Dear Girlfriends -

“hi hose, hi hose, it’s off to work, or dinner, or drinks we go” … whistle … whistle.

This season whether you opt for the ’80′s trend, the layering trend or the mod trend this season, chances are tights are required to complete your ensemble. But legs have been bare for many seasons now, and many of us need a refresher course on how to pull this look off with confidence. 

Fashionistas,  I will answer the most-asked questions triggered by this legwear affair.

Which shoes look best with tights?
Really, any type of chunky-heeled shoe looks smart with opaque tights. Winterize your peep-toes by pairing them with ribbed hosiery, or update your silver metallics by pairing them with shades of gray. Boots (short or long) are an ideal match with woolly hose this season, as are grown-up Mary Janes or platforms platforms teamed with darks or brights.

Adds a delightful menswear touch to any ensemble (we’re wearing ours with shorts and heels). Adorn your pins with luxurious nylons. Decadent brocade will instantly update any LBD as seen on many catwalks this season from Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton to Emanuel Ungaro. Don’t be left out!

Herringbone Tights

Metallic Brocade Print

Do I have to match my legwear with my shoes?

While matching your hose with your shoes is leg-lengthening and an easier option when you’re getting dressed, don’t be afraid to have some fun with color and texture. And remember, the old-school rule that you shouldn’t pair brown and black no longer applies, so achieve an ultrachic look by donning rich browns with your black footwear.

DKNY captures the fast-paced, cosmopolitan spirit of New York City. It’s not just hosiery. It’s a lifestyle.

DKNY Modern Color Block Tights

A style that makes our favorite dresses winter-worthy, these fine-knit tights feature a contrast stripe at the back. Or chic heathered tights.

Juliette Tights

Fashionistas can now stop freezing in their dressy frocks, as black tights are no longer taboo for evening. Many designers showed shimmery evening tunics and dresses paired with black opaques and dressy sandals, and celebrities like Sienna Miller and Mischa Barton have already debuted this look down the red carpet. Keep an eye out for unique patterns and textures as options to basic solids.

Heathered Plaid Tights

How do I wear colored tights?  Bright tights made a splash down the fashion runways this season in eye-popping colors and wild prints. But looking over-the-top may not mesh with your lifestyle, so assemble with caution. Avoid ultrabusy patterns and horizontal stripes and stick to delicate designs or easier-on-the-eye prints on dark backgrounds. For solids, team your tights with a hue that’s featured in your ensemble, or play it safe and wear them with a black dress and black boots. Keep in mind, your legs will be the focus of attention, so make sure your gams are an asset to your figure.

Chevron Tights by Smarwool

Hue GEO Color Block Tights

What about semiopaque legwear for the season? 

Not only do sheer hose look dated and too ladylike in this season of, tweeds, plaids and layering, but they also aren’t nearly as slimming as opaque tights. The thicker opaques counteract any lumps and bumps that occur under knit dressing, and they hide a multitude of sins when you’re wearing an of-the-moment micromini. But keep in mind that pairing them with lightweight clothing such as frothy skirts and gauzy dresses won’t do.

HUE Later Gater Tights

Hot hosiery

and how to wear tights – all fashionistas need to know!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Purple reigns in booties and pumps this season!  Deep purple in rich suede or leather is a subtle way to add some color to your fall wardrobe.  There are several tones and hues of purple that work for any fashionista who’s trying to “spruce up” their wardrobe without doing too much shopping!  Adding color-inspired ankle booties, plumps or platforms can achieve the chic and fabulous look!

Fashionistas, blast out of your fierce style on the Brant booties from Steven.  Sigerson Morrison has stepped glam up with this leather open toe ankle bootie with asymmetric folded topline and side zip.

Steven Bant Shoes

Sigerson Morrison

Choose purple this season!  A square toe tassel inspired shoe offering fringe detail at ankle with inside zip and 4″ covered stiletto heel.

Manolo Blahnik Fringe

A Tahari Francine Gerry Bootie offering a round-toe ankle bootie and ruched cuff detail.  Feel like a silver screen starlet in the luscious Caser suede bootie. Their ankle-height and hidden platform make a great match with filmy dresses and even jeans!

Tahari Gerry

Caser Suede Bootie

A girlfriend shared with me this shoe … “These are absolutely gorgeous. They look just like an extremely expensive pair I saw in a magazine. Due to the cut however, they are not the most comfortable boots in the world. But as a true shoe diva, I am willing to suffer for beauty!!“

Miss Me Agnes 9 Pleated Suede Bootie

The city chic style of the Carson ankle boot from Paris Hilton is an easy style to wear in any situation. Its super high heel has a glossy patent finish and a square silhouette that matches the fun square-shaped toe with glossy finish. Its side zip allows for easier entry while this fun style works with casual jeans or a fun baby doll dress.

Paris Hilton Carson Ankle Bootie

By Andrea Pfister this ankle boot features suede, leather sole and bow detailing.

Andrea Pfister Ankle Boot

Girlfriends, try something new by adding a hint of purple to your shoe collection for the season so you can take your fashion to the next level … luxe-fashion taste!

Until the next adventure,

Monica

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Motley Necklace

Dear Girlfriends -

Fashionistas we are all trying to be smart these days in making our clothes last and maximizing our clothing budget.  There are several simple strategies for scoring the best deals and finding the wardrobe essentials you’ll turn to again and again.

I asked a few girlfriends how they maximize and we were able to come up with these frugalista tips!

If you like a piece that might need alteration, ask if the store provides free tailoring: Often, they’ll throw it in to make the sale.  Some retailers offer it gratis or for a minimal price.

Pencil Skirt Suit by DSquared2

Chris Benz Suit

Jacket for DSquared2

I’ve stocked up on long chain necklaces at Forever 21, especially ones with tassels  or lockets.  I’ll wear them until they fall apart , and then I throw on a few and knot them together to make slightly messy, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Braided Stones and Chains

Avoid overdrying clothing in the dryer. Not only is that wasted energy; it’s beating fibers from your clothing. If you have a combination load, remove lightweight or synthetics items before the load is completely dry, too.

Animal-skin accessories are generally super-pricey – you can get the same luxe effect with stamped leather or vinyl instead.

BE&D Kan Kan Zip Tote

Daphne Duffel Bag in Moc Croc

Cotton tops are fantastic, but when it comes to layering, my girlfriends like fabric that’s around 80 percent rayon.

Bianca Blouse

Nicole Top

When doing a major day of shopping, bring specialy undergarments, like a convertible bra or Spanx. You might find that you can pull something off – an asymmetrical top, a snug dress – that just wouldn’t work with normal underwear.

Nancy Blazer

Nuit Garter Tank

Girlfriends,  clothes are expensive and in order to make you clothes last, as well use the gentle cycle when possible.  How about putting on an apron or older clothes when cooking to prevent stains. And if you do get a stain, address it as soon as possible.

If possible, change out of work clothes when you get home so there’s less wear on your good clothes and of course zip up zippers, and close any Velcro fasteners to prevent snags and pulls.
 

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Cropped bombers and floaty dresses for the season are amazing!  Especially when worn the right way. 

This look is all about contrast, so pick a snug-fitting jacket in a substantial material to play off the flowiness of the dress.  A cut that hits at the waist will be the most flattering.

First let’s look at some layering cropped bomber jackets that should work.  This edgy jacket is sure to turn some heads! Featuring a zip front , perforated faux leather, side zip pockets, 3/4 sleeves with rib trim and gold button accents throughout. A leather bomber jacket is the must-have piece of the season.  Leather jacket with zipper closure at front and rounded pockets at hip. Seam detail at front and back. Ribbed banding at collar and hem. Gathered elastic banding and single-snap closure at cuffs.

Faux Leather Bomber

Leather Bomber Jacket

A ribbed knit trim at neck, sleeves and waist could also work to capture this look. Detonate on demand! Explode on the scene and take no prisoners blasting off in bold beauty with the stunning shrapnel of this Leather Bomber Jacket by DSquared2™!

Ribbed Neck Bomber

DSquared2 Leather Bomber

All that’s missing is a pilot’s license.  Wrinkled leather jacket with 2-snap closure at funnel collar and single-snap closure at hem. Off-center zipper at front and on-seam pockets at hip. Seam detail throughout. Gathered elastic banding at hem and cuffs.

Wrinkled Leather Jacket

Girlfriends, the dress should be soft, silky, bright and full enough in the skirt that it flares out right at the jacket’s hem.  Go for a just-above-the-knee length and offset the glamour-girl aspect with chunky booties.

There are several chic dresses to pair under your bomber jacket. The ultimate power struggle between dark, gothic glamour and sweet, girly style, our floaty, crinkled chiffon dress channels the wild child and the goody-two-shoes in every girl. We included the best of both worlds with delicate ruffles at the deep faux-wrap V-neckline, a self-tie sash at the dropped waist and pretty shaping pleats at the back neck.

Bailey Silk Chiffon Dress

A tunneled ribbon drawstring cinches the floaty silhouette of a sheer chiffon dress with a tonal paisley print. Short flutter sleeves and a wide scooped neckline further the breezy feel of the ultrafemme look. Bright, hypnotic print covers a soft jersey dress designed with an inset waist nestled between the floaty tiers that shape the bodice. An exposed back zip closure adds a subtly edgy finish.

Robert Rodriguez Floaty Dress

Marc Jacobs Jersey Dress

“Foliage Priscilla” Silk Dress – Empire-waist silhouette with wide shoulder straps, deep V-neckline and flared skirt. Finished with miniature covered button details down the front.

Foliage Priscilla Silk Dress

Now that’s everything you need to know to pull this look off!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

There are several ways that I have learned over the years to “impress for less” and remain chic.  On this Frugalista Friday, I want to show you how you can affordably add a colorful sleek bag to your outfit.

Fashionistas and frugalistas alike, punch up your look with a sleek, colorful bag.  While neutrals always look great, carrying a bag in a great color is a fun and inexpensive way to update your look. Just make sure it’s on the small and structured side.

Let’s start with this affordable faux patent leather crocodile print, shoulder chain strap, double compartment with zippered middle compartment and multiple inside pockets with two credit card slots.  Or consider a pleated satin bag (under $35.00) cinched with a vertical center strap. Inside pocket, magnet snap close, hidden rope strap.

Fancy Croc Clutch

Cinched Clutch

With a vintage look and modern details, this cutting-edge clutch goes everywhere you do.  Id? Check. Lip gloss? Check. Keys? Check. All the necessities for a solid night out – store them right in this multi-colored pieced vinyl clutch. With a half moon key-hole at top and ROXY script embroidery, this bag is it.  A sharp and stylish, this sleek clutch works perfectly with your look. Wrinkled vinyl exterior and polished pale gold-tone hardware.

Anisa Clutch

Fold Over Clutch

Roxy Clutch

Slim Clutch

Fashionistas while being frugal, don’t but a ring on it!  Put a bow on it! This adorable clutch is the perfect finishing touch to any fall look. Feautring a double snap closure at top frame, wrist strap, flat base and inside flap pocket.

City Style Bow Clutch

So search high and low, look in your closet – have a swap exchange with your girlfriends, and add a punch of color to your neautrals this fall season.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Open Toe Pumps

Dear Girlfriends -

 

Its Friday and you know what that means … its Frugalista Friday!  All of us I am sure are on a shopping budget these days and the thought for the day “what to wear when you’re broke?”

Fashion’s a breeze when you’ve got money to blow. But getting that fresh-from-the-runway look gets tricky when you’re short on cash. First we need to redefine the word “sale”.  Sounds basic, but to really save a bundle on clothes you have to be willing to pass up enticing promotions (15% off; free shipping; gift with purchase) and hold out for the hard-core sales (40% off is good; 50% and up will land you a buy for almost what it cost the retailer).

Fairytale Off Shoulder Gown

Marlene Hobo

Soft Cuff Booties

Frugal fashionistas, don’t stop buying!  Satiate the fashion lover in you with a very small treat: you set the amount and frequency ($10 a month for new earrings, etc.) and its important to pay with cash.

Knit Jacket

And most importanly, shop in season.  Sure, stuff is cheaper when bought at the end of the season or even out of season. And that’s fine if you’re just looking for any old thing to wear. But if you love fashion (and you do, or you wouldn’t be here), you should shop as close to the season as possible. Otherwise you’ll just waste your money on trends that will be out of style by the time the next year rolls around.

Fashionistas and the ultimate way to be a frugal fashionistas, swap with your girlfriends!  Friends that wear your size (and share your taste) are a gold mine. You can even go large scale and organize a swap meet where everyone can switch shoes, clothes, etc.

Elegantly Waisted

Hooded Leather Vest

Now are you ready to be a Frugal Fashionista?  If so, welcome FRUGALISTA!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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