pearlized dial, includes 28″ gold-tone neck chain and accurate Japanese quartz movement. Or try this stainless steel watch pendant from Nixon. 

Spree Nixon Watch

Avalon Fashion Pendant Necklace

As evidence of the pendant’s recent popularity, we gathered a wide range of celebrity examples. A beautiful antiqued silver watch face to create this altered art type necklace, which is both pretty to wear and serves a functional purpose.

Antiqued Silver Pendant Watch Necklace

You’ll have a gold medal in cute when you sport this super-chic necklace! A
colorful striped ribbon adds a touch of pizzaz, while gold accents and oman
numerals help create a classic vintage look.

Medallion Pendant Watch

And don’t be afraid to wear an old-fashioned gold pendant in tandem with a few skinnier, shorter chains.

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends ~

Silk Wide Leg

Of course I suggested a dress but she didn’t want to have to shave her legs!  Funny I know (I get on her about no-hair on your legs when you’re wearing a dress) … anyway I told her to opted for some slouchy pants and pair it with a blousy tank. 

When deciding on slouchy pants keep it low-key with a flat-front, relaxed trousers that widen at the bottom – the shape makes legs appear longer.  Low platform heels add height and dress up the look a little.  She decided to go with my suggested and pair her buttercream pants with a violet purple scoopneck top and added the wedge gold heels. 

Chise loved the look … and you can too!

The essence of ease in seasonless stretch. In a luxurious European fabric that resists wrinkles and stays in shape. Take on the jumpsuit trend in a washed silk iteration with flattering drop waist and flowing wide leg.  Our most popular pant, now in lightweight denim, with a flattering wide-leg cut. The Editor Pant stands for sexy style, fine fabric and a flawless fit. 

Marisa Fit

Seasonless Pants

Cuffed Pant

Wide Leg Pants

Jemina Pants

Are you getting the idea?   Look for chic.  The essence of ease featuring a two-button extended tab closure, two back welt pockets and cuffed.  Perfect for work with a crisp blouse and blazer, or for play with a striped tee and slouchy handbag.  Stretch-cotton boot-cut pants with slant pockets at front and button-welt pockets at back featuring single hook-and-eye closure.  The essence of ease. In a luxurious European fabric that resists wrinkles and stays in shape.

I just found a pair of denim-inspired slouchy pants but too pricey!  On the hunt for the “affordable” version.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

While at the Essence Music Festival this past week/weekend, I discovered there were a lot of short short wearing fashionistas!  Some pulled it off without a hitch while others … well we won’t go there. 

If you have legs you want to show off, a pair of short shorts is one clothing item that should be in your summertime wardrobe. The new generation of short shorts draws inspiration from all sorts of styles—from retro sailor pants to 1980s running shorts.  And the shorts come in all shapes, colors and styles … from bubble shorts to cigar inspired shorts. 

Faux denim short features front welt pockets, belt loops, and cuffed hem ($19.00).  Strapless chambray jumper with Swiss dot detailing throughout. Cut with a high waist and short shorts. Finished with a faux button placket at the chest. Side pockets ($38.00).  Tailored short with contrast piping on front slash pockets. Casual enough to wear with our basics, refined enough to wear with our embroidered tops ($69.00).  Perfectly paired with dressy tops, these Sateen Shorts features a sateen fabric, notched side seams, ornate buttons, two front faux beasom pockets, piping trim at the waistband, and a zipper fly with a double button closure ($22.99).  A pair of linen shorts … with all that is constricting in the world today, your clothes don’t have to be. Be yourself, be creative, be free.  Go for a vintage look with these Polkadot Shorts featuring a polkadot fabric, cuffs with buttoned tabs, pleat details, two front slash pockets, two back faux beasom pockets ($22.99).  Strapless jumper cut in a ladylike silhouette with a nipped-in high waist and full short shorts. Finished with a sweetheart neckline ($58.00).

Cotton Sateen Cuffed Short

Denim Cuffed Shorts

Free People Linen Shorts

Polkadot Shorts

Sateen Shorts

Sweetheart Jumper

And don’t forget girls … develop an attitude to go with your short shorts. The attitude is yours to choose, so focus on what you hope to project with your short shorts. You might be wearing them to feel sexy; you might be showing off your athletic body. If you match your attitude to your short shorts, you can exude exactly what you want to as you wear them.

I don’t blame the fashionistas, the weather was humid … the music was hot and the food was amazing!  Being a native New Orleanian … I too plan to buy my shorts soon.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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